The Memorial Wall

Otis Pousson was the type of kid who — brown as a berry — chased the sun all summer long.

Nicknamed "Odie Oatmeal" or just “O," he hiked and played games from dawn till dusk. He swam and biked. He roared around town on his skateboard.

Periodically, bones were broken.

Yet center stage for Pousson was the diving board at Barton Springs Pool. Untrained, he appeared to fly, flip and skip above the water's surface like a dragonfly. He won trophies and medals for his efforts.

"Otis was an Austin legend and a good man," posted Zada Owens on a public tribute Facebook page after Pousson's death on May 2 at age 52. "This seems small to some, but we grew up diving off that board. If you ever visited Barton and saw a bunch of punks, hippies and skaters, he was probably the leader of that pack."

Now friends and family are circulating a petition at Change.org to name the diving board at Barton Springs Pool after Pousson. They have secured more than 1,100 signatures so far.

Pousson, who worked at Whole Foods for years before becoming a master electrician and, finally, inspector for city of Austin construction at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 51. Experts estimate he had gone undiagnosed for 10 to 15 years

Bruce Richard McGrath, 71, died Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at his Denver home with his family by his side after a 13-year battle with Parkinson’s.

Bruce was born December 21, 1952, in Portsmouth, Virginia to Forrest and Patricia McGrath. His family moved to Denver in 1954. Bruce loved spending his life in Denver and Vail. He was an avid skier and car enthusiast who enjoyed racing cars. He was also passionate about biking and playing golf at Cherry Hills Country Club.

In 1976, Bruce graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Business. Prior to that, Bruce graduated in 1972 from Kent Denver School / Denver Country Day. Bruce was a member of several organizations including Young Presidents Organization and YPO Gold Rocky Mountain. Bruce bought Elder Equipment in 1986 and started Canyon State Bus Sales in 2004, which he owned and operated until 2020.

Bruce was a longstanding philanthropist in his community. Bruce was passionate about supporting education with generous support to Kent Denver School and UC Health Anschutz. Bruce proudly served cumulatively 18 years on the Board of Trustees at Kent Denver School. He also loved animals and supported the Denver Zoo and the Dumb Friends League.

Bruce is survived by his son, Michael (Hadley) McGrath and grandsons, Grayson McGrath and Conrad McGrath; sisters Ann Peña, Lindsey (Tom) McGrath and Tracey McGrath.

Bruce will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his love for his family and friends, and his endless generosity.

Judith Oppenheimer, an award-winning author, journalist, teacher and great wit, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 1, in Northwest Baltimore. She was 82.

Judy was born to Jeanne and Ralph Altman at Columbia Women’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 1942. She lived on Simms Place in Northeast D.C., a diverse and lively neighborhood, until she was 9, when her parents moved the family to the Northern Virginia suburbs.

In 1959, Judy graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, and majored in American Studies at George Washington University, graduating in 1963.

She then began a long career in journalism, landing a job at The Washington Post as a “copy girl” that led to a Post internship, both positions that generally went in those days to white male graduates of Ivy League schools.

Judy became a reporter at the Post before taking a job at the Philadelphia Daily News in 1966. There, she worked as a film critic and was one of only two women reporters on staff.

Judy met and married Jerry Oppenheimer, an investigative reporter at the Daily News. After their first son, Jesse, was born in 1969, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Jerry got a job with the Evening Star.

Over the years, Judy’s writing for the Village Voice, Washingtonian, the Washington Post Magazine, Salon, The Forward, Moment and other publications earned numerous awards.

As a reporter and senior editor for the Baltimore Jewish Times, she traveled to Argentina to cover the aftermath of the 1994 terrorist attack on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. She also wrote a cover story about Henrietta Szold when the Jewish Museum of Maryland presented an exhibition of the pioneering Zionist leader’s life and work in April of 1995, as well as a profile of Holocaust survivor, author and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel.

