Friends We Will Miss

Dr. Harry Eldon Pike, 83, long-time LSSU administrator of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., passed away at his home on June 21, 2018.

Pike dedicated himself for the better part of three decades to the students and staff of Lake Superior State University. He began as the Dean of Students at LSSU in July 1969. In 1997, he retired from the university as the Vice President for Student Programs and Services. He was particularly known as a mentor to students and colleagues and upon his retirement from the college was awarded honorary alumni status.

The Dr. Harry Pike Scholarship was established to honor his steady support of Laker Athletics as a vital cog in the student-service operations, coupled with his 28 years of service to the University. The merit-based athletic scholarship award is based on a recommendation from the LSSU Athletic Department.

Pike held many jobs prior to Lake State, from teaching high school journalism and driver’s education to editing a journal, running a movie theater and working as a flagger in the Cascade mountains. He also worked with the Kettering Foundation, a global network of scholars and researchers, as an educational consultant to public schools and universities nationwide. He was once named one of the top 40 teachers in the country.

Pike received a bachelor of arts in history in 1957 from the University of Washington; his teacher certification in 1959, and a master of arts degree in history from the University of Wisconsin. A doctorate in higher education with a major emphasis in social psychology and group dynamics was awarded by Michigan State University in 1969.
Pike was a passionate and talented golfer, seldom missing LSSU and area benefit scrambles. He earned many trophies alone and with his treasured golfing friends and knew the details of every course he ever played. From 1971 through 1974, he coached the Soo’s ESELCO Little League Team, once to an undefeated season and championship. He attended the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, volunteered with Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and served on the Sault Ste. Marie Country Club Board of Directors.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Johnston-Pike, whom he married on March 29, 1980; three children: Philip (Leanne) Pike of Corvallis, Ore.; Laura Martin of Sekiu, Wash.; and Elizabeth (Mike) Visser of Kent, Wash; and six grandchildren: Emily (Geoff) Cassayre, Alexander (Elisa) Pike, Rachel (Walter Smith) Pike, Kevin Martin, Mackenzie Visser and Samuel Visser; five great-grandchildren and his sister Eleanor Morris of Grapeview, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lynn and sister-in-law Kay Marczynski, his brother-in-law Bill Morris and his first wife Linda Hicks Pike.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Dr. Harry Pike Endowed Scholarship (Dr. Pike Endowed Scholarship c/o LSSU Foundation, 650 West Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Online Donation: foundation.lssu.edu/give-today) or Hospice of the EUP (308 W. 12^th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783).

Harry Pike walks in front of the administration building, 1988

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Audrey Morley of Sault Ste. Marie passed away July 8 at War Memorial Hospital’s Long Term Care Unit. Audrey was a secretary in LSSU’s Department of Arts and Letters for more than 30 years, from 1970 until her retirement in 2001. She was known and loved by hundreds of Lake State students and faculty.

Shirley Margaret (Craig) Amore '71 of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. passed away at the age of 68 on March 1. She graduated from LSSU with High Honors and earned her bachelors in English Language and Literature. She used her degree to dedicate her life to public service in libraries around the United States. Shirley is survived by her husband, John, and children Chris, Aric and Tad Amore, and James Halligan.

Frances Becker '62 of Lapeer died February 3, 2017 at the age of 73. She worked as a member of the Imlay City Public School District. She is survived by her husband, Romes.

Ruth Beecroft '52 of Sault Ste. Marie passed away at the age of 87 on October 2, 2017. She enjoyed a successful career as an educator in the Sault Area Public School District for 33 years and is survived by her children, Bill and Carole.

Kent Bocks '69 of Cadillac died April 1 at the age of 73. He was a coach of the ski team during his time here. He was also the successful entrepreneur of both a ski shop and a bed and breakfast. He is survived by his wife, Kay.

David Brady '74 of Columbus, Ohio passed away at his home on June 17, 2017. He is survived by his siblings, Patrick and Mary.

Earl Carley '55 of Wyoming, Mich. died February 23, 2017 at the age of 81. He was laid to rest with full military honors.

Janet Cook '66 of Kincheloe passed away January 31. She is survived by her children, James Cook, and Kelly Barnes.

Dorothy Cox '84 of Newberry died in her home February 7. She is survived by her children, James, Georgiana and Juliana.

John Engle '91 of Oden passed away April 1 in Pinecliffe, Colorado. He was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He is survived by his children Ian, Luke, Mary, Chris and Jacob.

Denise Faye '99 of Sault Ste. Marie died September 14, 2017. She is survived by her children, Christopher and Noelle.

Terrance Fisher '68 of Bay City passed away on February 20 at the age of 69. He served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. He is survived by his wife, Debra and their children, Rob, Patti and Mike.

Roger Fortin '54 of East Lansing passed away on January 27, 2017 at the age of 81. He was a beloved member of his church and community and is survived by his wife, Mildred and children, Todd, Tim, Cory, Jennifer, Brittany, Rob, Michael and Shelby. He was a member of LSSU's Golden Graduate Society and enjoyed returning to campus for Commencement several times in the past decade.

Arlis Fountain '69 of Pickford died December 6, 2017 at the age of 89. She is survived by her sons, Vern and Andrew.

