3/3/1925 – 12/19/2012

Duane Norman Thackeray was the world’s nicest guy, according to his daughter, and everyone else for that matter. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on March 3, 1925. He died on Dec. 19, 2012 in Carpinteria.

Duane moved to Los Angeles with his parents, Bill and Tillie, and his older brother Don. They drove out here from South Dakota in a Model A with another family, parents and two kids. Imagine that trip! Duane graduated from Fremont High School and went on to join the Navy during World War II. He spent two years in the South Pacific. He told about having the job to swim out to the seaplanes and bring the line in to anchor them. When he returned from WWII, he briefly went to Pepperdine College until he received the opportunity to become a Los Angeles City Firefighter. He was on the Department from 1947-1977. Most of that time was spent on Crash Crew at LAX.

Duane married Shirley May LaBeau in 1948. They had two children, Dennis Wayne and Diane Lynn. Even after their divorce he continued to be an integral part of his children’s lives. As an avid body surfer and ocean lover, he bought both kids surfboards in 1962. They both continue to enjoy the sport to this day.

Duane married Nora Elizabeth Newsome in 1967. He became “Dad” to her three children, Jaque, DeEtta and Sandy, and “Grandpa” to their children. In 1978 Nora and Duane moved to Goldsboro, N.C., Nora’s hometown. Here they joined the Good Shepard Lutheran Church where they made many friends and had lots of good times going places with the Recycled Teenagers and helping with the Annual Yard Sale. Unfortunately Nora passed away in 1998, and Dad had to carry on without the love of his life.

In 2007 Duane moved to Carpinteria to live with his daughter, Diane, and son-in-law Mike Hendrix. Here he joined Faith Lutheran Church and made many new friends. During this time he walked most every day through the State Park and went to Senior Lunch at the Veteran’s Hall. He was happy!

Alas, his health took a turn for the worse. He spent the last two and a half months at Pacific View Senior Care Facility in Carpinteria where Cathy Miller and her crew took incredible care of him until he passed. Also, much appreciation to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, especially, Eva, who helped keep him so comfortable.

He is survived by his older brother, Donald Thackeray (Marguerite); children, Dennis Wayne Thackeray, Diane Lynn Thackeray (Michael Hendrix), Jaque Hickman (Art), DeEtta Mitts (Harry) and Sandy Purtle (Judith); grandchildren Wendy Mockett, Brent Anderson, Greg Jordan, Lisa Rice, William Purtle II, Casey Purtle, P.J. Purtle, Adam Purtle; great-grandchildren Dalton DeAlba, Sean Rice and Makenna Anderson.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Faith Luthern Church, 1335 Vallecito Place, Carpinteria. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service.

Contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Carpinteria or Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 532 Country Day Road, Goldsboro, N.C. 27530.

Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

Born in Larchmont, N.Y. on Nov. 22, 1926, Rita M. Wheeler, a resident of Carpinteria, peacefully passed away on Dec. 13, 2012, at Buena Vista Care Center. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Albert Wheeler, and her parents, Thomas and Helen Benrimo. During her teens, Rita accompanied her mother to Santa Barbara. Yet Rita always held the memories of NYC close to her heart. She was the proud daughter of artist Thomas Benrimo, who once taught design at the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn.

Rita will be missed especially by her loving friends Bonnie and Jan. You may wish to make a donation to ASAP in Rita’s name. Interment was provided by Neptune Society. To celebrate Rita’s life, a small gathering of close friends will meet in the clubhouse at Rancho Granada MHP in Carpinteria on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, to honor and celebrate all of our loved ones who have gone before, a “Remembrance Candle-Lighting Service” will be held at Unity Church on Dec. 19, at 7 p.m.

11/24/1924 – 12/3/2012

Alfred C. Castro, 88, of Carpinteria, was welcomed into the heavenly gates on Dec. 3, 2012. He was born on Nov. 24, 1924 in Floresville, Texas. As a young man, Alfred, “Freddy,” moved to Santa Barbara with relatives and bounced around California before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. A World War II veteran, he spent time in Germany and France before meeting the love of his life, Eleanor. Freddy settled with his family in Carpinteria in 1958, where he resided until his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children Louie, Eddie, Bobby, Danny, JoAnne, Freddy Jr., Abel and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adore him. Freddy was a dedicated, hardworking man who worked for Penhall for many years and retired as a member of the Operating Engineers Union. Later in life, Freddy’s good looks led to an acting career, and he appeared as an extra in feature films, commercials and even a children’s show called “Critter Getters.”

Freddy looked forward to family gatherings, dancing with Eleanor, loving on his grandchildren, sunsets at Carpinteria beach and watching a good boxing match. He was always there to lend a helping hand and loved to get his hands dirty around the house, in the garden or working on his motorcycle.

He will always be remembered for his contagious smile, unconditional love and for being the Castro family patriarch. The love that he shared will be passed on for many generations to come.

A Celebration of Freddy’s Life will be held Saturday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Canalino School, 1480 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA. A reception will follow at the Castro residence.

2/23/1922 – 12/4/2012

Betty Doop Zittel was born in Wichita, Kan. She and Russel Doop moved to Carpinteria with their son Tracy in 1961. They became involved in the community and helped to incorporate Carpinteria to cityhood. Betty later retired from the U.S. Forest Service after many years.

Betty continued her volunteer work with the Friends of the Library and its used bookstore, and also spent years helping as a docent with the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. She helped “Save the Bluffs” by purchasing six-square-feet of space for our family; Tomol Park tiles were also bought to benefit the children of Carpinteria.

She loved life, her family and this community. She will be missed by all, especially her husband, Herman Zittel; her only son, Tracy Doop, and his wife, Mary Ann; as well as the grandchildren she loved so dearly: Kate and Travis Doop, Kim, Christian and Challis; and the grandchildren on Herm’s side of the family: Jason, Nick, Chris and Alex, and their children, and young Emmit. “Rest in peace, Grandma Betty.”

All are invited to a casual graveside gathering at Carpinteria Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. Refreshments will follow at the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Betty’s name to Friends of the Carpinteria Library or the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History.

1931 - 2012

Ramona Gonzales Martinez, 81, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2012 at her home in Carpinteria. Born and raised in Carpinteria, she attended local Carpinteria schools and was employed with various businesses in the Carpinteria area. She was a devoted mother with a big heart and very dedicated to her husband, children and grandchildren. No mother ever loved her children more or wished more for them. She always led by example and was a wonderful role model, instilling in her family positive qualities of respect, kindness, determination and integrity. The joys of her life were her family, gardening and collection of various interior décor items for any open space in her home. She was preceded in death by her father, Juan Gonzales, and mother, Maximina Tafolla, and brothers Luis (Dolores), Gabe (Beatrice), Robert (Betty) and George (Gloria).

She will truly be missed and forever live in our hearts and souls. She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Mike Martinez; her children, Thomas and his wife Reese of Carpinteria, and Michael and his wife Jennie of Santa Barbara; and grandchildren Stephen, Jon, Kelly, Daniel and David Martinez.

She also leaves behind her sister Rosie Martinez (Lorenzo) and her brothers Joe Gonzales (Otilia) and Fred Gonzales (Eleanor).

A special thanks to our family and friends who have been emotionally supportive during this difficult time. A funeral service is planned for Friday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Chapel, 7th Street, Carpinteria. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Santa Barbara Foundation, 222 East Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
.

11/16/1934 – 12/3/2012

Pat Carty, born Nov. 16, 1934, passed away on Monday, Dec. 3 after a brief illness. She is survived by her loving husband, Dick, daughter Dawn Carty, sons Mitchell, Alan and Michael King, and Patrick Carty, seven grandchildren, in-laws Daphne and Bill Carty and many friends and family in Carpinteria who will miss her greatly. Services will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club, 1059 Vallecito Road.

12/18/1929 – 11/24/2012

Jesse John Shaw, born Dec. 18, 1929, died on Nov. 24, 2012. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Esperanza Shaw, his father Roy Long Shaw, his mother Florence Mary Vasquez and his brothers Patrick Shaw and Timothy Valencia. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Richard Shaw, George Shaw, Mary Jane Shaw, Florence Shaw, Jimmy Valencia, Tommy Valencia and Bernadine Valencia. He is also survived by his close cousin Albert Bustillos of Carpinteria and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jesse grew up in Santa Barbara and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. He also spent many years living in Carpinteria with the Bustillos family. He joined the United States Air Force in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1952. Soon after his discharge he married Esperanza and settled in Carpinteria. Jesse was a Master Mechanic, working for Colson’s Garage and later owned Shaw’s Arco Station. After closing the Arco Station he started his business Shaw’s Garage. He was also a mobile mechanic for many years.