“Judy was truly a journalist’s journalist and a one-of-a-kind human being,” said Jmore Editor-in-Chief Alan Feiler, who worked closely with Oppenheimer at the Jewish Times. “She didn’t mince words and called it like she saw it, but she was a person with a big heart and a love of life and family and people. She also was hysterical and loved to laugh. So many people loved her.”

Judy could turn the most mundane assignment into a lively read. As editor of the Montgomery County Advertiser, she brought sharp and amusing writing to a free suburban newspaper.

Judy’s writing also reflected her profound emotional intelligence. In a tribute to her late cousin, feminist and cultural critic Ellen Willis that appeared on the First of the Month website, she wrote about how important it was for the two of them to sit close to one another:  “I guess it was a way of saying without words, You know how much I’ve always loved you, don’t you? You know how important you’ve always been to me, right? How much I’ll miss you, forever.”

In 1989, Judy’s first book, “Private Demons” (Ballantine), a literary biography of writer Shirley Jackson, received a glowing review in the New York Times Book Review. More than the acclaim, though, Judy said her biggest thrill came from researching and writing the book.

Her second book, “Dreams of Glory” (Summit Books), published in 1991, chronicled a season in her son Toby’s high school football team.

In the late 1990s, Judy entered a master’s program designed for journalists interested in teaching at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she taught four classes per semester while carrying a full course load and earning a 4.0 grade point average. She was a natural teacher who loved working with students.

Judy loved good writing of all kinds and was an ardent advocate of  direct, economic, un-showy prose. With her sharp insights and sharper wit, she was an engaging conversationalist who listened carefully and lived for laughter.

She was devoted to being an extraordinary writer, but more importantly, a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and friend.

Apart from some short interludes in Philadelphia and Baltimore, she lived her entire life in the D.C. area.

Judy is survived by her sons, Jesse and Toby; her grandchildren, Max, Louise and Julien; her sister, Ida; her nephew, Koby; her daughter-in-law, Josee; and a handful of loyal, amazing friends who stuck by her side until the end. 

Judy was predeceased by her parents and sister, Deborah Altman. She will be laid to rest next to Deborah at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Lai, Richard Joseph, 68, of Bethpage passed away April 30, 2024. Beloved husband of almost 40 years to Bogumila. Loving father of Thomas (Amanda) and Allison (Gregory Wittenburg). Adored grandfather of John and Thomas. Dear brother of William (Laura). Retired software engineer and well-recognized published author, noted for his insightful scholarship, brilliant storytelling, and encyclopedic knowledge in pulp and adventure fiction. While he enjoyed film, reading, and writing, his greatest love was his family. He cherished any time spent with friends and family and was a compassionate and doting father and grandfather. Rick will be remembered as a deeply peaceful, kind, and generous soul whose presence will be greatly missed by those fortunate to have known him.

Charles William Lamb, PhD, whose career as a clinical psychologist in Cooperstown spanned over five decades, passed away following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease in the early-morning hours of Monday, April 29, 2024 at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown with family by his side. He was 86.

Born March 29, 1938 in Englewood, New Jersey, Charlie was a son of Charles Lamb and Justine (Clay) Lamb. He spent his early years in Englewood and later in West Winfield, New York, where he learned to love basketball, golf, and the outdoors. Charlie enjoyed spending his summers working as a camp counselor and vacationing in Lake Placid. The family moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he met Lois Ann Deppen. They married in 1957 and together, they started their family. Charlie graduated from Oberlin College in 1963. After earning his PhD in clinical psychology from The Ohio State University in 1966, Charlie became the director of psychology at Columbus State Hospital. From 1968-69, he was an assistant professor of psychology at SUNY Buffalo. In 1969, the family moved to Cooperstown when Charlie became the chief psychologist at Bassett Hospital.

In 1978, Charlie married Barbara Jorgensen. Theirs was a love story for the ages, and he remained devoted to Barbara through his final days. He was an avid boater, and meticulously cared for their wooden boat, Lambcruiser. Together, Barbara and Charlie cruised Otsego Lake, enjoying sunsets, nature, and all creatures great and small. Charlie was passionate about golf and was a regular at Leatherstocking Golf Course, where he took great pleasure in walking the course while joking with his friends. He loved folk music, and enjoyed the sing-alongs at Woodside Hall with Barbara by his side.

