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In Memoriam | Spring 2020

In Memoriam: 1970s

Notices sorted by graduation date

John Yeardley Pearson Jr. (Law ’71 L/M) of Norfolk, Virginia, died Sept. 12, 2019. After graduating from UVA, where he was a member of the Virginia Law Review and Order of the Coif, he had a distinguished legal career as a partner with the Norfolk firm Willcox Savage from 1971 until retirement in 2009. His greatest professional honor was his induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Pearson served his Tidewater community as a church leader, teacher and choir member, and as a member of several nonprofit and educational boards throughout the region. His devotion to his family and loyalty to his friends and colleagues were unmatched, and he had a deep love of music, reading and the beach. Mr. Pearson’s quick wit, bright smile and kind demeanor endeared him to everyone he met. Survivors include his wife, Ellen; children Ebie, Nash and John Edward Pearson (Col ’98); six grandchildren; and a sister.


Henry E. “Woody” McLaughlin Jr. (Darden ’72) of Nashville, Tennessee, died July 25, 2019. He earned his MBA from UVA after receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of the South and master’s degree from the University of Florida. Mr. McLaughlin had a long business career in Nashville. Beginning as a financial analyst for J.C. Bradford & Co., he served as financial manager for James Stewart Enterprises, president of Nashville Jet Center, and co-founder of The Equity Group and Parthenon Properties. He was named to Who’s Who in the South in 2013. An avid outdoorsman and duck hunter, Mr. McLaughlin was a longtime volunteer with Ducks Unlimited, and he co-founded and served on the board of Friends of South Cumberland State Park. In 2016, the governor presented him with the Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Environment and Conservation. He was a Boy Scout leader for his sons’ troop and lived out his belief of giving back to the things he loved. Survivors include his wife, Elinor; sons Trip and Parker; and three sisters. 


Gary L. Seymour (Engr ’72) of Chester County, Pennsylvania, formerly of Sewell, New Jersey, died Aug. 30, 2019. He earned his master’s degree from Drexel University, and he served in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator and electronic warfare officer, flying missions on B-52s. He continued serving in the Air Force Reserve, where he reached the rank of captain. After his military service, he worked as an electrical engineer in the aerospace defense industry. Mr. Seymour loved classic rock music and going to concerts, and he enjoyed home-brewing beer and visiting breweries. He always had the latest gadgets and technology and was passionate about muscle cars, especially the Pontiac Trans Am. Mr. Seymour was known for his quirky sense of humor and goofy ways, a contagious laugh, his selflessness and kindness, and his fierce love for his family. Survivors include his wife, Beth; children Laura Lee and Travis; two grandchildren; and a sister.


Alexis J. Anderson (Law ’78) of Newton and West Tisbury, Massachusetts, died Sept. 20, 2019. Ms. Anderson was an associate clinical professor emerita at Boston College Law School where, prior to her June 2019 retirement, her academic work included serving as a clinical supervisor and, for five years, director of the Boston College Legal Services LAB at the law school. In addition to the courses she taught in Boston, she taught with law and university programs in London, Paris, Beijing and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She wrote numerous publications and presentations, principally in the field of clinical legal education. Apart from her teaching and family, Ms. Anderson was passionate about the pursuit of social justice; loved political dialogue; and enjoyed baking, reading and visiting her home on Martha’s Vineyard. She was a longtime member of the Newton Ward 7 Democratic Committee. Survivors include her husband, Alexander A. Notopoulos Jr., and daughters Andrea and Margaret.


Richard Lee Burger (Col ’79 L/M) of Glen Allen, Virginia, died Sept. 14, 2019. After graduating from UVA, he earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University and a degree in taxation law from Emory University. During his career, Mr. Burger worked for Fox, Wooten and Hart in Roanoke, Virginia, and Sands Anderson in Richmond. He enjoyed following the Virginia Cavaliers in football, basketball and baseball as well as the Baltimore Orioles. He was a recipient of the Golden Horseshoe award in 1975 from his home state of West Virginia. Survivors include his wife, Susan; and brothers Ray E. Burger Jr. (Col ’66, Med ’72 L/M) and Robert Charles Burger (Col ’72 L/M).