Ad Astra - John Wilson '62

M.D., John Walsh Wilson, 74  died Mar. 02, 2014 

John was born Oct. 22, 1939, in North Platte, Neb., to Ivan Walsh Wilson and Margaret Jankoviak Wilson. Surrounded by family, he passed away peacefully March 2, 2014, at his home in Lake Oswego. 

John graduated from Albany Union High School in 1958. An accomplished high school athlete, he attended the University of Washington on scholarship to play football and pursue a lifelong dream of a career in medicine. While at UW, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1962. 

In 1966, John graduated from the University of Oregon Medical School (now Oregon Health & Science University) where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. Upon graduation, John completed his family practice residency in San Bernardino, Calif. Later, he served in the United States Navy where he was stationed in Subic Bay, the Philippines. After fulfilling his military obligation, John completed an internal medicine residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, followed by a cardiology fellowship at the University of Oregon School of Medicine. He practiced cardiology in Portland his entire career and was board certified in three specialties (family practice, internal medicine and cardiology). He retired in 2003. John is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Jana Sanchez (Steve) of Bellevue, Wash.; son, Michael Wilson (Shaire) and her sons, Dillon and Dalton of Tualatin; and son, Patrick (Andrea) of Seattle. 

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Oswego Lake Country Club, 20 Iron Mountain Blvd., Lake Oswego. Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice . Arrangements by Wilhelm's Portland Funeral Home

Published in The Oregonian from Mar. 9 to Mar. 12, 2014 

February 2014 Luncheon -- Martin Chvoj '98

Martin Chvoj '98 and Tom Odell  MN-'67

Martin Chvoj -- Class of 1998

Martin was a member of the UW Tennis team during his undergraduate days, and he followed his graduation from the UW with a year of studies at Oxford University. Oxford not only led him to a Certificate in International Economics, but it also allowed him to expand his athletic skills by participating in the college sports of Rugby and Rowing.


We enjoyed the story of Martin’s 15 years riding the tech wave with some of the biggest companies on the playing field. Martin is an experienced and versatile professional with a unique combination of product management experience and business development experience. Martin has deep knowledge and experience across the entire mobile ecosystem including software development, mobile applications, mobile hardware & devices, and mobile operators. Martin has worked for and with some of the largest companies in the industry including Google, Facebook, Yahoo, AT&T, Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung, HTC, America Movil, and Telus.

Below is the link for Power Point presentation delivered to the group by Martin.

Slide Share - http://www.slideshare.net/MartinChvoj/fiji-luncheon-presentation

We all enjoyed the stories about Martin’s unique combination of skills and adaptability which has led him to be successful in many environments including startups, large companies, consulting, and working globally in many different regions. Martin is currently working full time on his new startp-up, Currently.am .

Our thanks to Martin for the introduction to the rapidly growing field of mobile communications. Martin was among the first on that wave in 1998, and his career has paralleled many of the significant developments over the past 15 years. You can reach Martin via email at Martin@currently.am

December 2013 Luncheon: Pat Perkins '93 -- DockHigh Outdoor Logistics

Pat Perkins '93 speaking to graduates

From his youthful days on San Juan Island to travelling as a highschool exchange student for a year in Thailand, Pat Perkins ’93 brought an interesting story to our graduate luncheon.  As an undergraduate Pat managed multiple study visits to Japan.  One of these Japan visits inspired Pat to turn room #214 into his world headquarters for exporting custom-designed purses to Japan.  Members of the Class of '93 attended the luncheon to add side-stories to Pat's entrepreneurial beginning at 4503 that laid the foundation for his career of innovation in logistics? 

Pat is founder and CEO of Dock High Outdoor Logistics, and prior to DockHigh he founded The Green Room – a specialist in logistics services for specialty coffee industry.  Pat’s presentation was quite interesting, and he told quite a colorful story.   Pat owns no inventory, but he receives inventory for his customers, then stores and reships for them.  Efficiency and accuracy are key factors to his service promise.  

Among his customers is our Strideline socks guys who spoke at our October '13 luncheon just a few months ago.  The Strideline guys also operated their socks business (socks showing a city skyline) while undergrads at 4503.

