In Memoriam
Russell C. Biggam
Posted 10/16/2020 8:47:00 PM
Russell C. Biggam passed away Oct. 12 in Moscow. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1972 with his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, he worked as an aquatic entomologist at the university until he retired in 2008. Read more
Donald R. Johnson
Posted 10/15/2020 9:14:00 PM
Donald R. Johnson, a long-time professor at the University of Idaho, passed away at home in Coeur d’Alene Oct. 10. Don grew up in Newport, Washington, spending a lot of time on Diamond Lake. His interest in animals led to his study of biology at the University of Idaho, which he attended with the assistance of a Navy ROTC scholarship. Don was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and graduated with a bachelor's in biology in 1953. He served as an officer in the U.S. Read more
Edwin Arthur Dowding
Posted 10/9/2020 8:53:00 PM
Edwin Arthur Dowding, 84, died Sept. 25. Edwin retired from the University of Idaho as a professor emeritus of agricultural engineering. Read more
Maynard Axel Fosberg
Posted 9/24/2020 10:23:00 PM
Maynard Axel Fosberg passed away Sept. 18. Maynard was a soils professor at the University of Idaho from 1947 until his retirement after 42 years in 1989. During his time at U of I, he developed the largest soils monolith collection in the United States and contributed to the World Soil Monolith collection in Holland. He published more than 100 research papers on soil projects in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Georgia. Read more
Bill Belknap
Posted 7/24/2020 9:47:00 PM
Willard S. (Bill) Belknap passed away on July 17 at the age of 81. Bill began working at the University of Idaho as athletic director of Vandal Athletics in 1978. Following 10 years in that position, Bill moved into the role of director of development and executive director of the U of I Foundation during the Centennial Campaign. Bill was inducted into the North Idaho Hall of Fame in 2003 as well as the University of Idaho Hall of Fame in 2008. Read more
Marilyn Howard, CEHHS Alumna
Posted 7/17/2020 9:47:00 PM
Marilyn Howard, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences alumna, donor and advocacy board member, died July 13 at her Eagle home. Education propelled Marilyn ’60, ’65 from Mackay to head of the class in Idaho’s education system. She pointed to two core pillars that supported her: reading and social responsibility. Marilyn served on multiple boards, two of which were the Garden City’s Learning Lab and Boise’s Wassmuth Center for Human Rights; both speaking to her core pillars. Read more
Kathleen Marie Clayton-Wonderlich
Posted 5/14/2020 11:32:00 PM
Kathleen Marie Clayton-Wonderlich passed away on Saturday, April 18. Clayton-Wonderlich was a resident of Nampa at the time of passing and was an employee of the University of Idaho for many years before retirement. Read more
In Memoriam of Kathleen Zillinger
Posted 12/3/2019 12:46:00 AM
Kathleen Zillinger passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 1. Zillinger worked in a variety of roles across many campus units over the past 12 years, serving under the STARS program. She worked several years, off and on, in Facilities, where she often managed the front desk, greeting customers and shepherding incoming work. Zillinger is remembered for her many traits; she was kind, loving, gentle, caring and always with a hint of rebellion under the surface. Read more
Celebration of Life for Robert Kirchmeier Research Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Oct. 12
Posted 10/9/2019 8:53:00 PM
The Kirchmeier family invites former friends and colleagues of Bob Kirchmeier, research professor emeritus of chemistry, to a celebration of his life 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Heyburn State Park. The park was one of Kirchmeier’s favorite places. The event will take place at the covered picnic shelter located just ahead of the Chatcolet boat docks and parking area, a little more than two miles from the park’s Visitor Center. Read more
Memorial Service Sept. 15 for Brian Dyre
Posted 9/3/2019 9:15:00 PM
A memorial service honoring Brian Dyre, who passed away in July, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, in the Vandal Ballroom of the Bruce M. Pitman Center, Moscow. All are welcome to attend. Guests are invited to bring mementos (pictures, ticket stubs, etc.) to share on a memory board display. Dyre was a longtime faculty member in the Department of Psychology and Communication Studies, a musician in several area bands, a youth hockey coach and beloved husband and father. Read more
Richard (Jake) T. Jacobsen
Posted 8/22/2019 9:48:00 PM
Richard (Jake) T. Jacobsen, 77, a former dean of the University of Idaho College of Engineering, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 20, in Idaho Falls. Jacobsen earned a Bachelor of Science from the U of I in 1963 and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering in 1965. While a graduate student at U of I, Jacobsen taught courses in the U of I Department of Mechanical Engineering. Read more
