The Memorial Wall

Herman William "Bill" Steinberg, Jr. died peacefully, in the company of his family on February 28th, at home in Altadena, CA at the age of 72.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Quirk; his eldest daughter Sarah Orenstein, her husband Daniel Orenstein, and their son Theo; his younger daughter Hannah Steinberg and her partner Quin Venedicto. Bill was born on December 12th, 1948 in Passaic, NJ to Herman Steinberg and Selma Moore. He began his studies at Duke University (where he staked a claim as a lifelong Blue Devils basketball fan) with a BA in Theology, followed by a MA in Religious Studies at UCSB, and earned his Ph.D. at the California School of Professional Psychology. In November of 1983,

Bill married Mary, a colleague who caught his eye during his time as Head of the Psychology Department at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach. He continued his career as a private-practice therapist in Pasadena, which he maintained until his retirement in 2005. Bill and Mary made their home of 37 years in Altadena, where they raised their two daughters. In spite of his thirty-year battle with Parkinson's Disease, Bill was buoyed by his humor, determination, and the steadfast care provided by his wife, family, physicians (notably his neurologist, Dr. Richard Spitzer), caregivers, and community of friends.

He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, intellect, and kindness; for his love of Dodgers and Pirates baseball, and time spent with family at home and in New Jersey, Louisiana, and Georgia. 

Ralph Rodley, Jr. was a retired conductor of Union Pacific Railroad (formerly Southern Pacific) who passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Originally hired out on the SP in Dunsmuir, California, Ralph finished his career in the Los Angeles service unit as a Crest Conductor at City of Industry in 2014. He was a member of Peer Support as well as Local 240.

Ralph or “Ralphie” or “JR” as he was fondly known, was born in McCloud, California on June 11, 1954, to Beverly and Ralph Rodley. He grew up in Dunsmuir where he played some high school sports, worked for his Father at Rodley Motors as well as for the lumber mill and eventually the railroad. He even had his real estate license and enjoyed flipping houses. He was a member of the Dunsmuir Lions where he was the youngest President.

After getting married, Ralph and Sandy moved to Covina, California. He was a devoted father and volunteered on the board of Covina American Little League, and even after the kids had gotten too old to play, he became President for 2 years so the program could continue. 

He had many passions some of which were going to all kinds of swap meets, restoring old cars, he loved woodworking, building, and creating in his shop. He loved the art of finding the “deal.” If he knew someone needed something he would set out to find that item and then get the best deal for it. He was always busy doing something for someone or starting a new project. He was the neighborhood fix-it guy.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandy (Kline), and their children Vanessa (Jennifer), Justin, and Halle (Robert), and 4 grandchildren; Daniel, Andrew, Ella, and Ryan. He is survived by his sister Patricia and many cousins, Rail brothers, friends, and extended family as well as his beloved furry family.

He was a rock, a warrior, and never gave up hope. He lived with Parkinson’s disease for over 16 years and passed away from complications caused by it. In his memory his family would love it if you could make a contribution to the Ralph Rodley Memorial at Parkinson’s Resource Organization: 74090 El Paseo, Suite 104, Palm Desert, Ca. 92260.

1930 - 2018 La Quinta, CA., Mel Benjamin. Loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at home with his loved ones at his side on March 30th. Born in Detroit, Mel's family moved to California when he was five. He grew up in the Santa Monica beach area where he excelled in and loved swimming. He was in the 1948 Olympics in England. A veteran of WWII and the Korean war. He attended Santa Monica CC, UCLA, and Otis Art Institute. An accomplished artist who designed the original souvenirs for Disney to be sold at Disneyland. He was a painter, sculptor, published author, successful businessman, musical talent, and exceptional humorist. A special man, humble, kind, and a person who lived by the golden rule. He was gifted with an enormous capacity for making those around him laugh. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Sandi, his son Kurt (Jill) and daughters Janis (Ken) and Nikki, and five grandchildren, Dakota, Jonathan, Jessica, Paige, and Graham. He loved his family with every fiber and to his wife, he gave an undying love that shall live on with her forever.

Dr. Walker Lee Breland, 85, husband of June Starr Price Breland, passed away on Palm Sunday, March 28, after a courageous 14 year battle with Parkinson's disease.

