Jan. 24, 2002

James Campbell Graham
Longtime Irvine resident James Campbell Graham died Jan. 18 after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 65 and had lived in Northwood for 21 years. Services are planned for Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside will be private. Mr. Graham was born Sept. 25, 1936, in Athens, Ohio. His father was a farmer and house painter but making sure all four children attended college was important to his parents. Mr. Graham grew up in Athens, graduated from high school and earned a degree in accounting from Ohio University in Athens. Mr. Graham served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1959 to 1996. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. He loved sports car racing and enjoyed attending many local races, said his wife, Linda Sue Graham. He also enjoyed going to the desert and relaxing in Palm Desert. He and his wife met through their mutual interest in snow skiing. They were both living in the San Jose area and met at a ski club. They were married Feb. 14, 1982, in Irvine. Each brought two children to the marriage and both thought of them all as "their" children, said his wife. Mr. Graham enjoyed doing things with the family and the couple spent much of their free time doing family things, she added. Mr. Graham began his career in accounting and went into human resources. He retired last year as manager of human resources at Ricoh Electronics after being with the company 12 years. He was an outgoing, friendly person, his wife recalled. He became a member of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa in recent months. When he lived in Northern California, he was active in the Junior Achievement program. Mr. Graham is survived by his wife, Linda Sue Graham of Irvine; his son, James C. Graham II of Sun City; his daughters, Grace Dawson of Tustin, Lori A. Cramer of Tustin, and Lynette M. Rowles of Fullerton; his former wife, Shirley Heath of Seal Beach; his sisters, Dorothy Duncan of Walnut Creek, and Anne Mac Nicol of Perth, Scotland; and six grandchildren. The family asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Rainfredo P. Bugarin
Irvine resident Rainfredo P. Bugarin died Jan. 17. He was 64. He died of heart failure after being taken from his home to Irvine Regional Hospital. Visitation is planned for this evening, Jan. 24, at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine. Burial will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. Mr. Bugarin and his family lived in Northwood since July, 1979. He and his family and other friends performed for St. John Neumann Catholic Church services for about 10 years. Mr. Bugarin loved music. He arranged music for the church group. He also sang, danced and played piano, guitar, bass guitar and violin. He was also a lecturer, commentator and eucharistic minister at the church. Mr. Bugarin was outgoing and friendly. He was always smiling and telling his jokes and stories, said his daughter, Agnes Bugarin. He was born May 28, 1937, in Carcar Cebu, the Philippines. He grew up there and earned a degree in mechanical engineering at San Carlos University in Cebu City. He taught mathematics at St. Vincent College and Bonifacio College. He came to Los Angeles in 1973. He worked as an electrician after coming to the United States. Family was important to Mr. Bugarin and he enjoyed gathering with his wife, their five children and other family members, his daughter said. He is survived by his wife, Flordeliza Bugarin of Irvine; his four daughters, Lucy Quitoriano of Sugar Land, Texas, Agnes Bugarin of Irvine, Rita Masinsin of London, England, and Liza Bugarin of Irvine; his son, Paul Bugarin of Irvine; his sisters, Licy Domapias, Alita Jalosjos, and Gudy Bugarin, all of the Philippines; his brothers, Expedito Bugarin, and Nemy Bugarin, both of the Philippines; and one grandchild. The family asked that memorial contributions be made to the Rainfredo Bugarin Memorial Fund, in care of the family.

Jan. 10, 2002

Laura Anne 'Dexter' Walker
The ocean has a certain allure for everyone. Who isn't seduced by the crashing waves on the shore or the water gurgling its way into well-worn crevices in the rocks? But for Laura "Dexter" Walker, the ocean was far more than an occasional distraction at the end of a busy day. It was as essential to her soul as nourishment is to the body. She knew the ocean - its whims and follies and dangers - the way a mother knows her child. She couldn't live without it. She was the first one in the water most days - paddling out at the far end of Bolsa Chica State Beach to catch the 6 a.m. waves. Surfing was Laura's life. Laura surfed when a rare form of cancer cost her her right eye. She had to devise a water-tight patch so the sea wouldn't seep into the cavity and her sinuses and, in effect, drown her. She surfed along the coast of Baja California and Costa Rica. She caught big waves in Fiji after enduring nine months of chemotherapy. She had, her friends say, the soul of a surfer. She also had a monumental amount of grit, determination and courage. Despite her long and recurring illness, she bought tickets for another surfing trip to Fiji - one she didn't make - over the Thanksgiving holiday. Laura was 44 when she died of osteosarcomas on New Year's Day at the Irvine home of her parents, James and Elizabeth Walker. Memorial services are planned for Saturday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. at Bolsa Chica State Beach. The daughter of a Marine colonel, she learned to surf at age 10 while her dad was stationed in Honolulu. Laura and her three sisters were tomboys. They played ball, rode bikes and ran the obstacle courses at the Marine bases where they were living. They could skitter to the tops of ropes that the burly Marines moaned and groaned over climbing. When the occasional doll found its way into the house, the girls would look at it askance and say, "Oh, that's for when you're sick." The family moved to Irvine in 1971, and Laura graduated from University High School four years later. After a couple of years at community colleges, she earned a softball scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, where she majored in education and minored in zoology. She also played on the women's rugby team. She was a tough little thing, tidy, sometimes terse, stoic, reliable, direct, self-sufficient and self-contained. Her apartment, decorated throughout with surf memorabilia, was immaculate and as organized as a Marine's footlocker. On group surfing trips, Laura was always the most prepared - with tools, spare parts, a tent, just the right clothing. She earned a teaching credential but didn't like teaching. She also preferred to work nights so she could get off work then catch those early-morning waves. So she worked for Federal Express in San Diego, then for UPS in Los Angeles, lived in Long Beach and surfed at Bolsa Chica. When she caught a good ride, she would tell friends, "I was a legend in my own mind." Finally, she became a licensed steam engineer for Southern California Edison and ran steam-generating plants in Long Beach and Ventura. She loved it. It was technical and challenging. The work clothes suited her - jeans, T-shirt, hard hat and tool belt. But her heart - always - was in the ocean, on a surfboard, waiting for just the right wave. Laura had many boards over the years, but only one never made it into the water. It was made by a local shaper, Matt Bettis, and was signed by her many surfing friends. It was, she said, too beautiful to use, and hung above the bed in which she died. She is survived by her parents, James and Elizabeth Walker, of Irvine; and her three sisters, Teresa Heimann of Diamond Bar, Susan Walker of San Jose and Lisa Anne Walker of Alexandria, Va. Written for the Irvine World News by Robin Hinch, a writer for the Orange County Register.

Jan. 3, 2002

Marilyn Lois Fowler
Former Irvine resident Marilyn Fowler died Dec. 22 unexpectedly of a stroke while visiting her son, Chris Fowler, in Traverse City, Mich. She lived in Woodbridge in Irvine from 1980 and moved to Littleton, Colo. She was 75. Services in Southern California were being planned. Arrangements are by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City. She was born Nov. 2, 1926, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Gregory and Marion Crisp. She grew up in White Plains, N.Y. She graduated from the University of Michigan and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She worked for Los Angeles County as a children's services worker for more than 30 years, according to her son. She loved her work and was dedicated to the welfare of children. Her work brought her in contact with Orangewood Children's Home in Orange. After she retired she continued to volunteer with the children there. She also spoke on public TV about children's welfare issues. As a single mother she raised her two sons, Chris and Gary Fowler, in Irvine. Gary played football at USC and his mother remained a dedicated football fan of the school and attended alumni events with her sons. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women in Orange County and attended Saddleback Community Church in Lake Forest. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, traveling and her dogs. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, said her son Chris. Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Chris and Colleen Fowler of Traverse City, and Gary and Meagan Fowler of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and her six grandchildren, Marcus, Andrew, Erika, Nick, Carly and Joy. Her family asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society.

Christina Hadden
Irvine resident Christina "Chrissy" Hadden died Dec. 21. She was 95. She was born June 3, 1906, in Dundee, Scotland. She immigrated to the United States with her two sisters and brother in 1928 and they settled in Michigan. She met Abner "Scotty" Hadden after she arrived. He had also immigrated from Scotland. They married and settled in Michigan where he worked in the tool and die industry. In 1961 they moved to Downey to be near their daughters. They loved Southern California. They managed a 32-unit apartment complex in Downey for 30 years, which Mrs. Hadden enjoyed doing, according to her daughter, Patricia Anderson. She continued to do all the books and paperwork for the apartments until she lost her vision when she was about 80. Mrs. Hadden loved doing things with family, shopping and eating out. She was outgoing and friendly and had many friends. When Mr. Hadden died 11 years ago, Mrs. Hadden moved to College Park in Irvine to live with her daughter. She attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Tustin when she was able. Services were held Dec. 26 at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. Interment was at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia A. Anderson and Irene M. Mezzanatto, both of Irvine; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Doris Ethelyn McGallian
Irvine resident Doris Ethelyn "Dorrie" McGallian died Dec. 23 at her home in the Groves Mobile Home Park of lung cancer. She was 80. Mrs. McGallian was born Aug. 15, 1921, in the small town of Longmont, Colo. She was the middle of five siblings and her father was a house painter. When she was a young teen, the family moved to Pasadena. She graduated from high school at what was known then as Pasadena Junior College. She first noticed her husband-to-be, Kenneth McGallian, on a boat ride to Avalon, Catalina, where they were going to a dance with other dates. They both loved to dance. They married Sept. 22, 1940. Mr. McGallian served in the Army during World War II. She accompanied him to his first station in Georgia and returned to Pasadena with their daughter when he went to Italy. After the war they lived briefly in Long Beach and then settled in Pasadena. Mr. McGallian worked in the credit department of Sears. Beginning in the mid-1950s the family moved often. Places they lived included Modesto, San Mateo, Pomona, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Pleasanton and Hacienda Heights. They moved to the Groves in Northwood in 1983. While her children were growing up she was involved in many of their school and sports activities. "She was a homemaker. It was her vocation. She took joy and pride in it," said her daughter, Terry Ann Churchill. She and her husband liked square dancing and golf. She also enjoyed ceramics and was known for her ceramic Madonnas, said her daughter. Her spiritual life was important to her. She and her husband became involved with Cursillo while they lived in Northern California. It is an ecumenical movement for enriched spiritual life and a strong spiritual community. They continued to meet weekly in Irvine with an offshoot of the group. The McGallians also attended Marriage Encounter. Mrs. McGallian was an active member of the Young Ladies Institute at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. The group of women was founded with the goal of supporting the moral, mental and social advancement of Catholic women. Her local group was particularly supportive the last two years during Mrs. McGallian's struggle with cancer. Her family also appreciated the support and help of their hospice nurse. "When hospice was set up, heaven was called and God sent an angel. Her name was Toni Barry. She was Dorrie's nurse," said Mrs. McGallian's daughter. Mrs. McGallian was an outgoing person and had a wide circle of friends, her daughter added. She loved her family and friends and gave them many gifts. "Three gifts stood out. She loved unconditionally. She gave the gift of her time and she listened with an open heart," said her daughter. She was also known for her red hair and her quick wit.
Memorial services were held Dec. 29 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Covina Hills, Covina. Arrangements were by Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. Mrs. McGallian is survived by her husband, Kenneth D. McGallian, of Irvine; her daughter, Terry Ann Churchill of Fort Collins, Colo.; her sons, Daniel D. McGallian of Chino and Jeffrey L. McGallian of San Leandro; her sister, Maxine Skeffington of Longmont, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dec. 20, 2001

Madeleine Santos Nidoy
Madeleine "Lei" Santos Nidoy died Dec. 12 in her home in San Francisco. She was 33. She grew up in Irvine. She attended Greentree Elementary School and Venado Middle School and graduated from Irvine High School. She earned a degree in philosophy from the University of California San Diego and worked with computers and in marketing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She played tennis at Irvine High. Her father, Victor Nidoy, said she was a friendly person and enjoyed her many friends. She also loved reading all kinds of books and was very good with computers, he added. She grew up attending St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine. A memorial service was held there Dec. 17. Saddleback Chapel in Tustin handled the arrangements. She is survived by her parents, Victor and Evelyn Nidoy, of Irvine; her brothers, Victor S. Nidoy Jr. of Tustin Ranch and Vincent Nidoy of Irvine; her grandfather, Ven Santos, of Irvine; her grandmother, Leonila Nidoy, of the Philippines; her uncles, Albert Santos of Rancho Santa Margarita and Ray Santos of Santa Ana; and her aunts, Cindy Berlin of San Diego and Marilyn Zullig of Orlando, Fla.

Jeanette Loraine Gleinn
Jeanette Loraine Gleinn, 64, died suddenly Dec. 2 at her Irvine home. She had not been ill and was sitting on the edge of the bed putting on her shoes. Her husband, Bob Gleinn, left the room briefly and returned to find her collapsed and not breathing. He said it was determined that she died of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that blocked the blood to her lungs. Mrs. Gleinn was born May 8, 1937, in Los Angeles. She grew up in Highland Park and the San Fernando Valley and graduated from North Hollywood High School. She earned a degree in English from UCLA and a teaching certificate from USC. At UCLA she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She and her husband were married in August 1961 in Van Nuys after meeting as students at UCLA. They soon moved to Thousand Oaks and Mrs. Gleinn taught elementary school in Reseda for about 10 years. She loved her job and the students, whom she thought of as her children, said her husband. Mr. Gleinn worked with computers and in computer systems sales. About 1970, the couple moved to Honolulu. Mrs. Gleinn taught elementary and junior high there. In 1976, they decided to take the long way back to Thousand Oaks and spent a year traveling around the world. Mrs. Gleinn spoke three languages and always loved to travel, said her husband, " She was a true travel bug." When they returned they purchased and worked a commercial avocado grove. After a few years, Mr. Gleinn returned to the corporate world and they moved to Chicago for two years. They moved to Irvine in 1984, where they remained.
Mrs. Gleinn loved learning and took many classes. After getting her first home computer in 1986 she attended Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College and earned a certificate in data processing. As a volunteer she worked at the Women's Opportunities Center at UCI. She helped with the computer system and taught several computer classes at the center. She also served as director of the center's advisory council. In her free time she liked to sew and loved fabric. She also enjoyed cooking, said her husband. When she did things, she did them "all the way" and with determination, said her husband. She was always giving and thoughtful and willing to share the information she enjoyed finding on the Internet. Her compassion "was beyond compare," he said. A memorial service was held Dec. 6 at Pacific View Mortuary in Newport Beach. Mrs. Gleinn is survived by her husband, Robert H. Gleinn, of Irvine; and her father, Robert A. Bigler, of Thousand Oaks.

