< Previous30 —FOCUS Life Stories Colin Fenwick (BA ’19, current student), 24, of Three Rivers, Michigan, died unexpectedly in Berrien Springs, Michigan, on April 21, 2020. He was born on April 2, 1996, in Three Rivers, Michi- gan, to Robert (Bob) and Cindy (Roberts) Fenwick. Home-schooled until age 13, Colin afterward attended and graduated from Kalama- zoo SDA Junior Academy. He worked many summers for Park Township mowing and trimming the five township cemeteries and two summers at Kadant Johnson in the main- tenance department. Colin received a BA in music in August 2019 and was sched- uled to graduate in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Health Sci- ence in physical therapy from Andrews University. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and was an outstanding student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Colin was a member of the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Centre- ville, Michigan, where he joined the Centreville Sen- tinels Pathfinder Club at the tender age of seven months and earned his first honor at age 4. He cared very deeply for people and loved volunteering wherever there was a need. He was very devoted to his family and friends and loved the outdoors and animals, most of all his beloved dog, Nellie. Colin especially loved playing his violin and viola as a five-year violist for the Kalam- azoo Junior Symphony and, since 2015, as a violist for the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra. Colin's favorite performance was with his newly organized string quartet “Lirion,” which recently performed the only chamber music string quartet concert recital in the history of Andrews University. Colin is survived by his parents, Robert and Cindy (Roberts) Fenwick; sisters, Audrey Fenwick (current stu- dent) and Deidre (Shaun) Uhl; niece, Lily Uhl; grandmother, Beverly Fenwick; girlfriend, Megan Kerr; special friend, Katharina Burghardt (BMus ’20) and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Nanette Emilie Wuchenich (BA ’69, MA ’70), MD, passed away on April 6, 2020, sur- rounded by family. She was born on June 25, 1947, to John and Mildred Medic Wuchenich, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She loved learning, and as a child she attended art, ballet, piano and drama classes. Her love and appreciation of the arts continued throughout her adult life. Nanette graduated from Blue Mountain Academy (Hamburg, Pennsylvania) and received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in education from Andrews University. She was active in the University’s student government and presi- dent of The Girls Club. Following graduate school, Nanette worked for two years as assistant dean of women at Loma Linda University. She then returned to Pittsburgh to complete her pre-med require- ments. In 1975 she entered medical school at Loma Linda University, graduating in 1978. Before entering her obstet- rics and gynecology residency, Wuchenich took a year of internal medicine to broaden her understanding of general medicine. After residency, she worked for two years in a pri- vate ob/gyn practice in Tracy, California. In February 1986, Dr. Wuchenich opened her solo private practice in Redlands. She loved practicing medicine and would often comment that she never worked a day in her life. Nanette was an active board member of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine Alumni Association, a long- time member of the University Church of Seventh-day Adven- tists, and a founder of the John and Mildred Medic Wuchenich Foundation. Nanette’s nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews were the apples of her eye. She attend- ed countless recitals, band concerts, sporting events and graduations. Her many travels included her showing them the world. Nanette is survived by her siblings Danielle Wuchenich (BA ’71), John (BA ’72, MA ’74) and Gayle Rawles Wuchenich, Valerie Wuchenich-Nelson, Christopher and Melanie Wuchenich Jobe, and her niec- es and nephews, Adam and Kara Nelson Hubbard, John and Stephanie Pan Wuchenich, Friedrich and Danielle Wuchenich Dengel (BS/BA ’08), Peter and Mica Wood Nelson, Marlene Wuchenich Jobe, Christina Wuchenich Jobe, and David Wuchenich. She was predeceased by her brother Gary Wuchenich (BA ’73) in 2018. Robert “Bob” Don Moon Jr. (former staff), 83, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, died peace- fully in his sleep at Gilead Elder Care on March 25, 2020. Born June 22, 1936, Bob “Donnie” was the