Obituaries

Jerry Louis Adams
December 27, 2002

    Jerry Louis Adams, 83, of Palm Springs, died of cardiac arrest in that city on Friday, Dec. 27, 2002.
    Mr. Adams was born May 26, 1919, in Charleston, Ark.
    He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Air Corp from 1941 to 1945.
    Mr. Adams was a retired Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, having served from 1945 to 1975.
    He was a former, longtime Idyllwild resident.
    No services are planned. Remains will be cremated and spread at sea.
    He is survived by his wife, Margaret Adams of Palm Springs; two sons, Mark Adams of Idyllwild and Ron Adams of Cathedral City; a daughter, Diana Adams-Desrosiers of Idyllwild; two brothers, Norbert Adams of Arkansas and Al Adams of San Diego; a sister, Hilda Adams of Arkansas; a stepdaughter, Loralyn Gatlin; and three stepsons, David, Randy and Bruce Hettema.

Robert J. Antal
May 7, 2002

    Robert J. Antal, 78, died May 7, 2002, at an Alzheimer’s care facility in Huntington Beach, Calif.
    He was born June 5, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio.
    Mr. Antal moved to Idyllwild with his wife, Ellen, in 1981 after their children were all married and he had retired from his career as a teacher. They lived in Idyllwild until 1996 when they had to leave because of Mr. Antal’s increasing struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
    He taught English, reading and algebra at the high school level in the Ontario, Calif., area for 26 years and also taught at the Atascadero High School in Atascadero, Calif.
    Mr. Antal attended Fenn College (now Cleveland State University) in Cleveland and majored in English, graduating with a B.A. in 1949. He worked as the art editor of the college magazine, Topper.
    Throughout his years of teaching, raising a family, and in retirement, he never gave up his love for art and drawing and was considered a talented artist.
    He married Ellen Aug. 16, 1947, and the couple moved to California in 1949 so Mr. Antal could start a master’s program at UCLA.
    He is survived by his wife, Ellen Antal, of Huntington Beach; two sons, Thomas, of Fountain Valley, Calif., and David Antal, of Berlin, Germany; and a daughter, Jill Boocock, of Fountain Valley.
    A memorial service was held Monday in Huntington Beach.
    Donations may be sent in Mr. Antal’s memory to the Estancia High School, 2323 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Checks should be made out to the Estancia Faculty Club, attention C.R. Wadsley, and should have “Robert Antal” written on the memo line.

Claire Bernstein
April 13, 2002

    Claire Bernstein, 82, of Leisure World in Laguna Woods, died Saturday, April 13, 2002, following a brief illness.
    Ms. Bernstein was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Isidore and Lena Greenberg.
    While attending high school, she studied voice and performed opera.
    She married Russell Bernstein in 1940 and moved to Los Angeles.
    Her subsequent travels took her to Paris (where she resided in the late 1940s), Budapest, Russia and other destinations.
    After an active professional life, Ms. Bernstein retired to Idyllwild in the 1980s. Following a brief residence in Hemet, she moved to Leisure World 10 years ago.
    She was actively involved in the writer’s club, the chorale and the Society for Humanistic Judaism.
    Burial took place April 16 at Sholom Chapels Memorial Park in Lopez Canyon, Sylmar. A May memorial gathering at Leisure World is being planned with details to be announced in the Town Crier.
    She was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Green, and her son, Steven Jesse Bernstein, a noted Seattle poet.
    She is survived by her son, Jeff Bernstein, and his wife, Jean Stevens, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; grandsons Doug Bernstein, Daemon Bernstein and Alex Quinn; a niece, Karen Milligan-Green and family; cousins and numerous friends.

Lorraine Gloria Byerly
February 12, 2002

    Lorraine Gloria Byerly, 73, of Mountain Center, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002.

