Lambda Chi Alpha - Oregon State University

James 'Jim' W. Thornton '56-675 June 12, 1931 – January 31, 2022 Richland, Washington Jim a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on January 31, 2022, surrounded by his family in Richland, WA. Jim grew up in Klamath Falls, OR. After graduating from Klamath Falls High School, he entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at bases (along with his twin brother) in the southeastern Pacific during the Korean War. Later, Jim was part of the Strategic Air Command stationed in Missouri and Colorado. After his Air Force service, Jim attended Oregon State and joined ΛXA. He graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1959. In 1976, Jim earned an MBA from the University of Washington. After graduating from Oregon State, he was employed by General Electric with assignments in New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, and California. While working at Hanford Jim was employed by General Electric, Battelle, and Westinghouse Hanford Company. He retired in 1995 after working 35 years in Nuclear Energy Research and Development. Jim was a community volunteer—coaching youth basketball and softball teams, mentoring young entrepreneurs and serving as a board member of the Catholic Family and Child Service organization. He also held leadership roles with GESA Credit Union, SCORE Chair and Relay for Life. Jim loved traveling, family gatherings, and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and especially loved yearly hunting trips with his sons, brothers, nephews, and friends. Those who had the honor to know Jim knew him as kind, caring, welcoming, and a gentle soul. Col. Robert 'Bob' E. Tschan '61-734 September 6, 1942 – January 4, 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada Bob passed away in Las Vegas, NV on January 4, 2021. His wife Dee passed away a few months prior. They are survived by their sons Rob and Scott. Waldemar Schmidt '60-728 wrote: I remember Bob as an ardent NROTC cadet—all else was dross. He was a good man and a faithful patriot who put his life in danger for us. I am honored to have known him. Mike Courtney '64-744 wrote: Bob was a long-time friend, and fraternity brother. Just learned of his passing. Truly saddened to learn that I won't see him until we meet in Heaven. Blessings to Bob's family. Norman R. 'Rick' Cobb '76-978 June 21, 1957 – August 5, 2023 Dumfries, Virginia Rick passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Rick grew up in Oregon, where he spent his childhood fishing, hiking, clamming, and crabbing on the Oregon Coast. He attended Oregon State and was a member of ΛXA, along with his brother Joe Cobb '74-926. Rick competed for the Beavers wrestling team and was a dedicated fan of all Beaver athletics. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps. His 21-year career as a Marine included deployments to the Western Pacific, Desert Storm, as well as serving as operations officer for the 3rd Marine Division. Rick was a youth soccer coach and active member of his church, where is served as an Elder for 12 years. Rick was known for his sense of humor and sharp wit. He was a history buff, loved traveling and woodworking. He and his wife Gail had been married for nearly 38 years. Their children are Matt, Erin, and Patrick and their grandson is Ryan. John Lars Berquist '90-1315 October 4, 1969 – July 26, 2022 Turner, Oregon John was born in Baker, Oregon—growing up there and later in Beaverton, OR. He graduated from Sunset High School. John attended Oregon State, joined ΛXA and earned degrees in Fisheries & Wildlife and Social Sciences. John and his wife Kristine initially settled in the Corvallis area and began their family with their son John August and daughter Natalie Ann. Later, they lived in McMinnville, OR, then they moved to Turner, OR so that their children could attend Cascade High School. In 2017, they were presented with an opportunity to live abroad, and the family headed to China, where John and Kristine taught English for six months. John was an incredibly loving man, devoted father - always putting others ahead of himself. As a follower of Christ, he truly lived out what he believed. He was gracious and forgiving, always putting love and relationships at the forefront of all his pursuits. John was a connector of people and made deep and lasting relationships. As a storyteller and writer, he was one of three founders of Soma Games in Newberg, OR. He was part of the ministry Bootcamp NW. John's earthly life was tragically cut short by a fatal car accident, but his legacy of ministry continues still. Page 5 Alph a Lambda Re m e m b er s

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