Dear Group,

On Friday the 14th we lost a father, a husband, a brother, a friend,
and all time great man to ALS.

Lee Kramer was my big brother. He never let the disease take charge of
his life instead he demonstrated how to LIVE with ALS. He did not fight
it alone. By his side was his wife Anne. Her love for my brother and
support of his journey allowed him to advocate and reach out to so
many. With his children and 2 other sisters, they set an example that
will always be remember within the ALS community for their care, love
and support of him.

He does not want us to be sad but celebrate the life he had. Those
arrangments are being made and will post as soon as they are.

Godspeed my brother,
Elizabeth

'Taken too soon'

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

Buds and early blossoms on pear trees combined with sunflowers dotted throughout sprays of flowers seemed to beckon the renewal of spring at the same time family and friends of Precinct 1 Commissioner Ted Ray gathered to bid him farewell.

An estimated 500-plus friends came to “to honor a good man,” said Minister William Eudy at Southside Church of Christ Monday afternoon. Ray’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ended on Friday.

Eudy compared Ray’s “untimely death” at age 61 to King David’s sentiment about the loss of Abner, an opposing general, when he cited “A prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day.”

After Ray’s friend Ike Mercer sang “Amazing Grace,” State District Judge Jerry Ray and Wayland Wright contributed their thoughts and sentiments.

Judge Ray recalled the time when the “terrible diagnosis hit him” in 2006. He said that even with the diagnosis and disease, Ray made decisions, both personal and business, and “stuck by them.”

“He was taken too soon,” said Judge Ray, adding that even though the U.S. put a man on the moon almost 40 years ago, “Scientists and all the resources can’t find a way to treat or defeat this illness that took him from us.

“But ALS never had an opponent like Ted Ray. He continued with dignity and courage. He refused to let ALS define him and instead redefined ALS.

“To me, [ALS] will be known as ‘Amazing Love Story,’” Judge Ray added, which included Ray’s love for his wife and family as wells as friends.

Ray described his friend as an “honest man” and a “mountain of a man.”

“He was hardworking and loved his job – even while so sick, he did his job,” said Judge Ray, explaining that Ted Ray would start researching topics once he received the county agenda, enlisting the aide of his wife, Beth Ray, and Commissioner’s Court Assistant Iris Stagner.

He called Ted Ray “sincere,” explaining that the word translates from Latin into “without wax” and refers to a stone sculpture that was without blemish and therefore needed no wax to fill cracks or marks.

“Take him as he is; there are no cracks to fill,” said Judge Ray.

At the conclusion of eulogizing his friend, Judge Ray shared an excerpt of the taped KTVT-TV (Channel 11) interview from a month ago.

At the Feb. 4 interview and reception, Ted Ray told reporters that he wanted everyone who came that evening to know he was glad they came.

In addition to being remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather, he said that he “would like for my friends to remember me as a good and caring friend, as I remember them. I would also like to be remembered as one of Palo Pinto’s greatest county commissioners.”

Wright, a close friend of Ray’s, brought some levity with stories of young Ted who rolled in a tractor tire off Welcome Mountain, crossing busy streets and into the home of a surprised homeowner.

To laughter, he said that Ray “touched all our lives – some he may have touched a little harder.”

Wright shared that when Beth Ray asked her husband to make a list after his diagnosis of what he wanted to do, Ted Ray told her “I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do.”

He also shared that being county commissioner was Ray’s “proudest accomplishment.”

“Goodbye my good friend. We’re going to miss you,” concluded Wright.

The service included a display of photos of Ray with family, friends, pets, favored cars, flying over the waves in a powerboat, parasailing, skiing, hunting by horseback in Alaska, fishing, riding four-wheelers, wearing his first tuxedo and his swearing in as county commissioner in January 2005. All served as illustrations and lasting momentos of Ray’s life.

Eudy said he found himself wanting to be a better man each time he was around Ray. He shared three things that stood out – Ray’s “fierce devotion to family and friends,” his “unshakable work ethic” and “his strength and courage in the face of trial.”

He said that Ray, the eleventh of 12 children, had the quality of making “friends feel like family and made his family like friends.”

He finally said Ray seemed to have contentment about life that came with the feeling he had done everything he wanted to do. He noted that Ray’s pre-programmed messages – in the computer that gave him a voice in the past several months – included greetings like, “How are you doing today?” and replies that he was doing “great, thank you.”

Using Ray’s model Eudy suggested, “The next time someone asks how you are doing, don’t say ‘fine,’ say ‘great.’”

Before mourners passed the open casket to pay their respects, Eudy concluded that Ray never let ALS “slow him down. He had no bitterness. His only concern was on how hard the illness was on Beth.”

After all left the sanctuary, Ray’s coffin, covered in flowers and his cowboy hat, was escorted by rows of uniformed Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Posse members and sheriff’s department deputies.

It seems the storms waited while family and friends accompanied Ray to his final resting place in Palo Pinto Cemetery.

One of ISU's best: 1980s All-American succumbs to Lou Gehrig’s Disease

By David Hughes
The Tribune-Star
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TERRE HAUTE — A heavily recruited two-way standout from Mount Healthy High School in Cincinnati, Wayne Davis initially wanted to play running back for Indiana State’s football team in the early 1980s.

But longtime ISU coach Dennis Raetz and his assistants persuaded Davis into playing cornerback for the good of the team.

The result was enough stellar performances to earn Davis the 1984 Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year award as a senior, a second-round selection (39th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 1985 NFL draft and a six-year NFL career that included stints with the Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins.

One of ISU’s best football players ever, Davis died Sunday after a lengthy battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease near Atlanta. He was 44.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Davis received three NCAA All-America honors in 1984. In the NFL, he totaled five interceptions in 73 games (14 starts), according to the www.pro-football-reference.com Web site. In 2002, he was inducted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame.

“Wayne was arguably the only shutdown corner Indiana State ever had,” Raetz recalled Wednesday. “He could really cover wide receivers one on one. He had very soft feet and great speed. He was a highly intelligent kid too.”

In the early 1980s, Indiana State had three athletes who won MVC Defensive Player of the Year — linebacker Craig Shaffer in 1981, Davis in 1984 and safety Vencie Glenn in 1985. But Davis, a three-year starter for the Sycamores, ended up being the highest-drafted ISU player by an NFL team.

“Wayne was a great guy,” said Tribune-Star sports correspondent Tom James, who worked with the football team for ISU’s sports information department in the early ’80s. “He was very musically talented. Wayne was a rapper before anybody knew what rapping was. He was very good at it.”

“Wayne was a leader on the field, but he was a leader by example,” Raetz added. “Wayne was not loud at all, but everyone who saw him play knew he could play.”

A glance through the pages of ISU’s 2007 football media guide does not show Davis among the statistical leaders in many categories, but Raetz said there’s a good reason for that.

“Most people didn’t throw at him,” the veteran coach said.

During Davis’ junior and senior seasons, the Sycamores finished 9-4 and 9-3 respectively.

Funeral services for Davis will take place Friday at the New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn, Ga. A public viewing is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m., with services beginning immediately afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Wayne Davis to the ALS Association of Georgia, 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 116, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Longtime worker for Catholic causes dies

Lou Gehrig's - The way Theresa Willett dealt with the disease inspired an Easter story Thursday, March 20, 2008NANCY HAUGHT The Oregonian Staff


Theresa Willett, a prominent Portland Catholic whose struggle with Lou Gehrig's disease inspired a 2007 Easter story in The Oregonian, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in her home. She was 54.

Diagnosed three years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive illness that affects the brain and spinal cord, Willett refused to let the disease diminish her life.

She was a member of All Saints Parish for 30 years and helped organize an ongoing lecture series there. She served on the board of Catholic Charities for several years and was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an ancient charitable order of the church that builds schools, hospitals and health clinics in the Holy Land.

For the past two years, Willett used a wheelchair and in recent months could not speak without a computer voice generator. But she continued to attend events in the community and hosted monthly neighborhood gatherings in her Laurelhurst home.

"She wanted very much to live a graceful life up to the end," said her husband, Ken Willett. "She wanted to live with dignity and carry on in spite of the disease."

The Rev. Patrick Brennan, working Wednesday on a homily for Willett's funeral Mass, recalled her last years.

"A woman so active, struck with ALS, but somehow, despite that, she remained active," he said. "And her action was transferred to others, who carried out the missions she had started. Her spirit was not, in any way, reduced."

Willett saw her illness as a cross that she was willing to bear.

"There is a role for suffering in life," she said in a 2007 Easter story in The Oregonian. "Everyone has something to bear. You can't cut yourself off and think you are unique or be demanding in your suffering. If someone else is suffering, you have to be there."

She was born Theresa Marie Laskowski in Galveston, Texas, on Jan. 25, 1954. She moved to Portland in 1960 and attended Holy Child Academy and graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla in 1976. She married Ken Willett in 1978.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by their four children, Catherine, Claire, Christopher and Colin; two brothers, Patrick and Mark Laskowski; a sister, Kathleen Dickson; and her mother, Dorothy.

