The Memorial Wall

Margaret “Peggy” Rich, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Peggy was born in Duluth on June 25, 1926 to Jasper and Margaret Barncard. She was the first woman to graduate with a dual degree in Physics and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She received an offer to attend Columbia University on a Fellowship. She was not able to attend, however, and later graduated with a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She spent her educational career in a variety of teaching and administrative roles within the Duluth Public Schools. She particularly enjoyed working with students who had special needs. Her last position was working with the Teen-Parent Program where she developed strategies, particularly around math, that would prepare and empower young moms with the life skills they needed to go forward.

She married Joseph Rich on July 9, 1947 and raised 3 children. Together, they shared many memories at the family cabin on Rose Lake and through their extensive travels throughout the world. Her love and support for Joe was steadfast during his 28-year battle with Parkinson’s prior to his death in 2012.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, sister Joanne, her parents and two grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Sue (Steve) Slotness; twin sons, Jim F. (Joan) and John A. (Brenda); six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Mickey Cottrell, the PR executive who specialized in the indie film business and worked both as an actor and a producer, died on New Year’s Day at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in Woodland Hills. He was 79.

His death was confirmed by his sister, Suzie Cottrell-Smith, who said he suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Cottrell experienced a stroke in 2016 and had gone to live with his sister in Arkansas before returning to Los Angeles in 2019.

Cottrell was born September 4, 1944, in Springfield, IL, and spent part of his childhood in Monroe, LA. At age 8, he moved with his family to Little Rock, AR, where he grew up. He attended the University of Arkansas and spent more than 30 years in the film and PR industries, co-owning multiple firms including most recently Inclusive PR, repping pics including Bill Cunningham: New York, Stones in Exile, Ballets Russes, Down to the Bone, Body of War and Outfest winners Keep the Lights On and Weekend, among others.

“Some of my successes have given new life to films that might not otherwise have had the chance, ranging in scale from big budget to minute,” he wrote in his LinkedIn bio. “I have had the great joy of representing many important film artists

Among the filmmakers whose careers he championed was Phillip Noyce; he served as a publicist on Noyce’s 1989 thriller Dead Calm starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill and Billy Zane.

“He did a lot for Phillip,” Cottrell’s sister Suzie told Deadline. “When Phillip first came to Hollywood, he didn’t know anybody. Mickey was instrumental about getting his films recognized.”

Cottrell’s acting credits include roles in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, Tim Burton’s Ed Wood, Paper Hearts, Apt Pupil and The Fluffer as well as John Cameron Mitchell’s Shortbus and two Star Trek series: The Next Generation and Voyager. Cottrell-Smith said her brother wrote some of his own dialogue for My Own Private Idaho, playing a client of street hustler Mikey Waters (River Phoenix).

Cottrell was also a producer of indie films, most recently 2014’s Perfect Cowboy.

At the MPTF, Cottrell was a member of the writing club the Grey Quill Society. As part of the fund’s Giving Day in 2020, Matthew McConaughey read an excerpt from Cottrell’s short story The Fireman’s Equipment.

Cottrell was a famed raconteur, often holding court in a booth at Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood (the restaurant is located near Cottrell’s office, a space formerly occupied by Debbie Reynolds’ company).

“He was the most fun brother ever,” Cottrell-Smith said. “So many good memories of when I was a kid — we’d sing together, dance, just all kinds of fun things that went on all the time when he was around. … He was just so fun, full of life, entertaining. Every woman in the neighborhood adored him. He had a job when he was a teenager where he would take the bus downtown and he had to walk two or three blocks home from the bus stop, and he’d be singing and dancing all the way home. And all the ladies in the neighborhood would come outside and watch him.”

She added: “He knew every movie ever made and every little bit actor that was in movies. It was amazing. I could just ask him the question and he always knew the answer when it came to a movie.”

John McAvoy, a colleague of Cottrell’s at Inclusive PR from 2014-19, told Deadline: “I don’t want to reduce his life down to his work as a publicist because in many ways you feel that it was his journey as a person and an artist that allowed him to practice PR in the way that he did… He was an artist first and he taught me that, at its best, publicity is about pure enthusiasm and joy and that it can be a vital part of a broader creative process rather than merely a necessary lubricant in the sales process. RIP to the Wizard.”

Cottrell is survived by his sisters Suzie and Gigi. He was predeceased by his older brother, Rod.

Friends, family, and members of the community honored the life and legacy of longtime El Paso civil servant Carl Robinson.

The former El Paso County Commissioner and Northeast City Representative died December 22, 2023.

"I'm so proud of him for what he accomplished. For one person to accomplish so much," said county commissioner Carlos De Leon.

Robinson was a Vietnam War and served in the U.S. Army for 25 years.