In addition to being a hard worker he had a zest for life and enjoyed his passion for fishing and hunting. In addition to fishing and hunting locally he made several memorable trips to Idaho, Alaska and Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, just to name a few. Many anglers and hunters accompanied him on these trips including his brothers, cousins, nephews and their sons.

We will miss you, Jesse. You lived a great life and were a good friend to all that knew you.

Services will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church in Carpinteria on Dec. 5 and 6. The Rosary will be held Wednesday, Dec 5, at 7 p.m., and Mass will take place on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. There will also be a burial to follow at Carpinteria Cemetery.

Teodoro Lomeli, 83, of Carpinteria died peacefully at his home on Nov. 17, 2012. A Rosary Service was held on Nov. 26 and the Funeral Mass was celebrated on Nov. 27 at St. Joseph Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services (805) 895-8409.

6/2/1912 – 11/18/2012

Long-time Carpinteria resident, Leona Oliver, died at her home Sunday morning (Nov. 18) with her son, daughter and two granddaughters by her side. She was 100 years old.

She was born Leona Ruth McCubrey in Brea, Calif. on June 2, 1912 and moved to Carpinteria with her parents, two brothers and two sisters when she was 17 years old.

She graduated from Carpinteria High School with 16 of her classmates in 1930. She remained in the community for several years, living with her family, and working for a time in her mother’s restaurant (the Village Inn, which was next door to the Palms Hotel at that time), and as the first female lifeguard on any beach in California.

After marrying Wesley Oliver at the age of 25, she moved with him to Long Beach. The couple had three children and spent many summers in Carpinteria with Leona’s widowed mother. Her siblings, Lora Musick, Harold McCubrey, Virginia Schuyler and Lowell McCubrey had all married and lived in Carpinteria.

After years raising her children in the San Fernando Valley, Leona returned to the Carpinteria area, becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse at the age of 50. She worked for many years at Santa Barbara County Hospital.

She had lived at the Silver Sands Mobile Home Park since 1973. She loved wild birds and had an incomparable view from her property of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh, a haven for migrating birds. 

She is survived by her three children, Joan Magruder (and her husband Bob), Judith Mulroy, and John Oliver; seven grandchildren, Jody Thomas (and her husband Doug), Adam Khan (and his wife Klassy), Michael Elgan (and his wife Amira), Michael Mulroy (and his wife Mary Beth), Caragh Caddell (and her husband Dave), Linda Densmore (and her husband Gregg) and John Wesley Oliver. She also leaves nine great-grandchildren, five nieces and a nephew.

A service was held at Carpinteria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are welcome to make contributions in her name to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

1940 - 2012

Richard passed away at his home in Carpinteria on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Born Sept. 1, 1940, in Santa Barbara, Richard grew up in rural Montecito.

During his youth he worked several part time jobs in Montecito, one setting up for conferences at the Miramar Hotel, another delivering the Santa Barbara News-Press. He also worked downtown at the Santa Barbara Star newspaper. After high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps, training at Camp Pendleton, Bridgeport and 29 Palms, Calif. Back in Montecito he partnered in business with his stepfather in a Coast Village Road Union Oil service station. Following that he worked for Martin-Marietta at Vandenberg Air Force Base on the Titan 1 and 2 missile programs.

After attending Foothill College in Los Altos, Richard returned to Santa Barbara County and became a firefighter with the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District, where he worked through the ranks for 32 years and retired in 1998 as a Fire Captain.

Richard joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1978, was Master of the Carpinteria Masonic Lodge in 2000 and remained active in that organization, having been an officer of the lodge for most of his membership. In 2004 he received the prodigious Hyram Award for his many years of dedicated service to the lodge and the community. He was an avid motorcycle rider, aviation enthusiast, car collector and world traveler with his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Sheila (Cook); their son Stuart Thomsen Tenold of New York City; his son Richard Scott Tenold, daughter-in-law Amanda (Taylor) and grandson Brennan Shay of Oxnard; and his sister Marlene Tenold of Girard, Ohio.

He is also survived by cousin William Harrison of Ft. Bragg, Calif.; his uncle Roger Thomsen of Santa Barbara; and many in-laws and cousins.

In addition to his parents Dorothea (Byers) and Richard Ward Thomsen, he was preceded in death by his former wife Ann (Dunning); beloved stepfather Milton Tenold; aunt Millie (Byers); uncle Leroy Byers, and his Thomsen uncles George, David, Gordon and Gene.

A graveside service will be held at the Carpinteria Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Lane, on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow at the Carpinteria Masonic Lodge, 5421 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carpinteria Valley Historical Society or Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse and Hospice in Dick’s name.

Terry George Bliss, a native Carpinterian, died peacefully at home on November 6, 2012. He was born July 19, 1943 in Santa Barbara, the first child of the late Marjorie Kenyon and George Ripley Bliss.

Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia Dillon Bliss; his daughter, Chonnie Bliss Jacobson (Paul) and his granddaughters Lily Marjorie Jacobson and Emily Bliss Jacobson of Snowmass Village, Colorado; siblings Wendy Bliss MacMurray (Tim), Timothy Kenyon Bliss (Ginny); nieces Kristen and Megan MacMurray, Tory Bliss; nephews Jason MacMurray, Teddy Bliss; brothers-in-law John Forrest Dillon (Kristina) and Paul Francis Dillon (Kristi); nieces Anneli and Karalee Dillon; nephews Justin and Zachary Dillon; and Israel Torres.

Terry attended Carpinteria schools from kindergarten through high school and then UCSB where he was president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Terry was an avocado rancher and owner of Carpinteria Motor Transport and Ownby Trucking.

Terry was one of a kind and one of the best; always a gentleman with a smile and a kind word. It is difficult to describe how much he meant to his family, his friends and his golfing pals who loved being with him, listening to his stories tinged with his wry sense of humor and sharing a glass of pinot noir.

Terry will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Terry requested no memorial service, but contributions to Family Service Agency, 123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara 93101 are welcomed.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, we suddenly lost Helen Law; a lovely wife, mother, friend and grandmother.

Born in Butte, Mont., Helen was a Navy brat during World War II and then settled with her family in Washington D.C. She later attended Colorado State University, graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in microbiology and later worked as a medical technician there, in the veterinary department.

During that time, Helen met George, her husband of over 50 years. Shortly after their 1961 marriage in Fort Collins, Colo., they moved to California where they joined the Carpinteria Veterinary Hospital on Maple Avenue and 6th Street, that they eventually owned and operated until 1983. Helen had a long dedication and devotion to animals and their care, and it didn’t end when they left the business.

Helen is survived by her husband, George, and their three children, Todd, Georgia and Kevin. Todd and Georgia live in Hawaii with their families, and Kevin is a successful vintner. We will all miss Helen’s beautiful smile and her comforting voice. A private service is being held for the family, and a memorial service will be held in Carpinteria following the holidays.

8/19/1922 – 11/5/2012

Alberta passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2012 with her family by her side following a long battle with lymphoma.

She was born Alberta Louise McClure on Aug. 19, 1922 in Joplin, Mo. to Humbert and Esther McClure. The McClure family moved out west in 1927 when Alberta was 5 years old. She attended schools in Glendale, Calif., graduating from Hoover High School in January 1941.

After the start of World War II, she became a sort of “Rosie the Riveter,” as many women did, working in manufacturing plants and supporting the war effort.

She met a Navy Veteran named Frederick Wolter Jr. in 1947 and they were married July 4, 1947. They settled in Van Nuys, Calif., where they raised their two children.

Since then she had a variety of jobs, including volunteering until she was in her 80’s with the Foster Grandparents Program in Camarillo, Calif. before retiring in Carpinteria.

She was preceded in death by her parents Humbert and Esther McClure, husband Frederick, daughter Pamela and brother Kenneth McClure.

