Denney, a Gold Cross recipient, passed to the Adytum on High on Jan. 12, 2009, at age 76, from complications from a stroke. He lived in Orange County with his second wife Vira, and had been retired after working as a trial attorney for many years. He was buried at sea on May 24. “He was a people person, he loved people,” Vira Denney said. “He was very outgoing.”
Denney was born in Indiana, and he had five children with his first wife. He was married to Vira for 33 years, who helped to raise their children.
Denney was involved in mock trial and debating as an undergraduate and played on the Bruin tennis team during his early years. After college, he served in the U.S. Navy during peacetime of the late 1950s and was stationed in San Diego and Pt. Hueneme in Ventura County. He served as a communications officer, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
After discharge in 1956, Denney graduated UCLA Law School in 1964. He was a solo practitioner and practiced in criminal law, family law and real estate until retirement in 2002. He also was a cancer survivor of 25 years, and he stayed active in work until age 70 and hobbies until his health deteriorated in recent years.
Denney loved sailing and fishing off the coast and off Catalina Island, and he also helped to found the O.C. Wheelman, a bicycle club. He rode in 100-mile “century” races and rode into his 60s, with a favorite ride from Newport Beach to Laguna.
Denney was a loyal Bruin through the years, a big admirer of Bruin coach John Wooden, and rarely missed watching a football or basketball game. His wife, Vira, can be contacted: (949) 733-1933.
Swanson, a Gold Cross recipient and charter member of the Old Men’s Club, passed to the Adytum on High on Feb. , 2009, at age 86. He was a WWII veteran and was buried with honors at the Riverside National Cemetery. Upsilon brothers Jack Bryan, Bob Doumakes and John Goodlad attended the burial. The military funeral included a bugler sounding “Taps” and an honor guard with a 3-round salute. A properly folded flag was presented to his children. Swanson was in the 381st Infantry in the South Philippines as a medic with action in Leyte and Okinawa. He was awarded the Purple Heart for being shot in the calf while tending to wounded soldiers, a Bronze Star for valor in the line of duty, a Good Conduct Medal, and two Bronze Battle Stars, all before age 22 when he was honorably discharged. Merle “The Pearl” Swanson, was a midwesterner from Nebraska who lived life with Swedish gusto and fortitude. He moved to California with his mother after the early death of his father, entered UCLA after WWII, and was loved by all in Upsilon, where he was elected as Sage.
On campus, he was elected King of “Men’s Week,” paraded around like an Egyptian pharoah. He was a member of the Kelps booster club for Bruin athletics and helped to recruit Rafer Johnson, the 1960 Olympic decathlon gold medalist, to UCLA. Swanson was a strong athlete and led Upsilon in intramural football and basketball, and he was captain and 3-year letterman of the rugby team, earning a lifetime pass to Bruin sporting events. He graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in Business.
Merle Swanson – Rugby King In 1951, Swanson married his “honey,” Miss Dolores Colligan, in Sierra Madre who became the love of his life. Swanson was known as fun-loving and a big fan of the horse races, attending opening day frequently at Del Mar and Santa Anita (as a member of the Santa Anita Turf Club) and always winning his bets. “He was somebody you liked to see,” Robert Doumakes said. Although Swanson was large in stature, he was a gentle giant. He moved his family to Orange, played golf with his sons and grandchildren, and had season tickets to the Rams, Ducks and Angels. He did not smoke or drink much, but he loved to eat (especially ice cream and peanut M&Ms), and always knew the best restaurants. Extremely smart, Swanson was a brilliant mathematician and wordsmith, loved crossword puzzles and cards, and could easily spell words backwards. Swanson’s children have fond memories of their house in Orange with its pool, hot tub and game room. A loving father, he was always the last to wave them off when they went out at night, and stayed up late to ensure they returned home safely. The large family had memorable vacations at the beach and RV trips to Canada. He gave his children the freedom to roam for hours and explore, preparing them to be independent and strong in their own lives.Swanson Family Swanson was retired from the construction business, in which his company sold building supplies, and he lived in Carlsbad. At his retirement party 10 years ago (which included Judge James Ross as a guest), Doumakes said he had never seen so many people: “He had friends all over.” Swanson’s wife Dolores (“Lola”) preceded him in death in 2008. They had 6 children: Tom, Rick, Sandy, Pam, Doug and Becky. Swanson’s son Doug can be contacted at (909) 579-5583.