A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in All Saints Church in Northeast Portland. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Monday in the church.

Her family suggests remembrances to the ALS Association, where she had been an active volunteer since her diagnosis.

Nancy Haught: 503-294-7625; nancyhaught@news.oregonian.com

Tommy Allen, 60, had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. He had been in the hospital since Dec. 31 and was breathing with the use of a ventilator and battling pneumonia. He died Sunday.

Morley, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, visited Tommy, Jean and Tommy's wife of 37 years, Irene, nearly every day.

Lee left his mark
Monday, March 24, 2008
By Elizabeth Yarlott
Yuma, Arizona

On Friday, March 14, we lost a father, a husband, a brother, a friend and all-time great man to ALS.

Lee Kramer was my big brother and over the last 18 years battled the disease known as Lou Gehrig’s. He never let the disease take charge of his life. Instead, he demonstrated how to live with ALS. He did not fight it alone. By his side was his wife Anne. Her love for my brother and support of his journey allowed him to advocate and reach out to so many. With his children and two other sisters, they set an example that will always be remembered within the ALS community for their care, love and support of him.

Having moved away 14 years ago, we did not experience his disease as those by his side, but through the Internet and a support group called Living with ALS, we were able to follow his path.

Our family has had many challenges that tested its roots — he, being the strongest, always set an example for the rest. I am not surprised that he demonstrated that same love to those with this disease. His mark here has been set for many to follow.
Godspeed brother.

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Bruce Sinder, 55, SoHo Realty Broker
By STEPHEN MILLER
Staff Reporter of the Sun
March 25, 2008



Bruce Sinder, who died March 13 at 55, was a real estate agent who was among the leaders in revitalizing real estate in TriBeCa, SoHo, and other downtown neighborhoods.

An aspiring guitar and piano player, Sinder moved to TriBeCa in the early 1970s, when there was little in the neighborhood but abandoned loft space. He soon turned to real estate to make a living, and helped to bring Dean & Deluca to the corner of Broadway and Prince Street in 1987.

His Sinvin Realty, LLC, worked with a number of high visibility clients, including Helmut Lang, Adidas, and Balthazar Restaurant. "Bruce was one of the driving forces of downtown real estate," restaurateur Drew Nierporent said in a statement. "He is one of the reasons why the neighborhoods of TriBeCa and SoHo are so rich."

Born September 9, 1952, in the Bronx and raised in Plainview, Long Island, Sinder's first experience of entrepreneurship was selling "Juice by Bruce" that he squeezed at his father's luncheonette. Later, he studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Sinder helped originate the practice of making clients pay for their own ads up front, then deducted the cost from his own fee at sale, which he said helped attract sellers with realistic expectations.

In the Meatpacking District, Sinder helped attract restaurants and stores including Soho House and Theory.

He his own hand at development when he opened a Reade Street restaurant called Bon Temps Rouler during the 1980s Cajun craze. After a later remake the place became Spaghetti Western, still managed by Sinder's brother, Robert.

Stricken several years ago with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Sinder was confined to a wheelchair. He retired in January.

He is survived by his wife, Stacie, sons Jackson and Reuben, and his mother, Marilyn.

John Cushley

Filed: Monday, 24th March 2008

By: Staff Writer


Former Hammer John Cushley has died after a long illness.

The Scottish star, who was 65, died earlier today after losing his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Cushley was a member of the Celtic squad that became the first British team to win the European Cup. He made 38 appearances for United between 1967 and 1970 before returning to Scotland where he went on to play for Dunfermaline and Dumbarton.

A tough, uncompromising centre-half who briefly played alongside Bobby Moore, Cushley went into teaching once his playing career had ended before returning to Celtic as the club's Education Officer.

However he was forced to retire last year after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, an incurable brain condition.

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News-Herald File Photo. Bob Bilderback is shown here in Feb. 11, 1996, when the former Lake Havasu City Herald photographer was teaching fly-fishing and fly-tying at Mohave Community College.

Pioneer, photographer Bob Bilderback dies at 71


By DIANA PARKER
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:11 PM MST


The man who chronicled much of the early history of Lake Havasu City with his camera died earlier this month in Mesa.

Bob Bilderback was the staff photographer at the Lake Havasu City Herald from the summer of 1968 to May 1973, when a dispute over some of his most acclaimed photographs resulted in his firing.

Bilderback, 71, died March 7 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The effects of ALS forced his move to Mesa in 2004 to be closer to his daughter, Linda Bilderback Ebersole.

"He loved Lake Havasu. He never got over the fact that I had to move him from there," Ebersole said.

Bilderback came to Lake Havasu with his father as a child to fish in the area of Site Six before the city was founded, Ebersole said.

"They'd fight off the rattlesnakes, and they'd fish," she said.

Bilderback moved to Lake Havasu City in the mid-1960s after leaving a stressful job as a photographer and laboratory technician with the aerospace contractor North American Rockwell.

As staff photographer for the Herald, Bilderback documented the myriad community happenings that attended the growth of the new city. He photographed dignitaries, celebrities and girls in bikinis.

The turning point of his career with the Herald came on May 13, 1973, when Bilderback was standing near third base at the baseball field at Lake Havasu High School shooting a game between the amateur Lake Havasu City Pioneers and the Blythe team.

Nineteen-year-old pitcher John Wade, who had been a star athlete at LHHS, was on the mound, and the Pioneers were in their defensive positions when lightning struck the field.

Bilderback recounted in the May 17, 1973 issue of the Herald: "I thought, as did others in the stands, that we had been bombed. I shot pictures desperately. The entire team seemed to have been wiped out, players lying everywhere."

Wade appeared to have been killed instantly. Seven other players were treated at the community hospital. The only thing that seemed to have saved Bilderback was the fact he was wearing rubber soled shoes rather than metal baseball cleats.

"I remember the day he came home when it happened," Ebersole said. "He came home white as a sheet, and I said, something's wrong. And that's when he told me what he'd seen."

Bilderback's stepson Keith Snyder vividly recalled the stories Bilderback later told about the day.

"It scared the living heck out of him, because he thought he was killed," Snyder said. "All he could do was keep his finger on the shutter while the whole team was being wiped out."

Bilderback took some dramatic photographs that day. His editor at the Herald chose not to publish the most graphic of them. Because Bilderback shot the photos on his day off, he felt he was free to sell them to United Press International, which distributed them on their international newswire. A six-page spread of the photos appeared in the German edition of Sports Illustrated.

Unhappy Bilderback had sold the photos, the Herald publisher fired him. Ironically Bilderback was later nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for the shots.

After leaving the Herald, Bilderback was hired to be the official photographer to chronicle the dismantling and reassembly of the London Bridge. He also ran his own photography business, Bilderback Photography, and taught fly fishing and fly tying at Mohave Community College.

Bilderback's last job in Lake Havasu City was as a greeter at Wal-Mart, Ebersole said. Even as his health deteriorated, she said, her father remained positive.

"He never once said, 'Why me?' He kept his spirits up the whole time," she said.

You may contact the reporter at dparker@havasunews.com.

On Tuesday March 25th, Earl Spangenberg left this earth and met his
Savior. He was surrounded by his wife Carol and their 3 daughters. He
very peacefully slipped away

Sinvin Realty Co-Founder Sinder Passes Away
NYC Broker Helped Transform Lower Manhattan Neighborhoods into Commercial Hubs

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Bruce Sinder, co-founder of Sinvin Realty LLC.
Bruce Sinder, co-founder of Sinvin Realty LLC, passed away on March 13 after a three-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S.), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Sinder passed away at his TriBeca home. He was 55.

Sinder arrived in New York City in the late 1970s and co-founded Sinvin Realty with Steve Levin. The firm found its niche leasing and selling commercial space to artists, trendy retailers and creative firms in the Manhattan areas of TriBeca, Soho, Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District, helping to transform those areas from industrial neighborhoods into office and retail hubs.

Over his 30-year career, Sinder brokered deals for companies including Balthazar Restaurant, Adidas, Helmut Lang, Marc Jacobs, Dean & DeLuca, Blue Man Group and Agnès b. Sinder ran the firm after Levin left the real estate business. He handed the company over to Christopher Owles and Steve Glanzberg last December.

He is survived by his wife, Stacie; his sons, Jackson and Reuben; his daughter, Marilyn; and his brother, Robert.

Francis "Ducky" Mello
Of Hingham April 2, 2008. Husband of the late Ellen T. (Murphy) Mello. Loving father of of Diane Huxley of Braintree and David Mello of Plymouth. Devoted grandfather of Karen & Kristin Huxley and Matthew Mello. Brother of Mary Grassie, Elizabeth Longo, both of Cohasset, Eileen Tyeryar of Scituate, Augustine Mello of Lake Village, AR, John Mello of Cohasset, and the late Angelina Garrett & Ida Fortier. Also survived by many many nieces & nephews. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM, Saturday at 8 AM. Funeral Mass in Saint Paul's Church, Hingham at 9 AM. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 PM. Burial in Woodside Cemetery, Cohasset. Donations in Ducky's memory may be made to A.L.S., Lou Gehrig's Disease, 7 Lincoln St., Wakefield, MA 01880 or to the Hydrocephalus Assoc., 870 Market St., #705, San Francisco, CA 94102. Call 1-800-Keohane or see www.Keohane.com for directions & online condolences.

