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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 24, 2017)
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 23 Obituaries Hugh John McBride May 7, 1934 — April 12, 2017 Hugh John McBride was born on May 7, 1934, in The Bronx, New York, the only child of Irish immigrant parents Jane and Dominic McBride. After high school he attended night school pro- grams at the City University of New York while employed by Bell Telephone, earning his bachelor’s degree in busi- ness Administration in1960 in the field of Industrial Psychology. Ultimately he made the transition from business to the field of edu- cation and earned his Master of Arts in special education at Columbia University, New York, in 1967. In 1972, he was awarded a doctorate in special educa- tion and family sciences at Michigan State University, where he remained on faculty for the next three years. His career path then led to the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, where he served from 1975 to 1996. He came to Pacific at a time when the nation was beginning to focus on pro- viding educational opportu- nities for exceptional chil- dren. As founding chair of the Department of Special Education, he was a leader in local and state efforts to implement educational opportunities for all students in the least restrictive envi- ronment. Hugh trained many special-education teachers at the University of the Pacific. He also provided broad insti- tutional support for special education by winning fed- eral grants and establishing innovative, cooperative local internship programs. These efforts supported the education of a genera- tion of teachers and profes- sionals who would go on to work at schools and institu- tions throughout Northern California. Hugh was named Benerd School of Education Distinguished Professor 1979 and 1985. He served as a mentor for many students. He was a respected profes- sor and friend for his stu- dents; a valued colleague and a leader and activist in the community. Upon retirement from the University of the Pacific, Hugh expanded his pri- vate psychotherapy prac- tices in Stockton and Tracy, California, specializing in couples therapy and addic- tion treatment. Beyond his formal training in the field, Hugh brought to his clients genuine empathy and a deep belief in the human capacity for change. From 1986 to 2005, Hugh also served as a facilitator for the Medical Board of the State of California, providing therapy for physicians and other medical professionals impaired by alcohol and drug addiction. Hugh was espe- cially gifted and compas- sionate in this work and was effective in helping many res- urrect their medical careers and personal lives. At the core of Hugh’s identity was his commitment to recovery: in November of 2016 he celebrated his 48th year of continuous sobriety. Along the way, he inspired others by his living example, his words of encouragement, and his belief in building a better life one day at a time. In 2005, he and his wife retired to Sisters to enjoy the rural environment and devote time to Hugh’s favor- ite activity, horseback riding, a passion he discovered in his mid-50s. His adventures on the trail included riding through California’s Owens Valley, Anza-Borrego State Park, the Sierras, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, the forests of Oregon and Idaho, and the Arizona desert. Hugh died suddenly on April 12 in Prescott, Arizona, in the midst of Easter week, Agnar “Al” Allen Straumfjord, M.D. December 1, 1928 — May 7, 2017 an observance that he cel- ebrated every year with great reverence. He is survived by Sandra, his wife of 30 years; stepson Erik Gunderson and partner Victoria Wohl of Toronto, Ontario; brother-in- law Charles Kinkade and wife Molly of Tacoma; Robert Kinkade and wife Jane of Sydney, Australia, and their children; and Kelly Kinkade Kott and husband Jim of Kirkland, Washington and their children; Erin Kinkade Christensen and husband Andy of Bow, Washington. Hugh’s kind, patient, and loving spirit will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 68825 Brooks Camp Road, Sisters, on Saturday, May 27, at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Bethlehem Inn, a program dedicated to transforming lives with shelter, help and hope. The address is P.O. Box 8540, Bend, OR 97708, or contri- butions may be made online at www.bethleheminn.org. Agnar Allen Straumfjord, M.D., died peacefully in his sleep May 7, 2017, at his home in Sisters, Oregon. “Al” was born December 1, 1928, to Jon Vidalin Straumfjord, M.D. and Thorey Thorderson Straumfjord and was raised in Astoria, Oregon, the middle child of three brothers. A graduate of Astoria High School, he attended Willamette University and the University of Oregon Medical School, now OHSU, earning his medical degree and completing residencies there in internal medicine and psychiatry. He served in the United States Navy as a flight surgeon and readily admit- ted he only spent one day at sea. He had special interest in providing student health- care, both at Oregon State University and at OHSU where he was a professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Later he practiced psychiatry in Corvallis for many years, followed by work at Oregon State Hospital and the Benton County Mental Health Clinic. Al had Agnar Allen Jr. and Karen Lee with his first wife, Louise Ulvin. In 1973, he and Marianne Sawin Sanders married and he added his son Peter to his family. In 1975, they moved to a large farm in Albany, Oregon, followed by many years in Camp Sherman and Sisters. He loved the farm but eventually retired to his beloved Central Oregon. “Doctor Al” was known for his vast range of knowledge in a multitude of areas, his special love for his Icelandic heritage, and anything to do with railroads. His support of his children and wife was neverending. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Agnar Allen, Jr.; and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Marianne; his chil- dren, Karen (John) Timmers and Peter Straumfjord; his brother, Jon Straumfjord M.D.; his grandchildren, Kristjana, Jens, Steen, Johann, and Kaisa; great- grandchild Ezra; and many special nieces and nephews. An open house to cel- ebrate his life will be held June 3, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the family home. Donations in his honor may be made to the Marianne and Al Straumfjord Family Scholarship Trust at Oregon Health Sciences University. Free Wine… …With Premium Mani or Pedi! SISTERS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Thrift Store ReStore Memorial Day is around the corner, come get your play clothes! 50% OFF 541-549-1740 ALL ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL ITEMS! ing Elect v r i i n fy gs! sa 541-549-1621 541 549 1 141 W. Main Ave., Sisters 254 W. Adams Ave., Sisters Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Donations accepted Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sundays Donations accepted Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sisters Nails & Spa The Royal Experience Pedicures • Manicures • Waxing W axing • F Foot oot Massa Massage • Shellac 541-904-0979 | Next to Bi-Mart | Open Mon.-Sat., 10 am. to 6 p.m.