Robert Frank Caldon
March 3, 2002

    Robert Frank Caldon, 76, of Beaumont, died of congestive heart failure on Sunday, March 3, 2002 at Beaumont Convalescent Hospital.
    Mr. Caldon was born June 1, 1925, in Inglewood. He served in the U.S. Army from August 1944 to June 1947.
    He was an insurance salesman for 40 years, 20 of those at Harford Funeral Home in Hemet.
    Mr. Caldon was a former resident of Idyllwild for 16 years and a former resident of Hemet for 20 years. He had lived in Beaumont for three years prior to his death.
    A chapel service was held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 8 at Harford Funeral Home Chapel in Hemet. Burial followed at 2:15 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Harford Funeral Home Chapel.
    He is survived by four sons, Robert Caldon of Long Beach, Bill and Rob Caldon of Idyllwild, and Dan Caldon of San Luis Obispo; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

William G. Collins
July 24, 2002

    William (Bill) G. Collins, 45, a native of California and a four-year resident of Idyllwild, died Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at Riverside Regional Hospital. The cause of death was complications from Fabry's Disease.
    He was a ranger at Camp Emerson, a Boy Scouts of America camp in Idyllwild.
     A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Camp Emerson, 53155 Idyllbrook Drive. For more information, call the camp at 659-2690.
    Mr. Collins is survived by Christopher Collins of San Diego; Michael Collins of Idyllwild; Warren Collins of Yucca Valley; Craig Collins of Long Beach; Meg Schneider of Costa Mesa; and one granddaughter.

C. Marie Contreras
April 30, 2002

    C. Marie Contreras, 81, of Mountain Center, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002, in Rancho Mirage.

Terry A. Eskew
November 1, 2002

    Terry A. Eskew, 55, of Pine Cove, was killed when a vehicle struck his tractor-trailer in Tracy, Calif., on Nov. 1, 2002.
    Mr. Eskew was born March 4, 1947, in Moweaqua, Ill. He made Pine Cove his home for the last seven years.
    He worked as a driver for USF Reddaway in Fontana for the past five years.
    A memorial service was held at the American Legion Post 800 in Idyllwild on Nov. 10, where Mr. Eskew, a Vietnam veteran, received full military honors including an honor guard, a 21-gun salute and the presentation of an American flag to his wife.
    Mr. Eskew is survived by his wife, De Eskew; two sons, David Eskew of Eau Claire, Wis. and Jeff Eskew of Las Vegas; a brother, Bob Eskew of Bethany, Ill.; his father, Dwight Eskew of Macon, Ill.; a granddaughter, Kristen Eskew of Eau Claire, Wis.; a stepdaughter, Jodi Sullivan and a stepson, Ande Sullivan, both of Pittsburg, Pa.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Disabled American Veterans, Department of California, 13733 E. Rosecrans Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, or to the Humane Society of the Desert, P.O. Box 580798, N. Palm Springs, CA 92258.

Paul E. Ewing
March 9, 2002

    Paul E. Ewing, 80, died Saturday,  March 9, 2002, in Grass Valley where he had moved in 2001.
    He had lived in Idyllwild for 18 years prior to his move.
    Services were held last week in Nevada City, Calif.

O.J. Fisher Jr.
January 18, 2002

    O. J. Fisher Jr., 90, died of heart failure on Friday, Jan. 18, 2002, at his residence on Sunwest Drive in Hemet.
    Mr. Fisher was born June 14, 1911, in Greenville, Ohio.
    He went to Washburn University in Wichita, Kan. During World War II he moved to San Diego with his brother to work at Convair.
    Mr. Fisher married his wife, Emily, in 1941. They moved to Idyllwild from Carlsbad with their daughter Sarah in 1963 where Mr. Fisher worked in real estate for 25 years. He had a passion for fishing and also loved playing golf.
    He lived in Idyllwild until 1993 when he moved to the Sunwest Retirement Village in Hemet.
    Mr. Fisher’s remains are being cremated and will be scattered at sea.
    The family is inviting his friends to come to the Idyllwild Nature Center at 2 p.m. on Feb. 15 to celebrate his life at a memorial service. Family members will be conducting the service.
    Mr. Fisher is survived by his son, Steve, of San Marcos, Calif.; two daughters, Suzy Carroll, of Warner Springs, Calif., and Sarah Oates, of Idyllwild; his son-in-law, Robin Oates, of Idyllwild; and four grandchildren. His wife, Emily, predeceased him in 1992.

