Obituaries - 1/14/05
By: North County Times and The Californian | ∞
Former Naval academy sailing instructor dies
BARBARA HENRY
Staff Writer
OCEANSIDE ---- Two years ago, when Francis Dam was 85, his banker told him he could save money if he used a computer to help with his stock-trading hobby.
A retiree for nearly three decades, Dam had never touched a computer, but was willing to give it a try if it meant he could save a little cash, his youngest son recalled Thursday.
The banker took him shopping for a computer, and Dam learned to use it by taking free lessons at Carlsbad's Dove Library, which was within walking distance of his La Costa home.
"He was just so amazed at what could be done," his son, William Dam, 47, said. "I remember him saying, 'Have you seen (the Internet search engine) Yahoo?' ... He'd get so excited about these different things."
His father, who died Saturday of pneumonia at Tri-City Medical Center, approached his computer training with the same studious intensity he'd shown to other topics throughout his life, his son said. Born in Berkeley in 1916, Dam graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in business. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy just before the outbreak of World War II and served as a gunnery officer on a mine-sweeping ship in the Mediterranean.
That was his second, but far less pleasant job aboard a ship. During college in the 1930s, he had worked summers as a waiter on cruise ships making the passage to Hawaii, his son said. His father kept his ties to sea after he left activity duty, joining the Naval Reserves and teaching sailing to freshmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
After teaching at the academy, Dam went back to school and received a master's degree in business from Stanford University. With his new degree in hand, he returned to the East Coast and took a series of jobs with the federal government. Dam retired in 1974 ---- long before there was a computer on every civil servant's desk.
"His whole career, he never used computers," his son said. "Then he retired in 1974 and he never had access to a PC."
But, Dam had a burning desire to play the stock market, something he'd dabbled with during his working years and became a full-time hobby in his retirement. Dam, who moved to Carlsbad in the mid-1980s, bought books, researched company sales records, and tracked stock prices.
"He wasn't interested in the fundamentals of the company," his son said. "He was following a technique ... it was basically charting the rises and falls of the company (stock)."
The Internet opened a whole new world to him.
"Everything was new to him, how to send an e-mail, how to send an attachment," his son recalled. "It got to be that he was always on the computer. You couldn't reach him on the phone, you had to send him an e-mail."
That turned out to have a side benefit the family never considered. Dam's hearing had been damaged during his military service on the mine sweeper and later in life he had trouble understanding people during phone conversations, his son said.
With the Internet, he could chat with his four sons miles away and nobody had to shout into the phone.
Despite his enjoyment of modern technology, he still kept a tight hand on his cash. When his son came to visit, he discovered his dad was using the couch as a computer table. The two went shopping for a fancy computer desk, his son recalled. His dad, who had been a championship backstroke swimmer during his college days at UC Berkeley, kept pace with him the whole day during the extended shopping trip.
"He was pretty fit and strong," his son said.
Contact staff writer Barbara Henry at (760) 901-4072 or bhenry@nctimes.com.
Betty Jennings, 77
MURRIETA ---- Betty Louise Jennings, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, in Riverside.
Born Sept. 19, 1927, in Winchester, she lived in Murrieta most of her life. She retired in 1996 after 20 years with Murrieta Country Market. She rode her horse to grammar school in Winchester and went to high school in Perris. She enjoyed reading, knitting, traveling and was an avid bingo player.
Mrs. Jennings was preceded in death by her parents, Estes and Pia Connell; and husband, William Hale Jennings in 1987. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick and Annette Jennings and Michael and Janet Jennings, all of Murrieta, and Timothy and Beth Jennings of Hemet; sister, Jean Domenigoni of Hemet; and grandchildren Ashley, Cory and Kasey.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. today, Jan. 14, at Stout Family Funeral Home in Temecula. Private inurnment is planned.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Murrieta Fire Department, 41825 Juniper St., Murrieta, CA 92562, the Diabetic Youth Services Inc., in conjunction with Domenigoni Poker Ride, 74141 Chinook Circle, E. Palm Desert, CA 92211.
Stout Family Funeral Home in Temecula is handling arrangements.
Bonnie Bender, 83
SUN CITY ---- Bonnie Jean Bender, 83, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at Kaiser Foundation Hospital.
She was born Nov. 19, 1921, in Los Angeles. She was a grocery checker for Safeway Stores.
