It is with sadness that I inform you that former ISB high school English teacher Mr. Robert Boca passed away unexpectedly from a chronic condition. Bob was 79 years old and worked at International School Bangkok from 1980 until 1986. Bob dedicated his life to shaping young minds with endless patience, warmth, and a bright spirit that lit up the room. His love of literature was the essential gift he gave to his students. A wonderful speaker, he was chosen to deliver what was a memorable graduation speech for the commencement ceremony for ISB’s Class of 1984.
Upon returning to the States from Thailand, Bob and his wife Darunee lived in Florida. He taught English full time at a community college for nearly two decades. His keen interest in studying Buddhism brought him to attend multiple sessions of study and meditation at the Barre Centre for Buddhist Studies in Barre, MA.
Over the years since our tenure at ISB, I have received dozens of handwritten letters, original stories he wrote or stories or scriptures written by Buddhist scholars. This was Bob – he had no Internet, no computer, no email, no FB, no texts, no cell phone, smart or not – his written and spoken communications came simply and directly from the heart. He was a man of books, letters, contemplation and music.
Robert Boca is survived by his devoted wife, Darunee. He was cremated and Buddhist rites were given on August 23, 2026 at Wat Navaram in Sanford, Florida.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
John Boerger ISB 1977 – 85
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“Probably the greatest frustration with putting out a yearbook is working continuously for seven months without seeing results until the final copies are released at the end of the year. But when they’re finished it’s really great feeling of accomplishment!!! And all the hours we’ve spent after school, on weekends, and during vacations makes it worth even more!,” exclaimed Debbie Niwa, editor. “I suppose that’s the main reason why members will return the following year even though many times you can hear them threaten-ing: I’ll never do it again!” Not only do staffers gain an understanding of journalism but also the real meaning of cooperation. “One thing I’ve learned is that unless everyone gets along many unnecessary problems arise. Usually arguments begin but they end up in jokes or people chasing around. It just serves to break the monotony and we have a good time,” explained one staffer.
Becky Barnett lovingly wrote:
It is with a very heavy heart that I share that my good and longtime friend, Debbie Niwa, Class of 1975 passed away on July 13, 2026, after having a stroke this past March. I meet Debbie in 1973 on an ISB new student retreat. We both ended up going to the University of Arizona and after graduation, she was my maid of honor when I got married. We would visit with her and her son, Jesse whenever we were back in Tucson. We continued to have long conversations over the phone all these years. She was a great researcher and writer, and we would have some very interesting discussions. We truly miss her.
Please keep her son and mom and extended family in your prayers.
Debra Kay Niwa 68, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on July 13, 2026
She was born on November 12, 1957 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kyoichiro “Kayo” and Madge Niwa (née Hakata). Her family lived several places, including Thailand and Hawaii, eventually settling in Tucson where Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design with a minor in Japanese from the University of Arizona.
Debra was a constant creator and a talented artist, always with a project in the works. She built a 45-year career as a graphic designer, starting with publications like City Magazine before starting her own freelance design business.
Beyond her design work, she was an independent researcher with the instincts of a detective. Starting in 2001 with investigations into TUSD’s policies and programs – her son’s school district – she spent nearly two decades producing deeply documented research on education policy, trade agreements, health care reform, and international governance.
She approached every subject with patience and precision, tracing documents through their origins and building case files that spanned years. Her compilation on North American integration was praised as a definitive contribution, and fellow researchers called her work “masterful.”
Debbie always said raising Jesse was her greatest accomplishment, raising him in east Tucson in her beloved childhood home, spending her days caring for it and maintaining the yard. She carried her artist’s eye into everything she did – the design of a brochure, the tending of her garden, the care she gave her beloved home in east Tucson. She could see beauty where others looked past it.