Myron 'Mel' Delos Fowler Jr.
December 10, 2002

    Myron “Mel” Delos Fowler Jr., 65, of Idyllwild, died of pulmonary embolism Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002 at Hemet Valley Medical Center.
    Mr. Fowler was born in 1937 in San Diego.
    He was an aerospace supervisor and had belonged to the Chaparral Motorcycle Club and the Casita Trailer Club.
    A memorial service was to be held Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Chapel in the Pines with the Rev. Mike Laramie officiating.
    Mr. Fowler is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Fowler; a son, Michael D. Fowler of Lake Elsinore; three daughters, Brenda K. Lee of Sioux City, Iowa, and Robin Fowler and Jill Fowler, both of Garden Grove; and two grandchildren, Morgan and Paul Fowler.

Fred L. Fox
October 25, 2002 

    Fred L. Fox, 89, of Idyllwild and Hemet, passed away Friday, Oct. 25, 2002, at Christian Heritage Gardens in Hemet.
    Mr. Fox was born May 13, 1913, in Carbondale, Ill.
    He made Idyllwild his home for 30 years.
    Prior to his retirement, he was a teacher and chemist and had been a member of the Rotary Club.
    His wife, Nedra F. Fox, and a daughter preceded him in death.
    Inurnment, handled by McWane Family Funeral Home, was private.
    Mr. Fox is survived by two sons, Fred B. Fox of Hemet and Idyllwild and Brian R. Fox of Carson City, Nev.; a sister, Cecil Luprino of Hemet; and a niece, Darlene Eisensclent of Hemet.
    In lieu of flowers,  memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

Nedra F. Fox
April 19, 2002

    Nedra F. Fox, 87, died Friday, April 19, 2002, at her home in Hemet.
    She was born Oct. 2, 1914, in Granite City, Ill.
    Mrs. Fox was a graduate of the University of Illinois where she also received a master’s degree.
    In addition to raising three children, she was a teacher for many years in public and private schools where she inspired many students.
    She was a frequent visitor to Idyllwild where her parents, Gentry and Lena Goggin, retired in 1952. She became an Idyllwild resident in 1975 and was a part-time resident until her death.
    She is survived by her loving husband, Fred L. Fox; two sons, Fred B. Fox of Hemet and Idyllwild, and Brian R. Fox of Carson City, Nev.; and a sister, Nadine Stegelmeyer of Reno, Nev. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Fox Webster.
    No services are planned.
    Donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

Robert Alfred Fredericks
November 24, 2002

    Robert Alfred Fredericks, 58, of Idyllwild, died of cancer at his home on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2002.
    Mr. Fredericks was born Jan. 22, 1944, in Oak Park, Ill.
    He grew up in El Cajon and worked in golf course construction, having built golf courses all over the world.
    He was an Idyllwild resident for 13 years.
    Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Idyllwild Bible Church.
    He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Fredericks; a son, John Fredericks of Valle Vista; a stepson, David Browne of Wildomar; a stepdaughter, Dawna Arnett of Lake Elsinore; two brothers, Tom Fredericks of Idyllwild and Bill Fredericks of Hemet; a sister, Mary Ann Price of Lakeside; and three grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his name be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, Ga. 30368-2454.

