Obituaries

June 17, 2025

King Holmes, 1937–2025

Dr. King K. Holmes fought stigma to turn the study of sexually transmitted infections into a respected field of research.

May 14, 2025

Martha Silano, 1961–⁠2025

Martha Silano, who died May 5 after living with A.L.S. for two years, delighted in the natural world.

March 18, 2025

David Bonderman, 1942–2024

David Bonderman’s all-expenses-paid travel fellowships enable UW students to broaden their cultural horizons.

January 21, 2025

A man in a purple polo shirt and jeans swings on a swingset at a playground.

John Jaech, 1929–2025

A legend in the world of nuclear materials safety, John Jaech was also a sports fan and watercolor enthusiast.

December 9, 2024

A scan of an old photograph shows a young Don Pember in a white shirt and black tie, smiling and leaning casually against his desk.

Don Pember, 1939–2024

Professor Don Pember was a favorite of communication students.

December 6, 2024

The life and times of Dan Evans

A rare pragmatist who never compromised his values, Evans bettered the world as a senator, governor, community-college builder and champion of the environment.

Ruth Gerberding, 1931–2024

Ruth Gerberding was well-known by the UW community for her wit and style.

November 7, 2024

Frank Irigon, 1947–2024

Irigon, who has been a prominent activist since his time at the UW, is remembered for his passion for culture and community.

October 29, 2024

Mike Katell, 1965–2024

Katell left his mark on Seattle's arts community and fought for ethics in artificial intelligence.

September 13, 2024

Ron Simons, 1960–2024

A Broadway actor and producer, Simons staged works by and about people of color.

August 29, 2024

Three women in UW garb wave to the camera in a vintage photograph

Never forget the Huskies

UW Magazine editor Jon Marmor reflects on two tragedies from September 2001.

June 4, 2024

Farewell to the founders

The University of Washington honors Eddie Walker, Eddie Demmings, E.J. Brisker and Lee Leavy, trailblazing activists who recently died.

May 14, 2024

Susie Tennant, 1962–2024

Susie Tennant was beloved for discovering and promoting bands such as Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Beck.

February 27, 2024

A Black woman sits in an Adirondack chair with her chin resting on a fist.

Colleen McElroy, 1935-2023

Colleen McElroy, 1935-2024, was the first Black woman to be promoted to a full professorship at the UW.

February 24, 2024

A close up of a woman smiling in a vintage family photo

Nancy Bell Evans, 1933-2024

Nancy Bell Evans was an inspiration to UW students as well as one of the University’s biggest supporters.

November 29, 2023

Ann Streissguth, 1932-2023

Ann Streissguth made a name for herself after publishing an article describing what became known as fetal alcohol syndrome.

October 6, 2023

A hungry tiger fights best

Toshio Akamatsu began his career as a member of John Bonica's legendary team of pain management experts. Akamatsu died this year at the age of 89.

September 2, 2023

Joy-filled career

Former UW drama professor Aurora Valentinetti’s indelible impact still delights us today.

June 4, 2023

A protector of children

Carol Lace Jenkins dedicated her career to helping parents and guardians.

May 29, 2023

Lifesaving ideas

Dr. Leonard Cobb, a UW professor in the 1960s, devoted his career to lifesaving initiatives like Seattle’s Medic One paramedic program.