Pat Perkins '93, CEO of DockHigh logistics

Ad Astra - Joseph Holmes, Jr '52

Joseph Delaney Holmes, Jr - Class of '52

Born in Seattle, Joe attended Seattle Prep High School and excelled as a student athlete. Following graduation from Seattle Prep, he joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity while at the University of Washington and received his undergraduate and law degrees from the university.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Joe started his career as an attorney for the Internal Revenue Service in San Francisco. Returning to his home town, he enjoyed a long career practicing tax and real estate law at the Seattle firm of Karr Tuttle Campbell, where he was a partner until retiring in 1997.

Joe and his wife Eleanor raised five children during their 25-year marriage. He later married Karen King and they enjoyed years of travel and outdoor activities together, until her death in 2012. Joe cherished his lifelong friendships and enjoyed hobbies such as reading, sports, investing, and art.

Joe is survived by his children Gail Holmes, Lynn Holmes, Jeanine Holmes, Anne Holmes, and Joseph Holmes III (Carrie); his grandchildren Maxwell Fuangaromya, Victoria Fuangaromya, Sarah Newhall, Jack Holmes, Molly Holmes Jacobs, and Benjamin Holmes. Joe is also survived by his brother Michael and sisters Mary Henderson and Monica Hoff.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Husky Promise in the name of Joseph Holmes Jr.

Published in The Seattle Times from Jan. 4 to Jan. 8, 2014
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-delaney-holmes&pid=168893482#sthash.4hOYdOyG.dpuf

Ad Astra - Edwin "Nick" Nixon '50

Nick Nixon - 2008 photo by John Lok/Seattle Times

Nick's first obituary was published in 1953 in the Seattle Times: "Edwin Allen Nixon Jr. was reported killed in action when enemy anti-aircraft fire struck his F9F Panther fighter jet during offensive operations against North Korea in March of 1953. The Seattle Times reported "Seattle Pilot dies in Korea, Red Fire Kills Man Who Had All To Live For! A Navy jet pilot, Ensign Edwin A. Nixon Jr. of Seattle who had every reason to live, was killed in action Sunday in Korea. Ensign Nixon, son of Dr. and Mrs. Edwin A. Nixon, 3701 East Marion St., was born in Seattle and planned to be physician and surgeon like his dad. Last August 30th, he married the girl next door, Marianne Davis, of 826-37th Ave. They had attended Garfield High School and the University Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and received his Bachelord of Arts degree from the University in 1950. In 1950 he enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve and trained at Pensacola, Florida, Corpus Christi, Texas and Alameda, California. Last December 15, Ensign Nixon went overseas, assigned to the aircraft carrier Philippine Sea, and was in combat from January until he died. On March 8, 1953, memorial services for the flyer were held in the Church of the Epiphany". 

Six months after the printing of this obituary and during the birth of his first child, it was learned that Nick, previously reported killed in action, had survived the crash landing and had been one of the first prisoners to be repatriated after the armistice. Upon his return home Nick was decorated with the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart.

Nick's second chance at life was a good thing, especially for sons Brian and Tim who were born in the first four years after his return. Following a short stint in real estate he entered the Life Insurance business as an agent and then manager for Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. where he spent much of his career. Dad loved skiing and golf in his youth and bowling and Judo at the WAC. Over the years he participated on committees at the Washington Athletic Club and held several offices in the local Phi Gamma Delta organization including president of alumni and secretary/treasure of the building corp. He took much pride and was involved in the fraternity throughout most of his life. Dad's health problems continued to plague him in later years, many of which were directly related to the injuries received during military service.