Walker, a native of Walterboro, SC, began playing music by ear in his elementary school years. Learning to read music came next, where he traveled to Charleston to take piano and organ lessons from Vernon Weston. A graduate of Walterboro High School, he served as drum major and accompanied various choral groups. Walker received a full scholarship to Furman University, where he served as the accompanist for the Furman Singers. After graduating from Furman, he married his high school sweetheart, June Price Breland, and served in the U.S. Army.

Walker pursued his Ph.D. in sacred music from Indiana University. While in graduate school, he served as organist of North Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana. Walker served as a professor of music at Columbia College, Columbia, SC from 1965-1972. Each summer, he led educational tours for his students all throughout Europe. While living in Columbia, Walker served as the organist of Cayce UMC and Trenholm Road UMC.

In 1972, Walker moved to Tennessee to work as a professor of music at the University of TN at Chattanooga. He led the Madrigal Singers and taught one of his favorites, a Survey of Jazz, as well as organ instruction. Walker chaired various committees including the Academic Affairs and Athletic Committees. He retired from UTC in 2004 after serving 32 years. Walker was a popular professor amongst the student body---it would not be unusual for former students to greet him while out and about in Chattanooga with his family, and remark that "they love jazz or classical music" because of his course at UTC.

While in Chattanooga, Walker served as the organist for First Centenary UMC, for 25 years. Upon retirement, he was named Organist Emeritus. Walker was encouraged to record a CD of his most requested organ pieces. One, in particular, the Fifth Organ Symphony in F, Op 42 #1, by Charles-Marie Widor, was always played on Easter services annually. This same recording was featured in his youngest granddaughter's wedding recessional when he was not able to play due to his Parkinson's disease. He was a gifted musician, who not only played the notes proficiently but allowed the Holy Spirit to infill his work, which he played to the glory of God. One of the honors of his life was to serve as the President of the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, in its early years of inception. Walker was proud of the offerings of all genres of music to the wider Chattanooga community and the many lasting friendships he made along the way.

Walker and June were fortunate to travel the world together before his Parkinson's diagnosis and loved spending time with their four grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, June of Charleston SC; daughters: Beth Breland Snyder (Greg) of Johns Island, SC and Melanie Breland Hembree (Wade) of Milton, Ga; four grandchildren: Rachel Snyder Miller (Luke) of Knoxville, TN, Sarah Snyder Brown (Cary) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Walker and Will Hembree of Milton, GA; one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Frances Miller; and his sister, Irene Stokes (Don) of Dunwoody, GA. Additionally, Walker is survived by his extended family, sister-in-law, Judy Rembert Price of Simpsonville, SC; nieces and nephew, Paige Price McCluskey (Chris) of Anderson, SC, Rachael Price Garcia (Charles) of Simpsonville, SC and Becky and Jimmy Halford, of Atlanta, GA.

Walker was predeceased by his parents, Julius Earl Breland and Reba Walker Breland, of Walterboro, SC.

We remember the life and cherish the memory of Mary Kathryn (Broderick) Whalen. Mary was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1935. She was the third of five children (Richard, Patricia, James, and Margaret) to Cyril and Eva Broderick. The family moved to Montebello, California in the 1950s, "... and as a young girl, she attended both Sacred Heart of Mary High School for Young Women and Montebello High School.

She met the love of her life, Harry Whalen, at a party. From then on, they were inseparable and were married in 1954. From their home in Whittier, California, they selflessly raised 10 children and taught them the value of family, the virtue of love, and the gift of laughter. Their family grew and grew, and the shared moments of family, love, and especially laughter became lasting memories for all.

Mary loved to sew, cook, and collect various treasures throughout her life. She had an infectious smile and showed compassion to all. She would wake up her children every day with her beautiful voice and sing "Good Morning to You" before they got ready for school. Despite her large family keeping her busy, Mary still made time for everyone. She always enjoyed being with her friends, neighbors, and her church where she volunteered her time regularly.

Mary is survived by her husband, Harry, of 66 beautiful years, and their loving children Tom (Terri), Bob (Karen), Jim (Lisa), Cathy (Larry), John (Kari), Mike (Beth), Rich (Christy), Tim (Suzy), Laura (Bryan), and Patty (Dana), their 23 grandchildren, and their 6 great-grandchildren