Dec. 6, 2001

Manya Hersh
Irvine resident Manya Hersh died Oct. 23 of a stroke at Kaiser-Permanente Hospital in Anaheim. Mrs. Hersh was born Feb. 4, 1927, in a small town in Hungary. She came to America in 1950 with her husband and 3-year-old daughter. A widow, she lived in Irvine 22 years and was active at the senior centers. She participated in many activities at the centers and was well known for her love of bridge. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, and walking her much-loved dog, Peppy. She especially loved spending time with her family. "A caring and graceful lady, Manya was a devoted wife, beloved mother and cherished grandmother," said her daughter, Daisy Fenton. Memorial services were held at the Woodbridge home of her daughter, Daisy Fenton. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Bill Fenton; and her two grandchildren, Jarett and Kimberly Fenton.

Nov. 29, 2001

Richard Lee Felker
The location for services for Irvine elementary school teacher Richard Felker has been changed to Saddleback Church on Saddleback Parkway in Lake Forest. The memorial service will be Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Felker, 50, died Nov. 17 of brain cancer. A lengthy obituary ran in the Irvine World News Nov. 22. Memorial donations can be made to the Richard Felker Education Fund through the Irvine Public Schools Foundation. Checks should be made out to IPSF-Rick Felker Outdoor Ed and sent to Irvine Public Schools Foundation, 4330 Barranca Parkway, Suite 235, Irvine 92604. Richard Lee Felker

Paul Elton Franklin
Irvine resident Paul Elton Franklin died Nov. 18 at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, after a long illness with a blood condition. He was 75. He was born March 3, 1926, in Long Beach. He grew up in El Segundo, then a small Standard Oil "company town." His father worked for Standard Oil in human resources. Mr. Franklin graduated from El Segundo High School and earned a degree in engineering from University of California Los Angeles in 1950. He went to work for North American Rockwell and stayed with the company about 20 years as an engineer. He and his wife Dona were married in 1953 in San Clemente. They lived most of their married life in Corona del Mar. They moved to Rancho San Joaquin in Irvine about 2 _ years ago. After working 20 years as an engineer, Mr. Franklin became a real estate broker around 1970. He was active in the California Association of Realtors and the Newport Mesa Association of Realtors, where he was president in 1981. He was a certified commercial investment member (CCIM), which was equivalent to having a master's degree in real estate, said his wife. He was active with the Southern California Chapter of CCIM. He spent much of his spare time doing various voluntary activities with his professional organizations. He loved his work and especially enjoyed working with people, said his wife. He worked until his illness forced him to slow down. "He was friendly and outgoing. He was a salesman and he loved people and his career. His resume is filled with things he's done," she said. As part of his business, he was a member of a number of community organizations in the Newport area. For the past 10 years or so he was active with Speak Up Newport (SUN), a group that supports positive planning for Newport Beach. Services were private. Arrangements were by Saddleback Chapel, Tustin. He is survived by is wife Dona Franklin of Irvine; his stepdaughter, Terry Melton of Arizona; his brother, Julian Franklin of Long Beach; and two grandsons.

Nov. 22, 2001

Richard Lee Felker
Longtime Irvine elementary school teacher Richard Lee Felker died Nov. 17 on his 50th birthday. He was at home in Coto de Caza after suffering from a malignant brain tumor for about a year. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. It is tentatively planned at O'Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary in Laguna Hills. Confirmation is available by calling the mortuary at (949) 581-4300 or by contacting school officials. Mr. Felker taught mostly sixth grade at Northwood and Canyon View elementary schools since 1982. He loved teaching. He especially enjoyed the outdoor education program that takes sixth graders to camp for a week, and he attended with his students each year. "He was one of those people who was like a big brother to me," said colleague Judy Dickey at Northwood Elementary. "He was fun to teach with and he loved the kids. He was a technology wizard. He knew everything about technology. He was a really, really nice person. He was kind of quiet with friends, but in the classroom he really came alive with the kids. He gave them everything and encouraged each one to do his best. "He is really, really missed. He was a really nice all-around guy." Mr. Felker was especially known for his technical expertise.
"He was a great guy. He was teacher of the year at Northwood and they wrote a poem about him, 'Rick, Rick, please come quick'" said Steve Garretson, who taught with Mr. Felker for 15 years and now works at the school district office. "He was Mr. Fix-it and loved by everyone. They knew they could call him and he could get their computers up and running again. He was a really good guy," said Garretson. "It is very hard. We are really sad here. He was like one of the pillars of the school," said Northwood Principal Lydia Wells. Mr. Felker was born Nov. 17, 1951, in Long Beach, the second oldest in a family of six brothers. He grew up in the Torrance and Manhattan Beach area and graduated from West High School in Torrance. He attended El Camino College and then earned a degree in psychology at California State University Dominguez Hills. He earned a master's degree in education at United States International University. After college, he spent six years in the Naval Reserve and started his teaching career. He taught first and second grades in South Central Los Angeles and came to the Irvine school district in 1982. He and his wife, Patricia, were married in 1975 on the Princess Louise in San Pedro. They first lived in the Redondo Beach area. They lived in several Orange County locations, including Irvine, and most recently lived in Coto de Caza. In his spare time Mr. Felker enjoyed working with computers. He also liked the mountains and camping and fishing. He was a car buff as well and especially liked sports cars, said his wife. Mr. Felker is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Felker, of Coto de Caza; his daughters, Melissa A. Felker and Courtney E. Felker, both of Coto de Caza; and his brother, John Felker, of Trabuco Canyon. Because outdoor education was always a joy for Mr. Felker, the Rick Felker Education Fund has been established through the Irvine Education Foundation. The fund will be used to help students who would otherwise not be able to attend outdoor education in the sixth grade in Irvine. Donation checks can be made out to IPSF-Rick Felker Outdoor Ed and sent to the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, 4330 Barranca Parkway, Irvine 92604.

Martha Claretta Olund Mills
Former Irvine resident Martha Claretta Olund Mills died Nov. 10 in Parkland Village, McMinnville, Ore. She had moved to Oregon from University Park last year to be closer to family. She was 89. She was born Sept. 14, 1912, in Portland, Ore. Her father was an engineer who worked with cement and she grew up in Honolulu where he worked on some of the first modern concrete buildings in the islands. When she was growing up there was only one hotel on Waikiki Beach. Her father also worked on the San Francisco Bay Bridge when the family lived in Hawaii. She graduated from high school in Hawaii in 1931 and came to Los Angeles for two years to study art and design at Chouinard School of the Arts. She returned to the University of Hawaii for two more years and studied design and painting. In 1935, she married Andrew Nicoll in Hawaii, where they lived. She took a correspondence course and earned a degree in mechanical engineering. She went to work for the Army and was sent to Los Angeles. She and her husband divorced in 1954. In Southern California she worked as an engineer for Douglas, Hughes and finally Northrop on aeronautics projects, including the Hawk missile launcher and loader. She was one of two female senior engineers at Northrop when she first held that position. She retired in 1971. After retirement, she enjoyed painting and sculpting. She married Charles Mills in 1979. They lived in University Park in Irvine and they continued painting and sculpting together and loved to travel. After Mr. Mills died in 1994, she continued to sculpt and paint. Watercolors were her specialty and she sculpted in clay, brass and alabaster. She had a group of close art friends at Leisure World, where she also took Saddleback College emeriti courses. She was also involved with the Farmers Market in Irvine. At Mrs. Mills' request, there was no service.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Mills, and by her sister, Eloise Walker, of Portland. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Marlene Goldman, of Los Angeles; her cousins, Lois Peterson of McMinnville and Lalonnie Self of Newberg, Ore. Memorial donations can be made to Health Dynamics Hospice, c/o Macy & Son Funeral Home, 135 N. Evans, McMinnville, Ore. 97128.

Nov. 15, 2001

Raydean E. Mahler
Longtime Irvine resident Raydean E. Mahler died Oct. 23 of leukemia. He was 74. He and his wife had lived in their Turtle Rock Hills home since before there was a city of Irvine. They moved to Irvine from the Sacramento area in 1969. Mr. Mahler was born Sept. 2, 1927, in the small town of Freedom, Okla. He grew up the eldest of four brothers in Bonners Ferry, in the rural far north of Idaho. He was a lifelong outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting. After graduating from high school he served in the military and was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. During his training in Santa Barbara he met his wife, Barbara, who was going to school there. They married Aug. 12, 1951, at the Mission Inn in Riverside. He then left for officer's candidate school and military duty. After he returned from his military duty, both he and his wife returned to school and graduated together from University of California Berkeley. He earned a degree in engineering and business. They moved to Carmichael in the Sacramento area. After working briefly for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District he set up an office for Mrs. Mahler's family's firm, Surveyors Service Co. The company sells and services surveying equipment. They moved to Irvine in 1969 when he took over as president of the firm, headquartered in Costa Mesa. Under his leadership the company opened branch offices in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. He also opened an Industrial Division to provide specially designed measuring equipment. He retired in 1994 but stayed on as chairman of the board. His son, Stanton Mahler, is CEO of the company. The company marked its 75th anniversary this year and Mr. Mahler was pleased to attend the celebration of the four-generation family business. The business was an important part of his life, said his wife. He enjoyed his work, said his wife, and was always an outgoing people person. He was a lifetime member of the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping and of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Mahlers celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Aside from his family, Mr. Mahler's first love was boating and fishing. The Mahlers owned a 36-foot powerboat, which they kept in Dana Point Harbor. They were members of the Dana Point Yacht Club. He had a passion for marlin fishing and spent many summers filled with trips fishing for marlin and tuna around Catalina Island. He particularly liked to bring in the first marlin of the season, which runs from July through October. When the first marlin of the season was brought into the harbor at Avalon on Catalina, officials used to shoot a cannon, take a photo and give the fisherman a bottle of champagne. Mr. Mahler collected many a bottle of champagne for bringing in the first marlin, said his wife. "It was a longstanding joke at the yacht club that the trophy for the first marlin always belonged to Ray," she added. He also loved the mountains and trees all his life and enjoyed their cabin at Idyllwild. He was a member of the Idyllwild Cedar Glen Community Association. Mr. Mahler was a member of the University of California Alumni Association. He was also a member of the UCI University Club and the Turtle Rock Hills Community Association. His wife said he was always a very active man and did not like to sit still for long. "He was always busy doing something at home or at the office," she said. Services and burial were Oct. 27 at Pacific View Mortuary in Newport Beach. Mr. Mahler is survived by his wife Barbara G. Mahler of Irvine; his daughter and son-in-law, Constance M. and John Hansen of San Jose; his son and daughter-in-law, Stanton C. and Susan Mahler of Trabuco Canyon; his brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Peggy Mahler of Sand Point, Idaho; and three grandchildren, Rachel, Preston and Jason Mahler of Trabuco Canyon. The family asked that memorial donations be made to the Hoag Hospital Foundation for leukemia research, PO Box 6100, Newport Beach 92658-6100.

Nov. 8, 2001

Deanna Kay Mason
Former longtime Irvine resident Deanna Kay Mason of Des Moines, Iowa, died Nov. 1 at the Mayo Clinic Center. She died of a rare blood disease, myelofibrosis. She was 53. True to her giving nature, she loved being a part of medical research at the center and hoped she would be part of finding the cure for the disease, according to her daughter, Maggie Beemer. Mrs. Mason still had many friends in Orange County where she was active in issues involving children and women. She was on the board of the Children's Home Society and was instrumental in founding the infant childcare program at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Irvine. She also ran a day care business in her home for many years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4400 Barranca in Woodbridge. Mrs. Mason was born Feb. 28, 1948, in Upland. She grew up in Upland and Claremont and graduated from Claremont High School in 1966. She married Stanley Ivan Mason in May 1969 in Stuttgart, Germany, where Mr. Mason was in the U.S. Army. They lived in Germany until late 1971 when they returned to Southern California. They made their home in Claremont and she worked at Simco, where she developed and tested recipes for microwave ovens. Mr. Mason had a career as a real estate appraiser. They moved to Irvine in 1977. They lived in the Irvine Groves. After leaving her job at Simco in 1979, she started a child care business in her home so she could be at home with her two daughters. She loved working with children. Her daughter remembered her mother as an outgoing, friendly person who was always concerned about making other people comfortable. She was especially interested in issues that involved children and women. She was involved in women's ministry at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, where she was a member since 1980. She also helped take Communion to people who were confined to their homes. Her daughter recalled going with her mother on several occasions to feed and visit homeless people in a Laguna Beach program. In 1994, Mrs. Mason became a financial planner. In 1997 her husband died suddenly of an aneurysm when he was 53. Mrs. Mason decided to move to Des Moines to live in a more rural area and to try something new. She had established her own small home complete with a yellow Labrador puppy named Madison. "She was full of life. She was always a cup-half-full kind of person, rarely a cup-half-empty person. When she wasn't she would realize it and bounce right back," said her daughter. Mrs. Mason is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Heather and Michael Masonjones of Tampa, Fla., and Margaret and Andrew Beemer of Des Moines; her parents, David E. and Mona L. Rahn of Upland; her sister, Donna McClure of Victorville; and her grandchildren, Sawyer, Kellerin and Graelyn Masonjones and Samuel and Jonathan Beemer.

