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Sunday's Internet Edition, 08:36 AM, November 23, 2008.
Obituaries for November 19, 2008
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Wally Boeck
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Distinguished RM aviator Wally Boeck remembered
Walter G. "Wally" Boeck, a Rancho Murieta resident, business leader and distinguished Marine Corp aviator died on Thursday, Nov. 6 in an airplane crash. He was 67.
An avid pilot, Mr. Boeck was flying an experimental 1946 Globe Swift GC1A aircraft that he had passionately restored when, according to witnesses, the plane started flying erratically shortly after taking off from the Rancho Murieta Airport, eventually crash landing just south of Lake Camanche.
Mr. Boeck was known throughout Rancho Murieta for his organization of the Young Eagles events, but family and friends remember him most as a loving family man. His son Darren Boeck said, "He was a wonderful father and roll model and took great joy in his family, especially most recently his grandchildren."
Mr. Boeck is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Carroll; two brothers Fred and Peter Boeck; daughter, Beverly; two sons Darren and Travis; stepson Pete Dumont and stepdaughter Patricia Taylor.
Mr. Boeck was blessed with 11 grandchildren, the youngest arriving on Nov. 10, four days after his death.
Born Sept. 27, 1941 in Bronx, New York, Mr. Boeck earned his bachelor and graduate degrees from the University of Hawaii while serving in the military.
He distinguished himself during various tours of duty with the Fleet Marine Force, flying both fighter and transport aircraft in a combat environment during the Cuban missile crisis and Vietnam conflict. In recognition of his operational achievements, Mr. Boeck was chosen as the Fleet Marine Force Pacific nominee for Marine Aviator of the Year in 1973.
After serving two years as an instructor at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in Miramar, Calif., Mr. Boeck contributed four years to a variety of programs crucial to the nation’s defense posture at the Naval Air Development Center in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Boeck served 20 years in the Marine Corps and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel fighter and test pilot. Upon retirement from the Corp in 1979, he not only worked for NASA, but for various private sector companies such as Computer Sciences Corporation. While holding various senior level positions with those companies, Mr. Boeck demonstrated a passion for his community through his work heading the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and assisting with the founding of the Ventura County Business Incubator. He also worked as president of his local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Mr. Boeck became well known as the executive director of California’s Student Aid Commission. He worked to lead the Commission’s activities with a focus on ensuring that every California high school graduate had access to a postsecondary education. He was responsible for administering the commission's $320 million Cal Grant program and a variety of other state and federal financial aid programs. Upon retiring from the Student Aid Commission, Mr. Boeck spent his time consulting and restoring his experimental aircraft.
In Rancho Murieta, he became an active participant in community events. His large involvement in the Young Eagles program that he organized was an effort to engage the youth of Rancho Murieta in aviation, and the Junior Eagles program targeted junior high and high school aged youth. Three times a year Mr. Boeck and others offered free flying sessions for young people at the airport.
Through these programs, Mr. Boeck was able to open the world of aviation and its opportunities to a new generation. He was also a vocal participant in local meetings and supported the recent clearing of the area surrounding the airstrip to allow for night flying at the Rancho Murieta Airport.
He is remembered by many in the River Valley for his joy and enthusiasm, but is especially missed by the many fellow pilots in the community. One such pilot is Ted Ryon, who was shocked and saddened by his friend's death. "Wally was a truly wonderful man - always a pleasure to be around," said Ryon. "He was also a great leader and organizer. Our community, especially those of us at the airport, will truly miss him."
The “Wally Boeck Memorial Fund for Youth Aviation” has been established, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 595, Rancho Murieta, CA., 95683.
Former Sloughhouse resident Joseph Eaton passes away
A celebration of the life for Joseph Michael Eaton Jr., former Sloughhouse resident, took place at his home in Ukiah on Thursday, Nov. 13. Mr. Eaton died Nov. 5 -four days after his 66th birthday.
He was born Nov. 1, 1942 in Sacramento to Joseph and Edith Eaton who predeceased him, and he grew up in Sloughhouse where he attended Cosumnes River Elementary School and graduated from Elk Grove High School.
Mr. Eaton worked for Teichert & Sons Construction, Douglas Aircraft, Joe Vicini General Construction. After moving his family to Ukiah in 1972, he worked as a heavy equipment fire operator for CDF until his retirement in February 2000 after 25 years of service. Mr. Eaton then worked at MBC Construction in Ukiah.
He was an avid outdoorsman and sports fan, and growing up he spent much of his time hunting and fishing throughout Sloughhouse and Rancho Murieta. He also enjoyed the family cabin at Lake Tahoe, both growing up and later with his family.
Mr. Eaton is survived by his wife of 46 years Sharon Conner Eaton; sons Ken Eaton and Michael Eaton and wife Tina, all of Ukiah; eight grandchildren; brother Kelly Eaton and wife Tracee of Plymouth; and sister Carol Bascherini of Sacramento.
He was the son-in-law of Don and Elma Conner of Wilton; brother-in-law of Gary Conner and wife Sue of Elk Grove and Steve Conner and wife Mary of Wilton; nephew of Olen Eaton and wife Princes of Texas and Nell Armstrong and husband Ford of Tennessee. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association.