Generous and fiercely independent, she was the kind of person whose laugh could fill a room — and her parrot Gabby loved to join in. She loved to hike and camp, usually on her own schedule. As an oldest child and natural leader, she took pride in her brothers, Gregg and Scott. She found deep joy caring for her granddogs Tanuki and Butter. As the family historian, she spent countless hours compiling a pictorial history of the Niwa and Hakata generations, preserving stories that would otherwise have been lost.
She is survived by her mother, Madge Niwa; her son, Jesse; and her brother, Scott Niwa. She was preceded in death by her father, Kyoichiro “Kayo” Niwa, and her brother, Gregg Niwa.
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When Kai was little, he combined “Auntie” and “Emily,” and ET was born. She treasured that name because it came from him, and he absolutely adored his ET.
One of my favorite memories will always be ET flying to Atlanta when Kai was just seven months old for his very first flight. As a retired flight attendant, of course she arrived with treats for the crew. That was Emily. She showed up for the people she loved.
And oh, how she loved Kai. She would get right down on the floor with him, roll around, be silly and make him belly laugh. Both their faces lit up whenever they saw one another.
Even as bvFTD changed Emily’s world, one thing it never changed was how deeply she loved.
One of the most remarkable parts of her journey was the life her mind created. In ET’s new reality, she was married and had children of her own. Instead of constantly correcting her, we learned to step into her world.
And there was something beautiful about it.
Emily spent her life fiercely loving her brothers, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. As dementia changed her world, her mind somehow created even more people for her to love. There was sadness in what the disease took, but there was also sweetness, humor and even a little magic in the world she created.
We will forever be grateful to Park Senior Villas at Goodyear and Hospice of the Valley for surrounding ET with incredible love, compassion and dignity through the final years of her life.
But dementia was only one chapter of Emily’s story.
She was a flight attendant who spent years in the skies and carried that adventurous spirit with her long after her flying days were over. She was a sister who adored her brothers, an aunt and great-aunt who loved fiercely, and a friend to so many. She was funny, adventurous, independent and deeply loved.
She was the woman who flew across the country for a baby’s first flight.
The woman rolling around on the floor making a little boy belly laugh.
She was ET.
And that is her legacy. Not what dementia took from her, but everything Emily gave to the people lucky enough to love her: the laughter, the stories, the adventures and, most of all, the love. Kai will always know just how much his ET adored him.
We love you, ET. ❤️
You will always be our ET
It is with very heavy hearts that we share that our beloved Emily passed away peacefully this morning.
Emily was so deeply loved, and we know she touched many lives throughout the years. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who loved her, cared for her, and remained part of her life and story.
Carol Higgs will be creating a special memory book in Emily’s honor. If you have a favorite memory, story, or photo of Emily, please share it in the comments on this post so Carol can include them as she creates this beautiful keepsake celebrating Emily’s life.
Thank you for helping us surround Emily’s memory with the same love she gave so freely throughout her life.
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It’s sad when you go looking for people you knew to see where they are and how they have spent their lives and find they have moved on to the next level. Steve lived in Asia House on Soi 12 and would borrow my albums. I ran into his mom at a Salt Lake reunion many years ago and knew that he lived in Park City. I reached out once but never heard back from him. He was just a nice guy from a great family.
Steven J. Pratt Obituary 1955 – 2026
Steven James Pratt lived a life full of curiosity, generosity, and a quiet confidence that made the people around him feel steady and safe. He passed away on January 19, 2026, at home with his wife and daughter by his side—exactly the way he lived, surrounded by the people he loved most.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 3, 1955, to James Pratt and Darlene Hardin Pratt (later Purles), Steve grew up with a sense of adventure that only expanded when his family moved to Bangkok, Thailand where they lived for two years between 1967 and 1969. This sparked a lifelong love of travel and a deep respect for people from all walks of life.
After graduating from Cottonwood High School in 1973, Steve attended the University of Utah and quickly found his way into sales, working first in Utah and then settling into car sales in California in the 80’s. Then, on Ponto beach in Carlsbad in 1984, he met Janis Shepherd Newkirk and her young daughter, and the next chapter of his life began.
