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Charles Kenneth Deeks ’43

Charles Kenneth Deeks ’43, June 21, 2014, in Eugene, Oregon. A Portland native, and graduate of Grant High School, Charlie lived near Marshall Cronyn ’40 [chemistry 1952–89] and followed him to Reed in 1939. He studied at the college for three years, completing a BA in biology. In 1942, he enlisted in the naval hospital corps and served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He returned to the United States in 1946 and that same year enrolled in medical school at UC Berkeley. He graduated in 1949 and did a medical internship at Los Angeles County Hospital and residency in urology at Multnomah County Hospital, where he met nurse Mary Jane Boozier; they married in 1952. Charlie returned to Reed in 1952–53 to study atomic energy with Prof. Arthur Scott [chemistry 1923–79]. He also did further studies in biological and chemical defense and set up a urology department aboard the hospital ship U.S.S. Haven. In 1958 he resigned from the navy and opened a urological medical practice in Fullerton, California. In 1979 Charlie and Mary Jane moved to Bend, where he opened a urological medical practice from which he retired in 1995. He enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, and family vacations. “With his keen memory, he became the family historian and keeper and teller of family stories.” Survivors include sons Rick, Don, Bruce, and Darryl; daughter Cherie; and four grandchildren. Mary died two days before Charlie did.

Appeared in Reed magazine: March 2015