In memoriam

David W. Bashline, DO, ’61, Cranesville, Pennsylvania, died Jan. 22, 2024, at age 88. He was born October 15, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late McClelland and Alberta (Shrum) Bashline. David graduated from Grove City College. He furthered his medical education by going to Kirksville, MO College of Osteopathic Medicine and serving his internship at Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital in Michigan. As a licensed DO, David came to Albion, PA and opened his own family practice in January 1963. He was on the staff of Millcreek Community Hospital for 43 years, was a staff physician at SCI Albion and SCI Cambridge Springs and was the Northwestern School District doctor. Dr. Bashline was a life member of the American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners, the Albion Sportsman’s Club and the Albion Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and photography and serving the people of the Albion community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bashline, and a daughter, Heidi Bashline. David is survived by two daughters, Amy Nulph and her husband, Eric, of Seminole, FL, Kate Podoll and her husband, Kurt, of Pinellas Park, FL, a sister, Lynn McGrath of Erie, and three grandchildren – Mandi, Emily, and Hannah.

Janice M. Beaton, AuD, ’10, New Berlin, Wisconsin, died July 17, 2024, at age 70. Dear wife of Thomas for 44 years. Loving mother of son Alexander. Sister of Ellen (Ken) Greismer, Edward Ciechanowski (Margaret) and Christine Thuerk (David). Also loved by other relatives and friends.

Jan was employed as a Clinical Audiologist for 42 years. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in communicative disorders from Marquette University in 1974, a Master of Science in Audiology from Purdue University in 1976 and a Doctor of Audiology Degree from A.T. Still University in 2007. Janice worked for Aurora Health Care at the Aurora Summit Hospital in Oconomowoc. Janice had a genuine passion for helping the poor, the elderly and the disabled. Twelve years of her professional career were devoted to volunteering free part time Audiology service to Aurora Walkers Point plus an added three years following her retirement until April of this year. During her retirement she volunteered as a reader for the blind at LibriVox up until this past June. Jan was a hospice volunteer at Badger Hospice in Brookfield. Jan made many close friends with other avid tennis players and taught Mahjong. Jan loved traveling to all 50 states and many trips abroad. She passed comfortably in her home surrounded by a loving family and some very close friends. She was an angel among us.

Ronald J. Bitza, DO, ’74, Peoria, Arizona, died Aug. 30, 2022.

Forrest Bollow, EdD, Shelbina, Missouri, died June 1, 2024. Dr. Bollow was the director of the Office of Assessment & Accreditation. For over seven years, Dr. Bollow served our institution with dedication and passion. His commitment to ATSU will be deeply missed by all his colleagues who knew him. His job was not just a job. He truly loved the people he worked with and understood and appreciated the importance of helping every program with its accreditation documents.

Dr. Bollow’s patience, kindness, willingness to help others, and his fishing/boating stories will be especially missed. In this difficult time, our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Bollow’s family, friends, and colleagues. We know many are grieving this loss.

Earl P. Duffy Jr., DDS, Mesa, Arizona, died Aug. 14, 2024, at age 70. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to Earl Senior and Lucille Duffy. After Duff graduated Dental School from Northwestern University he moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1980 to begin his dental practice. This is where he would meet and marry the love of his life. They went on to raise a beautiful family.

He loved to go fishing with his sons, woodworking, fix anything that was broken, and spend time in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Duff was a shining example of kindness and generosity. His infectious enthusiasm, humor, and ability to light up a room made him the life of any gathering. Duff’s impact on the world was immeasurable. His passion for his loved ones and his profession was evident in everything he did. He was a constant source of positivity, inspiration, and support to those around him. His laughter was contagious, and his genuine kindness knew no bounds.

He was an adjunct professor at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health.

Duff is survived by his loving wife Debbie of 42 years, three sons Ian, Kyle, and Shaun, three daughters-in-law Brooke, Rachel, and Alicia and his five granddaughters Rylee, Reagan, Reese, Clara, and Layla.

Duff will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of many.

Richard A. Hall, DO, ’76, Cass City, Michigan, died May 21, 2024, at age 78. He was born Feb. 19, 1946, to the late Alvin and Lela (MacRae) Hall in Detroit. Richard graduated from Owendale-Gagetown high School in 1964. He attended Central Michigan University, where he met the love of his life, Marjorie Krohn. They were married, July 19, 1969 in Elkton. Marjorie passed away Sept. 8, 2014. Richard started out as a chemistry teacher for Unionville High School, but soon realized that was not his calling. In 1972 he began medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. Upon graduation, he began his career in Cass City, where he practiced Family Medicine and served the community for 45 years. Richard poured all his time, energy and passion into his family and his patients, his two greatest loves in life.

