San Marcos man left his mark

By: GIG CONAUGHTON - Staff Writer

He was just 25, but Colin Rodriguez Griswold was already a precocious academic "on the fast track to getting his Ph.d" who spoke three languages fluently, who had traveled the world, and whose border environmental research work was scheduled to be adopted by the U.S. and Mexican environmental protection agencies next week.

He also was a young man with a shy smile who loved soccer, who moonlighted as a musical deejay and who spent hours ferreting out the latest "cutting edge" Latin rock n' roll, salsa, samba, reggae and other music from Mexico, South America, Spain and Portugal.

But mostly, family and friends said Wednesday, Griswold was an "amazing, mature, exceptional kid."

"He was always sort of sparkling and enthusiastic," Griswold's father, former San Diego State University professor Jerry Griswold said. "He was just amazing."

Colin Griswold, who lived 24 years in San Marcos and who graduated from San Marcos High School, was killed instantly early Saturday morning in Tucson. He was driving home from a friend's home when a motorist fleeing the police rammed into his car and fled the scene on foot.

Jerry Griswold jokingly said his son's love of academia ——- he earned a bachelor's degree from UC San Diego, a master's degree from San Diego State University, and was working on his doctorate at the University of Arizona —— came as a pleasant surprise after he told his parents in elementary school he wasn't keen on going to school.

"When he was taken to Richland Elementary School (in San Marcos), he reported to us that he had 'tried it, and that it wasn't working out,' " Jerry Griswold said with a chuckle. "That somehow changed in high school."

Colin's sister, Breca Griswold, said her brother was kind of a tall, skinny kid with a shy smile in high school. But she said his varied interests let him cross over the traditional cliquish high-school boundaries. He loved soccer and athletics. He was an excellent student, spoke fluent Spanish, and loved music.

She said her brother's caring, sensitive nature helped him make quick friends.

"He would smile in a bashful way, but people felt like an instant connection to him," Breca Griswold said, "because he really listened and was able to speak."

Jerry Griswold said his son's bicultural background —— Irish on his father's side and Mexican on his mother's side —— pushed his academic interests toward research on Mexican-American border studies.

Jerry Griswold said English was the main language in the home, but that he and his wife would speak Spanish when they didn't want their kids to eavesdrop. Colin, he said, "just sort of picked it up on his own."

As he grew older, and visited Japan with his father, Mexico and South America with his mother and the rest of the family, Colin eventually "fell in love with Brazil," and learned how to speak Portuguese fluently.

SDSU professor Rick Van Schoik, who directed Colin Griswold's environmental studies for the college's Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy —— a consortium of five American and five Mexican universities —— said Griswold was mainly responsible for creating a system of environmental criteria that the U.S. and Mexican environmental protection agencies plan to adopt in Juarez next week.

The criteria is intended to judge environmental changes to air quality, water quality, population mortality rates along the U.S.-Mexico border that both governments can use to make environmental policies.

Breca Griswold said she spoke with her brother over the phone the night he died.

"My last conversation with him, they (Colin and his friends) were just hanging out, and talking about starting up a production company to bring a "rock en Espanol" program to Tucson," she said. "They were talking about how each night of the week they could bring different bands in. He just had a lot of ideas."

Family members said they planned to hold a visitation and rosary service for Colin from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Allen Brothers Mortuary in San Marcos, to be followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church in San Marcos.

Contact staff writer Gig Conaughton at gconaughton@nctimes.com.

Jean Pavlovsky, 72

AGUANGA —— Jean Pavlovsky, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at her home.

Born Sept. 20, 1932, in Detroit, she lived in Aguanga for 18 years. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Pavlovsky is survived by her husband of 34 years, Philip Pavlovsky; daughters Jacklyn Thomas of Valencia, Denise Thornton of Houston and Kari Burton of Lake Elsinore; sons Mike Foor of Seattle and Paul Foor of Aguanga; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 28, at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave. in Hemet. Private inurnment is planned.

Miller-Jones is handling arrangements.

Olga Lasowski, 86

SUN CITY —— Olga Esther Lasowski, 86, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, at Sun City Convalescent Center.

Born Aug. 6, 1918, in Cleveland, she was a homemaker.

Mrs. Lasowski was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Mary Zajac Yavornitzki; and husband, Peter Joseph Lasowski in 1990. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Willis of Temecula; sisters Helen Stasco of California and Anne Malek of Colorado; brother, Steve Yavornitzki of New York; and two grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City. A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Miller-Jones Mortuary with the Rev. Tony Das Neves officiating. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery.