only child of Robert Don Moon and Beatrice Elizabeth Olsen Moon. He grew up in various communities in Southern California and Michi- gan and attended Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, where he met his bride-to-be, Marie Louise Penner, and they married Sept. 14, 1958. Bob completed an under- graduate degree in chemistry in 1959, an MA in education at Michigan State University in 1963 and later completed a PhD in curriculum and in- struction at MSU in 1972. In 1960 Bob and Louise came to Michigan where Rob- ert III was born, followed by Cami in August of 1963. During those years he taught at Grand Ledge and Andrews academies. Jim was born in 1972 when the family lived in Silver Spring, Maryland, as Bob was complet- ing his doctoral dissertation. Once completed, they returned to Michigan where he direct- ed the Twin Cities Area Child Care Center in Benton Harbor, followed by about 40 years of service in many different ca- pacities at Andrews University until he retired at the age of 62 and again at 70 after serving at Adventist Information Ministry for several years. Not one to “sit still” in retire- ment, he liked helping others reach their potential such as assisting in homeschooling a granddaughter, guiding a Seminary student in com- pleting his dissertation, and transporting a needy friend to appointments. Hobbies included photog- raphy, painting, gem/mineral collecting and polishing, bicy- cling, and growing his photo collection while vacationing in National Parks. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marie Louise Penner Moon; children: daughter Cami (BS ’85) and husband Dan (AET ’77, BET ’79, current staff) Cress, son James (BA ’95, MDiv ’98) and wife Ingrid (MA Spring 2020— 31 Life Stories ’95) Moon and daughter-in- law Annette Moon (BBA ’83); grandchildren: Kara Moon, Al- ison Moon-Peterson (BBA ’14), Robert D. Moon IV (BBA ’17), Kristina (Wander) Cress Meira, Benjamin (Hyejin) Cress (BBA ’15), JayJay Moon, Maggie Moon, and Samuel Moon, “ad- opted” Alexandra (Troy Wang) Lee; and great-grandchildren: Menasha Meira and “adopted” Cassidy Wang. He was predeceased by his son Robert III (CERT ’81, BBA ’84) in 2017. Shirley Miriam Owens Thiel (BA ’48), 92, of Fairfield, Washington, passed away on March 24, 2020, in Walla Walla, Washington. Shirley was born May 23, 1927, to Rannels and Alfredda Owens in Ann Arbor, Mich- igan. After graduating from Lakeview High School, Battle Creek, Michigan, she attended Emmanuel Missionary College, graduating in 1948 with a BA in biology. She next attended the College of Medical Evangelists (now Loma Linda University School of Medicine), graduating in 1952. Shirley then complet- ed a one-year internship in general practice at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washing- ton. Afterwards, she practiced classic small-farming-town family medicine in Palouse and then Fairfield, Washington, until her retirement in 1990. Shirley met Francis An- drews Thiel (BA ’48) in college when he returned as a GI. They graduated together in 1948, entered medical school and were married in her parents’ home in 1950. Children Arthur, Loren, Nor- man and Nancy blessed their lives and kept Shirley busy as a full-time mother and part-time small town doctor. She and Francis practiced together in Fairfield and were active members of the Fairfield Adventist Church. They enjoyed hosting several generations of young people in their swimming pool by wel- coming them when “the flag was down.” When out and about, Shirley made quick connections and conversation. Countless family and friends enjoyed birthday and Christmas cards for years after initially meeting her. Her social networking skills devel- oped long before computers. Besides providing medi- cal care, Shirley also loved supporting her extended church family both in action and in giving. She passed on the gift of education with the care given to students of Upper Columbia Academy and by supporting higher education for her children. She is survived by her son Arthur (Shelley) and grandchil- dren Tiffany and Cedric; son Loren (Vicki) and grandchil- dren MacGuire and Craig; son Norman (Sharon) and grand- children Hannah, Rachel and Lydia; and daughter Nancy. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother, Richard, and sister, Patricia. Werner Konrad Vyhmeister (BD ’68) passed away on March 21, 2020, after a brief bout with pneumonia. He was born on Sept. 5, 1931, in Los Angeles, Chile, as the second of eight children born to Guillermina Bishop and Walter Vyhmeister. Werner attended the Deutsche Schule, the Liceo de Hombres de Los Angeles and the Universidad de Chile in Santiago for a master’s degree in history and geography. After receiving his master’s he taught theology at the Cole- gio Adventista de Chile and was the general vice presi- dent of the school. He then transitioned to the Potomac University in Washington D.C. to obtain a master’s degree in theology. In 1958, he went to the General Conference session in Ohio as a delegate. While there he met Nancy Weber. Werner and Nancy married in July of 1960. They moved to the Adventist University in Chillan and welcomed their first child, Heidi, in 1961. They then moved to Argentina to the Colegio Adventista del Plata. Their second child, Ronald, was born in 1962. In 1966 the family went to the United States. By 1968 Werner had completed his MDiv, defended a disserta- tion for a PhD in history from the Universidad de Chile and returned to the Colegio Adven- tista del Plata where he worked as the dean of theology. Over the next few years he held several positions, serving as the education director for the South American Division, working in the Philippines while AIIAS was created, and as a professor and later dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at An- drews University. While at Andrews, Werner received the J.N. Andrews Medallion and the General Conference Education Depart- ment Medallion of Distinction. In 2000, Werner retired from full-time educational work and moved to California with Nancy. By 2018, he was placed in a memory care facility due to Alzheimers. Werner is survived by five siblings (Gerald, Edwin, Lucy, Ellen, Helga), his wife Nancy (MA ’67, EdD ’78), his children Ron (MBA ’85) and Heidi (BS ’80), son-in-law Christian Prohaska, daughter-in-law Shawna Vyhmeister (BS/ BSELED ’86, MAT ’90), and grandchildren Alex (att.), Joy, Erik (BS ’16), Emily (BS ’19), and Konrad (current student). Esther Harriott Ottley (BA ’54) passed away on Feb. 19, 2020. She was born on August 24, 1928, in Panama, to Wilfred Solomon and Euphemia Heron Harriott. Esther was homeschooled until she entered Ferncourt High School. In 1948 she graduated with an education degree from the West Indian Training College (now North- ern Caribbean University) and was hired to teach mathemat- ics at the college. Esther graduated from Emmanuel Missionary College in 1954, becoming the first person of color and the first woman of color to have gradu- ated with a BA in mathematics from EMC. She then earned a master’s degree in education from Columbia University. While at EMC, Esther met Neville Ottley (BA ’53), whom she married in 1955. They moved to Washington D.C. where Esther, a wife and moth- er, joined the faculty of Howard University while pursuing her doctorate in math/phys- ics education from American University, which she earned in 1965. She spent the rest of her academic career at Howard University where she became a tenured professor. Later she became the founding associate dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and was the first woman to serve as the interim dean of the graduate school (1986–88). After her retirement in 1994, Howard 32 —FOCUS Life Stories Adventist Hymnal, which was released in 1985 and includes over 30 of West’s arrangements and hymn tunes. In 2014 he received a Lifetime of Ser- vice award from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Maryland. West and his wife Betty Ann (Nilsson) retired to the Northwest in 1988, where West served as organist for the Sun- nyside Seventh-day Adventist Church. Arnold Farenick (BS ’71), 84, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away Dec. 22, 2019, in Stevensville, Michigan. Arnold was born in Saska- toon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Jan. 22, 1935, to Kosma and Martha (Meleshanko) Farenick. He grew up on their family farm in Saskatoon until they moved to Toronto, Ontario. Arnold always had a strong work ethic. He enjoyed work- ing on the farm during his high school years taking care of the chickens at Kingsway College in Oshawa, Ontario, where he graduated in 1955. He also met the love of his life at Kingsway, his future wife L. June Fessen- den. They married in 1961. He graduated from Atlantic Union College and also Andrews University. While there he traveled to Peru to collect bird specimens, which are still on display and used for research. His love for travel and adven- ture never ceased. In addition to traveling around Canada