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In Memoriam | Fall 2025

In Memoriam: 1970s

Notices sorted by graduation date

Kenneth Turney Gibbs (Col ’70, Arch ’72) of Atlanta died July 25, 2023. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architectural history from UVA and a doctorate in architectural history from Cornell University. He wrote many works in the field of architectural history. He was employed for many years by the state of Georgia in the Historic Preservation Office. A lover of music, he was an accomplished pianist and cherished his extensive record collection. He also enjoyed gardening, keeping journals and identifying plants by scientific name. He took great pleasure in nature and hiked throughout the country. Survivors include two siblings and many nieces and nephews.

John Christian “Chris” Nissen III (Col ’71) of Philadelphia died Feb. 1, 2025. After studying at UVA, he attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He produced a substantial body of work as a landscape painter, with pieces held in various private, public and museum collections throughout the country, as well as in the Arts in Embassies Program with the U.S. government. He once won a New Jersey State Council on the Arts fellowship and, in the 1980s and ’90s, taught in the Temple University architecture department. He was deeply invested in the Pennsylvania art scene, taking inspiration from his predecessors and uplifting his peers. His loved ones remember enthusiastic conversations with him regarding his DIY projects, mysteries of the universe, baseball statistics and his love of Maine. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia; two daughters; his brothers, Leif Nissen (Col ’86) and Eric Nissen (Col ’75 CM); and two granddaughters.

Robert Lee Bowman (Engr ’72 CM) of Richmond, Virginia, died April 29, 2024. He received his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from UVA, where he was also involved in student self-governance. He was proud to have worked for the same company for 43 years, Westinghouse Electric Corp., later acquired by Siemens. Friends and family remember him for an eagerness to learn and a sharp sense of humor. He was an accomplished woodworker who enjoyed building furniture and tinkering in his workshop. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; his daughter; his son, Andrew “Andy” Bowman (Col ’04); his daughter-in-law, Lisa Thomas (Col ’04); two grandchildren; three siblings, including Al Bowman (Col ’74 CM); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bruce B. Frazer (Educ ’75) of Charlottesville died April 13, 2025. After earning his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from UVA, he taught physical education in Austin, Texas, and then in Charlottesville for UVA. He was an amateur gymnast, a passion that began in high school and continued during his time at UVA. Throughout his life, he participated in the gymnastics community in Charlottesville as a volunteer coach and supporter. He loved the outdoors, was dedicated to recycling and sustainable living, and once worked with UVA’s recycling program. He loved walking on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. Survivors include two brothers and two daughters.

Timothy L. Nolan (Col ’76, Med ’80 CM) of Rochester, New York, died April 16, 2025. At UVA, he was a member of the IMP Society, the Raven Society and Omicron Delta Kappa. He volunteered with Madison House and was a chair of the residency staff program. He then attended UVA’s medical school, graduating with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He spent most of his medical career in private practice but spent the last few years of his career serving veterans at his local VA. A caregiver to his core, he retired early to care for his wife, remaining devoted to her through his final days. He loved music, history, national parks and the Buffalo Bills. Survivors include his wife, Carrie; his son; his siblings, including Kathryn Nolan Rushdoony (Col ’78) and Patricia Nolan Prewitt (Com ’81 CM); brother-in-law Kerry Prewitt (Col ’81 CM); three nephews; and a niece.

Bryan Foster Helm (Darden ’77 CM) of Birmingham, Alabama, died Oct. 23, 2024. Before attending UVA, he graduated magna cum laude from Rice University and worked as an architect and city planner in London and Doha, Qatar. He graduated from Darden with honors. He spent the next 20 years working in the natural gas pipeline industry at Southern Natural Gas Corp. and Harbert Management Corp. in Birmingham. After this work, he became the parish administrator at the Cathedral Church of the Advent (Episcopal). Survivors include three siblings; brother-in-law Jimmy Robinson (Grad ’72 CM); three nieces; a great-nephew; and two great-nieces.