Sally Cho Lee
Irvine resident Sally Cho Lee died Oct. 29 at Irvine Medical Center following a stroke. She was 86. Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles. There will be a reception following at Pickwick Gardens, 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Mrs. Lee was born in 1915 in Beijing, China. She came from an educated family and attended several Chinese universities, where she studied English. She moved to Shanghai in 1937. In 1947, she married Mong Ping Lee, who worked in the Nationalist government. They moved to Taipei in 1949 and Mr. Lee continued to work in the government. In 1956 the Lees moved to Los Angeles where Mr. Lee was the Consul General for Nationalist China. As a diplomat's wife, Mrs. Lee entertained often and was active in the Chinese community of Los Angeles. She had worked as a translator while still living in China before moving to Taipei. In Los Angeles she taught Mandarin Chinese at California State University Northridge. Mr. Lee retired from the diplomatic service in 1966 and taught at several universities in Southern California. He died in 1973. Mrs. Lee remained in Los Angeles until 1977 when she moved to Irvine. She lived in Woodbridge and Deerfield. She had a close group of friends all her life, including friends from her days at university in China. She was active at the Lakeview Senior Center, especially with the Evergreen Chinese Senior Association. In her spare time she liked to play ping pong at the senior center. Her daughter said she also enjoyed match-making and had successfully introduced more than two dozen couples among her friends and acquaintances. "She was a very social, outgoing person and had many friends from many years ago," said her daughter. Mrs. Lee is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, William and Karen Lee of Piedmont, and David and Carol Lee of Irvine; her daughter and son-in-law, Frances Lee and Robert Miller of Irvine; her brothers, Conrad Cho of Taipei and Frank Cho of Laguna Woods; her sister, Margaret Kuo of Champaign, Ill.; and her grandchildren, Jennifer Ng, Nadia Perisi, Leanne Ng, Carlin Lee, Doug Lee and Jim Lee. The family said that memorial donations may be made to Asian Pacific American Legal Clinic, 1145 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles 90017.

Benedict Martin Erchul
Irvine resident Benedict Martin Erchul died Oct. 1 of congestive heart failure. He had the condition for a number of years but his condition deteriorated rapidly after his wife, Mary Erchul, died in May. He died at Chapman Medical Center. He was 73. Mr. Erchul was born July 15, 1928, in Soudan, a small town in the far north of Minnesota, where his father was a miner. He grew up in Ely, Minn., the youngest surviving child in a family of 11 children. He graduated from high school there and spent time in the military. While attending college, he met Mary Joanne Brown at a dance. They married in Ely on his birthday, July 15, 1950. They made their home in Virginia, Minn. He was skilled as an electrician and worked for an artificial limb company. The company transferred him to Southern California in 1967. They made their home in La Crescenta, where they raised their seven children. Mr. Erchul worked for the Los Angeles County roads department and for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He retired in 1990 and then moved to Northwood in Irvine. While living in La Crescenta, the Erchuls had a busy social life with the Elks Club and still had many friends from that area. The Erchuls were members of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and then St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. They also went regularly to 24 Hour Fitness gym at Culver Center. Mr. Erchul was a Jack of all trades, said his daughter Patricia Johnson. He had a garage full of tools that he loved to tinker with and used to do projects around the house. He also had a vegetable garden that his daughter described as "one of his small passions." He and his wife loved to travel in their motor home. They often visited relatives and friends in Minnesota but also went to many other places across the United States and Canada. Services were held Oct. 6 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with the Rev. Timothy Doyle presiding. His ashes were scattered at sea. Mr. Erchul is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Mary Erchul of Rochester, Minn.; his sons, Paul Erchul of Antioch and Ben Erchul of San Luis Obispo; his daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Greg Johnson of Huntington Beach, and Elizabeth Erchul and Richard Milcov of San Bruno; his daughters, Katherine Erchul of Irvine, and Mary Erchul of Santa Cruz; his sisters, Marge Schmidl of Huntington Beach, Tory Bobence of Minnesota, Ag Mattson of Minnesota, and Fran Bizal of Minnesota; his brother, Joseph Erchul of Las Vegas; and his four grandchildren, Niles Wigley of Utah, Cheryl Erchul of Colorado, and Olivia and Meredith Johnson of Huntington Beach. 

 Oct. 3, 2002

Patsy I. Moore
Irvine resident Patsy I. Moore died at home Sept. 19 of cancer. She was 76. A memorial service was held Sept. 24 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Tustin. Mrs. Moore was born Aug. 26, 1926, in Colfax, Ind. She was raised on her uncle's farm in West Lafayette, Ind., and attended Purdue University in Lafayette. She earned a bachelor's degree in science in 1948. While at the university she met her husband, John K. Moore. After their marriage and his graduation in 1949, they moved to St. Louis, Mo. Starting in 1964 she worked there in the Ritenour School District as a science teacher for nine years. They moved to Southern California in 1973 where she began a long career as a department manager and buyer for Bullocks and Robinsons-May. Mr. Moore died in 1974. Her hobbies included cake-decorating, collecting antiques and making scrapbooks. She also enjoyed working in her rose garden. Mrs. Moore volunteered as a tutor at El Camino Real Elementary School in Irvine and loved attending school and sports activities with her grandsons. She was also a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Volunteers in the CASA program are appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Mrs. Moore attended Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Tustin. In 1992 she traveled with a church group to build homes at a hospital for people with leprosy in India. She was also involved with the Stephen Ministry. She is survived by her three sons, Terry Moore of Irvine, Gary Moore of St. Louis, and David Moore of Ridgecrest; her brother, Richard Cochran of San Angelo, Texas; her four grandchildren, Christopher Moore, Trevor Moore, Cindy Thornburgh and Cathy Moore; and her two great-grandchildren, Megan and Jonathon Thornburgh. The family requested that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arlene M. Walsh
Irvine resident Arlene M. Walsh, 66, died Sept. 24 after a long battle with colon cancer. She died at home surrounded by her family. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Oct. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar. She was born May 5, 1936, in Torrington, Conn. She was third from youngest of the 11 children of Paul and Mary Sokolik. She grew up in Torrington and graduated from high school there. The family was a close family who gathered to talk each Sunday afternoon on the front porch. She married "the boy next door," Thomas Walsh, who had grown up across the street from the busy Sokolik family. When he returned from the Air Force his father pointed out their pretty young neighbor and the two met officially in a coffee shop. They married 46 years ago in New Haven, Conn., and made their home in Torrington. They were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school. Mrs. Walsh spent full-time caring for their four children. In 1966, they relocated to West Covina in search of better weather. Mr. Walsh transferred to Orange County in 1984 and in 1987 he and Mrs. Walsh moved to Woodbridge in Irvine. Mrs. Walsh worked in West Covina and Irvine for Coldwell Banker Relocation Services. After her husband retired from his career with telephone companies to become a government consultant, she also retired. They traveled over much of the world and lived for brief periods in places that included Iran, Poland and Hungary. She also loved to shop, especially for clothes and things for her grandchildren. In addition to gardening, she also loved playing with her grandchildren, who both live in Irvine. She and her husband took special joy in baby-sitting for their grandchildren while their daughter-in-law was going to school. "That was just wonderful," he said. Mrs. Walsh is survived by her husband, Thomas Walsh of Irvine; her son, Keith Walsh of Collingwood, N.J. and son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Walsh III and Kim Walsh of Irvine; her daughter, Colleen Wash of Tustin and daughter and son-in-law, Lee Ann and Robert Prouty of Denver; her sisters, Ruth Phelps, Jane Pennington and Marilyn Killingbeck; her brothers, Edward Sokolik and Robert Sokolik of Torrington, John Sokolik of Sylvania, Ga., and Fred Sokolik of Ocala, Fla.; and her grandchildren, Thomas Walsh IV and Makenna Marie Walsh. She was preceded in death by her sister Ethel Scherwer and brothers, Paul and Andrew Sokolik. The family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, 2500 Redhill Ave., Suite 105, Santa Ana 92705 or to the American Cancer Society.

Sept. 26, 2002

Anna Belle Hernon
Longtime Irvine resident Anna Belle Hernon was a vibrant 80-year-old when she died Sept. 14 in an auto accident on the I-5 Freeway near Lincoln in Anaheim. She died at the scene of the accident, said her son, Tom Hernon. Mrs. Hernon was born Feb. 20, 1922, in Milburn, Okla., the daughter of Leslie B. and Eugenia Moore. She grew up in Park City, Utah, and attended Park City High School, where she thrived on home economics projects and was on the debate team. She graduated in May 1940 and attended Brigham Young University for two years on an academic scholarship despite a lifelong membership in the Methodist church. She met fellow Park City resident Jack Hernon when he was a sergeant in the Army Air Corps. The two were married June 21, 1942. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. After World War II, he worked for TWA and they lived in Kansas City for two years. They moved to Gardena in the Los Angeles area, and lived there until moving to Irvine in 1971. They purchased a new home in Greentree and still lived in the same house. Always a consummate homemaker, according to her family, Mrs. Hernon was also a master of crafts and was active with a local rug-hooking group. Many of her handcrafted baby blankets, quilts and hooked rugs were displayed at fairs and exhibits. She spent time in her garden almost every day and was particularly proud of her roses. She was familiar to many in the neighborhood from the regular walks she took with her dog, a black and white Siberian husky. Mrs. Hernon was always busy, recalled her son, and still did almost everything around the house. She had many friends and was a friendly, outgoing person. Her son said someone remarked to him at the memorial service that Martha Stewart had nothing on Anna Belle Hernon, and he thought that described his mother and her resourcefulness well. She had been a member of University United Methodist Church in Irvine since 1971. She was involved there with the Crafts Fellowship group and the prayer chain, and was a frequent Sunday greeter. Memorial services were held at the church Sept. 18. She was buried in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside. Mrs. Hernon is survived by her husband, Jack Hernon, of Irvine; her daughters, Gloria Johnson of Monterey and Margaret Scasserra of Rialto; her sons, Tom Hernon of Las Vegas and Richard Hernon of Irvine; and six grandchildren, Chelsea Van Goey, Christina Scasserra, Cicely Scasserra. Greta Johnson, Camille Johnson and Hilary Johnson.

Margaret Anderson
Irvine resident Margaret Anderson died Sept. 18 at her home in Regents Point. She was 90. She was born Feb. 1, 1912 in LaCrosse, Va. After graduating from high school there, she enrolled in the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Md. She returned to Virginia to get her bachelor's degree from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg. She then taught school in Richmond, Va. In December 1943 she married Frank E. Anderson in Manchester, N.H. They lived in Manchester for a short time while he pursued a career in instrumental music and she worked in the library. They moved to California in 1945 and settled in Santa Monica. He continued with his musical career and became involved in television and movies. She returned to teaching. She was active in the PTA and Girl Scouts, despite the fact that the couple had no children. She was also an elder and a deacon in the Presbyterian church and worked with the Red Cross, PEO and the Woman's Club. Mr. Anderson died about 1970. After living in Santa Monica many years, Mrs. Anderson moved to Regents Point in Irvine in 1989. There she was friendly and active with other residents and always had a smile for everyone. She is survived by two cousins, Meredith Green of Virginia and Mary Bradstock of New Mexico.

Sept. 19, 2002

Jennifer Ann Fertig
Irvine resident Jennifer Ann Fertig died Sept. 10 at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. She was 31 and suffered from a virus since March that took her vision and attacked her brain. Her immune system had been compromised since she came down with chronic Epstein Barr nine years ago shortly after graduating from college. Ms. Fertig was born Aug. 8, 1971, in Los Angeles. Her family lived in Glendale and then Oregon before settling in Irvine when she was 12. She attended Lakeside Middle School and graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1989. Sports were her most passionate interest as a teen. Despite her 5-foot 4-inch height, she played basketball and ran track for the high school. She went on to University of Southern California and graduated in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science. She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. As a college student, she worked in fund-raising and recruiting for the school's athletic department. After graduating she started law school at Western State School of Law but had to leave when she became ill with Epstein Barr. But she returned to Irvine and received her paralegal certificate at UC Irvine. She worked locally for Discovision. She moved to Los Angeles and worked in fund-raising for a nonprofit organization that raises funds to fight cancer. She then started as a paralegal with Advisors LLP and eventually became the company's controller. She had returned to the UCLA Graduate School of Finance to further her education. Despite spending much of her non-work hours resting from the effects of her chronic illness, few knew she was so ill. She always felt people would see her differently if they thought of her as a sick person, said her mother, Nancy Fertig. She loved movies and the theater with friends and family and also enjoyed reading. She was always interested in furthering her education and was determined to move ahead. In March Ms. Fertig began losing her vision and she moved back to Irvine in June. Services were held Sept. 18 at Pacific View Mortuary in Newport Beach. Her family planned to scatter her ashes at sea. She is survived by her mother, Nancy Fertig of Irvine; her father, Craig Fertig of Newport Beach; her grandmothers, Virginia Fertig of Newport Beach and Lois Grover of Glendale; her brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Lisa Fertig of Irvine and their sons, Spencer and Conner. The family asked that memorial donations be made to the Blind Children's Center, 4120 Marathon, Los Angeles 90029.

Regula B. Melden
Regula B. Melden died Sept. 8 at home in the Sunridge section of Regents Point in Irvine. Mrs. Melden was born in 1910 in Oakland where she attended elementary school and an advanced high school program. She went to the University of California at Berkeley, where she met her husband Abe Melden. They married and moved to Seattle where they stayed for 25 years. They moved to Southern California when her husband was asked to establish the philosophy department at the new UC Irvine campus in the mid-1960s. They lived in Newport Beach. After her husband's death, Mrs. Melden moved to Regents Point in Irvine in 1995. Mrs. Melden enjoyed traveling with her husband, which included trips for lecturing and teaching in London, Paris, Japan and China. After his death she took an extensive trip to Russia. She was outgoing in a quiet way and enjoyed friends and entertaining, according to her longtime friend Mabry Steinhaus. She loved music and taught piano for many years. She was also a gifted oil painter and did both portraits and landscapes. She loved gardening and gourmet cooking and sang with a choral group. Mrs. Melden is survived by her daughter, Jean Stockett of Northern California. Her husband preceded her in death and one daughter died of cancer when in her 20s. Memorial donations can be made to the Southern California Presbyterian Homes Benevolence Fund, Regents Point, 19191 Harvard, Irvine 91612.

