The Memorial Wall

Judith Mae Gundersen, of Neosho, MO, died Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at her home in Glendora, CA. She was 76.

Judith was born on January 16, 1942 in Neosho, MO. She metriculated at Biola University, and attained her Masters from Cal Poly Pamona. She worked as an elementary school teacher, was a mother of two, Carol & Kenneth, and grandmother to four. She enjoyed traveling which took her around the world.

G. Louis Fletcher passed away on Monday evening, 8/20/2018, from complications associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Louis died in his Redlands, CA, home peacefully and surrounded by family.

Lifelong Redlands resident, G. Louis Fletcher was born October 18, 1934, in Redlands Burke Sanitarium in Redlands, California, to Edward T. and Vada J. Fletcher. Louis grew up working in his family-owned Fletcher Planing Mill and Cabinet Shop and helped manage the family-owned orange groves. He attended Kingsbury Elementary School, Redlands Junior High School, and graduated from Redlands High School in 1952 where he played trumpet, was a member of the business staff of the Makio yearbook, and sports editor for the Hobachi student newspaper. As a high school senior, he received the Stanford University Dofflemyer Eagle Scout Scholarship. He surprised everyone by turning down this four-year, full-ride scholarship to Stanford to attend the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, the university he was introduced to by a seventh-grade math teacher who was impressed by Louis' extraordinary math and science aptitude.

Louis graduated from Caltech with a BS in engineering (’56) and an MS in Mechanical engineering (’57). He received the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in Industry while in graduate school. While in college and after graduation he worked for the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, the Grand Central Rocket Company in Mentone, and for the Hydro Conduit Company in Colton. He also earned a real estate broker license and taught thermodynamics and engineering at the University of Redlands from 1957-58. It was during this time teaching at the University of Redlands that he met his wife, Janet.

In 1966 Louis was hired by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (MUNI) as their first in-house civil engineer. MUNI had just secured a contract to oversee the design and construction of the East Branch of the California State Water Project (SWP). SWP would become the largest man-made water conveyance system in the USA, now including numerous storage facilities, reservoirs and lakes, miles of canals and pipelines, and five hydroelectric plants. Jeff Crider, a MUNI historian, wrote, “. . . the district hired Louis Fletcher as its chief engineer. [He was] widely described as a brilliant thinker… Fletcher took a strategic approach and set about the task of designing a highly effective water system that would serve the entire San Bernardino Valley.” Louis said that he took the job because “…it just fit what I liked doing. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young engineer.”

In 1980, Louis was appointed General Manager where he remained until his retirement in 2001, compiling 35 years of service with MUNI. He devoted himself to the formulation, design, and administration of a water system that served the valley he loved. Throughout his career he was renowned for creatively simplifying complex ideas, often employing hand-drawn cartoons featuring his own creation, the “Groundwater Fish”. The actions he took in opposing the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s (USACE) Mentone Dam location and design are now the stuff of legend. He kicked off the opposition with an organized protest, inviting newspaper and TV news reporters, politicians, and a large Corp of Engineer contingent to an outdoor news conference at the site of the proposed dam. Large weather balloons were raised 250 feet high across 3.5 miles distance (the proposed height and length of the dam, respectively). Years later a USACE engineer recalled, “Louis fought us and fought us but when I saw all those balloons sticking up there I knew I was done.” In addition to several controversial risks, including standing atop California’s San Andreas Fault, the Corp’s design involved a single massive dry dam and provided only flood control. The key element of Louis’ opposition strategy was presenting a new location and a design incorporating a series of levees, water storage, and trails based on a 1928 State of California engineering report. Louis said, “The state had come up with a better plan long before the Corp even got involved.” The battle would end four years later with the scrapping of the Mentone Dam plan and approval to construct the Seven Oaks Dam. Louis was an active member of a variety of organizations including the Tau Beta Pi Association, Caltech Gnomes Honorary Alumni Society, Caltech Alumni Board, the National Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers (Pipeline Division), the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Redlands Highlands Farm Labor Association, and Trinity Church in Redlands. Louis received many awards and recognition including the 1981 J. James R. Croes Medal by the American Society of Civil Engineers for the report titled: Observations of Mortar Lining of Steel Pipelines, which he co-authored with Samual Aroni. He also received the Cal State, San Bernardino Water Resources Institute 2007 Life Time Achievement in Water Resources Award. He is featured in the Cal State, San Bernardino Water Resources Dept. Oral History program archives, as well as in the MUNI 2014 publication, Delivering The Future: 60 years of Vision and Innovation 1954-2014.