Mrs. Bender was preceded in death by her parents, Hezzie and Gladys Royal Nale. She is survived by her sons, Jack Wilbert Bender of Coquilla, Ore., Jeffrey Garner Bender of Sun City and James Milton Bender of Santa Clarita; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and funeral service at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 14, at Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory Chapel in Sun City with the Rev. Bill Carne officiating. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery.
Miller-Jones is handling arrangements.
Martha Castillo, 72
MURRIETA ---- Martha Josephina Castillo, 72, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina.
She was born May 20, 1932, in Mexico City, she was a homemaker.
Mrs. Castillo was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Conception Canales Castillo. She is survived by her sons, Salvador Castillo of Colton, Martin Castillo of La Puente, Jose Castillo of Pasadena, Miguel Castillo of Pomona and Raul Castillo of San Antonio; daughters Rosario Rios of Murrieta, Gina Castillo of Pomona, and Laura Castillo, Judith Castillo, Lurdes Castillo and Raquel Castillo, all of Mexico; 34 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, Jan. 14, at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Wildomar with the Rev. Benito Justiniano officiating. Interment will be at Wildomar Cemetery.
Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City is handling arrangements.
Esther Peterson, 89
ESCONDIDO -- Esther Elizabeth Peterson, 89, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, of Alzheimer's disease.
Born Dec. 23, 1915, in Chariton, Iowa, she lived in Escondido for 13 years.
Mrs. Peterson was preceded in death by her first husband, Marvin Neff Hickman; second husband Charles John Peterson; son Lawrence Wayne Hickman; brother Noel Hancock; and sisters Adda Mae Stelter and Leila Taylor. She is survived by her son, Richard Hickman of Escondido; grandchildren Cheryl, Robin, Debbie, Karri, Shannon, Ty and Brad; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Her cremains will be scattered.
The family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
John Ferguson, 57
VALLEY CENTER -- John Houston Ferguson, 57, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005.
He was born Jan. 21, 1947, and lived in Valley Center for 2 1/2 years.
Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his father, Paul Ferguson. He is survived by his mother, Jean Cook of Santa Cruz; daughters Rose Ferguson and Anna Ferguson, both of Lahaina, Hawaii; brothers and sisters-in-law Clark and Linda Sranson of Northridge, and Alex and Patty Armatuzio of Pasadena; and sister and brother-in-law Ceil and Paul Evans of Santa Fe, N.M.
No services are planned.
Accu-Care Cremation is handling arrangements.
Joseph Fleck, 79
SAN DIEGO -- Joseph C. Fleck, 79, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004.
Born Aug. 4, 1925, in Chicago, he lived in San Diego for one year. He was a chef for Sport Fishing Charter. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed horse racing and sports fishing.
Mr. Fleck is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Ludwig; sons Jamie Fleck, Jeremy Fleck, Joel Fleck, Justin Fleck and Jason Fleck.
A private scattering at sea is planned.
California Funeral Alternatives in Escondido is handling arrangements.
Edith Schwartz, 89
LONG BEACH -- Edith Chloe Schwartz, 89, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2005.
Born June 19, 1915, in Millboro, N.C., she lived in Long Beach for four years. She lived in San Marcos for 24 years previously. She was a professional seamstress for the Dolly Dress Manufacturing Co. for 25 years. She was a past member of the United Methodist Church of San Marcos and the Whirling Rainbows Square Dance Club.
Mrs. Schwartz is survived by her husband of 63 years, Cecil J. Schwartz of Long Beach; son John E. Schwartz of Torrance; daughter Donna McGovern of Hawthorne; brother James C. Routh of Asheboro, N.C.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Allen Bros. Mortuary, San Marcos Chapel with the Rev. Paul Dinkel officiating. Private inurnment at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Escondido is planned.
Allen Bros. Mortuary, San Marcos Chapel, is handling arrangements.
Jerry McMillan, 68
RANCHO SANTA FE -- Jerry Landon McMillan, 68, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005.
Born Sept. 19, 1936, he lived in Rancho Santa Fe for eight years.
Mr. McMillan is survived by his companion, Ronald Haas of Rancho Santa Fe; and brother Danny McMillan of New Mexico.
Private cremation was held.
El Camino Memorial Encinitas Chapel is handling arrangements.
Tammy Menendez, 45
CARDIFF -- Tammy Johnson Menendez, 45, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at her home.
