The Memorial Wall

In the 1970s, David Letterman baby-sat her children and Jay Leno slept on the back stairs of her Sunset Strip club, where Jim Carrey later tended the door.

Mitzi Shore was “the den mother of some berserk Cub Scout pack,” as Letterman once said — one that brimmed with a breathtaking array of now-famous comics who broke through because she tapped them to perform.

Shore, who was regarded as the godmother of comedy in Los Angeles and whose Comedy Store was one of the most important showcases for stand-up in the country, died Wednesday, according to a statement from the Comedy Store. She was 87.

“Mitzi was an extraordinary businesswoman and decades ahead of her time who cultivated and celebrated the artistry of stand-up comedy. She was also a loving mother, not only to her own four children, but to the myriad of comedians who adored her. She leaves behind an indelible mark and legacy and has helped change the face of comedy. We will all miss her dearly,” the statement said.

Shore long battled Parkinson’s disease and had been in hospice care for some time. (No official cause of death has been given.) Her son, actor Pauly Shore, had been helping care for her and tweeting updates about her final days.

On Thursday, April 5, 2018, Elva C. Gonzalez, 84, went home to be with her loving Husband, Federico B. Gonzalez, and our Lord Jesus Christ. She was born in Donna, Texas but moved to California at the age of 14. She is survived by her 6 children, Olga S. Castro, Linda S. Alvarez (Vince) Ida S. Ochoa, Federico C. Gonzalez (Karen), Lorena Gonzalez, Yvonne Gonzalez (Tony), 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Also, her sister, Esperanza Hernandez. She was preceded in death by her husband, Federico, parents, Antonio and Dolores, Sisters, Juanita, Margarita, Angela, Elida and brothers, Manuel and Antonio. Elva was a hardworking, loving mother and businesswoman.

From the age of 9, she worked to support her family. For most of her young adulthood, she worked in the agriculture industry as a foreman. With the love and support of her husband she opened and successfully owned/operated several small businesses in the Coachella Valley. She also served as a planning commissioner for the City of Coachella and was in charge of organizing the fiestas mexicanas held in the City of Coachella. She worked at the Riverside County courthouse for several years as an interpreter. She retired from Riverside County Nutrition Program as the Nutrition Supervisor for the Coachella Senior Center. Of all her accomplishments, her greatest joy was her family and helping others.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Services will be held to honor her memory on Wednesday, April, 11, 2018 from 5:00pm-9:00pm at Forest Lawn in Coachella with a rosary to be held at 6:00pm.

Mass will be Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church in Coachella at 11:00 interment at Coachella Valley Cemetery. Services under the direction of Forest Lawn

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Parkinson’s Resource Organization Parkinsonsresource.org or mail to 74-090 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.

Born January 7, 1949 – Lafayette, Indiana

Entered Heaven March 15, 2018 – Anaheim, California

Dave was the oldest of five children, born to Jeff and Agnes.  He is survived by his siblings, Greg (Lorna), Holly, Cheryl (Paul), and Kimberly (Luis), and their extended families.

Dave is also survived by his father, Jeff, and Jeff’s wife, Anita; Dave’s wife, Sally; Son, Jeff, his wife, Valerie, and their three children, Charlotte, Violet, and Desmond; daughter, Amanda, her husband, Nick, and their two children, James and Noah.  

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Parkinson’s Resource Organization.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

–2 Timothy 4:7-8

Palm Springs - James Clayton Taylor passed away peacefully on November 2, 2018 at the age of 91. Known as Clayton to his family and friends, he was a resident of Palm Springs for 57 years. Born and raised in Mississippi, he was the third child of Jimmie Lewers Taylor and James Edgar Taylor. Upon graduation from high school, Clayton joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Radioman and Tail gunner. Shortly after his honorable discharge in 1946 he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington D.C. and became a Special Agent. It was there he met and married Frances Coore with whom he had three children. During his distinguished career in the F.B. I. he was assigned to offices in Miami, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles. In 1961 he was assigned to open and establish the Palm Springs Resident Agency for the F.B.I. Upon moving his family to Palm Springs, he developed relationships with local law enforcement and proceeded to work on cases involving organized crime, fugitives, kidnappings, bankruptcy and bank fraud, and crimes on the 29 Palms Marine base. Within months of opening the Palm Springs office he was working on over 100 cases. During his time in the F.B.I. he had the opportunity to meet the following Presidents and former Presidents: Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. He retired from the F.B.I. in 1978 and then went to work for Thrifty Corporation as the Regional Manager of Loss Prevention, a position he held for 15 years.

Clayton was an active member in the Society of Former Special Agents of the F.B. I. and was an original member of the Purple Gang of Palm Springs. He was also an avid golfer and, through the years, worked as a volunteer for various charitable golf tournaments.

Clayton was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, in 2009. In 2014 he married Cynthia Campbell. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, his children Thomas Taylor, Kathryn Taylor, Jane Wang and her husband Sang Pao, and his grandson Thomas Wang.

Clayton will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his love of life, and his dedication and devotion to his family and friends.
 