Susan Diane Gay
August 27, 2002

    Susan Diane Gay, 50, of Idyllwild, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, of cardiac arrest following septic shock, at Hemet Valley Medical Center.
    Mrs. Gay was born Aug. 7, 1952, in San Mateo. She was a homemaker.
    She was affiliated with the Merry Notes Young Musicians, the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony, the Redlands Youth Orchestra, the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic High School Orchestra.
    Memorial services were planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Harford Funeral Home, 120 N. Buena Vista, Hemet. The Rev. C. Divine was to officiate.
    Burial is at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Riverside National Cemetery, Area 5, in Riverside.
    She is survived by her husband, Christopher Lee Gay of Idyllwild; a son, Calen Michael Gay of Idyllwild; a brother, Michael P. Alderete of Riverside; a sister, Teri Alderete of Riverside; her parents, Ike and Dorothy Alderete of Anaheim Hills; two nieces, six nephews, a grandnephew and two grandnieces.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Idyllwild Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 656, Idyllwild, CA 92549 or the Orange County High School of the Arts, 1010 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Beverly Jean Germain
March 7, 2002

    Beverley Jean Germain, 60, of Idyllwild, died Thursday, March 7, 2002 at her residence.
    She was born April 7, 1941, in Muskegon, Mich.
    She had worked as an office manager for Fuji Film Company for seven years and had lived in Anaheim for 20 years prior to moving to Idyllwild.
    She was a member of the Idyllwild cancer group and Cher Christmas Help. She enjoyed arts and crafts.
    Visitation is from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church with services led by the Rev. Dick Olson following at 3 p.m. McWane Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
    Inurnment will be private.
    She is survived by three sons, Timothy L. Fisher of Idyllwild, Larry Fisher of Albany, Ore. and Mark Germain of Riverside; three daughters, Christina Niskanen of Albany, Ore., Lynette Bell of Parkland, Fla. and Laura Monlongat of San Diego; two brothers, Leonard Allen of Las Vegas and Terry Allen of Murray, Utah; a sister, Shirley Allen of Sacramento; her mother, Evelyn Allen of Murray, Utah; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
    Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 7130 Magnolia Ave., Ste. T, Riverside, CA 92504.

Joyce Ann Gibson
October 24, 2002

    Joyce Ann Gibson, 63, of Idyllwild, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002, at Hemet Valley Medical Center.
    She was born June 18, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo.
    Mrs. Gibson had lived in Idyllwild the last 13 years. She had been a waitress for 30 years and had worked at Granny’s Pies in Idyllwild for five years and Village Market for four years.
    A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at McWane Family Funeral Home, 350 N. San Jacinto St., Hemet. Inurnment will be private.
    She is survived by her husband, Richard Lee Gibson of Hemet; three daughters, Lisa Woods of Idyllwild, Cindy Johnston of Hemet and Jennifer Gibson of Perris; a son, Jeffrey Gibson of Bakersfield; her mother, Martha Cook of Hemet; a sister, Laura Morgan of Arkansas; and 16 grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Idyllwild HELP Center, P.O. Box 660, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Terry Graves
2002

    Terry Graves, the former music department chair of the Idyllwild Arts Academy, died suddenly last week while on vacation in London, England.
    Terry began working as a member of the adjunct music faculty from the academy’s founding in 1986 until 1989. In 1997, he rejoined the Idyllwild Arts Academy faculty as music department chair until resigning from his full-time responsibilities at the end of the 2002 school year. He was planning to continue his involvement with the academy teaching classical guitar.
    Terry was a respected and loved member of the Idyllwild Arts community. During his tenure as music chair, the department added several wonderful new faculty members and expanded its concerts and programs from Idyllwild to highly professional venues around Southern California.
    He successfully recruited Ransom Wilson, a well-known conductor and flutist, as the new music director. The music graduates expanded on their extraordinary record of acceptances at the finest conservatories and music programs during this period and his leadership helped add to the arts academy’s excellent reputation.
    Most recently he performed with the Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra at the 2002 commencement ceremony.
    Terry resided in Redlands and was highly regarded as a classical guitarist who performed around the world as a soloist and as a member of the Falla Guitar Trio.
    He also taught guitar at the University of Redlands beginning in 1981 and was named director of the University of Redlands Community School of Music and the Arts from 1989 to 1997.
    Surviving Terry are his wife, Susan, and daughter, Stephanie, a graduate of the arts academy. Terry was 48 years old. Services were to be held at Calvary Chapel in Redlands at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 10.