She is survived by her son Gregory, granddaughters Jannalee and Jillian, sister Katherine Kelly, brother Chester McClure and many, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

A fixture at gatherings of family and friends, she will be sorely missed by her large extended family and friends.

Services will be held Friday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at Carpinteria Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Lane. A luncheon will follow at Singing Springs Village Recreation Room, 5455 8th St., Carpinteria.

David Maertens, 59, passed Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at Serenity House after fighting esophageal cancer for three years. He was in remission for eight months prior to this, where he succeeded in sharing the best of himself with all his friends, neighbors and anyone who ever met him. Born in Santa Barbara at Cottage Hospital, he lived in his hometown most of his life. While “Uncle” never had the blessing of his own little ones, he proudly and lovingly helped raise his nieces, Teresa and Alisha. He was a heavy equipment operator and loved his job with Lash Construction. Dave took pride in every project that was his, and many of the large construction jobs that he worked on are among the most highly regarded in our town.

His family extends our deepest gratitude to all those who helped us through our grief in the loss of such a wonderful man. He leaves behind a close-knit community of people who will always miss him and remember his loving, joyful and honorable ways.

An informal celebration of David’s life and love will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at 5 p.m. at Harry’s Plaza Cafe, 3313-B State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, (805) 687-2800. Please join us and share your favorite remembrances of our beloved David.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

We love you, Dave. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

7/3/1953 – 11/4/2012

It is with sad hearts that we say goodbye to our son, brother, father and grandfather, Armando Perez Martinez.

On the morning of Nov. 4, Armando left this world and headed to the heavens above.

Armando was a man of many great qualities, including being able to light up a room with his smile and his great sense of humor. He was amazing at making someone feel so important and special with just a few choice words or a simple compliment that seemed to go a long way. He was a handsome man, who dressed nicely, kept his hair perfectly slick and made the brightest shirts or ties look good.

He was a man who would give the shirt off his back to a stranger, a man a friend could rely on, and a man of the Bible. Everyone who knew Armando can rejoice that he is in Heaven with Jesus. “Brother Shando” and “Brother Love” were some of the names his brothers and sisters in the Lord knew him by. Armando served in the United States Marine Corps, served as a men’s home director for Victory Outreach and led countless Bible studies throughout his 59 years on this earth. He is preceded in death by his brother Gerardo and grandparents Amalia and Aurelio Perez. He leaves behind his parents Manuela and Heriberto Martinez, wife Cruzita, sisters Maria (Tony), Norma (John) and brother Eddie (Linda); daughters, Gina, Julianna, Michelle, Krystal and son Andres; and his grandchildren Brianna, Christina, Ryan, Jason, Gabriel, Tiffany, Aliyah, Robert, Steven and Noah; great-grandchild Sophia; nieces Cristina, Emerita, Hannah and Kathryn and nephews, Gerardo and Moises.

A service will be held on Monday, Nov. 12 at noon at Reardon Funeral Home in Oxnard (511 North A. Street). A burial will follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard (2370 North H Street).

A celebration of his life will also take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18 at Canalino School auditorium (1480 Linden Ave in Carpinteria).

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an account at Bank of America to help with funeral and burial expenses. (Routing #121-000-358, account #0002-2082-1089.)

On Wednesday, Oct. 31, Alice Patricia Moreno passed away peacefully at her home, after a brave 4 ½ year battle with brain cancer. She was 66 years old. She was born on Feb. 27, 1946 to Adolf and Vera Escobar, both of whom have preceded her in death.

Patsy, as she was known, is survived by her husband Thomas Moreno and her three sons, Seferino Stanley Torres of San Francisco, Paul Torres of Guam, and Steven Torres of Chicago. She also is survived by her two elder sisters Eleanor Gonzales and Dolores Silbaugh. She had one brother who preceded her in death, David Escobar. Patsy also leaves two granddaughters, Takoda Torres and Aliciana Torres. Patsy went to Franklin Elementary and SB Junior High School. In 1964 she graduated from Santa Barbara High School. She lived in Carpinteria and enjoyed her little town for the last 28 years, but she was always a Santa Barbara gal.

Our Patsy loved her family, her friends and all her little animals. She had pug dogs, a cocker spaniel and a golden Labrador retriever, together with many kittens, cats and finches. We remember her and how excited she would get as her little birds would hatch. She had so much love for the entire animal kingdom.

It was obvious the love she had and showed for her sons made her so happy. She would always say, “my Stanny!” “my Pauley!” or “my Stevie-wewe!” “How handsome they are!”

Her happiness increased when she had her first granddaughter Takoda, who lives in Australia. Patsy traveled to Australia to visit as often as she could. She was never able to travel to see her second-granddaughter, Aliciana in Guam. But she always received and enjoyed a steady supply of baby photos. Recently, Aliciana and her parents came for a visit so Patsy was able to spend a month with her before she left us. It always was good medicine when she could visit with her baby girls. So much of Patsy’s love, spark and enjoyment of life is in Takoda and Aliciana. We are so thankful for this.

Patsy was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and an active member of the Carpinteria Congregation. She loved her congregation and contributed many heartfelt and colorful comments with her distinct sense of humor. She enjoyed the ministry work. Patsy believed strongly in her creator and the resurrection hope to a paradise earth.

We remember her life on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, in Santa Barbara and Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3208 Via Real, Carpinteria. There will be a reception immediately following the services on Saturday. Place to be announced.

1923 - 2012

My mother died a peaceful and mercifully quick death last week. True to her idiosyncratic take on life and her need to share it with you, she wrote her own obituary. A celebration of her life will be held in the new year; you are all invited. -––Jane Benefield, daughter

A cold fact—I was born in Minneapolis—that’s in Minnesota—which is near Canada which is near Alaska which is near the Arctic Circle—a truly frosty frigid place. I certainly would have preferred to be hatched in California, but being both short and unemployable and with a faulty sense of direction; I was forced to locate next to my mother.

Time passed. I got taller, learned to read, got a diploma, got a job, got a husband and got two children who followed their mother’s early example by being short and unemployable.

More time passed. Single now and thawed out for the last time, I decided we three should “get out of Dodge” and head our wagon westward.

Settling in Southern California (Ojai was my favorite), I spent several years as a wildly successful teacher due largely to my perfect Palmer penmanship and my unwavering knowledge of when to use who or whom and lie or lay.

Then I became a student again while still a teacher thus occupying both sides of the desk and acquiring a couple more diplomas to frame, put in a box and push into the closet. Finally with a USC doctorate, I was able to stop paying tuition and get serious about school. Now I was at least ready to join the educational “heavy hitters,” spending the remainder of my teaching career with the ivy-covered faculty in the USC-Northridge School of Education, retiring as a Professor Emeritus (which is Latin for “she behaved nicely while we were watching”).

Along the way I collected a few misadventures, experienced major and minor triumphs, acquired a series of underwhelming husbands (except the last one), lived in 49 different homes and watched a long furry parade of cats polish my ankles and warm my lap.

But clearly and BEST OF ALL have been my children, Jane and Jamis. Their commendable accomplishments, loving generosity and constant concern formed the centerpiece of my motherhood. Completing my family circle was my lovely kind daughter-in-law Margaret and my three handsome “above average” grandsons Dylan, Tyler and Rowan.

Now throw into this mix my many friends—both sweet and spicy—and you end up with one HELL of a cake. And speaking of cake—I have to go now—as I am due at another wonderful party.

See you all there later and—don’t forget to bring more glitter.

1/14/1923 - 10/23/2012

Elizabeth “Betty” McDonald passed away peacefully at her home in Carpinteria on Oct. 23, 2012 at the age of 89. She was born on Jan. 14, 1923 in Spokane, Wash. She enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1944, serving in Seattle, where she met Moreland “Moe” Deaderick. They married and he brought her to Carpinteria. She loved Carpinteria and all her friends here. She later married another Carpinterian, Joseph “Joe” McDonald, and they spent many happy years together. She loved traveling with Joe in their motor home to Alaska and fishing trips in California and Oregon.

Betty enjoyed life. She especially loved listening to music and playing and watching golf. She was proud to have made two holes-in-one. She spent many happy years as a member of the Montecito Country Club.