Steve and Jan married in 1991 and moved to Park City, Utah. Steve was so happy to bring his “California girls” home to the mountains he loved so much. Particularly to one of his happiest places on earth, his family cabin in Holiday Park. Every summer Steve and Jan spent as much time there as possible, soaking in the peace of the mountains and sharing that love with their family and close-knit Holiday Park community.
Upon moving back to Utah, Steve began his career in real estate. Steve was a member of the Park City Board of Realtors for 35 years and approached his work the same way he approached life; with loyalty and a genuine desire to make things easier for others, often helping clients sell cars from their garages or filling his truck and taking a load to the landfill for them. Alongside his real estate career, Steve and Jan designed and remodeled more than 20 homes in Park City—projects that blended their creativity, shared love of building something beautiful together and making every house feel like home. In 2004, Steve’s daughter Erin joined him in the real estate business and, after raising her like his own since she was five, working alongside one another was something that brought him immense pride.
The role Steve may have cherished most of all was being Grandpa to Reece and Laney. He loved seeing the world through their eyes, teaching them patience and wonder – especially at the cabin or on a family beach vacation in Hawaii or Mexico. They have an unbreakable bond that was built while constructing river dams in Dry Creek and jumping over waves in Cancun.
Steve is proudly survived by his wife, Janis Pratt; daughter Erin (RJ) Smith; grandchildren Reece Smith and Delaney Smith; his mother, Darlene Purles; his sisters Colleen (Steve) Sorensen and Jolleen (Rusty) Larson and his brother Mike (Jana) Pratt and their children and grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his father, James Pratt. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on February 23, 2026, from 4-7pm at The Jeremy Ranch Country Club. Please come enjoy some great music and raise a glass to a Renaissance man who made the world better simply by being in it.
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Isobel “Tinker” Kennedy, 77, passed away on January 29, 2026, in New York City, New York.
Born on June 4, 1948, in Kew Gardens, New York, Isobel lived a remarkable life defined by her trailblazing career, unwavering faith, and deep commitment to fairness and generosity. A graduate of the City University of New York/Baruch College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Isobel broke barriers as one of the first female municipal bond traders on Wall Street. Her long and successful career was marked not only by professional excellence but also by her dedication to advocating for the rights of working women. She never forgot her roots nor her parents’ Davenport roots, and used her knowledge to empower others. She became a skilled mentor of finance and the workings of financial markets. Isobel’s passions extended far beyond her career.
She was an avid reader who sought truth and championed the underdog in all aspects of life. Her relentless engagement with politics and financial markets reflected her sharp intellect and commitment to making a difference. Immensely faithful to her Roman Catholic tradition, Isobel’s spirituality was a cornerstone of her life. Known for her originality and free spirit, Isobel was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was generous not only to those close to her but also to many who may never have known the extent of her kindness. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for justice and truth will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Isobel is survived by her four siblings: Elizabeth “Widge” Arts (David) of Oak Brook, Illinois; Henry “Hal” J. Kennedy (Laura) of Staten Island, New York; Kateri Tekakwitha “Teri” Kennedy of New York City, New York; and Annice “Muffie” Kennedy-Hanlon (Daniel) of La Grange, Illinois. In addition, she is survived by her many “munchkins” – her nieces and nephews: Peter Arts/Linda; Katherine Mooney/James; Margaret Fantasia/Anthony; Elizabeth Vitek/Nicholas; Lindsay Hyland/Patrick; Julia Kennedy; Claire Joslyn/Nate.; Patrick Hanlon/Savanna; Sarah Hanlon/Jenna; James Hanlon/Shelbi. Also Tinker had the love of her many Toher/Stafford/Kuriger cousins.
She now joins her parents, Donald B. and Katherine F. Kennedy (Toher), along with many beloved aunts and uncles.
