The Memorial Wall

Richard Caster

Richard Caster

January 1, 1949 - February 2, 2024

Former Jets tight end Richard Caster died Friday after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease, J.T. Keith of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger reports. Caster was 75.

The Jets made Caster a second-round pick in 1970 out of Jackson State.

He helped revolutionize the tight end position at 6 foot 5 and 228 pounds and with 4.5 speed in the 40. He earned three Pro Bowls in eight seasons with the Jets and went on to play for Houston (1978-80), New Orleans (1981) and Washington (1981-82).

Caster made 245 receptions for 4,434 yards and 36 touchdowns in his time with the Jets, and he finished his career with 322 receptions for 5,515 yards and 45 touchdowns, averaging 17.1 yards per catch.

He appeared in 161 games with 119 starts.

Remembering Richard Caster

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Larry Reynolds

Larry Reynolds

January 1, 1953 - January 27, 2024

Larry Reynolds put his stamp on the UC Riverside men’s basketball program before building the Cal State San Bernardino men’s basketball team into a NCAA Division II national contender.

“His impact was so subtly good that people didn’t realize it,” said Reynolds’ former UCR teammate Tony Masi. “He was just a regular guy who loved basketball and people and his impact was like a heartbeat – you don’t realize it’s working, but you absolutely need it and couldn’t work without it.”

Reynolds, the former UC Riverside player and assistant coach and a four-time California Collegiate Athletic Association coach of the year at Cal State San Bernardino, died Saturday, Jan. 27, after a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy, an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease. He was 71.

“What a winner and a champion in all ways – as a coach and as the most respected, professional, genuine, kind and loyal man I have ever known,” former CSUSB athletic director Nancy Simpson said. “Larry was truly larger than life and will be missed tremendously.”

Reynolds guided the Coyotes to a national No. 1 ranking and the Elite Eight in 1999 and provided “the opportunity of a lifetime” for long-time assistant coach and eventual successor Jeff Oliver.

“Me and my family owe everything to him,” said Oliver, who was hired as Reynolds’ replacement before coaching the Yotes for 16 years. “I was there in ’99 when we kind of broke everything open and put San Bernardino on the map, and they haven’t looked back since.”

“During his time at CSUSB, he consistently inspired me to be a better coach,” CSUSB women’s volleyball coach Kim Cherniss said. “His presence was simply undeniable.”

A native of Los Angeles, Reynolds was the CCAA’s player of the year in 1975 at UC Riverside and was an assistant coach alongside John Masi for 16 seasons.

“He did it all really, extremely well,” said Masi, who played alongside Reynolds at UC Riverside. “He was an amazing athlete. Smooth and quick and could shoot the ball and it was an absolute pleasure to play with him.”

As a player, Reynolds was the catalyst as the Highlanders won two West Regional championships. As an assistant coach starting in 1976, Reynolds was a trusted lieutenant as UCR won seven CCAA titles, received 10 NCAA Division II tournament bids, advanced to the Elite 8 three times and played for the NCAA Division II championship in 1995.

“His connection with my brother, John, was tremendous and he was that guy,” Tony Masi said. “He got along with everybody and was a personable, friendly and enjoyable guy to be around. “

After San Bernardino, Reynolds spent five seasons at Long Beach State and coached Stanislaus State to its first and only NCAA Division II tournament berth in 2013. He was inducted into the CSUSB Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.

“He set the standard for Coyote basketball winning championships, making NCAA tournament runs and elevating the program on a national level,” current CSUSB basketball coach Gus Argenal said. “Coach Reynolds had a lasting impact on his players and has mentored so many in the coaching profession, including myself.”

Reynolds’ all-time winning percentage (.759) at CSUSB remains the best of any coach in the school’s history.

Remembering Larry Reynolds

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Philip Albert Forbes

Philip Albert Forbes

February 6, 1937 - January 23, 2024

Philip A. Forbes, a highly decorated Marine veteran, died on January 23, 2024, at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. He was 86 years old. He died of Parkinsons Disease.

Philip was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on February 6, 1937. He was a Southern Gentleman to his core. He was the only child born to Philip Bosman Forbes (1892 -1977) and Lillian Goff Forbes (1902 -1991).

Philip attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia for four years (1951-1955). He attended Virginia Military Institute for one year and then returned to his beloved Louisiana to attend Louisiana State University. He graduated from LSU in 1960. While there he ran track, played baseball and was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He served as the Cadet Colonel of the ROTC. He was in the fraternity Phi Cappa Theta for four years where he served as Vice President.