Outside of water management, Louis grew oranges in the Redlands area, enjoyed Real Estate investing and development, and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Vada Fletcher, his infant sister, Jeanne Fletcher, and his brother Edward Fletcher, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Fletcher, his children Laurie (Brian) Schow of Monument, CO, Cheryl Fletcher of Pasadena, CA, Don Fletcher of San Diego, CA, and his grandchildren Melanie (Kyle) Carter, MD, Brandon Schow, and Nicole Schow. He is also survived by nephew Ed Fletcher III and niece Elizabeth Freel. The surviving family would like to extend a special thanks to the Above & Beyond Homecare Service as well as to Redlands Community Hospital Hospice.

David Langlois, age 79, of Tustin, CA, died on August 20, 2018, of Parkinson’s Disease. He graduated from Stanford University (1961) followed by 6 years as a Navy pilot and then a Stanford MBA. Employment at the William Lyon Co. and Standard Pacific started his business career in homebuilding. He later became a founding partner in Fieldstone Homes. His greatest joy was his family – wife of 56 years, Luana; sons, Michael and Eric; daughter, Elise Luna; and grandchildren, Brody, Chase, Xochitl and Rosa. For years he coached Little League Baseball and AYSO soccer, but his favorite pastime was fly fishing – he was a fanatic fly fisherman, Montana and New Zealand being his favorite haunts. Dave was a brilliant, honest, kind, and generous man. 

Julian Samuel Harold Weiner ("Julian"), of Los Angeles, California, passed away at home peacefully on July 14, 2018, less than one month short of his 95th birthday. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Boulevard, Mission Hills, California, Rabbi Haim Beliak officiating. Julian was born in Brooklyn, New York to Jennie and Isidore Weiner on August 12, 1923. He married the love of his live, Irene Portnoy, on August 28, 1949 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Julian and Irene were married by Irene's beloved brother, Rabbi/Dr. Maurice Portnoy. Julian graduated from CCNY where he obtained an accounting degree. He attended St. John's University School of Law at night, from which he graduated with his law degree, though he never practiced law., He moved to Los Angeles in 1957 with his wife and 2 children, had his third child, and proceeded to build an unusually successful accounting and business management firm. He was a member of "The Greatest Generation", a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, serving through the end of WWII. He was devoted to his community, contributing both time and funds to many non-profit institutions and worthwhile causes. Julian was preceded in death by his loving and beloved wife, Irene, his loving and beloved brother, Marvin, and two sisters. He is survived by his sister-in-law Diana Weiner of Brooklyn, NY, and many nieces and nephews. He cherished and is survived by his three children and their spouses: Jeff (Cathy), Madeline (Eric) and Perrie (Candice) Weiner. Julian was blessed with four grandchildren: Melanie, Lana, Jennifer and Matthew. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Marilou Frost and her husband Randy, and to their fabulous and dedicated team of caregivers Amy, Lucy and Dang In lieu of flowers or food, donations in Julian's honor may be sent to www.JewishRenewalinPoland.org , www.woundedwarriors.org , or www.parkinsonsresource.org.

Elizabeth Sue Marchand age 73 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away early Thursday evening July 5, 2018 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan following a long hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.
She was born July 6, 1944 in Greensboro, North Carolina daughter of the late Joseph W. and Lucille E. (Bullyboy) Smith.
Sue resided most of her life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1962. 
On January 19, 1963 she married the love of her life, Charles Marchand at the First Baptist Church in Sturgis.
Sue retired from the Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 29 years of dedicated employment. Prior to joining the Kirsch Company she worked at the Sturgis Hospital, Freeman Manufacturing and Keister Walgreens all in Sturgis.
She enjoyed crocheting, playing Bingo, coloring books, canvas art work, fishing, working in her yard and watching the Bold and Beautiful. She loved traveling to casinos, riding in the golf cart with her husband and time spent with family.
Sue is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 55 years: Charles; one daughter: Tammy S. (Larry) Martin of LaQuinta, California; three sons: Scott A. (Sharon) Marchand, James W. (Dawn) Marchand and Joseph C. Marchand all of Sturgis; three granddaughters: Kristy (Joe) Manley of Ohio, Hannah Marchand a student at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida and Breanna Kessler of Sturgis; two great grandchildren: Izen and Bella; two sisters: JoAnn Darby and Louise Pippenger both of Sturgis; sister-in-law: Carol Smith of Sturgis; best friend: Lyla and Art Fox of Sturgis and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother: George Smith and brothers-in-law: Maurice Pippenger and Jerry Darby.