Rae Jean Werntz Leonard, 66, of South Amboy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends on Monday, March 31, 2008, at the Barbara E. Cheung Memorial Hospice in Edison after a one-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Rae Jean was predeceased by her husband, Frank "Tank" Leonard in 2004, and a son, Mark Heitzman in 1979.

Rae Jean worked at E.I. DuPont, Parlin, until her retirement in 1992 when she joined Tank to enjoy life, family and friends, as well as travel.

She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Luke A. Lovely Post 62, serving as secretary and vice president.

Rae Jean was an avid reader, gardener and doll collector, and loved cats, as well as the beach and ocean. Her family and friends will remember her most for her smile, generosity, outgoing personality and strong will.

Surviving are stepsons, Shawn Leonard and his wife, Laura and their son, Luke of Branchburg, Patrick Leonard and his wife, Kendra and their son, Samuel of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Dennis Leonard and his wife, Debbie, their daughter, Christiane and their three sons, Justin, Ryan and Dennis Joseph of Matawan; stepdaughters, Dawn Micena and her husband, Dean and stepdaughters, Nicole and Brianna of Apex, N.C., and Michele Leonard of Jamesburg; and her dear friend, Eileen "Sis" Martens, who spent much time caring for her over the last year.

Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff for their support and care at the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey and the Barbara E. Cheung Memorial Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at Buddies Tavern, 277 Johnson's Lane, Parlin at noon on Saturday, April 5.

Private cremation was held under the direction of The Gundrum Service "Home For Funerals," 237 Bordentown Ave., South Amboy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rae Jean's memory to the ALS Association, Development Dept., 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, or Visiting Nurse Assn. of Central Jersey, 176 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701.

Orval "The Daredevil Clown" Kisselburg
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Orval Kisselburg It's hard to be humble Orval "The Daredevil Clown" Kisselburg passed away in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 29, 2008 after a 26 year battle with ALS ( Lou Gehrig's disease). Born in Vernon, TX on 2-22-22 to Jesse M and Lula B Kissleburg. He was raised in Roswell, NM. He served during World War II in Germany France. He married Shirley Squires in 1946, they had three children. They were later divorced. Orval wanted to be a stuntman from the time he was a boy. He was an auto-daredevil from 1952 until 1981 performing across the US and Canada. He loved gardening, animals, cooking and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the LDS church. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Jack) Peake, son, Richard (Meg) Kisselburg, Olie Anderson (who was like a son), six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Michael and grandson, Jeffery. The family would like to thank Gwen Mitchell, his VA home nurse for her tender loving care the last eight years, Tracey and Superior Home Health Care, and the staff at Promise Hospital. It was Orval's wish to be cremated. In lieu of flowers the family asks you donate to MDA or Disabled American Veterans. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Chapel, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Reinhardt, Jo Ann Longway
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Jo Ann Longway REINHARDT On March 9, 2008, Jo Ann Longway Reinhardt's battle with ALS ended and she left us with the understanding that family and good living must be the focus of our lives. JoJo was born in Houston, TX in 1962 and immediately began her journey of touching the lives of everyone around her. JoJo continued with this rare ability after the family moved to Washington. After attending Washington State University, Jo embarked on her dream career as a flight attendant for United Airlines. JoJo often described the overwhelming sense of joy she received from climbing aboard a flight and sharing time with friends and strangers alike. She always had stories of adventure to share. We are sure she is still flying. Although flying was JoJo's first love for many years, it paled in comparison to the joy of marrying the love of her life, Rodger, and less than a year later, giving birth to her perfect little boy, Jacob. Even though JoJo was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease shortly after Jacob's birth, she never allowed it to define her life. JoJo would often preach to those around her "it is what it is" and continue on with her life as wife and mother. Jo knew that she did what she was meant to do by bringing Jacob into the world and that he is here to do something special. Jo is survived by her husband, Rodger, and their son, Jacob; her parents, Jack and Alice Longway; her sisters, Jil Click and Jan Lotshaw; her aunt and uncle, Bonnie and Rick; her uncle, George; and a host of very special cousins, nieces and nephews. A private celebration for Jo will be held for the family and a few close friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the ALS Association, Jo Longway Reinhardt Tribute Fund.

Reeves left a legacy of dedication




By GREG NELSON
Sun Staff Writer


He was known for being strict and offering "tough love," but he was also a loving father and grandfather who would help anyone.



That's just a few of the ways members of Clarence Reeves' family will remember him.

The 72-year-old lifelong Emerson Township resident lost his battle with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and passed away Thursday at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Reeves served on the Ithaca Board of Education for 28 years, including 19 as president.

He was also well known in the local agricultural community. His family was the recipient of the Gratiot County Farm Family of the Year Award in 1995 and he was a founding member of the A-Tractive Tractor Club in Ithaca.

"He was fair, a straight shooter," said Reeves' eldest son Mike. "He didn't mince words. He told everyone what he thought. "Anything he got involved with he put his whole self into it and was devoted to whatever he did. He wanted to make sure things worked like they should."

Mike and his brother Tom related how their dad was quite strict and raised them with tough love but fondly recalled a number of stories from their childhood growing up on the farm.

"We had to toe the line," Mike said. "We tried him, but as long as you lived here it was by his rules.

"But there are a lot of great memories. He didn't like to go shopping and didn't like to travel. He was happiest just puttering around in the shop. He was a simple man and wasn't into showy things, but what he had he wanted to look good."

Although their father could be tough, he also liked to laugh and joke around, Tom said.

"He loosened up as he got older," Tom added.

Mike, who is now a member of the Ithaca Board of Education, recalled telling his dad that he was going to run for a seat on the board. "He looked at me and said, Are you nuts?'" Mike said, laughing at the memory.

"Dad's only concern with the school was the kids," Mike added. "He wanted them to have a good place to learn, get a good education and come out of school with something (positive)."

Reeves' daughter, Karen Curtis of Carson City, remembered her dad as a "perfectionist" and being "very creative and smart." "He could make something out of nothing," she said. "He was a very, very hard worker and raised us to be.

"He was very loyal to his friends and when he said something he meant it. There was never any gray area where he stood. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed."

In addition to farming, Reeves, who graduated from Ithaca High School in 1955, worked at Redmond Industries, Carl Oberlitner Well Drilling, the Ashley Corp. and Michigan Chemical Co.

He is also survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra, who was his high school sweetheart; another son Andy; and 17 grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. Donations in the memory of Reeves can be made to the ALS Foundation of Michigan. For more information, see the obituary listings.

A gifted teacher who touched many lives, Debbie Stromme will be missed
By Mike Bellmore - Features Editor
Published: Tuesday, April 8, 2008 2:58 PM CDT

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Debbie Stromme
Tributes were pouring in from near and far over the weekend and on Monday for Deb Stromme, a long-time Devils Lake educator who died Friday at Mercy Hospital after a year-long battle with (ALS) Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Stromme was hired by former Devils Lake Superintendent Dr. Richard Kunkel in 1976 as a kindergarten teacher at Praire View Elementary School, and evolved into one of the district’s most beloved and respected teachers over a period of 30-plus years.

“She was so impressive right from the start,’’ Kunkel said on Monday.


“It turned out so well that all the parents wanted their child in her class. She was loved and respected by the whole school district and will be forever remembered for her kindness and love for kids.’’

Funeral services for Stromme will be held Thursday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church at 3:30 p.m. Peace Lutheran Church Pastor Rev. Rafe Allison will officiate and burial will be at the Devils Lake Cemetery.

School officials, teachers and students were informed of her death on Friday. Notes were sent home with each youngster at Prairie View School informing the parents of each of Stromme’s passing, and they were to inform their children.



It made for a tough Friday, according to Allison (Soper) Yoder, one of a handful of Stromme’s former kindergarten students who were teaching alongside her at Prairie View.

“The thing I’ll always remember about her was that she was always smiling, friendly and cheery,’’ Yoder said. “She knew everyone. It’s just a tough time right now.’’

Retiring Prairie View Principal Julie Schuler was having a tough time with her words Monday. She termed Stromme a remarkable person and a teacher.



“She touched the lives of so many,’’ said Schuler. “She made kindergarten meaningful for the kids and was a tremendous role model for staff in her loyalty to the district and the school.’’

“She had such a desire to excel and do her best.’’

Lexie (LaFleur) Dion called her former kindergarten instructor a tremendous teacher because she made so many youngsters love school. She had a direct bearing on her decision to become a teacher.



“Friday was a tough day, and I expect it to be a tough week,’’ she said.

Angie (Follman) Wakefield, another of her former students, was having a tough time holding back the tears on Monday. She not only had educational experiences with Stromme, but helped her with swimming lessons during the summer.

She said she will remember her for the classy and friendly way she treated everybody. Angie said she’d often watch Debbie at work and hope she could replicate how she operated.



