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In Memoriam

Class of 1957

DR. DAVID J. BALES, CLASS of 1957

Dr. David BalesDr. David Jefferson Bales, a retired Air Force colonel who chaired the School’s Department of Restorative Dentistry from 1983 to 1993, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2016 in Redmond, Wash. He was 83.Dr. Bales was born to Dan Sr. and Hilda Bales on July 13, 1932 in Klickitat, Wash. He spent his school-age years in Klickitat before leaving for college. He earned a BA from Central Washington University in 1953, a DDS from the UW in 1957 and an MSD from Indiana University in 1972.

He married Darlyne Pagel in March 1953. Together, they valued their faith and were active participants in church.

In 1983, Dr. Bales retired as an Air Force colonel after 22 years of distinguished service. He held faculty appointments at the University of Texas (1968-69 and 1974-83) and at the UW (1983-2008). He received multiple awards and commendations throughout his careers in the Air Force and at the UW. As an officer, he was recognized as a National Civilian Consultant in Operative Dentistry and Dental Materials to the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General (1987-1991) and served as the Director of Dental Services (1980-83) at the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center.

Upon returning to the School, his responsibilities included directing the general dentistry residency training program from 1974 to 1980. In addition to his exemplary departmental leadership, he enjoyed national stature as an active researcher and contributor to textbooks and journals. He was the editor of the Journal of Operative Dentistry from 1986 to 1992. His outstanding record as a clinician was recognized in 1994 with the Award of Excellence from the Academy of Operative Dentistry.

At the UW, Dr. Bales was honored with the American Student Dental Association Outstanding Faculty Award, induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary society and the Dental Alumni Association’s 1992 Distinguished Alumnus Award. He accepted emeritus standing in 2002 and took full retirement in 2008.

Dr. Bales is survived by his wife of 63 years, Darlyne; children Jeff, Diantha, Jamie and Darice; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother John; and sister Nancy.
He was preceded in death by his son Damon; his parents; brothers Richard, Dan Jr. and James; and sister Dorothy.

Memorials in his honor may be made as a donation in his name to the UW Dental Alumni Endowed Student Scholarship Fund.

Checks may be mailed to the School at Box 357137, Seattle, WA 98195-7137, payable to UW Foundation, with “In Memory of Dr. Bales” as a memo note. (Cascade Memorial)

DR. MARRINER F. BINGHAM, CLASS OF 1957

Marriner BinghamDr. Marriner Farley Bingham passed away on March 5, 2015 in Meridian, Idaho. He was 89.

He was born on Jan. 25, 1926, in Honeyville, Utah to Brigham Albert and Eva Viola Stratford Bingham. He was second-youngest in a family of 10, having eight brothers and one sister. Raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work and the love of working the soil. He attended Honeyville Grade School and graduated from Box Elder High School. He served as president of the local Future Farmers of America chapter.

Dr. Bingham served as a pharmacist’s mate in the Navy at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland and Hunter’s Point in San Francisco. After military service, he worked on the family farm in order to attend Utah State Agricultural College. He stalled his father’s Buick when Maralyn K. Bunderson from St. Charles, Idaho darted in front of the car. Their relationship quickly developed. After delaying his studies to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States Mission, he and Maralyn married in 1951 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.

In 1952, he graduated from Utah State with a bachelor’s degree in zoology. He and his family moved to Seattle, where he earned his DDS. He practiced dentistry in Nampa for 39 years and was known for his detail-oriented and artistic dental work, often completing his own lab work after hours.

At the invitation of Dr. Joseph Saltzer, Dr. Bingham was one of the first seven professionals at Medical Center Physicians and Dentists (now Saltzer Medical Group). He was an active member of the Idaho State Dental Association and helped resolve disputes between dentists and their patients for years. He enjoyed his association with business, professional and civic leaders in the Nampa Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Dr. Bingham loved to serve other individuals, often in his own quiet way. He served in multiple callings in the LDS Church, including as a home teacher, seminary instructor, temple preparation instructor, bishopric counselor, high councilor and as bishop of the Nampa Sixth Ward. Later in life, the Binghams served together in the Boise Idaho LDS Temple for nine years. He also served as a member of the Mercy Hospital Ministerial Council Association for 10 years.

Dr. Bingham loved to garden, and family, neighbors and friends enjoyed the harvest from his garden, which neared perfection with straight rows and nonexistent weeds. He never lost his love of farm life and owned cattle, Arabian horses and Brittany spaniels. He took pleasure in the beauty of the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and camping, and spent many hours photographing flowers and landscapes. His intrigue with photography led to his participation in a local camera club.