Virginia Adams Rinker
Longtime Irvine resident Virginia Adams Rinker died Sept. 5. She had been ill with a heart condition about four months and died on the way to the hospital, according to her daughter Saundra Hoover. She was 86. Mrs. Rinker was born Aug. 10, 1916, in the small town of Springfield. W. Va. Her family owned a farm. She was the eldest of seven children and her mother was often ill leaving her with the responsibility for care of her younger siblings. The depression years were difficult in small towns of West Virginia but Mrs. Rinker's family had their farm and neighbors pulled together to get through the most challenging times. These responsibilities forced her to leave school at an early age but she later received her high school diploma. She met Marvin W. Rinker as a teen through her family and they married in the late 1930s. They made their home in the nearby town of Romney, W. Va., where they raised their only daughter. Mrs. Rinker worked as a bank teller those years. Mrs. Rinker came with her daughter and family to live in Northwood in Irvine in the early 1970s. She always loved and had pride in their home and enjoyed housework and gardening. She also helped raise her two grandchildren in their multigenerational household. For about 10 years after she moved to Irvine she worked in the headquarters of Pacific Mutual Insurance Co. in Newport Beach. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was generally a quiet, private person, said her daughter. She usually would not take time to sit down and relax, but when she did she enjoyed reading and needlework. She maintained her membership in the Romney Presbyterian Church, despite having left the town many years ago. Services and burial were Sept. 12 at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest. Mrs. Rinker is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Saundra and Ronald Hoover of Irvine; her sisters, Charlotte Poland of Herndon, Va., and Mary Katherine McGuire of Redding; and her grandchildren, Scott Hoover of Irvine and Robin Maness of Long Beach. The family asked that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Romney Presbyterian Church, 100 Rosemary Lane, Romney, W. Va. 26757.

Sept. 12, 2002

Claire Marie Gilman
Irvine resident Claire Marie Gilman died Sept. 2. After two years of health challenges, she died unexpectedly of kidney failure, said a family spokesperson. She was 76. She was born March 5, 1926, in Englewood, N.J. She was the first in her Italian family to be born in America. She lived in Tustin and Irvine since 1958. At the outset of World War II, she married Marine 1st Lt. Charles D. Herald. She raised their son and daughter in California. In 1956 she married Marine Capt. George Gilman, an aviator. When George died in 1988, Mrs. Gilman actively involved herself in the Tustin Area Women's Club, Con Brio and St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine. At the church, she met Mar Menier who remained her devoted companion until her death. Mrs. Gilman is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Alice Herald; her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and David Jacobs; her brother, Peter Accorti; and her four grandchildren, Vanessa and Kirk Herald, and Alex and Colt Jacobs. The family asked that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to St. John Neumann Catholic Church Building Fund.

Sept. 5, 2002

Frederick M. Grazer
Former UC Irvine faculty member Frederick M. Grazer, 74, died Aug. 21 surrounded by his family at Autumn Meadows Care in Mission Viejo. He had suffered a stroke and died of pneumonia. He was a resident of Laguna Woods. Dr. Grazer became an assistant clinical professor of plastic surgery at UCI in 1968, two years after starting his private practice in Newport Beach. He was known for his leadership in body contouring and liposuction procedures and had many publications, according to his wife, Betty Grazer. In addition to his UCI position he was a professor of plastic surgery for the Hershey School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, training young doctors in California for the program. He also designed medical instruments used in plastic surgery. He was past president of several professional organizations, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Tord Skoog Society, in which he was also a charter member. His wife said he was an outgoing person known for his jokes and his creative solutions to patients' medical problems. In remembering him, she said, his friends and colleagues recalled his ethics and honesty. He loved teaching and work as a professor, but most of all found it rewarding to make life better for people, she added. Dr. Grazer was born Sept. 23, 1927, in Sacramento, where his grandfather was a physician. He grew up in Yuba City and graduated from high school there. He graduated from the University of San Francisco and also received a master's degree and high school teaching credential at California State University Chico. He graduated from medical school in 1959 from the University of California Los Angeles. He served in the medical corps during the Korean War, despite having had polio as a youth. He served at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Ariz. He and his wife, Betty, were married Dec. 14, 1952, in Marysville. They celebrated the 50th anniversary of their engagement in August before Dr. Grazer died. They lived in Corona del Mar for 32 years and enjoyed entertaining and having houseguests. Dr. Grazer dearly loved his A36 Bonanza single-engine airplane, said his wife. He was an avid photographer and particularly liked to take pictures of landscape scenes. In his younger years he loved to ski, having defied doctors' predictions that he would never walk after having polio. Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach with the Rev. Sean Condon presiding. Burial with full military honors was at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach. He is survived by his wife, Betty J. Grazer, of Laguna Woods; his son, Jon Grazer, of Newport Beach; his daughter and son-in-law, Jan G. and Jeff Turcotte, of Irvine; his mother, Marie Kingston, of Chico; his sisters, Marilyn Stone of Orland and Lois Ann Muck of Napa; and his granddaughter, Sydney Ann Turcotte, of Irvine.

Edwin A. Marks
Irvine resident Edwin A. Marks died Sept. 3 at his Westpark home. He was 62 and had battled lung cancer for about a year. Visitation with family will be Saturday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the family home. The funeral will be private. Mr. Marks was born May 26, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pa. He grew up and graduated from high school there and then went to Pennsylvania State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in education. He taught high school special education in Pennsylvania, New York and California. Although he enjoyed his career in teaching while he was working in the schools, he decided to make a career change about 10 years ago. He became a bankruptcy specialist for the Internal Revenue Service. He was still working when he became ill and had offices in Laguna Niguel. Mr. Marks married his wife, Jennifer, in 1979 in New York City. They moved to California in 1980 and lived in Riverside and San Diego County before moving to Irvine about seven years ago. He was a gentle soul, according to his wife, quiet and yet open and friendly. He spent a lot of time with his children. His son, Gregory, is a student at University of California Davis but spent the past year in the reserves serving in Afghanistan. His daughter, Stephanie, graduated from Woodbridge High School this year. Mr. Marks was active as a fan and supporter of the track and girls basketball programs at the high school and knew many of the other parents. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Marks of Irvine; his son, Gregory Marks of Irvine; his daughter, Stephanie Marks of Irvine; and his brother, Murray Marks of Florida.

Aug. 29, 2002

Jon Michael McLaughlin
Jon Michael McLaughlin died Aug. 22, one day after his 55th birthday. He was flying home from a business trip when he suffered a heart arrhythmia and died. Memorial services are planned for Friday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at Irvine Presbyterian Church on Alton in Woodbridge. All are welcome. Mr. McLaughlin was born Aug. 21, 1947, in Altus, Okla. He graduated from Southwestern State College in Oklahoma and married the love of his life, Nicola, in 1970. They eventually headed "out West" and settled in California. They lived in Irvine 23 years, the past 20 in Woodbridge. He had a career as an independent shoe distributor. He was outgoing, enjoyed being with people and was a loyal friend. Going out to dinner with friends or family was one of "his things." He was also known for his squeaky clean cars and always made people laugh. His family was the center of his life, according to a friend. Mr. McLaughlin supported the Woodbridge High School baseball program when his son Nick played on the varsity team four years, graduating in 1996. He passionately followed the University of Oklahoma's football and basketball teams and thought of himself as one of OU's biggest fans. He is survived by his wife, Nicola McLaughlin of Irvine and his son, Nick McLaughlin of Irvine.

Aug. 22, 2002

June Galati
A 12-year resident of Turtle Rock, June Galati died Aug. 17 in her home after an 18-month battle with colon cancer. She was 64 years old. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. in her home. Information about the service is available by calling (949) 854-3661. Mrs. Galati was born on June 27, 1938, in New York City, the youngest of three daughters. Her father was a vaudeville performer who settled down to run a music shop in East Harlem. The three sisters escaped the summer heat in the city each year and spent their school break on their grandmother's farm in Vineland, N.J. These idyllic childhood summers close to nature helped instill in her a deep passion for gardening and animals, said her son R.J. Galati. After graduating from Julia Richman High School, she went on to work as an executive secretary for Metropolitan Life Insurance in Manhattan. In 1959, she met a dashing young Air Force officer, Vince Galati, on leave to visit his family on Long Island. A year later they were married and she began a 15-year career as a military wife that included living in North Dakota, Colorado, Hawaii and New Hampshire. Each time the family moved, Mrs. Galati pulled up roots and resettled, creating a nurturing home for three young boys. It was especially difficult during her husband's 18-month combat tour in Vietnam in 1968. When her husband retired from the military in 1975, Mrs. Galati gladly made the transition to civilian life, supporting his new job as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch. She was proud to see her three sons graduate from college and go on to successful careers. In 1990, the Galatis moved to Irvine to be near their children. A cheerful and outgoing neighbor, she was often seen tending to her flowers or walking their beloved dog Ubu. June was also active in a bridge group. She is survived by her husband, Vincent Galati of Irvine; and three sons, Terence Galati of Woodland Hills, Randall "R.J." Galati of Newport Beach, and Rod Galati of Aliso Viejo.

Paul Francis Raftery Sr.
Irvine resident Paul Francis Raftery Sr. died Aug. 10 at his home at Woodbridge Manor. He was 93. Born May 17, 1909, in Taunton, Mass., Mr. Raftery was always a work-oriented person, said his daughter, Catherine Sharbaugh. Even as a youth he rode on a milk route to help the deliveryman, and recounted having to get out and turn the crank on the truck. "He enjoyed working and had a strong work ethic," she said. After graduating from high school in Massachusetts, he attended Villanova University in Villanova, Pa. However, he had to leave his studies before graduating to support his family during the Depression. He worked as an industrial engineer for a company that was later purchased and absorbed by Texas Instruments. He took a leave from his work to serve in the Navy during World War II. He stayed with the company for more than 40 years and retired when he was 65 in 1974. He and his wife, Ethel Corrigan Raftery, met at work and were married in September 1942 in Attleboro, Mass., at St. Mary's Catholic Church. They made their home in Attleboro and raised their two children. The family enjoyed a summer home on Cape Cod. Mrs. Raftery and the children would spend the whole summer and Mr. Raftery came up each Thursday night and stayed until Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Raftery were close and enjoyed doing things together, said their daughter. They long enjoyed playing bridge and golfing together. Even in recent years they attended the program at the Irvine Adult Day Health Center together. After his retirement the couple moved to Torrance to be nearer their daughter. Still loving to work, Mr. Raftery started a courier business and kept working until he was in his mid-80s. They moved to Irvine nine or 10 years ago and made their home at Woodbridge Manor. The past few years one of the highlights of his life was visiting the Adult Day Health Center. He particularly enjoyed singing at the center and at his residence. His daughter said he was an outgoing man who loved to be on the move. He liked to go places and do things. He enjoyed traveling around the United States with his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Raftery were members of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. A memorial Mass was celebrated at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Burial was at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach. Mr. Raftery is survived by his wife, Ethel Corrigan Raftery of Irvine; his daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and David Sharbaugh of Irvine; his son Paul Raftery Jr. of Woburn, Mass.; and five grandchildren, Liam Sharbaugh and Patrick, Brendan, Matthew and Kate Raftery. The family asked that memorial donations be made to the Irvine Adult Day Health Center, 20 Lake, Irvine 92604.

Aug. 15, 2002

Melville James Ellis
Former Irvine resident Melville James "Jim" Ellis collapsed at his office Aug. 13 and died later that day at UCI Medical Center in Orange. He was 59. Services are pending at a local golf course.
Information about the service is available by calling the Irvine Chamber of Commerce at (949) 660-9112, where his wife, Jacquie Ellis, is chief executive officer. Mr. Ellis was born May 29, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa. He was raised in Merchantville and Cape May, N.J., and graduated from high school at Admiral Farragut Academy. He also graduated from the University of Connecticut. Growing up near the shore, Mr. Ellis developed a passion for sailing and garnered many awards for racing. Later he took up golf and pursued this hobby with passion as well. After graduating from the university, he joined his father in the insurance business. He loved his work, which gave him a chance to meet and talk to all kinds of people, said his friend Brien Manning. Mr. Ellis moved to California, stopping briefly in San Francisco and settling in Irvine in 1972. He lived in The Ranch. In 1979, he opened his own insurance firm in Orange County. In 1994, he merged his company with Advanced Insurance in Orange, where he collapsed Tuesday. His friend remembers Mr. Ellis as an outgoing person who loved life. He was a happy person who never met a stranger. There was no one he was reluctant to approach wherever he traveled, said Manning. He and his wife, Jacquie, were married in 1989 and they made their home in Newport Beach. In addition to his continuing passion for sailing and golf, he loved to travel with his wife and to spend time with his four daughters. "He was very family-oriented. I played golf with him every Thursday and we always talked about the girls. They were a focus for him," said Manning. Mr. Ellis was also a craftsman and loved working with wood. He made models of ships and boats. He was a former member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Irvine. He was a past president of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce and the Orange Empire CPCU Society. In addition, he was a member of the Sunrise Exchange Club of Irvine and served on the Irvine Transportation Authority. He was also a director of the United Way of Orange County. Mr. Ellis is survived by his wife, Jacquie Ellis, of Newport Beach; his father, Melville Joseph Ellis, of Kennebunk, Maine; his daughters, Lauren Sipelis of Corona del Mar, Rebecca Ellis of Aspen, Colo., Leigh Ellis of San Francisco, and Jaimee Ellis of Irvine; his stepdaughters, Toni Bradley of Irvine and Tiffani Lewis of Lompoc; his former wife, Sharon Ellis, of Irvine; his sister, Marjorie Downes, of Kennebunk; and his two granddaughters, Katie and Emily Bradley, of Irvine. The family asked that memorial donations be made to the Jim Ellis Memorial Fund, c/o Alzheimer's Association of Orange County, 2540 North Santiago Blvd., Orange 92867.

