The Memorial Wall

Tom Lester, best known for his role as the smart-aleck farmhand Eb Dawson on the ’60s sitcom “Green Acres,” died Monday in Nashville, Tenn. from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Lester, who was 81, was the last surviving actor of the original “Green Acres” cast.

His death was confirmed by his brother Michael on Facebook and in local media reports.

Born Sep. 23, 1938 in Jackson, Miss., Lester grew up working on his grandfather’s farm. He earned a degree in chemistry at the University of Mississippi and taught in Oklahoma for a few years before making the move to Hollywood. Lester landed his role in “Green Acres” in 1965, beating out the competition because he was the only actor who could actually milk a cow.

He went on to star in “Green Acres” until the show’s end in 1971, also appearing in the two related series “Petticoat Junction” and “Beverly Hillbillies.” Lester and co-star Eddie Albert, who played lawyer Oliver Wendell Douglas on the show, formed a tight-knit friendship and he often referred to Albert as his “surrogate father.”

After “Green Acres,” Lester appeared in movies such as “Benji” in 1974 and “Gordy” in 1994, as well as popular TV series like “Little House on the Prairie” and “Knight Rider.” Lester traveled the country to speak to religious gatherings and youth groups about Christianity.

Lester split his time between Mississippi and Hollywood as he owned a 250-acre timber farm which won him a “Wildlife Farmer of the Year” award in 1997. He died in Nashville, Tenn. at the home of his fiancée and caregiver Jackie Peters.

He is survived by Peters and his brother.

He played the wide-eyed, friendly farmhand Eb Dawson on the sitcom, where he was known to say, “Golly, Mr. Douglas.” The Mississippi native began acting in plays after moving to Los Angeles and is said to have beat out 400 other actors for the part of Eb because he knew how to milk a cow.

Lester was also known to be a fan of the simple life. According to a 1969 newspaper article, he was living “in an apartment above a garage in the San Fernando Valley” even at the height of his “Green Acres” fame. He continued owned a large timber farm later in life and won the award for Mississippi’s “Wildlife Farmer of the Year.”

He became the last surviving “Green Acres” cast members after Mary Grace Canfield passed away in 2014.

The actor also appeared on its spinoff series “Petticoat Junction” and did a crossover episode as Eb on “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

His other credits included the film “Benji” (1974) and “Gordy” (1994), as well as TV appearances on “Little House on the Prairie” and “Knight Rider.”

Bob was born on March 14, 1940 in Louisville, KY to Ernest and Cornelia Gibson. He was one of four brothers growing up and was proud of his Kentucky roots. After graduating from Southern High School in 1958, Bob joined the US Army as an infantryman. He was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany where he met and married Anneliese, his wife of over 40 years and mother to his four children. Bob was part of a team that opened the first McDonalds store in Germany in the 1960's. The family moved to Washington State in 1973, and Bob went on to practice real estate in Snohomish County for many years, making lots of lifelong friends along the way. In 1993 Bob became an owner and operator of Travel Designers in Lake Stevens, WA, leading to many world travels and adventures. Bob was extremely active in the alcoholism recovery community and had a passion for helping people to get and stay sober. He founded the Union Club in Snohomish, WA, sat on boards for several treatment centers, and was a frequent speaker on the topic of recovery. He was instrumental in the path to sobriety for many, and wouldn't hesitate to be there at any hour for a friend or stranger. For the last 15 years, Bob escaped the rain of the Pacific Northwest and lived in the desert in Indio, CA with his companion, Lily. He was known for his resonating laugh, positive and caring attitude, and infectious smile. He had a zest for life and cherished time spent with family and friends. He had a lifetime passion for golf, with a hole-in-one to his credit. He loved traveling the world, music, sports, and was a crossword puzzle master. Bob played a mean ragtime-style piano, and despite his modesty on the topic, was a true entertainer. He loved being a father and was active in his children's lives, coaching sports teams and always there with solid advice and words of encouragement. He embraced any reason to celebrate, was the loudest voice in any rendition of "Happy Birthday" and the first to pull out the Christmas decorations each year. Bob is survived by his longtime companion, Lily Garvic; his four children, Carmen (Dale), Eric, Desiree, and Fabienne; his brother, Richard (Trudy); and six grandchildren.

