The Memorial Wall

Robert Lewis Shapiro was born May 6th, 1939 in Ohio and passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2015 in his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He is survived by his wife Linda; his daughter, Eden (Steve) Friedman; his son Gregory (Daria) Shapiro; his brother Aron (Judy) Shapiro; his grandchildren Evan, Jake and Nathan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Parkinson's Resource Organization http://www.parkinsonsresource.org/  or by mail at 74-090 El Paseo, Suite 104, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

Gerald (Jerry) Mayerson, 85, passed away on March 6, 2015, at his home in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born in Dayton, Ohio, on September 3, 1929. He attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He served in the armed forces during the Korean War. Jerry was a well-respected real-estate developer for many years, and with his long-time business partner and close friend, Allan Rinzler, developed many commercial spaces, shopping centers, office buildings, high-end residential developments, and historical redevelopment projects. In Dayton, Jerry was a member of the Dayton Standard Club, Meadowbrook County Club (where he served as President), B'nai B'rith, Temple Israel, and Beth Jacob Congregation. In Boca Raton, he was a member of Boca Pointe Country Club. He participated in sports of all kinds, winning club championships in tennis and golf. He liked international travel, playing cards, and casino gaming. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Mollie Mayerson, sister Pearl Wool, and brother Manuel Mayerson, all of Dayton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Gail. He is survived also by his brother Melvin (Elaine) of Dayton, and by his three sons: Mickey of Los Angeles, and his children Jordan and Madeline and their mother, Jessica; his son Rick of San Mateo, California, and his wife, Joy, and their sons, Eli and Jared; and Marc of Washington, DC, and his wife Anne and their sons, Aaron, Asher and Noah, as well as many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, and cousins, in the U.S., Israel, and Mexico. Jerry fought valiantly against Parkinson's Disease for more than two decades, aided principally over his last years by caregiver Daniel Hamilton. His courage is an inspiration to all who loved and knew him. He will be sorely missed. 

Joan Elaine Robin Resident of Rossmor, formerly of Oakland Joan Elaine Robin passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease March 3, 2015. Born in Ross, CA July 10, 1931 to Clarence C. Bennett, Sr. and Angela C. Bennett. Joan lived most of her life in Oakland and then became a resident of Rossmoor – Walnut Creek where she lived for 17 years. Beloved wife of Arthur F. Robin, Jr. Devoted mother of Jilinda and Kimarie Robin. Loving sister to Clarence C. Bennett, Jr. and sister-in-law Ann M. Bennett.

Joan is survived by her children, Jilinda and Kimarie Robin; her brother and sister-in-law Chris and Ann Bennett; her brother-in-law Tom Hayes. Grandchildren Tara, Kendra and Keely Tietjen, and Lisa, Joseph and Sara Cosso.

John Ordner Miller was born on September 21, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on February 10, 2015 in Newport Beach, California and is under the care of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Visit his obituary at dignitymemorial.com

Elton Fessier, a World War II vet, honored teacher and coach, passed away at his Whittier home Feb. 4 at age 91. 

He was born to second generation Californians on April 8, 1923, and grew up in Southern California. 

He enrolled in Whittier College in 1941, playing basketball for Richard Nixon's former coach, "Chief" Newman, and playing lead trumpet in the college symphony orchestra and jazz bands. 

He entered Marine officer training in 1943 but, impatient to see World War II action, transferred to the Navy. He became a frogman - the precursor to the Navy SEALs -- learning to hold his breath for three minutes underwater without a wetsuit to disarm bombs. After the war, he served as an MP in China with Army Rangers in the tense days before China's 1949 revolution. Discharged as a lieutenant.

Elton graduated from Whittier College, married Barbara Ericson and began a 51-year teaching and coaching career in Whittier, culminating with Teacher of the Year honors. 

He set up one of the Southland's finest county recreation programs at Sorenson Park, leading his county champion basketball teams to exhibitions during halftime of the NBA finals. 

He helped found the Whittier City Schools credit union, taught Sunday School at Whittier Presbyterian Church and, with his wife Barbara, ran a successful family rentals business in Whittier and Joshua Tree.

His sweet but indomitable spirit also served him in his fight against Parkinson's Disease. When he lost his eyesight and ability to walk, he resumed playing the trumpet. 

His legacy was best summarized in a Whittier Daily News front page story announcing his retirement. A headline under his picture quoted him as saying, "I only want to help people." 

Besides his wife, Elton is survived by his son Bruce and his wife Jane Fessier; daughter Lori and her husband, Mark Gibson; grandsons Eitan and his wife, Hannah; Clay Fessier and Parker Fessier.

February 2, 2015  Fred, a much respected and well known interior designer in Los Angeles, was very talented, a perfectionist, and known for creating stunningly beautiful homes that his clients loved living in. He was raised in College Station, Texas. An honor cadet at Texas A&M University with a degree in architecture, he went on to become a major in the Air Force. He studied at Art Center School in Pasadena, before becoming an interior designer. He loved body surfing, camping, traveling (especially New York, Italy, and Brazil) and being in both natural and man-made beautiful places. For 40 years, he was an amazing, loving, devoted, and fun partner of Art Giser. There will be a memorial/celebration of his life Sunday, June 14. You can contact Art at 415-828-6890 or agiser2@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers the family suggestions donations to Parkinson's Resource Organization as a means of carrying on Fred's legacy. 

