| Dentalgram |
June
2002
|
In memoriam-LeAnn Poland Truesdale, SD'90
 |
| LeAnn Poland Truesdale |
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people
can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
This statement by Margaret Mead was the philosophy that guided LeAnn Poland
Truesdale’s life until she passed away April 24, 2002, from natural
causes. Her many accomplishments are a testament to her beliefs.
LeAnn was born September 3, 1962, in Everett, Washington. She began her
college education at La Sierra University and completed her undergraduate
work at the University of California, Irvine, in 1984. She went on to
obtain her master’s degree in biochemistry in 1988 from Loma Linda
University and graduated with distinction from the School of Dentistry
in 1990, where she was a member of the American Dental Student Association
and the dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
While attending dental school orientation she met another dental student,
Terry Truesdale. It wasn’t long before they realized they had much
in common that that they were meant to be together. They discovered they
were born in the same hospital in Everett, Washington, just two weeks
apart. Since LeAnn was born premature (weighing 3 pounds, 3 ounces), they
were in the hospital at the same time. Their paths again crossed during
orientation and their friendship grew as they studied together. They soon
were inseparable. They obtained permission from the School to marry the
summer after their sophomore year (students were required to ask permission
to marry at the time!).
After graduation they moved to Las Vegas and began their professional
lives together. Their office staff often heard the Truesdales speak of
the good times they shared as dental students at Loma Linda University.
LeAnn found great pleasure in doing quality dentistry and enjoyed getting
to know her patients as persons.
LeAnn’s interests were many. She relaxed from her professional life
with church attendance, sports including kickboxing, running, skiing,
snowmobiling, water sports, reading and cooking, and sharing time with
family and friends.
During her 12 years of practicing dentistry she was actively involved
in community and professional organizations. Her greatest concern was
for the health and well being of children, and for this reason she devoted
much of her time to several organizations which focus on the needs of
underserved children in Clark County. For these involvements she received
countless honors from such organizations as Community Health Services
of Southern Nevada, the United States Congress (special recognition for
underserved children’s dental health), the Southern Nevada Dental
Society, the Junior League of Las Vegas, and the United States Public
Health Service.
LeAnn was a member of the Clark County Dental Society where she served
one term as president (1998–99). In the late 1990s she worked with
fellow dentist, Senator Ray Rawson, R, Las Vegas, and others on legislation
requiring regulation of fluoridation of Southern Nevada’s water.
She was a senior legislative representative with the Junior League of
Las Vegas and supported programs that assisted battered women. She organized
Books on Tape 2000 Literacy Program with the Junior League of Las Vegas.
In 2001, she spoke at the Legislature in favor of a bill to provide a
safe haven for unwanted newborns.
LeAnn had a continual quest for knowledge and entered the University of
Nevada at Las Vegas’s Boyd School of Law while continuing her practice
of dentistry. She was involved in the Client Counseling Competition, and
participated in the Organization of Women Law Students. In 1999 she interned
as a law clerk in the law offices of Curran and Parry and planned, after
graduation in May 2002, to obtain a part-time associateship with a patent
law firm in Las Vegas. In 2001, she received the CALI Excellence for the
Future Award in Constitutional Law II. She has a publication pending dealing
with legislation regarding juvenile competence in Nevada.
LeAnn P. Truesdale is survived by her husband, Terry Truesdale, SD’90,
her parents, Mary Lynn and Gary Poland of Whidbey Island, Washington,
sisters Elizabeth Marrow of Whidbey Island and Carol Lynn Poland of Laguna
Beach, California, and by her grandmother, Edith Ferris of Everett, Washington.
All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda University.
All rights reserved. Revised
June 26, 2002
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