He is survived by his children, Charlie (Bobbi) Hall of Greenville, Heidi Hall of Bay City and Elizabeth (Dwight) Thabet of Cass City, grandchildren, Dr. Alexander (Dr. Heidi Michael) Hall, ’22, Mitchell (Joanna Vuylsteke) Hall, Madison Hall, Anthony Thabet and Colin Thabet and great granddaughter, Penelope. In addition to Marjorie and his parents, he was predeceased by his “second mom” Dr. Thelma June MacRae.

Ira Hershman, DO, ’58, Coral Gables, Florida, died April 1, 2024, at age 90. Ira lived a life full of love, laughter, generosity and adventure both at sea and in the mountains. As a family physician, he was devoted to his patients. As a husband and father, he was steadfast. Ira was born in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest son of a Russian immigrant. He attended Erasmus Hall High School and Brooklyn College. He graduated as a DO from Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery – now A.T Still University in Kirksville, Missouri. It was the sea and a job that drew Ira to Miami in the late 1950s. The Miami Springs Villas and its one-wall paddleball court was where he found his center of gravity and developed lasting friendships. There he courted Yvonne (Duke) Hershman, his wife of 60 years. He is survived by Yvonne and their daughter, Heather Bellow; son-in-law Robert Grien; grandchildren Stella Bellow and Ben Bellow; his daughter from a first marriage, Alisa Swanson, grandchildren Jay Siren and Michael Swanson and their families.

Thomas F. Kabisch, DO, ’93, Ann Arbor, Michigan, died May 28, 2024, at age 73. Dr. Kabisch opened his Integrated Medical office in Ann Arbor on E. Stadium in 1993. His dedication to his patients and family was without limits and he cared for all who were in need. Dr. Kabisch’s beautiful mind, eidetic memory, and passion for research, blessed him with a vast knowledge of the healing arts.

He was born March 6, 1951 in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Mary Lou (Nardi) Kabisch and Thomas Alfred Kabisch. He was raised in Riverview, Michigan and attended St. Cyprian Catholic School, Gabriel Richard High School (1969), and Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Kabisch was a graduate of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (1993) and held degrees in many holistic healing arts. He was born and raised a Roman Catholic and was a member of Christ the King where he was a perpetual adoration chapel attendant, Mondays 1:00 am to 3:00, for over 10 years and a 4th of degree member of the Cardinal O’Hara Assembly of Knights of Columbus.

Tom was a motorcyclist throughout his life, owning many classic motorcycles, and was delighted with his current Indian motorcycle. He loved life fully and shared his love of old movies, vintage ties, flying planes and fixing everything from cars and clocks to craniums. He was a distinguished dresser and recognized by his Fedora or Panama straw hat.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Calagias Kabisch; son, Nathanial (Leilani Benatovich) Kabisch; daughters, Yasamina (Dimitrias Lekkos) Kabisch and Telana (Ignacio Diaz) Kabisch; sisters, Denise (Kerry Flynn) Kabisch and Mary Karen (Ed) McClellan; nieces, Katharine (Joe) Wilkinson and Elisa (Devin) Collingridge; and great nieces and nephews, Eloise, Lawson, Dominic and Gianna. All love him dearly.

Shamshudeen Khan, DHSc, ’16, MS, ’11, Westlake, Ohio, died June 30, 2024, at age 62. Dr. Khan was born January 21, 1962. Beloved husband of Adrienne Rose Khan for 32 years. Dearest father of Deena, Xavier, Lara, Damien, and Gabriel. Loving son of Basmattie Naitram and Naitram Hector (both deceased) and loving brother of Merlin (deceased), Dorean, Ganesh, Mohan, Suroj, and Data (deceased). 

Sham immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s. He was a self-taught man and a lifelong learner. He became a proud graduate of Cuyahoga Community College (Western Campus) with an Associate of Science, an Applied Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, and an Applied Associate of Science in Surgical Physician Assistant. Healthcare became his life’s passion. He worked in the respiratory neonatal unit at MetroHealth and later in the pulmonary unit at The Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, where he had success in weaning lung transplant patients off ventilators. Upon passage of the state boards in physician assistant, he secured a job in surgery at Elyria Memorial Hospital and worked for several years there before accepting a position in general surgery at Fairview Hospital. Sham continued his education later in life and earned his master’s degree and his doctorate degree from A.T. Still University. He always felt the most satisfying part of his work was restoring people to better health.