Loss of brothers It is a sad fact of life, but alumni brothers die every year and enter the Adytum. If you are a family member of a deceased brother who has received this copy of the Pioneer, please notify us of the death of the brother. We would like to notify the rest of the circle of brotherhood and help you celebrate his life by printing an obituary or other information about his life. Contact: Jay Ross at (310) 979-9255
Eric Tscheu, Drew Mercado, Rex Roberts, Dan "Pudge" Romero (mgr.), Andrew Fisher, Abel Somilleda, Kevin Rodriguez, & Jay Ross FULLERTON – Upsilon lost to a very skilled Long Beach St. active team, 11-9, in the second round of the playoffs at the 31st Sigma Pi Western World Series in May. LB jumped to a good early lead. Once it was determined that the Dirtbags alternated between composite and aluminum bats, the outfield adjusted. UCLA held them to 0 runs in the last 4 innings, and nearly came back to steal a big win. LB went on to advance to the finals to play OCAA #3 (CSU Fullerton alumni), which recaptured the title they held for many years. UCLA had defeated USC alumni in the first round to face LB St. “We Bruins have never lost to USC, but the games have been getting closer each year. Not so much because they are getting better,” manager Dan “Pudge” Romero said. “I think you get the picture.” After a tight few innings, the Bruins were returned to past glory and walked away with a convincing “W”. Young Jedi Abel Somilleda, who is busy breeding these days, was quoted, “Why that’s no bigger than a womp rat?” In the pool play opener against Arizona, Upsilon had a 9-run rally in the 6th inning highlighted by Rex Roberts’ 3-run triple. The team batted around, and Eric Tscheu, a World Series rookie and the 6-time McCoy champion and 2-time Papa McCoy, had a 2-run double. Romero went 3-for-3 with a triple and scored 2 runs. Andrew Fisher and Drew Mercado each had 1 RBI. Roberts secured the last out to secure the win with a fierce infield throw to beat the batter at first base. UCLA somehow lost the second game to CSU Dominquez Hills, despite its 10 errors, in extra innings. To join next year’s team, contact the Alumni Association.
Upsilon Alumni Association Secretary Art Martinez chaired the UAA annual meeting on Feb. 28, 2009. All decisions of the Board of Directors during the past year were ratified unanimously. Herman Quispe is the sole Board Member. The Jay Ross was re-elected as President. Art Martinez was re-elected as Secretary. Scott Scheffler was re-elected as Treasurer.
The UAA has been very active in programming events for the chapter, and we have funded many items for the chapter this year. We have 70 dues-paying members with total dues of $ in 2009.
Your donations make it possible – thank you!
$50 for Golden Crosses for alumni from 1959.
$100 for travel scholarship for Sigma Pi University in June at National Headquarters in Nashville.
$100 for new heraldry equipment (Sigma Pi banners, tablecloth for E.C. table, American flag).
Thank you to movie mogul David DeCamp for raiding the Sony prop warehouses and providing a parchment role, stylus, and fireplace andirons.
$200 for donation to actives’ half-marathon philanthropy fundraiser, UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center.
$200 for D’Avanzo and Meyer scholarships.
$225 for framing of old photographs (including a donated Varsity Crew photo from David Lilly).
$250 for Brooks Brother ties for former Sages upon end of term.
$300 for annual dues to National.
$300 for travel scholarship for Mid-Year Conference in February in St. Louis.
$400 for photos, furniture, landscaping (trees, roses).
Future purchases: Laser printer for house operations, heavy-duty benches and tables for the patio to create gathering places, treewells and planters for back yard to add greenery.
Brothers Arturo Martinez '92 and Tim O'Hara '94 with Jamal Wilkes and Jim Hill
The LAPPL’S Eagle & Badge Foundation held it’s annual gala September 26th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel with over 800 guests on hand as we honored community leaders and notables — LA City Council President Eric Garcetti; Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen “Nuch’ Trutanich; CBS Sports Director Jim Hill; Castulo de la Rocha, President of AltaMed Health Services, Acting Asst. Secretary of the Navy Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, and a special recognition of our 2009 LAPD Medal of Honor recipients.
Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush was a terrific host for the evening, along with support from Event Chair/Executive Producer Arthur M. Kassel. They acknowledged and thanked this year’s sponsors which included the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, Herbalife, Donald T. Sterling Charitable Foundation, Steve Wallace among others. Politically Incorrect’s Bill Maher was at the top of his game, and glamorous Sharon Stone helped raise funds for the Foundation as our Live Auctioneer.