After 29 years, Charlie retired from Bassett in 1997 and opened an independent practice in clinical psychology. Charlie retired again in 2018 at the age of 80. An avid reader and writer, Charlie published numerous articles in professional journals. From 1997-2000, he also wrote a weekly column, “Lamb’s Tales,” for “The Freeman’s Journal.”

Charlie is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara, of Cooperstown; daughter Susan Lamb and husband Clif Buell of Apalachicola, Florida; son William Lamb and wife Laura Bliss Lamb of Cooperstown; a brother, David (Vickie) Lamb; nieces Tricia (Michael) McElfresh and Lisa (Scott) Stuart; great-nephew Casey McElfresh; and great-nieces Ivy McElfresh, Anya Stuart, and Brynn Stuart, all of Clyde, Ohio. He was predeceased by his parents.

Charlie often spoke of one’s ability to raise or lower the temperature in a room simply by entering it. To all those who lowered the temperature—the expert caregivers at Bassett, the compassionate team at Woodside Hall, the helping hands from Helios Care, and loving family and friends who supported us over the last three months—we are forever grateful.

June 28, 1936 - April 28, 2024 Gary O. Concoff, 87, of Los Angeles, California, passed away on April 28, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
Born June 28, 1936, to Evelyn and Nathan Concoff, Gary played centerfield at Los Angeles High School and went on to study Accounting at UCLA and received a JD from Harvard Law School.

In 1962, Gary returned to Los Angeles where he began a successful career in Entertainment Law which remained his passion for the next five decades. His broad knowledge spanned topics including litigation, corporate law, bankruptcy, intellectual property, accounting, and personal service agreements. He adeptly guided his clients through the risks inherent to their business and creative endeavors. He was among the first to recognize and develop the field of international co-production. Gary was generous in sharing his time and knowledge with subsequent generations of Entertainment Attorneys including his instrumental roles in founding and nurturing the growth of the UCLA Entertainment Symposium. He took particular pride in the many successes of those he mentored.

Also in 1962, Gary met the love of his life, Jean Fogelman. They were married the following year, a loving union that lasted the 62 years until his death. They had two children, Cory and Andy. Gary valued love for his family above all else. First as a son and brother, and later as a husband, father, and grandfather, Gary delighted in spending time with his family, reminiscing at Sunday gatherings, and providing earnest and sage guidance and encouragement. Those of us lucky enough to benefit from Gary's love felt cherished, supported, and empowered.

He loved supporting the interests of his sons and grandchildren, attending their games, recitals, and other performances. With the family home aptly situated beyond the centerfield fence, he was a prominent contributor to the Golden Age of Rustic Canyon Park Sports. Gary was an avid supporter of UCLA athletics and an ardent fan of the San Francisco Giants.

Gary is survived by Jean, sons Cory and Andy, Andy's wife Simone, grandchildren Eden, Sydney, and Quintin, as well as his sisters Laurie and Robbi and their families.

Patricia Curry Davis, of Atlanta, and Highlands, NC, and known to her friends as Pat, died on April 27, 2024, from the long-term effects of Parkinson's Disease. She had lived with Parkinson's for more than 12 years, valiantly dealing with the symptoms and moving forward with her life with courage. She was born on November 8, 1939, to Clarence Ellie and Annabel Dees Curry in Reidsville, Georgia. She was an excellent student and left Reidsville High School after her junior year to matriculate at Mars Hills, then a junior college. She completed her degree at Emory University, graduating in 1960 with a degree in accounting. The Big 8 accounting firms at the time were not hiring women on the professional staff, so she joined Sowell and Harden, a local Atlanta firm. When she was awarded her CPA certificate in 1966, she was the only woman in Georgia to receive one that year. She was always a woman ahead of her time.