Dr. Bingham is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maralyn; children Lyle Bingham (Katrina Taggart), Ann (Renn) Yorgason, Keith (Debbie) Bingham, Warren Bingham and Karna (Eric) Hirschmann; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and sister Beth Richins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Albert, Earl, Fred, Clifford, Don, Reed, Wallace and Ralph. (Idaho Statesman)

DR. RONALD S. GUSA, CLASS OF 1957

Dr. Ronald Gusa

Dr. Ronald Stuart Gusa passed away on July 1, 2018 at his home in Mill Creek, Wash. He was 85.

Dr. Gusa was born on Nov. 9, 1932 in Seattle and raised in Bremerton, Wash., by his parents, Myron and Edna. He lived in the Seattle area his entire life, and always said there was no better place to live.

He showed strong leadership skills at a young age through his election as master councilor of the Bremerton chapter of the Order of DeMolay and by becoming an Eagle Scout. He was also a member of the Hi-Climbers Club. He graduated with honors from Bremerton High School in 1950.

Dr. Gusa loved dentistry and practiced for over 40 years on Queen Anne Hill. He was especially proud of his involvement in The Academy of R.V. Tucker Study Clubs, which allowed him to mentor, share his passion, and create friendships with dentists in the United States and around the world.

He and his first wife raised four children. Their family was fortunate enough to spend carefree summers at their cabin on Camano Island, swimming, boating, fishing, and playing lots of games. During this time he stayed involved in his community. He was a senator and president in the Jaycees and ran for Washington state representative. He co-founded Cub Pack 850 and was its first cubmaster. He also was president of the PTA at his children’s school.

Dr. Gusa was interested in people from all walks of life. He and his family welcomed foster children into their homes. Interesting guests from around the world could show up at any time, including senators, the entire cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, or the person who was down on his luck and received free dental work from Dr. Gusa. He also did dental work for the conductors, singers and others of the Soviet cast of War and Peace. Then all were invited to his home for dinner, singing, and dancing. He accepted people of all different perspectives, beliefs, and lifestyles, and he cherished his many friendships. He had many lifelong friends, but continued to make new friends throughout his life. Dr. Gusa was ahead of his time in his perspectives of the world and those around him. He was always open to new and progressive ideas, and was not judgmental of people with differing viewpoints.

In 1987, he met Judy. They married in 1991 and their family grew to include his beloved stepdaughter, Emily Dobson. The Gusas traveled whenever they could, visiting Russia and Greece and going through the Panama Canal twice, in each direction. They kept a large home, so that their family could gather in one place.

Dr. Gusa was interested in just about everything. He loved a good house remodeling project and bought a tractor to dig around his Lynwood, Wash., property. He loved to read and was always curious about the history of the many countries he visited. He visited Germany many times and loved studying the history of World War II. He liked to say that he was always learning. He prized education, not only in the classroom, but also out in the world. His legacy is one of learning, curiosity, travel, engagement with the world, and love for his family.

He is survived by his children Michael, Angela (Mark Plut), Sharon (Chuck Quint), Randy and Emily Dobson (Jesse Dias dos Passos); and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, and his sister, Donna Hubert. (Dignity Memorial)

DR. FLOYD E. JACOBSON, CLASS OF 1957

Dr. Floyd E. Jacobson died on Nov. 7, 2011 in Moses Lake, Wash., at the age of 90. His life was marked by quiet generosity and simple love. Those who encountered him, even in the end, recognized this.

Dr. Jacobson was born on Sept. 11, 1921 in Seattle to first-generation Swedish-Finn immigrants Charles and Anna Jacobson. After graduating from Ballard High School in 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, from which he received an honorable discharge in 1946. He received his DDS from the School of Dentistry in 1957. After graduation, he and his wife, Verna, moved their family to Ephrata, where he practiced dentistry for 42 years.

Dr. Jacobson lived an uncomplicated and full life. He loved God and his family and he represented both well. He reached out to those near and far, serving five medical missions to Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. He was also instrumental in welcoming Binn and Nhung Dang to the local community. The Dang family became woven into his heart and family forever.

Dr. Jacobson was a lifetime member of the Washington State Dental Association, American Legion Post No. 28, Ephrata Senior Center and Ephrata Foursquare Church and president of the Full Gospel Businessman’s Club for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Verna; and children Sandra, Karl and Bob.

DR. RICHARD H. JOHNSON, DDS CLASS OF 1957

Dr. Richard JohnsonDr. Richard Henry Johnson passed away on June 19, 2022 in Seattle. He was 88. Following his retirement, he served as an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and as a mentor in dental study clubs.