Alta Blanche Hall
March 30, 2002

       Alta Blanche Hall, 92, died Saturday, March 30, 2002 at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Hemet.
    She was born Alta Blanche Lefley in Oregon where she spent her childhood and early adulthood.
    She also lived in Idaho Falls where she worked in a nursing home with her husband Joe.
    After her husband died, she moved to Idyllwild from Idaho Falls. Her family said she quickly decided it was the best place short of heaven.
    She had lived in Idyllwild for more than 10 years and was an active member of the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church.
    One of her favorite charities was the Idyllwild HELP Center and she had served on its board.
    Her favorite activities included maintaining her cabin and surroundings, and walking to town to meet her many friends and to pet friendly dogs.
    She also enjoyed observing the church’s children’s programs.
    Her friends are invited to a memorial service scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church. Lunch will follow immediately in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
    She is survived by her only son, David Burgess of Idyllwild; two grandchildren, David Burgess, Jr. of Wildomar and Holly Hiza of Napa; two great-grandchildren, Sarah and Justin Hiza; and a brother, Vernon Lefley of Dallas, Ore.
    In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Idyllwild HELP Center, P.O. Box 660, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Shirley Hamilton
December 30, 2002

    Shirley Hamilton, 68, a 10-year Hill resident, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2002.
    She was born May 27, 1934, in Plano, Texas.
    Ms. Hamilton possessed a lively sense of humor, delighted in all of her friends, loved to cook and was known as the “Killer Fudge Lady.”
    She was very active in the Idyllwild Church of Religious Science.
    Memorial services are at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Idyllwild Church of Religious Science.
    Ms. Hamilton is survived by a son, Daniel Jameson; a daughter, Brenda Jameson; two brothers, Robert and Butch; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Lowell Helms
February 25, 2002

    Lowell Helms, the owner with his wife, Judy, of Uniquies Melting Pot in Village Lane, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2002.
    The Helms had moved to San Jacinto due to Mr. Helms’ health and sold the business.
    Prior to the move, Mr. Helms had been an active volunteer with the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce.

Clarice Verna Hollis
November 24, 2002

    Clarice Verna Hollis, 78, died quietly on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at Hemet Valley Medical Center with her family at her side.
    Mrs. Hollis was born in Tucson, Ariz., in 1924 and moved to California in 1948 to be with her husband, Hollis C. Hollis, a career Navy man.
    Her life was always centered around her family whether taking care of her elderly mother or older sister, or working to keep a family — spread over three states — together. She also endured many years of near-constant pain as a result of post-polio syndrome.
    From 1960 to 1971, Mrs. Hollis lived in Idyllwild with her family where her husband was assigned as a Riverside County resident deputy for the mountain area.
    Graveside services were held at Riverside National Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 29.
    Mrs. Hollis is survived by her husband of 58 years; three daughters, Rosalie Ely of Winchester, Claudia Brown of Tempe, Ariz. and Vicki Aubert of Parker, Colo.; a son, John Hollis of Yucaipa; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Ersel Lamar Hall
June 18, 2002

    Ersel Lamar Hall, 79, of Anza, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002. Mr. Hall was the father of Sunderland Everstill of Idyllwild.

Earl Allison Johns
March 6, 2002

    Earl Allison Johns, 93, of Riverside, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002, at Plymouth Towers in Riverside.
    Mr. Johns was born in Globe, Ariz. He lived in Riverside for 60 years.
    Prior to that, he lived in Idyllwild, Elsinore and Hemet.
    Mr. Johns was a sales technician for 30 years. He managed the Calelectric Power Company in Idyllwild during the 1930s.
    Mr. Johns and his wife Lucille had fond memories of Idyllwild and the cabin they stayed in every weekend. Idyllwild continued to be one of their favorite places to visit.
    He was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside and was a Mason.
    He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lucille; a daughter, Patricia Altman of West Covina; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Leo John Knowicki
August 30, 2002

