In Memoriam, Fall 2017

Robert “Bob” Ringo JD ’51 passed away on April 5, 2017, at the age of 92. Born in Spokane, Washington, on August 18, 1924, Bob moved with his family to Portland as a young child. He joined the Army Air Corps as soon as he graduated high school, becoming a commissioned flight officer and fighting in World War II as a bombardier in the 95th Bomb Squadron, 17th Bomb Group. Bob received several medals and honors, and was named Veteran of the Year in 2010. Following his service, Bob attended the University of Oregon, where he also began his legal education. He transferred to Northwestern School of Law in order to assist his mother, who lived in Portland. Shortly after graduating, he began a law practice in Corvallis while also working part- time as a deputy assistant attorney. Bob had a long and distinguished career as a trial attorney, developing a respected law firm that grew to its current formation of Ringo, Stuber, Ensor, Hadlock & Smith PC. He also served as president of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, was named Oregon Trial Lawyer of the Year, and served on many boards, including the Oregon State Board of Bar Governors and the American Board of Trial Advocates. An active philanthropist, Bob supported many causes. Closest to his heart was the Good Samaritan Hospital, for which he led the governing and foundation boards and which he helped to provide free mental health care to local veterans. Bob was a devoted family man and lived life to the fullest. He is survived by four of his five children: Molly, Charlie, Julie, and Mary Ellen. He is preceded in death by his son Robert Irvin, who died in 2011; his first wife, Kathryn Reese, to whom he was married for 37 years, and who passed in 1989; and his second wife, Jane Crider, to whom he was married for 20 years, and who passed in 2013.

Henry Smith Kane JD ’61 died January 11, 2017. He was 90 years old. Born in New York City, Henry served in the Army during World War II before earning a BS from the University of Oregon. He switched to law after working as a reporter for The Dalles Chronicle and the Oregon Journal. Henry then served as an Oregon assistant attorney general before going into private practice. Henry was married for 47 years to Dorothy Jeanne Kane, who died in 1997. Two of their sons, Mark and James, also preceded Henry in death. Henry is survived by his son John, three grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren.

Bernard “Bernie” Caplan JD ’62 passed away on August 27, 2016. Born in Portland on June 14, 1933, to Philip and Tillie Caplan, Bernie attended Alameda Grade School and Grant High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science before serving in the Army for two years. Following law school, Bernie clerked for Judge Alfred Sulmonetti and Judge Gus Solomon, namesake of a federal courthouse in downtown Portland. He also worked for his father and uncle at the family business, Caplan Sport Shop, before enjoying a long and satisfying career as a federal customs inspector. Bernie wed Nancy Braunstein in 1965. Their marriage was ended by her untimely death in 2001. Bernie later found love with Nancy Davidson Shaw, who passed away earlier this year. Bernie will be missed for his good nature, sense of humor, and generous spirit. He is survived by his sons, Craig and Jeff; daughter-in-law, Susie; granddaughter, Natalie; brothers Robert and Barry; eight nieces and nephews; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

John “JP” Powers JD ’74 On the morning of February 10, 2017, John “JP” Powers lost his valiant fight with acute myeloid leukemia. He passed away at home in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his beloved wife, Charlotte, by his side. JP was born to Opal and Clifford Powers on April 28, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1967 and completed his undergraduate degree at Occidental College in 1971. JP then moved to the Pacific Northwest for law school. He was one of the youngest individuals ever admitted to the Oregon State Bar. JP worked for two county district attorney offices in Oregon before he opened his own Portland law practice, which specialized in DUI defense and personal injury cases. He brought great compassion to his work and was driven to help others. Honored to represent his clients, JP also assisted them with finding serenity in their lives, including through introduction to AA. Devoted to sports from an early age, JP had a lifelong love for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His greatest passion as he grew older was golf. He even considered becoming a professional player. At the time of his passing, he had amassed almost 50 putters in his quest for perfection. JP will be forever missed for his quick wit, his disco dance moves, his sense of humor, his love for his family and friends, and the fullness with which he lived every day. He was devoted to Charlotte and to the children they each brought to their marriage—Sarah, Ben, Lindsey, and Mike. JP brought light into their lives, as well as those of their partners, his grandchildren, and his sister Linda and her family.