Above all, Betty loved her family. She is survived by her husband, Joe; her children Michael (Lisa), Marsha, Mitchell (Michelle); her five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her stepchildren Robin, Michael and their families. Always a dog lover, she will be missed by her beloved Buster. She will always be remembered as the sweetest wife, mother, grandmother anyone could have.

The family would like to thank Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara for the wonderful care provided to Betty. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to a favorite charity in her memory.

08/16/1924 – 10/17/2012

Dick Edick passed away peacefully at Serenity House in Santa Barbara on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. As Dad, “Uncle Dick,” Grampa and Great Grampa, he is already sorely missed by his loving family.

Born Aug. 16, 1924 in Schenectady, N.Y., Richard Adam Edick has called Santa Barbara home since 1946. Like many others in his generation he was a “citizen-soldier” during World War II, serving in Italy. After the war ended he married Wilma Wasson and moved to Santa Barbara, where he attended U.C. Santa Barbara (then known as “Santa Barbara College,” with its campus on the Riviera). He graduated in 1950 with a B.A. in Economics, and his primary career in life was in business management and accounting.  His last position before retiring in late 1989 was as head of Accounting at Kilovac in Carpinteria. Prior to his nine years at Kilovac he was in turn accountant, controller, part-owner and general manager of Electro Kinetics in Santa Barbara for about 16 years.

Dick was sharp, articulate, inventive and talented, with a wry sense of humor. Anything he did, he always did extremely well! His interests included woodworking, home remodeling, gardening, reading and puzzle solving. He enjoyed building doll houses and travel with his second wife Laura (Maloney Hutton). He loved music—big band, Dixieland and jazz—western novels and nature. One of his “favorite places in the entire world” was his uncle Elmer’s farm in Hope, N.Y., where Dick worked for several summers in his youth. From that early experience he maintained an appreciation for home-craftsmanship, self-sufficiency and all things rural throughout his life.

Dick is survived by his children Kris Buck and her husband Manor (Beau and his fiancé Gabrielle Gamarello, and Brandon), Coni Edick and her husband Joe Doyle, Michael Edick and his wife Lyn (her children Megan, Todd and Wesley), Tom Edick (Amanda and Brian), granddaughter Jennifer Thatcher and her husband Craig (Luke and Jackson), and stepson Jeff Maloney (Jacob and Jason). 

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Pat Edick, nephew Ed Edick and Mary Lu, and niece Lynn Edick. Dick was preceded in death by his brothers Art and Bob Edick, first wife Willie Edick, second wife Laura Edick and son Richard Edick Jr.

We want to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Alan Rosenblum for all his medical support and advice and to the wonderful staff at Serenity House for their compassionate care during Dick’s final days.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at Chase Palm Park Center (236 E. Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dick’s name to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Humane Society or the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Dad, we miss you so much and will love you always!!

––Your Loving Family

8/15/1957 – 10/15/2012

Richard Talamantez Corral, 55, passed away on Oct. 15, 2012 in Lompoc after a brief illness. He was born on Aug. 15, 1957 in Santa Barbara.

Richard grew up in Carpinteria and graduated from Carpinteria High School in 1975. He later lived in Santa Barbara and spent the last five years in Lompoc. He earned an associates degree from Santa Barbara Business College and then attended Santa Barbara Beauty School. With his certification, he went on to work at Chris Beauty Salon in Carpinteria from 1977 to 1987 and then for the County of Santa Barbara and part-time at Coco’s Beauty Salon. Richard loved to cut hair and loved to cook for his family and friends. He was a caregiver to his mother. Most of all he loved researching his family tree/genealogy, music and restoring old photos.

Richard is survived by his mother Amelia Corral, siblings Raul Corral Jr. Gabriel Corral (Jacquelyn), Helen King, Andrea Corral (Alejandro Tinoco), Robert Corral, Peter Corral (Elizabeth), Anthony L. Gonzalez (Lisa Carini), 27 nieces and nephews and many more.

Join us at a celebration of life on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Saint Joseph Church hall, 1532 Linden Ave.

1916 – 2012

Pearl Hatch passed away on Oct. 22. She was born in Mt. Sterling, Ill., married her high school sweetheart, Lozelle Hatch, and stayed happily married for 68 years. They moved with their first daughter, Carmen, to California in 1940. Their other two children, Libby and Ruthie, were born in Southern California. Pearl taught nursery school at Parents and Children’s preschool in La Canada for 27 years. She accomplished her dream of earning her Early Childhood Education degree at the University of Redlands in 1974 once her girls had grown up.

In 1984 they moved to Carpinteria and built a retirement home. Pearl was active in the Carpinteria Community Church, strong in her faith and powerful in her prayers. She was an active member of the PEO Sorority. Pearl will be remembered for her sweetness, wit and mischief. She kept her friends and family laughing. She liked to dress up for Halloween. She was a strong supporter of her daughters’ creative, educational and business goals. She was neat and lady-like in her dress and in her later years loved to wear red.

Pearl was the last surviving member of her family of six siblings and three step-siblings. Her husband, Lozelle, predeceased her by 10 years. She is survived by her daughters; Carmen Canfield, Libby (Lanny) Lafferty and Ruth Rahimi. She was much loved by her grandchildren, Peter (Cindy) Vincent, Tom (Lucia) Vincent, Ruthie (Brent) Palmatier, Kevin (Cris) Lafferty and Tina (Alan) Di Cicco and great-grandchildren Amber (Ryan) Olsen, Jorell (Tricia) Vincent, Josh Vincent, Anna Brown, Heather (Jake) Berryman, Tyler Lund, Brandon Palmatier, Sofia Vincent, Camilla Vincent, Olivia Lafferty, and Gabriela Lafferty, Julia Di Cicco and Natalie Di Cicco. Pearl is also survived by seven great-great-grandchildren.

Pearl moved to Maravilla, a beautiful assisted living facility, in Santa Barbara in 2006. We thank the attentive staff and skilled caregivers who gave her such good care.

Arrangements entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.

1939-2012

Jess W. Moore, Jr. passed from mortality at his home in Coronado, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 as a result of renal failure. His beloved wife of 31 years, Charlotte, and loving daughters, 
Stephanie Remick (Darryl) of Santa Maria, Calif., Christina Davis (Matthew) of American Fork, Utah, 
Autumn Jennings (Joel) of Orcutt, Calif., Leanna Watson (Matthew) of Buellton, Calif., and Jessica Zepeda
of Salt Lake City, Utah, grandson, Miguel Ramirez of Patterson, Calif., and lifelong friend, Tom Dorff,
were at his bedside. In addition to his daughters, Jess is survived by his 96-year-old father, Jess Moore,
Sr. of Amado, Ariz., brothers John, of Sneedville Tenn., Charles or Arivaca, Ariz., grandchildren, Alec and 
Maclaine Watson Nicole and Alexandra Remick, Jade, Kimber and Jacob Davis, Porter and Isabella
Jennings, grandsons Martin Zepeda, and Miguel Ramirez, great-grandson, Adrian Ramirez, former 
spouse and mother of Leanna, Christina, Autumn and Stephanie, Lana 1. Clark of Solvang, Calif.

Jess was born in rural Sneedville Tenn., the third son of Jess and Eunice Moore. His family moved to 
Tucson, Ariz. when he was 8. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with 
a degree in accountancy in 1962 and began his C.P.A. career with a move to Los Angeles to work 
for Touche, Ross, Deloitte, Haskins and Sells C.P.A firm. After working for several other firms, Jess 
moved to Solvang, Calif. and established his own successful C.P.A. firm which he sold in 1986. He later
established another practice in 1991 in Carpinteria and retired for a second time in 2003.

Jess was an active member of and centered his life around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints, which he joined at the age of 22. He gladly served in many leadership and teaching callings
within the church. His volunteerism extended into many avenues as a Rotarian, President of the 
Solvang Chamber of Commerce, mentoring at risk youth, service on the Santa Barbara County Grand 
Jury and served four years on the Private Industry Council of Santa Barbara. He was a member of the 
Mensa Society and was currently a member of the Community Emergency Response Team as a HAM
radio operator in Coronado, Calif.

