Two Former Professors Mourned

Robert Deery, professor emeritus of physics, Lois Smithwick ‘47, a former assistant professor of health and physical education at Lewis & Clark

Robert Deery, professor emeritus of physics, died December 30, 2005, several months after suffering a stroke.

Deery served as a faculty member at Lewis & Clark for nearly 30 years. Before coming to the College, he earned his baccalaureate and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington and completed a four-year postdoctoral program at the California Institute of Technology. An active researcher and a master lecturer, Deery played a significant role in advancing the development of physics at the College.

During his retirement years, he was a faithful member of the Wednesday lunch group of faculty emeriti, who meet in the Trail Room in Templeton Student Center.

Survivors include his wife, Marcheta; daughter, Joyce Kordan; son, Kenneth; and four grandchildren.

Lois Smithwick ‘47, a former assistant professor of health and physical education at Lewis & Clark, died December 23, 2005, of natural causes.

After completing graduate study, Smithwick taught at Roseberg High School and the University of Nevada. In 1957, she returned to Lewis & Clark, where she taught a variety of athletics activities. One of her most important roles was establishing and promoting the Women’s Conference of Independent Colleges. She retired in 1980.

As a tribute to Smithwick, the College presents an annual award bearing her name to the female athlete of the year.

Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen Kerron, and two grandchildren.