Born Sept. 22, 1959, in Omaha, Neb., she lived in the San Diego area since 1981. She worked for Pacific Bell and then became a speech-language pathologist. She worked at South Oceanside Elementary School. She received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the San Diego State University. She was a member of the Tidewater women's soccer team. She enjoyed playing soccer, chocolate and traveling.
Mrs. Menendez was preceded in death by her father, Vernon; and brother Garry. She is survived by her husband, Danny Menendez; daughter Kiffen Menendez; son Kent Menendez; mother Violet; sisters Penney, Kathy, Lorri, Shelley; and brother Terry.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Ada Harris School auditorium on Windsor Drive in Cardiff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Menendez Childrens' College Fund, at P.O. Box 290, Cardiff, CA 92007.
Josephine Warga, 76
FALLBROOK -- Josephine Elaine Warga, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, in Fallbrook.
She was born Oct. 12, 1928, in Pasadena. She was a cashier for 14 years. She enjoyed the theatre, plays and Chihuahuas.
Ms. Warga was preceded in death by her first husband, Wayne Thompson; and second husband Frank Warga. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Walter Sr. and Lea Pipp of Santa Maria; nephews Richard Pipp of San Jacinto and Wally and Kathleen Pipp of Tucson, Ariz.; and niece Nancy Sharber of Temecula.
A memorial service is scheduled for noon Monday, Jan. 17, at McLeod Mortuary Chapel in Escondido. A private cremation is planned.
The family suggests donations to St. Jude's.
McLeod Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Allen Needham, 65
ESCONDIDO -- Allen C. Needham, 65, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2004.
Born April 22, 1939, in Berkeley, he lived in Escondido for 20 years. He retired in 2001 as an electronic salesman. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a car buff.
He enjoyed taking walks and meeting people at Peterson's Donuts.
Mr. Needham was preceded in death by his mother, Jennie Needham, in 2001; and father Croy Needham in 1986. He is survived by his sister, Beverly Needham of El Cerrito; aunt Evy Zingheim of San Jose; and several cousins.
Private family services are planned.
California Funeral Alternatives is handling arrangements.
Lois Pitts, 73
VISTA -- Lois C. Pitts, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside of pneumonia and sepsis.
Born Oct. 26, 1931, in Los Angeles, she lived in Vista for 30 years. She retired in 1980 from Citibank.
Mrs. Pitts was preceded in death by her husband, Louis P. Pitts. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Eli and BJ Pitts of Sacramento, and Michael and Paige Pitts of Everett, Wash.; daughters and son-in-law Katie and Tom Robley of San Marcos and Tracy Robles of Bullhead, Ariz.; sister and brother-in-law Diane and Ken Burgess of Colorado; grandchildren Dontae, Kaitlyn, Alexandra and Tyson; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at the First Church of Religious Science, 560 S. Melrose Drive in Vista with the Rev. Brian Anderson officiating. A private cremation is planned.
American Cremation Service is handling arrangements.
Francis Dam, 88
CARLSBAD -- Francis Scott Dam, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005.
Born Oct. 7, 1916, in Berkeley, he lived in Carlsbad for more than 10 years, and most recently in San Marcos. He retired in 1974 from the Bureau of Naval Personnel in federal civil service.
He served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant during World War II, and then joined the Naval Reserves, retiring as a commander. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and received a master's degree from Stanford University. He was a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Dam is survived by his sons, Scott Dam, Bob Dam, Steve Dam and Bill Dam.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Christ Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Kelly officiating.
Matthew Gilman, 12
CARLSBAD -- Matthew James Gilman, 12, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005.
Born Oct. 19, 1992, in San Diego, he lived in Carlsbad all his life. He was a sixth-grade student at Calavera Hills Middle School. He was a member of the North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad. He was a tenderfoot scout with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 784, and a green belt at the North County Studios of Self Defense.
Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Al Gilman and Kenneth Moore. He is survived by his parents, Michelle and Troy Gilman of Carlsbad; brother David M. Gilman of Carlsbad; sisters Kora Leilani and Lauren Elizabeth Gilman, both of Carlsbad; grandmothers Maureen Bonjiorni, Alice Gonzales and Judy Gilman; grandfather Roy Gonzales; and great-grandparents Bob and Alma Haddix.