May Isobel’s memory serve as a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Funeral Mass will be held on March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 2618 Boies Avenue, Davenport, Iowa. Committal Service after the Mass at Holy Family Cemetery Davenport, Iowa. Halligan-McCabe-Devries Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
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David Warren Beach, 73, of Gambrills, Maryland, died of sepsis at Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena on June 11th, 2026, in the presence of his loving wife, Kimberly Beach.
David was born on February 19th, 1953 in Darby, Pennsylvania and was the third of seven children. Originally living in the Philadelphia area, the Beach family moved to Bangkok, Thailand in 1967. David fondly remembered those days and would often recall some of his adventures as a young teenager in Asia. When the family returned to the U.S. they made a home in Alexandria, Virginia.
David graduated from Fort Hunt High School in 1971, and after discovering a profound love of numbers, went on to gain a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Old Dominion University in 1976 and a Masters in Economics from The University of Florida in 1978. Shortly after, he began his professional career with Ford Aerospace which brought him to California, Colorado, and Michigan before returning to the District of Columbia. In 1989 he returned to school and earned a Masters in Engineering Management from The George Washington University.
David’s working life took him many places, but in 1988 he bought a home and put down roots in Gambrills, Maryland. Initially his home consisted of the property he loved and his golden retrievers. For years family and friends would gather at David’s welcoming home for parties and celebrations. One such gathering was the wedding of David and Kimberly in 2007. At the age of 54 he began a family with the additions of Kimberly and her children Alexander and Paige. After many years of living alone, the bachelor pad had become a family home. He honorably stepped up to the role of becoming a father, and provided for his children both monetarily and by example, focusing on goals of higher education. He deeply loved his own family as well as watching his grandchildren grow. He professed near his last days that “being a family is more important than anything else in life.”
After retiring from the corporate world, David spent his time taking care of his property, playing golf, league bowling, trying to win the lottery, and visiting with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly and her two children, Alexander and Paige; his brothers Bob and Charles; and sisters Deborah Angilletta and Grace Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Edna Beach and brothers John and Mark. David Warren Beach led a life of joy, love, and adventure. His passing has left a big hole in the lives of those he touched. Despite his death, his giving nature and familial love will be felt for generations.
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Six weeks ago, our sister Becca started having a repeat of severe stomach pains that had previously plagued her for several years, only this time, the pain landed her in the emergency room. We quickly learned that her pains were stemming from three large, Stage-4, inoperable masses, that were already spreading quickly to other organs. By the time, we knew what was causing her pain, it was too late to reverse their course. After exhausting all possible treatment in a short period of time, it became clear the only thing left to do was to minimize the pain as much as possible and pray for a miracle. Becca understood what this meant and bravely faced her sudden demise with great dignity and acceptance that was a lesson for us all. During the last few weeks, we never heard her complain, even once.
Tonight, The entire Coleman family (Doris Coleman, Leigh Coleman Hotujec Lloyd Coleman, John Coleman, Rae, Justine, Sofie and Scarlett) would like to let you all know that our beloved daughter, sister, and mother Becca left this earth late last night after losing her battle with cancer. Right now, as she is getting fitted for her angel’s wings, we know that we will all see each other again according to a universal plan.
If you knew Becca, you know Becca’s life was extraordinary. She was gifted in so many ways. She loved what she did as she worked in the field of Travel. During her lifelong career in the Travel industry with American Express, she also excelled at making friends, creating a beautiful family with her son John and daughter-in-law Rae, all the while helping to raise three beautiful granddaughters Justine, Sophie, and Scarlett. She also was instrumental in creating the life-long extended family formally once known at Les’Enfants, The ASV Alumni Association. Before we had a digital age to assist with emails, she painstakingly spent years finding alumni through phone calls, and the US Post office. She and a group of her closest friends from ASV did the impossible and brought us all together once again. Her generosity knew no bounds, she never wavered, and our once shy little sister lived out loud.
