The Memorial Wall

Hale Saefkow, age 80, died March 3. Born Nov. 23, 1929.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty (nee Sawhill). Married Nov. 10, 1950. Loving father of David (wife Kim) and Tom (wife Mary); grandfather of Sara Healey, Jeff, Matt, Mike and Steve; great grandfather of two; brother-in-law of Jeanne and Herm Seitz. Family was always first.

Grew up in Euclid, and graduated from Euclid Central in 1948. Lived in Lyndhurst for 40 years and was active in Lyndhurst Community Presbyterian Church, Little League coaching, Cub Scout Master (Pack No. 89), AASR, Pipefitters Local No. 120. Taught welding for 17 years. Was a member of Northeast, Lake County and Bay Point Yacht Clubs. Enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, swimming and dancing. 

Survived by loving husband Alvin, children Steven (Brigitte), David (Geri), Risa (Jeff) Leonard, Susie (Stewart) Epstein, predeceased by daughter Elizabeth. Loving Noni to Ashley, Haley, Aaron, Andrew, Adam, Ben (Olivia), Jessica, Nicole, Brittany, Jason & Jamie, great-grandma to Nathan, Katie, & Sophie. 

Beloved husband of the late Sarah died of Parkinson's disease on November 22, 2009, in Royal Oak, MI. Loving father of Sandra Flanagan, Howard (Martha) Kaloogian, and Harold (Sandy) Kaloogian. Loving grandfather of Alexandra and Eric, Meredith and Jack and Alex. Dear brother of Victoria and Gladys. Dear brother-in-law of Charles Ayanian and Ivy Benneian. Harry will also be missed by his nieces and nephews. Visitation Friday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. with 7 p.m. prayers at the Edward Korkoian Funeral Home, 836 N. Main Street, Royal Oak (248) 541-8325. Knights of Vartan Service Friday 7:30 p.m. In-state Saturday 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. funeral at the Armenian Congregational Church, 26210 W. 12 Mile Rd., Southfield.

Ann Bodenhamer Martin, 82, made her transition and took flight with the angels on November 6, 2009. We all loved her. We all were uniquely blessed and inspired to new heights by her pure, yet simple way of loving. Our spirits soared as we laughed at her priceless and infectious sense of humor. We all have personal stories to share how she changed our lives for the better. Remembering Reverend Ann B. Martin conjures up a multitude of emotions and memories for all of us; sheer blessedness, unconditional love, heartfelt empathy, and unending wisdom. For 20 years, Ann blessed us as the Minister of Unity Church of Palm Springs. With her positive and caring approach in her thoughts, words, deeds and actions, she encouraged countless people to savor every moment of life with strength and appreciation, a sense of wonder, and a forgiving heart. Even when Parkinson's disease began playing havoc with her body and mind, she fought it head on, openly talking about it, laughing at it, and loving God all the more. Dedicated to the little white church in the desert, Dr. Ann communicated her pearls of wisdom in over 2,500 sermons. And then there were the hugs, over 240,000 of them, with always more to come. Ann's presence and devotion extended past the walls of the church. She built a sense of community within the community, dedicating herself to helping terminally ill patients and anyone else who needed a shoulder to cry on. She spent innumerable hours holding the hands of frightened individuals, assuring that God loved them and so did she. Above all, Ann was a teacher. She possessed the uncanny ability to recognize gifts inside of us that we couldn't see. And she was always right. Full of wisdom and encouragement, her messages were simple: "Decide today to make love a priority. Do what comes naturally and follow your heart. Listen within, forgive yourself and others, and ask for the truth of love to fill your life." Also a gifted author, Ann wrote several touching and awe-inspiring books. Her latest book, Calling Your Angel (SterlingHouse Publisher) has been enlightening readers since the fall of 2007. Calico Families (Pelican Publishing Co.) was first published in 1974 and has recently been re-released after 35 years! Ann's life before she moved to Palm Springs was anything but ordinary. A television personality in New Orleans, she created and hosted several shows, including "New Orleans Bandstand," "Hospitality House," and "The Ann Elliott Show." Also a fashion model, a radio broadcaster, a photographer, a journalist for several periodicals, and the first woman ever to "call the horses," Ann's life has been quite a trip! Ann's final job was perhaps her most important - Grandma. Living in Colorado with her daughter and two granddaughters for the past 15 months, Ann tackled Parkinson's with courage and conviction, determined to leave her grandchildren with the invaluable gifts of compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, faith in what you can't see, and love, always, always love. So, let's open our hearts, wipe away our tears, raise our arms in the air, and give our precious lady that well known, old fashioned, Ann Martin sendoff: Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! We love you, Dr. Ann! We love you, friend! We love you more! It would be greatly appreciated if monetary gifts made in memory of Dr. Ann, be sent to the Rev. Ann Martin Memorial at Parkinson's Resource Organization, 74-478 Highway 111, #102, Palm Desert, CA 92260 or on their website at www.parkinsonsresource.org. Telephone 877-775-4111. Also, all royalties made from future book sales will be donated to PRO. Thank you.