Rose Chapin
Bessie Rose Chapin, 94, died peacefully July 29 at her home in Irvine, seven weeks to the day after the death of her beloved husband, Sherman Chapin. They had both lived with their daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Tosh Toji, since February 1999. Mrs. Chapin was born June 30, 1908, in Anacortes, Wash., to Jesse and Julia Richards. Her mother had come to Anacortes as a child from Montana in a covered wagon. Her father's family came from Michigan to Stanfield, Ore., to farm in the newly created Irrigation District established in the sagebrush-covered land in Eastern Oregon along the Umatilla River. They lived in tents until they could build a farm house, and Mrs. Chapin was one of the first non-American Indian children to live in the area. A precocious child who began first grade at age 4 with her future stepmother, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Stanfield High School at age 16. She went to the University of Oregon to major in drama, but family circumstances dictated that she change her major to education, and she got her two-year certificate from Monmouth Teachers College. Many years later, she completed her degree at the University of Oregon. As a young teacher in Myrtle Creek, Ore., she met and fell in love with Sherman Chapin, a local athletic star and the older brother of one of her students. They were married in 1931, which, in those times when married teachers were not allowed, ended her teaching career for the time being. It was the midst of the depression, and the Chapins owned and did all the cooking for a popular chicken dinner restaurant in Salem, Ore., called The Red Lantern. Her most famous contribution was baking powder biscuits. The Fisher Flour Co. came to her and offered to supply all the biscuit mix for the restaurant if she would advertise that she used the mix. The test batch of biscuits was not a family hit, however, and she turned down their offer. To this day, every child in the family learns to make Grandma Chapin's biscuits as the family "comfort food." After Myrtle Creek, Mrs. Chapin's only teaching experience was in her own private neighborhood kindergarten. However, at the onset of World War II, she was drafted into a teaching spot vacated by a man who went off to war. She continued to teach first grade until she moved to California at age 63. She taught in Stanfield, Echo and The Dalles, Ore., and was highly regarded for her creativity. She used her talent for acting every day, both to help her children put on plays, and also as a gifted storyteller who could hold as many as 45 wiggly children in rapt attention. She was a mentor teacher in the teaching of reading, who never followed fads, but always used a mixture of phonics, word recognition and literature to teach virtually every child in her class to read and write. Toward the end of her career, she was chosen for membership in a prestigious national honorary society for teachers. Mrs. Chapin was a pioneer as well as a modern career woman. As a child she milked cows, picked crops, tended bees and helped prepare three meals a day for as many as 20 farm hands. During the depression and war years, and after, she tended a cow and chickens, raised a garden, baked and preserved food, and sewed for her family. She even made soap and butter. Her impressive domestic skills made her a good 4-H leader, which she was for several years. In her retirement years in Rancho Capistrano, Lake Elsinore, she enjoyed welcoming people who came on weekends to work on the houses they were building and provided homemade dishes for them and for many social gatherings. She became an expert knitter and made sweaters and coats for everyone in the family. Her grandchildren remember many happy days spent with her, making up plays, doing craft projects, and baking special treats. Mrs. Chapin inherited a love of poetry from her father, and wrote poems for her daughters when they were small. Dishwashing sessions were brightened as she recited, from memory, favorite poems. In her 80s, she got her first Macintosh computer and published a book of poems she wrote during retirement, called "Poems from the Heart," illustrated by her daughter, Jennifer Becker. She also wrote five small books about her life to give to family members and friends. During her years in Irvine, she enjoyed the loving care of care givers who took her on walks around University Park with her little dog, Lucy, and drove her to Irvine shops to indulge one of her favorite hobbies, window shopping and bargain hunting. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Sharon and Tosh Toji of Irvine and Jennifer and Mark Becker of Moscow, Idaho; her sister, Patricia Lantz of Chambersburg, Pa.; her grandchildren, Billie, Alex, Stan, Pier, Anne-Marie and Chris Sircello and Joe Becker; and great-grandchildren, Michael and Thomas Mendoza, Andrew and Julian Mautz, and Jackson Spargur. Donations in her memory may be made to the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, 4330 Barranca Parkway, Suite 235, Irvine, 92604

July 25, 2002

Daniel H. Marcus
Irvine resident Daniel H. Marcus died in his Woodbridge home July 20 of Parkinson's disease. His wife Jean and daughter Joan were at his side. He was 74. An enthusiastic supporter of efforts to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research and support, he was featured in the Irvine World News during his participation in the Los Angeles Marathon in 2000 and 2001 to raise funds for the cause. Mr. Marcus was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Russian immigrant parents. He moved with his wife and three small children to Orange County in 1963. He worked at Aerospace Corp. in El Segundo for the next 18 years, bringing his engineering skills to the development of the U.S. space program. When his vision failed due to retinitis pigmentosa, he retired from his aerospace work and helped his wife Jean with an international education business. Holding hands, they flew around the world, climbed mountains, took cruises and "let nothing stand in the way of life," she said. Opera was another of his loves and he "collected' opera houses by attending performances in each one. The highlight of his collection was seeing the opera Nabucco at La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy, his wife said. An important part of his life was being involved in the lives of his three children as they grew up, attended university and settled in their chosen careers. Holding each new grandchild was a special event for "Papa Dan." Although his sight continued to decline, Mr. Marcus helped coordinate the Low Vision support group at Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine for four years. He and his wife also participated in the Adopt-a-Family program through their synagogue, Shir Ha-Ma'alot. They supplied food, clothing and other essentials for families in need. He thought it was important to lend a helping hand to others until they could become independent. The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease brought a new challenge to Mr. Marcus' life but he chose to meet it head-on. In 2000, he signed up for the L.A. Marathon and started collecting money for research on Parkinson's disease. In a driving rainstorm, his wife pushed his wheel chair the last mile of the course. The following year, he had a team of six "beautiful women" push him the final six miles, raising $12,500. He had signed up for the 2002 race and lined up his team for the cause, but in December 2001 he suffered a heart attack while exercising at the gym, followed by a stroke. He started physical therapy still determined to be in the lineup for the 2002 marathon. He even started raising funds for the event and brought in more than $5,000 in donations. However, complications ensued and he went home in March with hospice care to help his wife care for him. "Right up to the end, he was determined to conquer the disease," said his wife. She added that someone will participate in the 2003 L.A. Marathon in honor of Mr. Marcus. Funeral services were July 23 at Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot. Burial was at Pacific View Cemetery in Newport Beach. He is survived by his wife, Jean Marcus of Irvine; his son, Ronald Marcus of San Francisco; his daughters, Bonnie Marcus Rosenbaum of Jerusalem, Israel, and Joan Marcus-Colvin of Aliso Viejo; his sister, Gertrude Krasilovsky of Coconut Creek, Fla.; and six grandchildren, Yehudit, Meir, Sarah and Yaacov Rosenbaum and Natalie and Shayna Colvin. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that people do a good deed, a mitzvah, in Mr. Marcus' name or make a donation to one of his two favorite charities: the Education Fund, Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot, 3652 Michelson, Irvine 92612; or the National Parkinson Foundation of Orange County, 355 Placentia Ave., #302, Newport Beach 92663.

Frank J. Coughlin
Former Irvine resident Frank J. Coughlin died July 10 of a heart attack in Mission, Texas, where he moved about two years ago. He was 73. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine. He was active at the church when he lived in Irvine and knew many parish members. He was born Jan. 1, 1929, in Chicago, Ill. He attended St. Luke School, Fenwick High School and Loyola University there before serving in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. In 1963 he married Barbara Adcock of Decatur, Ill. They made their first home in Chicago and moved to Southern California in 1975. They settled in the Ranch in Irvine in 1976. Mr. Coughlin worked for many years as an aerospace consultant in Southern California and retired about five years ago. Mr. Coughlin was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He joined in Chicago in 1962 and remained an active member until he died. His son, Frank Coughlin Jr., described his father as a kind, nonjudgmental person who was friendly and social. He and his wife loved camping. He will also be remembered for his sense of humor and the joy he brought to other people's lives. Mr. Coughlin was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Coughlin Hennessy, and his daughter, Margaret Coughlin. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Coughlin of Mission, Texas; his son and daughter-in-law, Frank J. Coughlin Jr. and Katharina Coughlin of Temecula; his daughter and son-in-law, Mercedes and Thomas Broening of San Francisco; and seven grandchildren, Dylan, Oliver, Sarah, Chloe, Connor, Sophia and Katherine.

July 11, 2002

Christopher Todd Lawrence
Irvine resident Christopher Todd Lawrence died June 23 after a shooting in Anaheim. He was 21. His mother, Cathlynn Morse, said that her son was weaponless on the night he died and stepped in front of a bullet to protect a friend. "Chris' heart stopped the bullet," she said. Mr. Lawrence was born July 23, 1980, in Atlanta Georgia. When he was 11, his family moved from Richmond, Va., to Irvine. He attended Culverdale Elementary School and Rancho Middle School, where he was voted "Best Hugger." He graduated in 1998 from Albert Sitton High School in Orange. Young Lawrence started his career as an inventor and explorer at the age of 3, according to his mother. She recalled a day when their apartment was too quiet and she sped into the kitchen to find the refrigerator door open and half a dozen eggs broken on the floor. The 3-year-old looked puzzled with an egg in each hand, wondering why the balls would not bounce. At 8 he made his mother a paper cutter from an old eggbeater. For the past few years he worked on other inventions with volunteer mentors and was learning how to get a patent. He had a big heart, said his mother. When he was 12, he helped with a summer school program for children with disabilities and enjoyed working with the children. "He loved life, even when life did not love him back," she said. He often asked her to listen to songs that described how he felt and put his feelings in poems or drawings. He completed a book of poetry. His family and friends were all important to him, but Mr. Lawrence was closest to his brother, Andre Lawrence. People often asked if the boys were twins, though Andre was a year older. Many of the brothers' friends became like members of the family, recalled their mother. She said about 75 young men and women of different races, ages and walks of life attended memorial services held June 27. They told stories of practical jokes Mr. Lawrence had played. Tears flowed when someone told how Mr. Lawrence had encouraged a friend to stay in school, keep a job and stay out of trouble. "I did not hear of death or killing. I heard a story of life, love, loyalty and giving," said his mother. "Chris loved life. He would say, 'Come on, let's go to the beachlet's go to the movies. Come on, you need to get out of the house. Let's go see the sun rise.'" She added, "I hope everyone gets the message, stop the violence." Though his mother moved from Irvine earlier this year, Mr. Lawrence and his brother remained in the city. Chris worked in sales of prepaid legal services. He is survived by his mother, Cathlynn Morse of Loveland, Colo.; his father, Milton Lawrence of Richmond, Va.; his brother, Andre Lawrence of Irvine; his stepbrother, Milton Lawrence Jr. of Atlanta; his grandparents, Alan W. Morse of Florida and Elizabeth Morse of Canada; his aunt, Drew Ingram, and her family of Irvine. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Dale and Bob Naylor of Iowa, Kimberly Morse of Virginia, Todd and Lisa Morse of Pennsylvania; Brooks Morse of Oregan, and their families. Chris died while the Morse family reunion was taking place in Ohio with all his aunts and uncles attending. They held a memorial service at the reunion at the same time as the service in California.

Paul Robert Sarni
Irvine resident Paul Robert Sarni died suddenly June 27 of cardiovascular disease. He fell asleep in his chair at his home in Woodbridge and died there, according to his daughter, Shellyn Hazard. He was 67. Services were July 3 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Tustin, where he attended with his daughter and her family. Arrangements were by Saddleback Chapel, Tustin and burial was at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside. Mr. Sarni was born April 1, 1935, in Stamford, Conn. His parents had immigrated from Naples, Italy, and he was the youngest of 10 children. He grew up in Stamford and Darien, Conn. He played football and baseball at Darien High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in business and accounting from Bentley College in Wesley, Mass. He served in the Marines in 1955 through 1957 and was discharged as a sergeant. After the service he went to work for Stone and Webster Management in New York City. He met his wife, Jan, while he was on a job on the West Coast. They were married in the early 1960s. They had three children and were married 25 years when they divorced in 1989. They made their home in New York City but he traveled with his work. They lived in Pakistan for several years in the early 60s. Around 1980 the family moved from New York to Boise, Idaho, where he was vice president of administrative services for the Idaho Power Co. He retired about 1996. He moved to Irvine in 2000 to be nearer his three grandsons. In his free time he was a longtime lover of golf and tennis. After moving to California, he was active in many activities with is grandsons. He especially enjoyed watching them play ball. He was an active person most of his life, said his daughter, and coached a number of ball teams for his children. He was a quiet but friendly person, his daughter recalled and loved most of all to spend time with his grandsons. He is survived by his daughter, Shellyn Hazard of Tustin; his sons, Cris Sarni of Long Beach and Bob Sarni of Nampa, Idaho; three sisters, Josephine Smolley of Darien, Rose Furtak of Stamford and Annette Teplica of Darien; a brother, Mike Sarni of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and three grandsons, Drew Sarni, Justin Hazard and Jacob Hazard, all of Tustin.

Betty Chambers Lawson
Longtime Irvine resident Betty Chambers Lawson died June 30 at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, of lung disease. She was 81 and had been laid up due to a broken back suffered in a fall about three years ago. Services were July 6 at Saddleback Chapel, Tustin. Burial was at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall. Mrs. Lawson was born Sept. 4, 1920, in Birmingham, Ala. She grew up there and took a job as an executive secretary after graduating from high school. She married Robert Jackson in Birmingham about 1942. He died about six years later leaving her with their 3-year-old son, Rick. She worked in Alabama as an executive secretary at several companies, including WBRC-TV. Her son Rick said she enjoyed her work very much. She married William Lawson Jr. in 1966. The two met when he was in the South at a convention. He worked for a company in Southern California that made windshields for jet aircraft. They made their home in the San Fernando Valley and then Claremont. They moved to Woodbridge in Irvine in 1983. Mr. Lawson died in 1984. Mrs. Lawson enjoyed playing bridge and played weekly with a group until her fall three years ago. She also liked to read, especially mysteries, said her son. He also remembered her as a social, outgoing person who enjoyed spending time with her friends. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Irvine.
She is survived by her three sons, Richard Jackson of Irvine, William H. Lawson III of Irvine, and Lawrence Lawson of Beijing, China; her daughter, Catherine L. Michel of New Hampshire; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

July 4, 2002

Mildred Anne "Dee" Russell
Longtime Irvine resident Mildred Anne "Dee" Russell died June 25 at Irvine Regional Hospital. She was 60 and diagnosed with lung cancer in May. She had lost her sister just six months earlier to the same disease. Services were June 28 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine, where she and her husband were members of the parish. Burial was at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest. Mrs. Russell was born Sept. 17, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She grew up and graduated from high school there. When she was 18 her family moved to North Hollywood, where her father was a regional manager for a retail shoe company. She worked as a real estate loan officer in a bank in Los Angeles for several years. She met James Russell in a church young adult group. The two had spoken on the phone in the course of their business but had never met. Mr. Russell worked for a title company. They Married May 15, 1965, in North Hollywood. Mrs. Russell retired after she married. They moved to the Colony in Irvine in January 1972 with their two children, ages 3 and 5. She was involved in her children's activities and supported their sports at Woodbridge High School. Her son, William Russell, played football and baseball and her daughter, Patricia Russell, played softball. Mrs. Russell was a member of the Woodbridge Booster Club. "She was always dependable," said her daughter. "She was always that mom you could call when you needed extra baked goods or someone to work the snack booth." She was like a second mother to a number of her children's friends. In her free time she loved to read and especially enjoyed going to Maui. Mrs. Russell is survived by her husband, James M. Russell of Irvine; her son, William John Russell of Westminster; her daughter, Patricia Ann Russell of Irvine; and her mother, Pauline E. Walther of Irvine.

