George Fox University - L'Ami Yearbook (Newberg, OR)

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A MEMORIAL by Monica Whitham i This fall George Fox College was saddened by the death of one of its students, Debbie Joy Larson. Working for a degree in mathematics, Debbie had managed to maintain good grades while par- ticipating in three sports. She was an integral member of the volleyball team, a center on the basketball squad and the Bruin first baseman in softball. Last year her batting average was .366, in basketball she averaged 7.6 points per game with 7.2 re- bounds and a .380 shooting percen- tage, and in volleyball she was nam- ed to an honorable mention spot in the Women ' s Conference of In- dependent Colleges. Debbie ' s strong, Christian -life witness was an inspiration and en- couragement to all who knew her. Even in her final days in the hospital, her love shined touching the hearts of the hospital staff who came in con- tact with her. Debbie Larson was born on May 21, 1963, in Fallon, Nevada. The daughter of Rev. Ken and Betty Lar- son, she had two older brothers and a younger sister. She died on Oc- tober 29, 1983, at St. Vincents Hospital in Portland after a losing battle with stomach cancer. She chose not to die in her hospital gown but in her George Fox basketball training shirt, a gift from her team- mates. As a fitting memorial to her, the team decided to retire her number from use at C5FC. Debbie was a well known and well loved student who will be missed not only by her family but by her large circle of friends. It is to this great student, athlete and friend that we dedicate this first issue of Focus magazine. Monica Whitham — 22