“Debbie always made kids feel so special,’’ she said. She affected and inspired so many people and kids and she will really be missed.’’

Devils Lake Superintendent Steve Swiontek said Stromme was a person who really loved and cared for each of the kids under her wing every year, and that included his own son, Connor.

He said she was active in promoting full-day kindergarten in North Dakota, testifying in front of the Senate Education Sub-Committee in the North Dakota Legislature. She was a former Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Quarter in the school district, and president of the North Dakota Kindergarten Association a handful of years ago.



“She will be missed very much,’’ the top Devils Lake administrator said.

Carol Leevers was a former teaching mate of Stromme’s at Prairie View years ago, and remembers a lot of enjoyable hockey trips, hockey fun, and hockey camps with the Strommes.

“She had a heart of gold and was so generous,’’ Carol recalled.



Former Superintendent Ron Bommersbach called Debbie one of the finest, kindest and most compassionate people he ever knew. Her kids simply loved her - every year she worked, he said.

“She’ll be sorely mised by the kids, the school and the community,’’ he said.

There will be a visitation at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service conducted by Rev. Dale Kinzler at 5:30 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church from 1 p.m. until the time of service.



Memorials are to be directed to a future Debbie Stromme Scholarship Fund.

John Dorsey, former Sun critic, dies of Lou Gehrig's disease
Writer's essay topics included food, architecture and art

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/ph...4/37747865.jpg
Undated photo of former Sun writer John Dorsey (Photo courtesy of Robert Armacost / April 9, 2008)




By Jacques Kelly | Sun reporter
12:18 PM EDT, April 11, 2008

John Dorsey, a former Sun arts and restaurant critic, died this morning of Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, from which he had suffered for nearly four years. He was 69 and had been at the Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care.

Mr. Dorsey was a versatile Sun writer for decades. Readers turned to his essays on Baltimore's restaurants with their morning coffee in the 1970s -- often before reading the main news. A decade later, his learned criticism forged interest in Baltimore's artistic community and drew audiences to little-known studios and galleries.

Newspaper patrons recognized the familiar byline and that what he had to say could irritate, chide or praise. They also knew his prose was readable, clear and full of precise opinions.

While he covered architecture, local history, music and cultural topics, it was his wit-doused restaurant reviews that appeared in the 1970s and again for a while in the 1980s that propelled him into a popular status he personally shunned.




"He would arrive quietly and leave quietly," said C. Peter "Buzz" BeLer, the owner of the Prime Rib in Mount Vernon. "He wrote exactly what he felt and people believed him. He could not be influenced."

After a decade as restaurant critic, Mr. Dorsey then served as the paper's art critic throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

"As a critic he was among the most erudite that Baltimore has ever seen," said Stiles T. Colwill, Baltimore Museum of Art board chairman. "As a curator, you lived and breathed by what Mr. Dorsey had to say. And yet, when he criticized a show, patrons came to see why he was so wrong or so right."

For his restaurant critic's debut on April 25, 1971, Mr. Dorsey selected the old Marconi's, which he called "the most Baltimorean" of restaurants.

He addressed the readers in a conversational tone. He found fault with Marconi's "practically tasteless" bread but went on to praise the chicken Tetrazzini and the sole Marguery.

On another review, for a steakhouse on the Alameda, he said, "You think yourself in the recreation room or the boudoir."

Many of his reviews mentioned a nameless dining companion he called "the lady." Readers also became aware that Mr. Dorsey enjoyed a martini and wine with his meal. He also grew weary of the widely served 1970s dessert known as Mrs. Pose's cheesecake, as well as iceberg lettuce.

His other writings revealed a deep affection for Mount Vernon Place -- where he organized a 2004 symposium. He owned a Matisse drawing and James Whistler etchings. He also had two cats, Anthony and Cleopatra. He simultaneously read and walked the streets near his Roland Park home.

"John was soft-spoken, but he had a core of steel," said James Dilts, a newspaper friend with whom he collaborated on a guide to local architecture. "He was a graceful and prolific writer on the myriad subjects covered by the feature pages or the Sunday Sun Magazine. He was a gentleman of the old school, as they like to say in Baltimore."

Born John Russell Dorsey in Baltimore, he called himself "a lover of his native city" in a short autobiographical sketch. Raised on St. George's Road, he was a 1957 Gilman School graduate who earned a bachelor of arts from Harvard University. He lived for many years in old homes in Bolton Hill and at his death resided in Roland Park.

He was the son of Charles Howard Dorsey Jr., managing editor of The Sun, and Emma Beck Dorsey.

Friends said that the elder Dorsey and his son had two different personalities. At his father's bidding, the younger Mr. Dorsey began work in June 1960 at The Sun as a summer vacation job. He joined the staff permanently in September 1962 and retired in early 1999.

For a brief period in the 1980s he tried his hand at running an antiques business on Howard Street.

For many years he was a cultural features writer and edited the old Sunday Sun Magazine for a year-- a task he did not enjoy.

"He was quiet, almost shy," said J. Wynn Rousuck, the paper's former drama critic. "He was meticulous about his desk, his person and his written copy."

He was also the book review editor from 1967 to 1969 and spent much of his later career as the paper's art critic.


"He had a commitment to the Baltimore art scene," said artist Raoul Middleman. "Yet he was not sentimental or automatically accepting in his criticism. He expected something and kept the bar high. For him being an art critic wasn't a job. It was an act of pure conscience."

Mr. Middleman recalled his "refined sense of taste and natural elegance" and writing that "matured by the year and grew better and better."

Jay Fisher, of the Baltimore Museum of Art, recalled that Mr. Dorsey "truly believed that art had the power to transform and enlighten."

Mr. Dorsey was the author of several books, including a guide to local architecture.




"One day I showed John an architectural guidebook I had brought from Chicago, Chicago's Famous Buildings, and said, "We should do this in Baltimore." He said OK. I have to admit our first effort was a little rough, but A Guide to Baltimore Architecture has now been through three editions with the same authors, sold about 25,000 copies total," said Mr. Dilts, his friend and fellow reporter.

Mr. Dorsey also called himself "an admirer and student of H.L. Mencken" and edited On Mencken, published by Alfred Knopf in 1980. He also edited a 1974 booklet on Mencken's writing about food, architecture, food and politics in Baltimore.

In 2005 his last book, Look Again in Baltimore, a collaboration with architectural photographer James DuSel, was published.

After retiring, Mr. Dorsey served on committees for the Baltimore Museum of Art, including its Decorative Arts Accessions Committee and its Print, Drawing and Photograph Society.

He also sat on an advisory board of the Garrett Jacobs Mansion and the Friends of Mount Vernon Place.

He was the first winner, in 1974, of the A.D. Emmart Award for "journalism in the field of the humanities published in Maryland."

"During his time at The Sun, Baltimore's museums grew stronger, and the gallery scene more vibrant," said the Maryland Institute College of Art's president Fred Lazarus. "The artistic community grew as a result of his criticism."

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. April 19 at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Art Museum Drive.

Survivors include his partner of many years, Robert W. Armacost of Baltimore, and a cousin, Anne Deputy Stewart of Fort Myers, Fla.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obi...,5777727.story

Roger E. Ross
Born:
Tuesday, May 22, 1951
Died:
Friday, April 11, 2008
Visitation:
12:30 p.m. - until service (2 p.m.), Thursday, April 17, 2008 @ Avance
Funeral Home
Service:
2 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2008 @ Avance Funeral Home

Age 56, of West Chester, OH who was diagnosed with ALS in 2004 passed away on
Friday, April 11 at home. He was born May 22, 1951 in Wichita, KS, the son of
Calvin and Arlene (nee Burton) Ross. On July 12, 1986 he married Deborah Watts.
Roger was proud to have worked for Harrington Industrial Plastics for the past
18 years.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Deborah Watts of West Chester, OH;
parents, Calvin and Arlene (nee Burton) Ross of Wichita, KS; brother, Kent (Ann)
Ross of Denver, CO; niece, Aimee Ross; nephew, Derek Ross and their families;
mother and father-in-law, Laura and Stanley Watts of Columbus, IN; 3
sisters-in-law; and 1 brother-in-law and their families:
Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. – until time of service (2 p.m.), Thursday,
April 17 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, Fairfield. Memorials may be
made to The ALS Association of Central & Southern Ohio, 1170 Old Henderson Rd.,
Suite 221, Columbus, OH 43220 866-273-2572 (toll free) - 614-273-2573 (fax) -
alsohio@... Condolences at avancefuneralhome.com.

Avance Funeral Home
4976 Winton Rd.
Fairfield, OH 45014
513-829-6257
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Deborah Ross, CALS, to Husband - Roger, dx 11/04
EARNED HIS WINGS 4/11/08

Betsy B. McLaren | Secretary and Volunteer, 77
http://media.philly.com/images/20080...-sobit14-b.JPG
Betsy Bollmann McLaren, 77,of Exton, a retired secretary and hospital volunteer, died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, April 2 at Miller Health Care Center in Kankakee, Ill. She had been living in Illinois since January to be near family.
Mrs. McLaren grew up in Midlothian, Ill. In 1951 she married her high school sweetheart, Charles E. McLaren Jr. The couple raised four children in Midlothian. In 1976 they moved to Exton, where he took a position with Conrail and she went to work for Johnson Matthey Inc. in Wayne. She retired in 1996.

