In Loving Memory

Lumpy

8-7-51 to 10-16-12

I always referred to him as my little brother.

He always called my office to update me on the Red Sox score.

He loved that he weighed more than we did at birth…and he knew he was way cuter.

He lived an incredibly diverse life, wandering off into worlds I will never know…What I do know is that his heart was forever giving, and in the end, it was that very same heart that betrayed him.

I also know, and find much solace in the knowledge that he is now at peace.

And mostly, I know that I adored him…and always thought I would

see him again.

Tree

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Patrick J. McGowan, 79, passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family, at home, in Sonoma on October 13, 2014. Born in Martinez, California in 1935, Patrick spent his career in business, human resources, training & development, and telecommunications; most notably working as a pioneer of corporate and industrial television broadcasting.

In retirement, Patrick pursued his passion of wood-working. A self-taught craftsman, he filled not only his home, but also the homes of his children, with beautiful, expertly-crafted furniture; symbols of his ethics for hard work, honesty and self-reliance that will be treasured by generations of McGowans to come.

Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; his devoted children, Sean, Kevin, Kerri and Timothy; their partners or spouses, Jessica, Miho, Roland and Celeste; and his two brilliant grandchildren, Kai and Ahlia. A devoted family man, they will remember a husband, father, grandfather who lived by principles of respect, fairness and integrity.

A celebration of life and memorial mass will be held Friday, October 24, 2014 at St. Francis Solano Church, Sonoma, CA beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to one of the following charities: Napa Valley Hospice, 414 S Jefferson St, Napa, CA 94559; Pets Lifeline, P.O. Box 341, Sonoma, CA 95476; or Project St. Francis, 342 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Arrangements cared for and inquiries can be made to Duggan’s Mission Chapel at (707) 996-3655.

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Donna J. Lewis, owner of the Victorian Garden Inn, passed away suddenly at her home in Sonoma, CA, October 5, 2014, of heart failure. Donna was the proprietor of the Victorian Garden Inn for 30 years. She was passionate about her family, politics, and education. She loved the town of Sonoma, and worked hard to support and maintain its historic charm and sense of community. She had a curious, creative, and open mind, unending energy and determination, and never hesitated to stand up for what she believed.

Donna was born November 9, 1934, to Albert and Ella Mae Driver, in Los Angeles, CA. She completed a BA at the University of Redlands, and was a former president of her local American Association of University Women. She was a teacher, an interior designer, and store owner. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years, and active with the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County. Donna moved to Sonoma in 1981, and opened her Inn in 1983. She loved meeting and talking with visitors to the Inn from all over the world, and took great pride in helping them see the best that Sonoma had to offer. She cared greatly for her employees and their families, and worked hard to provide them with support even through hard economic times. She had a home in Patzcuaro, Mexico, and loved relaxing and spending time with her friends down there.

Predeceased by her parents, and her brother William Driver. Survived by her three children, Karrin Hopper, Korey Lewis, and Kenton Lewis, and her four grandsons, Daniel Dempster, Jonathan Dempster, Cameron Sprenger, and Kaden Lewis, all of whom she was very proud.

Her family would like to thank her friends and business associates who have been so generous with their time and assistance during this difficult time.

A public memorial service will be held November 8, 2014, at the Vintage House, 264 1^ST Street East, Sonoma, at 1:30 p.m.

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Bonnie Fay Schalliz, passed away on Oct 7, 2014 at her home in Sonoma surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Creston, Nebraska on April 17, 1925 to Willie Reeves and Luella Collins King. She enjoyed the small town life of Creston, swimming at the local pool, taking piano and dancing lessons. The family moved to Compton, CA. when Bonnie was a teenager. She finished high school and attended Compton College.

Down the street from her Compton home lived Patrick Schallitz, the love of her life. They were married May 24, 1945. They were happily married for 66 years. They moved to Anaheim, Ca. where they raised their family. While living in Anaheim, she returned to college where she completed her AA degree. She was the family resource for the names of flowers, birds, far flung places and unusual travel routes. She had excellent recall which made her adept at crossword puzzles even in her later years.