Becca’s story doesn’t end here — her path simply continues beyond this moment, into a timeless expanse filled with laughter, love, and light. Her spirit moves freely now, carried by ocean breezes and mountain winds, forever part of the beauty she adored. When you miss her, go where the world feels alive. Walk the shoreline and watch the sun melt into the horizon. Wander a forest trail or gaze up at a sky full of stars. Listen to the whisper of nature — that’s where you’ll find her, smiling beside you. Instead of flowers, honor her by living as she did: “dig your toes into the sand, hold close the people you love, spend time with family”, or give to a cat sanctuary that warms your heart. Above all, embrace life fully — because that’s how Becca would want you to remember her
Rebecca (Becca) Coleman Class of 1975
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Lovingly submitted by Bill Prentiss to Frank Gerardot:
Hi Frank, Bill Prentiss here, wanted to let you know Ris passed on Wednesday afternoon after her long battle with cancer. She thought the world of you and spoke often of the antics you all got into in Thailand. You were a special friend to her and it showed when she would speak of you and Mark throughout the years. Be well my friend.
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JERSEYVILLE – John Walter Williams, 73, a longtime resident of Jerseyville, Illinois, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was a warm, thoughtful, and deeply engaged husband, brother, uncle, educator, community leader, and friend whose presence will be profoundly missed.
A son of Lt. Col. Winfield Scott Williams and Priscilla Ives Williams, John was born in Germany and grew up in a military family where he developed a great love of travel and a deep respect for diverse cultures. During his youth, he lived in Virginia; New Delhi, India; California; and Bangkok, Thailand.
John spent his high school years in Bangkok, where he graduated from the International School of Bangkok. There, he was involved in student government and the Honor Society. He was active in Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. John went on to graduate from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and later earned a Juris Doctor from George Washington University.
His first job was as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, grounding his career in a strong commitment to justice, civil rights, and service. John returned to Principia College in 1983, where he dedicated more than 40 years as a professor of mass communication and political science, shaping generations of
students. Known for both his intellectual rigor and his sense of humor, John took a personal and genuine interest in his students, ensuring that each felt seen and heard, valued, and supported. Grounded in a global perspective with a commitment to character education, he encouraged students to think critically, engage meaningfully in civic life, and lead with integrity and moral courage.
After serving as Interim President of Principia College in 2019, John was appointed College President, a position he held through 2023 before returning to the classroom and the students he cared so deeply about. As President, John’s leadership was characterized by a firm commitment to community, transparency, and moral and spiritual grounding, guiding the College through a period of transition and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His influence extended well beyond the classroom, including directing numerous study abroad programs across Asia. John held a variety of leadership roles, including multiple terms as President of the Faculty Senate, chair of the Political Science Department, and prominent positions across several academic initiatives. He was also adjunct faculty in Washington University’s graduate program in international affairs and served as president of the Illinois Political Science Association.
John was recognized with Principia’s inaugural Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. Earlier this year, he was named the 2026 David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, honoring Principia alumni who have rendered outstanding service to others. Following his passing, Principia’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to confer upon him the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
Deeply committed to his faith and community, John was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Jerseyville. He was also a recognized regional leader, including serving as president and board member of the Great Rivers Land Trust.
All who knew John Williams as an educator, leader, mentor, and friend carry a lasting blessing from his dedication, insight, and love for the River Bend community.
In addition to his beloved wife, Missy Williams of Jerseyville, he is survived by his siblings, Dennis R. Williams and Esther Ives Williams Kalbfleisch (Leon); his sister-in- law, Patricia Williams, widow of Winfield Williams Jr.; his four nieces and their families, Sunny Brockett-Williams (Heather), Michele Tolentino (Dominic), Melisa Gourley (Justin), and Holly Wilson; and his nephew, Charles Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mackenzie Lewis Williams and Winfield Scott Williams Jr.; and his first wife, Judy Blackburn Williams.
The family is honoring John’s wishes, and no public services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Great Rivers Land Trust (greatriverslandtrust.org) or Principia (principiagiving.org).
“The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)
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