Rendered a paraplegic as a result of a spinal cord injury at the age of 6, Jess was admired and 
respected for his cheerful countenance and his ability to focus on doing what he was able rather than 
what he was unable to do. He is described by one friend as the most able disabled man he has ever 
met. Jess learned to fly and soloed an airplane, learned to para- ski when he lived in Utah, snorkled in
Tahiti, enjoyed sailing in his young adulthood and was always ready for a road trip or new adventure with his buddy Tom or his wife, Charlotte.

Jess accomplished many things in his life but his greatest joy and accomplishment is his family. He
will be sorely missed, but his family takes great comfort in their faith that they will all reunite with him
in the future. They are cheered to know that he is standing tall and free of all the physical
encumberances he experienced during his lifetime. Earth has lost a bit of heaven with his passing, and we are all infinitely richer for our associations with him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints, 1501 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, Calif. Interment will be at Oakhill Cemetery, 
Baseline Avenue, Ballard (Santa Ynez Valley) CA. A graveside dedicatory service will be held at the 
cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate to charity may contact The Children's Heart Foundation—nationwide medical research for congenital heart defects at
http://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/donate-now or Intermountain Healing Hearts—a support group for families with congenital heart defects (based in Utah, Jess' daughter Christina helped found and serves on the Executive Board of Directors) at http://interm ountainheal in ghearts.org/ donations. Two of Jess' grandsons were born with and survived serious congenital heart defects.

11/2/1941 – 10/15/2012

Samuel Torres Navarro, 70, of Carpinteria, died at Cottage Hospital on October 15, 2012, after a valiant fight against cancer. Samuel was born on Nov. 2, 1941 in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico. He was a resident of Santa Barbara for 38 years.

Samuel worked with horses for 38 years, 31 of those at the Whitney Ranch where he worked closely with his best amigo, Tim Whitney. Samuel was an avid fan of futbol soccer who loved his Chivas. He enjoyed Mexican music especially rancheras and mariachi.

Samuel is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Evelia: his sons, Hector (Brenda) Navarro and Oscar Navarro; and grandchildren, Kameron Alexis, Kelsey Taylor and Lucas Diego Navarro.

The Rosary Service will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m., also at St. Joseph’s followed by the Graveside Service at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services (805) 895-8409.

3/4/1940 – 10/2/2012

John Frederick Risdon, known to many as Jack, passed away peacefully on Oct. 2, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Los Angeles on March 4, 1940 to Fred and Lillie Risdon, he was raised in Carpinteria, residing on a ranch on Cravens Lane and graduating from Carpinteria High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy, making two tours of duty to the Far East, and afterwards attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in agricultural engineering. An outgoing, genial, and consummately capable man, Jack joined the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District in 1964, and in 1969 he was chosen as the department’s fire chief following a statewide selection process, becoming one of the youngest chiefs in the state. He was honored as Carpinterian of the Year in 1971, and in 1973 he was selected fire chief and fire warden for the county of Santa Barbara. During his tenure as county chief he introduced several new measures to prevent and combat fires. Chief Risdon retired from the fire service in 1976, then purchased his father’s Bowes Automotive Supply business. He served on the Carpinteria Sanitary Board of Directors for 12 years and participated in many community activities.

In partnership with his sons, Jack operated Risdon’s 76 Service and Risdon’s Auto Care Center in Carpinteria, resulting in four generations providing automotive services in the Carpinteria valley. Jack was active in the Carpinteria Masonic Lodge #444, serving as treasurer and secretary. He received the Hiram award from his lodge for long and generous service to the lodge and community.

For almost a decade Jack and his wife Elizabeth traveled extensively in their motor home, The Seabreeze, circumnavigating the nation in search of its many wonders. Bold and inquisitive adventurers, they found much to enjoy in their journeys far and near. A student of all things seen and unseen, Jack also enjoyed researching the Risdon family’s ancestry and has thus left a wonderful treasure in the hands of those who follow.

Jack’s many fans will miss his enthusiasm, his generosity, his big heart and his stories. As far as he was concerned, “There are no problems, only opportunities.”

Jack is survived by his wife and soulmate Elizabeth; his son Donald (Andrea) and grandson Bryan; and his son John (Nelly). He was preceded in death by his son Bill, and former wife Karen. Jack is also survived by his sister’s family, Joanne and Bill Bowie of Ventura as well as nieces Jill and Julie and nephew Chad.

Jack and Elizabeth also rejoiced in their love of son Geary (Mary Lee) Bensen, daughter Heidi (Ross) Robins, son Craig (Kerry) Bensen and daughter Alison (Rick) Stuerman, and grandchildren Ginna, Marina and Ryan Bensen, Camille and Adrian Robins and Liliana and Wyn Stuerman.

A graveside service will be held at the Carpinteria Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 10:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Road in Carpinteria. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Carpinteria High School in support of the FFA Tractor restoration project at the school or the Carpinteria Historical Society.

12/12/1953 – 9/8/2012

Joseph Connell, 58, went to his everlasting home with our Lord on Sept. 8, 2012 after a courageous battle against kidney cancer. He was born on Dec. 12, 1953 in New York, but spent most of his life in Santa Barbara and Oahu, Hawaii, where he passionately taught in the biology departments at Santa Barbara City College and Leeward Community College.

Joe was a one-of-a-kind Christian man with extraordinary talents who lived his life with honesty and integrity. His deep and abiding love of nature compelled him to share the wonders of the world with others. Joe enjoyed backpacking, hiking, bike riding, bodyboarding, tropical gardening and music. Joe truly adored his beloved wife of 25 years, Carolyn Connell (Carty); his two beautiful children, Christina and Joseph (Zippy); his parents, Joseph and Charlotte Connell; and his sister, Susan Connell Rettig. We will always dearly remember and miss Joe’s gentle kindness, joyful laughter and reassuring smile. His music is everywhere. A memorial service for Joe will be held at Lion’s Park in Carpinteria on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 2:30 p.m., casual attire.

4/23/39-9/13/12

Judy Burgett, 73, passed away peacefully on Sept. 13 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Chicago, Ill. on April 23, 1939, to George and Bernice (Ely) Litsinger. Judy grew up in Park Ridge, Ill. After graduating from Maine Township High School, she attended the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana as a theatre arts major. After college, Judy went to work at WGN Television in Chicago as an assistant to the station’s general manager. In 1961, Judy married Gordon Burgett, and in 1962, the couple left the United States and spent two and a half years in Colombia and Ecuador, South America, where her husband was employed by CARE. In 1975, Judy moved to California with her husband and two daughters and in July of that year settled in Carpinteria. Judy used her great social skills for the next 10 years in her position with the Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce and later as the Production Secretary for the Theater Arts Department at Santa Barbara City College, retiring from that position in 2009. Throughout her life, Judy was active in community theater. As a founding member of the Seaside Theater Group, she appeared in many local productions as well as working behind the scenes on publicity and serving on the board of directors.

Judy is survived by her two daughters Shannon Graydon (Eric) and Kim Pierce (Derek); sister Anita Allen; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. No formal services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara.

Patricia “Patsy” Metz Slocum Gradle passed away on Sept.10, 2012. She was peacefully sleeping and surrounded by loving family. Patsy would have been 90 years old next March. She lived in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria all her life. Patsy attended Santa Barbara High School where she was the editor of the Forge Newspaper. She was secretary at the Carpinteria Community Church and later she spent many years as a librarian at SBHS. Patsy was an avid tennis player, gardener and dancer, and she played bridge up until her last day. She was unceasingly optimistic and vital, and she loved every single day!

Patsy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet Blackwell-Fisher and Jack Fisher, her daughter, Nancy Slocum, her step-daughter Janet Gradle Wascoe, her niece, Penny Baird Strand, and three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The family would also like to acknowledge and honor Rachel Munoz for her many years of loving support and friendship with Patsy. A memorial service will be held on Sept. 21, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Road in Carpinteria. In lieu of flowers, the family requests support for Alzheimer’s research through the Alzheimer’s Assn., 1528 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

5/20/1929 – 9/5/2012

Jessica Marie Shepard passed away Wednesday, Sept. 5, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born May 20, 1929 in Brisbane, Australia. She was the youngest of nine children. She met John Henry Shepard, Jr., a native of Santa Barbara County, in 1950 while he was in Australia introducing new varieties of avocado bud wood to her brother-in-law. In 1952 they were married in Brisbane and returned to Carpinteria.