Bonnie and Pat moved to Sonoma in the spring of 1996 to be closer to their family. They enjoyed their close proximity to nature and traveled frequently to favorite spots which included Point Reyes, Patrick’s Point and Mendocino. Bonnie was a voracious reader. She was a long time member of a book club in Sonoma, where she made many dear friends. Bonnie was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. She had great skill in bringing out the best in others and remained a kind, and good hearted person all of her days. She demonstrated grace and equanimity even during these last most challenging years with the loss of Patrick and battling cancer. She will be dearly missed.

Bonnie is survived by: her siblings, Darlene Jones and Ronald King; her children: Sharon Blessing-Hawkins, Karen (and husband, John) Hirsimaki, and Timothy (and wife, Rhoda) Schallitz; her grandchildren: John Blessing, Shane and Patrick Schallitz, Martin and Signe Hirsimaki (and husband, Eric) Muzzy; and her great-grandson, Axel Muzzy. She is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held for her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10022; or to the National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501. Arrangements cared for by Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service. Inquiries may be made to them at (707) 996-3655 or www.duggansmissionchapel.com.

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Austin N. Avery, 86, entered eternal life on October 1, 2014. His loving wife, Gloria V. Avery, 86, joined Austin on October 19, 2014. Austin and Gloria lived in Naples FL and were originally from White Plains, NY. They also lived in Sonoma for two years to be close to their daughter Kathy Benziger.

They are survived by their four children; Thomas Avery (Naples, FL), Christopher Avery (Balston Spa, NY), Kathleen Avery Benziger (Sonoma, CA), and James Avery (White Plains, NY); their 16 grandchildren; and their six great grandchildren.

Their passion was their family and their joy was spending time with all of them. They were dedicated to each other and supported and loved one another every day. They were loving parents who were always there for their children, wonderful grandparents and great grandparents.

Austin and Gloria had a zest for life thanks to their commitment to their family, friends and careers. Theirs was a life well lived and a great example to all who knew them of what is most important in life – family. They lived a full and happy life together on this earth and are together once again in eternal life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of Christopher Benziger, their beloved grandson, to Becoming Independent, 1425 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.

A full tribute to Austin and Gloria can be read at: www.mcmahonfuneralhome.com

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Joanne Brown Setzer, 75, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 11th, 2014 in Sonoma after a courageous ten month battle with brain cancer. Born on November 7th 1938 to Pete and Bernice Hutson, Joanne spent the first 29 years of her life in Kansas City, Missouri and Oklahoma. After having her three children- Kenneth, Randall, and Lisa- Joanne moved the family out west, settling in Orinda, California. For a number of years, she owned The Cupola, a boutique in Lafayette, and volunteered within the Orinda community.

In 1981, Joanne met the love of her life, Jack Setzer, and together they relocated to Sonoma, California. There, Joanne became an active member of the Sonoma community and worked as an operational manager of a wholesale gift retailer, and later volunteered at the Sonoma Valley Visitor’s Bureau. Joanne was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing Mah Jongg with her friends, decorating her beautiful home, and walking her yellow lab.

Joanne is predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived and will be missed by her three children, her three stepsons, her two sisters, her ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, her daughters-in-law, her many wonderful friends, and of course, her beloved Casea Biscuit.

Joanne was truly one of the most beautiful souls to grace this world. She cherished her many friends and was a caring and wonderful mother. Known to her grandchildren as “Grammy Jo,” she took pride in being the best grandmother anyone could ask for. In the face of her battle with cancer, she remained courageous and positive, and was admirable in her fight. She inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she could always light up a room with her beautiful smile and contagious laughter. For that, she will always be remembered as our sunshine.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on her birthday, Friday, November 7th, 12:00pm-3:00pm at her home at 142 Mission Terrace in Sonoma. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to benefit brain cancer research. (http://www.fredhutch.org/en/ways-to-give.html).

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Nicholas (Nick) Cali, urrounded by family, Nicholas (Nick) Cali passed away peacefully at his home in Hillsboro, Oregon on October 19, 2014 at the age of 80. Nick’s passion for life was infectious; he greeted each day with humor, strength, and gratitude, and he enjoyed nothing more than sharing his life and laughter with those he loved.

