In Memoriam - Faculty and Staff

Anna Harris and Sheri Gitelson, Public Affairs and Publications

BRENDON ARMSTRONG (BA, Geography, ’10), Research Foundation, died Sept. 24, 2011, at the age of 24. He worked at the Butte Creek and Big Chico Creek ecological reserves. He was dedicated to sustainability and conservation and loved to learn about other cultures, spending a lot of time in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. His co-workers remember him as a kind, warm person. Armstrong is survived by parents Gregg and Marion and triplet siblings, Laura and Jono.

DEANE “JIM” CONKLIN, Foreign Languages and Literatures, died Dec. 10, 2011, at the age of 82. He traveled extensively, first in the U.S. Army, then as he pursued his master’s degree in Spanish in Madrid, and later for research and pleasure. He got a PhD in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies and then taught Spanish at Chico State. After retiring, he began sailing and tutored Spanish-speaking children. He is survived by wife Barbara, daughter Jessica, son Jim, and two granddaughters.

RICHARD “DICK” DEATSCH (BA, Business Administration, ’59; Credentials, ’62), Plant Operations, died Jan. 1, 2012, at the age of 74. He was a Chico local who attended Chico High. At Chico State, he joined Lambda Pi, Blue Key Honor Society, and the gymnastics team. He married his college sweetheart, Helen Crum. Deatsch worked at CSU, Chico from 1970 to 1987. He is survived by wife Helen; daughter Dana; and three granddaughters.

LEONARD KENT, English and Graduate School, died Nov. 8, 2011, at the age of 80. He received his doctorate in comparative literature from Yale University. Before coming to Chico State, he taught at Quinnipiac College. During his time at Chico (1969–1971), he was the first dean of the Graduate School. He then returned to Quinnipiac, where was president. Kent was a literary critic, editor, and translator specializing in Russian literature. He is survived by wife Valerie, daughter Faye, sons Michael and Philip, stepson David, and five grandchildren.

NORMAN LOFGREN, Chemistry, died Dec. 10, 2011, at the age of 89. He worked on the Manhattan Project in Berkeley. After earning his doctorate, he taught at Chico State from 1949 to 1982. Lofgren did research at locations including the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C, and the Lawrence Radiation Laboratories in Livermore. On campus, he advised the Asian Student Association, Asian Christian Fellowship, and Young Life and was nominated for the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is survived by wife Rose, daughters Beverly and Donna, two granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter.

CONNIE MURGIA, Payroll Office, died Dec. 27, 2011, at the age of 74. She graduated from Chico High, got married, and began working at Chico State in 1969 as a payroll administrator. She and husband Stan raised their three daughters in Chico, enjoying the community and culture. She is survived by husband Stan; daughters Becky, Jody, and Cindy; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

STEPHEN NEWLIN, Behavioral and Social Sciences, died Dec. 29, 2011, at the age of 71. He got his PhD at Claremont Graduate School and served as professor, program coordinator, and associate dean at Chico State. He established the International Relations program, created certificate programs, and pioneered the Instructional Television Fixed Services, allowing people in rural areas to get a BA through interactive television. He received numerous awards for his contributions to the University. Newlin was preceded in death by wife Judith. He is survived by wife Merlyn; children Michael, Nancy, Jeffrey, Korin, Kristi, and Karol; 13 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

WILLIAM “BILL” PATTON, Facilities Management and Services, died Dec. 11, 2011, at the age of 70. He worked at CSU, Chico from 1983 to 2006. He was on Staff Council and a steward for the CSU Employees Union (CSUEU). He is remembered as a passionate, open-minded intellectual. After retirement, Patton was a labor relations representative for the CSUEU at CSU, Chico. He is survived by wife Elena and daughters Sherrie and Kim.

BARBARA SANTOS, Print Shop, died Nov. 27, 2011, at the age of 79. She was born and raised in Chico, graduating from Chico High School and then working on campus as supervisor of the Print Shop from 1968 to 1988. She was a golfer, traveler, and Eucharistic minister at St. John’s Catholic Church. Her husband George and grandchildren Brandi, Matthew, Harrison, and Erick preceded her in death. She is survived by children George, Mari, Marci, and Jennifer; foster daughter Deborah; 16 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

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