and the United States, he spent great times traveling in Russia, Ukraine, England, France, University honored her with the endowed “Esther Ottley Graduate Scholarship.” Christian education was a hallmark of Esther Ottley’s philosophy of life, and she was heavily involved in provid- ing funding and serving on the boards of several schools and universities. She was a sought-after speaker, an ex- emplary administrator, church leader, organizer and coun- selor and, in the words of her children, “a fabulous mother, wife, grandmother, family member and friend.” She is survived by her son Dr. Mark Ottley (Deborah); daughter Dr. Dawn Nelson- Barnes (BS ’83) (LeRoy); sister Carmen Timothy (Eric); grand- children Jeremy Ottley, Maya Nelson (BSW ’20) and Avery Barnes (att.); sisters-in-law Marva Sothman (Walter) and Dr. Lois Phillips (Leon); nieces and nephews Lynna Scott Carnegie, Wendell Timothy, Chandler Timothy (BA ’95), Adam Carnegie, Dr. Arthur Phillips, Robert Sothman, Lisa Sothman-Belanger, Rodney Sothman and a wide circle of devoted friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Neville Ottley (BA ’53), and her sister, Rena Mae Young. Mary Jane Cunnington (former staff), 97, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, died Jan. 7, 2020, in Stevensville, Michi- gan. Born August 15, 1922, Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She worked for Andrews University as a hostess in the lounge and later in the cafeteria in the Campus Center. After her retirement from the cafeteria, she worked in the University bookstore until the age of 90. Mary loved her family and created a beautiful home. She also loved her many friends. She was generous and ex- pressed her deep Christian beliefs by helping many people. She is survived by her daughter, Penny Sisson; son, Loren Cunnington (BA ’51); grandchildren Angelique Webb, Audie Sisson, Lance Cunnington and Loren Cun- nington II (BA ’72); and five great-grandchildren— Anneliese, Valary, Avelina, Vedalee and Liam. Marceil Louise (Straman) Moore (BS ’54), 90, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away on Jan. 1, 2020, in Niles, Michigan. Marceil was born March 9, 1929, in Lima, Ohio, to Peter and Ellen (Shenk) Straman. She moved to Berrien Springs with her family in 1944 and attended Emmanuel Mission- ary College Academy, from which she graduated in 1947. Marceil studied pre-nursing at Emmanuel Missionary College and then entered nurses train- ing at Hinsdale Sanitarium, Hinsdale, Illinois. She married Ennis M. Moore on Oct. 10, 1954, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Marceil worked as a registered nurse for Memo- rial Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan, from 1953–74. After her retirement, she served her friends by coordinating a natu- ral food co-op out of her garage. Marceil is survived by her sons, Brian (Janeen) of Buchanan (BBA ’05) and Barth (Rebecca) of George- town, Texas. She also has four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1991 and brothers, Russell Straman (BA ’54) of Berrien Springs and George Straman of Lima, Ohio. Melvin West (BA ’52) passed away on Dec. 27, 2019, in Portland, Oregon. Memorial services were held in Portland and at the University Church in Walla Walla, Washington. Born in St. Paul, Minneso- ta, West was fascinated with music from an early age. He grew up in California, attend- ed Union College in 1948 and obtained a BA in organ from Emmanuel Missionary College in 1952. He then served as organist at Faith for Today in New York City before joining the faculty of Atlantic Union College in 1953. While there, he received an MMus from the University of Redlands (1955) and a DMA in organ from Bos- ton University (1959). In 1959 he accepted a position as music chair at Walla Walla College, where he remained for 18 years. Within eight years he achieved program accreditation in the National Association of Schools of Music and gained departmental membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, both firsts for Adventist colleges and universities; brought about the construction of a large, fully equipped music and art facility, which was named for him in 1995; and oversaw a comprehensive pipe organ installation. West also expand- ed the size of the music faculty and co-founded an evensong program with his colleague, Dr. Loren Dickinson, that contin- ues to this day. In 1977 West left WWC to be- come minister of music at the Adventist church in Kettering, Ohio. He then went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he