In addition to his career as a healthcare provider, Sham was also a small business owner who sought to provide quality, affordable housing to individuals as a means of giving back to the community. The best part of Sham was that he was a selfless family man. His wife and children meant the most to him, and he meant the most to them. He will be greatly missed. Peace be upon you, dearly beloved.

Richard C. MacDonald, DO, ’65, Camden, Maine, died Nov. 25, 2023, at age 88. Born on 10/25/1935 to Ernest (from Leeds, England) and Katherine in Philadelphia where he and his sister, Kitty Lou, attended Germantown High. Here, he starred on the track and swim teams and was student council president. Dick spoke often about how being dyslexic taught him to never shy away from a challenge. He became passionate about sports and attended Springfield College to study physical education. There, he fell in love with Patricia Harlow. They were married in 1959, true partners until her death in 2022. They then moved to Kirskville, MO where Dick attended osteopathic medical school, graduating in 1965, and where Pat gave birth to Rick and Barbara. Dick then began the practice of osteopathic manipulative therapy in Annapolis, MD with his half-brother, Ernest (Rick). The brothers testified in front of Congress establishing osteopathic Medicare reimbursement. Dick and Pat had their 3 child, Douglas, here. In 1974, the family moved to Maine where he practiced at Waterville Osteopathic Hospital, was president of the MOA (1983) and received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding lifetime contributions to the Osteopathic profession (2017). Here he treated many athletes and could be seen running in the dead of winter with icicles on his beard training for the Boston Marathon. Dick had an adventurous spirit enjoying family canoe trips to Moosehead Lake, exploring esoteric healing arts, UFOs and cryptozoology.

In 1987, Dick and Pat moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida joining Dr. John Upledger’s institute. While teaching CranioSacral Therapy, Dick inspired hundreds of students across the country, in Europe and New Zealand while forming lasting friendships. Together, Dick and Pat loved treating infants and children with disabilities here and in Mexico. Upon semi-retirement in 2006, they returned to Maine to live closer to his nephew, Skip, and family in Dover Foxcroft, volunteering at the YMCA, taking trips up the Allagash and aboard the schooner Mary Day. Later, Dick and Pat moved to the mid-coast living closer to Barbara in their final years.

Dick and Pat’s children extend sincere gratitude for the wonderful staff at Bartlett Woods and Quarry Hill where they lived and to the healthcare providers at Pen Bay Medical Center where he passed. Dick will be remembered fondly for his dedication to family, sense of humor and devotion to helping and healing people. He was predeceased by his parents, wife (Pat), sister (Kitty), and half-brothers Frank, Warren, and Ernest. He is survived by his children Rick (Verleen & Caroline), Barb (Shawn & Declan) and Doug (Amy, Molly & Otto), nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Karen Mercer, AuD, ’07, Montrose, Colorado, died Aug. 1, 2024, at age 67. She was born in 1956 in Wilmington, Delaware, to Tom and BG Mercer. Karen’s dad worked for Dupont and as the family grew, they moved quite frequently as her dad was transferred from Delaware to Santa Ana, California, to Dallas, Texas, then to Atlanta, Georgia. They moved back to Wilmington, Delaware, when Karen was 9. By that time there were four kids and a childhood filled with a large extended Irish Catholic family who often sang together in four-part harmony.

Karen graduated from Concord High School in Wilmington, Delaware, and went on to obtain an associate’s degree at Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, then to State University of New York Geneseo to start a bachelor’s degree. She finished her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology/audiology with a minor in psychology at West Virginia University. She then moved to Colorado and received a master’s degree in audiology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1980. She completed her doctorate in audiology at Still University in 2006. Her first audiology job was at a private practice in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where she stayed for seven years. There she found a love of the outdoors, skiing and hiking while living in a log cabin (with a lot of mice as roommates) and took up country swing dancing which she taught at Colorado Mountain College. While in Glenwood she also started writing music and had her first music duo with her friend Lee Martin. They performed for a number of years together.

In 1987 she moved to Northern California for a short stretch as a part-time audiologist/musician. Then in late 1987 her wanderlust took hold and she moved to New Zealand where she worked as an audiologist for the Department of Health for a year. She then made her way to Australia on her way back to her beloved Colorado and landed in Montrose. In 1990 she opened her private practice, Southwest Hearing, in Montrose. At first there were a small number of patients which over the years grew to thousands. She loved them all and eventually retired in 2018. Also in 1990 she and “music love” Glenda Fletchall started the famed duo “Gotta be Girls”… and started writing their own music. The “Girls” performed frequently around Western Colorado and Arizona. Eventually two more “Girls” were added to the Band … they were HOT! In 2012 she stepped out of the band to write, perform worldwide and record three CD’s, the last being in 2024.