Honorary Chair Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa addressed the enthusiastic guests as well as Eagle & Badge Chairman Peter Repovich who thanked the committee and supporters, and Dr. Jefrrey Cummings of UCLA, Medical Advisor of the Tichi Wilkerson Kassel Parkinsons Foundation. Additional participants included former Governor Gray Davis, U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrbacher, Asst. US Attorney Nicholas Trutanaich, Dr. Stephen Mayberg, Director of the CA State Dept. of Mental Health, City Controller Wendy Greuel, and NBA Legend Jamal Wilkes, along with LAPPL’s President Paul Weber. Throughout the evening, the tireless work and sacrifice that the members of the LAPD do and give to their communities was recognized by the honorees and presenters.
Merle E. Swanson, aka “Merle the Pearl”
February 18, 1923 – February 26, 2009
Merle’s ancestry is Swedish which he embodied with gusto. Both sets of his grandparents came from Sweden. His mother, Anna, came to the States at the age of 3 and lived to be 96. His father, Mandus, died at the age of 50 when Merle was only 10. Mandus was a cattleman and a farmer; and Anna baby sat, was a maid, and took great care of Merle and his three older brothers; Weir, Russell, and Leslie. They were 12, 9 and 7 years older than baby Merle. Merle was born in Wausa, Nebraska. Merle remembered playing with his brothers and his dog, Fido, on the farm; and adored his mother, who was affectionately known as “Gong-Gong” to Merle’s six children.
Merle received a certificate in High School for typing 85 words per minute for 15 minutes. After high school, he moved to San Francisco with his mom, and later to Santa Monica. He entered the Army during World War II on December 29, 1942, and served with the 381st Infantry in the South Philippines as a Medic, participating in two major campaigns, Leyte and Okinawa. He was awarded the Purple Heart for being shot in the calf while tending to others, a Bronze Star for valor in the line of duty, a Good Conduct Medal, along with three other war medals and two Bronze Battle Stars. He was Honorably Discharged on November 8, 1945. He was only 22 years old.
Merle graduated from UCLA in 1951 with a BS in Business, where he belonged to Sigma Pi Fraternity (Pres., V.P., Rush Chair), the Rugby Team (Cptn. and 3 Yr. Letterman), Rugby Club (Pres.), Gold Key (Similar to national Blue Key for all around excellence), Kelps (Disorganized Organization), Chair of Interfraternity Intermurals, Intermural Athletics, Senior Class Activities Chair, Varsity Club, and was carried through campus on a platform as the King of Men’s Week. He was given a lifetime pass to all UCLA athletics for being an outstanding student-athlete. In fact, Merle helped to recruit Rafer Johnson to enroll at UCLA in 1955. Rafer won the decathlon for the United States in the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
Merle had several jobs before ending his search in the plastering/drywall industry where he remained for about 40 years, working for companies like USG, L.A. Building Materials, Flintkote, and lastly at Hamilton Materials in Orange. Merle was a master salesman, and won several awards for his sales and customer service dedication and hard work. He had many longtime friends in the building industry that he would call on their birthdays, and golf with as often as possible, and relate to in a special way.
Merle married Dolores “Lola” Colligan, on April 20, 1951 in Sierra Madre. Dolores passed away 4 months ago on October 22, 2008. They were married 57 years and had six children (whom all married): Tom (Kathy and son Ricky, and stepdaughters Alicia and Brandi), Rick (children Ian and Becca), Sandy (Mark), Pam (Mike), Doug (Kim and children Sean and Megan), and Becky (Gary). The Swanson family home was located at 220 S. Batavia Street in Orange from 1960 – 2000 and belonged to Holy Family parish where they made lifetime friends. Then they retired to Carlsbad, where they made many new friends and Dolores took care of Merle who was slowing down with many health issues. He loved his “Honey”, his “Lola”; and was genuinely appreciative of her unrelenting efforts to take care of him.
Merle “the Pearl” was how he introduced himself to everybody. He was a big man, and could be intimidating, but was truly gentle and loving. Often forced to be the disciplinarian (for good reason), he loved us and we knew it. And everyone loved Merle, from his customers and co-workers, to his friends, brothers and cousins, his kids and their spouses and friends, his grandchildren, and above all, Lola.
Merle also loved sports and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. In his younger years, he would play golf with his sons and grandchildren. He had season tickets to the Rams, Angels, Ducks, and was a member of the Santa Anita Turf Club, and often went to the races at Del Mar. He always won at the track except when his kids gave him $2 to bet, he never won then.
He would rarely smoke a cigar or a pipe, and didn’t drink much either, but he loved to eat, especially ice cream and peanut M&Ms. He always knew where the best restaurants were located. Merle was extremely smart, and a brilliant mathematician and wordsmith, and often helped us with math homework. He loved crossword puzzles and playing cards, especially with his grandchildren, but didn’t like to lose a card game. Ask him to spell a word backwards and it flew out of his mouth, perfectly.