Born in the Bronx on January 8, 1934, Nick was a New Yorker at heart, yet he always referred to Sonoma as “paradise” and felt lucky to call this town home for the past 26 years. Nick graduated from Lehigh University in 1956, where he studied history and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer after graduation. After his military service, Nick began his career in the insurance industry, eventually owning his own business as a consultant to public entities.

After more than 35 years of marriage and incredible friendship, he is survived by the love of his life, Cindy; his two loving daughters, Laura and Alexandra, and their partners, Stephen Robison and Gareth Fotouhi. Nick will be remembered as a devoted family man, husband, father, and mentor who always led by example and lived by principles of loyalty, honesty, hard work, and generosity.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Nick’s honor at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the Seven Flags of Sonoma Clubhouse, 300 International Boulevard, Sonoma, CA 95476. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Nick’s memory to the American Heart Association.

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James Lyle Sims passed away peacefully at his home in San Francisco on September 24, 2014 with his loving wife at his side along with Danny Benatar, a friend whom he loved as a son. Jim leaves behind his siblings: Donald, Roberta, Dee and Sarah.

After serving in the armed forces, Jim spent his early years traveling through Mexico on his 1954 BMW motorcycle and climbing mountains in Yosemite, returning to the Bay Area to work on the construction of the underground BART system. In 1976, Jim began a long career as project manager at Esprit de Corps, overseeing the construction of retail stores throughout the U.S.

Jim’s interests were broad and diverse, ranging from books to birds, and travel in Mexico, Costa Rica and India. A long time runner, Jim knew well the streets of San Francisco and the location of every used book store and Mexican cantina.

With Velma, his wife of 46 years, Jim built their home in the Sonoma hills in Kenwood where together they lived quietly amongst lifelong friends. Their annual holiday party brought together old friends who shared Jim’s appreciation for good wine and conversation.

Jim’s brother Don, sister Sarah, Dee and Roberta join Jim’s wife and Danny in saluting a wonderful life, lived to its fullest with rich experiences and good friends and neighbors.

There will be no services or requests for donations. Remembrances will be private.

Visit www.jimsimsmemorial.com

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Sonoma- David R Welty, loving father of Melanie Valesi, Sarah Welty and Jason Welty passed away peacefully on October 19, 2014 with his family at his bedside.

David was born February 18, 1943 in Monterey Park, California, Son of Winston and Mary Helen Welty who preceded him in death. He attended Covina High School and Lettered in Varsity Baseball, Football and Track & Field. David, also known by friends as “The Duke”, spent a brief period of time with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Following his time with Major League Baseball he proudly served with the US Navy for four years and participated in operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as time in the South Pacific.

After an honorable discharge David joined the California Highway Patrol and served 15 years as a CHP officer in both Marin and Sonoma County. During this time he enthusiastically returned to his love of baseball and spent many years proudly representing the CHP on the baseball diamond. His athletic abilities earned the department many league championships. After retiring from the CHP, David and his former wife Beth Samuelwicz owned and operated “Little Rascals” pet store in Sonoma, CA for over ten years. He remained active in local sports, and coached football at Montgomery High School with long-time friend Coach Jason Franci.

Retirement did not sit well with Dad and he spent his Golden years working at The Oakmont Golf Course. When he wasn’t knocking around golf balls and teaching his son Jake the nuances of the game on the back nine, he could be found in his kitchen with daughter Sarah experimenting with a new recipe or whipping up a batch of his signature chili and corn bread. Melanie inherited his love of baseball and they enjoyed watching rival games together. Her love of the Giants and his of the Dodgers made for fun baseball banter and bets.