taught and served as director of devel- opment and alumni affairs at Union College and served as minister of music for the Col- legeview SDA and Westminster Presbyterian churches. In the 1980s, West served as chair of the Tunes Committee for the current Seventh-day Spring 2020— 33 Life Stories attended Walla Walla College (1942–46). His early interest in the Bible and nature as ways to know God led him to study both theology and biology. Following graduation he married a classmate, Juanita Hansen (MA ’68), who shared his interests and goals. While he was attending the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Wash- ington D.C., he received a call to teach biology at Atlantic Union College (1947–54). This led him to pursue graduate work in biology at Oregon State University and later to get his PhD at Harvard University. He taught at Loma Linda Universi- ty from 1954–60. Richard’s concerns about is- sues in science and religion led him to accept a call to assist in developing a research center, Geoscience Research Institute, to help with questions facing the church. While there, he led many field trips with students, faculty and church leaders. In his studies he was always in search of “truth” wherever it might lead. He expressed many of his thoughts in his book “A Search for Meaning in Nature” (Pacific Press, 1970). He returned to teaching at Andrews University in 1971 where he mentored many stu- dents. He enjoyed interacting with his students and continu- ally encouraged excellence. Richard was devoted to his family and enjoyed sharing his love of nature with them. Re- tirement allowed him to travel Switzerland, Germany, Wales, Monaco, Italy, Belgium and Lux- embourg where he saw their Queen as she waved at him. Arnold worked many years as an educator in Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and even- tually back in Ontario, Canada, where he retired. He loved teaching and interacting with his students even decades after they graduated. His passion for teaching never subsided, and he enjoyed helping any student with their math homework, which he did even in his 80s. He leaves behind his daughter, Diane (Farenick) Myers (BT ’91, current faculty); granddaughters Zoe (current student) and Raven Myers; plus many nieces, nephews and ex- tended family members whom he dearly loved. He was predeceased by his wife, June (Fessenden), son Mark Farenick (BSIT ’91) and second wife Joan Werner. Gary Warren Stanhiser (BA ’65, BD ’68) passed away on Dec. 22, 2019. Gary was born on Jan. 3, 1943, in Watervliet, Michigan, to Otto Stanhiser and Eleanor Danneffel Stanhiser. When he was 5 years old, the family moved to the Adjutant General Records Depository in the Philippines where his father was stationed as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Two years later, they moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan, where Gary attend- ed Ruth Murdoch Elementary School and Andrews Academy. He went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in speech and a Master of Divinity at Andrews University. He spent summers colporteuring, and during his Seminary training he was the boy’s dean and Bible teacher at Cedar Lake Academy. His first pastoral call was to Grand Rapids, Michi- gan, after which he was a youth pastor in San Diego and taught Bible at San Diego Academy. Gary then became the youth pastor at the Campus Hill Church. While there, he ran inner city projects and engaged students in multiple outreach projects. He also started a large neighborhood garden, a daycare center and a vegetarian restaurant. This outreach resulted in multiple baptisms and a new church— The Valley Fellowship SDA Church. During this time he met Ruth Swan (att.) and they were married in 1972. For the past three decades, he was a business consultant. He planned frequent mission trips and coordinated inter- national and local shipments of food, medical supplies and other essentials. He spent much of the past 10 years mentoring others in helping the less fortunate. He was also involved in mission projects in Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Belize, the Philippines, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Peru, Haiti and others. Recently, he served on the board of Giving Children Hope and the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network. Gary is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Daniel Stanhiser (att.), Joshua Stan- hiser and Tiffany Priester; his sister, Barbara