In the early 1990s Karen married and in 1996 her beautiful daughter, Bridgit Elizabeth Baldus was born. Soon Bridgit, the apple of her eye, became her ever present sidekick at Southwest Hearing. In 2017 she finally met the love of her life, Neil O’Keeffe, the man she called her soulmate. They had seven wonderful years of adventure and camaraderie together. In 2022 she was diagnosed with cancer. During the following two years, Neil was ever present by her side, helping her through the many challenges she faced. They were married in 2024 in a private backyard ceremony.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Neil O’Keeffe, daughter Bridgit Baldus, her parents Tom and BG Mercer, siblings Amy Jones, Mark Mercer and wife Talia Schiff, Tommy Mercer and wife Priscilla and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly. And last but not least, too many friends to count … She touched so many people!

Albert L. Pick, DO, JD, ’67, Alpharetta, Georgia, died Oct. 11, 2023, at age 99. Albert, also known as “Uncle Buddy” to his family and friends, lived most of his early life in Oklahoma City Oklahoma. He is the last surviving immediate family member from father Michael Pick, mother Rachel Pick, sister June Galoob, sister Carolyn Stone. He is survived by his wife Barbara.

Buddy enjoyed a very active and interesting life. He never missed the opportunity to tell a joke. Always starting conversations with a joke he had created or heard about. His accomplishments included degrees In Petroleum Engineering, Osteopathic Doctor of Medicine (General Surgery), Juris Doctorate. Other activities include airplane pilot, champion tennis player, World War II Naval officer. He often traveled around the country visiting family members offering help and support to all.

Ronald J. Proctor, DO, ’79, Osage Beach, Missouri, died Feb. 13, 2024, at age 69.  He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 11, 1954, in St. Anthony’s Hospital. He inherited his restless spirit and curiosity from his ancestors, who had traveled across the continents and the oceans in search of new lands and experiences. He was always fascinated by the wonders of nature and the mysteries of the universe, and he dreamed of visiting other places and realms. He made many of those dreams into reality.

Ron grew up in Tularosa and Alamogordo New Mexico where he enjoyed exploring and climbing mountains with his dad and Grandpa Foss. He loved going to White Sands and running up and down the sand dunes with his sister and having lunches in the park with his family. It was always fun taking the vacuum to their dog Cindy after arriving back home from an adventure – trying to get the white sand out of her black hair. (Even if she didn’t think it was a lot of fun.) Carlsbad caverns was another favorite. Ron could have gone there every weekend. He always felt drawn to exploration. Later when Ron moved to St. Charles, Missouri he and his friends, Rick Post, Jay Brakensiek, and Mark Cowen and sometimes Lonnie Bush would explore undiscovered caves in the Missouri hills. The stories were often quite scary, but he always made it back home with a smiling face (and usually covered in mud). His merry band of adventurers were some of the very few to reach the back of Fischer’s cave, where they found a tin can engraved with the names of explorers from the 30’s. Bennet Springs was another place Ron loved going to with his family. That’s where Ron and his sisters learned just about everything there is to know about fishing and camping from their Dad. Ron simply loved life and his family.

He pursued his passion for science and medicine at Truman State University, where he graduated medical school in 1978. During these years he spent a lot of time with his friends and began his ongoing collecting of sports cars, usually ones way too small for a man of his height. He was commissioned in the Air Force, traveling far and abroad as a flight surgeon. He once caught a photograph of a Soviet airman who was taking a picture of him at the same time while their planes were flying near each other (probably neither were allowed to do that). He then embarked on a series of remarkable adventures that took him to the most remote and exotic places on Earth, and beyond. He explored Egypt, getting in a little trouble when he claimed not to have seen the sign prohibiting climbing the great pyramid, the islands of the Pacific, living for several years in Hawaii and much more. He encountered many dangers and marvels along the way, and he made friends with people of many different cultures. Throughout his life he visited more than 43 countries and was a polyglot learning numerous languages.

Ron did have a complicated relationship with colors, being colorblind, sometimes his choices mystified others. From bright orange shoes and sports cars to a van with royal purple and blue shag interior. Those around him often would marvel at these combinations that colored his world. He was not only a fearless explorer, but a caring generous physician. He was called Dr. Ron by many patients who he cared for with a heart of gold and a healing touch. He spent many years working in the E.R. being vitalized by all the chaos, while he also ran his own private practice. He chronicled his amazing adventures through memories he built with his children through games, stories, and adventures, taking them climbing, exploring and caving. He was an avid chess player and sci-fi fan, reading and watching about worlds he couldn’t travel to in person. He was a man of honor, compassion, and courage, who inspired many to follow their dreams and to make the world a better place.