Mrs. McLaren had been a member of the Chester County Hospital Women's Auxiliary. She enjoyed shopping, reading, and spending time outdoors walking, gardening, and watching birds in her backyard, her son Brian said.

In addition to her husband and son, she is survived by another son, Kevin; daughter Kathleen Wilson; and a sister; her son Charles died in 1983.

Services were private.

Memorial donations may be made to ALS Hope Foundation, 219 N. Broad St., Philadelphia 19107.

Obituary - Joan L. Parks



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Joan L. Parks, 55, of Parker, died at10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, in her residence following a two and a half year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Born in Oil City Sept. 4, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Leonard "Bud" and Frances Joan Latschaw Confer.

She was Protestant by faith.

She was a 1970 graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School at Foxburg.

Mrs. Parks was employed many years at the Parker branch of Citizens National Bank (now NexTier) as custodian, as well as working for many area families doing housekeeping. She also served as caregiver for several Parker residents confined to their homes due to illness.

In 2006, the Parker Recreation Committee embarked upon a 13-year plan of selling Christmas tree decorations. Mrs. Parks' work of design appears on the 2006-07 issues, and will appear on the remaining 11 decorations in the future years. Knowing her working time of artistry was limited, she worked diligently so the committee would have these treasures to earn money for local projects.

In addition to caring for her husband and children, Mrs. Parks was known as a dedicated worker, artist, and writer of both prose and poetry. She was able to have two books of her poetry published, and countless families treasure notes written to them by her when ill health or ill fortune beset them.

In 2005 she was presented recognition by Parker Rotary for selfless time and effort given to Parker City and residents. That same year, she was presented recognition by Parker City Volunteer Department for Outstanding Community Service. In 2006, she was recognized by Parker Fire Department as Citizen of the Year, as well as receiving recognition from the state House of Representatives as Citizen of the Year through the efforts of Rep. Fred McIlhatten.

She enjoyed bird watching as well as working crossword puzzles.

Surviving are her husband: D. Scott Parks whom she married July 11, 1971; two sons: Mike Parks and wife Kristie of Parker and Kris Parks at home; one granddaughter: Mackenzie Parks of Parker; one sister, Terry Taylor of Smethport; and one brother, Alan Confer of Emlenton, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne Street, Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Dan Myers, United Methodist Minister, officiating.

Interment will be in Parker Presbyterian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Parker Recreation Committee, in care of Mrs. Carol Bowser, P.O. Box 350, Parker, 16049.

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET
April 15, 2008

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET, entered into eternal rest Friday, April 11, at home, surrounded by loved ones. Larry passed away from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Mr. Schleicher was born in Middletown, N.Y. and moved to Hazlet in 1958. He worshiped at St. John's United Methodist Church, graduated with the class of 1968 at Raritan High School, and earned a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education at Trenton State College, and a master's degree in administration from Kean College. He had the distinct pleasure of working with many wonderful colleagues and teaching the students of Keansburg for over 30 years, often saying he learned as much from them as teaching them. Mr. Schleicher served for many years as the secretary of the Keansburg Teachers' Association, the treasurer for the Raritan High School Band Parents' Association and chairperson of St. John's Church Council. He most loved to sing in the Chancel Choir and the Men's Ensemble and enjoyed Bible study with the Friday Night Men's Group. He was a mission participant in Appalachia and Hurricane Andrew Relief in Florida repairing homes. Larry was an avid bicyclist, clocking many miles each day in the Bayshore area and in recent years could be seen on the Henry Hudson bike trail in his motorized chair traveling over 400 miles.

Predeceased by his father, Richard L. Schleicher Jr., he is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Linda Monington Schleicher; his beloved daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Timothy Regan of Keyport, and Penny and Mark Bryant of Palm Bay, Fla.; his cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Regan; his mother, Constance Coleman Schleicher Cappozella and stepfather Anthony Cappozella; a brother, Steven Schleigher and his wife Heather; a sister, Kathleen Burt and her husband Marc; his mother-in-law, Greta Vanderburgh; a brother-in-law, Roy Monington and his wife Kathy; a sister-in-law, Karen Barzano and her husband Thomas; and his dear nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Tony, Jillian, Eric, Joshua, Matthew, Andrew, Dee Dee, Hope, Kara, David, Adam, Micah, and Jaylen.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave., Hazlet. Donations in Larry's name may be made to the Joan Dancy Foundation & PALS (People with ALS) Support Group, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701. John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown, is in charge of arrangements.

http://www.doverpost.com/wklyart/10---Roberts.jpg
Jayne Gest photo
Dr. Harold “Harry” Roberts lost his battle with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease April 10 when he died at 59. Roberts, former superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District, was a teacher and administrator in the CR district for 35 years.



Great leader, great person Harry Roberts dies at 59


By Jayne Gest
Staff writer
jayne.gest@doverpost.com

Dr. Harold “Harry” Roberts, 59, former superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District, died April 10 of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Those in the education community and elsewhere quickly lauded Roberts for making a significant impact on the community and the state of Delaware.

As a tribute to Roberts’ memory, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner ordered the Delaware state flag be lowered to half-staff until after the funeral, Tuesday.

Diagnosed with ALS in May 2006, Roberts was forced to retire from his job as the district superintendent a year later after 35 years of being a teacher and administrator in the district.

“We’re all pretty devastated and can’t believe how quickly this happened,” said his wife Tricia Roberts on Friday. She reports her husband was his old self, right to the very end – very stubborn and making jokes all the time.

“He loved this community. He loved Caesar Rodney. But mostly he loved his family,” she said. Roberts was proudest of being a grandfather to Elle, even with all the accolades he received throughout his career.

He received the state’s highest honor, The Order of the First State, from Minner at his retirement as well as being selected as Superintendent of the Year. Roberts also was selected by Dover Post readers as the Great Person for the year 2007.

“It’s certainly a loss to the school district and the entire state of Delaware,” said CR’s Superintendent Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, who personally felt Roberts was a good friend and great mentor.

“He made a large contribution to education throughout the state, but his loss will certainly be felt the most here in his home district,” Fitzgerald said.

Roberts wrote in an email soon after he announced his retirement that he was proudest of being approachable throughout his career in education.

“It was always my goal to be able to put my arm around the shoulders of any student in my school, no matter how surly, upset, macho or just downright difficult they were,” he wrote. “The fact that I was able to do that over 22 years as a building administrator is, to me, my greatest accomplishment. I think students allowed that, no matter how upset they were, because they understood that I cared about them, respected them and would treat them fairly.”

Known for his athletic ability, compassion, hard work ethic and knack for cracking the right joke in tension-filled moments, Roberts spoke through a voice machine nicknamed “Frank” at last year’s CR graduation. He was an accomplished speaker who could bring a crowd to its feet, as he did last June. In addition, despite the heat and the effects of his illness he stood and shook every graduate’s hand as they crossed the stage.

A close friend, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lou Ann Carlson, wrote in an email how Roberts emulated the values and work ethic of a great leader.

“Abraham Lincoln once wrote, ‘When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you,’” she wrote. “Harry always ‘brought people up’ and helped them achieve a potential that was thought unreachable. He was our leader, our mentor, our teacher and our friend.”

For Roberts’ obituary, click here.
http://www.doverpost.com/pages/newsRoberts.html

Norrie Loses Fight For Life
Apr 17 2008

FORMER Highland League footballer Norrie McArthur has lost his battle against motor neurone disease. He was 60.

Norrie played at both senior and junior level, including spells in the Highland League with Inverness Clachnacuddin, Ross County and Elgin City, and with Berwick Rangers in the Scottish League.

He was formerly principal teacher of PE at Waid Academy in Anstruther, Fife.

Norrie was first diagnosed with the incurable disease in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, son, Scott, and daughter, Suzie.


http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk:80/news...6908-20385286/

Rita Rivers Ratcliffe
Rita Rivers Ratcliffe, born April 19, 1946, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, died March 28, 2008 at Brandon Regional Hospital in Brandon, Florida. Rita was a 1964 graduate of Lord Botetourt High School. She was the loving daughter of Lucy Rivers, Nee Hill, and the late Edward Rivers. Beloved wife of 39 years to Jack Ratcliffe and dearly loved mother of Eric Ratcliffe (Michelle Neill) and Grant Ratcliffe (Catherine Scheer). Rita's greatest joy and greatest comfort were her three granddaughters, Erica, Hannah and Bridget Ratcliffe; beloved sister of Michael (Kathleen), Jimmy (Dee), Danny (Sue), Patty, and Scott (Tammy). Rita was the loving daughter-in-law of the late Thelma and James Ratcliffe, loving sister-in-law of the late Linda Burnette, Nee Ratcliffe and David Burnette. Rita was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all her friends and family. Special thanks to her caregiver, Carolyn Washington, for her love and compassion throughout Rita's struggle with her illness. Long-suffering patient of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Rita was cared for at home until the day before she died. She had many difficult moments throughout her illness, but was comforted by the care and affection shown to her by her husband Jack as well as her sons and their families. Rita's funeral was held on Monday, March 31, 2008 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The ALS Association Florida Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, Fla., 33619-0907.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 4/6/2008.

pril 24, 2008
Farewell to a Dear Friend

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I've just learned that Wayne Davis passed away at about 2:15 this afternoon. Wayne has been battling with Lou Gehrig's disease for the better part of probably 5 years, though he's only known about it for the last couple of years. He went into a coma last night, and died peacefully this afternoon. This picture is from our going away banquet at the Rose Bud Church of Christ in May of 2007 (there was a Hawaiian theme, if you couldn't tell).