    Leo John Knowicki, 56, of Idyllwild, died peacefully in his sleep Friday, Aug. 23, 2002.
    Born April 30, 1946 near Buffalo, N.Y., Mr. Knowicki spent his early years in various orphanages and foster homes.
    He joined the Navy at age 18, spent a tour in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge.
    Mr. Knowicki’s colorful and diverse career included managing different big-name rock bands touring Europe. His many talents included musician, singer, songwriter, actor, set designer, comedian and construction worker. He worked as a car salesman in New York, spent some time studying for the Jesuit priesthood and did special assignment work for the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
    He attended the Idyllwild Bible Church where memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13.
    Internment will be at the Riverside Veterans National Cemetery in Riverside. No graveside services are planned.
    Mr. Knowicki is survived by many loving friends in Idyllwild, as well as others from California to New York, and his faithful canine companion, Beratta.

Dr. William W. Lumsden
April 7, 2002

    Dr. William W. Lumsden, 81, died Sunday, April 7, 2002 at home in Pine Cove.
    He was born Dec. 21, 1920 in Dallas, Texas and grew up in West Los Angeles.
    Dr. Lumsden studied the classics in college until World War II intervened.
    As a Pathfinder paratrooper, he saw duty in Panama, North Africa and Europe during World War II. His experiences on D-Day were documented in an interview on the History Channel last year.
    In 1945, he married Ann Irvin.
    He completed his doctorate degree at UCLA. Dr. Lumsden was a professor of geology at UCLA and for 26 years at California State University, Long Beach. He also was department chair at Long Beach.
    His specialities were paleontology and structural geology.
    He was a Lever-hulme Fellow and Fulbright Scholar at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
    In recent years, Dr. Lumsden contributed numerous articles to the Town Crier under the column heading, “Natura doceri,” which is Latin for “to be taught by nature,” reflecting his varied interests.
    He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Idyllwild and served as its bulletin editor for many years. He also served on the board of the Idyllwild Scholarship Fund.
    He was a full-time resident of Pine Cove for 22 years.
    Dr. Lumsden will be buried at Chapel of Garioch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Local memorial services may be planned later.
    He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann; a son, Stephen Lumsden of Denmark; a daughter, Melissa Stevens of Australia; five grandchildren, Susannah Gordon Lennox of England, David Stevens of Australia, and Christian, Emma and Peter Lumsden of Denmark; and a sister, Lorena Farrell of Rossmoor, Calif.
    Donations may be made in his name to the Idyllwild Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 97, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Vince “Jim” Mangione
June 15, 2002

    Vince Mangione, 77, of Idyllwild, died Saturday, June 15, 2002, in Palm Springs. He died peacefully surrounded by family members: wife Myrna, stepdaughter Laurie, son-in-law Marty, and three sons, Tom, Jim and Danny.
    Mr. Mangione was born March 19, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Ohio. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He moved to California in 1972.
    Family members described him as a true role model as a husband, father and friend. “Vince will never be forgotten,” said his son, Jim.
    A funeral mass is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Idyllwild.
    Along with the above, he is survived by four other stepchildren and 22 grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Queen of Angels Building Fund, P.O. Box 1106, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Paul Michael McDonnell
December 27, 2002

    Paul Michael McDonnell, 44, of Mountain Center, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, in Mountain Center.
    He was born March 24, 1958, in Nebraska.
    Mr. McDonnell had worked at the U.S. Forest Service as a Vista Grande Hotshot for 12 years and for the Riverside County Transportation Department for seven years. He also was a farmer and was known as “Farmer Paul.”
    Family and friends said he always had an open door to the community.
    “His Rusty Nail Ranch offered produce, eggs and a petting zoo to all inquiring minds,” said a friend. For Idyllwild’s younger students, a highlight of the year was a field trip to the McDonnell’s pumpkin patch, she said.
    “Children enjoyed crafts, creative cooking and life on the farm. Most of the children will remember him for the famous tractor rides he gave.
    “There is no need to say that Paul will be sorely missed.”
    Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 26340 Soboba Street in Hemet, with Father Silvio D’Ostilio officiating.
    He is survived by his wife, Mary McDonnell; a son, Michael, 5; a brother, Pat McDonnell of Maryland; two sisters, Reta German of Illinois and Janet Randa of Barstow; and his father in Arizona.
    His mother, Jeanne Rae McDonnell and a sister, Laura Ann McDonnell, preceded him in death.
    In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Mary and Michael McDonnell at Guaranty Bank in Idyllwild.  