Nick chronicled his life, primarily his experience in the Navy and Korean War in the book DEAD WRONG. Although written primarily for his family, many people enjoyed reading his life's story. He received many accolades, did book signings, and was featured on the TV program Evening Tonight celebrating Veteran's Day. Dad left us for the second and final time on the 18th of November while under the capable, compassionate care of the American Lake Veterans Administration facility at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He joins his wife, our mother, Marianne who preceded him in death in May of this year. Nick will be remembered as a patriot, conducting himself with courage and honor while fighting for his country. He will also be remembered as a conservative, resolute in his convictions and a proud and grumpy member of the Republican Party. But most of all he will be remembered as a good husband, father, grandfather and respected friend. Honoring his wishes, a second memorial will not be held. Nick will be buried with his wife, Marianne at a gathering of family and friends. He is survived by his children, Leslie Ann Engen, Brian and Tim Nixon, daughters-in-law Jeneen and Bobbi Nixon, and grandchildren Matthew and Bryce Engen, Ericka Winston, Thatcher and Maddie Nixon and ex son-in-law Mark Engen DVM.

Remembrances may be sent to Wounded Warriers, one of several worthy charities honoring our Veteran's brave and selfless service to our Country.

Published in The Seattle Times on Dec. 22, 2013- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?pid=168699677#sthash.qqrxODSp.dpuf

As noted in his obituary, Nick wrote a book titled "Killed in Action - Dead......Wrong", and the Seattle Times published an article about Nick and his book that can be read at this link: http://seattletimes.com/html/eastsidenews/2004336329_deadwrong09e.html

Luncheon - October 2013 -- Jake Director '13 and Riley Goodman '13

Riley Goodman '13 and Jake Director '13

These founders of Strideline were a couple of ambitious Issaquah high school lacrosse players who spotted the trend away from ankle socks back to the higher calf height socks.  Plotting their entry to business, they used their high school graduation money to pay for their first sock order featuring the skyline of Seattle.  

Their story at the luncheon was engaging, humorous, and inspiring.  From storing their first big order in the boiler room (until the Fire Department inspectors discovered the 1,500 pairs of socks) to trying to temporarily store their first big shipment (10,000 pair) at the UPS store while they scrambled to meet the purchaser's requirement to palletize their orders, their anecdotes were entertaining.  

Jerry Thornton '55 (UW Baseball Hall of Famer) and Riley Goodman '13

When Jake traveled to Chicago to meet with Champs, he discovered that he was too young and lacking a credit card to rent a car.  Creatively, he went down the street and rented a truck, and drove to his meeting in the "best available" set of wheels.  Today they have progressed from selling their socks from a table at lacrosse tournaments to a spring line that will include socks featuring 24 different skylines for 24 different markets.   After the luncheon, Jerry Thornton '55 (our team member of a UW Baseball Hall of Fame team) revealed the versatility of the old tube socks to Riley.  One size fit all, and all you did is rotate the sock on your foot to spread the wear.  

Strideline's new line - in Nordstroms this Fall

Strideline is expanding its market by giong beyond the market-limiting skyline designs.  In order to offer a single product line anywhere in the USA, they have developed a non-skyline product that is being delivered into several national retail chains this Fall – Nordstrom and Champs.  See photo on the left to see several of their new designs.  You can reach these guys at: jake@strideline.com and riley@strideline.com

Luncheon - September 2013 - UW Football Coach Steve Sarkisian

We were pleased to have Sark fit our luncheon into his calendar for another year.  Much appreciation is expressed to Ron Crockett for the effort he extends to give our graduate group this opportunity.

It may be a case of Coach Steve Sarkisian saving his best luncheon presentation for his last.  It was a terrific Q & A that had many people abuzz at the end of the luncheon. Our thanks to the Coach, and our apologies for one of our indiscreet graduates who was in attendance and publicly posted a review of Sark’s comments. 

Sark takes a question during Fiji luncheon

It is hard to believe that one of our brothers would abuse the privilege of being in the room with Sark and Crockett both freely expressing their views to an assumedly respectful audience.  But one of our brothers is a complete jerk who could barely wait to rush out to post a recap of Sark's comments and even more egregious, he posted a recap of Crockett's comments on the Dawgman.com website.  Hiding behind his pseudonym of WatchDawg, the weak link in our chain jeopardized our luncheon's chances of every having Sark return.  And he also dampened Ron's willingness to share many of his views.   

We were able to have the posting taken down, but it did not mitigate the ill-feelings and abuse of our secrecy policy.