He was stationed at Fort Bliss in 1977 and decided to make El Paso his home.

Robinson served as the Northeast City Representative from 2009 to 2017.

He then served as a County Commissioner from 2018 to 2022.

Robinson will be buried at Fort Bliss with full military honors.

Born in Tehran, Safaipur began his career in professional wrestling and achieved several championship titles before entering the world of cinema under the name "Tufan" and gained fame.

Safaipur started his serious acting career at the age of 14 in 1963 when he appeared as a stuntman in the film " Fear and Darkness" directed by Mohammad Matevasselani.

After the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, he returned to acting with the film "Mirza Kuchak Khan" in 1983 and gradually gained recognition through his roles in films such as "Gray Season," by Shahram Shobeiri, "Prey at Night," by Ali Amjadi, "Plaque," by Ebrahim Qazizadeh and "The Final Blow" By Davud Movassaqi. His first role in television was in the series "Simorgh" by Hossein Qassemi Jami in 1992.

In recent years, he has been battling Parkinson's disease, which has led to a decrease in his cinematic activities.

Donald Arthur Brown, known by all as Don, died following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease on December 13, 2023.

The youngest of three, Mr. Brown's father Samuel was one of the ten 'California Brothers' who were renowned for their exploits in the booming herring trade and for taking part in the Dunkirk evacuation.

After finishing school, Mr. Brown briefly followed his father by spending time at sea.

As a teenager, Mr. Brown was taught the skill of butchery at Hunns in Caister. After carrying out National Service, Mr. Brown returned to butchery, working for David Greggs and eventually becoming a manager at a shop on Bells Road, Gorleston.

While he was in his 40s, Mr. Brown became his own boss, establishing Don's Family Butchers on Church Lane, Gorleston, which he ran until his retirement.

A Norwich City Football Club season ticket holder, Mr. Brown loved the beautiful game.

Closer to home, he was known as a great supporter of Gorleston Football Club, sponsoring the team during the 1980s and providing players with a free pound of sausages and a steak for every goal they scored and making it on the pitch.

Mr. Brown also loved the great outdoors and was a keen gardener, with his sizeable rose collection being among his greatest prized possessions.

He served in most officer positions, including chairman for many years, and assisted the annual November poppy collection in Caister, often seen rattling a collection box in local supermarkets, and helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity.

Mr. Brown was also the legion standard bearer, attending the funerals of many ex-servicemen in the area, and flying the standard on behalf of the legion at many grand occasions.

He also took the Caister standard to Ypres and participated in a remembrance service at the Menin gate.

His final deed for the legion, before he could no longer actively participate, was closing the local branch and working with the parish council to return the standard from the legion and rest in its rightful place in Caister church.

Mr. Brown's first love was his wife of 67 years, Iris, whom he met when aged 17 at a dance held at the Britannia Pier. Mr and Mrs Brown had two boys, Michael and Ian, four grandsons and four great-grandchildren.

Mr. Brown is remembered as a true gentleman and a well-loved member of the local community, whose motto was “It is easier to please than to tease”.

Rappahannock native Roger Welch, a long-time member of the Board of Supervisors, died at his farm in Flint Hill after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

Welch, 77, represented the Wakefield District on the Board of Supervisors for 19 years. His daughter, Courtney, said, “Dad always had a smile and a kind word. He was just kind in all of his decision making.”

“He was really dedicated to Rappahannock,” she said. “He had a true servant’s heart.” Welch had once been president of the local Lions Club and a deacon at Washington Baptist Church.

After graduating from Rappahannock High School, Welch attended Virginia Tech, served in the United States Navy submarine service as an electrical technician during the Vietnam War, and then earned a degree in electrical engineering from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College near Richmond.

After his military service, Welch joined General Electric’s Factory Automation Group in Richmond as a comptroller and later managed that group’s national training center. He visited Rappahannock regularly and built a home on his property outside of Flint Hill in 1988.

Welch is survived by his wife, Geneva, daughter, Courtney, son, Ryan, and grandchildren.

Gary’s former Deputy Mayor Geraldine Tousant passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023 surrounded by loved ones at Community Hospital in Munster, IN. Geraldine courageously battled breast cancer, kidney failure, complications from Parkinson’s disease, and an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She was 84 years old.

Geraldine was born in Ensley, AL on May 4, 1939, and relocated to Gary, Indiana, at the age of three. She was a graduate of Gary Roosevelt High School class of 1957, and soon after graduating she married the love of her life, Marshall Tousant. The couple was happily married for nearly 48 years and were the proud parents of three children and the loving grandparents of five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Geraldine began her career with the City of Gary in 1960 in the Redevelopment Department as a clerk-typist when she was 21 years old. She worked her way up through the Department’s rank, eventually becoming the Director. Former Mayor Scott King recognized her hard work, dedication, and commitment to the citizens of Gary and appointed her as Deputy Mayor on February 14, 2003. A position she held for seven years through two administrations (Scott King and Rudy Clay).