Around March of last year, Wayne and I had a talk, and he let me know that he wanted me to perform his funeral. He was very open about the fact that his condition was terminal, and I've never seen someone face a horrible disease with any more courage than Wayne has.

The last time I spoke to him was about 3 weeks ago. As always, he was cheerful and encouraging. He never passed up an opportunity to let Carolina and me know that he loves us and is proud of us.

He was the quintessential cowboy. He loved horses and the outdoors. He was very indepenent, and I know he was so frustrated as his body had declined and he was no longer able to do most things for himself. For Carolina and I, he and his wife Ruby became our grandparents while we were in Arkansas with no family around. We love them like family. I've had a long time to get used to the idea that Wayne was going to leave us, and even now that I'm living so far away from them, this is still a tough loss. It won't be the same without him around.

He wanted very much for the other people at church to see what it means to face a terminal disease while standing firm on the hope and peace that can only come from God. I'll miss his good nature, his encouragement, and his constant chuckling...he managed to find something joyful in every situation.

For the rest of my life, part of my motivation to stay faithful to God is that I want to see my dear friend and brother Wayne again.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. We'll miss you so much.



Labels: farewell, gene davis, Rose Bud Church of Christ, wayne davis

http://marksadams.blogspot.com/2008/...ar-friend.html

In Memory of my friend Terry Hague
http://bp2.blogger.com/_TXGGbXlFut0/...200/img082.jpg



Terry and Janice and their dog Josie -
at the Walk to D'feet ALS in Oct. '03
in Waco, Texas - my home town.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_TXGGbXlFut0/...ubbuck+%27.jpg
Terry and myself
in Lubbock, Tx
at the Walk to D'feet ALS
in Oct. '01



My friend Terry died Saturday night, April 19, 2008 from ALS. I was called 5 minutes after Terry passed away.
I had talked to Janice that morning and she told me not to come - she would need me more later so I did as I wished and stayed home - not going to the hospital.
I met Terry and Janice about 10 years ago - soon after Terry was diagnosed withe ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease. We met at an ALS support group meeting in Arlington and quickly became friend. Both Terry and Janice had a great out look on life, always joking.
Janice tried to raffle Terry off at several fund raiser for ALS but no one would take him. Although she would never really give him away!
One weekend she gave Terry to me for a day - Janice and Terry picked my up and she took Terry and I to DFW airport and we flew to Lubbock for the Walk to D'feet ALS which we were on the committee for - being on the newly formed board of the ALS Association North Texas Chapter. I had friends who met us at the airport and took us to the walk site and at the end of a vary long and tiring but fun day my son, Brad, picked us up at DFW airport on our return trip. On our return trip Terry pointed out the land below -- describing the different things we could see from the air and why they were that way.
For two years Janice and Terry went to Waco with me, monthly, as we organized the Walk to D'feet ALS in Waco. If Janice could not go Terry would go with me. Such great friends. Always there when I needed them.
Terry was my computer buddy - coming over to help me with my computer when needed. Making DVD's to be used at our Kick Off events for the Walks and helping me with all sorts of computer problems.
Terry was the only person with ALS Marcie ever wanted to meet - which she did - several time as he helped me with my computer at my house.
I will miss his great smile and his laugh. Last time I saw them they were eating ice cream at Costco - when I bent down to give him a hug I hit the controls of his power chair and moved his chair - he said that happens all the time and we had a good laugh from that.
My dear friend will be missed by many people but especially his sweet wife Janice and myself. But he is smiling now and walking and his fingers are straight and always will be.
Written Monday April 20, 2008
---------------------------------------------------------
Terry's service was today - Wed. April 23.
It was said at his service that ALS is not only Lou Gehrig's disease - it is Terry's disease , Marcie's disease, Janice's disease and Linda's disease (myself) etc... meaning ALS not only effects the person whose body ALS takes over but every member of the family - and this is so true.
ALS is a monster disease with no cause, no cure and not even a treatment!

http://linda-gibson.blogspot.com/200...end-terry.html

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET
April 27, 2008

RICHARD LAWRENCE "LARRY" SCHLEICHER III, 57, of the West Keansburg section of HAZLET, entered into eternal rest Friday, April 11, at home surrounded by loved ones. Larry passed away from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis "Lou Gehrig's disease."

Mr. Schleicher was born in Middletown, N.Y., and moved to Hazlet, in 1958. He worshipped at St. John's United Methodist Church, graduated with the Class of 1968 at Raritan High School, earned a bachelor of science in elementary education at Trenton State College and a master's degree in administration from Kean College. He had the distinct pleasure of working with many wonderful colleagues and teaching the students of Keansburg for more than 30 years, often saying he learned as much from them as teaching them. Mr. Schleicher served for many years as the secretary of the Keansburg Teachers' Association, the treasurer for the Raritan High School Band Parents' Association and chairperson of St. John's Church Council. He most loved to sing in the chancel choir and the men's ensemble and enjoyed Bible study with the Friday Night Men's Group. He was a mission participant in Appalachia and Hurricane Andrew Relief in Florida, repairing homes. Larry was an avid bicyclist, clocking many miles each day in the Bayshore area and in recent years could be seen on the Henry Hudson bike trail in his motorized chair traveling more than 400 miles.

He was predeceased by his father, Richard L. Schleicher Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Linda Monington Schleicher; beloved daughters and husbands Patricia and Timothy Regan of Keyport, and Penny and Mark Bryant of Palm Bay, Fla., cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Regan; mother, Constance Coleman Schleicher Capozella and stepfather Anthony Capozella; brother, Steven Schleicher and his wife Heather; sister, Kathleen Burt and her husband Marc; mother-in-law, Greta Vanderburgh; brother-in-law, Roy Monington and his wife Kathy; sister-in-law Karen Barzano and her husband Thomas; and his dear nieces and nephews, Kimberly, Tony, Jillian, Eric, Joshua, Matthew, Andrew, Dee Dee, Hope, Kara, David, Adam, Micah and Jaylen.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave., Hazlet, (732) 264-1236. Donations in Larry's name may be made to the Joan Dancy Foundation & PALS People with ALS Support Group, Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Please contact Pfleger Funeral Home (732) 671-1326 for more information.

Frank R. Riddle



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Frank R. Riddle, 59, of 3 Little Pine Place, Franklin, died at 9:39 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Born June 20, 1948, in Franklin, he was a son of the late Frank Day Riddle and Barbara Sibley Riddle Daniels.

He was a 1966 graduate of Franklin High School. He received his bachelor’s degree and his LL.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Riddle began his professional career with Gent, Daniels and Thompson in 1973. In 1980 he opened his own practice. For several years he was privileged to practice law with his stepfather, Robert Y. Daniels. Riddle was a member and past president of the Venango County Bar Association.

He has been an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church since 1974. He served the church as assistant minister, catechist, Sunday school teacher, past president of church council and Eucharistic minister. He was also a lay minister and preached in many area churches. Before his illness he entered the TEEM program in preparation for becoming a minister.

Active in the community, Mr. Riddle was a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge, the Franklin Rotary Club, was a past president of the Franklin Club and past member of the Franklin Civic Operetta Board, and he delighted audiences with various roles in FCO productions.

Frank was well known for always having a joke to tell. He particularly enjoyed the times spent with his children, grandchildren and his study for the ministry.

On April 26, 1969, he married the former Judy Schilling, who survives along with a son, Brian T. Riddle and his wife, Kristine, of Greenville; a daughter, Rebecca Kristen and her husband, Greg, of McKeesport; and three grandchildren, Elias Mohr of Boston, Mass., and Liam and Virginia Riddle, both of Greenville.

Survivors also include his mother, Barbara Daniels of Sun City West, Ariz.; a brother, Robert Daniels and his wife, Pam, of Glendale, Ariz.; a sister, Leslie Ginter and her husband, Bryan, of Sacramento, Calif.; and four nieces, Cassandra and Chelsey Daniels of Glendale, Ariz., and Ashley and Rochelle Ginter of Sacramento, Calif.

Also surviving are special friends, Rodger and Peggy Lore of Franklin, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, stepfather and twin brother, Douglas Sibley Riddle.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Huff Chapel, 312 W. Park St.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Grace Lutheran Church, 737 Elk Street, Franklin, with the Rev. Timothy L. Alleman, pastor of the church, officiating.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to ALS Association, W. Pa-WV Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave., Pittsburgh, 15209; MDA ALS Division, 3300 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, Ariz. 85718; or the Grace Lutheran Church, 737 Elk Street, Franklin, 16323.

