Carolyn Rowland, wife of Rev. Donald Rowland passed away April 18, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Prior to her illness, Carolyn was a dynamic person who carried out the vocation of “pastor’s wife” with loving care and vitality. A memorial service will be held for Carolyn at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Portland, on Saturday May 12th at 10:00am. Condolences may be sent to Rev. Donald Rowland at: Laurelhurst Village, 3060 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97214.
The Rev. Lester (Pete) Soberg, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012. Pete was known for his positive attitude, healthy sense of humor, and bold spirit. A memorial service will be held on Sunday June 17th at 2:00pm at Bethel Congregational UCC, 5150 SW Watson Street, Beaverton, OR. Cards may be sent to Pete’s son, Ronald Soberg, 11333 SW Gaarde Street, Tigard, OR 97224.
A press release from Concordia University:
Dear Members of the Concordia community,
It is with sadness that I share the following news with you. Dr. Richard Johnson, a popular and well regarded part-time Concordia faculty member, passed away late last week. No specific details of his death are available at this time, but early indications point to natural causes.
Dr. Johnson is the son of Rev. Sam and Opal Johnson. Rev. Samuel Johnson was Pastor at Highland United Church of Christ for many years. After his death in 1981, the congregation started a scholarship fund in his name to assist students studying in colleges and universities. Richard’s mother Ms. Opal Johnson (better known in the community as Mother Opal Johnson), who passed away in 2011, was a charismatic leader at Highland and in the Portland community. Mother Opal and Richard provided remarkable leadership to the Sam Johnson Scholarship banquet event. Most recently Richard led the effort that developed the Johnson Scholar’s program at Concordia University.
Richard Johnson was a student affairs leader at several institutions including the University of Kansas. He had been teaching several classes at Concordia, particularly in the College of Theology, Arts & Sciences, including the Sociology of Diversity. Concordia, Highland Christian Center and the Johnson family have formed a robust partnership to serve the NNE African American community in particular and the City of Portland in general through a variety of initiatives. Richard Johnson, a friend to many at CU and so many other organizations, was a talented teacher and a dynamic leader in the higher education community who will be greatly missed.
We share in the sorrow of those who mourn his death, but also share in the joy that Richard is now with his Lord and Savior. This academic year’s final chapel service will occur on Thursday, April 26, 10:30 a.m.- 10:50 a.m., and will be devoted to remembering Dr.Johnson. Thursday’s chapel will be held at St. Michael’s (across from Athletic Field). Dr. Keylah Boyer Frazier and Dr. Charles Kunert will give a short eulogy and message during this time.
The Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Johnson will be held Sunday, April 29th, from 6-9pm in Concordia’s Hagen Campus Center on the 2nd floor (Student Events and Activities Center). This service is open to all to attend. Remembrances, gifts or flowers for the family can be sent to:
Concordia University c/o Keylah Boyer Frazier, 2811 NE Holman Street, Portland, OR 97211.
Students, faculty and staff who wish to have assistance with grieving Dr. Johnson’s passing can contact Concordia’s Counseling Center for assistance.
Please pray for the Johnson family.
Mark Wahlers, Ph.D. ’74 ’76
Provost
Concordia University