The Memorial Wall

Robert A. Waller died peacefully at his home in Pasadena, California, surrounded by his wife and six children on July 7, 2019. He was 91 years old. Bob Waller, as he preferred to be called by all he met, had a fierce will to live and valiantly fought the effects of Parkinson's and strokes for several years. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 22, 1928, Robert Alexander Waller was the second son of Chicago Alderman, James Breckenridge Waller and Sarah Given Waller. His older brother, Jim, predeceased him in 1999. In the mid 1950s, Bob moved from Chicago to Los Angeles to start his business career and soon after, a family of his own. In 1960, Bob met the love of his life, Judy Trepanier, and the two were married soon after on October 14, 1960. The couple settled in San Marino, California, and began their family, which ultimately grew to six children after moving to Pasadena. He was a graduate of Occidental College (which he fondly referred to as "the Princeton of the West") and took graduate classes at both USC and UCLA. Bob was a successful businessman, philanthropist, community volunteer, and a serial entrepreneur, creating and investing in many companies ranging from stamps, to coins, to department stores, to venture capital, to real estate investments. Bob sat on numerous boards, and served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of real estate development companies, Northern California Developers Financial and R.A. Waller & Company. Bob was an active investor in both private and public companies. Outside of his professional pursuits, Bob made an impact in a variety of arenas. As a longtime member of the Jonathan Club, Bob was among the founding members of the Toastmasters organization within the Jonathan Club, eventually becoming Toastmasters Area Governor. After many years of Little League coaching, Bob became President of Pasadena Southwest Little League and Commissioner of Region 13 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). Bob embraced philanthropy, and recognized the importance of giving back to his community, establishing the Robert A. Waller Foundation to provide support to a wide assortment of charitable organizations. Bob was passionate about many things and had many interests, including being an early adopter of technology. He was one of the first avid fans of Apple computers, which included being actively involved in the San Gabriel Valley Macintosh User Group for decades. Among his other interests were education, health, fitness, volunteering, mentoring others, and animals. He was very curious and loved meeting new people. He had a love and appreciation for magic that he passed on to his grandchildren. He was focused on personal improvement and made a point of striving for constant and never-ending improvement. He was always an optimist and exuded an incredible positive energy that drew people to him like a magnet. He had tremendous wisdom that he shared through a collection of sayings that have become part of the Waller family lexicon. Bob Waller will be remembered as an amazing and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. He was incredibly generous and touched the lives of so many. The Waller house was always a "safe haven" for both neighborhood kids and animals, taking in and nurturing many "strays" along the way. What he loved most was spending time with his wife and family. He always put family first. The Waller Family was blessed to have many amazing "Waller Family Vacations" and holidays with siblings, spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating many memories that we will never forget. His devotion to his family is his most important and marked legacy. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Judy, and by his six children, Rob (wife Julie and children, Hailey, Lindsey, and Gracie), Sarah (husband Tom and children, Ryan, Samantha, Shauna, grandchild, Adalyn), Bill (wife Shauna and children, Natalie, Blake, and Alison), Mark, Ellen (husband Mark and children, Chase and Hayden), John (wife Michele and children Brooke and Alex), and his half-sister Wilda. He set a great example for all of us, and he touched many people profoundly during his journey through life. The world is a better place having had him in it. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Lee Iacocca passed away at the age of 94 on July 2, 2019, at his home in Bel Air, California,of complications from Parkinson’s disease.  He was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A child of Italian immigrants who grow up in humble conditions, Iacocca became one of the most powerful — and best known — executives in Detroit.

Originally started on an engineering track. He got into the automotive industry in 1946, when he joined on as an engineering trainee at Ford. From there, he eventually moved on to sales and marketing, where his career flourished. In 1960, he became vice president and general manager of the whole Ford division.  Iacocca rose to become president of Ford Motor in December 1970.

Iacocca became famous not only as Chrysler’s chairman and CEO but its TV pitchman, where he made famous the tag line, “If you can find a better car, buy it.”

In his latter years with Chrysler, Iacocca spent an increasing share of his time doing charitable work, among other things spearheading efforts to restore both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the immigration port in New York Harbor where his own parents came into the United States.