In addition to his children he is survived by his brother Dan Welty and his wife Nancy; sisters Janice Hollingshed and her husband John; and Diane Cox and her husband WB. As well as friends Lonnie Felder, Melanie’s mother, Rolf Samuelwicz current husband of Beth, and Sarah’s long boyfriend Oscar Padilla

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue, The Emergency Department at Sonoma Valley Hospital, Hospice of Sonoma, Petaluma and Santa Rosa Infusion Centers, the volunteers at F.I.S.H, The VFW – Post 1929, The CHP of Sonoma and Marin Counties, Sonoma United Methodist Church, Forrest and Carole Campbell, Michelle Pierre and Jason Franci, Dan and Nancy Welty and numerous friends and family who have reached out offering love and support.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Saturday November 8^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall. 1094 Petaluma Blvd South, Petaluma CA, 94952. David’s final resting place will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the following organizations: Lung Cancer Research-American Cancer Society at the following link- http://www.gofundme.com/rip-david-welty, or F.I.S.H-Friends in Sonoma Helping, or Hospice of Sonoma.

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80, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2014 surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was born on September 18, 1934 in Santa Ines, Michoacan, Mexico. He was the youngest of 11 children born to Camilo and Soledad Gutierrez. He met his beautiful bride to be Rosa Maria Lucatero in that same small town. They were married on December 16, 1965 in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico and then started their journey to California to start their family together. They settled in Clarksburg, California, a town just outside of Sacramento. In 1971, he moved his young family to Sonoma where he started as a ranch laborer for Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms, where he later went on to become a ranch manager, overseeing ranches in Sonoma and later in Tomales. In his 20 years at NTBF, he met many lifelong friends that he still kept in touch with. He retired from there in the early nineties. During his life and into retirement, he was a passionate gardener, always ready to show you his latest crop. He enjoyed baseball, the outdoors and taking long walks. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he was an avid storyteller especially at all the family gatherings. His notable laughter and sense of humor will always be remembered by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Rosa Maria, his six children, Marisa (Luke Ammann), Jorge (Karen Gutierrez), Rosalina (Brian Smith), Patty (Richard Davison), Jose (Amie Gutierrez) and Karina. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas, Eva, Jacob and Mateo.

Per his last wishes, there will be no services. Private inurnment at Mountain Cemetery. Donations in his honor can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123 or 1-800-227-2345.

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“Ginnie” passed away on October 12, having chosen Heaven over continued cancer intervention.  She had loving care from North Bay Hospice and died four days short of her 58th birthday.

Ginnie was born and raised in Mill Valley in Marin, graduated from Tamalpais High School, studied at San Francisco State University, and has resided in Sonoma since 1984.  Through Ginnie Nichols Graphic Design, she worked with many in Sonoma on logos, labels, and branding. And her sense of adventure and whimsy brought smiles everywhere she went, helping others see just how bright that day for them really was. Ginnie could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of new friends and admirers. Truly one of God’s best creations, she loved all His creatures.

She is survived by her parents, Lee and Janet Rosevear of Mill Valley, by her brother Donald Rosevear, also of Mill Valley, and by several cousins, nieces and nephews. Her family and friends recently celebrated her love of fun, fur, flowers, and friends with a “Hello, Heaven!” party at Ramekins in Sonoma. She wanted all her dancing buddies, Jazzercise girls, fellow Rotarians, “Pink Fringe” and personal friends to know what joy and meaning they brought into her life. Her steady faith in the Lord, through triumph and trial, continues to be an inspiration to many.

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Passed away Friday evening October 31, 2014. She is survived by husband Newell and Children Susan, Carol, June (all school teachers) and Dr. Alan, M.D.

She was born in Los Angeles. At eleven years of age she moved to Ione in Amador County and met her future husband who was also 11 years old. She became a registered nurse at San Joaquin in Stockton, California. She married Newell Whitesides in 1949 and worked as a nurse to help put him through Dental School. She then moved to Sonoma in 1955 where she had her four children and resided until her death.

There will be a memorial service for her at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) Saturday, November 8th at 1p.m.

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Stefan Robert Curnutte, 35, passed away on Tuesday, October 28th at his Sonoma home. He was born in Vallejo on November 20, 1978. He was raised in Sonoma and attended Flowery Elementary School, Altimira Middle School and Sonoma Valley High School. Following High School he enrolled in the Wyoming Technical Institute. His intention was to enter the family automotive business, but hospitality was in his blood and he held long term positions at The Lodge at Sonoma and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.