Blackmun was 'ahead of her time'
5/3/2008 7:22:35 AM
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By Dawn Schuett

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

Lifelong friends of Susan Blackmun admired the intelligence, courage and compassion of the woman they considered "ahead of her time."

Blackmun, the youngest daughter of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun and his wife, Dorothy, was 58 when she died April 15 at her Orlando, Fla., home. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease.

Dagny Bilkadi met Susan "Susie" Blackmun when the two were just in nursery school in Rochester. During their childhood years, they formed strong bonds with each other's families.

"She was the kind of person who once she knew you and loved you, she would get to know your whole family and love them," said Bilkadi, who was known as Beth Svien when she graduated with Blackmun from Mayo High School in 1967.

Even as a girl, Blackmun's daring spirit was obvious, along with her love for animals and nature. Blackmun played with the pet mice that Bilkadi got as a birthday gift one year, crawled over a barbed wire fence into a pasture to sing to cows and convinced Bilkadi and two other friends to sign up for a wilderness program in Ely, Minn., the summer after their junior year.

"I think she was the most adventurous, rebellious one in her family," said Bilkadi who now lives in Mahtomedi, Minn. "Even so, she was well loved."

Blackmun graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., in 1971, two years before her father wrote the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.

"I always thought that she and her sisters were the reason that we have Roe v. Wade because they were very strong women at a time before women really spoke out, but they did," said friend Michael Pappas of Rochester. "I thought they were great for the women's movement -- the whole family."

After working as a research psychologist at the Naval Medical Research Institute in Maryland and learning to dive despite encountering discrimination, Susan Blackmun left the country to sail the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South China seas.

Once she returned to the United States, she moved to Orlando, where she worked as a freelance medical writer and nature photographer, according to the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. She also got involved with an animal rescue organization, helping squirrels, opossums and other animals in the aftermath of hurricanes.

No matter where her journeys took her, she stayed in touch with friends, many of whom live in Rochester.

"Rochester was always home to her," said her sister Sally Blackmun of Winter Park, Fla. "We loved coming back and visiting our friends still around."

When Pappas saw Susan Blackmun, they talked about old times, relationships and the challenges of parenthood.

"I don't know that she was so much rebellious as ahead of her time and intelligent, and just a friend everybody would want to have that would not judge you but would just be pretty black and white about things and then you'd be laughing about it," Pappas said.

Through her battle with ALS, Blackmun remained upbeat and even organized "living wakes" to spend quality time with friends, Bilkadi said.

"I was just in awe of her and her courage," she said.

Blackmun is survived by her husband, William Hay Brown of Orlando; daughter, Kaia Blackmun Brown of Minneapolis; and two sisters. Sally A. Blackmun of Winter Park and Nancy C. Blackmun of Framingham, Mass.

Rudolph R. 'Rudy' Quackenbush -- Rochester
5/5/2008 9:40:02 AM

ROCHESTER -- A memorial service for Rudolph R. "Rudy" Quackenbush will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.

Mr. Quackenbush, of Rochester, died Saturday (May 3, 2008) at his residence, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

He was born in Red Bank, N.J. On Jan. 14, 1985, he married Alisa Krizan in Zanesville, Ohio. The couple resided in Asheville, N.C., and moved to Rochester on September 1, 1998. He worked as a food service director; his wife is a registered dietitian and patient food service manager with Mayo Clinic. Mr. Quackenbush was also active in Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services and was president from 2006 to 2007. He was also a culinary chief and loved cooking and spending time at his cabin in Hayward, Wis.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Rudolph C. of Hagerstown, Md.; and two brothers, Al of Calabash, N.C., and Jack of Houston, Texas. Other survivors include a granddaughter, Julie Quackenbush of Hagerstown; and a daughter-in-law, Anita Whitesides of Hagerstown. He was preceded in death by two brothers, a daughter and a son.

Friends may call an hour before the service at Macken Funeral Home.

The family prefers memorials to the ALS Chapter of Minnesota or Mayo Hospice.

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As a child -- which was not very long ago -- Sarah Beth ran around our Highlands neighborhood in a dress, the prettier and the frillier the better.

A family friend remembers her on an early camping trip at Red River Gorge, her father lugging the backpack up the trail as Sarah Beth, 4, scampered along in a pink dress.
"She always was a girlie girl," one friend recalled to laughter among those assembled April 13 for her funeral.

At age 22, Sarah Beth Adkins died on April 10, less than a year after she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -- which is better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the New York Yankees' first baseman who died in 1941 from the neurodegenerative illness. There is no known cause and no cure.

There was a little laughter, but far more tears, among the relatives, friends and neighbors who attended the service at Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church.

Sarah Beth's parents, both medical professionals, were forced to watch helplessly as the disease that had stricken their daughter last summer robbed her of strength, speech and, finally, her ability to breathe. Her mother, Sheila Ward, is a nurse midwife and teacher at the University of Louisville, who specializes in helping women deliver healthy babies. Her father, Phil Adkins, a physical therapist, helps people recover strength and skills lost to injury or illness.

At the funeral, the Rev. Elwood Sturtevant described ALS as a very "cruel disease," and none in the overflow crowd that had gathered for the service on a chilly, dreary Sunday afternoon would disagree. Friends and relatives who spoke described a bright, sweet and compassionate child who, as she grew up, possessed an innate ability to inspire and delight.

Her friends recalled these events:

• Sneaking out of Sarah Beth's bedroom window onto the roof on sleepovers to watch the stars (a revelation that left her father shaking his head in disbelief).

• Becoming best friends for life in grade school after an initial battle over crayons.

• Aggravating her older brother, Stanley, whom Sarah Beth and friends could always count on to entertain and make them laugh.

• And, upon earning her driver's license at age 16, bumping the family van into a post with no discernible damage -- and Sarah Beth ordering her girlfriend never to tell her parents because they will never let me drive again!

The friend obeyed until the funeral, when she revealed the story to everyone present, including Sarah Beth's parents, who laughed while they cried.

I don't think anyone missed the point that Sarah Beth won't be driving again. But here is what she is doing. Sarah Beth Adkins is the inspiration for many friends, family and neighbors to join in the annual Louisville ALS walk Saturday.

Reporter Deborah Yetter can be reached at (502) 582-4228.

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Irish sport mourns loss of Paul Magee
The Irish sports community will be saddened by the untimely death on Saturday of Paul Magee (51) -- son of broadcaster Jimmy -- who had been struggling with Motor Neurone disease.

Paul played for Shamrock Rovers, Finn Harps and St Pat's and was involved in cross-country running and Gaelic football before his tenpin bowling days, when Paul regularly captained the Irish bowling team, invariably as the top scorer.

In his professional life, he was an integral part of the RTE Radio broadcasting team for 20 years, reporting from racetracks at home and abroad.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his devoted family and a large circle of friends.

Luis Enrique Cebrian

Luis Enrique Cebrian Died on Monday March 3, 2008, after a lengthy and heroic 14 year battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. Luis Enrique Cebrian was born in Madrid on May 4, 1933 to Louis de Laveaga Cebrian and Katharine Crofton Cebrian, Americans residing in Spain at the time. Because they were known royalists, during the unrest leading up to the Spanish Civil War, they were targeted by the Communist Republicans who controlled Madrid. At one time while staying in a hotel they were occasionally machine-gunned; Luis and his brother were placed in a bathtub with a mattress over them. They were rescued by the German Embassy and sent to San Francisco. His parents joined them later in the USA. He grew up in Napa and San Francisco where they had homes. He attended school in St. Helena and boarding schools in Peru, Portland and Canada. He served two years in the army and then returned to Spain where he completed his medical studies using the GI Bill of Rights. He graduated with honors in 1962 and worked for three years in the Madrid University hospital where he instituted a peritoneal dialysis unit. During this time, he also worked on a cruise ship for several months of the year cruising between England and the Caribbean. His philosophy was always that he would enjoy life while his body was still young, instead of waiting until he retired old and decrepit. So he moved to London (which was at that time swinging London). He improved his medical knowledge by taking training jobs in London teaching hospitals for 7-8 months of the year. He studied geriatrics where geriatrics really started at the West London Hospital, long before it became fashionable. The rest of the year he traveled. He said that he had swum in all seven oceans and seen at least some of each of the five continents. During this time, he met his wife, Valerie, in 1971 on Mykonos, a Greek island where he had a disastrous investment in a nightclub, which ended in a Greek lawsuit. He always said it was a great investment, as he learned about unscrupulous partners and met his wife. He returned to the United States in 1981 to practice family medicine and geriatrics in Chico until forced to retire by Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 1998. During this time, never one to complain about the way ALS ravaged his body, he sought to counsel others suffering the same fate. He was most generous of heart and mind and though in a wheelchair for the last eight years he never let that deter him from traveling several times to Europe. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Valerie; brother-in-law, Ian Hamer and his wife Judy; nephew, Christian Cebrian and his wife Amy; nieces, Cairo Gregor and her husband Michael, and Morgan Grossman and family; a nephew in Germany, Jose Cebrian and his wife Brigitte; and two nephews in England, Carl and his wife Kate, and Ross Homer. Also survived by many loyal friends who have helped him in various ways, with their love, laughter and support. A Visitation will be held Thursday, March 6th, 5-8PM at Bidwell Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian burial on Friday, March 7th, 10:30AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Chico.