In 1974 she became the librarian at Main Elementary School in Carpinteria. Her dedication to the children was a reflection of her love for life. She would open the library early, help children with their studies and stay late in order to provide a safe place for those who had nowhere to go.

After retiring she enjoyed life being a grandmother to her three granddaughters. She was an avid gardener and loved to spend hours tending her flowers. A favorite pastime of hers was a long walk on the beach looking for shells and listening to the ocean. One of the humorous parts of her life was the neighborhood pets that would regularly come to visit her on their own accord, sometimes overstaying their welcome to the point where she would have to walk them home.

Her husband John Henry Shepard, Jr. passed away in 1987 after 35 years of marriage. She is survived by her two daughters, Nola Shepard Stucky and Allison Shepard Van Wingerden; their husbands, Carl Stucky and Walter Van Wingerden, and her three granddaughters, Erika, Portia and Talia Van Wingerden.

The family would like to thank Bonnie Haave and Maria Dye, Beatrice Ramos and Obdulia Teran of Haave House, and Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association for their unconditional love and care to Jessica.

The family asks those wishing to remember Jessica, to please donate, in lieu of flowers, to the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History or Livingston Memorial VNA.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at All-Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

7/5/1930 – 9/6/2012

Concha Medel, 82, passed away on Sept. 6, 2012 surrounded by family and friends. She was born to Reyes and Carmen Gonzalez in Carpinteria on July 5, 1930. Concha attended local schools and married the love of her life, Henry Medel, on Feb. 12, 1949. They were married for 62 years before his passing. Together they raised eight children. She is preceded in death by her parents, son Walter, brothers Guadalupe, Cipriano and John and sister Jennie Franco. Concha leaves behind her daughter Leola (Richard), sons Ronald (Susan), Stanley (Karen), Gilbert (Elizabeth), David (Heather), John, Paul (Corrine), sister Lela Franco, 18 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom loved a good book, joke and song. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She believed in the value of education and was proud to have worked for many years as a teacher’s aide. Mom was the “best cook in the world.” She was caring, loving and compassionate. Her granddaughter Tallie described her as “wonderfully surprising, funny and emotional.” Thank you, Mom. Because of you and Dad, our home was filled with love, laughter and music.

Funeral services are Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by internment at Carpinteria Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at St. Joseph’s Hall. Arrangements by Coast Cities Cremation.

David Jeronimo Mendoza, 63, of Carpinteria, died peacefully at his home on Aug. 21, 2012. Affectionately known as “Dozer,” David was born in Santa Barbara and resided nearly his entire life in Carpinteria. Dozer was a product of the local schools and was a proud Warrior who played football and participated in FFA (Future Farmers of America) at Carpinteria High School. In the early 1980s, he drove in the demolition derbies held at the Ventura Fairgrounds and earned the nickname “Madman Mendoza.”

Dozer worked as a mechanic at Wally’s Garage in Goleta for many years and also worked at Carpinteria Lumber Company and Santa Barbara Home Improvement. Later, he also proudly established his own business, Mendoza Handyman Service.

David is survived by his daughters, Rita Mendoza-Smith (James), Carina Mendoza Gonzales (Frank), and Carrie Mendoza Bustillos (Robert); mother, Pauline Mendoza; brothers Ronnie Mendoza and Jimmy Mendoza (Sally); sister Desi Mendoza D’Urbano (Don); and grandchildren, Danny, Brittny, and Leanna Alvarez, Matthew Gonzales, David and Joshua Mendoza, John and Alyssa Bustillos, and Orion Smith.

David was predeceased by his father, Jesus Mendoza; daughter, Denise Mendoza; and his former wife, Loray Mendoza.

Memorial Services were held on Aug. 29 in Santa Barbara.

The Mendoza Family would like to thank all of the family, friends and neighbors who have helped and supported them during this difficult time.

7/23/1950 – 7/24/2012

Gary Gerard Vallen was born on July 23, 1950 in Mineola, N.Y. He grew up in Canoga Park, Calif. Surfing Malibu with his friends during the early 1960s was the beginning of a life filled with adventure and lifelong friendships.

In 1969, Gary, with his wife Patricia and their son Eric, moved to the Santa Susana Knolls near Simi Valley where his career in the landscape industry began.

In the 1970s and 1980s Gary and his brother-in-law Tom opened Tropicana nursery in Valencia. He remarried in 1983 and settled in Castaic with his wife Lori, their son Clayton and daughter Erika. In 2007, Gary moved to Carpinteria to be more involved in his son’s landscape business and enjoyed surfing, skiing and fly-fishing with his family.

Because of the 46-year involvement and leadership in many facets of the Green Industry, Gary was honored last year with induction into the Green Industry Hall of Fame. Although Gary will be remembered by some for his professional accomplishments, it’s his beaming smile, love of life and gravelly voice that his friends will miss most.

Gary was a loving, generous father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He died on July 24, 2012 at the age of 62.

He is preceded in death by his father, George; his mother, Marcella; his brother, George; his uncle, Demetrios; and his sister-in-law, Lisa.

He is survived by his sons, Eric and Clayton; his daughter, Erika; his daughter-in-law, Kristina; his granddaughter, Sonya; sisters Helen (Dick), Ann (Tom) and Linda; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club.

1/20/1941 – 8/22/2012

Linda Louise Ansell passed peacefully on Aug. 22 at her home in Pleasanton, Calif. Linda (née Massey) was born on Jan. 20, 1941 in Cannelton, W.V. She was the sixth of 13 children and the third of four girls. Her father, James Morris Massey, known as Maurice, was orphaned at a young age and worked in the coal mines of Kanawha County, W.V. from the age of 11.

Linda loved living in the countryside and said as a child she never considered herself poor. They had fresh vegetables from a huge garden the family kept and collected wild berries with her sisters. They canned everything and never went hungry. After graduating from Parkersburg High School, Linda worked for the government processing punch cards before she decided to move to California when she was 21 to live with her oldest brother, Jim, his wife Joan, and their young children. She was looking for a new life and found it in Santa Maria, Calif. She loved working with numbers and soon found a job working as a teller at the Bank of America in Santa Maria. There she met Kathleen Silva who was soon to be Kathy Jones and her best friend. The two of them were still known for giggling and long talks even after 50 years of friendship.

One day a young man, recently home from serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, came to Linda’s window at the bank and asked her out. Despite having a balance of just over $4 in the bank, Linda agreed. The young man, Gary Ansell, took her to Los Angeles to see a Cinemascope showing of “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” They married three months later in November 1964. In 1969, they gave birth to their first son, Michael Albert Ansell. In 1971, they had a second son, Christopher Lee Ansell. Linda was completely focused on raising her two boys. She read to them constantly and took them to the park or to the swimming pool whenever she could. Gary worked for the post office, and in 1974 he was transferred with the family to San Luis Obispo and then in 1977 to Carpinteria.

Linda loved books and spent hours every day reading. She took her sons to the Carpinteria Library so often that between them they read practically every book in the tiny library, and the librarians became like family. When both boys started school she volunteered in their classrooms, with PTO activities and worked as a yard duty at Canalino School in Carpinteria, making close friends along the way. She was greatly loved by all the kids who followed her around the playground. After a few years, she became teacher’s aide for a second-grade classroom. She was like a second mom for many who was greatly loved for her warmth, support, sense of humor and love for all. In the 1980’s and 1990’s she worked as an office manager at Surf Realty and Ralph Brown Realty in Carpinteria. She enjoyed bookkeeping and working with people, especially those new in town who wanted to know what Carpinteria was like.

In the late 1980’s, Linda met with a series of tragedies including the loss of her younger son, her husband and emergency brain surgery that she barely survived. She showed her amazing strength during this time and dedicated herself to making sure her older son, Mike, graduated from college. College was a dream of hers and she made it possible for her son with her strength, hard work and endless support. Mike graduated with a degree in chemistry from CSU, Chico and later a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon thanks to her.