In 1960 he joined the United States Marine Corps, attending Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He served as an Infantry Officer throughout his time in the Marine Corps and he loved every day of it. Philip was in Force Recon having received training in Guerilla Warfare Intelligence (1966), Amphibious Warfare (1969), 5th Force Recon Co Jumpmaster Training (1969) and SCUBA @er Training (1970) among other training. He held badges for parachuting (198 jumps) and underwater demolition. He served two tours in Vietnam and worked as an advisor for the Vietnamese Marines. He talked happily of eating rice balls with the men he trained. Philip was in combat often and held eight Personal Awards for Valor. He earned two Purple Hearts. He is the most highly decorated Marine from Louisiana from the Vietnam War. Philip served on the United States Marine Corps Competitive Rifle Team. Philip retired from the Marine Corps In 1984, however, he remained a consummate and passionate Marine. While working for the Veterans Administration post-retirement his office voicemail was “Perimeter is secure, troops are fed and morale is very high. Semper Fi, Philip Forbes.” People would call just to hear the message.

Philip’s interests were eclectic. He loved reading Hemingway and in 2000 he and a number of his friends were in Pamplona, Spain for a week where he ran with the bulls. He was close enough to touch them and one horn did “poke” his arm, for him a badge of honor. He was a lifetime fan of the New York Yankees and one spring in 1995 he attended Yankee Fantasy Camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he was able to play baseball with Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Hank Bower, Yogi Berra and so many other wonderful players. He loved old movies and collected films. He could tell you the names of the stars and directors of all the old classics.

Philip loved the music of the great composers; Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Bobby Short, Hank Williams. He knew so many of the lyrics and could belt out the tunes while doing a little soft shoe.

The books on his shelves were divided into sections. Some were biographies of the stars — Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Fred Astaire, and John Ford. Most were history with an emphasis on the Civil War and military history.

Philip had a quick wit, a twinkle in his eye and loved a good party. He often wore his Forbes kilt and opened the champagne bottles with a swipe of his Marine Corps sword.

He married Deanna Bergeron in 1959. They divorced in 1981. He married Nan M. Joseph in 1983. They were married for forty years.

His survivors are his wife, Nan M. Joseph Forbes, his children, Philip Forbes, Jr., Michelle Paddock, Nan M. Forbes and Robert R. Forbes, his grandchildren, Jack Henry Paddock, Andrew Forbes, Charles Paddock and Matthew Forbes; great-grandchildren Emet Paddock and Levi Paddock; and his former wife, Deanna Bergeron.

The family gives thanks to all the staff at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, especially Haley Mozie, Shannon Kauffman and Stacy Cheek.

He was truly a unique individual from a time long past. His generosity, his thoughtfulness and his spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Remembering Philip Albert Forbes

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Dr. Jerry Fredrik Toller

Dr. Jerry Fredrik Toller

January 1, 1932 - January 22, 2024

Dr. Jerry F. Toller died on January 22, 2024, from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. He was 91 years old.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; his sister, Rosemary Cagnina; his two sons, Wesley and Wade; and his three loving grandchildren, Bristol, Samanta, and Neil. Sadly, Jerry was predeceased by his daughter, Amy who died of cancer in 2015.

Jerry's journey began in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1932. He was born to Rosa Maria and Heinrich Toller. Jerry had a simple midwestern upbringing and he grew into a boy who was kind, humble, studious, hard-working, and quietly self-confident. He stayed true to his roots as he moved through life.

As a young man, Jerry worked in his uncle's pharmacy where he developed an interest in medicine as a way of helping others. While earning his pharmacy degree from Creighton University, Jerry met Dolores who he married soon afterwards.

After serving in the Army, Jerry continued his work as a pharmacist but realized that he wanted to do more. He then pursued a degree in medicine at the University of Iowa.

In 1965, Jerry moved his family westward, ultimately settling in Yuba City, CA, where he would begin his practice of family medicine. In those early days, family physicians would make actual house calls. Jerry always answered the call, jumping into his old blue Buick with medical bag and stethoscope in hand. He loved working with patients. All told, he spent more than four decades ensuring every one of his patients received the best treatment possible.

After retirement, Jerry found time to explore the world with family and friends. He enjoyed cruises with Dolores to far-off destinations, fishing trips to Alaska with his boys, and relaxing getaways to Maui or Lake Tahoe. He especially enjoyed spending time with his circle of close friends, and he will be fondly remembered for his Shenanigans at Thursday night poker. Jerry also had a passion for gardening, and he grew some of the best tomatoes you will ever taste.

When Jerry's journey ended, he was where he wanted to be - in his home with family and friends. Jerry was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be missed.