He was born on July 26, 1933 in Seattle to William and Isabel Johnson. He graduated from West Seattle High School and attended the UW, where he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. After a one-year internship at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Md., he returned to Seattle and began his private practice in the Cobb Building downtown. He operated a successful dental office for 47 years, retiring in 2004. He held life membership in the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and International College of Dentists.

In his free time, Dr. Johnson was an avid boater and salmon fisherman, and a devoted member of the Seattle Yacht Club since 1971, serving as commodore in 2003. A highlight included his 2002 trip to New Zealand to represent the club for the Americas Cup/Louis Vuitton sailboat race. He was honored with a trip aboard the One World racing sailboat as the “17th man” crewmember. This was quite an exciting experience for a “mere powerboater!” Most of all, he enjoyed spending summers cruising and fishing the waters from Puget Sound to Desolation Sound. He loved family get-togethers during the holidays and summers, and he remained a Husky football season ticket holder for over 50 years. He married his wife, Marol, in 1977, and they enjoyed 45 loving years together until her passing in February 2022.

Dr. Johnson is survived by his sons Mike (Melinda), Rick, Kirk (Debbie), and Paul; daughter Sena Johnson (Kushal); 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brother Donald and daughter-in-law Diane Johnson.

Remembrances may be made to the School of Dentistry.

DR. ARBIE G. MILLER, CLASS OF 1957

Dr. Arbie MillerDr. Arbie Glenn Miller (known as Glenn) passed away on May 7, 2020 in Seattle. He was 88.

He was born on July 31, 1931 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Genevieve and Arbie Glenn Miller Sr. He grew up in St. Anthony, Idaho, and attended the University of Idaho. He practiced dentistry for 56 years in Idaho, California, and Seattle. He married Sidney Eleanor Baldwin on July 30, 1955 in St. Anthony.

Dr. Miller loved interacting with people, and that was one of the reasons he enjoyed his profession. He was truly interested in people’s stories, curious by nature, and a lifelong learner. He met each new acquaintance with an open heart and mind. In 1957, he joined his father’s practice (established in 1916) in St. Anthony.

He later practiced in Tustin, Calif., and Idaho Falls, Idaho. He retired from private practice in 1998, and moved with his wife to Seattle to be near their children and grandchildren. Between 2000 and 2013, he worked at Sea Mar Community Health Dental Clinic, providing care for low-income, underserved, and uninsured populations. His teaching and mentoring skills were very much appreciated by the School of Dentistry, where he also volunteered during these years.

Dr. Miller was involved in service and social organizations, including Rotary, the Masonic Lodge, and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Through these organizations he maintained lifelong friendships. He also was actively involved in reviewing new dental products, tools, and materials for the Clinicians Report.

Dr. Miller provided his children with many opportunities for learning and instilled in them a love for outdoor adventure through skiing, hiking, camping, fly fishing, and river rafting. He was also an avid golfer. His passion for the outdoors started with achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and climbing the Grand Teton in Wyoming. Later in life, he enjoyed views of the Olympics from West Seattle.

Dr. Miller is survived by his wife, Sidney; children Michael (Norma) of Boise, Idaho, Brooke (Robin Graham) and Courtney (Dan Trager) of Seattle, and Dana (Amber Franklin) of Oxford, Ohio; and grandchildren Christopher Miller and Livia and Elena Trager. (Seattle Times)

DR. MONTA J. NIXON , CLASS OF 1957

Dr. Monta John Nixon died on Sept. 15, 2014 at his home in Kenmore, Wash. He was 81. He is survived by his wife, Frances.

DR. DONALD C. PIERCE, CLASS OF 1957

Donald PierceDr. Donald C. “Don” Pierce died on Oct. 5, 2011 in Kennewick, Wash., having lived and enjoyed life for nearly 85 years. A celebration of his life was held on Nov. 5 at the Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Remembrances may be made to the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Clinic.

“The faculty and staff at the University of Washington School of Dentistry were very sad to hear the news of the passing of Dr. Don Pierce,” said Dr. Andy Marashi of Restorative Dentistry. “His contributions to teaching our removable prosthodontics curriculum for more than 20 years were an integral part of our program. His calm personality, extensive knowledge and his love for teaching made him one of the favorite faculty members among the students year after year.

“His passion for volunteerism and his community service was a source of inspiration for all of us,” said Dr. Marashi, “and his legacy will always remain here at the School of Dentistry.”