Miller-Jones is handling arrangements.

Warren Poetsch, 80

SUN CITY —— Warren Arthur Poetsch, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005.

Born Jan. 27, 1924, in Chicago, he lived in Sun City for 15 years. He was a welder for 45 years, retiring from Challenge Cook. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Mr. Poetsch is survived by his wife, Karolina Burgen Poetsch; daughter, Deborah Ann Poetsch; and brother, Robert Page.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Faith Lutheran in Sun City.

The family suggests donations in his name to the American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreath Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.

Arlington Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Melvin Gimbel, 90

CARLSBAD — Melvin Reginald Gimbel, 90, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005, at his home.

He was born March 4, 1914, in New York City. He was a signalman second class in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II.

He was a member of the San Dieguito Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Solana Beach. He studied geology at the University of Illinois. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and participated in college boxing.

He played the trumpet and enjoyed golf, bridge, fishing and traveling.

Mr. Gimbel was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Shana Ruth Carlson, in 1978.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Wilson Gimbel of Carlsbad; daughters and son-in-law Nancy and Shane Carlson of Manhattan Beach, and Peggy Gimbel of Dana Point; sister Thelma Braun of Lauderhille, Fla.; and grandchild Piper.

Private inurnment at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth is planned.

The family suggests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southern California Chapter, 2150 Towne Center Place, Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92806.

Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Dale Boatwright, 61

SAN MARCOS — Dale Arnold Boatwright, 61, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido of heart failure.

Born Sept. 13, 1943, in Compton, he lived in San Marcos for 28 years. He attended a pipe fitters trade school. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, car racing, restoring classic cars, ham radio, and playing horse shoes. He collected sports cards.

Mr. Boatwright was preceded in death by Newton and Mildred Boatwright.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Tammy Boatwright; stepsons Joseph Mccaw and Michael Mccaw; daughter and son-in-law Sherry and David Duncan; sister and brother-in-law Sherry and Curtis Boatwright; and grandchildren Joshua, Courtney, Joseph, Brandon and Jacob.

Visitation is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Telophase Cremation Society in El Cajon.

Telophase Cremation Society is handling arrangements.

Noreen Beckett, 60

ESCONDIDO - Noreen Merle Beckett, 60, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005.

Born April 30, 1944, in Van Nuys, she lived in Escondido for five years. She was a school bus driver for 14 years. She was a member of the Josyln Senior Center.

Ms. Beckett is survived by her daughter, Karen Calkins of Corpus Christi, Texas; brother Paul Gonder of Kingman, Ariz.; and grandchildren Morgan and Ariel.

Private family services will be held in Corpus Christi.

California Funeral Alternatives is handling arrangements.

Alice Ebker, 85

FALLBROOK - Alice I. Ebker, 85, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005.

Born April 19, 1919, in Oklahoma, she lived in Fallbrook for six years. She lived in Escondido previously. She was a bus driver for 25 years. She worked for the Bay Area Transit District and the San Francisco and North County Transit districts. She taught kindergarten in Escondido. She enjoyed cooking and computer science.

Ms. Ebker was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Phoebe Emma Holt; sisters Alpha Ashmore, Loretta Ford and Fairrie Valintine Ward; and brother Ernest Holt. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Frank Fox of Fallbrook; brothers Vernon Holt of California, David Holt of Washington, and Calvin Holt of Massachusetts; sisters Alean Eidson of Escondido, and Connie Hill and Mildred Hill, both of Oklahoma; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Friday, Jan. 21, at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary with the Rev. Don Watson officiating. Burial followed at Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Frances Sherman, 84

OCEANSIDE - Frances Sherman, 84, died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, at her home in Worchester, Mass.

Born March 1, 1920, in Quebec, Canada, she lived in Oceanside for 30 years.

She retired in 1984 after nine years as a librarian for the Oceanside Library. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and served as a physiotherapist in the U.S. Army during World War II. She was a member of the Oceanside Newcomers Club.

Mrs. Sherman was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Tanya M. Jones.

She is survived by her son, John W. Sherman of Oceanside; daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Rico Islms of Escondido; sister Helen Wright of Worchester; grandchild Tory; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Suzanne Ochoa, 59

OCEANSIDE - Suzanne Ochoa, 59, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at her home.