WHITINSVILLE - Richard H. Vander Brug, 88, of Whitinsville passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, Northbridge. He was the husband of Gertrude G. (De Jong) Vander Brug.

Mr. Vander Brug had been a mechanic for Anchor Motor Freight for 23 years before retiring in 1998. He also worked at Casey Equipment in Mendon and Koopman Tractor for 18 years.

He was born November 12, 1931 in Whitinsville, the son of the late Henry and Edith (Harkma) Vander Brug and was a graduate of Northbridge High School, class of 1950. Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Korea conflict.

Richard was a former deacon and church elder at the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church and was a board member for the Whitinsville Christian School. He also enjoyed his bowling league, gardening and family gatherings.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Gertrude, he is survived by two sons, Wayne R. and his wife Pat Vander Brug of Whitinsville and Henry R. and his wife Cynthia Vander Brug of Uxbridge; two daughters, Debra L. and her husband David Hartman of Thornton, CO and Melissa F. and her husband John Hinken of Hudsonville, MI; a sister, Katheryn and her husband Bob Vander Baan of Whitinsville; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, William and his wife Janet Vander Brug.

Visiting hours and graveside funeral services will be private.

Irwin Gershow, beloved father, grandfather, community member, and friend, died peacefully on Monday, April 6 at 9:54pm in Eugene, Oregon. He was 83-years-old.

Irwin was born in Brooklyn in 1936, an only child to Frieda Gershow (nee Rutstein) and Moshe (Morris) Gershow. He spent his childhood and early adulthood helping in his parents' grocery store and soaking up New York's culture, including subway rides to live theater and the Philharmonic. His early love for the arts continued through his life. He was an avid reader, classical music lover, and especially, art collector, filling his homes with modern art and later, photography.

He moved to Ann Arbor, MI to attend the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, and ended up spending most of the next forty years in Michigan, first in Detroit and then Huntington Woods, with his wife, Eeta, and two daughters, Rebecca and Miriam. He had particular love for Detroit, which he called, "a big city with a small town feel," as only someone from New York City could. He spent most of his career as a marriage and family therapist with the Henry Ford Hospital systems, before retiring and opening the Third Eye photography dealership from his home, specializing in black and white photography from around the globe. Even in his final days, as other parts of his memory failed, he could look at a piece of art and immediately name the artist. Though he left New York in his late 20s, he was always a New Yorker at heart; a bathroom in his Huntington Woods home was wallpapered in collected New Yorker magazine covers, its centerpiece a framed letter to him from then-editor Tina Brown.

Irwin spent much of his life grappling with his identity. At age 65, he came out to his family and friends as gay. This process was not without pain, though it opened a new and necessary chapter in Irwin's life. He moved to Palm Springs CA, where he found a close community of friends, including many other older gay men, who became a dear, late-in-life family for him. He met his partner, Joe Pon, who he spent three years with before Joe's death in 2017. He saw and celebrated a remarkable shift in cultural attitudes during his lifetime. As a boy in Brooklyn, he had not even known of the existence of the word "gay;" by the end of his life, he was attending Pride celebrations and witnessing marriage equality.

Irwin's final move was to Eugene OR to be with his children and grandchildren for the last three years of his life. Irwin was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his late 60s, and he faced the disease with stubbornness, determination, and a fair bit of his characteristic kvetching. He was proud to announce he was in the "top 9%" of Parkinson's patient longevity. He tried nearly every Parkinson's disease drug and treatment modality, and remained at least semi-ambulatory until the last weeks of his life.

Photographs from Irwin's personal collection have been donated to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. After a childhood being dragged along to art museums across the country, Irwin's children look forward to future generations of children being dragged along to see the work that brought Irwin such joy.

Irwin is survived by his ex-wife Eeta Gershow (Freeman), his two daughters, Rebecca and Miriam, his sons-in-law, Tim Black and Jordan Bishko, his three beloved grandchildren, Eliza, Nora and Eli, and many friends across the country. "I have lived many lives," Irwin often said. These lives were rich in people he loved and who loved him dearly.

Nicholas Gregory Ciriello passed away on April 5, 2020 after a long battle with Cancer and Parkinson's Disease.

Nick was born in Waterbury, CT on May 31, 1938. He graduated from the Taft School, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University, class of 1959. Upon graduation, Nick was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to France.

While studying in France, Nick met his future wife, Janet, a fellow Fulbright scholar.