Remembering Dr. Jerry Fredrik Toller

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Marianne Dunn Wofford

Marianne Dunn Wofford

December 19, 1949 - January 20, 2024

Marianne Dunn Wofford died on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, after a brave battle with Parkinson's disease.

A loving Granny to Beck and Keane, a steadfast friend and a businesswoman of integrity, she loved to cook and entertain. Her homes reflected her unique taste and love of colorful, lively artwork. Likewise, her gardens were full of texture and color, providing visitors relaxing warm surroundings in which to commune.

Marianne was born in Searcy, Ark., on Dec. 19, 1949, the sixth of seven children. She attended college at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. After marrying, she relocated to San Antonio, where she lived for 14 years and served as a bank officer at Alamo National Bank. In 1984, she moved to Kerrville, Texas, and received her bachelor's degree in business at Schreiner College. While studying there, she also worked as an alumni liaison for the Hill Country College Fund.

She spent the next 22 years as an investment advisor with A.G. Edwards and Morgan Stanley before opening her own Ameriprise Financial office (Collum, Wofford and Associates) with Dawn Collum in 2012. She took great pleasure and care in helping her clients plan their financial futures.

Marianne believed in serving her community and did so on numerous boards and committees, most significant of which was fundraising for the Dietert Center and co-chairing the Hill Country College Fund. She was also the first woman president of the Rotary Club of Kerrville, and served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014, Marianne, as was typical, found a way to turn a negative into a positive by helping others. With help from a few close friends and support from Peterson Regional Medical Center, she set about creating a Parkinson's support group. Its monthly attendance quickly grew and continues to provide information and support to patients and caregivers. While servicing on the support group board, she helped bring to Kerrville the beneficial Parkinson's therapy programs Big and Loud and Rock Steady Boxing. She received an award for this work from the San Antonio Parkinson's Association.

Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, O.L. Dunn and Blyss Gentry Dunn; as well as brothers, Gentry Owen Dunn, Danny Lane Dunn and Michael Duane Dunn; and sisters, Carolyn Blyss Dunn Householder, Pamela Jean Dunn Griffin and Rita Dunn Sultan. As adults, she and her sisters took "Sisters' Trips" and had so much fun that their brothers decided they would travel along as well.

She is survived by her son, Bryan David Wofford, his wife, Erin Mosty Wofford, and her beloved grandsons, Beck Scott Wofford and Keane Emmet Wofford, all of Center Point, Texas. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all who brought great joy to her life. She was affectionately known as "Granny" to many great-nieces and -nephews.

Marianne unfailingly touched lives with her kind spirit and is leaving many loved ones and friends to honor her life.

Remembering Marianne Dunn Wofford

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

James G. Rutter Jr.

James G. Rutter Jr.

November 27, 1947 - January 19, 2024

James G. Rutter Jr., 75, of Brunswick, died Jan. 19, 2024, from Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1947, in Sewickley, Pa. to James Rutter and Julia Sovak. Jim graduated from Foxboro High School, Foxboro, Mass., before joining the United States Army, serving in Germany and Vietnam from 1965 to 1969, attaining the rank of Specialist 5. He received a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. Jim earned a BA from the University of Boston in 1978, majoring in English. Jim worked for the Social Security Administration.

Jim was an active sportsman. He hiked the Appalachian Trail, ran in the Boston, Baltimore, and New York City Marathons, and completed the Mt Washington, NH Run. Jim was also an avid bicyclist, cross-country skier, ice skater, photographer, and author.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Constance Willis Rutter, brother David Rutter and a large extended family.

Remembering James G. Rutter Jr.

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Margaret “Peggy” Rich

Margaret “Peggy” Rich

June 25, 1926 - January 17, 2024

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.

Remembering Margaret “Peggy” Rich

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Mickey Cottrell

Mickey Cottrell

September 4, 1944 - January 1, 2024

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 BoneBody 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 WoodPaper 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.

Remembering Mickey Cottrell

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Carl Robinson

Carl Robinson

January 1, 1947 - December 22, 2023

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.

Remembering Carl Robinson

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Reza Safaipur

Reza Safaipur

January 1, 1949 - December 18, 2023

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.

 

Remembering Reza Safaipur

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Contact Us

Address
Parkinson's Resource Organization
74785 Highway 111
Suite 208
Indian Wells, CA 92210

Local Phone
(760) 773-5628

Toll-Free Phone
(877) 775-4111

General Information
info@parkinsonsresource.org

 

Like! Subscribe! Share!

Did you know that you can communicate with us through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and now Instagram?

PRIVACY POLICY TEXT

 

Updated: August 16, 2017