Visitation and viewing are scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 14, at Oceanside Mortuary, 602 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at North Coast Calvary Chapel, 7188 Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad with the Revs. Trillicio, Stanton and Fuimaono officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, 4050 Mission Ave. in Oceanside.
The family suggests donations to the Boy Scouts of American, Troop 784.
Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Joseph Kowalski, 79
RANCHO SANTA FE -- Joseph Edmond Kowalski, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at his home.
Born June 4, 1925 in St. Louis, Mo., he lived in the Rancho Santa Fe area for 68 years. He was an architect.
Mr. Kowalski his survived by his wife, Caroline of Rancho Santa Fe; daughters Kristina Kowalski of Rancho Santa Fe and Debbi Costanzo of San Marcos; son Joseph Kowalski III of Pleasanton; sisters Cecelia Price and Dolores Shafer both of San Diego; and three grandchildren.
A private cremation was held. Contributions may be made to the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center, P.O. Box 223, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.
El Camino Memorial Encinitas Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Warren Wulff, 83
SAN DIEGO -- Warren Andrew Wulff, 83, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005.
Born Sept. 1, 1921, in New York, he lived in San Diego for six years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Mr. Wulff was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford Wulff.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Wulff of San Diego; son Richard Wulff of England; daughters Susan Knytych of South Haven, Mich., and Lisa McAfee of Poway; sister Constance Figoni of Fullerton; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary in Poway.
A Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at San Rafael Church in Rancho Bernardo. Burial will follow at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway.
The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, 2655 Camino del Rio North, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.
Poway-Bernardo Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Robert Williams, 88
OCEANSIDE -- Robert O. Williams, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at an adult care home in Grants Pass, Ore.
Born July 12, 1916, in Holtville, he lived in Oceanside for 25 years prior to moving to Grants Pass one and a half years ago. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He then served in the Signal Corps. He was a Mason for 51 years. He enjoyed fishing and gardening.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his first wife, Amy Lestley Williams, in 1961, and his second wife, Diane Williams. He is survived by his daughter, Lestley Eaton of Grants Pass; son Robert O. Williams II of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
No services are planned.
Remembrances may be made to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th St., Grants Pass, OR 97526.
Southern Oregon Cremation Services is handling arrangements.
Memorials
Herbert Gerald Lewis
1928 -- 2005
Herbert Gerald Lewis, 76, of Fallbrook, born August 7, 1928, in Mercer County, Missouri, passed away January 8, 2005, after a year long battle with lung cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Gleam Lewis; daughter and son-in-law Camilla and RD Boisvert of Topeka, Kansas; stepson and daughter-in-law Brent and Yoko Smith of Chula Vista, California; sister Sylvia McCann of Cookeville, Tennessee; sister-in-law Mae Lewis of Phoenix, Arizona; brother and sister-in-law Jack and Ida Lewis of Indianola, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law John and Marge Lewis of Antioch, Tennessee; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and loving nieces and nephews.
Mr. Lewis is responsible for building many homes in and around Los Angeles County and Orange County. He came to San Diego County in 1972 and settled in Fallbrook's South Morro Hills area. There he designed and built numerous custom homes and developed Bell Homes in Fallbrook. His prize addition to Fallbrook was La Estancia Inn which he built and managed for over 16 years.
He was proud of his family, his service in the United States Army, his private pilot license, his extensive travels around the world and his love of fishing.
Mr. Lewis is well know for donating vast number of hours to various non-profit organizations. He favored The Fallbrook Art and Culture Center, Rally for Children, The Fallbrook Land Conservancy, the Angel Society of Fallbrook; and the South Morro Hills Association. He was known to many as "Santa" as he liked to dress the part and visit local children on Christmas Eve.
All are invited by the family to attend his memorial services to be held Thursday, January 20, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Fallbrook, 1844 Winterhaven Road, Fallbrook.
The family is grateful for memorial donations to Rally for Children, Arts in the Park Community Project, P.O. Box 2575, Fallbrook, CA 92088.
Charles Small, 87
OCEANSIDE -- Charles "Norris" Small, 87, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005.
Norris was born in Tropic (better known as Glendale) California, on September 3, 1917, the fifth son of Will Farnham and Alice Dinsmore.
Norris served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945 where he obtained the rank of Master Sergeant.
He married the late Bettie L. Flynn in 1946 and they lived in La Crescenta for five years when they moved to Van Nuys with their three children.