Amy Diane Nordstrom
Former Irvine resident, Amy Diane Nordstrom, died June 24 in a car accident in Fresno. She was 17 and recently graduated from high school. She was born July 31, 1984, in Newport Beach and grew up in Irvine. She attended Culverdale Elementary School, Westpark Elementary School, Turtle Rock Elementary School, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School and University and Irvine high schools. During her junior year, she and her family moved to Delhi, where she attended and graduated June 2 from Modesto Adventist Academy. At graduation she received a scholarship for leadership and academics. She was secretary of her senior class and associated student social vice president. She enjoyed spending time with her family at Lake Mead where she loved to water ski. Because she attended so many schools, she was able to touch the hearts and lives of many people, said her family. She was recently in Irvine to attend graduations of her friends at University, Woodbridge and Irvine high schools. "She was a beautiful, happy ray of sunshine to everybody she knew. She was very close to her siblings and very involved in school activities," said Irvine resident Jody Forte, mother of one of Amy's friends. A memorial service was June 28 at Modesto Adventist Academy. A funeral service was June 29 at First Lutheran Church of Fullerton. Miss Nordstrom is survived by her mother, Jonie Mays of Delhi; her father, Tenny Craig Nordstrom of Fullerton; her two sisters, Alyssa and Anna Nordstrom of Delhi; her brother, Marc Nordstrom of Delhi; aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial donations may be made to the Ruth and Amy Nordstrom Memorial Scholarship of Buena Park High School, c/o Kurt E. Nordstrom, California State University, Chico, Department of Journalism, Chico 95929.

June 20, 2002

Wanda June Cullers
Longtime Irvine resident Wanda June Lorenzen Cullers died peacefully at her Turtle Rock home surrounded by her children on May 25. She was 73. Memorial services will be held in the park at the end of Biddle Drive in Turtle Rock Saturday, June 22, at 3 p.m. Her family will direct the services. A second memorial service will be held at El Reno Cemetery, El Reno, Okla., July 1, at 11 a.m. under the direction of Wilson's Funeral Home. Burial will be at the cemetery. Mrs. Cullers was born in El Reno, Okla., on Jan. 15, 1929. Her parents, Ina Susan Tye and Clarence Sank Lorenzen, were from Iowa. She was a clever and precocious child, according to her family. After graduating from El Reno High School in 1946, she attended Oklahoma College for Women. In 1948, she married George Kenneth Cullers, a physicist and engineer, and their first child, Kent, was born in July, 1949. Kent was born totally blind , so the Cullers moved to California in 1955, to facilitate his education with sighted children. They lived first in Arcadia and Temple City and moved to Irvine in 1969. Mrs. Cullers was a bold parent, said Kent Cullers, encouraging him to play piano, water ski, ride a bicycle, and fall out of trees in a completely supportive but unprotected environment. She insisted that he could do anything, never limiting him because of his blindness. As a result, Kent Cullers became the world's first totally blind physicist. He is now director of SETI Research and Development, at the SETI Institute in northern California. In 1957, the Cullers had a sighted second child, Susan Lynn Cullers, who also was encouraged to excellence. Susan holds a master's degree in teaching English as a second language and is an administrator at San Francisco State University. Mrs. Cullers also had a long and successful administrative career at UCI. She started around 1970 in the English Department. She was also special assistant to two chancellors, Dan Aldrich and Jack Peltason. She retired in 1991 to devote more time to her husband, children and philanthropic work. Her husband George died in 1998. Always courageous Mrs. Cullers carried on with her active social and charitable activities, said her son. A member of the Newport Beach chapter of PEO (TY), she also joined the Orange County Braille Institute Auxiliary and served as president of that organization. She developed a deep friendship with Joseph McGuire, a UCI professor. The two traveled the world together, and their parties were filled with good food and sparkling conversation, said her son. A devoutly Christian woman, Mrs. Cullers gave much time and love to the Mariners Church where she made many friends. Selfless always, her last concerns were of her loved ones, according to her son. Mrs. Cullers is survived by her two children, Susan and Kent Cullers; her brother, Lloyd Lorenzen, El Reno; and two grandchildren, Alan and Melissa Cullers. The family requested that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in the name of Wanda Cullers to the Braille Institute, Orange County Center, 527 N. Dale Ave, Anaheim, 92801 or SETI Institute, 2035 Landings Drive, Mountain View, 94043.

Sherman Leslie Chapin
Sherman Leslie Chapin died June 10 at his Irvine home. He was 94. He and his wife Bessie lived in University Park with their daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Tosh Toji, for the past three and a half years. His daughter, then known as Sharon Sircello, was on the first Irvine school board. Mr. Chapin was born May 15, 1908, in Ellensburg, Wash. in 1908. His family eventually settled in Myrtle Creek, in Southern Oregon, where he graduated from high school. He was an athletic star in high school and planned to play minor league baseball until he injured his pitching arm, according to his daughter. He also danced, with his sister Margaret as a partner, between acts at the Mrytle Creek movie theatre. He continued to love dancing and was a "star" at his granddaughters' weddings. During the Depression, Mr. Chapin became the chef of his own chicken dinner restaurant, the Red Lantern in Salem, Ore. He was particularly proud that the governor and many other members of the state government ate there regularly. His fried chicken was so famous that he was asked to come to a famous night club in Hollywood to make it, but he turned down the offer. He often entertained his daughters with stories of the Red Lantern. A favorite was when Mr. Chapin helped catch some counterfeiters who were staying in the cabins attached to the restaurant. Another famous story was of Bessie and Sherman's wedding day on June 14, 1931. The ceremony was due to begin when he got word that a large group wanted to come in for chicken dinners. In Depression days they could not afford to lose the business, so he rushed in, killed, plucked and fried the chickens, then dashed back to be married. Bessie and Sherman would have been married 71 years this year a few days after his death. During World War II, Sherman worked as a fireman at a large ordnance depot in eastern Oregon. After the war, he opened his own automotive repair garage, Chapin Motors, in Stanfield, Ore. He later went to work helping to build dams in Oregon including the McNary Dam and The Dalles Dam. He continued to do that work, as a member of the Union of Operating Engineers, until he retired and moved to Southern California in 1968. He recently received his 50 year union pin. At Rancho Capistrano, on the South Main Divide above Lake Elsinore, he was the first ranch manager and one of the first residents. After he retired, he was a familiar sight, riding on his tractor or tending his large garden and orchard. In 1998, the entire ranch, along with many relatives, celebrated at a joint 90th birthday party for Bessie and Sherman, on their 67th wedding anniversary. Sherman was extremely proud of the place his family had in settling this country. On his father Frank Sherman Chapin's side, they were the descendants of Deacon Samuel Chapin, who co-founded Springfield, Mass., in the 1630s. He counted Native Americans as well as abolitionists, Civil War soldiers, and pioneers in the West among his ancestors. On his mother, Amanda Kay's side, he came from New Brunswick, Canada pioneers. He talked until his death of the strength of his mother, who was an independent businesswoman and suffragette when women usually worked only in their homes. He is remembered by his family as someone who had ideas that were often ahead of his time. He preached ecology, conservation and natural gardening many years before they became popular. He was a voracious reader and loved politics, history and any subject that dealt with the natural world. He is survived by his wife Bessie Richards Chapin; his daughters Sharon Toji of Irvine and Jennifer Becker of Moscow, Idaho; sons-in-law Tosh Toji and Mark Becker; grandchildren Billie, Alex, Stan, Pier, Anne-Marie and Chris Sircello and Joe Becker, and great-grandchildren Michael and Thomas Mendoza, Andrew and Julian Mautz, and Jackson Sircello-Spargur. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucia Wimer, Lucile Sellers and Margaret Berndt; and his brother, Frank Chapin. His sister Cordelia Rice died in May. The family requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Zoological Society of San Diego for CRES (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species). They should be sent to the attention of the Development Department, PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112.

June 13, 2002

Martha Jeanette Spencer
Longtime Irvine resident Martha Jeanette Spencer died peacefully May 27 at her home in the Groves surrounded by family members, according to a family spokesperson. Mrs. Spencer was born in Indiana. She spent her childhood on the family farm near Indianapolis and moved to California with her husband and two daughters after World War II when her husband accepted an engineering job with Hughes Aircraft. The family lived in Westchester, Tustin, Palos Verdes and Escondido before moving to Irvine in 1985. Mrs. Spencer enjoyed playing cards, playing golf, maintaining the family home, family get-togethers and cooking. She and her husband, Paul E. Spencer, were married for 49 years when he died in 1990. She was known in the Groves for her bridge playing, crocheting and ceramic crafts. She took pride in her appearance and loved shopping for and receiving new clothes, said her daughter, Paula Allen. A Mass was celebrated at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Spencer was predeceased by her sister Winifred Huffman and grandson Scott Quackenbush. She is survived by her daughters, Paula Allen of Irvine and Anita Spencer of Truckee; her brother, George Terry of Indiana; long-term care givers and friends, Concha and Mar Cortez of Irvine; grandchildren Christine Shipley of San Clemente, Cynthia Gilbreath of Irvine, Steven Quackenbush of Missouri, Christopher Quackenbush of northern California; and great-grandchildren Heather Lisk, Christopher Shipley and Bradley Shipley of San Clemente.

Elizabeth Jane Keene
Irvine resident Elizabeth Jane Keene died May 28 of cancer at Irvine Medical Center. She was 77. A memorial Mass was celebrated June 4 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine, where she was a member of the parish. A graveside service followed at Riverside National Cemetery where she was buried beside her husband, Joseph Patrick Keene, who died in 1991. She was born Dec. 6, 1924, in Fort Smith, Ark., the daughter of Mark and Rose McAndrew. She grew up in Mattoon, Ill., with three sisters. Her father was a fireman. Throughout her life she loved reading and literature. After graduating from high school near the beginning of World War II, she went to work to support the war effort, but continued to educate herself. In 1952, she married Joseph Patrick Keene, who had been a pilot in World War II. They had known each other since childhood in Mattoon, but did not start dating until after high school. Mr. Keene was in the Air Force during the Korean War and stayed in the service until 1970. During his career, the Keenes and their children lived on many military bases around the country and in England as well. After he retired, they moved to the Racquet Club in Irvine. Mrs. Keene was friendly and outgoing. She loved to talk and had many friends, according to her family. She had a lifelong love of animals and continued to love reading all her life. In recent years she particularly loved the TV quiz show, "Jeopardy." She was preceded in death by about a month by her sister, Ann Van Note of Irvine. She is survived by her four sons, Patrick Keene of Jackson, Timothy Keene of Irvine, Matthew Keene of Irvine, and Andrew Keene of Fox Lake, Ill.; her sisters, Hannah Robert of Austin, Texas, and Rosemary Moore of Jerseyville, Ill.; and five grandchildren, Sara Keene, Patrick Keene, Peter Keene, Trevor Keene and Matthew Hans.

June 6, 2002

Ellary L. Hearn
Longtime Irvine resident Ellary L. Hearn died May 16 at Manor Care in Encinitas. He was 88. He was best known in Irvine for his long tenure at the San Joaquin Golf Course. He was a longtime member of the Senior Men's Golf Team there and assisted at the golf range for 17 years. He loved golf since he started playing at 19, said his daughter, Sarah McCan. Mr. Hearn was born Feb. 17, 1914, in Nebraska. He spent part of his childhood in Texas but moved with his family to California as a child. He had a long career as a recording engineer in the music industry in Hollywood. He and his family lived in Newport Beach from 1959 until he and his wife moved to Irvine 23 years ago. He and his wife, Doris Marie Hearn, were married 53 years when she died in 1990. Mr. Hearn is survived by his daughters, Sarah McCan of Irvine and Vicki Rieger of San Jose; his sister, Marjorie Stenstrom of Sun City; and his grandchildren, Heather Hejmanowski of San Diego, Michael Miles of San Jose, and Douglas McCan of Irvine. 

May 30
Caroline Ellene Kanis
Woodbridge High School student Caroline Ellene Kanis lost her battle with leukemia May 16 at Children's Hospital in Orange. She was 17. She had been hospitalized for about six weeks with pneumonia and other complications of her treatment and her body finally just gave out, according to a family spokesperson.
Services are planned for Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. at Mariners Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive in Irvine. 
Caroline was featured last summer in the Irvine World News when her brother Brad, then 17, donated bone marrow for a transplant. Doctors said at the time that a transplant from a family member would give her the best chance of recovery from the acute myeloid leukemia that she had been diagnosed with in the spring. 
She was also a recipient in March of a Make-A-Wish Foundation wish granting, which allowed her to meet the cast of the TV show, "Friends."
Before her illness she loved going to the beach and the mall and playing basketball at Woodbridge High School. She also participated in track at Woodbridge where she attended since her freshman year.
She was born April 25, 1985, in Portland, Ore. Her family moved to Southern California six years ago and she attended middle school at Corona del Mar High. She played the violin in the Corona del Mar orchestra and sometimes played first violin despite having no private lessons, said her mother, Kirsten Kanis.
The last months were difficult with frequent hospitalizations and complications from her treatment and the disease. But her courage and spirit remained.
"She was an exceptional human being and the world will miss her," said the family spokesperson.
She was an outgoing young woman with many friends, said her mother. When she had to spend her 16th birthday in the hospital, about 70 friends showed up to give her a party. 
"She always kept the doctors and nurses at the hospital laughing. She was always up to something," said her mother.
She is survived by her parents, Kirsten and Doug Kanis of Irvine; her brothers, Chris and Brad Kanis of Irvine; and her grandmother, Ava Kanis of Portland.
The family asked that memorial donations be made to Children's Hospital of Orange County and Make-A-Wish Foundation Orange County.