Bertram Kermit Massing, 84, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2018, after a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

Bert is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Phyllis; his children Greg Massing, Robert Massing, and Lisa Aronson; and his grandsons Harrison, Luke, and Jake.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1933, Bert moved with his mother to Los Angeles in August 1948 and attended L.A. High School. In 1955, he graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Accounting. From February 1955 through October 1960 – except for 21 months he served in the U.S. Army – he worked at the public accounting firm of Price Waterhouse where he became a CPA. He attended night school at the University of Southern California Law School, graduating in 1960. While at USC, he was a top student in the Tax Law class taught by Professor John W. Ervin, who invited Bert to join his law firm, Ervin, Cohen & Jessup, upon graduation. Bert spent his entire law career there, retiring in 2016, having created and led the firm’s Corporate Law Department. He specialized in corporate governance, public and private finance, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance with securities laws.

Bert was an active member of the American Jewish Committee for over thirty years, serving on the Executive Board of the Los Angeles regional chapter and as a member of AJC’s National Board of Governors. He was active in and served on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Alumni Association, from 1974 to 1976 as Vice President, and from 1980 to 1982 as General Counsel. Bert also served on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Friends of Jazz. Bert was a lifelong Dodgers fan (with a faint memory of his love for the Cleveland Indians), and loved music, especially jazz, and theater. His favorite musical was “My Fair Lady.” Donations in his memory may be made to the American Jewish Committee, Los Angeles Chapter; the Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO)

Roger Bannister, the British runner who raised the bar for athletes all over the world by breaking the four-minute mile in 1954, has passed away at the age of 88, his family said Sunday.

Bannister died in Oxford “surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them,” relatives said in a statement. A medical student at the time of his historic record in 1954, when he completed a mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds—a feat previously thought impossible—he went on to lead a distinguished medical career but later suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Speaking to the Associated Press of his record-breaking run in 2012, he said, “It became a symbol of attempting a challenge in the physical world of something hitherto thought impossible. I’d like to see it as a metaphor not only for sport, but for life and seeking challenges.”

Rubeck, Lawrence Passed away Friday, March 2, 2018 surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Larry is survived by his devoted wife Donna, children; Janet (Kerry) Lehman, Robin (Scott) Vogel, Lance (Laura) Rubeck, and Jon (Jennifer) Rubeck, grandchildren; Kevin, Bryan, and Mary Lehman, Steven and Adam Vogel, Joel, Erin and Nicholas Rubeck, Willow Rubeck, great-granddaughter Lilly Vogel, brothers Robert and Richard (Connie) Rubeck, and several other relatives. 

Larry was born August 17, 1931, in Benton Harbor, MI, and grew up the son of farmers, Larry and Frances Rubeck, in northern Illinois. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. After the war, Larry married Donna Crawford of Belvidere, IL, in 1954 and together they shared 63 years of marriage. 

Larry attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in 1959 and he later earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. 

In 1959 Larry embarked on a career in education lasting over 33 years, including 24 years as principal at Northwest High School. Larry was a devoted family man. 

He enjoyed vacations throughout Michigan and spending time with former Northwest Schools colleagues and friends. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and served the church in various ministries. 

Larry also served the community through Big Brothers, Emmaus, and the Michigan Association of Retired Schools Personnel.

Dave Hadfield was a rugby league player cum journalist who passed away due to illness.

Sports journalism has given us many big names in the form of writers and journalists. They have a huge following just like the players and the audiences engage with them in every bit of emotions in the game.

Tributes and obituaries are pouring all over social media for Dave after his demise. It is very difficult to take that someone who gave his entire life for the betterment of Rugby is no more now.

Dave Hadfield was a schoolboy who later converted into a player of the rugby league and eventually a journalist of the same. Even though he has not been featured on Wikipedia, diehard rugby lovers remember him and adore him for his writings and columns.

Today when the man passes away, Twitter talks about his contribution to the game. He valued it more than anything else and cared for its games at all levels regardless of the degrees in popularity.

The journalist wrote for The Independent in 1990 and traveled the world for his work from Hongkong to Sydney. He wrote his very first edition in The I Paper in 2010 and many more after that. There has been no one as passionate as Hadfield for this game as per his colleagues.

He has even written books like Up And Over, A Trek Through Rugby League Land, which is quite inspiring.

Dave Hadfield has explained his illness in one of his books a year ago. He had Parkinson’s disease and did fight it for the longest time. However, it is unsure if his death is due to that very cause.

Today, the internet is filled with condolence messages and prayers to people around him and rarely anybody has talked about what caused his demise. The former rugby player and journalist passing away is a huge loss to the sports world. He has been referred to as a legend in the field of rugby journalism.

Dave Hadfield was certainly a married man but his wife and children have always remained away from the limelight. When the world is praying for the deceased family’s strength today, their identities have not been revealed.

We hope that the heartbroken family copes well with the loss of their beloved. Similarly, deepest condolence to Dave’s well-wishers and followers.

Evangelist Billy Graham died today at 7:46 a.m. at his home in Montreat. He was 99.