She married Charlton Lee Davis, her Mars Hill classmate, in 1960, and they had a long and happy partnership, both in life and in business. After a move to Valdosta, she and Charlie had their own CPA practice which served much of the area. She was and remained on technology's cutting edge. An early adapter of computers in the office, she was tapped by IBM to speak nationally on the value of computers for small businesses and travelled the country to do so. She carried her Palm Pilot with her at all times, long before the rest of us used hand-held technology. That comfort with tech continued to the end with her use of her Apple watch.

While raising her children and practicing accounting, she was also deeply involved in the Valdosta community, serving on the board of the Valwood School which her children attended, and as a board member of the Georgia Conservancy. Pat was a serious gardener and proponent of native plants. At Canterbury Court, where she spent the last 12 years of her life, she was a leader of a group of resident gardeners who built a bog garden on the property and was always consulted for her gardening expertise. She and Charlie were also expert birders and travelled the country to see birds in their native habitat or to see extraordinary migrations, such as the Sandhill cranes on the Platte River in Nebraska.

She was predeceased by Charlie, who died in 2012, as well as by her parents, and a younger sister, Mary Ann, who died in childhood. She is survived by her two children Charlton Lee Davis, Jr. of Marietta, GA, and Holly Schmidt-Davis (Jon) of Pine Lake, GA; and one grandchild, Audrey Schmidt-Davis, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her brother, James L. Curry of Atlanta; his wife, Ann; and their children and grandchildren, all of whom loved Aunt Pat.
 

Michael Harold Guth (79) born February 6, 1943, in Manhattan, KS, United States, passed away April 27, 2022 due to complications of Parkinson's Disease. He resided in Indio, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Coachella, California. Michael served in the United States Navy for 20 years retiring as a Commander. After his military career he had many building interests which included building energy efficient homes, large motor yachts, motorhomes and an airplane. He was active in the following orgaizations: Bus N Bikers and FMCA 4-Wheelers. He is survived by two brothers, Steve (Eloy, AZ) and John (Alma, KS), a sister, Patty Stuewe (Alma, KS), wife, Marcia, and sons Michael J. Guth (Kimberly Guth) and Darren S. Guth. 

On the evening of April 24, 2024, Debra Helene Pressman peacefully passed away in her home, surrounded by loved ones. At age 70, after 20 years of managing Parkinson's Disease symptoms, Debra died from the natural progression of the disease. Through to the end of her life, Debra maintained her humor, grace, spunk, and loving, gracious heart. May we remember her timeless essence this way.

Debra is survived by her husband Daniel Shifflett, who has provided her with abundant love, care, and adventure since they met in 2003. Together, they enjoyed being outdoors, walking, kayaking, traveling, listening to music, cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. They were married in 2010 and created a warm, welcoming, and colorful home in a forested neighborhood in Charlottesville. Daniel dedicated himself to ensuring Debbie had paramount love, care, and comfort throughout her illness.

Debra is deeply adored and missed by all who love her, especially her three grown children, Rachel, Sam, and Will Gimbel; their respective spouses, Graham "Ocean" Huff, Taylor Blakin, and Jenny Horn Gimbel; and her two grandchildren, Andros and Avishai. She is also survived and deeply missed by her sisters, Mindy and Lisa, her nephew Lucas, and her nieces Risa and Miriam.

Debra Pressman was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 19, 1953, to her late parents, Stanley Pressman and Ritalee Woronoff. Her mother passed away when she was 8 years old and her father married Charlotte Bomstein, who raised her and her four siblings.

Debbie studied at the University of Virginia and received a degree in Speech Pathology. While living in Charlottesville, Debbie met Woodrow Gimbel. They moved to Baltimore to be close to the Pressman family, where they married and had three children. They later moved their young family back to Charlottesville and fostered their baby nephew Lucas after the tragic passing of Debbie's sister, Ilene. A dedicated and fiercely loving mother, Debbie raised four children with a commitment to health, education, social justice, loving-kindness, integrity, and unwavering heart-guided values. When the kids were older, she joined the team at ScholarOne, a local software company, and mastered many new skills working with editors and staff of scholarly journals. She retired in 2010 when her Parkinson's symptoms made it difficult to work.