Fisher (BS ’81, MA ’82), and a handful of grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Otto Jr. Bonnie Jean (Nutt) Pollitt (att.), 85, passed to her rest Dec. 17, 2019, at home from congestive heart failure. Born April 14, 1934, in Kadoka, South Dakota, she was the eldest daughter of Bonnie Berben “Ben” and Arthelda “Toddy” (Howie) Nutt. Six other children joined the fam- ily, all but one surviving into adulthood. Ben Nutt was a Methodist, and the young family attend- ed the Methodist Church in Missoula, Montana, for a time. When Bonnie was about 5 years old, the family heard a series of meetings; her parents were then baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Shortly afterward, they moved to Indiana. Bonnie was also baptized at the age of 12, later attending Indiana Academy in Cicero, Indiana. While there, she was greatly impressed by the dean of girls. She decided to become a dean, as well as a registered nurse. Bonnie at- tended Emmanuel Missionary College and Hinsdale Hospital, graduating in 1957. She passed her boards and began working as a nurse. In 1959 she went to Wisconsin Academy as dean of girls, then in 1963 to Indiana Academy, also as girls’ dean. On August 8, 1965, Bonnie married Gordon Wayne Pollitt in the recently constructed Seminary Chapel at Andrews University. They welcomed three children into their home. Bonnie was an intelligent woman who dearly loved to read. Her favorite book was “Pollyanna” and her favor- ite author James Michener. She enjoyed swimming, golf and traveling to places like Yellowstone Park in the family camper. She loved roses and the color red. Her favorite food was popcorn and for dessert, hot chocolate pudding. Bonnie loved game nights and a good laugh. She believed in Jesus and the Resurrection—her life verse was Isaiah 41:10. Bonnie is survived by her children Kevin Wayne, Shan- non Marie and Brendan Ray Pollitt, all of Berrien Springs, as well as her brothers Quentin Elroy of Thompsonville, Illi- nois, Bruce Elbert of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Robert “Bob” Eldon of Sawyer, Michigan, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, in 2002, her sister Arthelda “Tana” Montana and brother Charles “Chuck” Oliver (MA ’62), all residents of Berrien Springs, and an infant sibling. Richard Martin Ritland (for- mer faculty) died on Dec. 13, 2019, in Olympia, Washington. Richard was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, on July 3, 1925, to Martin and Mae Ritland and grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. After graduating from Portland Union Academy he 34 —FOCUS Life Stories gatherings with great food and good times. He is survived by his partner of 38 years, Michael Sessions of Lansing, and his sister, Marilyn (Larry) Butcher of Wheeler, Michigan. Sandra Kay (Van Eman) Richardson (DIP2YR ’60, for- mer staff) died Nov. 20, 2019, in Bells, Tennessee. She was born Aug. 28, 1937, to Erma and Blaine Van Eman in Elgin, Ohio. While in elemen- tary school, a visiting cousin introduced her to his friend, Bill Richardson. A few months of letter writing followed, after which the friendship flamed out. Later they met again on the campus of Mt. Vernon Acade- my. They married on June 8, 1958, after their junior year of college, a marriage which would last 61 years after four years of courtship. Following Bill’s gradu- ation from the Seminary, they moved to a pastorate in Columbus, Ohio, where Sandra taught in a one-room, multi- grade elementary school. In February of 1961 their eldest daughter, Cindy, was born, fol- lowed two years later by Cheri. Three years later they were at a boarding academy in Massa- chusetts where Sandra taught a small elementary school class in their home. In 1967 they moved to Keene, Texas, where Sandra taught third grade in a large el- ementary school. In 1971 their son Steve was born. Sandra then worked in the college library in Keene until their move to Angwin, Califor- to many parts of the world observing and studying birds and other wildlife. It has been remarked that Richard’s “friends and col- leagues will remember a great man whose influence stretched far wider than he ever knew.” Richard is survived by his wife Juanita; daughter Beth and husband Fred Barrett; and sons Stephen (BA ’71) and wife Wendy, Stanley (BS ’74) and wife Alice (BS ’73), John (BS ’77) and wife Sandra and For- rest (BS ’78) and wife Kathleen. Frank "Darrell" Booth (BA ’71), 73, passed away on Dec. 12, 2019. He was born Sept. 2, 1946, in