Jennifer A. "Jenny" (Pucci) Fischer, 37, of Rochester, died Tuesday at her residence of A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's disease). Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester.


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Samuel P. Buonavolonta
Friday, May 9, 2008

Star Beacon


CONNEAUT — Samuel P. Buonavolonta, age 67, of Conneaut, Ohio, died at his home, Tuesday morning, May 6, 2008, from complications of A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Born Jan. 13, 1941, in Ashtabula, Ohio, he was an adopted son of Vito and Stella (Nappi) Buonavolonta.

Samuel was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, and was employed for 43 years, at Ashtabula Rubber Company.

He enjoyed golfing, swimming, doing lawn work, and being with his grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Tammie (David) Hatfield of Conneaut, and Traci (Arthur) Bearce of Monroe Twp.; five grandchildren, Ashley Million, Anthony and Andrew Hatfield, and Samantha and Brian Bearce; and a brother, James (Mary) Buona of Chandler, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his mother Carmel; his adopted parents, Vito and Stella; brother, Jack Mecci; and sister, Judy (Buonavolonta) Jones.

A private Memorial Service, for the immediate family, will be held at the MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, Ohio.

Contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at the Funeral Home.

Condolences at www.marcyfuneralservices.com

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Ted championed his cause to the very end
BY SANDRA BATES
9/05/2008 8:32:00 PM

JUST days after penning an impassioned plea to New South Wales Health Minister Reba Meagher to improve support for research into motor neurone disease and make organ donation an easier process, Blayney Mayor Ted Wilson has succumbed to MND.
Cr Wilson passed away in his sleep at his home in Neville late Thursday night. He was 72.

Cr Wilson was diagnosed with MND late last year, just weeks after being re-elected mayor.

Blayney Shire Council general manager Andrew Roach said Cr Wilson was elected to Blayney Shire Council at a by-election in 1993 and held the position of deputy mayor on several occasions until becoming mayor in September 2005.

Cr Wilson wrote to Health Minister Meagher on April 29. In what was to prove a tragically accurate premonition, the opening paragraph said: "My health has deteriorated quickly, and I fear that by the time you respond to my letter, I may have passed."

He went on to explain to Ms Meagher that he was writing to request "long overdue and very necessary support to Associate Professor Matthew Kiernan and his team of researchers from the Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia".

"Associate Professor Kiernan has the leading program for MND sufferers in Australia, based at the Prince of Wales Hospital, yet he continues to struggle with the bureaucracy within the hospital system you and your government continue to support, as an impediment to patients in great distress," he wrote.

"I call upon you, as minister for health, to review the services required by Associate Professor Kiernan to provide patients of MND a much better service in the immediate future, and access to resources which will make their treatment more accessible and easier."

Cr Wilson also addressed the issue of organ donation.

"I have been a life long advocate of organ donation and have found it very difficult to arrange," he said.

"At great personal difficulty I have arranged the organ donation through my specialists and have donated my brain and spine to further the research of MND, with little to no help for this service in the Central West.

“As a state, we have made this community service very difficult for many to participate [in], and improve the end goal, of saving more lives.

"I have made the personal commitment to bettering someone else's life.

"I beg you to convince your government to finally right this wrong and provide organ donation services to residents in NSW, in accordance with a national standard. NSW currently has the lowest rate of organ donation in Australia."

Cr Wilson is survived by his wife Betty, sons Rex and Mark and their wives, Lucy and Dorraine and his four grand children.

In his final days, Cr Wilson created a trust fund to raise much-needed funds for MND research.

His funeral will be held on Thursday at The Goods Shed, Neville Siding, 15 Crouch Street Neville from a11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations for Cr Wilson's trust fund be forwarded by Blayney Shire Council.

John David Swan

Published on Monday, May 12, 2008

John David Swan, 56, died in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Saturday, April 19, 2008, of Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

He was the son of Walter James (deceased) and Deloris Cavell Swan of Bisbee, Ariz. John attended high school in Bisbee until he volunteered for the Marine Corps Air Wing to serve in Vietnam.
John is survived by his wife, Natalia Swan of Santa Rosa; his three children from a previous marriage, Israel and Matt of Marquette, Mich., and Megan Gilles of Milford, N.H.; seven siblings, Jim, Jerry, Charlotte Taylor, Carol Ann Price, Alan, Linda Olsen and Merri Lou Martin; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 611 Melody Lane, in Bisbee.

Kathy Krabbenschmidt: Designed golf course in Grand Prairie
 

Kathy Krabbenschmidt: Designed golf course in Grand Prairie

12:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
By JOE SIMNACHER / The Dallas Morning News
jsimnacher@dallasnews.com

Kathy Krabbenschmidt had been a Hollywood magician, a champion pool player and a hand model before she designed and built her 17-hole, par-3 golf course in Grand Prairie.

Although she had made a living at a variety of jobs, Ms. Krabbenschmidt had a passion for architecture and art, which she was able to express in her golf course design.

"She loved architecture and art in general," said her daughter, Angel Adamson of Grand Prairie.

Ms. Krabbenschmidt, 56, died April 27 at her Grand Prairie home of complications of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called Lou Gehrig's disease.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Fun City Golf Center, her Grand Prairie golf course.

Ms. Krabbenschmidt was earning a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington when she became ill about five years ago.

In August 2005, she was diagnosed with ALS.

"She had been sick for a year and a half before that, but she didn't know what she had," Ms. Adamson said.

Ms. Krabbenschmidt used a walker to attend her last year of classes and graduate, her daughter said.

She was born in Orange County, Calif., but grew up in Japan and San Francisco, traveling with her father's transfers as a Navy engineer.

She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from San Francisco State University.

She married Howard Adamson and became a blackjack dealer in Lake Tahoe for four years.

Ms. Krabbenschmidt then moved to Los Angeles, where she became a magician.

She performed at the Magic Castle, a magicians' gathering place, and private parties, her daughter said.

"She was a hand-and-card specialist, what's called sleight of hand," her daughter said. "Within five years, she was actually one of the top magicians in Hollywood.

"She performed at Oscar parties and many other Hollywood events," her daughter said.

Ms. Krabbenschmidt had also worked as a hand model and did hand shots that included the television series Dallas.

Ms. Krabbenschmidt's hands were also used in commercials, including the "Incredible Edible Egg" promotion.

"It's back out," Ms. Adamson said of the commercial. "There are the two hands holding the egg; that's her hands."

Ms. Krabbenschmidt divorced in 1975.

She became a touring pool player before moving to Grand Prairie in 1988 to take over her brother's video store, Rent-A-Movie, in Town Square on Pioneer Parkway, a retail development her father had built.

While she was running the video store, Ms. Krabbenschmidt began designing and building the golf course on her father's property on Interstate 20.

"She designed and built it herself," her daughter said. "She was hands-on in building that golf course."

Ms. Krabbenschmidt served on the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Commission for several years.

In addition to her daughter, Ms. Krabbenschmidt is survived by two sisters, Lisa Evik of Burbank, Calif., and Janeen Jensen of Del Mar, Calif.; two brothers, Jon Krabbenschmidt of San Mateo, Calif., and Dale Krabbenschmidt of San Diego; her parents Henry and Pegeen Krabbenschmidt of Hillsboro, Calif., and one grandchild.

Memorials may be made to a college-expense trust for her grandson, Henry Jacob Adamson at Wells Fargo Bank.

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BRAVE FIGHT: Lee Smart who died this week, pictured with his family of wife Jenny and children Liam, three, Luke, two-and-a-half, Casey Louise, four, Brandon, seven.

Brave Lee loses fight for life

Published Date: 15 May 2008
By Staff Copy

A BRAVE father-of-four who suffered from a muscle-wasting disease has died just two weeks after renewing his wedding vows.
The Express featured the inspirational story of Lee Smart in last week’s issue, after he organised the special ceremony for his wife Jenny at the Pontefract Prince of Wales Hospice, where he was receiving respite care for motor-neurone disease.

Sadly the 28-year-old died the day the paper came out, from pneumonia.

His doting wife Jenny, 29, this week paid tribute to his bravery in dealing with the debilitating disease as well as her shock at his sudden death.

She said: “It was a really big shock because he had been all right on Wednesday. He just went downhill on the evening and died at Barnsley Hospital at 5am on Thursday.

“But he isn’t in any pain any more and I think he’s in a better place now.

“Lee showed bravery from when he was first diagnosed.

“Even when he was in pain, he didn’t want to tell anyone. When the children saw him in pain he tried not to be bothered about it.

“He was as tough as bricks and always smiling.

“He just tried to get on with his life. I was very proud of him.

“It was very important that we managed to renew our vows. I’m pleased that we did it – that we had that together.”