Arne R. Wesslen October 2, 1924 - October 15, 2009 Born in San Pedro, CA the only child of Gustav and Ida Wesslen, he lived in Los Angeles County all his life. He was a graduate of San Pedro High School, L.A. Harbor College and We st Coast University. He was a deck officer (mate) in the Merchant Marines during World War II and maintained his mate's license his whole life. In 1995, WWII Merchant Marines were given honorable discharges from the U.S. Coast Guard. His 40-year petroleum industry career began with sailing tankers for Richfield Oil later moving into management positions and retiring from ARCO (now BP) in 1985. He was a volunteer deck officer on the S.S. Lane Victory for many years and was on the bridge during their summer d ay cruises. Arne is survived by his wife of 24 years, Ellen Mathis Wesslen; daughters, CDR M.K. Wesslen, USN and Terry Lee Johnson (Brad); stepson, Mark Lee Mathis (Heidy); and grandchildren, Jessica Ann Johnson, Joseph Paul Johnson, Heather Chrystina Mathis and Brett Lee Mathis; as well as many other family and friends. Services are Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. followed by graveside services with military honors at Forest Lawn, Cypress with viewing, Wednesday, October 21, 2009, from 6-9 p.m.

Bill was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 16, 1932.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Anita, his sons from a prior marriage, Ken and Kurt of Bothel WA and Los Angeles and the many wonderful friends he made throughout his lifetime. 

Bill spent his career in commodity sales for the beef and lamb industry working for Armour & Company and John Morell among others. He excelled in college basketball playing on an AAU team owned by Fibber McGee and Molly. He scored hoops from Mexico to Canada. 

Bill enjoyed the game of golf just about more than anything in life and the most joyful years were spent playing golf with his buddies on courses around the world.  

Bill’s effervescent smile, his endearing sense of humor and ability to quote poetry at the drop of a hat will linger in our hearts forever. He aspired to be a singer in the genre of Frank Sinatra and on occasion with enough good wine, he came pretty close. No one loved life as much as Bill Kramer and all who met him, loved him. 

His wife and family gratefully acknowledge the staff and caregivers of The Carlotta Nursing home in Palm Desert, CA who provided such loving care over the past four and a half years. 

Special mention must be made to Jo Rosen and the Parkinson’s Resource Organization. Without her support, council, and knowledge of Parkinson’s disease, the path was made easier and we are forever in her debt.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Fountains of the Carlotta on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Please call (760) 619-3584 for details. All are welcome.  

In lieu of flowers, and to carry on his legacy of helping others affected by Parkinson’s, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson’s Resource Organization with special mention in memory of William B Kramer.  Sentiments to the family will be cherished.

In loving memory of Charles Edward Dent who passed away August 24th, 2009 in Chestnut Ridge, New York after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 77.