Norris and Bettie moved to Oceanside in 1979. Norris became active with Al Bahr Shrine and enjoyed many activities with this group.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie Small; father Will Farnham Small; mother Alice Dinsmore Small; and brothers Benjamin Dinsmore Small, Merrill Farnham Small, Bryant Thomas Small and Kenneth Dwight Small.
He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew D. and Deborah of Sacramento; and James P. Small and Jan Burns of Canyon Country; daughter and son-in-law Linda and Michael Suprenant of North Hollywood; grandchildren Kerstin (Michael) Dubron of Saugus, Kerry Jon (Monica) Suprenant of Palmdale, Samantha Small and Kimberly (Jon) Brooke, all of Sacramento; Jamie Small and Ted Small, both of Lake Tahoe; Bryan Burns of Texas, Michelle Burns and Tyler Burns, both of Canyon Country; and great grandchildren Melissa Dubron and Brittany Dubron, both of Saugus, Zoe Suprenant and Justin Suprenant, both of Palmdale, and Kali Burns of Texas.
There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside. Father Shannon Phelps will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 3160 Geneva St., Los Angeles, CA.
Buck Hayden, 60
OCEANSIDE -- Buck Hayden, 60, died Monday, Jan 10, 2005.
Born Dec. 27, 1944, in Anchorage, Alaska, he was a resident of Oceanside for 16 years. At the time of his death he was a Plant Manager for Soil Retention Products.
He was raised in commercial fishing in Cook Inlet, Alaska, worked in the pre-cast concrete industry for more than 36 years. He loved art, food and travel. He was a recovering alcoholic and was very dedicated to carrying the message. He was an excellent father, loving husband and confidante. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Mr. Hayden was preceded in death by his parents, George and Charlotte Hayden.
He is survived by his wife Sharla Hayden of Oceanside; aunt Leona Tolin of Los Angeles; son Cade Hayden of Plano, Texas; daughters and sons-in-law Jodie and Antonio Escot of Wassilla, Alaska, Amber and Shawn Green of San Diego, and Keri and Vaughn Heberlee of Sarasota, Fla.; daughter Shelley Hobbs of Kennewick, Wash.; sister Sharon Wells; nieces and nephews-in-law Lisa and Paul Turner of Kenia, Alaska, and Leona and Rob Strait of Colorado Springs, Colo.
There will be a visitation and viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. today, Jan. 14, 2005, at Oceanside Mortuary, 602 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside.
A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Oceanside Mortuary. Pastor Dean Kasob will officiate.
The family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of the North Coast, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92009.
Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Wanda Lewycky, 90
Wanda Lewycky passed away peacefully at Tri-City Hospital on Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, with her family at her side.
Wanda was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 15, 1914. She moved to Oceanside in 1996 and was joined by her sister and brother-in-law, Regina and George Sito, also of Brooklyn, N.Y.
She worked many years in retail sales and retired from Bullock & Jones San Francisco. She loved to dance, listen to music, spend time with family, and make pierogis with her daughter, Victoria.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Lewycky, a Merchant Marine, Master Chef and linguist in January 1987, and brother Raymond Sarama who died serving his country in 1942.
She is survived by son Richard Lewycky of Walnut Creek, Calif., and daughter Victoria Bierbower (and Marc) of Oceanside.
She has five grandchildren, Nicole and Rocky Lewycky, Traci, Lisa and Laura Rawnsley and great-grandchild Kailani Rose Molloy. She is also survived by her four sisters, Jan Panico of Palm Beach, Fla., Regina Sito (and George) of Oceanside, Julia Diffin of Parlin, N.J., and Stephanie Bekman of Bayshore, N.Y.
Wanda was a member of the Polish-American Club and loved dance, music and the polka.
We will miss her gregarious, contagious and fun-loving nature. God bless Wanda.
Her family requests all of Wanda's friends to join them in a Celebration of her Life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at Vista Christian Fellowship, 820 Williamston St., Vista.
Pastor Roger Friend will officiate.
John L. McElroy
John L. McElroy, age 82, passed away January 2, 2005, after a long hospitalization with Dementia-Alzheimers. John was a longtime resident of Murrieta, California, and was one of the founding fathers of that city.