Iacocca was married three times. His last marriage, to Darrien Earle, ended in 1994. His daughter Lia Iacocca Assad said Lee Iacocca died of natural causes, but that he suffered from complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Judith N. Finwall, 82, of Rancho Palos Verdes, lost her 20-year fight with Parkinson's disease on June 28th, 2019. Judith was born on March 20th, 1937, in Boston Massachusetts to Kenneth and Marion Nighman. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 6th, at 11:00 AM, at McNerney's Mortuary, with a reception to follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Parkinson's Resource Organization (PRO), 74090 El Paseo, Unit 104, Palm Desert CA, 92260.  

Jim Pike, co-founder and lead singer of The Lettermen, died on June 9 at his home in Prescott, Arizona. The cause of death was from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Pike is survived by his brothers, Gary and Donny Pike, his sister, Candace Doyle, his wife Sue, and his daughter, Kelly Pike.

As a member of the Lettermen, he is best remembered for his lush vocal harmonies.  Pike co-founded the Grammy-nominated trio in 1961 with college friend Bob Engemann and completed the line-up with fellow vocalist Tony Butala.

After signing with Capitol Records in 1961, the group had its first hit and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Performance by a Vocal Group with “The Way You Look Tonight,” which peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100. They also earned Grammy nominations for best new artist of 1961 and for 1962′s “A Song For Young Love." 

The Lettermen became one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1960s and would place 19 more songs on Billboard charts over the next 10 years. Some of their most popular songs include, “When I Fall in Love,”  “Everything is Good About You,” and “Goin’ Out of My Head/Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.”  Pike also published an autobiography titled, 'My Lettermen Years: The Journey To Hell and Back!' in September 2012. 

After living in the heart of Hollywood for thirty-five years, Jim and Sue Pike decided to move to the quiet solitude of Big Bear Lake, California, where they enjoyed fishing, boating, and entertaining their numerous friends from all over the world. They subsequently moved to the desert, where they shared a love for swimming, golf, tennis, biking and visits from friends, and their daughter Kelly. The Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO) is especially grateful to the Jim and Sue Pike family for their entertainment contribution to the 2004 PRO Spring Gala.

Janice Yvonne Hayhurst left her mortal state on May 28, 2019 after living 79 years of an active and heroic life. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, but their relationship actually started at college when they both were 18 years old, so they were together for over 61 years. She also is survived by her two children, Ren Hayhurst and Jill Upton, and by her brother Larry Schmidt. Janice lived an active life, including being a house wife until her children were in school; taking on the role of bookkeeper for the family business; being a private a banker at Wells Fargo Bank; and, being the senior officer for a medical supply business. Despite her working life, she always loved and attended to her children's, husband's and family's needs and activities; including attending all of her children's sporting practices and games; always cooking healthy and delicious meals every night; and, making sure that her children's respective friends always felt comfortable by having their favorite snacks and beverages on hand. Janice always showed love to all of her extended family members and created a loving home for every person who ever entered her family home. Janice also was a brave person, skiing until she was 68 years even though she had Parkinson's Disease for 35 years, and she continued her inspirational life for at least 31 years after she was diagnosed with her disease, because she wanted to live life to the fullest, which she did. She was beloved by all of her family and friends because of her sense of humor and her commitment to everything she did for those persons who had the benefit of having a relationship with her. She leaves this world with a footprint of joy and love for everyone who had the pleasure of interacting with her. Love and service where her mark that she leaves for those who loved her and mourn her passing.

Carmelo (Mickey) Rindone
Resident of Livermore
October 22, 1919 – May 24, 2019

Carmelo (Mickey) Rindone passed away May 24 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Veteran, husband, father, he was beloved by all who knew him.  Carmelo was born in Ansonia, Connecticut, to Anna and Antonio Rindone, Sicilian immigrants.  He was one of five children.  His sister, Constance, cared for him the last four years of his life.

He met Lee in San Antonio, Texas, while stationed there for flight training during the war, and they married in 1946.  They moved around for a time, to Florida, Connecticut, and finally El Paso, chasing jobs in a post-war world.  Since housing was scarce, they lived in a variety of rented rooms, making life-long friends along the way, before purchasing a tiny trailer in El Paso and giving birth to daughter, Carolyn.  Mickey worked for GE in El Paso, and then moved the family to Huntsville, Alabama, to work with the beginnings of the rocket program.  In 1951, he got a job with Sandia in Albuquerque, New Mexico, moving the family yet again.  When Sandia started the facility in Livermore, they sent the Rindone family out to visit before deciding to move.  They loved Livermore and moved there permanently in 1956.

After retiring from Sandia, Mickey took up jewelry making as a hobby, to the delight of his family and friends.