James Fuller '70 of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. passed away on March 12 at the age of 71. He was a celebrated member of the hockey team for four seasons. He is survived by his wife, Laurie and daughter, Mere.

Lenora Hanchett '84 of Tamarac, Fla. died October 2, 2017 at the age of 56. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Walsh, and brother Richard Hanchett Jr.

Ronald Hudson '55 of Golden Valley, Ariz. passed away on March 12 at the Kingman Regional Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Linda.

Gary Jackson '82 of Geneva, Ill. died April 27. He was a proud member of the United States Army and is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and sons, David and Nicholas.

Dale Kramer '69 of Boise, Idaho, passed away February 17 at the age of 68. He graduated from LSSU with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and had a successful career until retiring in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn and son Daniel.

Rachel Kronemeyer '13 of Bay Mills died September 4, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Jack, and children, Mallorie, Maryssa and Austin. She is also survived by her mother, Sara Tadgerson.

Harold Lawson P.E '55 passed away on June 22 at the age of 84. He is survived by his sons Kevin and Irwin.

Major David Leask '84 of Sault Ste. Marie died July 13, 2017 in Capon Bridge, WV at the age of 63. He served on the Sault Ste. Marie Police Force for 20 years. He was also a proud member of the military, and served in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Korea before retiring as a Major. He is survived by his wife Kim, and their daughters Kristen, Eileen, and Meghan.

Jon MacLeod '61 of Sault Ste. Marie passed away on March 23. He worked for LSSU for many years, and is survived by his wife, Marian and his children, Marlisa and Jon.

Joel MacMaster '56 of Sault Ste. Marie died August 15, 2017 at War Memorial Hospital. He was a proud member of the U.S. Navy, and served his country during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his daughters Joelee, Shawna, Mindy, Tammy, Bonnie and Penny.

Albert 'Bert' Mantei '60 of Crystal, Minn. passed away May 26, 2015 at the age of 72. He served as both a firefighter and paramedic in Crystal in the years following. He is survived by his wife, Faye, and children Melenie Simonson and Michael Mantei.

Kendell Martin '76 of Grand Rapids passed away at age 64 on May 24. He worked as a director at Our Daily Bread Ministrise. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, sons, Ryan, Jordan and Ben, and parents Ralph and Mary.

Sandra McConnell '55 of Sault Ste. Marie died March 14. She is survived by her husband, Peter and son, Patrick.

Ronald Midyett '13 of Indian River passed away on April 3 at the age of 49. He graduated from LSSU with a Bachelor's in business management and was employed as an account manager for Eikenhout, Inc. Ron enjoyed travelling, boating, reading, singing and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his companion, Dean Smith, and children Tyler Midyett, Mariah Midyett, and Trevor Howery.

David Morford '63, of St. Louis, died March 4 at the Woodland Hospice House in Mt. Pleasant. He was an esteemed entrepreneur. David is survived by his wife, Barbara Morford, and daughters, Kathy Harger, Amy Lemke and Lacey Croskey.

Ronald Pittsley '80 of East Tawas passed away February 11 at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw, MI. He is survived by his wife, Cathy as well as his three sons, Miles, Trevor and Logan.

James Polcyn '69 of Canton died December 20, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Beverly.

Faye Postma '68 of Grand Rapids passed away at the age of 96 on August 5, 2017. She is survived by her children, Ralph, Lynn, Barb, Rog, Sherry and George.

Kenneth Reid '71 of Cedarville died July 31, 2017 at the age of 71. Ken was a member of the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, during which time he served abroad in the Vietnam War. Ken is survived by his sons, Jeffrey and Todd.

Earl Riordan '71 of Sault Ste Marie passed away November 29, 2017 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and sons, Daniel, Paul and Richard.

Denise Siegwart '00 of Sault Ste. Marie died August 17, 2017 at the age of 60. A born teacher, Denise taught at the high school and college levels. She is survived by her companion, Eric Cooper, and children, Catherine Chaput, Nathaniel Siegwart, Rebecca Bosse and Travis Siegwart.

John Stafford '91 of Petoskey passed away on February 22 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital. He served in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his daughters, Jan and Jen.

Jerry Foster '56 of Hessel died October 13, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Foster and children Keith, Scott, Patrick, Karen and Pamela.

Carl Vert '58 of Glendale, Ariz. passed away on December 17, 2017 at Banner Thunderbird Hospital. He was a proud U.S Army Medic from 1953 to 1954. He enjoyed a successful career as a parole officer in Lansing until retiring in 1992. Carl is survived by his daughter Julie and his son, Kenneth.

Kirk White '90 of Eureka, Calif. died June 19, 2017 at the Lund Family Hospice Home in Gilbert, Ariz. He received an MBA from LSSU and enjoyed a successful career as the general manager of Bayshore Mall in Eureka, CA. Kirk was also part of the board of directors for the Eureka area Chamber of Commerce and the Humboldt District Fire Department. He is survived by his parents, William and Margaret White, and his sister, Julie Venus.

Francis "Frank" Lee Wood of Sault Ste. Marie died February 22 at the age of 84 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. He volunteered his time at LSSU, helping the Campus Life and Housing Office. He was a true Laker, known throughout campus as "Dad." He is survived by his two daughters, Sharmay and Sharla Wood, who are both LSSU alumni.