Sarah 'Sally' Odinot
March 4, 2002

Sarah ‘Sally’ Odinot, born 9/19/1908, died on 3/4/2002. Sally lived in Idyllwild for 14 years. Everyone who knew Sally was blessed with her warm and caring spirit.

Lorene Florence Penn
June 22, 2002

    Lorene Florence Penn, 87, of Blue Springs, Mo., died Tuesday, June 25, 2002, in Blue Springs.
    She was born July 1, 1914, in Omaha, Neb.
    Mrs. Penn and her late husband, Harry Thurland Penn, were co-managers of Buckhorn Camp in Idyllwild for 30 years.
    She was a charter member and past president of Soroptimist International of Idyllwild. She also was a member of the Community of Christ Church in the Hemet/San Jacinto area.
    A memorial service is planned for 6 p.m. Sunday, July 7 at Community of Christ Church, 3525 Elm Ave., Long Beach. Her nephews, Jay Johnson and John Sneed, will conduct the service. Inurnment will be private.
    Mrs. Penn is survived by a daughter Sue Stauts and her husband James, of Hemet; a daughter Roni Booth and her husband Richard, of Blue Springs, Mo.; two brothers, Donald Johnson of Independence, Mo. and Robert Johnson of Long Beach; two sisters, Catherine Fillhart of Los Alamitos and Lois Wilson of Temple Terrace, Fla.; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

Arthur Ronald Peterson
May 29, 2002

    Arthur Ronald Peterson, 61, of Twain Harte, Calif., died of cancer at his home Wednesday, May 29, 2002.
    Mr. Peterson and his wife, Sue, were Pine Cove residents for three years, moving to Twain Harte in May 2001. Mrs. Peterson had worked at Idyllwild Arts.
    Mr. Peterson was born Aug. 3, 1940, in Bakersfield to Arthur Frederick Peterson and Avis Louise Pierce. He was a franchise development director for eight years with Postal Annex.
    He enjoyed life to the fullest, living on his boat for several years in San Diego and Catalina. He liked barbecuing with friends and his family, whom he dearly loved. He also enjoyed building and remodeling houses.
    He was an Eagle Scout who loved the outdoors. He also was a trumpet player who formed several bands in his younger years.
    Chapel services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home in Sonora. Interment followed at Carters Cemetery in Tuolumne.
    Along with his wife of 15 years, he is survived by three daughters, Adriene (Gordon) Wade of Reno, Nev., Dawn (Mike) Camarena of Porterville, Calif., and Karrin (Mike) Genovese of Hartford, Conn.; a stepson, Dave (Devonya) Camara of Fernley, Nev.; a stepdaughter, Kim (Matt) Rymer of Redwood City; six grandchildren, Aaron, Brandon and Nolan Wade of Reno, Nev., and Marcus, Geoffrey and Oliver Camarena of Porterville; a twin sister, Cheryl (Garth) Norman of American Fork, Utah; his parents-in-law, Ervin and Edna Weinert of Fremont; a brother-in-law, Doug Weinert of Fremont; and numerous nephews and nieces.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hospice, P.O. Box 4805, Sonora, CA 95370.
    “The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to our dear friend and most compassionate nurse, Diana McVey of Pine Cove. Also to the staff at Sonora Community Hospital and Hospice of the Sierras, especially Susan Schlindwein who mentored us in our final moments with Ron.”