John was born in Tower Hill, Illinois, and as a young boy moved with his family to Alberta, Canada. When he was a teenager the family returned to the United States and after serving in the Air Corps, he relocated in Los Angeles, where he opened an auto body shop. He married Stephany Hampson, a young actress who was working for Howard Hughes at RKO studios. John and Stephany had three children.
John became a builder and a land developer. While living in Burbank he built houses in Van Nuys and the surrounding area. In Anaheim he built the first industrial subdivision. He moved to Corona in 1962, where he developed the Mountain View Golf Course.
In the mid-1960s, John and his brother, Lynn, purchased a million-acre ranch in Brazil that they later donated to the American Boy Scouts.
In 1968, John purchased acreage in Murrieta and began farming; growing oats, wheat and barley.
In 1988, John spearheaded a group that formed the Murrieta Citizens for Cityhood. He was assisted in this effort by his companion, Carol Kravagna. He became president of that group and donated time, money and cars to the effort. On July 1, 1991, Murrieta became a city. In 1989, John McElroy was named Murrieta Citizen of the Year.
All of his lifetime, John had a love for aviation and owned more than a hundred airplanes ---- single-engine planes to war surplus bombers. He also collected antiques, jukeboxes, radios and antique autos. His favorite was a 1929 La Salle that he won awards with.
John is survived by his children, Gary, Rick and Coleen Coombs, sisters Marion McElroy and Loa Wilson and grandchildren Dustin McElroy and Austin Coombs. His brother, Lynn McElroy and two sisters, Ina Bruns and Gladys Lembicz, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial contribution might be made in John's name to the Alzheimer's Association's Inland Empire regional office, 104 E. State St., Suite B, Redlands, CA 92373, (909) 747-0347.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2005, at 12 o'clock noon at Calvary Chapel Menifee, 29220 Scott Road, Menifee, CA 92584. Phone (951) 672-3157.
John McElroy will be buried at the Murrieta Cemetery.
Visit John's memorial page at http://johnmcelroy.org.
Corrections
Georgina Herman, 82
CARLSBAD -- Georgina R. Herman, 82, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at Brighton Gardens in Carlsbad of natural causes.
Born Sept. 12, 1923, in Saskat-chewan, Canada, she lived in Carlsbad 21 years. She was a homemaker and antique expert.
She was a member of AFTRA, and a den mother for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. She was the president of Manhattan Beach School District PTA.
Mrs. Herman was preceded in death by her husband, Frank J. Herman, in 2000; and son Vincent Herman in 2000.
She is survived by her sons, Wes Herman of Goleta, Bruce Herman of Cabo San Lucus, Mexico, and Gregory Herman of Carlsbad; brother and sister-in-law Wes and Joan McCool of Kolowna, British Colombia, Canada; grandchildren Chiara, Jerome, Cole, Riley, Andy, Amy and Matt; and two great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is planned from 11 am. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Avenue.
Eternal Hills Mortuary, Oceanside is handling the arrangements.
Wilma Stokes, 92
SAN MARCOS -- Wilma Frances Stokes, 92, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005 in Oceanside.
Born Oct. 1, 1912 in Orleans Parish, La. she was a resident of San Marcos for more than 30 years.
She retired from Lockheed where she worked in administration. She studied music and received a degree in music. She was a member of the Organist Club and loved to play Bridge.
No services are planned.
Allen Brothers Mortuary, Vista Chapel, is handling arrangements.
Noah Praytor, Jr., 80
FALLBROOK -- Noah B. Praytor, Jr., 80, died Thursday, Jan,. 6, 2005, at the Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton.
Born July 1, 1924, in Waco, Texas, he was a resident of Fallbrook for 47 years. He served in World War II and Korea in the U. S. Marine Corps. He retired in 1968 as a gunnery sergeant after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the Chosin Few, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924, Fallbrook; the American Legion Post 776, Fallbrook; and St. John's Episcopal Church, Fallbrook. He was also a member of the San Diego County Sheriff's Senior Volunteer Patrol.
Mr. Praytor was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Praytor in 1996.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Nancy Praytor of Wildomar; sister Iona Adamson of Bellingham, Wash.; and grandsons Noah Praytor of Murrieta and Nicholas Praytor of Fallbrook.
There will be a viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary.
A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will be at 2 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, P.O. Box 555006, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5006 (e-mail hiremike@campen.nmcrs.org) or Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.
Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling arrangements.
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