Stefan loved music of nearly every genre. As a young man he played the saxophone. He was also a talented skate boarder. Stefan was also an amazing cook and seriously considered going to culinary school. He especially enjoyed gourmet Italian cooking. Another thing that Stefan was known for was his quick wit; he never missed the irony and humor in life. He was a natural comedian.

Stefan had a gentle and kind heart, and was generous to a fault. He had two nieces and a nephew who he adored, Kamaya, Remy and Nahleah Khounsaknarath. He regularly brought candy and gifts to them each time he would visit. He also leaves behind his: mother, Tracy Curnutte; father, Bob Curnutte; sister, Brittany Khounsaknarath; brother-in-law, William Khounsaknarath; and grandparents: Patricia Malenfant, Ann Hodges, Marvin Bridgeman and Bob Curnutte, Sr. He also leaves behind uncles, Mark Bridgeman and Mahlon Clem, and a large family of great aunts and uncles and many, many cousins.

All who knew and loved him are warmly invited to attend a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2014 at the Sonoma Golf Club, 17700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476. If you have a special photo or memory that you would like to share at the service, it would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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Donald Ray “Don” Grant, 83, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2014 surrounded by his loving family at home in Sonoma. He was born on Sept. 1, 1931 in Colorado Springs, CO to Vera and Lester Grant. He attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse, followed by high school in Ellicott. He delivered milk for the local dairies. He moved to Denver in 1948. And then in 1949 he met Josephine Busnardo, who would later become his wife in 1952.

At the age of 20 he joined the Navy and was stationed on the USS Bexar as an electrician with an honorable discharge after three tours in South Korea. After his discharge from the Navy he and his wife made their first home in Larkspur, CA and joined the union (IBEW) and worked as a general electrician. From 1955-1962 they had five of their six children. Then in 1963 they moved to Sonoma. Shortly after they had their sixth child in 1965 Donald became employed at the Mare Island Naval Ship Yard where he worked for 24 years before retiring. As a retiree Don and Jo took many trips in their RV’s with groups of family and friends.

As they raised their family in Sonoma Don coached all 4 of his son’s on local baseball teams, and coached his daughters on women’s softball teams. He was an active member of St Francis church, The Order of the Son’s of Italy, The Italian Catholic Federation, The Good Sam’s Club, VFW and the Moose Lodge.

What his family and friends will miss the most is his sense of humor, love of his family, love of nature and fishing. We all learned how to fish from this generous man and will keep bragging about the one that got away.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years Josephine. Children Linda, Marie (Mark), Tony (Chandra), Paul (Pam), Robert (Kim), and Wayne (Sue). Grandchildren Erin (Shawn), Matt (Rachael), Jessica (Dennis), Brian (Shawna), Jaime, Anthony, Heather (Zach), Jason, Melissa (Ben), Stephanie (Neil), Matthew, Maria (Hank), Kali, Evan, Cidnee, Connor. Great-grandchildren Avery, Logan, Abigail, Tayson, Zoe, Janessa, James, Zoey, Felix, and Jackson. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Grant and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Vera and Lester Grant, siblings Betty, Dora, Arnold and Ester.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St Francis Solano Church on Saturday November 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to celebrate his life will be held at the Sonoma Moose Lodge at 12:00 p.m. As Don often said “y’all come back now ya’ hear!” Making sure we would always be back for another visit, another cocktail and another laugh. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice By the Bay or a charity of your choice.

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Barbara was born in 1923 and left us on October 29, 2014. She was born and raised with her three sisters in The City’s Richmond district by her loving parents William and Katherine (Sheeran) Horan. She attended Star of the Sea Grammar and High School. Barbara married the love of her life Joe in 1944 and had four children. Sadly, she was widowed in 1955 at age 32. A determined young woman rooted in “the greatest generation”, Barbara raised and provided for her four children with love, understanding and support. Her Irish roots gifted her with an incredible bond with her daughters Julie and Barbie and the ability to keep her son’s Joe and Brian in line.