Carmelo is predeceased by his wife, Lee, parents Anna and Antonio, brothers Joe and Phillip, and sister Angie.  He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Rindone of Palm Desert, granddaughter Melissa Walker of Los Angeles, sister Constance Charleson of La Quinta, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida.  Others who are just like family are Pat Stewart and Marie Taylor of Bronte, Texas, Margarita Logan of San Diego, and Cathrin Grevesmühl of Pinneberg, Germany.

The family wishes to thank Charter Hospice, and Senior Helpers for their excellent care, compassion, and professionalism.  Donations in Carmelo’s memory may be made the Parkinson’s Resource Organization, 74090 El Paseo, Suite 104, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (www.parkinsonsresource.org) or the charity of your choice.

There will be a brief ceremony for both Mickey and Lee at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 3873 East Ave, Livermore, California, at 11:00 A.M. on June 4, 2019.

July 3, 1933 - May 23, 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack B. White, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, coach, and community leader. Jack was born in Oklahoma on July 3, 1933. On May 23, 2019, he passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in his home in Baldwin Park after a hard-fought battle against cancer and Parkinson's disease. Jack enlisted in the Army at age 17 and became a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He left the Army as Sergeant First Class, and a few years later joined the Los Angeles Police Department. During his time at LAPD he earned his BA at Cal State, Los Angeles. He moved through the ranks of the LAPD and retired at the rank of Commander. Upon retirement from the police department, he became Chief of the Bureau of Investigation for the County of Los Angeles. Throughout his working and retirement years, Jack was a Little League coach, a member of the Board of Education in the Baldwin Park Unified School District, and a member of Baldwin Park City Council. He was the first elected mayor of Baldwin Park. He served on the council for ten years, and on the School Board for a total of 22 years. He is survived by his wife, Edna; his children: Angie, Stan (Sarah) and Jackie, grandchildren Michael (Patricia), Jack (Heather), Susie and Simon; his sister Lois (Ronnie) Wieting, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was a great man who loved his community, and who touched the lives of many. We miss him, and we'll love him forever. Visitation will be held on June 10, from 5-9 p.m., and services will be held on June 11 at 9:30 a.m. Both will be at Church of Our Heritage chapel at Forest Lawn in Covina. The family would like to thank Cinta Hospice for their kindness and assistance during this difficult time.

Published in the Los Angeles Times from June 4 to June 8, 2019

Jon Charles Hanson

February 6, 1943 - May 13, 2019

and

Lyn Carl Hanson

October 22, 1940 - August 16, 2016

Jon Charles Hanson and Lyn Carl Hanson were born to Frances Bjorgum and Carl Hanson. Lyn was born in Deadwood, South Dakota. Jon was born in Long Beach, California.

When Jon was five years old the family moved to Azusa, California, where he lived for 22 years and where Lyn’s first job was in an ice house.  When Lyn turned 21, he began working for the Azusa Fire Department. 

Jon served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967 stationed in South Korea along the demilitarized zone (DMZ).

Lyn married Carolyn Ray on August 27, 1960.  They moved to the Sacramento area where they had relatives and friends.  Lyn tried out for the Rancho Cordova Fire Department and made it. After several years, he decided he wanted to become an engineer so he could drive the fire trucks.  He took the engineer’s test and came out number one.  He worked for the Rancho Cordova Fire Department, subsequently the county station for Sacramento Metro, for 35 years and retired when he was 54. 

Jon married his wife Martha and they settled in Glendora, California where they lived happily married for 49 years until his passing. Jon served as a Glendora mail carrier for 27 years. He had a love of working on vehicles so spent time restoring cars that included a 1955 Austin Heely, a 1955 Triumph TR-3, and a 1962 Chevy truck. Jon is survived by his loving wife, Martha.

Lyn and Carolyn were married for 56 years when he passed away from Parkinson’s Disease.  He was 77.  Lyn and Carolyn had three children: Shari, Jon, and Mike.  They also have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

NOTE: When making your donation please include your message to the Hanson brother’s family member. A personal card, on your behalf, will be sent by Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO). We thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers to the family and your contribution to the work of PRO.

Sophie Goodsell was born on October 13, 1923 and passed away on May 7, 2019.

Bud is survived by his wife Ritchie, his kids Bart (Ronda), Buddy Jr., step daughters Marie and Sharon (Leo), many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many other family and friends. He was a lover of nature, square dancing, and loved his pets. He will truly be missed by all those who loved him.