Born March 9, 1945, in Victoria, Canada, she lived in Oceanside for 35 years. She was a business owner.

Mrs. Ochoa was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Eunice Walker.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Bryan and Tricia Howes of Oceanside and Lisa Best of Florida; sons Mike Ochoa of Fallbrook, and Roy Daniel of Florida; brothers Jene Berry and James Berry, both of Texas; sister Marsha Maims of Oregon; and seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A memorial service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at The Apostolic Church, 2904 McDonald St.

Neptune Society is handling arrangements.

Amanda Schanke, 97

WESTMINSTER — Amanda Rose Schanke, 97, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at Brookhurst Royale Assisted Living.

Born Nov. 14, 1907, in Fall Creek, Wis., she lived in Westminster for four years. She lived in Escondido previously. She was a registered nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Mrs. Schanke was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Schanke, in 1996.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Rose Schanke of Westminster; daughters and son-in-law Sue Guernsey of Taylorsville, Utah, and Norma and Robert Scheuneman of El Cajon; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at St. Paul Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert Lawson officiating.

Private inurnment at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Escondido is planned.

Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido is handling arrangements.

Ruth Hite, 82

ENCINITAS — Ruth Elizabeth McVay Hite, 82, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, of Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Born Nov. 27, 1922, in Kewanna, Ind., she lived in Encinitas for 42 years. She worked for the Dan McKinney Co. in San Diego for more than 22 years.

She was a member of the Kewanna Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling, camping, Country music, collecting antiques, Western line dancing and reading historical novels about the Old West.

Mrs. Hite was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Francis and Bessie May Stubbs McVay; and husband Joseph William Hite.

She is survived by her son, William J. Hite of Fallbrook; daughter Janet S. Hite of Playa del Rey; sister Mary Alice Overmyer of Rochester, Ind.; and grandson David.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. today, Jan. 27, at El Camino Memorial, Sorrento Valley Chapel with the Rev. Kenny Dodd officiating.

Frieda Jordan, 82

OCEANSIDE — Frieda Jordan, 82, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Rainbow Board and Care in Vista, of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Born April 19, 1922, in Gibbons, Neb., she lived in Oceanside for 22 years.

She worked for J.C. Penney. She was a volunteer at Tri-City Medical Center for 20 years.

She was president of the Peacock Hills social group, Tail Feathers.

Mrs. Jordan was preceded in death by her son, Darris Jordan; and sister Edna Hoffman. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Riley Jordan of Oceanside; son Darwyn Jordan of Oceanside; and sister Clara Wagner of Omaha, Neb.

Viewing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at Eternal Hills Mortuary.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Vincent Donnarumma, 82

SAN DIEGO — Vincent J. Donnarumma, 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.

He was born March 29, 1922, in Massachusetts. He was a self-employed real estate investor. He served in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Donnarumma was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Ann Mayes, in 2003.

He is survived by his sons, Thaddius Donnarumma of San Diego and Raul Edward Rapoza of Colorado; sister Agnes Celeste of Orange; and grandchildren Jonathan, Jarred, Marlena, Amanda and Kevin.

Visitation is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, 3655 Fifth Ave., in San Diego.

Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary in San Deigo is handling arrangements.

Clement Gates, 91

VALLEY CENTER - Clement M. Gates, 91, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at his home of natural causes.

Born Feb. 20, 1913, in Glendale, he lived in Valley Center for six years. He retired in 1970 from the retail dairy business.

Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Gates. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Virginia Gates of Valley Center; daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Leonard Leach of Oceanside; sister and brother-in-law Fern and Paul Taylor of Fullerton; grandchildren Dennis, Craig and Heather; and four great-grandchildren.

A private cremation is planned.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Jesus Abril, 79

ENCINITAS — Jesus Hand Abril, 79, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, at his home.

Born Jan. 7, 1926, in Bisbee, Ariz., he lived in the Solana Beach and Encinitas areas since 1932. He was a cement mason.

Mr. Abril is survived by his wife, Rosie Abril of Encinitas; daughters Mary Helen Rubacava and Linda Arechiga, both of Oceanside, Delia Sierra of Azuza, Rosanna Bickford of San Diego, and Kathy Standiford and Mavi Abril, both of Encinitas; sons John Abril of Oceanside and Robert Abril of Vista; brother Norberto Abril of Del Mar; sister Gloria Sandoval of Solana Beach; 25 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at El Camino Memorial, Encinitas Chapel. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at St. John's Catholic Church, 1001 Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Escondido.