Brian Dyre
Posted 7/26/2019 6:09:00 PM
Surrounded by family and close friends, Dr. Brian P. Dyre moved to his next great adventure Monday, July 22, 2019 Read more
Jack Dawson
Posted 7/19/2019 9:58:00 PM
Jack Dawson, a dean of the University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene for 26 years, died July 16, 2019, after a long battle with Parkinson's. Dawson served as the leader of the North Idaho center from 1982 until 2008, growing the local U of I presence from a single classroom with no degree offerings to multiple buildings and more than 15 degree programs. Read more
Maxine (Max) Dakins
Posted 3/7/2019 9:35:00 PM
Maxine (Max) Dakins, a tenured professor in the College of Natural Resources, passed away March 6, 2019. Max was well-known for her passion for helping students achieve their goals. She was especially adept at supporting and guiding nontraditional students as they faced their fears of returning to college and became successful students. Max’s belief that people should define their own self of success earned her great respect from students, staff and faculty. Read more
Memorial Service for Larry McBride Today
Posted 1/17/2019 11:42:00 PM
The Vandal Family mourns the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence ‘Larry’ McBride, who served at U of I from 1983 to 2002 as an assistant to the chair of the Department of Chemistry and later as assistant to the vice president of the Office of Research and Economic Development. Larry also earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from U of I through a special U.S. Navy scholarship program for active duty Navy and Marine Corps enlisted personnel. Read more
Memorial Service for Ron Richard Oct. 21
Posted 10/17/2018 9:22:00 PM
As the Vandal Family continues to mourn the loss of Ron Richard, we extend an invitation on behalf of Ron's family to join in remembering his legacy. A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the University of Idaho Administration Building Auditorium. Read more
Jack F. Truitt, Former Associate Professor and Head of Accounting Department
Posted 10/1/2018 11:02:00 PM
Jack Franklin Truitt died Sept. 20, 2018, at his family home near Forestburg, Texas. Jack was born Nov. 23, 1942, in Defiance, Ohio. He was the second of four children of Jack Truitt and Juanita Jenaveve Russell Truitt of Knoxville, Tennessee. Jack loved sports. Besides running hurdles, he was an outstanding football player with the Oak Ridge (Tennessee) Wildcat high school team that won the state and national championships in 1958. He was always willing to accept a challenge. Read more
In Memoriam: Richard J. Naskali
Posted 9/18/2018 7:00:00 AM
Richard J. Naskali, 82, passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow. Read more
Reception in Memory of Our Friend and Colleague Casey Hanson
Posted 9/12/2018 7:00:00 AM
Please join University Advancement, the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and the Hanson family for a reception in memory of our friend and colleague Casey Hanson. Read more
Peter Siems: In Memoriam
Posted 8/13/2018 7:00:00 AM
Peter Siems, Emeritus Professor of Economic Geology Read more
In Memoriam: Casey Hanson
Posted 7/13/2018 4:06:00 PM
Longtime University of Idaho staff member and alumna Casey Hanson passed away on July 2, 2018 in Moscow after battling pancreatic cancer. An Idaho native, Casey began working at U of I in 1993 in the Alumni Office and became a skilled fundraiser in multiple roles at WSU and U of I. Most recently, she served as the director of development for the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Read more
In Memoriam: Rolland Rolly Reid
Posted 3/26/2018 8:53:00 PM
Longtime U of I geology faculty member Rolland "Rolly" Reid, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Naples, Florida, on March 12, 2018. Read more
In Memoriam: Microbiology Professor Ron Crawford
Posted 1/17/2018 10:03:00 PM
Longtime University of Idaho faculty member Ronald L. Crawford passed away on Jan.11, 2018 at his home in Bend, Oregon, after battling pancreatic cancer. Ron joined the faculty in 1987 as head of the Department of Bacteriology and Biochemistry. Incidentally, this led to him becoming his twin brother's boss. They had many funny stories to share about the various confusions that being twins caused. Read more
Professor Emeritus Nils Olof Pellmyr Dies
Posted 1/11/2018 5:55:00 PM
Professor Emeritus Nils Olof (Olle) Pellmyr passed away in Moscow on Dec. 4, 2017. He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 19, 1957, and earned his doctorate from Uppsala University. He served on the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences from 2002 to 2012. Read more
Celebration of Life for Steven Kopke on Nov. 25
Posted 11/14/2017 10:43:00 PM
A celebration of life honoring Steven Thomas Kopke, who passed away on Nov. 4, will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Lake City Church, 6000 N Ramsey Road in Coeur d'Alene. All are welcome to attend. Read more
Bill McLaughlin Celebration of Life Nov. 11
Posted 10/26/2017 9:49:00 PM