Throughout his life, Billy Graham preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to some 215 million people who attended one of his more than 400 Crusades, simulcasts and evangelistic rallies in more than 185 countries and territories. He reached millions more through TV, video, film, the internet and 34 books.

Born Nov. 7, 1918, four days before the armistice ended World War I, William Franklin “Billy” Graham Jr. grew up during the Depression and developed a work ethic that would carry him through decades of ministry on six continents.

“I have one message: that Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as Lord and Savior, and if we do, we have forgiveness of all of our sins,” said Graham at his final Crusade in June 2005 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York.

While Graham’s primary focus was to take this message to the world, he also provided spiritual counsel to presidents, championed desegregation, and was a voice of hope and guidance in times of trial. In 2001, he comforted his country and the world when he spoke at the National Cathedral in Washington, following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. At three global conferences held in Amsterdam (1983, 1986, 2000), Graham gathered some 23,000 evangelists from 208 countries and territories to train them to carry the message of Jesus Christ around the world.

During the week of his 95th birthday in 2013, Graham delivered his final message via more than 480 television stations across the U.S. and Canada. More than 26,000 churches participated in this My Hope project, making it the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s largest evangelistic outreach ever in North America.

Preferred Baseball to Religion

Graham, a country boy turned world evangelist, who prayed with every U.S. president from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama, was raised on a dairy farm in Charlotte. Back then, “Billy Frank,” as he was called, preferred baseball to religion. “I detested going to church,” he said when recalling his youth.

But in 1934, that changed. At a revival led by traveling evangelist Mordecai Fowler Ham, 15-year-old Graham committed his life to serving Jesus Christ. No one was more surprised than Graham himself.

“I was opposed to evangelism,” he said. “But finally, I was persuaded by a friend [to go to a meeting]…and the spirit of God began to speak to me as I went back night after night. One night, when the invitation was given to accept Jesus, I just said, ‘Lord, I’m going.’ I knew I was headed in a new direction.”

Several years later, Graham’s “new direction” led him to the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College of Florida), and later, Wheaton College in suburban Chicago, where he met fellow student Ruth McCue Bell, the daughter of medical missionaries in China. The couple graduated and married in the summer of 1943. Mr. and Mrs. Graham and their five children made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007.

After two years of traveling as a speaker for the Youth for Christ organization, Billy Graham held his first official evangelistic Crusade in 1947; but it was his 1949 Los Angeles Crusade that captured the nation’s attention. Originally scheduled to run for three weeks, the “tent meetings” were extended for a total of eight weeks as hundreds of thousands of men, women and children gathered to hear Graham’s messages.

On the heels of this campaign, Graham started the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which was incorporated in 1950. Since 2000, Graham’s son, Franklin, has led the Charlotte-based organization, which employs some 500 people worldwide.

Billy Graham may be best known, however, for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions in locations from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Zagorsk, Russia; and from Wellington, New Zealand to the National Cathedral in Washington. In 1973, Graham addressed more than one million people crowded into Yoido Plaza in Seoul, South Korea—the largest live audience of his Crusades.

Breaking Down Barriers

Preaching in Johannesburg in 1973, Graham said, “Christ belongs to all people. He belongs to the whole world.…I reject any creed based on hate…Christianity is not a white man’s religion, and don’t let anybody ever tell you that it’s white or black.”

Graham spoke to people of all ethnicities, creeds and backgrounds. Early in his career, he denounced racism when desegregation was not popular. Before the U.S. Supreme Court banned discrimination on a racial basis, Graham held desegregated Crusades, even in the Deep South. He declined invitations to speak in South Africa for 20 years, choosing instead to wait until the meetings could be integrated. Integration occurred in 1973, and only then did Graham make the trip to South Africa.

A 1977 trip to communist-led Hungary opened doors for Graham to conduct preaching missions in virtually every country of the former Eastern Bloc (including the Soviet Union), as well as China and North Korea.

Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am (Harper Collins, 1997), which remained on The New York Times best-seller list for 18 weeks.

In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen. He was also listed by Gallup as one of the “Ten Most Admired Men” 61 times—including 55 consecutive years (except 1976, when the question was not asked). Graham was cited by the George Washington Carver Memorial Institute for his contributions to race relations and by the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai B’rith.

Throughout his life, Graham was faithful to his calling, which will be captured in the inscription to be placed on his grave marker: Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“There were a few times when I thought I was dying, and I saw my whole life come before me…” said Graham at his Cincinnati Crusade on June 24, 2002. “I didn’t say to the Lord, ‘I’m a preacher, and I’ve preached to many people.’ I said, ‘Oh Lord, I’m a sinner, and I still need Your forgiveness. I still need the cross.’ And I asked the Lord to give me peace in my heart, and He did—a wonderful peace that hasn’t left me.”

Billy Graham is survived by his sister Jean Ford; daughters Gigi, Anne and Ruth; sons Franklin and Ned; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. His wife, Ruth, died June 14, 2007, at age 87, and is buried at the Billy Graham Library.