The family suggests donations to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

El Camino Memorial, Encinitas Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Bob Cressey, 59

SAN PEDRO — Bob Cressey, 59, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005.

Born Feb. 9, 1945, in Columbia, S.C., he lived in North County for 18 years previously. He had a Tupperware franchise.

Mr. Cressey is survived by his wife, Nancy Cressey; daughters Amy Yates, Julie Cressey and Jenny Berry; sons Robert Cressey and John Cressey; brother Roger Cressey; sister Jan Cressey Zodrow; and granddaughter Ava Berry.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Pedro. Interment of his cremains will be on Monday, Jan. 31, in Oceanside.

The family suggests donations in his name to the American Cancer Society, 2655 Camino del Rio North, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.

McNerney's Mortuary in San Pedro is handling arrangements.

Tolly Johnson, 51

RIALTO — Tolly O. Johnson, 51, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, in Davenport, Iowa, of a heart attack.

Born June 16, 1953, in New York City, he had lived at Camp Pendleton as an officer for many years. He graduated from Cornell University and was in Alpha Phi Alpha. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an officer. He was a chemical engineer and a student of chiropractic studies.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his father, Tolly O. Johnson Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Robyn Johnson of Rialto; mother Viola Johnson of the Bronx, N.Y.; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Michelle Johnson of Mission Viejo; daughter and son-in-law Tenille and Aaron Hunt of Mission Viejo; and grandchildren Leiloni, Tolly, Erin, Tahlil and Robert Jr.

Visitation is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at O'Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at O'Connor Mortuary.

Memorials

Matt Thomas, 68

OCEANSIDE - Matt Thomas, 68, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, peacefully at his home.

Born Aug. 29, 1936, in Kansas City, Mo., he lived in Oceanside for 28 years. He retired in August 2001 from Mission Linen Supply. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside. He was a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside and a supporter of the Oceanside Municipal Airport, where he attained his private pilot license in 1985. He coached youth sports and was an avid golfer.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Lorene Thomas; and sister Betty Koelling. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anne Thomas of Oceanside; daughter Teri Thomas of San Diego; sons and daughters-in-law Steve and Gina Thomas and Scott and Dawn Thomas, all of Oceanside; and grandchildren Mitchell, Sydney, Michael and Matthew.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside with the Rev. Dr. Lewis S. Leon officiating.

The family suggests donations to Hospice of the North Coast, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A, Carlsbad, CA 92008, or the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Gordon Lau, 61

OCEANSIDE - Gordon Lau, 61, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, at his home of cancer.

Born Dec. 19, 1943, in Hong Kong, he lived in Oceanside for 30 years. He retired in July 2004, after 16 years on the San Diego Police Department. He retired after 20 years as a master gunnery sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Lau was preceded in death by his mother, Lau Chan-Wai Yue. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Kim Lau of Oceanside; son Richard Nguyen of San Diego; daughter and son-in-law Gary Johnson and Sabrina Lau Johnson of Las Vegas; and sister Pauline Lau of Huntsville, Ala.

Viewing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at Eternal Hills Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Eternal Hills Mortuary. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Thomas H. Holsclaw

Thomas H. Holsclaw, 86, Lower Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County, formerly of West Reading, died Dec. 4, at 4:15 a.m. in Sanatoga Center, Montgomery County.

His wife, Florence (Stefanowice) Holsclaw, died Jan. 27, 2001.

Born in West Reading, he was a son of the late Henry H. and Elizabeth (Davis) Holsclaw.

Holsclaw was employed as an agent by AAA, San Diego, retiring in 1986.

He was a graduate of West Reading High school and a graduate of Albright College.

Holsclaw served as chairman of the West Reading High School state championship dinner in 1959.

He was an Army veteran of World War II.

Surviving is a great-niece, Nanette Tolson, with whom he last resided.

Memorial services were held Thursday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. in Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Douglass Township, Montgomery County. Burial will be in today, Jan. 27, at Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Diego.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements.

In loving memory

In Memoriam

Loren Scott Peele

8-18-62 — 1-27-04

"On the trail of life

I walk in beauty

On the first trail

I walk in beauty

On the second trail

I walk in beauty

On the third trail

I walk in beauty

On the fourth trail

I walk in beauty

I walk in beauty

in harmony I exist

I walk in beauty."

Sharon Burch from

Touch the Sweet Earth

songs of the Dineh

We miss you so much and will always love you.

Your Friends and Family