A celebration of life event honoring CNR emeritus faculty member William "Bill" McLaughlin, who passed away in Sept., will be held from 12:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the University Inn Best Western in Moscow. All are welcome to attend. Join us in subverting the dominant paradigm by celebrating the life and contributions of Bill McLaughlin as we come together to share memories, laugh, tell tales and enjoy life as Bill would have wanted us to. Dress is casual and tie-dye is preferred. Read more
Civil Engineering Alumnus George G. Goble Dies
Posted 9/22/2017 10:48:00 PM
George G. Goble, Civil Engineering Alumni '51 passed away Sept. 19, 2017. There are some giants in the world of engineering, some more recognized than others. For those of us in the Deep Foundation and Bridge Engineering World, George G. Goble, Ph.D., P.E., was a giant. He had the intellect, knowledge and most important, the drive to change our world. Read more
Longtime CNR Faculty Member William McLaughlin Dies
Posted 9/20/2017 9:03:00 PM
Former College of Natural Resources faculty member William (Bill) McLaughlin died Saturday, Sept. 16. McLaughlin came to the University of Idaho in 1977 as a faculty member in wildland recreation management, now the Department of Natural Resources and Society. He mentored generations of students and faculty. He was an innovative teacher, a demanding researcher, and always sought to subvert the dominant paradigm. Read more
Celebration of Life for Samantha Ramsay Aug. 19
Posted 8/8/2017 7:22:00 PM
Samantha Ramsay's Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1036 W A St. in Moscow, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug.19, 2017. A light luncheon will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to bring a food donation (such as a salad or dessert), please contact Gen Long at 208-877-1190 or Gretchen Isakson at 509-554-0620. Read more
James H. Cooley, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Posted 7/7/2017 8:29:00 PM
James H. "Jim" Cooley died Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at his home near Troy. He was born March 25, 1930. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in chemistry from Middlebury College in 1953 and doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He accepted a position as assistant professor of organic chemistry at the University of Idaho in 1957. Read more
Beloved Idaho Folksinger Rosalie Sorrels Dies
Posted 6/12/2017 10:29:00 PM
Rosalie Sorrels — an Idaho singer, songwriter, storyteller and folk music legend with a career that spanned more than 50 years — died late Sunday night at her daughter Holly Marizu’s home in Reno, where Sorrels lived for the past two and a half years. Read more
Longtime IGS Employee Vicki Mitchell Dies
Posted 5/11/2017 8:42:00 PM
Victoria E. Mitchell was born April 19, 1954, in Taft, Calif., to Les and Virginia Mitchell, and passed away April 13, 2017. She received her undergraduate degree in geology from the University of California, Berkeley, and moved to Moscow to attend the UI. Vicki joined the science fiction club in Moscow (Palouse Empire Science Fiction Association or PESFA) in 1977, shortly after she started at the UI. Read more
Longtime UI Faculty Member Fred Jensen Dies
Posted 4/24/2017 3:47:00 PM
Longtime UI faculty member Alfred Wilbur (Fred) Jensen, 79, of Idaho Falls, died Saturday, April 1, 2017, at his home. Fred was born on July 2, 1937, in Pocatello, Idaho to Anton “Tony”Wilhelm and Helen May Jensen. He spent the first five years of his life on the family farm in Crystal, Bannock County, Idaho. Read more
Longtime Professor Dwaine J. “Marty” Marten Dies
Posted 3/28/2017 8:34:00 PM
Dwaine (Marty) Marten, Ph.D., 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully Sunday afternoon at Good Samaritan, March 26, 2017, with his family at his side. Read more
Longtime CALS Administrative Assistant Kathy DeVoe Dies
Posted 3/2/2017 7:41:00 PM
Kathy DeVoe, of Moscow, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at Good Samaritan Moscow Village. She was 69. Kathryn Hamilton was born Feb. 6, 1948, in Colfax, Wash., to Don E. and Mary Elizabeth McCabe Hamilton. The family lived in Pullman and moved to Spokane, Wash., after her brother, Don Jr., was born. Her brothers Doug and Charlie were born in Spokane. Read more
Services for Former CLASS Dean Kurt Olsson Scheduled for March 4
Posted 3/1/2017 4:55:00 PM
Kurt Olsson, Ph.D., who served as dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Idaho from 1990 to 2002, and was a longtime member of UI's Department of English, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Read more
Former Steam Plant Manager Michael Lyngholm Dies
Posted 1/12/2017 12:15:00 AM
Michael James Lyngholm launched his next great adventure on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. Raised in Iowa by loving parents who taught him to work hard, enjoy life and appreciate his family, he was the eldest of nine children. He loved his parents and his sisters and brothers, and remained close to them his entire life. Read more