Loved by many dear friends, they knew her to be caring and generous; down-to-earth and fun, with a playful and dry sense of humor; committed to justice and integrity; creative, with a keen eye for beauty and style; vastly intelligent and always seeking to learn new skills; and a voracious reader. Debbie enjoyed many rich years of gardening, making jewelry, pottery, photography, cooking, running long distances, hiking, traveling, and writing.

Providing service as a community leader and educator, Debbie was a founding member of Chevrei Tzedek, a Jewish congregation in Baltimore; founding organizer of a local Parkinson's support group; active member of the Parkinson's Action Network and Michael J. Fox Foundation; and a passionate natural childbirth education instructor.

Debra was an inspiration and support to those whose lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing. May the One who brings Peace and Love to the Universe bring Peace and Love to us all. Amen.

Reginald "Reggie" Paul Wicks, 79, wrestling coach and professor at the Naval Academy, passed away peacefully on April 24 of Parkinson's and Lyme's Disease at his home in Crownsville, Md.

A native Iowan from Decorah, Wicks attended Decorah High School where he met Linda Grinna, his future bride and wife of 55 years.  

Wicks had a distinguished career in wrestling.  He was a four-year letter winner in high school and was twice named team MVP.  He was a Northeast Iowa Conference Champion at 154 pounds in 1963.  In 1964, he was a district champion at 154 pounds and finished second at the state championship, finishing with a 19-2 record.  

Wrestling for Iowa State University under head coach Harold Nichols, Wicks was a three-time conference place winner and a three-time NCAA qualifier.  In 1968, Wicks won the NCAA National Championship at 160 lbs and earned All-American distinction.  Wicks, who was also the Iowa State team captain in 1968, finished his career with a 44-12-4 record with six of his losses coming by two points or less.

His coaching career started as an assistant coach at Mankato State from 1969-1971, where he also earned his master's degree.  Wicks earned his first head coaching job in 1971, where he served for four years and coached two All-Americans.

Wicks coached for 28 years at the Naval Academy, assisting Ed Peery from 1974-1987, before taking the reins of the program from 1987-2000.  During his time as the head coach in Annapolis, the Midshipmen were 175-60-5, winning the EIWA tournament in 1990 and finishing second four times (1988, 1991, 1992 and 1994). Wicks coached 17 EIWA champions, 35 NCAA qualifiers and six NCAA place winners at Navy. He was the EIWA Coach of the Year in 1990. Wicks was 10-1-2 against Army. 

Wicks retired from coaching in 2000 with a career record of 200-80-6. 

Wicks was inducted in several Hall of Fames: Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame (1998), National Wrestling Coaches Association, 25 years award, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2001) for Life Service, Iowa High School Hall of Fame (2005), and Iowa State University Hall of Fame (2016).  After retirement from coaching, Wicks continued as a full professor at the USNA until 2010.  He also remained active within both the national and local wrestling community.  Wicks enjoyed working in his garden, traveling, and spending time with his family and Jack Russell Terriers.

Reg will be lovingly remembered by his high school sweetheart, Linda Wicks, his three children: Michelle (John) Kapral, Port Orange, Florida, Paul (Melissa) Wicks, Brookeville, MD, Russell (Trine) Wicks, Odenton, MD; six grandchildren: Mackenzie Kapral, Aidan Kapral, Brennan Wicks, Grant Wicks, Mason Wicks and Noah Wicks.  He is survived by his maternal aunt, Dorothy Denner. Reg's siblings: Joan Wicks (2002), Charlotte (Richard 2020) Ball, Allan (Janenne 1985/1985), Wes Wicks, Ray (Cathy) Wicks, Wayne (Pam) Wicks. In-laws, John (Cheryl 2017/2015) Grinna, Mimi (Dennis) Wilkins, Jim (Londa) Grinna; many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and wrestlers.

The family would like to deeply thank Dr. Bill Vickers, Vida Amoaka, OT, PT and the Gilchrist Hospice staff for their dedication and care of Reg and the family.