He was a great dad. He knew what was going on even though we hoped to be getting away with stuff. He would stay up late at night waiting to make sure we got home safely. He would be the last one waving to us whenever we left after visiting. Working tirelessly, he was a great provider. He gave us a beautiful home and a huge backyard where we had lots of parties, sometimes with him, sometimes while he was out of town, sorry. He built us a pool, a hot tub and a big game room in the back yard and gave us the freedom to enjoy it with our family and friends. He would take all of his kids, and many of their friends, to summer vacations at the beach in our old small green trailer, or up to Canada in a motor home. He and mom would let us roam (or get lost) for hours on these fun vacations. While we’d often ignite his Swedish ire, still all of us and our friends loved him dearly.
Merle and his six children sat down together for dinner for the last time at Rick’s house for his 86th birthday party, seven days before he died. We all knew he was not long for this world and were ready for him to be with our mom, his Honey.
Dad, you had a great ride, say hi to mom. We love and miss you dad, grandpa and friend to many.
Flag Folding Ceremony
The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.
In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
Brother David Hudson, an astrophysics major from 1991, was featured in Money.com about his job search.
Hired! Do your homework, land a job
One job seeker proves it’s still easy to find work – if you’re willing to go the extra mile.
By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff writer
May 21, 2009: 9:03 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Even in the current job market, getting a pink slip doesn’t always lead to long-term unemployment – especially if you’re willing to do the extra legwork it takes to get hired these days.
When David Hudson was laid off from his computer programming job, he sharpened his skills, did his due diligence and took full advantage of the resources available to him.
Hudson, 40, was lucky enough to get a heads up before his employer gave him the ax. He was notified in early February that his firm would have to make cuts and his last day would be March 6. He made sure to use the time wisely.
“I put myself in the place of the employer,” he explained. “What would the employer be looking for, what would catch their eye?”
For starters, Hudson researched the key words and phrases that hiring managers were looking for now, like “computer programmer,” instead of the more outdated “IT professional,” and described himself accordingly on his résumé before posting it to Dice.com, Careerbuilder.com and Monster.com.
It worked. Hudson says he received 20 or 30 calls or hits from his résumé alone.
As for networking, Hudson reached out to his friends and former managers, joined LinkedIn and his college alumni association at UCLA to gain access to more job listings. He focused his search on programming jobs in the Los Angeles area. With a wife and two sons, Hudson hoped to make the transition smooth.
Meanwhile, he brushed up on his software skills through books and online tutorials. And prepared a loose-leaf binder with alphabetized information on the companies he applied to and recruiters he was in contact with.
0:00 /00:48Targeting your next job
One of the employers that contacted him early in his search was Edmunds.com, a Web site that covers the auto industry based in Santa Monica, Calif.
Immediately, Hudson familiarized himself with the company by watching the office video tour online. He also looked up current employees on LinkedIn and researched the relevant skills and current projects they listed.
When it came time for his interview, Hudson arrived in a suit even though he knew the office was business casual. He also prepared answers and anecdotes for every conceivable question he could think of in advance.
Jesus Robles, Edmunds.com’s director of release management and Hudson’s hiring manager, said the Senior Release Management Engineer position had been open for 5 months and they had received many, many résumés – “way more than normal,” he said.
“When I saw David, it looked like he had done his homework; he was really good at responding to our questions, his skills were current.”
Hudson got the job and started March 10. Technically, he had only been unemployed for three days.
Back in business
Our career experts agree that Hudson can credit his success to his analytic approach to the job search.
“This is a buyer’s market out there right now,” said Dan King, principal of Career Planning and Management Inc. in Boston. “Its not always the most qualified who gets the job but the one who knows best how to market their qualifications.”
Like Hudson, job seekers need to sell themselves to potential employers. That means getting up to speed on relevant skills in demand, finding contacts with the company and putting your best foot forward at the interview.
Using job boards to get information on what employers are looking for, and incorporating that in your résumé with key words and phrases, is a smart way to get started, according to Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers in New York.
Taking courses, webinars and tutorials to bone up those sought-after skills is also key – particularly for those that have been out of the job market for an extended period of time, she said.
“That’s true in all industries but particularly in technology,” she added.
Further, promoting yourself as a serious candidate during in-person interviews is not just about being prepared, but also presentable.
“Showing up in a suit communicates that it was important enough to him to make the right impression,” King said.