Terence “Terry” James Yamada JD ’75 passed away at home in the presence of his family September 11, 2017, due to complications caused by cancer. Terry was born May 20, 1950, in Ontario, Oregon. He grew up on his family’s farm in Parma, Idaho, where he pursued judo, wrestling, football, and drumming in school. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1972. A respected member of the Oregon, Idaho, and Washington State Bars, Terry practiced law for more than 40 years, primarily at Anderson and Yamada, P.C. He was dedicated to both personal and professional integrity, lifelong education, and helping others. Terry served with the Japanese American Citizens League and was instrumental in the redress for families who were interned during WWII. He served as legal counsel to the Japanese Ancestral Society, assisting with the Nikkei Community Project and Rose City Cemetery. He also founded the holiday assistance program at Epworth United Methodist Church, and assisted with their Worship Council and annual bazaar. Terry is survived by his mother, siblings, and children.

Steven Mitchell Carpenter BA ’77, JD ’91 Steven Mitchell Carpenter died July 16, 2016, after a short illness. He was 61 years old. Steven was born April 8, 1955, in Miles City, Montana. He attended The Dalles High School in Oregon. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in French, he worked as the assistant regional director of public affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland. He then earned a JD, following which he worked in private practice, focusing on products liability and professional malpractice defense. Steven joined the Professional Liability Fund (PLF) as a claims attorney in 2000. He spoke and wrote widely on lawyer liability issues, but will be most remembered for his compassion for lawyers facing malpractice claims. Throughout his professional career, Steven made many friends and enjoyed working with many wonderful colleagues. A former member of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Steven was an avid supporter of all the arts. His passions included cooking, traveling (especially to France), and his Dobermans. Steven is survived by his parents, Don and Juanita Carpenter; his brothers, Mike and Lynn Carpenter; nephew Kyle Carpenter, with his wife Jennifer and their son Conley; nephew Cory Carpenter, with his wife Karyn; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as countless friends.

Katherine S. Somervell JD ’95 died peacefully in the company of her family February 17, 2017, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer. Katherine was born August 6, 1963. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia before she entered law school. Katherine served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court and enjoyed a 20-year career in employment law with Bullivant Houser Bailey PC. She also served on the Portland Baroque Orchestra’s board of directors. Her colleagues noted she provided her clients with creative yet pragmatic solutions designed to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and minimize exposure to litigation or investigation. She was highly respected for her skills as an attorney, her quick wit and sharp mind, and her generous spirit. Katherine is survived by her husband, son Conor, daughter Emma, and sister Emily.

Todd Eugene French JD ’12 died unexpectedly September 26, 2017, in Portland. Todd was born April 15, 1967, to Gayle Arbutus (Sewell) and Philip Eugene French in Traverse City, Missouri. He married Kimberly Ann Fife on August 5, 1989. Together, they raised two talented, much-beloved sons. Todd received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree and doctorate in physics from the University of Illinois. After an 11-year career in medical technology, he earned a JD and became a patent attorney with Dascenzo Intellectual Property Law. Todd’s impressive credentials pale in comparison to the fullness of his personal life and interests. He was an active member of Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, avid outdoorsman, devoted bowler, and wine enthusiast. He was a consummate student and teacher, sharing himself in countless ways. Most importantly, his life overflowed with spirit of kindness, generosity, and deep love for family. Todd didn’t demand anything, but he inspired much: respect, laughter and love. He also refused to wear socks. Todd is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, Kimberly; sons Coel Alexander and Connor Chase; siblings Tim French, Tammi DiRenzo, and Tracy French, as well as their spouses; sister-in-law Tracy Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.