Obituaries for November 12, 2008
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Margaret Andrews
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Margaret Andrews of RM passes away at 81
Rancho Murieta resident Margaret (Marge) Andrews passed away on November 4 at the age of 81. She and her loving husband John Andrews moved to RM in 1996. At the age of 78, while a member of the RM Niners, Mrs. Andrews made a hole-in-one on hole #2.
Mrs. Andrews is survived by her husband, John; son Alan and his wife Mei; and grandson Keith, all of San Francisco; daughter Cheryl and her husband Jim of Palos Verdes, Calif.; and grandson Arthur from San Francisco.
Mrs. Andrews was born in Finleyville, Pa. and was one of 10 children in the Traud family. She is survived by five of them and their children, all living back east.
Her family said she was a "very generous, quite humorous and kind-hearted lady and will be greatly missed.
Former RMA director Charles D. Ford passes away
Charles D. Ford of Rancho Murieta passed away on Oct. 27. Mr. Ford was an educator, military veteran and community servant as a former director of the Rancho Murieta Association.
Mr. Ford was born in Seminole, OK to Cornelius P. Ford Sr. and Hannah “Anna” Ford. He attended public schools in Bakersfield, CA where he later returned to teach school and serve as the first African-American school administrator in Kern County.
Mr. Ford also taught in public schools in Los Angeles, and Baltimore. Throughout his life, Mr. Ford fought for equality through the improvement of education. In 1971, he moved to Sacramento to work as a program consultant for the California State Department of Education until his retirement.
In 1943 Mr. Ford was drafted into the Army and served under legendary general Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Mr. Ford was a proud member of numerous community, social, and political organizations including the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, CSEA Chapter 2; Sacramento County Commission on Aging; Golden West Track and Field Organization; NAACP; The 100 Black Men; and the community of Rancho Murieta where he served as a board member of the Rancho Murieta Association. He served as the parade Grand Marshall in 1998.
Mr. Ford was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ace Ford, Earl L. Ford, William H. Ford, Cornelius P. Ford, James J. Ford, and sisters Ethel Simmons, Ruby Earl, and Hazel "LaVonne" Channell.
He is survived by his brother Reuben J. Ford; children, Lorrita E. Ford, Craig N. Ford, Sr., Corlon D. Ford, Asolde Ford-Gillett; grandchildren C. Gibran McDonald, Craig N. Ford, Jr., Jihan N.F. McDonald, Stephen M. Ford, Christina N. Ford, Aisha Ford-Gillett, Xavier Ford-Gillett; and scores of nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.
Mr. Ford's vital energy and keen intellect will be deeply missed by family and friends. He enjoyed gardening and attending sports events, especially track and field and boxing. He held season tickets to theatre and sports events wherever he lived.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Elizabeth C. Onyeke for her dedicated attention to the health and well being of Mr. Ford in his winter years.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts, and the family asks that those wishing to make memorial donations consider the following organizations:
Project BEST (Black Excellence in Scholarship & Teaching)
Kern High School District, 5801 Sundale Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309; The United Negro College Fund or The American Cancer Society.
Services were held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Rev. H.T. Calhoun officiated.
Obituary for October 22, 2008
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Patricia Barr
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Patricia Barr of RM passes away Oct. 2
With a profound sense of sadness and grief, the family of Rancho Murieta resident Patricia Barr announced that she passed away Oct. 2 and has "gone home to be with the Lord."
Mrs. Barr was born November 23, 1923. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, William Barr.
Mrs. Barr was born in San Francisco and raised in Berkeley. She relocated with her family to Rancho Murieta in 2001. She enjoyed spending time with three generations of family during her time in Rancho Murieta. She was an avid artist in the RM community and spent countless hours reading.
Mrs. Barr is survived by her three daughters, Vicki Jennings of Arnold, Claudia Faeth of Rancho Murieta, and Sydney McLeod of Lincoln in addition to 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Her family said, "She will be truly missed. We will never forget her unfailing and amazing integrity, grace and poise.
Obituary for October 15, 2008
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Helen K. Werlan
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Helen K. Werlan of RM passes away at 94
Rancho Murieta resident Helen K. Werlan passed away Sept. 30 at the age of 94. Mrs. Werlan has been a resident of RM for five years.
Mrs. Werlan was born on July 15, 1914 in Holtville, Calif. She was preceded in death by husband Joe Werlan.
Mrs. Werlan is survived by daughters Marie Maschmeyer of Rancho Murieta and Judy Gibson and husband Greg also of Rancho Murieta. She is also survived by siblings Trudy Oldham of St. Helena and Anita Angell of Calistoga; Grandchildren Donna (husband Francis), Joseph (wife Catherine), Jason (wife Maureen) Maschmeyer and Alex (wife Jeanie); Great-Grandchildren Joseph Heiner, Nicholas Heiner, Quintin Triplett, Richard Triplett and Kaley Maschmeyer.
Mrs. Werlan was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where she was very involved in YLI. She was a member, officer and past president of the Native Daughters of the Golden West.
Mrs. Werlan's family says she was always very supportive of her children’s activities such as 4-H and the Summer Home School Mother’s Club. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Manteca Garden Club. She was also a member of the Swiss Club.
Mrs. Werlan was an original member of the Swiss Echo’s - a singing group. She was well known for her delicious cookies and was a marvelous cook. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, always being positive and never complaining.
Mrs. Werlan's loved ones report she was a good friend and a caring and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Oct. 10, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 525 E. North St. Manteca.
ARCHIVE OF RECENT OBITUARIES
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