Mary Virginia Crowley
Irvine resident Mary Virginia Crowley died May 24 at Western Medical Center, Santa Ana, of respiratory failure. She was 79.
Visitation and vigil were held this week at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. Burial was planned beside her husband and son at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in San Fernando. Mrs. Crowley spent many years as a docent and volunteer at the mission and her work there was one of the things that were important to her, according to her cousin, Sister Miriam Therese Larkin.
Mrs. Crowley was born May 19, 1923, in Tucson, Ariz., where her father worked for the Southern Pacific Rail Road. She graduated from Tucson Senior High School and attended Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles. She earned her degree as a registered nurse from St. Vincent's School of Nursing in Los Angeles.
She joined the U.S. Army as a nurse during World War II. She was a first lieutenant and was on the first ship to enter Yokohama Harbor in Japan at the end of the war. She met her husband, Peter Crowley, on the ship. He was also a first lieutenant. They both left the military after the war and married in Los Angeles May 24, 1947. Mrs. Crowley died on her wedding anniversary.
They made their home in Los Angeles and she worked as a nurse until her children were born. Mr. Crowley was a vice president for Bobrick Corp. They lived for brief times in Natick, Mass., and Atlanta, Ga., but raised their three children and lived most of the time in Northridge. After the children were school-aged, Mrs. Crowley went to work as a nurse for Disney Studios in Burbank.
After Mr. Crowley died in 1983, Mrs. Crowley moved to Cypress. She moved to Irvine within the last year. 
In her free time she enjoyed knitting. She also had many friends and maintained contact with people from all periods of her life through letters and phone calls. She was a great conversationalist, said her cousin. 
She worshiped at the San Fernando Mission Church when she lived in Northridge. She attended St. Hilary's Catholic Church in Los Alamitos when she moved to Cypress.
Mrs. Crowley was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Crowley; and by her son, Patrick Crowley, who died in an automobile accident when he was 21.
She is survived by her daughters, Susan M. Sanders of Irvine and Theresa A. Crowley of Buena Park; and five grandchildren.

April 25
Edward Vincent Halpin
Edward Vincent Halpin died April 9 at Kindred Care Hospital in Westminster of natural causes. He was 84 and lived in Irvine for 23 years.
A memorial mass will be celebrated in his honor Saturday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. Family and friends are invited to attend the mass, as well as a luncheon immediately following. 
A memorial service at the Groves Mobile Home Park Clubhouse will begin at 2 p.m. His ashes will be scattered at sea in a private ceremony off the coast of Newport Beach.
Mr. Halpin was born March 9, 1918, in Corning, N.Y. He moved to New York City to live with one of his five siblings and attended St. Anne's Academy there. After graduation, he earned a degree at Renouard's Embalming School in New York City.
While attending school in New York, he met his future wife, Mary Teresa Conroy, in Manhattan. They raised six children and were married 53 years when Mrs. Halpin died.
Mr. Halpin began his military career with the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He was trained as a navigator and flew many missions in both World War II and the Korean War. He was a director of intelligence, CICV, during the Vietnam War. He retired as a colonel from the 15th Air Force at March Air Force Base, Riverside, in 1970. He was active with various POW/MIA causes.
After retirement he devoted more time to his passion for long distance running. He competed in World Masters Track and Field Championships and won gold medals in the 220, 440 and 880 events.
He also spent many years coaching young runners and officiating at national track and field meets. He is remembered for his enthusiastic energy and stamina on and off the track, said his daughter Kate Halpin.
Mr. and Mrs. Halpin moved to the Groves Mobile Home Park in Northwood in 1979. He enjoyed working on cars for family and friends. He liked to drive his truck to the high desert to find solace in the warm desert air, said his daughter. 
He was a member of the Groves Service Club and the Emergency Preparedness Team. He was also an after-school tutor at Thurman Elementary School in Tustin and supported an orphanage in Haiti.
Mr. Halpin was predeceased by his son, Richard Conroy Halpin, who died in Vietnam; and his wife, Mary Teresa Halpin who died in 1996.
He is survived by his three daughters, Mimi Emery of Rancho Palos Verdes, Helen Conroy of Irvine, and Kate Halpin of Long Beach; his two sons, Chip Halpin of Denver, Colo., and Patrick Halpin of Riverside; and six grandchildren, Hanna, Sean, Megan, Marisa, Aron and Ryan. 
The family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Haitian orphanage through Theo's Work Inc., 120 Claremont Road, Ridgewood, N.J. 07450.

Richard Koichi Sase
Irvine resident Richard Koichi Sase died April 15 following a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was 65.
Services are planned for Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at Mission Valley Free Methodist Church, 1201 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. The Rev. Carl Yoshimine will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park with arrangements by Kubota Kikkei Mortuary in Los Angeles.
Mr. Sase was born Jan. 24, 1937, in Boyle Heights. He attended University of California, Los Angeles and remained a lifelong fan. He rarely missed watching a football or basketball game.
He and his wife, Margaret Masako Sase, met at a church youth group and even though the two attended rival high schools, they hit it off. They married in December 1960. Mr. Sase worked as an engineer and his wife worked for the Los Angeles Police Department until she retired in 1965 when their first daughter was born. They moved to Turtle Rock in Irvine in the early 1970s.
The Sases were known in Irvine for their enthusiastic support of their daughters' athletic careers at University High School in the 1980s. 
He coached girls basketball and soccer for seven years, and continued even after his daughters, Lori and Noelle, graduated from high school. 
When he wasn't coaching, he and his wife Margaret were constant supporters from the stands of Lori's University High School and UCLA soccer games and Noelle's University High School basketball games.
"He made an incredible impact on people's lives as a mentor, father and friend," said Noelle.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori Sase of Irvine, and his daughter and son-in-law, Noelle and Ryan Dey of Aliso Viejo; his brother, Hugo (Sadako) Sase; his sister, Yuriko Sugita of Japan; his mother-in-law, Martha Yoshida of Los Angeles; and two brothers-in-law, Gerald Yoshida of San Pedro and Arthur Yoshida of Las Vegas.

April 18
Kristopher Michael Shine
Irvine resident Kristopher Michael Shine, 30, died early April 13 when his car crashed into parked vehicles on Yorba Street near Santa Clara Avenue in Tustin. He was on his way home about 2:15 a.m. and died instantly, according to his father, Mike Shine.
He was born Dec. 6, 1971, in Dallas, Texas. The family moved to the Heritage Park area of Irvine in 1980. Young Mr. Shine attended Greentree Elementary School, Venado Middle School and Irvine High School. He graduated from SELF High School.
He attended Irvine Valley College, Orange Coast College and the University of North Texas. He lived in San Francisco where he worked in customer service in the corporate offices of Williams Sonoma, a retailer. He moved back to Irvine about a year ago and lived in Westpark.
He worked as an administrator for Berkshire Mortgage in Irvine and loved his job, said his father.
He loved music and in his free time enjoyed playing the electric guitar. He also liked to read and was an avid bicycle rider, his father added. 
Services were planned for April 17 at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. Burial was to be at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas, in a family plot where his grandparents are buried.
He is survived by his parents, Michael and Anna Shine, of Irvine; his brother, Stefan Shine, of Santa Ana; and his grandmother, Genevieve Turek, of Dallas.

Samuel F. Kniss
Longtime Irvine resident Samuel F. Kniss died April 15 at his Woodbridge home after a three-year battle with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. He was 67.
Services are planned for Sunday, April 21, at 1 p.m. at Arbor Park in Woodbridge.
He was born Jan. 23, 1935, in Oklahoma. He had lived in Irvine since about 1970. His family and friends recall him as an optimistic person, always up even toward the end of his life, said his daughter, Kelly Hershey.
Mr. Kniss' career as a civil engineer began in 1964 with the Orange County Road Department. In 1969, he and Fred McGavran became partners in a waterfront construction company, Trautwein Bros. in Newport Beach. They built and designed thousands of residential docks and large commercial projects, including the Dana Point West Marina, Ventura West Marina and Peter's Landing in Huntington Beach. After the company closed in the mid-1990s, Mr. Kniss continued consulting for other firms while golfing nearly every day.
He was an avid golfer, with a handicap of eight until his illness began. He was still playing in March despite his illness. He was an active member of Mesa Verde Country Club in Costa Mesa. If he wasn't on the golf course he could usually be found in the clubhouse or card room, said his daughter.
Mr. Kniss was an outgoing and friendly man and had many friends, said his wife of eight years, Carol Winslow Kniss. He liked to go with the flow and almost never got angry. He was also a generous man.
"He loved everybody and everything," she added.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Winslow Kniss, of Irvine; his son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Laurie Kniss, of Cameron Park; his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Michael Hershey, of Bellvue, Wash.; his stepchildren, who he regarded as his own, David Winslow of Irvine, Tom Winslow of Newport Beach, and Terri Phillips of Virginia; his sister, Kathy Smith of Carson City, Nev.; his first wife, Sally Plummer, of Rancho Murietta; and his grandchildren, Nicole and Sam Kniss, Jenna and Elena Hershey, Steven, Eric and Andrew Winslow, and Matthew and Colin Phillips.
The family asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the donors' charities of choice.

John "Gary" Pietila
Former Irvine resident John "Gary" Pietila died April 1 in his La Jolla home. He was 59 and was diagnosed with brain cancer about a year and a half ago. He had an eight-month remission during his illness but his condition worsened again.
Mr. Pietila was born Dec. 7, 1942, in Tacoma, Wash. He graduated from Lincoln High School and was a 1964 graduate of the University of Washington. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering.
He was a second lieutenant in the Army ROTC program, serving at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and at Fort Riley, Kan.
Mr. Pietila worked for Proctor & Gamble for 30 years. He retired as the director of product supply, North American Customer Services/Logistics-Central.
"He was a really nice person. He was loved and respected by everyone," said family friend Cheryl Esmond, adding that honesty and integrity were some of the major themes at his memorial service.
He retired five or six years ago. After retiring, he and his wife moved from their Northwood home to La Jolla. While living in Irvine he was active with the Irvine High School football team fund-raising efforts in the early 1990s. He has maintained many of the friendships made in Irvine, according to Esmond.
He was a member of the Torrey Pines Men's Golf Club and served as two-term president of the Coronado Council of the Navy League of the United States.
"Gary loved his wife, Patty, the game of golf, his country, his company, his family and friends," according to his family.
A memorial service was held April 11 at Calvary Community Church in Sumner, Wash. 
Mr. Pietila is survived by his wife Patty Pietila of La Jolla; his sons Dan Pietila of Phoenix, Ariz., Jeff Pietila of Olympia, Wash., Erik Pietila of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Todd Thomas of Davis; his sisters, Pat Mansfield of Puyallup, Wash., Beverly Bjerke of Billings, Mont.; and his grandson, Hunter Pietila.
The family asked that memorial donations be made to Vitas Healthcare Corp (Hospice), 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 950, San Diego 92108.

April 11
Mary Carl
A memorial service for well-loved Irvine preschool and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) teacher Mary Carl is planned for Sunday, April 21, at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4400 Barranca Parkway. Friends, family, students and colleagues are invited to attend. The Rev. Gordon Yeaton, a friend and pastor at the church, will preside at the service.
Irvine resident Carl, 53, died March 19 at Irvine Medical Center of stroke and kidney failure. She was working as a teacher at St. Andrew's Children's Center the day she collapsed and went into a coma. She had been hospitalized for about a week when she died.
"She was an awesome lady, very loving and always went that extra mile for her students, her coworkers, for everyone. She just was the most giving person I ever met," said colleague and longtime friend Glenda Akers.
Staff members at the preschool wore pink for a day in her honor. Many went to Malibu for the March 23 funeral services.
Ms Carl was born July 11, 1948, in Malibu. She grew up there and was the fifth of 12 children. She returned to school and earned a degree at California State University Long Beach after she married and had children.
She taught early childhood education to high school and adults students in ROP for more than 15 years. She taught at the preschool for two years.
Although she loved to do things with her four grandchildren and looked forward to the birth of her fifth grandchild, none of them lived locally. She spent most of her time working her two jobs.
"Her work was the love of her life," said colleague and friend Akers.
She lived in Huntington Beach for many years and then moved to Costa Mesa. She moved to the Groves Mobile Home Park a few months ago.
She is survived by her three children. Her son, Greg Carl, is a Marine Corps pilot who recently returned to his home in South Carolina from the Middle East. Her daughter, Colleen Carl, is a kindergarten teacher in Massachusetts; her daughter, Debbie Wiersma lives in Denver. She is also survived by 11 brothers and sisters; and four grandchildren.