From his childhood dog Cindy to his college dogs Strider and Sammy and all the rest of his furry fluffy friends, his love and compassion extended well beyond just the humans whose lives he touched. He discovered the love of creating stained glass, woodworking, and many varied games. He had a passion for trying out new hobbies and learning to excel at the skills required in each venture, always happy to teach others the things he had mastered.

He is survived by his wife, Dee Anna Treece, his children; Shaun and Carolina Brune (Son and Daughter in law), Justin and Jennifer Proctor (Son and Daughter in law), Larissa Proctor (Daughter), Stephanie and Thomas Talley (Daughter and Son in law); his grandchildren Julian Proctor, Izzy Watts, Mitchel Watts, Mia and Elanna Brune, Maddie and Ainsley Talley, his Mother, Ruth (Foss)Faulkner, his siblings Donna McGinnis Smith and Gene Smith (Sister and Brother in law) and Joyce Pillow and Jon Dyer (Sister and Brother in law), along with so many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his many friends and admirers. He loved and was loved by far too many to mention. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and by all who will know his stories. He was a true hero and a legend, who lived a life of adventure and wonder. He now rests among the stars, where he always belonged. He was preceded in death by his Father, James Proctor. Ron was an amazing Father, Son, Brother, Husband, and Friend, who will always be loved. Travel well, until we see each other again.

Leslie R. Schmeltz Jr., AuD, ’01, Mesa, Arizona, died July 23, 2024, at age 81. Les was a proud Yooper, born in Ishpeming, Michigan on May 18, 1943. He spent his youth there, graduating from Ishpeming High School in 1960 and then attending college at Northern Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor of Science. Les continued his education at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point receiving his Master of Science.

After college, Les moved to Bettendorf, Iowa and worked as a school audiologist for the Area Education Agency for over 30 years and raised a family with his first wife Leena Schmeltz (Alasimi). Later in life, Les relocated to Mesa, AZ and went back to school to earn his doctorate degree in Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in 2001. He then served as an Associate Professor of Audiology at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences from 2005 until his retirement in 2020. Recently retired, he retained his role as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Early Hearing Research and Intervention (JEHDI). Les had a particular interest in the development of an information management system for tracking infants with hearing deficits, providing resources for researchers and clinicians conducting testing and medical interventions for young people with hearing disabilities. He also traveled the country doing assessments of clinical programs.

Les was well known by his family and friends for his playful sense of humor and kind demeanor. He was an avid golfer, hiker, and reader and also wrote several books including Hands on Applesoft (1987), Playing the Stock and Bond Markets With Your Personal Computer (1981), Word Processing with Your Microcomputer (1982), and Backyard Money Machine (1993).

Les is survived by his wife Diane Elizabeth (Bushnell) Schmeltz of Mesa, AZ, daughters Lisa Marie (Schmeltz) Bloom (Jason Bloom) of Bartlett, IL, Linda Aili Schmeltz (Gregory Bryant) of Los Angeles, CA, half-brother Llewellyn J. Pope of Negaunee, MI and his beloved dogs Dora and Bobby. He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie R. Schmeltz Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Schmeltz, and his sister Joy C. Schmeltz Phillips.

David W. Swayze, DO, ’59, Punta Gorda, Florida, died April 18, 2024, at age 95. Dr. Swayze was born on November 10 1928 to Laura and Wade (Wayne) Swayze in Flint Michigan and was a Florida resident for the last twenty years. He graduated from Flint Central High School in 1947 and joined the Army in 1948 and became a Paratrooper and Gliderman before being honorably discharged in June of 1952. Dr. Swayze attended Flint Junior College, N.E. Missouri State and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He was a physician as a General Practitioner and then an Anesthesiologist. He was a member of the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologist, St. Andrews South Golf Club, American Medical Association, a lifelong member of the AASR Masonic Jurisdiction, The American Legion, BPO Elks and the International Anesthesiology Research Society. Dr Swayze enjoyed playing golf, backgammon, solitaire and watched every episode of Gun Smoke.

Dr. Swayze is survived by his wife, Marie, four children, Ramona; Matthew, DO, ’86; Rebecca; and Mitchell; four stepchildren, James, Jeffrey, Andrew and Laurie; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Shirley and a nephew, Scott. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Nathan Jones.