Linda had always been close with her sister, Julie, as a girl in West Virginia. Despite moving to California, they remained very close. As time passed, they talked almost every day. Linda was also close with many friends including her sister, Ginger. All of the sisters were great conversationalists. In 2004, Linda moved to Pleasanton to be closer to her grandchildren, two beautiful little girls. She dedicated herself to reading to them and to spoiling them in every way she could. Linda was happy to make friends at her gym in Pleasanton, the senior center and among her neighbors. Linda is survived by her son, Mike, her daughter-in-law, Sonia, and her granddaughters, Sarah and Lucie; her sisters Julie and Ginger, and her brothers Eddie, David, Johnny and Robert. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ansell Family Scholarship c/o Las Positas College Foundation, 3000 Campus Hill Road, Livermore CA 94551.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. at Callahan Mortuary, 3833 East Ave, Livermore, CA.

7/20/1952 – 8/21/2012

Hans Kristian Wold quietly passed Aug. 21, 2012. Born in Tacoma, Wash. on July 20, 1952 and raised in Titlow Beach, the Puget Sound provided him many opportunities to enjoy sport and the outdoors. Hans started out as a “tadpole” at the local pool and later became a lifeguard, a member of a hall of fame state champion high school boys swim team and an All-American Swimmer at University of Puget Sound. In 1978 he moved to Carpinteria where he met his future wife. They were wed Feb. 14, 1981. Later, Kristen and Jennifer completed the family. Hans truly enjoyed being a dad and going camping and fishing with his girls. He was a longtime employee at both Kilovac (Tyco) and Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation with the Adaptive Bowling and Special Olympics.

He is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Kristen and Jennifer, and sisters Elizabeth and Pauline. Thanks to our friends for being there, the Alzheimer’s Association for their resources, and Carpinteria Caregivers Support Group for their compassion. Hans was a kind and gentle man and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

8/27/1912 – 8/20/2012

Burdette Eldon White of Ventura died Aug. 20, 2012. He was born on Aug. 27, 1912 to James Arnold and Edna Mae White in Carpinteria, Calif. He was the second of seven siblings, all of whom he outlived. Burdette attended Carpinteria schools, graduating from Carpinteria High School in 1930, a few months after losing his right hand in a dynamite explosion.

After an unsatisfactory semester of majoring in music at Santa Barbara State College, Burdette enrolled at University of California’s agriculture branch at Davis, and he soon became keenly interested in the study of insects. During the summer recess after his first year at U.C. Davis, Burdette met and soon after married Violet Arnold of Santa Barbara, who became his helpmate and inspiration for over 65 years.

Burdette transferred to U.C. Berkeley’s main campus, to complete his undergraduate work for which he received a “Certificate of Honors at Graduation” in agriculture, along with a BS Degree in 1938. He remained at U.C. Berkeley for a year of graduate study in Entomology that earned him an MS Degree in 1939, as well as a Secondary Teaching Credential. This made it possible for him to accept a position on the Merced High School faculty as a biology instructor beginning service the fall of 1939, and where he remained 14 years, the last two as the principal.

In the fall of 1953, Burdette and wife Violet moved to Perris, Calif., where he served as Principal and District Superintendent of Perris Union High School until his retirement in 1967.

Burdette had pursued his entomological interests as a hobby for many years, collecting and classifying dung beetles, among which he discovered and published several new species.

During his school service years, Burdette developed a hobby of photographing wildlife and received many awards in international competition. In 1975, he was elected an “Honorary Fellow” in the Photographic Society of America (FPSA). In 1965 and 1966, he served as Chairman of PSA’s Nature Division.

After retiring from school work in 1967, Burdette served for 12 years as one of National Audubon Society’s Wildlife Screen Tour lecturers, using films he had produced emphasizing wildlife appreciation and conservation. With his wife, Violet, as projectionist, he presented wildlife films and lectures in major cities throughout the United States and Canada, and in the Bermuda and Bahama Islands. His films of hummingbirds, woodpeckers and sea otters were also used in TV productions.

After Violet passed away in 2000, Burdette later married a long-time acquaintance, Elizabeth (Betty) Randall Potts, who was also an enthusiastic wildlife photographer. Together, they vigorously pursued their photographic interests especially in the region of Mono Lake during the five years they lived together at Betty’s home in Oakhurst, Calif., until Betty’s death in 2006.

After Betty’s death, Burdette resided with his nephew John Ueltschi and wife Julia in Ventura, Calif. He is also survived by six additional nephews: Arnold Kluge (wife Jean) of Ann-Arbor, Mich.; Richard White (wife Shellie) of Cameron Park, Calif.; Joseph White (wife Beth) of Texas; Bill Hosten (wife Phyllis) of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; Kenn Holsten (wife Christine) of New Mexico; Gary Holsten (wife Tonjua) of Fredonia, Ariz.; and one niece Jackie Donnell of Alpine, Calif.

Per Burdette’s wishes he did not want a service. He will be buried at Carpinteria Cemetery alongside his family members who have preceded him.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

Charles James MacGillivray, age 90, died unexpectedly on Aug. 17, 2012 at his home in Carpinteria.

“Chuck” was born on the family farm at Spirit River in northern Alberta Province, Canada. Shortly after the death of his parents while he was still a teenager, he moved to live with his Aunt Alice and Uncle “Mac” in Fresno, Calif.

Soon after graduation from Fresno High School in 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. During World War II he worked with ground crews servicing the planes as well as preparing/ loading bombs onto the planes at Chelveston Air Base with the “Mighty 8th” Air Force in England. In later years he enjoyed attending many annual reunions of his “Can-DO” 305th Bomb Group.

After the war, Chuck attended Fresno State College where he met his future wife Martha Marie Shaw. In 1950 they relocated to Carpinteria where they began their family of three children. He began his long career in retail hardware working at the popular Carpinteria Hardware Store, which then occupied the entire corner building where we now see the Wullbrandt Mural. In later years he worked with Austin’s Home Center until his retirement in 2002.

While in retirement Chuck began losing vision and thoroughly enjoyed the many activities and friendships provided at the Santa Barbara Braille Institute. Chuck became the “poster” person for Braille through his regular attendance and helpfulness. He loved listening to the many books on audio tape provided by the Braille Library.

He always appreciated the continuing friendships and visits with AFS students who had lived with our family. Chantra “Daeng” Jayanama from Thailand and Martin Gross from Switzerland.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Martha; daughter Jeanne Wood (Brent) in Hesperia, Calif. and son Charles “Scott” MacGillivray (Catherine) in Orange, Calif.; sisters Edith Clark in Seattle, Wash. and Nancy Merkel in Modesto, Calif.; brother George MacGillivray (Ruth) in Alberta, Canada and three grandchildren: Carolyn Lohman, Curtis Wood (Mallory) and Daniel Wood.

He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Susan MacGillivray Lohman; parents Winifred Humphries MacGillivray and James Stuart MacGillivray and a sister Elizabeth Kelly of Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara, Calif. or AFS International Student Exchange Program at 71 West 23rd Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10010-4102 USA.

Arrangements for a memorial service will be at a later date.

2/11/1939 – 7/5/2012

Donald was born in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. He grew up and attended school in New York and Connecticut. He moved to Santa Barbara in 1961 and lived in that area for the rest of his life. He worked at many jobs, including photography, reporting, bartending and donut making, but his real love was for folk music. He was a self-employed musician and songwriter, and a member of ASCAP. He was a singer, and played the baritone ukulele, nylon and steel string guitar, and twelve string guitar. He recorded at least one album, “Yesterday’s Rain” on Jet Set Records in 1968. One of his songs was recorded by Burl Ives.

As a live performer, he was a member of the Freeway Singers, a folk group that held forth at Me and Ed’s Pizza near Santa Barbara City College. He was well received and a regular at the Rondo. He also played at Gatsby’s, the Nexus and The Timbers. In the late ‘60s, Don was in a duo called Don & Tina that performed regularly at John’s at the Beach in Ventura. He was a regular at the Bluebird Cafe in Santa Barbara in the early 1970s, as well. In the ’80s he sometimes played with The Floyd County Boys, who also sang and performed many of his songs. His strong and beautiful voice will be missed by many.

Donald wrote two columns for Coastal View News in the 1990s and 2000s: “Plane Nuts,” about aircraft and airshows, and ”Out There,” about UFO phenomena. He had tremendous knowledge and love of these subjects.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Beverly and Shirley. He lived in Ventura and is survived by his wife, Elaine, and many nieces and nephews, who will greatly miss him.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” picnic with live music and many photos for all his friends, acquaintances and family, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Marion Cannon Park in Ventura. Casual dress recommended. For information contact Frances (909) 260-3058, francesborella@yahoo.com.