Lawrence (“Larry”) Eugene Wilkey, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Cottonwood Heights on Sunday, January 4, 2015 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.  Born May 4, 1936 in Nephi, Utah to George Eugene Wilkey and Mabel Wilson Wilkey.  He married Patricia Ferre on September 15, 1955 in the Salt Lake City Temple.  Larry graduated from BYU in 1959 and was a math teacher for three years before enrolling in the engineering program at the University of Utah, from which he graduated in 1967.

Larry worked as a production engineer at the Eimac Division of Varian for more than 30 years and was responsible for manufacturing a wide array of broadcast equipment.  Larry was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving gladly in many capacities.  He was a devoted husband to his wife of sixty years and a remarkable father, friend and neighbor.  Larry was energetic and tireless worker.  He also loved to travel, had seen most continents and worked repeatedly in China.  Parkinson’s weakened and slowed his body but did not dim his wit or spirit.

Survived by his loving wife of 60 years; their children Mark (Julie) Wilkey and Kaye (Mike) Cox; five grandchildren; brothers Alex, Ralph and Rulon Wilkey; and sister, Joyce Quinn.  He will be greatly missed.

Richard Nelson Hester of Upland passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2014, with family at his side. He was born September 7, 1930, to Francis and Ruth Hester in Anaheim, Calfiornia. Richard grew up in Pomona where he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Chaffey High School. He is an alumnus of Chico State University where he was named to the Athletic Hall of Fame for his track performance, character and leadership. While serving in the Korean War he was awarded the Army Commendation for Meritorious Service. He taught biology, coached track and cross country at Chino High School and later moved to Don Lugo High School as a counselor. He married Barbara Fullagar in 1962 and for 52 years has been a caring and devoted husband. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters; Melissa Hunt (Vernon) of Yorba Linda and Susanna Kutches (Alex) of Bozeman, Montana; and grandchildren, Alexandra, Hayley and Faith Hunt and Kate and AJ Kutches; and many dear longtime friends. He cherished the time when family was together, especially at Lake Almanor. Memorial service will be 11:00, Saturday, December 20th at First Presbyterian Church of Upland. In additional to your memorial contribution, sentiments for the family can also be listed in the "comment" section below.

Merritt E. Van Sant, many times a Reagan appointee, died at his Newport Beach home on November 13, 2014. He was 85 years old.

Van Sant was an adviser to Ronald Reagan during his first term as governor of California, serving as Deputy Secretary of Business and Transportation. He also served in the Nixon administration from 1970 to 1971. When Ronald Reagan was elected president, Van Sant served the administration in Washington D.C. and later in San Francisco as a Regional Special Assistant to the United States Small Business Administration. These political appointments were the result of a lifetime of deeply held conservative beliefs and the lessons learned as a young lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Van Sant graduated from Beverly Hills High School in1947. He spent his college years at Stanford University where he was elected captain of the Stanford track team in 1951. He graduated from Stanford with a degree in Political Science in 1952. During his years as a civilian, Van Sant was an insurance executive for the Van Sant Company in Los Angeles. After moving to Newport Beach, he was chairman and CEO of the VSP Corporation until his retirement.

Van Sant is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 34 years, his brother, Thomas R. Van Sant, his nephew, Ryan Van Sant, his four sons, Edward C. Franks, John F. Van Sant, Barry F. Van Sant, James D. Van Sant, his step-son, Michael W. Stanley, his step-daughter, Susan E. Davidson, his god-daughter, Olivia Albrecht-Pieter, nine grand-children, five step-grand-children and five great-grand-children. Van Sant was born in Los Angeles on April 7, 1929. His parents were Merritt E. and Martha Van Sant. Merritt died, as he lived his life, with dignity and grace.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.

Merritt's wife, Marilyn, lead Parkinson's Resource Organization's Support Group in Newport Beach for 20 years. She understood, supported, taught, loved and counseled all who journeyed though Parkinson's. To honor Merritt's life, have a special memorial card sent to the Van Sants reciting your sentiments by donating to Parkinson's Resource Organization. To make a memorial donation, click below or mail a check to 74-478 Highway 111, No. 102, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Thank you for your support of Marilyn, we look forward to receiving your kind words and very special memorial donation to PRO.

Ivan Bernard Fiero, 72, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully after an 18 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He received his Master’s Degree at the University of Minnesota. After graduation he worked for NASA then into the private sector for 45 years retiring from Westinghouse. He is survived by his loving wife; Rita; daughter, Rebecca Fiero of Ohio, sisters; Adeline Radermacher and husband Fritz and Darlene Rood and husband, Lester both of Minnesota and his devoted and loving support dog Napoleon. He was preceded in death by a son; Michael Ivan Fiero.