Nick returned to the US and subsequently graduated from Harvard Law School, class of 1963.

Nick was a founding shareholder of the National Partnership Investment Corporation ("NAPICO"), a Los Angeles based real estate syndication and management company. NAPICO sponsored private and SEC registered investments.

Prior to NAPICO, Nick had been Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Angeles Corporation (formerly Shareholders Capital Corporation), a Los Angeles based, financial services company. In New York, Nick was associated with the law firm of Cleary, Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Nick was a benefactor of the Music Center, and served as an officer and member of the Board of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; he guided a restructuring effort for the Orchestra in 1995, and was as a member of its advisory board.

Perhaps his greatest personal success, was as a founding Board Member of the Los Angeles Opera, where he served on many committees and as an Officer of the Board for the past 33 years.

Nick was a Trustee of the Center for Early Education, as a member if the Yale Development Board, co-Chairman of Parent Giving for the Harvard Westlake School, in Los Angeles.

He was also active in class and alumni affairs for the Taft School, Watertown, Connecticut.

Nick will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, generosity of spirit, and helpfulness to others. He was a steady and ready friend who was present and involved.

Nick was a father to three wonderful sons, Nicholas, Carlo, and Matthew and a grandfather to seven small humans. One of Nick's favorite paternal joys was to dispense advice to his boys. His sons were often grateful for his insightful guidance, and always appreciative of each other - among whom they could spread his deep wisdom.

Nick could turn a phrase, be witty and wise, and was always loving. He treasured his family and will be kept close in their loving memories. Contributions may be made in Nick's memory to L.A. Opera, Yale University, or the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Nick is survived by his wife, Janet, his three sons, three daughters in law, and seven grandchildren.

Ted Gordon Johnston, of Ogilvie, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Signe and Olivia's Assisted Living in Ogilvie. He was 91 years old.

Ted was born on March 24, 1929 in Kanabec County, Minnesota to parents Leonard and Lydia (Olson) Johnston.

Ted served with the 1st Cal. Division of the United States Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953 and was awarded the combat infantrymen badge, a symbol of close-quarter fighting with the enemy.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents and son Paul.

He is survived by his wife Esther; sons, Steve and Chuck (Marcy); grandchildren, Tristan, Rylee, Colton, and Lacey; sisters, Muriel and Margaret; many other relatives and friends.

Esther Janet Jacox, 78, left this earth to go on to glory on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

Born in Pennsylvania, she was the youngest of 11 siblings.

She attended nursing school in Pittsburgh.

It was in her first year of her nursing career that she met her dear friend, Nancy McKeever. They went on to be lifelong friends and co-parents of their (combined) three daughters.

Ms. Jacox's career as a Registered Nurse spanned 35 years, with the last 16 years spent at UCLA Medical Center.

In 1995, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 54. Though she took early retirement from nursing to ease some of the physical demands at the onset of the disease, she went on to work as a house manager for a home for women in crisis pregnancies for three more years of working before fully retiring.

Ms. Jacox then went on to volunteer, serve as an elder, and worship actively at St. John's Presbyterian Church.

She fought valiantly, stubbornly, and faithfully to live fully and beyond limits in the 24 years she endured the progressive problems of Parkinson's.

Ms. Jacox loved cooking, card games, crossword puzzles, murder mystery novels, attending church, painting and music.

She was known to all as caring, wise, loving, insightful and faithful.

Survivors include her daughter, Heather; son-in-law, Omar; godchildren, Nancy and Stacey; sister-friend, Nancy Sr.; and siblings Roy (Fibber), Blaine (Farmer) and Julu.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Izie, her father, Irvin; and siblings Mary, Francis, Ada, Russell, Reed, Sara (Deo) and Claire (Buddy).

Frank was born February 15, 1934 in Waterbury, Connecticut and passed away March 15, 2020 in Redondo Beach, CA.

Frank served 4 years in the United States Air Force. He married his wife, Mary, in October 1954 and they had two children, a son, Vic Buytkus and a daughter, Beverly Campbell, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Frank worked at National Crash Register (NCR) for several years in the Quality Assurance Department. After leaving NCR, he decided to try his hand at becoming a Real Estate Agent, serving the Torrance, CA area.

Frank was a member of the Forties Limited Club in Orange County and his prize possession was his 40 Ford Pickup.

Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003. At that time, we were told it was slow progressing, but over the years it began to pick up speed and eventually took over his body. He is now at peace and in very good hands.

On Friday, February 28, 2020, Alexander "Alex" Rados, loving husband and father of two children, construction industry visionary, church and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 surrounded by his family. Alex was born on June 7, 1928, in Los Angeles, California, eldest child of Steve P. and Angie Rados. After graduating from Eagle Rock High School, Alex was accepted at Stanford University in 1945, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1949 and his MBA in 1951. Six months after graduating from Stanford, Alex was drafted into the U.S. Army at the onset of the Korean War and assigned within the United States. After completing his two years of service in the U.S. Military, Alex planned to work in New York. However, due to his father Steve P.'s declining health, and at the request of his mother Angie, he returned to Southern California to work with his father in the family construction business. Alex's father died in 1957, and at the age of 29, Alex became President of Steve P. Rados, Inc. until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure as President, Alex's example of hard work and his moral and ethical leadership were an inspiration to all of its employees. As President of Steve P. Rados, Inc., Alex led the company in its growth, laying the foundation for the company's future success. At the death of his father, he became the Patriarch of the family, especially for his younger brothers, Wally who was 17 years old at the time, and Steve S. who was only 11. In 1956 Alex married Sandra, who was his loving and devoted companion throughout the 63 years of their marriage. She was his steadfast partner throughout his battle with Parkinson's Disease. During his many years as President of the company, Alex participated on numerous boards and was the recipient of various awards.

He was a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Economic Development; a Director of the Orange County Boy Scouts of America; a Director of the Lon V. Smith Foundation; and a member of the Stanford Athletic Board. Alex was named President of The Beavers in the year 2000, which is a national heavy engineering construction association. He served on the board of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California and the California Contractors State License Board. Alex was Chairman of the Los Angeles District of AGC of California, and Chairman of the Heavy and Underground Division of AGC of California. He was also named "Construction Executive of the Year" in 1992 by the Construction Financial Management Association of Southern California. Alex was recipient of the prestigious "DIG" Award in 1999, presented by the Engineering Contractors' Association. Alex was very active in his church, Saint Steven's Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, where he became a member as a young man in 1956. He actively served on Cathedral boards and committees, including as President of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board of Control. In 1996 he was presented with one of the highest distinctions of the Serbian Orthodox Church The Order of Saint Sava. Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Steve P. and Angie Rados.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, his son Steve A., his daughter Sheryl, and his siblings Ollie Lynn, Sonja (Bob) Doder, Wally (Renate), and Steve S. (Stephanie), along with nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at Saint Steven's Serbian Orthodox Cathedral on March 7, 2020.

Dr. Henry Evan Powderly of Pawling, former principal of H.C. Crittendon Middle School in Armonk died Friday of complications related to pancreatic cancer and Parkinson's disease. He was 75 years old. Dr. Powderly was born on Aug. 23, 1944 in Warwick, New York to parents Sarah Jane Jones and John William Powderly. He grew up in Matamoras, Pennsylvania with his parents and older brother John "Jack" Powderly. He was a proud graduate of both the University of Scranton and the University of Loyola, Chicago and worked early in his career as a school administrator in Pennsylvania's Delaware Valley.

In 1976, Dr. Powderly made what would end up being the most important decision of his life when he left Pennsylvania to take a school principal job in Van Buren, Maine, a small town along the Canadian border in northern Maine. It was there where he met the love of his life, Della Theresa Madore. On October 11, 1976, Dr. Powderly and Della eloped, and they stayed married for 43 years until his death. They have two children together; Henry Even Powderly II of Yarmouth, Maine, and Nicole Fodor of Warwick.

Dr. Powderly, who earned his doctorate from Fordham University in 1993 and served as an adjunct professor there, derived much joy from his work as a school principal, and he took particular pride in the success of H.C. Crittendon. Under Dr. Powderly's leadership, HC Crittenden was named a National Blue Ribbon Public School in 2006. Excellence was his baseline. "The best for the best is the best for all," he would say.

Dr. Powderly is survived by his wife and his children, his son-in-law Michael, his daughter-in-law Samantha, his grandchildren Gwyneth, Margaux, Michael Henry and Nathaniel, his miniature pincer Romeo, his dissertation "Anatomy of an Annexation" and the immeasurable impact he made on the students, colleagues, friends and family who benefitted from his wisdom, support and love.