4/4/1931 – 8/4/2012

Life’s journey came to an end for long-time Carpinteria resident Dennis “Joe” Hart Austin on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012 after losing a long and very courageous battle with cancer.

Joe was born on April 4, 1931 in Jackson, Mich. At an early age he decided he wanted to see the world, and he joined the Army, serving the United States in occupied Japan at the end of World War II and later in Korea. After being discharged he returned to the states and moved to Florida to start his own heating and air conditioning company. Coming to California in the early 1970s, Joe settled in Carpinteria and completed his professional career working for a national restaurant chain and ServiceMaster Corporation.

Retirement found him enjoying his love of woodworking by making beautiful pieces of furniture for his family and friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Pearl, and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 27 years, Barbara; two stepsons, Robert (Karen) and Aharon of Santa Barbara; a daughter, Andrea (Raul), and two grandchildren, Gabriela and Sam.

A memorial service is being planned, and the date is to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Serenity House of Santa Barbara or the Leukemia Foundation.

“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
––Always & Forever, Barbara

4/19/1933 - 7/17/2012

Ronald Ray “Ron” Harris passed away on July 17, 2012, in Santa Barbara. He was 79. Ron was born in Dallas, Texas, on April 19, 1933, to Susan Kemp Harris and Keith Harris. Ron graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1950. He married Donna M. Ellis on Feb. 15, 1952. They lived in Canoga Park before settling in Chatsworth, Calif., where they raised their four children.

In his younger years, Ron worked in the aircraft industry. He was a State Farm insurance agent for 41 years in Canoga Park, Calif. He was active in Canoga Park Kiwanis, serving as their Lieutenant Governor of the Southern Division. Ron was a true “family man” and enjoyed coaching his sons in little league baseball and Pop Warner football. After Ron’s retirement in 2001, he and Donna moved to Carpinteria.

Ron loved his family, his friends and traveling. Traveling throughout the world, he returned with wonderful stories, great pictures and new best friends. When at home, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, but mostly with his “Sweets.” Ron and Donna celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in February. He was generous, fun-loving and kind. 

His beloved wife, Donna; his children, Bob and Sharon Harris of Solvang, Calif., Kimberly and Kyle Branum of Seattle, Wash.; and his brother Tim and Heidi Harris of Bothell, Wash., survive Ron. His seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive him. His children Debra Harris Beardsley and Rick Harris; granddaughter Kelly Harris Stimac; and brother Ken Harris precede him in death.

A memorial service is scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. The service will be held at the Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Road, Carpinteria, Calif., 93013.

11/24/1933 – 7/15/2012

Warren Sumner Bateman, 78, a resident of Carpinteria, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away July 15, 2012 surrounded by family.

He was born to loving parents Charles Warren Bateman and Dorotha Laritta (Collins) Bateman on Nov. 24, 1933.

Spending a challenging childhood living in many places throughout Southern California, he learned at an early age to get the most out of life. Warren had many interests in life. He enjoyed hunting, camping, anything outdoors, photography and lighting, wrenching on cars, building and fixing just about anything, maintaining his and his wife’s real estate business, assets and much more. Without a doubt, far and away the largest, most important factor and concern in his life was his family, near and far, seconded only by his large, varied network of friends.

Warren married his wife, Sally, in 1955. They met in grammar school, and they would have celebrated 57 years of marriage this past July 30. He would have been presented with a 55-year pin from IATSE local 728 later this year. Most of his adult career was spent as a talented and successful, highly respected and well-loved Gaffer (Director of Lighting) in the Hollywood film industry. He and Sally branched out in many directions and always had a lot going on. They raised a family of three children: Chuck, Chris and Melinda. They spent many years after his retirement enjoying travel, children, grandchildren and business.

Warren had a very loving, giving nature and was thought of as a “second dad,” brother, uncle and grandfather by many. He was a “one of a kind man.” He found great pleasure in helping out others whenever he could. If you had a problem, he was the man to call. He left an indelible mark on so many people who will miss him tremendously for the rest of their time here.

Warren is survived by his wife Sally; sons Chuck (Laura) Bateman and Chris (Linda) Bateman; daughter Melinda (Kyle) Hanson; sister Peachie Starks; grandchildren Camille, Danielle, Sally Anne, Grace, Annie, Joshua and Brent Bateman, Kylin and Jaisy Hanson; one great-grandchild Cailin Smolek, and many nieces and nephews.

His mother Dorotha, father Charles and sister Jeannie preceded Warren in death.

A memorial service will be held at Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Road, Carpinteria, on Sept. 1, at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Karen Louise Isaacson, 66, passed away peacefully on June 22 at Buena Vista Care Center. A lifelong resident of Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, Karen had a passion for reading, cooking, art and decorating.

Karen always had a recipe to loan, book to share or a party to plan. She spent a lifetime collecting objects close to her heart, none more important to her than her close group of friends. She was a member of her Carpinteria Book Club for over 30 years and met with others weekly over coffee to discuss life’s triumphs and heartbreaks, maybe a little gossip too.

She is survived by her sons, Tyler and Copeland, and grandchildren Max, 10, Lily, 8, and baby Sawyer, born three days before her passing.

To her sons she was a leader, a fighter and an amazing provider. She taught them many of the skills and knowledge that have taken them so far in life. She will be remembered; she will be missed.

A memorial will follow. Please email Tyler at tylerandamy@earthlink.net for details.

6/4/1925 – 7/16/2012

James N. Ryan passed away peacefully from heart failure on July 16, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

On his 17th birthday, Jim joined the Navy, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, Jim join the Los Angeles Police Department where he met his wife, Donna, who worked as a records clerk. Jim spent 29 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, 15 of those years as a homicide detective.

Jim and Donna were married in 1949. A year later they had tiny twin boys, Patrick and Michael. They followed with two more boys, Daniel and Timothy. The clan has mushroomed with wives and grandchildren. We seize any excuse to get together.

In retirement, Jim could be found fixing a car for one of his boys, helping a neighbor paint his house or up on the roof in the rain patching a leak. He also drove a car for HELP for three years. Any spare time was spent camping, fishing, golfing or riding his bike all over Carpinteria. He will be truly missed by all.

Jim is survived by Donna, his wife of 62 years; four children; a sister; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Road, Carpinteria, on Aug. 4, at 2 p.m.

11/7/1924 – 7/2/2012

Edward Guy “Papa” Guarino of Carpinteria passed away at the age of 87 from natural causes, in his home on July 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on Nov. 7, 1924 in Chicago, Ill.

He left Chicago at the age of 18 after joining the Marine Corps in March of 1943. After completing his basic training at the MCRD San Diego he wanted to go overseas to help “win the war,” so he volunteered to become a combat field barber and was sent to the Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara. During this time he met his wife of 48 years, Jensy L. Renga. They were married in the Santa Barbara Mission and made their home in Santa Barbara. They raised three children, and after they both retired, they moved to Carpinteria. Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Ed worked for the Santa Barbara News-Press for 37 years. He and Jensy enjoyed traveling in their RV and spending time with their family. They both enjoyed going to Maui for summer vacations with their daughter’s family, and that continued after his wife passed in 1995. Ed enjoyed dancing at the Carrillo Recreation Center and lawn bowling at the Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Club. At home, after his daily one-hour walks, one of his favorite pastimes was to go for a swim and relax in the Jacuzzi, followed by a glass of wine and cheese. Ed had numerous sayings but one of his favorites was, “I have had the most wonderful life.”

Ed is survived by his children, Theresa Romais (Jay), Patty Kusman and Edward A. Guarino, all living in Carpinteria. He was called “Papa” by his four grandchildren, Kristine Krol (Kevin), Wendy Schrock (Dave), Robyn Carigo (Arnel) and John Romais (girlfriend Molly). He was a very special “Papa” to five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Nathan, Charlotte and Tyler Krol and Samantha Schrock. He is also survived by his nephews Michael and Carmen Guarino and niece Sandra Guarino, as well as extended family and longtime friends.

Ed and his family would like to thank the entire staff of the Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care as well as the Friendship Center in Montecito. Also, a special thank you to his caregiver, Connie Wood.