A long-time resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, “Chuck” moved to New York in 2006 to live near his daughter Susan Birkas-Dent and her family. A former aerospace engineer at Rockwell International, Charles graduated with honors from UCLA and obtained a MBA from USC. He was married to Carol Grunder Dent for 36 years until her passing in 1994. Charles is also survived by his daughter Cheryl Dent of Los Angeles, his granddaughter Freya May Birkas-Dent, his brother Robert Dent and sister Mary L. Jones. Services are planned for Saturday September 12 at 3pm at St. Peters by the Sea Presbyterian Church, in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Special sentiments to the family and donations can be made in his memory to the Parkinson’s Resource Organization: www.ParkinsonsResource.org

Donald Leo Hartenfeld passed away May 6, 2009 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was at home and at peace, with his loving family by his side.

Although not unexpected, his death was sudden. It is not his death, but his life that is to be remembered…a life that was filled with love, laughter, and an uncompromising devotion to family and friends. He was a warm, caring, sensitive, considerate, passionate bear of a man who enjoyed life to the fullest. Quick to offer a smile and a hug, Don was known to those close to him as a man who encouraged everyone around him to reach for the stars and to achieve things they never dreamed possible.

He traveled extensively and harbored a deep love of Berlin, his ancestral homeland and where he was stationed in the Air Force, and the Caribbean, where he frequently enjoyed many memorable adventures on trips and Windjammer cruises with family and friends.

Don was born June 13, 1928 in Sandusky, Ohio to Ervin H. Hartenfeld and Lucille H. (Neumeyer) Hartenfeld, the youngest of three boys. He graduated from Sandusky High School, Class of ’46 and attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to the States, he enrolled at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio but longed for more after living in Berlin and visiting all the great cities of Europe. He answered a friend’s invitation to join him in Mexico City where he enrolled at Mexico City College and obtained a B.A. in Business in August 1956.

When he returned to the States, he bid farewell to Ohio and moved to San Francisco where he was employed by IBM as a Methods Analyst. He enjoyed an outstanding 23 year career with IBM, living in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, and traveling extensively on behalf of the company. His travels enabled him to explore all of the United States and to widen his circle of friends. He embarked on a new career path in 1982 when he accepted a new challenge with Pacific Northwest Insurance in Portland, Oregon where he lived for nine years before retiring.

Retirement did not slow Don down as he moved to Palm Springs in 1995 and continued his travels. Don assumed an active role in his community. He was an Honorary Member of Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert and a volunteer at Desert AIDS Project where he was named “Volunteer of the Year” in 2003.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Lucille Hartenfeld, and two brothers, Ervin John Hartenfeld and Rolland Benjamin Hartenfeld.

Don is survived by his life partner, George Puddephatt of Palm Springs; sister-in law Mary Alice Hartenfeld of Gahana, Ohio; nieces Barbara Hartenfeld of Phoenix, Arizona, Bonnie Darnell of Portage, Ohio, Gail Downing of Lewis Center, Ohio, Judy Baird of Stockbridge, Georgia, Pam Suver of Powell, Ohio, Lori Anne Miller of Castalia, Ohio; nephews Rolland E. Hartenfeld of Bellevue, Ohio, Jonathon E. Hartenfeld of Green Springs, Ohio; adopted son, Ruben Andreatta of Indio, California and a wealth of devoted loving friends throughout the U.S. and Canada.

A celebration of life will be held on June 13th at 4:00 P.M. at The Commissary, 69620 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage, California. As a final tribute to Don and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Parkinson’s Resource Organization

Although he rode the crest of several waves of agency growth as a senior executive at three Canadian agencies, Jerry Bernstein—who died in Los Angeles on February 18, 2009, at age 68—may best be remembered for his creation of a smart-ass owl.

In 1969, Bernstein was a copy group head at W.B. Doner in Detroit when he wrote and illustrated “Mr. Cow,” a 60-second animated spot with the tag line: “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know.”

While claims that it was the longest-running TV ad in history are hard to verify, it made enough of an impression to recently sparking a lively discussion on YouTube.com that Bernstein himself participated in. The spot also won a special citation from the Clio Awards for children’s advertising in 1970—the first of two Clios Bernstein would win.