Barbara managed the San Francisco Warriors office in the 60s and 70s and volunteered at St Cecilia’s, Star of the Sea, S.I. and Riordan. Barbara then moved to Redwood City to be closer her son Joe (Andes) and her first grandson, Sean. During this time she worked at Castilleja College Prep in Palo Alto and volunteered at St. Pius Catholic Church. The mid 90s brought Barbara to Sonoma near her son Brian (Mary) and their children. Her life truly revolved around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family picnics, kids sporting events, birthdays, Baptisms, graduations, weddings and more Baptisms, birthdays, graduations and weddings, she was always there. Barbara volunteered at Hospice by the Bay, The Vintage House and the St. Francis Church Mouse. She lived at the Village Green Apartments for 18 years where she loved to garden, play Bingo and was seldom seen without her dog Rosie. Barbara was a proud, outgoing woman. She made friends with ease and had a sharp wit, as anyone who knew her will remember. God bless you and thanks for everything Mom, Nana and Great Nana. We all love you.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents William and Katherine Horan, brother Francis Horan, sister Julie Bose (Paul), husband Joseph J. Brady, son Joseph S. Brady, daughters Julie Brady, Barbie Gomis and granddaughter Maureen Brady. Survived by her sisters Dorothy Graham (William), Sister Mary Frances, son Brian Brady (Mary), grandson Sean Brady (Katie), granddaughters Erin Rogina (Casey), Kerry Page (Jason), Sheila Brady, great-grandchildren Josie and Jake Brady, Grady and Reese Rogina, Juliet Page and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thank you to her friends at The Village, the caregivers at Sonoma Valley Hospital, Golden Living and Anita. You are all special people.

Remembrances to: Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet, 11999 Chalon Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90049 or Pets Lifeline, 19686 8^th Street East, Sonoma, CA, 95476. Private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

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David B. Dixon, 76, died at peace November 1^st, 2014, at home in Sonoma, CA with his entire family at his side. Diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in September, his battle was short but determined. He was born October 26, 1938 in Fairfield, CA. He was the only surviving child of C.C. and Gladys Dixon. He attended Dunbar Elementary School. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1956 during his senior year at Sonoma High School. He attended Chico State and graduated from San Francisco State. Dave married his high school sweetheart Arlene Metcalf in 1960. He joined the Navy and received his wings in 1962. He served three tours during the Vietnam War: two aboard the USS Midway and another aboard the USS America. After his Navy years, he settled with his family in Monterey, CA where he formed lasting memories. In 2007 he returned to Sonoma to spend his retirement years.

He will always be remembered for his unquestioned loyalty to family, friends and the San Francisco Giants. We all remember fondly his strong opinions about other sports teams and politics. Everybody who knew him will say he was one for conversation anytime, anywhere, and the center of any celebration.

Dave is survived by his wife Arlene, happily married for 54 years; his two children: Joy Westermeyer (Richard), and David Dixon Jr. (Lora) and his four grandchildren: Jamie and Katie Westermeyer and Gavin and Quinn Dixon.

His private inurnment will be at Mountain Cemetery in Sonoma, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either: USS Midway Museum Attn: Development Department 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-9809 and Napa Valley Hospice 414 South Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559 or to a charity of your choice.

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John Theodore Neville, born March 6, 1930, joined his beloved wife, Ruth, in death on November 9, 2014. John moved to the Sonoma valley in 1942 with his family. He graduated Sonoma High School, Santa Rosa Community College, and eventually San Francisco University with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and fulfilling a thirty-eight year career with now Chevron Corporation, retiring in 1992.

John was active in Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, his church, Family Life counseling, and numerous civic and community activities. His Boy Scout participation spanned sixty-eight years where he earned Eagle Scout rank, became a Scout Master ending as District Commissioner. He earned numerous certificates and awards, including; District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, District Commissioner medal, and the Outstanding Service Award. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over forty years, serving as Grand Knight 1985-86.

John served in the 112th battalion of the National Guard during the Korean conflict as a training officer for air-craft defense systems at Hamilton Air Force Base for protecting the Bay area bridges.