Mio, Michigan, to the late Frank W. and Bernice E. Hill Booth. He attended grade school at the Seventh-day Adventist School in Mio. He then attended and graduat- ed from Adelphian Academy in 1965 in Holly, Michigan. He graduated from Andrews University in 1971 in Berrien Springs, Michigan. ln 1979 he came to Lansing to pursue a career in piano technology at Michigan State University. He was formerly employed by James Reeder Pianos for 25 years as a piano technician and restorer. He loved his work and was a per- fectionist in his field. In fact, he was able to restore a beautiful grand piano for himself, which he named “ Gertrude Stein- way. ” Darrell retired in 2001 due to health reasons. He was a faithful member of the Lansing Adventist Church and always looked forward to his weekly Sabbath School class with his special friends, Marge and Jock McPhee. Darrell enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and the arts. He was a classical music enthusiast and listened to WKAR radio every day. He al- ways looked forward to family nia, where she again worked in the library at Pacific Union College. In 1977, Bill accepted a call to Andrews Universi- ty in Michigan where again Sandra worked in the Univer- sity library. After a few years, Andrews hired Sandra to be the executive administrative assistant in the new physical therapy department, where she worked until retirement. She came out of retirement for two more years when the Department of Communication was in need of a departmental administrative assistant. In 2009, they moved to Bells, Tennessee, to be near Cindy and Roy Schmidt (BS ’80). The first year Sandra lived alone while Bill served as interim provost at Andrews University. In 2013, Sandra was diag- nosed with Alzheimers, which caused her death six years later. Survivors include her hus- band Bill (BA ’59, MA ’60, MDiv ’70, PhD ’83, former faculty), two daughters, Cindy (att.) and her husband Roy Schmidt (BS ’80) and Cheri (BS ’85) and her husband Ken Leffler (CERT ’82), son Steve (att.) and his wife Andrea (BSD ’02), and eight grandchildren. All three children, their spouses and three grandchildren attended Andrews. Marilyn Jane (Jensen) Dry (former faculty) passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2019, in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She was born on Sept. 6, 1920, as the second of four children and spent her child- hood in Tennessee and Iowa. From a young age Marilyn was known for her persuasive and precocious personality. By age 8 she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Marilyn graduated as valedictorian from the Goodlettsville High School in Tennessee in 1948. There she was known for her love of literature and poetry. She spent her first year in college at Southern Adventist University and her last three at Madison College where she majored in English and graduated in 1952. Throughout her college years, Marilyn was known for her love of studying and helping others. Marilyn began her first teaching job at Oakpark Acad- emy in Iowa. During the fall of 1954, she boarded a ship and moved to a mission school in what was then Southern Rho- desia, Africa (now the eastern side of Zimbabwe). It was there she met her husband John Dry (MAT ’77, MA ’84). He was born in South Africa, attended Hel- derberg College, and had also been working as a missionary teacher prior to meeting her. They were married in 1956 at the Nyazura Mission in Zimbabwe. In late 1962, they moved to the Chipembi Mission in Northern Rhodesia. There they helped to build a new school and ran a suc- cessful camp meeting in 1963 where 23 individuals were baptized. In 1966, they moved back to America where they remained in Collegedale for several years. They then transitioned to Michigan in the summer of 1969. That next summer Marilyn began teaching at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School where she taught for the next 35 years. They were both long-time members of the Village Sev- enth-day Adventist Church, and they were known for their commitment to God and for making the community around them a better place. Marilyn is survived by her sister, Anne, and her daughter, Eileen Dry (BA ’82, MAT ’84). She was predeceased by her husband John.Spring 2020— 35 My Testimony FOR MORE THAN 33 YEARS IT HAS BEEN A distinct privilege to participate in the healthcare of Andrews University faculty, staff and students. As one of the provid- ers at University Medical Specialties, on the edge of the Andrews campus, it has