Edward Dean Cox, 70, of Chanute, KS, passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on July 5, 2018 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. He was born to George and Ramona (Cutler) Cox in Chanute on April 15, 1948. He graduated from Midway High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University. Ed married the love of his life, Deborah Wells, on May 23, 1971 at Chanute First Christian Church. She survives at their home.

Ed was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa. His greatest joy was time spent with his family. He worked as a salesman for NuWa/Kansas RV in Chanute for nearly 24 years before his retirement last year. In his spare time, Ed enjoyed playing softball and played competitively for 12 years, even being inducted into the Kansas Softball Hall of Fame, before discovering his love of golf, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

As an active member of the Chanute community, Ed served on many committees, often as a leader. He served as mayor of Chanute, and as president of the Chanute Recreation Commission, USD 413 School Board, and Chanute Country Club. He was a member of Chanute City Commission, Economic Development Commission, Sons of the American Legion, and Director of Chanute Chamber of Commerce. Ed also played an instrumental role in the development of the ball diamond complex at Santa Fe Park. He was a member of Chanute First Christian Church where he served as an elder. His dedication to his family, friends, community, and church will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Ed is survived by His Wife, Deborah Cox; Children, Mandy Keenan and husband, John, of Chanute, KS, Matt Cox and wife, Joetta, of Tulsa, OK; Siblings, Randy Cox and wife, Karen, of Chanute, KS
Susan Beck and husband, Larry, of Chanute, KS; Aunt, Jackie Orrick of Buffalo, KS; Grandchildren,
Bailey Brecheisen, Hunter Cox, Karsen Cox, Kalla Keenan, Numerous Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lonnie Cox and Doyle Cox; and sister, Jane Cox.

In loving memory of my husband, best friend, partner in adventure, and capturer of my heart, passed away at home. He was welcomed by angels and our heavenly father with open arms. His pain was released and he was whole again in Jesus' precious name. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

William W. Gray passed away on July 2nd, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He had lived with Parkinson's Disease for five years.

He was born on September 26, 1932 in Brookville Ohio, to Sylvan and Mary Gray. He graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After the ROTC, he was commissioned in the Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as 1st Lieutenant. He married Kathryn Harold in 1956 (d.1981) and they moved to Los Angeles where they had three children, Kathryn Elizabeth (Leonard) Kinzel, William Douglas (Lynne) Gray and Anne Louise (Jeffrey) Trankle. He worked as Chief Scientist at Hughes Aircraft, leading a group of engineers and scientists developing radar systems, where his major contribution was introducing microwave integrated circuits into hybrid systems. He retired in 1992.

In July 1983, he married Kay Lishon who had two children, Lynda (Rodney) Scheneman and David (Judy) Lishon. Bill enjoyed family lake vacations, bicycling and motorcycling with his friends, woodworking, skiing, and working on home projects. He was an avid reader and he loved jazz and classical music. He and Kay loved playing golf, dancing and traveling extensively.

He is survived by Kay, five children, seven grandchildren and his older sister, Madge Gotschall. 

Richard Harrison, the beloved "Old Man" on the History network's long-running reality series "Pawn Stars," has died of Parkinson's disease. He was 77. He was born March 4, 1941 in Danville, Va. He spent most of his the early part of his life in Lexington, North Carolina where the family moved when Harrison was just one-year old. At 17 years old he married his wife, JoAnne Rhue, in 1959. Their first child Sherry passed away at the age of six. Three sons, Joseph, Rick and Chris followed.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1958 for two years and again in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years reaching the rank of Petty officer first class. He served on four ships including his final five years on the USS Chowanoc between 1972-1976. In 1967 he was transferred by the Navy to San Diego, CA where he joined his wife JoAnne in her real estate business after his discharge from the Navy.

In 1981 with the real estate market down he and his wife and their family moved to Las Vegas where he opened a Gold & Silver Coin Shop. In 1981 the Gold & Silver Coin Buy & Sell Store became the first of its kind on the Las Vegas Strip to be open 24 hours. In 1988 that business was in a new building and the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop opened at its current location 713 Las Vegas Blvd. So.

In July of 2009 Harrison, his son Rick and grandson Corey along with family friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell became the stars of History’s “Pawn Stars”. Within 10 weeks of its debut, the show was the highest-rated show on History and the second highest-rated reality show on television. That show continues today (10 years later) and is entering the 16th season.

On May 29, 2012 Harrison was awarded a key to the City of Lexington and it was made “Richard Harrison’s Day”. In March of 2010 he was given a key to the City of Las Vegas and in 2012 it was declared “Pawn Stars/Gold & Silver Pawn Day” on July 17.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, JoAnne; three sons; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Bill Seal passed away peacefully at his summer residence overlooking Balboa Bay in Newport Beach, California surrounded by his family. He died from infection complications following back surgery.