Geraldine was an innovative and servant leader who impressively worked for seven mayors during her 50 years of service to the City of Gary. Geraldine was instrumental in managing large scale projects, some of which included the demolition of structures obtained in other city agencies, and computerizing the city’s utility billing and payment processes. Geraldine’s outstanding accomplishments led to various roles and opportunities during her tenure with the Redevelopment Department, she served as Project Administrator, Interim Director, and Assistant Executive Director for more than a decade before being named Executive Director in 1999.

As Deputy Mayor she was a dedicated public servant who made tremendous contributions to the City of Gary. Geraldine was recognized by Former U.S. House of Representatives Peter Visclosky of Indiana in The House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. For her dedication to her colleagues and to the citizens of Gary, she was nominated as a Marcher, for the Drum Major, an award given by the Gary Frontiers Service Club at its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast. Marchers are recognized for having dedicated their lives to improving the human condition, something that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. urged in his “Drum Major Instincts” sermon two months before his passing.

Geraldine selflessly gave of her time and efforts to inspire others. She stated she would like her legacy to inspire youth, and that with hard work, determination, and faith in God you can be whatever you want to be.

Former Black Panther Party leader Ed Poindexter, who was imprisoned for 53 years, died December 7th, 2023 in a Nebraska prison at the age of 79. In the last few years, his family and supporters fought for his compassionate release, as he was suffering from advanced kidney disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Despite his condition, the state never approved his release. This is another indictment of the workings of the capitalist rulers’ prisons, part of their class-driven criminal “justice” system. This is not a secret to the millions of workers who have been incarcerated or have a relative, neighbor, co-worker, or friend who was thrown behind bars.

Known as the “Omaha Two,” Poindexter and Wopashitwe Mondo Eyen we Langa (formerly David Rice), became well-known as organizers of protests against police brutality in the late 1960s, including the 1969 killing of 14-year-old Vivian Strong. For this, they were targeted by the Omaha police; agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and by the FBI.

They were framed in August 1970 on charges of killing an Omaha police officer, who had been lured into a home where a suitcase bomb exploded.

Supporters of Poindexter and we Langa had forced out into the open government documents showing how authorities were out to discredit and dismantle the Panthers’ political work. Witnesses placed the two Black rights fighters elsewhere at the time of the killing. Nonetheless, Poindexter and Langa were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. We Langa died in 2016 after 45 years behind bars.

Poindexter had deserved a new trial because of the “credible reports of significant misconduct in the prosecution” of the case, Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, said after his death. “Ultimately, you cannot separate this case from the circumstances at the time which continue to this day, namely law enforcement agencies targeting people and groups calling for racial justice.”

From the day they were arrested in 1970, to the day they died, Poindexter and Langa maintained their innocence. They were never broken by the prison system.

Paul John Gray, one of the founders of the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, Inc. in Memphis, Tennessee, died of Parkinson's disease on December 3, 2023, in his home in Walla Walla, Washington, at the age of 78.

At a young age, Paul exhibited concern for people less fortunate than himself. While a student at Duquesne University, he volunteered to help renovate a dilapidated house in a ghetto of Pittsburgh known as the Hill District. The house was then used as a center to integrate recovering alcoholics into society.

While in Graduate School, during the Federal Government's War on Poverty, Paul was hired as Special Assistant to the Mayor of Mount Vernon, New York, with the specific task of going daily into the tenement buildings to assess needs and propose and organize solutions, especially for youth who lived in wretched conditions.

After earning a master's degree in Catholic Theology from Manhattan College, New York, he spent over forty years teaching theology on the college level and working professionally for the Catholic Church in parishes in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Tennessee in the field of religious education and Christian formation. In every position, Paul created programs to meet the needs of individuals and families experiencing houselessness.

In 2006, Paul and his wife, Judy, joined with close friends in founding the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, Inc. in Memphis, Tennessee. Now, seventeen years later, there are three Houses providing temporary housing and support services to assist families suffering from poverty and houselessness.

After serving seven years as parish administrator for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Paul retired in 2009, then focusing on writing, presenting workshops, directing retreats, teaching in the Diocesan Institute for Liturgy and Spirituality, and serving on the Ministry Team for the Dorothy Day House.