been a joy to feel connected to the University’s mission. This spring I was struck down with COVID-19 and was overwhelmed with how the Andrews community became a provider of loving and life-saving care. When the coronavirus pandemic began, all my professional efforts shifted to preparing Spectrum Health Lakeland for the looming challenges. As the chief operating and chief clinical officer, there was no shortage of strategic decisions and urgent tasks. We were all as careful as we could be, but at the time, there were only enough isolation masks for the bedside care of a COVID-19 patient. Our leadership team rounded repeated- ly on the COVID floors in support of our clinical staff. In early April, I developed a low-grade fever. A negative COVID-19 test and no known exposure brought some hope, but I remained in self-isolation. My symp- toms worsened, and at the end of the week I was admitted to our hospital with a positive COVID-19 test. Each day my oxygen levels dropped and my breathing became more labored. On Thursday, April 17, the decision was made to begin mechanical ventilation. With a chance of regaining consciousness below 10 per- cent by my estimation, I received what I thought might be the last phone calls from my wife and children. Sabbath morning two days later, hav- ing passed near death, my decline came to an abrupt halt with hopeful clinical evidence that I might recover. Although ventilation was required for five more days, my survival, if not my unimpaired recovery, seemed more likely. My suf- fering was the worst on Thursday night and Friday after coming off the ventila- tor—the oxygen flow and concentration was about as high as it could go yet I still felt short of breath. Then on Sabbath my breathing improved by the hour and the oxygen was turned down to the lowest setting. By Monday, April 27, I was home without supplemental oxygen. For sever- al weeks I have been back to work at the health system and in the medical office with good evidence that my recovery will be complete. My survival, I believe, was dependent on a superb medical team and their well-timed interventions, the skilled and loving support and intervention of family and friends, and the power of hundreds if not thousands of dedicated prayer warriors. I am thankful beyond words for each of the members of the Andrews and Adventist family who called, wrote and prayed in support of my family and me. I am not surprised that God hears prayers for what can he not do—what surprises and inspires me is when a person hears the voice of God calling them to action or prayer and they wholeheartedly respond. Many have recounted experi- encing a strong and specific calling to prayer for my healing, for my family, and for the fight against COVID-19. For those of you who prayed and fasted, may your faith, like mine, be strengthened and may you have joy in your heart for what you chose to do and for how God answers prayer. Your generous kindness provided courage, hope and unequivocal proof of the loving community of which we are a part. The physicists remind us that rela- tionships are not just important, rather relationships are all there is. During this time of social distancing, fear and the loss of so many, remember the relationships that matter most to you. Perhaps like me, your connection to the Andrews family is dearer now than ever. The COVID pandemic is not just striking down our friends and neighbors but also businesses and educational institutions. As Christian and private universities around the country face unprecedented financial and recalibration challenges, remember Andrews University with your generous support and with the power of your prayers. Lowell Hamel (seated) with his wife Judy. Lowell graduated from Andrews University in 1976 and from Loma Linda School of Medicine in 1981. He is chief operating and chief clinical officer for Spectrum Health Lakeland and a practicing physician. Judy earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Andrews in 1977. They live in Berrien Springs, Michigan. (PC: Michelle Hamel) “The physicists remind us that relationships are not just important, rather relationships are all there is. During this time of social distancing, fear and the loss of so many, remember the relationships that matter most to you.” Healing By Dr. Lowell Hamel (BS ’76)Office of Alumni Services Andrews University Berrien Springs MI 49104-0950 Address Service Requested Seek Knowledge. Affirm Faith. Change the World. Photo credit: Laura Malcolm (BBA ’11)Next >