In-memoriam tributes for our colleagues
Celebrating the lives and legacies of those who shaped Portland Community College.
At PCC, our greatest strength has always been our people. This space is dedicated to remembering the faculty, staff, and retirees who dedicated their careers to student success and community growth. Though they are no longer with us, their impact remains woven into the fabric of our campuses.
We invite colleagues, friends, and former students to help us keep these legacies alive. If you would like to notify the college of a passing or share a tribute for a departed colleague, please use the In-Memoriam of our PCC Colleagues form. Names will be listed by year of passing in alphabetical order by last name – last, first (job title, department) – and photos are optional.
In-memorianms
2026
Benjamin, William
June 8, 1953 – April 2, 2026
Bill began teaching at PCC in 2009, where he helped improve the Fire Protection Technology Program.
Mayer, Ruth Lynn
January 29, 1937 – March 20, 2026
Lynn taught at PCC for 28 years and retired in 1999. She also volunteered with the Portland Community College Foundation.
Swanson, Barbara Jean
January 31, 1941 – February 25, 2026
Before retiring, Barbara served for a decade as the PCC director of libraries and instructional support. She oversaw the design and construction of PCC’s four campus libraries and helped to introduce web technology to PCC’s instructional programs.
2025
Berdahl, Angela Lia
April 17, 1964 – August 16, 2025
Angie taught literature at PCC, especially Shakespeare, until she retired. She also served as a Dean.
Dozono, Robert
October 21, 1941 – April 24, 2025
Robert taught basic design, watercolor, and life drawing at PCC until his retirement in 2001. He chaired the art department and was very involved in the union, working to secure health care benefits for part-time faculty.
Fiser, Donald
Passed April 20, 2025
Don taught history at PCC, where he also assisted Amo DeBernardis in creating new programs and held many roles, from Dean to Vice President, until his retirement.
Monnier, Milton Herbert
January 20, 1935 – June 25, 2025
Milton developed the Microelectronics Technology for Technicians program at PCC in 1983, and taught for several years.
Stout, David Forrest
April 5, 1951 – September 6, 2025
Dave spent sixteen years as Dean of English and World Languages at PCC, retiring in 2017.
Wiley, Doreen Gandy
June 16, 1927 – June 2, 2025
Doreen taught ESOL courses, English composition, and creative writing at PCC.
Wimmer, Bob
Bob began teaching German at PCC in 1963, during the college’s initial year in Shattuck Hall, and was instrumental in developing the college’s Modern Language department and study abroad programs. He then taught at Sylvania for 30 years. Together with his husband, Howard Butzer, Bob has given scholarships to underrepresented students at PCC, especially those who are active in the Multicultural Center or Queer Resource Center, and those with a focus on music or theater arts.
2023
Deeds, Leanna May
March 11, 1947 – April 27, 2023
Leanna worked at PCC for 41 years, beginning in 1972, as both a secretary for the Office of Students with Disabilities at Sylvania and later as a receptionist and Information Clerk at Cascade. She ended her career at Sylvania, working as a switchboard operator until her retirement in 2013.
Pre-2023
Gleason-Bopp, Donna Marie
March 13, 1938 – December 31, 2022
Donna worked at PCC as an administrative assistant at Rock Creek until she retired in 2003.
Supporting our community
When we lose a colleague, the loss is felt in our classrooms, our breakrooms, and our shared goals. We encourage all members of the PCC family to prioritize their well-being and reach out for support.
Immediate support resources
For many, the workplace is where the reality of a loss first hits. We have compiled these resources to ensure no one has to navigate these feelings alone.
| Resource type | Provider | Access information |
|---|---|---|
| PCC Employee Assistance (EAP) | Canopy | Confidential 24/7 counseling for staff and their families. Call 800-433-2320. |
| Crisis text line | National | Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. |
| On-campus support | PCC Counseling | Available for students and faculty impacted by the loss of an instructor. |