A Michigan native, Bernstein joined Doner after graduating from Wayne State University with a communications degree. After three years, Bernstein moved to Toronto as vice-president and creative director of McCann Erickson. His first stay in Canada was short-lived, and something of a learning experience, recalls advertising consultant Brian Buckingham. Bernstein was back in Detroit after a stint at Quaker Oats’ in-house agency in Chicago when Buckingham, then executive vice-president of Bates International in Toronto, recruited him.

“Jerry felt he might’ve been too young to be a creative director the first time around, but I thought he did outstanding work. He was a highly creative guy. His ability to translate a brief into ideas was extraordinary.” Overall, Buckingham adds, “Jerry elevated creative product wherever he went in this business.”

In 1983, after seven years with Bates, Bernstein left to become a partner and executive creative director for Toronto’s Palmer Bonner, his home until 1988.

Lynda Headland—who, as a Palmer Bonner copywriter, shared Bernstein’s second Clio with him for a Dad’s Cookies ad in 1983—remembers him as “a terrific mentor who could challenge you, instill confidence and make you laugh, all at the same time.”

In 1989, Bernstein moved to Southern California and opened Jerry Bernstein & Associates in Woodland Hills. His second wife, Dana Gellert, served as the firm’s creative director. Despite being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006, Bernstein remained active and—as witnessed by the online discussion of his immortal Tootsie Pop commercial—engaged.

Jerry Bernstein's creativity is witnessed in his development of the Logo and the Mission Statement of Parkinson's Resource Organization, "Working so no one is isolated because of Parkinson's". The logo includes the words Hope, Encouragement, Support, Education, and Inspiration. He will forever be remembered in the Parkinson's World. 

Jerrold was a resident of Woodland Hills, California.

Captain Thomas E. Bruyere USN, (Ret), 75, died peacefully on January 4, 2009, in San Diego, CA, from complications associated with Parkinson's disease which he endured for 15 years.

Tom was born to Bolton and Annette Bruyere on January 15, 1933, in Waco, TX. He grew up in east Texas, graduated from Longview High School in 1951, and attended Kilgore College until his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from which he graduated in 1956.

Captain Bruyere had a distinguished 28-year career as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot where he flew 4200 hours in jet aircraft, 371 combat missions in Southeast Asia, and over 800 carrier arrested landings. Tom's career highlights included command of Fighter Squadron 142 "Ghostriders," navigator of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, and command of Navy Recruiting District, New York.

After retirement from the Navy, he began TNT Hydrolines Inc., building and operating high-speed catamarans to carry commuters from New Jersey to the Wall Street Pier.

His major philanthropic activities included the establishment of Fleet Week in New York City; directing the San Francisco Air Show featuring the Navy's Blue Angels; serving as President of the Navy League Council in New York City, and active in the Navy League Councils of San Francisco and Baltimore.

Tom's hobbies, besides flying fast, were people and laughter. He had the great gifts of charm and clever humor. People were drawn to him not only because of his great character but his special ability to put everyone at ease.

Tom is survived by Kathy Bruyere, his wife, and selfless caregiver for the last 20 years; three sons from his marriage to Joan Bruyere; Brett Bruyere and wife Mandi of Boise, ID, Major Trent Bruyere, U.S. Army and wife Valeria of Coral Gables, FL, and T.J. Bruyere and wife Blanca of Coronado, CA; sister, Marilyn Brunkhorst and husband Robert of Dallas, TX; brothers, Bolton Bruyere of Snyder, TX, Robert Bruyere and wife Blanche of Longview, TX, Milton Bruyere and wife Kristin of Shreveport, LA, and Helen Bruyere his sister-in-law and wife of brother David Bruyere who recently preceded him in death of Longview, TX; ten grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

His body will be cremated and buried at a National veteran's cemetery to be announced at a later date.

https://parkinsonsresource.org/the-memorial-wall/bruyere