Darrell ‘Phil’ Phillips
December 6, 2002

    Darrell “Phil” Phillips, 61, of Idyllwild, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, in Escondido from stroke complications.
    Mr. Phillips was born Nov. 13, 1941, in Los Angeles.
    He served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1966.
    He was well-known for many years as a bartender at the Gastrognome Restaurant in Idyllwild.
    His family is inviting Mr. Phillips’ friends to a celebration of his life at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at The Creek House in Fern Valley.
    Burial will be private.
    Mr. Phillips is survived by five sons, John of Ventura, Shay of Escondido, and Michael, Trevor and Shelly of Los Angeles; two sisters, Nancy Cutler of Phoenix and Susie Stiver of San Miguel; and seven grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Teen Challenge, 5445 Chicago Ave., Riverside, CA 92507, or to World Vision by visiting its Web site at www.worldvision.org or by calling 1-888-511-6593.

Beverly June Reed
March 2, 2002

    Beverly June Reed, 73, of Hemet, died Saturday, March 2, 2002 at Western Medical Center in Anaheim.
    She was born April 19, 1928, in Inglewood.
    Mrs. Reed had been a secretary for 14 years, 10 of which were for Southern California Edison in Redondo Beach.
    She had lived in Hemet four years prior to her death and was a former Idyllwild resident for 35 years.
    A chapel service was held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 8 at Harford Funeral Home Chapel in Hemet. Burial followed at 2:15 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Harford Funeral Home Chapel.
    She is survived by a daughter, Chris Marie Holloway of Portland, Ore.; five sons, Robert Caldon of Long Beach, Bill and Rob Caldon of Idyllwild, Dan Caldon of San Luis Obispo and William Reed of Oregon; a brother, William E. Beavers of Laguna Hills; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Helen K. Robel Sandlin
May 7, 2002 

    Helen K. Robel Sandlin, 72, died May 7, 2002, at her home in Niland, Calif.
    She was born June 2, 1929, in Shamokin, Pa.
    She worked as the manager of a Safeway store meat department and also was  co-owner of the Fern Valley Motel with her husband, Delbert, from 1970 to 1979.
    Mrs. Sandlin was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Meat Cutters union, Local 1167.
    She is survived by her husband, Delbert Sandlin; her sons, William and David Sandlin; a brother, Stanley Roble; a sister, Marion Robel Flescher; and two grandchildren.
    A memorial service was held at the Idyllwild Bible Church last Saturday, May 11, with Pastor Tim Westcott officiating.
    Donations may be made in her memory to the Summer Camp Scholarship Fund at Idyllwild Bible Church.

Judy Louise Sommerlad
November 11, 2002

    Judy Louise Sommerlad of Idyllwild, died quietly at home Monday, Nov. 11.
    She moved to Idyllwild from Santa Monica in 1984.
    Ms. Sommerland was remembered as “Idyllwild’s favorite waitress,” having worked for years at Senor Ruben’s and then Arriba’s Mexican restaurants.
    Family and friends said she loved Idyllwild and its residents. They recalled her smiling face and bubbling personality, and that “she always insisted you clean your plate before dessert.”
    A memorial service is planned for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at the American Legion Post 800. It will include a potluck reception. Participants are asked to bring finger foods or appetizers.
    Ms. Sommerlad is survived by her mother, Louise Sommerlad, of Palm Desert; and her brother, David Sommerlad, and his partner, Kim Walters, both of Idyllwild.
    In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends at P.O. Box 1965 or to the Idyllwild HELP Center at P.O. Box 660, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Richard Harold Wright
March 16, 2002

    Richard Harold Wright, 92, of Hemet, died at his home Saturday, March 16, 2002.
    Mr. Wright was born April 25, 1909, in Denver, Colo. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946.
    Mr. Wright was a self-employed real estate broker for 28 years in Pine Cove. He had lived in Hemet for the past 12 years.
    Inurnment was to be private. Miller-Jones Mortuary and Cremations is handling arrangements.
    Mr. Wright, a widower, was survived by a nephew, Bob Hall of Durango, Colo.; a sister-in-law, Ann Hall of Denver, Colo.; and the executor of his estate, Ralph Tippets of Murrieta.

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