Bill was raised in St. Helen's, Oregon. He was active in high school, co-captain of varsity football and voted "most inspirational." He received his B.S. in History from the University of Oregon, where he was a member of Theta Chi. Bill was a retired Captain of the United States Army Reserve. Bill's career included over 20 years at Georgia Pacific, followed by Forest City Trading Group after which, ahead of his time, Bill made what was then the unconventional decision to join his wife at Barbara Sue Seal Properties, focusing on corporate relocations. Over the years, Bill and Barbara Sue had opportunities to travel nationally & internationally associated with their careers. 

Bill married Barbara Sue Cortese in Rochester, New York on November 30, 1963. Together they raised three children, eventually settling in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Bill was generous with his time and energy for his children and community. He coached his sons in soccer, basketball and baseball. Bill served on the Foundation Boards of the University of Oregon and Portland State University, and for over 20 years on the Board of Goodwill Industries. He was a member of the University Club, Lake Oswego Country Club, Waverley Country Club and Astoria Country Club. Beginning in 1989, Bill and Barbara Sue began splitting their time between Lake Oswego and Palm Desert, California, where the Seals joined Ironwood Country Club. 

Bill was a voracious reader, particularly of military and world history. He loved golf, forming lasting friendships as a result of the game in Oregon, Palm Desert and Newport Beach, CA. He never tired of a view of the water, spending countless hours overlooking lakes, bays and oceans at home and while traveling, usually with binoculars. He and his wife treasured all their friends…frequently hosting impromptu dinner parties and being sure to celebrate milestones for many of them. But more than anything, Bill loved time with his family—he and Barbara Sue hosted many family reunions in places he knew his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews would enjoy. Each and all of them remember Bill as someone who was unconditionally enthusiastic about every call or visit from his family, and all of them remember Bill as someone whose generosity, love and kindness gave them valuable life lessons. 

In the last 15 years of his life, Bill battled Parkinson's Disease. Despite considerable and advancing challenges, Bill remained positive and energetic about all that he still could do, providing yet another valuable lesson his family and friends will remember. And every evening at 5pm, he and his bride Barbara Sue would enjoy a glass of wine with each other. They continued this tradition of cherishing one another, right down to the evening he came home from the hospital and began Hospice care.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Sue and his children, Debbie (and Jeff Paulson), Scott, and Craig (and Prae Seal), his six "perfect" grand-children, Spencer, Avery, Laurel, Joseph, Wil and Maggie, and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. His is pre-deceased by his sister Norma Heurung and survived by his brother Deane. 

Australian golfing great Peter Thomson, who won the British Open five times, died Wednesday aged 88 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, his family said. "He had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for more than four years and lost his brave battle at home in Melbourne surrounded by family," a statement said. Thomson was the first Australian to win the British Open, claiming the famous claret jug on five occasions between 1954 and 1965, including three consecutive wins. Only American Tom Watson in the modern era has matched the feat. While he won dozens of tournaments in Europe, Australia and Asia, Thomson only played a few seasons in the United States, winning the Texas Open in 1956. But he did tee-off more regularly on the American senior circuit, winning nine times in 1985, setting a record that may never be broken. As well as being a great player, he was an outstanding contributor to the game. Thomson served as president of the Australian PGA for 32 years, designing and building courses in Australia and around the world. He also helped establish the Asian Tour and wrote for newspapers and magazines for 60 years. He was patron of the Australian Golf Writers Association. Fellow Australian and seven-time major winner Karrie Webb called him an "Aussie legend and true gentleman of the game". "My heart goes out to his wife Mary and the rest of the Thomson family. So honoured to have been able to call Peter my friend. RIP Peter," she tweeted. The World Golf Hall of Fame called him "the thinking man's golfer". "His clean, brisk game was based on cold logic and a gift for reducing things to their simplest essentials," it said. "His style was free of the extraneous, so that the path he would take to victory seemed a remarkably straight line. "With his confident gait and serene smile, he had the self-possessed aura of a winner." Born in Melbourne, Thomson won the Victorian Amateur Championship before beginning his professional career in 1949, initially concentrating on the European circuit and the British courses that he loved. The Victoria Golf Club, which he joined in 1946 and was a life member, said he was a true star. "As well as being a champion on course, he was incredibly well-respected throughout the world golfing community. A truly great round!" it tweeted. Thomson was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1979 for his service to golf, and in 2001 became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions as a player and administrator and for community service. He is survived by his wife Mary, a son and three daughters, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.