Joe G. Martinez
Irvine resident Joe G. Martinez died March 24 at his Deerfield home after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 54.
He was born Nov. 4, 1947, in Upland. He grew up there and graduated from Upland High School. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1969.
He met his future wife, Katie Marsh, in grade school and they played in a string quartet together in high school. They married in 1970.
Mr. Martinez had a career as a computer systems analyst. He went to work for IBM soon after he graduated from college. He and his wife made their first home in Colorado and then lived in several Southern California locations while he worked for IBM.
They settled in Irvine in Deerfield. He took an early retirement from IBM in the mid-1990s and then decided to go back to work for Hewlett Packard in 1995. As a senior consultant he was the company's representative in Mexico, Central and South America, particularly in Brazil. He continued to work from home until a few weeks before he died.
He enjoyed the challenge of his work, but most of all he liked working with people.
"Joe was a passionate man who aimed to make a difference on my behalf," wrote one colleague.
"He always found humor when times were tough to help us regain our perspective," wrote another.
Although he enjoyed his work, his first priority was always his family, according to his sister-in-law, Violet Marsh. He was active with his children in their activities.
With his son, Dan Martinez, he was in a remote control model airplane club, Indian Guides and Boy Scouts. He was an active fan when his son was on the swim team and the marching band at Irvine High School. He was president of the Band Boosters for two years. 
With his daughter, Shelli Martinez, he participated in the Indian Princesses and followed her career as a varsity cheerleader at Irvine High.
Mr. Martinez liked being active. He enjoyed hiking and bicycling. He played softball in a city league for many years.
He also had a lifelong interest in music. He played the viola in the Orange Coast Symphony and more recently in the Chapman College Symphony Orchestra.
In his spare time he liked to play with his computers. He enjoyed social things in the neighborhood as well and was an animal lover, said his sister-in-law. He could be seen almost nightly walking is friendly big brown pit bull, Rudy, in the park.
Memorial service was held March 26 at New Community Church in Irvine, where he and his family were members. Arrangements were by the Neptune Society.
He is survived by his wife, Katie Martinez, of Irvine; his son, Daniel Joseph Martinez, of Beaverton, Ore.; his daughter, Shelli Aileen Martinez, of Fullerton; his brother, Andrew Martinez, of Garden Grove; and one grandchild, Savannah Rayne Martinez, of Beaverton.
The family asked that memorial donations be made to donors' favorite charities.

Harriette Anna Basting
Long-time Irvine resident Harriette Anna Basting died March 28 at Irvine Regional Hospital in Irvine after a short bout with cancer. She was 84.
She was born Jan. 26, 1918, in Pasadena, the only child of dentist Russell W. Force and Harriette N. Tuttle Force. She grew up in Pasadena and graduated from a private high school there. She attended Occidental College from 1934 to 1936, where she studied literature.
She met Roderick Basting through a mutual friend. They married in 1937 and made their home in Pasadena. He was a businessman. They moved in 1956 to Newport Beach to get away from the smog for their son's health.
Mrs. Basting was a devoted mother and participated in many of her children's activities, including the PTA and the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
"She was born to be a mother," recalled her daughter, Carolyn Kirchhof.
After moving to Orange County, Mrs. Basting also had a career outside her home. She worked as a purchasing agent in the fishing rod and vaulting pole divisions of Browning Silaflex in the Newport Mesa area.
As she neared retirement in the early 1980s she worked in the office of Mineralia, a gem and mineral business. She enjoyed her jobs very much, said her daughter.
In the mid-1970s she and her husband moved to University Park in Irvine. He died about four years ago.
In addition to loving children, Mrs. Basting also liked gardening and loved flowers and plants. She enjoyed birds and had feeders in her yard. She also loved animals and was saddened by the loss of her 19-year-old small poodle, Susie, about four years ago, her daughter recalled.
One of the important things she remembers about her mother, said Mrs. Basting's daughter, was her supportiveness. She would always listen attentively to her children's problems. She had the gift of offering her opinion without criticizing.
She was also witty and loved to read and play bridge. Until a few weeks before she died she continued to play bridge regularly at the University Park Community Center.
Services were held April 1 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Irvine. Her ashes were scattered at sea.
Mrs. Basting is survived by her daughter, Harriette Carolyn Kirchhof, of Costa Mesa; her son, Roderick Russell Basting, of North Bend, Wash.; three grandchildren, David Gerald Abbot of Glendale, Danielle Erin Basting of North Bend, and Erik Clayton Nylander of San Diego County; and one great-grandchild, Tyler Abbot of Glendale.
The family asked that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

March 28
Peggy Pate Sunshine
Longtime Turtle Rock resident Peggy Pate Sunshine was known for her love of dogs and her support of animal organizations, her devotion to her family and her outgoing nature. She died March 17 of lung cancer. She was 66.
Mrs. Sunshine was born July 26, 1935, in West Point, Ga. Her father worked for the Department of Agriculture and the family moved fairly often during her growing-up years. She graduated from high school in Maryland and then earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at West Maryland College.
She and her husband, Norman Sunshine, were married in June 1957 in Westminster, Md. She taught school while Mr. Sunshine earned his doctorate at the University of Maryland. He went to work for Dupont and they moved to several locations before settling in Southern California about 1970. They lived in Newport Beach before moving to Turtle Rock in 1982.
She was a consummate homemaker, said her sister Mary Soper, always proud of her home and devoted to her children.
"She was probably the world's best mother," said her sister, adding that Mrs. Sunshine was proud of her children's accomplishments.
Her son Joel Sunshine, was working on his master's degree in engineering at Dartmouth when he was killed in a mountain climbing accident in 1988. Her daughter Patricia Ann Sunshine lives in New York City where she works in the entertainment industry. Both children graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara.
Mrs. Sunshine was probably best known in the community for her love of dogs, said her sister. She walked her two dogs, a golden retriever named Josie and a West Highland terrier named Jerry, two or three times a day in the park near her home in Turtle Rock. 
She volunteered weekly at Irvine Regional Hospital, where she also made many friends.
Memorial services were held March 23 at Pacific View Cemetery in Newport Beach.
Mrs. Sunshine is survived by her husband, Norman Sunshine of Irvine; her daughter, Patricia Ann Sunshine, of New York City; her sister, Mary Soper, of Bigfork, Mont.; two nephews, a niece and their spouses and children. The family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Irvine Animal Care Center, Guide Dogs for the Blind, or any animal shelter that preserves the lives of dogs.

Jim A. Quay
Youth sports coach and devoted sports fan Jim A. Quay died March 22 at his home in University Park. His family worked hard to fulfill his wish to come home to die, according to a family friend. He was just shy of his 47th birthday.
He was born April 6, 1955, in Ferris Hills, outside Philadelphia, Pa. He studied at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pa., and earned a degree in chemical engineering in 1977. After he graduated he moved to Bakersfield where he worked as an engineer for Gulf Oil and Tennaco Oil.
At Penn State he met Laura Mullaney while playing intramural softball. They married in 1979 in Las Vegas.
They moved to University Park in 1982. Mr. Quay worked for Tidelands Oil Production Co. in Long Beach. He was vice president of engineering when he died.
Mr. Quay was known as a friendly and outgoing man, said family friend Wendy Donohue. He loved sports and being active and he was devoted to his family. He coached youth softball and basketball when his daughter Michelle, now 12, played. He coached Pony Baseball when his son Matthew, now 15, was a player. His team won the division twice, going undefeated both seasons, and took second place two seasons, said his son.
He enjoyed playing golf and placed in several golf tournaments, including finishing in first place at three in 1999. He was still scoring in the low 70s when he had leukemia and played until he was too ill to go out.
He also played on an adult softball team. He was a longtime member of the Silver Bullets team. Last year he and his wife started playing in a coed soccer league.
His friend said Mr. Quay was a "die-hard and devoted fan" of the professional sports teams of Philadelphia.
Graveside services were held March 27 at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Quay, of Irvine; his son, Matthew Quay, of Irvine; his daughter, Michelle Quay, of Irvine; his parents, Judd and Mary Quay, of Oceanside; and his brother, Jeffrey Quay, of Langshorne, Pa.
The family asked that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Santa Ana, 233 N. Broadway, Suite 320, Santa Ana 92706.

Feb. 28
Robert W. Hitt
Irvine resident Robert W. Hitt, died Feb. 21 at Hoag Memorial Hospital, Newport Beach. He had collapsed in his Rancho San Joaquin home and died after a short stay in the hospital. He was 62.
Friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of Mr. Hitt's life Saturday, March 9, at 10 a.m. at 2137 Trently Lane, Beverly Hills. Directions and information are available at (310) 278-1968.
Born in San Francisco on June 22, 1939, Mr. Hitt served in the U.S. Navy as a radio specialist. After leaving the service, he graduated in 1965 from the University of Arizona and worked for an oil company. 
He was working on his master's degree in business administration when he lost his sight in an accident related to the Sylmar earthquake in 1971. He was the lone survivor of his third-floor ward in the hospital where he had checked in for a physical. He was pulled from the basement with his optic nerve severed.
He went on to obtain his master's degree and started his work as a stock broker, said his longtime friend Marsha Kaye. At the time of his death he was an independent financial adviser and investor.
Mr. Hitt moved to Irvine in 1975 and lived in Northwood and Rancho San Joaquin. He and his companion guide dog, Augie, a black Lab, were a familiar sight around town, according to Kaye. 
He served on the city's Residents with Disabilities Advisory Board's committee on transportation. His friend Kaye recalled that he was instrumental in getting the Irvine street medians shortened to make street crossing easier for people with disabilities.
"He was one of the most fiercely independent people I've ever known," said Kaye. "He did just fine."
He was active with Guide Dogs for the Blind, California Council for the Blind and Lyons Club Guide Dogs of America. He also worked nationally for blind veterans' causes.
Kaye said Mr. Hitt was outgoing and had many friends from all walks of life. 
He enjoyed music and going to plays. He also loved to go out to eat, though he was a good cook himself, she added.
Mr. Hitt was particularly proud of the accomplishments of his son, Scott Hitt, a doctor whose specialty is AIDS and HIV. His son was chair of President Clilnton's Presidential Advisory Council on AIDS and HIV and is an international expert on the AIDS crisis.
Mr. Hitt is survived by his son, R. Scott Hitt of Los Angeles; his sister, Carol Key, of Elizabeth, Colo.; four nieces, several cousins, many close friends, and his guide companion, Augie.
The family said that in lieu and flowers donations should be sent to the Guide Dogs for the Blind. 

Feb. 14
Margaret Masako Sase
Margaret Masako Sase died Feb. 9 in her Irvine home following a six-year battle with cancer. She was 62. 
"She fought the most valiant fight for six years. She was such a little warrior, such an inspiration," said her daughter Noelle Sase, adding that she outlived doctors' predictions by about five years.
Services are planned for Saturday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Mission Valley Free Methodist Church, 1201 S. San Gabriel in San Gabriel. The Rev. Carl Yoshimine will officiate. Burial will be about 1 p.m. at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Arrangements are by Kubota Nikkei Mortuary in Los Angeles.
Mrs. Sase was born Sept. 29, 1939, in Los Angeles. She grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Garfield High School. 
She met Richard Sase at a church youth group and even though he went to a rival high school they hit it off. 
They were married in Los Angeles Dec. 17, 1960.
Mrs. Sase worked for the Los Angeles Police Department and her husband was an engineer. She retired when her first daughter was born in 1965. The family moved to Turtle Rock in Irvine in the early 1970s.
Mrs. Sase was known for her enthusiastic following of University High School girls soccer, with her daughter Lori Sase, and girls basketball, with her daughter Noelle Sase. Her daughters graduated from University High School in the 1980s.
"She never missed a game," said Noelle. "She knew the games better than the coaches. She was the number one fan."
Mrs. Sase was also an avid Beanie Baby collector. She especially enjoyed her frequent outings with her "let's go to lunch" friends. She was devoted to her family, said her daughter.
She was a loving and unselfish person, her daughter added. She did not feel sorry for herself during her illness. When she went for chemotherapy she was more concerned about lighting up the lives of other patients than about herself.
Mrs. Sase is survived by her husband, Richard Kiochi Sase, of Irvine; her mother, Martha Misako Yoshida, of Los Angeles; her two daughters, Lori Sase of Irvine and Noelle Sase of Aliso Viejo; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Arthur and Amy Yoshida of Las Vegas, Nev., and Gerald and Carole Yoshida of San Pedro; and her brother-in-law and his wife, Hugo and Sadako Sase of Monterey Park.

Evelyn L. Copeland
Former Irvine resident Evelyn L. Copeland died Feb. 6 of cancer in Woodbridge, Va. She was 91.
Mrs. Copeland was born Sept. 28, 1910, in Vienna, Ill. She graduated from Vienna High School. She and Raymond C. Copeland married in Illinois in 1938 and moved to San Gabriel. They raised two children and made their home there until he died in 1963.
Mrs. Copeland moved to Irvine in 1968 and lived there about 10 years. She sold residential real estate in Irvine from about 1968 to 1977. She moved to Woodbridge, Va., in 1978 to live near her son, Raymond C. Copeland Jr.
She was an outgoing, friendly person and loved entertaining, said her son. 
She was active and taught Sunday school at the Calvary Church in Santa Ana.
No services are planned, at her request. Interment was to be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale next to her husband and daughter. Her daughter, Barbara Duzzel, died in 1973.
Mrs. Copeland is survived by her son, Raymond C. Copeland, of Woodbridge, Va.; and her brother, Henry Six, of Phoenix, Ariz.

Jan. 24
James Campbell Graham
Longtime Irvine resident James Campbell Graham died Jan. 18 after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 65 and had lived in Northwood for 21 years.
Services are planned for Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at Saddleback Chapel in Tustin. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside will be private.
Mr. Graham was born Sept. 25, 1936, in Athens, Ohio. His father was a farmer and house painter but making sure all four children attended college was important to his parents. Mr. Graham grew up in Athens, graduated from high school and earned a degree in accounting from Ohio University in Athens.
Mr. Graham served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1959 to 1996. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
He loved sports car racing and enjoyed attending many local races, said his wife, Linda Sue Graham. He also enjoyed going to the desert and relaxing in Palm Desert. 
He and his wife met through their mutual interest in snow skiing. They were both living in the San Jose area and met at a ski club. They were married Feb. 14, 1982, in Irvine. Each brought two children to the marriage and both thought of them all as "their" children, said his wife. Mr. Graham enjoyed doing things with the family and the couple spent much of their free time doing family things, she added.
Mr. Graham began his career in accounting and went into human resources. He retired last year as manager of human resources at Ricoh Electronics after being with the company 12 years.
He was an outgoing, friendly person, his wife recalled. He became a member of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa in recent months. When he lived in Northern California, he was active in the Junior Achievement program.
Mr. Graham is survived by his wife, Linda Sue Graham of Irvine; his son, James C. Graham II of Sun City; his daughters, Grace Dawson of Tustin, Lori A. Cramer of Tustin, and Lynette M. Rowles of Fullerton; his former wife, Shirley Heath of Seal Beach; his sisters, Dorothy Duncan of Walnut Creek, and Anne Mac Nicol of Perth, Scotland; and six grandchildren.
The family asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.