Dr. Pierce was born in 1927 in Santa Barbara, Calif., as were his brothers, Richard and Stanley, and sister Melinda, who died when she was 6 years old. He entered the Navy in San Diego and began his dental experience as a corpsman in the dental clinic. Having served his duty, he attended the University of California Santa Barbara and met Constance Rae Peugh, whom he married in 1949. The y moved to Bremerton, Wash., where she taught elementary school and he graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1957. Dentists were in high demand and within a few weeks, Dr. Pierce began a 42-year collaboration with Drs. Alan Watts and Donald Gardiner at the Alaska Street Dental Center.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pierce taught at the School of Dentistry, was a founding member of the Bolender Prosthodontic Study Club, served as the resident dentist for the Mount Saint Vincent dental clinic and rose to the position of vice president of the Seattle King County Dental Society. After retirement, he continued to practice with the Medical Teams International mobile dental unit around Seattle.

After Mrs. Pierce died in 1995, he filled his life with friends and family, buying vegetables from McPhersons stand on Beacon Hill to share with whomever he met, searching out great buys on wine and lending his considerable skills to anyone who might need a helping hand. In June 2006, he met Jean Froelich. The couple were married the following Oct. 19. They became constant companions and frequently commented, “We have a lot of fun.”

Dr. Pierce shared his full life with his sons Stevan, James and Gordon and their wives, Kim, Julie, and Debbie, respectively. Grandchildren Geoffrey, Carly (with their mom Colleen) McCandless and Anna knew they had a loving, wonderful man in their lives.

DR. RICHARD L. VAN DERSCHELDEN, CLASS OF 1957

Dr. Richard VanDerscheldenDr. Richard Lee “Dick” VanDerschelden died peacefully on Jan. 31, 2019 at his home. He was 84.

He was born on April 11, 1934 in Omak, Wash., to Joe and Goldie VanDerschelden, and graduated from Fife High School in 1951. He served two years in the U.S. Navy and obtained the rank of lieutenant, and married Carol Ann Bull.

Dr. VanDerschelden practiced dentistry in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle for 44 years. During that time he was active with South Park Lions and the Georgetown Community Center. He helped open the Highpoint Dental Clinic and made three humanitarian dental trips to Bolivia.

After retiring he volunteered for 10 years at the Union Gospel Mission Clinic. He loved traveling the world with friends and family. He also loved fishing, bird hunting, museums, work, reading, and his family.

Dr. VanDerschelden is survived by his daughters Robin, Rebecca, and Stacy and their spouses; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters JoAnn and LaRae; sisters-in law Alice DiMarco, Denny Bull, and Connie VanDerschelden; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Carol Ann, and his brother Dale. (Seattle Times)

DR. NEWELL E. WARR, CLASS OF 1957

Newell_Warr
Dr. Newell Edwin Warr died on Feb. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 90.Dr. Warr was born April 10, 1927, in Beaver, Utah, to Morrell Justinian and Phylis Swindlehurst Warr. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1945. He played the trombone in a popular local dance band for four years. He served in the U.S. Navy, followed by a 2½-year mission to England for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University in 1953 before entering dental school at the UW.On June 29, 1957, he married Mary E. Bennion (1929-1990) of Spokane, Wash., in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. He married Charlene E. Aley of Warren, Ohio, (1942-1994) on March 23, 1991 in the Salt Lake Temple, and Jean Cummings of Salt Lake City (1920-2010) on July 15, 1996.Dr. Warr spent 48 years as a general dentist in private practice in Salt Lake City. He was one of the founders of the Salt Lake Donated Dental Services Clinic, providing underserved populations with quality dental care. He was president of the Utah Dental Association and received its Distinguished Service Award. He was honored to serve in several assignments for the International College of Dentists, an honor society with an emphasis on humanitarian service. He was a deputy regent, vice regent, and section regent in the 14th District, and he received its Distinguished Deputy Regent award. He was the USA section president of the International College of Dentists in 2007-08.Dr. Warr was active in local and state politics. He was a strong supporter of Scouting, having received the rank of Eagle, and served on the central staff at the World Scout Jamboree of Peace in Moisson, France.

He served faithfully in many leadership positions in the LDS Church throughout his life. Until a few months before his death, he worked weekly in the Salt Lake Temple. He enjoyed family activities, theater, symphony, boating, and fishing. He also raised registered Black Angus cattle.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Mecham; brother, Joseph B.; sons David B., Craig M. (Tamara), Richard E. (Laurel) and Keith N. (Nancy); 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives and granddaughter Katelyn JoAnne Warr.(Deseret News)