Former L&C Basketball Coach, Dean Sempert, Passes Away

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Lewis & Clark Department of Physical Education & Athletics lost one of its family members today, with the passing of former men’s basketball coach Dean Sempert. Sempert was the Pioneer’s head coach for 26 years, taking over the program in 1963.

During his time as head coach, Sempert led Lewis & Clark to a 363-327 overall record and a 171-163 NWC record, missing only one game his entire career. In his first season as the Pioneer’s head coach, Sempert guided the team to a 20-8 overall record and 11-4 NWC record, which earned the Pios a first place conference finish. During the course of his career, Sempert and the Pioneers finished atop the conference five times.

Even though Sempert retired from coaching following the 1988-89 season, he remained a loyal supporter, mentoring his successor and current L&C coach Bob Gaillard.

“Dean’s passing is an obvious tragedy for his wife and family, as well as the Pioneer family. Dean is the epitome of a true competitor who exudes class and integrity. He will be dearly missed by us all,” said Gaillard.

A true Pioneer, Sempert played his college ball at Lewis & Clark from 1946-1950. He was a three-year letterman and two-time First-Team All-Northwest Conference in basketball, while earning honorable mention All-American honors during his senior year. Sempert captained the 1948-49 team, the first ever team to win a conference championship for L&C. The 1948-49 team was inducted into the Lewis & Clark Hall of Fame in 2001. Sempert was a star with the Pioneers, leading the team in scoring as a junior and senior, posting a career scoring average of 11.7 points per game.

Sempert was also a three-year letterman in golf, helping to organize and start the golf program at the college.

In addition to his induction as a member of the 1949 Basketball Team, Sempert was inducted as an individual into the Lewis & Clark Hall of Fame in 1981.

In 2004 Sempert received the Donald G. Balmer Citation. The award honors an alumnus or alumna, faculty or staff member, or friend of Lewis & Clark who has “rendered outstanding voluntary service to the College.” Sempert served as an assistant professor of physical education at Lewis & Clark during his tenure. Upon his retirement, Sempert volunteered in support of the college’s Athletics Hall of Fame, the Board of Alumni, class reunions, the admissions office, and commencement. He was also active in his community as a Wilsonville City Council member and as a volunteer chaplain for the Oregon State Correctional Institution and the MacLaren Youth Facility.

Dean began his college education at the University of Oregon, however, after only two terms was called into service. He spent the next 3 ½ years in the U.S. Army 103rd Infantry Division. Six months prior to his discharge, Dean was diagnosed with a lung tumor, was sent to the military hospital, and then transferred to the Veteran’s hospital after he was discharged for another 8 months. In the fall of 1946, Dean experienced what he believes to be a spiritual healing when the lung tumor he had been suffering from for over a year completely disappeared. The tumor he had been suffering from for over a year completely disappeared. Dean enrolled at Lewis & Clark in January 1947 and was well enough to immediately begin to playing basketball.

Dean and his first wife, Mary, had three children: Martha Lemberg '81 of Melbourne, Australia; Sarah Nicholas of Portland; and the late Craig Sempert '86. Craig, a professional diver, died in 2001 in a diving accident.

Dean remarried and is survived by Madge Bushman Sempert. Sempert’s stepson, Steven T. Bushman, is a member of the class of 1987.

He graduated in 1949 with a degree in health and physical education and went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Southern California.

Funeral arrangements will be posted as soon as they are available.