Paul was known for his faith in God, for gentleness, kindness, wisdom, and constant outreach to the less fortunate. He was friend, mentor, guide, teacher, and inspiration to many, many people. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Lawrence Gray and Teresa Agnes O'Hara Gray, and a sister, Betty Gray Byrnes. He is survived by his brother, Richard E. Gray of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; by his wife, Judith Myers Gray; and by their children, Diane Gray-Chamberlain (Randy), Susie Gray-Miller, Jack Gray, Michael Gray (Jennifer), Stephen Gray, Katie Gray-Rogers, Sarah Gray (Lisa Bailey); and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dr. Douglas D. Alder, beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor and college president, passed away at home on November 25, 2023 surrounded by family with his beloved Elaine holding his hand. He was 91.
Born November 10, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Georgia Ellen Payzant and Linden Benson Alder, he became known by many as an enthusiastic mentor, community leader, teacher, scholar, historian, speaker and author whose exuberant presence instantly filled nearly every room he entered.
Doug graduated from Salt Lake City's East High School (1951) where he developed a love of learning and established enduring friendships with many, including some who became prominent Utah political and ecclesiastical leaders. At the University of Utah, he earned B.A. and Master's degrees in history and met the love of his life, Elaine Marie Reiser, daughter of A. Hamer Reiser and Elizabeth Robina Baxter. The two married December 20, 1958, a few months after Doug's father died of a heart attack.
While attending the U of U's LDS Seminary, Doug met legendary teacher Lowell Bennion, whose commitment to a life of service had a life-changing effect. Bennion and A. Hamer Reiser became Doug's father figures. Their influence inspired Doug to adopt lofty and profound ideals.
Doug's commitment to a life of service further developed while serving as an LDS missionary in the Swiss-Austrian mission from 1953 to 1956 and the National Guard from 1959 to 1962.
After his passion for history ignited at the U of U, Doug continued studying at the University of Oregon, where he received a Ph.D. in European history and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the University of Vienna. In 1963 Dr. Alder began a 23 year-long teaching career at Utah State University (USU) in Logan, including 12 years as Honors Program Director. In 1967 he was named Professor of the Year.
In 1973, the Alders spent a sabbatical year in Bloomington, Indiana supported by an American Council on Education's Leadership Fellowship. This inspired Doug's pursuit of the presidency at Dixie College (now Utah Tech University), where he served from 1986 to 1993. His leadership enabled improvements via endowments, academic program expansions and record student enrollments and graduations. His inclusive style inspired increased community engagement and institutional support.
Doug is fondly remembered by his students for conducting "The Interview" through which he quickly established his ambitious, customized recommendations for their academic futures. He shunned "Get by-ism" and inspired many students to believe in themselves more than they previously knew possible. Thousands of these students credit him with offering profound advice that decisively altered their paths–toward greatness.
In both Cache and Washington Counties, Doug served on many boards focused on supporting city/county libraries, historic preservation and arts/cultural events. Doug also served tirelessly in the LDS church. He was an important bridge between people of other faiths and Latter-day Saints. He loved teaching Sunday school, being a home teacher, singing in choirs, working for the Correlation committee at the LDS Church Office Building, nurturing the community of church historians, sitting on High Councils, serving as bishop (twice), serving with Elaine in the St. George Temple Presidency (1998-2001) and for 25 years as a Temple Sealer.
Doug and Elaine raised four children, who, in their youth, helped build a modest cabin overlooking Bear Lake in Garden City, Utah. Dubbed "ALK Haven" (meaning All Little Kids Haven), the cabin is now the Alder's cherished multi-generational gathering retreat. Doug loved marveling at the beauty of Rich County, which became the setting for his novel Sons of Bear Lake.
During his final 15 years, Doug valiantly danced around the debilitating effects of dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and then in 2023, bladder cancer. Until his final two months, he faced each day with unquenchable purpose and limitless drive while being blessed by Elaine's constant care and attention.
The Alder family expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of love from family and friends during Doug and Elaine's stay at The Covington of Lehi and tender service from the caregivers of Dignity Hospice who made his last two months more bearable.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers: Richard Jerome and Daniel Blaine; a sister, Judith Alder Saxey; and brother-in-law, Kent H. Saxey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine; his children: Scott (Betsy Hepworth), Elise (Russell) Clark, Nathan (Laurel Cannon), Lin (Pam Sunshine), and 14 grandchildren: Rebecca (Nick) Bjorkman, Benjamin Alder, Elizabeth (Brandon) Anderson, Ethan (Lindsey) Clark, Catherine Alder (Tim Russell), Jacob Alder (Zoe Morgan), Caleb Clark (Rachel Benson), Madeleine Alder, Emily Clark (Hunter Brannen), Clara Alder (Clayton Holdstock), Jonathan Alder, Eli Wilcox, Abby Wilcox, Avery Alder; and eight great grandchildren: Alexis, Elle, Nixon, Adabella, Rosett, Nova, Carolly and Milo.