John met and fell in love with a widow Ruth Marie Bertlin in 1954, marrying in 1955 and adding six more children to her already nine. The Neville home was a gathering place for the neighborhood and friends of the children with many staying for dinner or several days.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ruth Marie, his parents, daughter Kay Marie, grandson Justin Sharp, and a sibling Tom Neville. He is survived by two brothers Robert and Patrick Neville and sister Helen, nieces and nephews, and his remaining fourteen children; Mary Neville-Cooke, Richard Neville, Mark Neville, Annie Neville-Sheehan, Lucy Neville-Hunt, Michael Neville, Carl Bertlin, Eric Bertlin, Paul Bertlin, Roy Bertlin, Alan Bertlin, Neal Bertlin, Rose Bertlin, and Eileen Bertlin-Sharp, twenty-one grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

John loved the Sonoma Valley serving it and his family with strength, devotion, kindness and humor. He will be missed.

Friends are invited to attend visitation from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014 followed by a Vigil Service and honoring by Knights of Columbus at 4:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Solano Church, Sonoma, CA. Private inurnment at St. Francis Solano Cemetery at a later date. Inquiries can be made to Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., 996-3655.

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Julie McDade, 56, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2014 in Sonoma after battling a short illness. She was born in 1958 in Ohio to Stephen and Mary McDade. She is survived by her spouse, Campo, mother, Mary, three uncles, many cousins and friends and her Silky “Chip.”

Friends are invited to attend an informal gathering being planned for a later date. “Rest in peace, dear Julie.” Local arrangements cared for by Duggan’s Mission Chapel. Inquiries may be made to them.

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Long time Sonoma resident, Dr. Robert F. Dowd died quietly in Grants Pass, Oregon on November 11, 2014, at the age of 81. He was born in Albany, California and graduated U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry in 1960. He served in the Army and passed away on Veterans Day. With his family, he moved to Sonoma in 1960 to join his father’s practice. During the next 50 years he grew both his personal and professional life in Sonoma. He was an Optometrist for 35 years.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Carol Jeanne Dowd, and his brother and parents. Bob was loved by many that knew him, especially his three boys, Michael (55), James (53), and Thomas (50), and his six wonderful grandchildren.

Besides his family, Bob’s biggest passion was golf. For most of his life he played golf one to two times a week. In his life, Bob was able to play many famous courses around the world, including the famous Old Course St Andrews in Scotland. In addition to golf, Bob loved to fish, hunt and be outdoors at all times. In 1971, he drove the family around the entire United States for four weeks in a station wagon. He went twice to Alaska to fish with his son Jim, and every year since 1969 the family traveled to Bear River for a family vacation with real tent camping. It started with just the three boys and the last time he was surrounded by 13 family members. His passions were family, friends and golf.

In the community he was a strong voice and a kind, giving man. Dr. Dowd took pride in opening people’s eyes to the beauty and joy of life, literally and emotionally.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Duggan’s Mission Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2014. A private inurnment will be held at Mountain Cemetery in Sonoma.

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Bertha “Jean” West, 72, a longtime Sonoma resident, passed away on November 18, 2014 in Sonoma after a chronic illness. Jean was born March 7, 1942 in Oklahoma to Walter and Georgia Riley. She attended Sonoma Valley High School and worked for 30 years and subsequently retired from Sonoma Developmental Center.

Jean was a devoted mother and fondly remembered by her sons as someone who was always involved in their lives. She will be remembered for her loving disposition, her generous nature and as a consummate caregiver. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping and dancing at Little Switzerland.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ray West (1997), mother, Georgia Jennings, and siblings, Jane Sveistrup and Bill Riley.

Jean is survived by: her sons, Darren (and wife, Dana) and Darrel (and wife, Amy) Richards of Sonoma; grandchildren: Samantha, Kasey, Paige, Peyton, Brooklynn, and Maverick Richards; and her siblings: Joyce Mori, Joan Harmon, Iva Poncia, and Charlene, Carmen, John, and Rick Riley. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and longtime friend and companion, Sean Callagy.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Hospice by the Bay for their exceptional care during Jean’s final days.

Friends are invited to visit from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then attend a funeral service, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476 with Reverend Peadar Dalton officiating. Interment immediately following the funeral service at Valley Cemetery, 425 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Inquiries can be made to:

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