Seth A. Lasane

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DOVER — Seth A. Lasane, 41, formerly of Somersworth, died peacefully Monday, March 30, 2009, at Riverside Rest Home in Dover with his family at his side, following a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Seth was born May 29, 1967, in Bitberg, Germany, the son of Alex Lasane Jr. and Caroline E. (Coles). He was raised and educated in Presque Isle, Maine, Dover and Somersworth, and graduated from Somersworth High School with the Class of 1986.

Seth had worked for more than 10 years in manufacturing at Simplex/TYCO Corporation in Newington.

Seth enjoyed downhill skiing and was an avid NASCAR and monster truck fan. He enjoyed camping and music very much.

He will be sadly missed by his mother and father, and equally by his many friends.

SERVICES: There are no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to the funeral discourse at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall located at 77 Long Hill Road in Dover. Burial will be private at the convenience of Seth's family. Donations in Seth's memory are requested to The ALS Association, Northern New England Chapter, 10 Ferry St, — Suite 438, Box 314, Concord, NH 03301, or to Riverside Rest Home, 276 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820. Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., Dover, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visit www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guest book.

Los Angeles Trial Attorney Eliot Disner Dead at 62



By a MetNews Staff Writer



Los Angeles trial attorney Eliot Disner has passed away at the age of 62.

The attorney lost his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, on Saturday. Services were held Monday at the University Synagogue in Brentwood.

Disner, the principal partner of the Disner Law Corporation, had been on inactive status with the State Bar since January, and his long-time friend and colleague Joel R. Bennett said Disner had been “in steep decline over the last year and a half.”

Bennett said that his friend was “an active and respected member of the antitrust bar,” who was “admired by everyone because of his dedication to his clients, to his family, and to his friends.”

He recalled Disner’s “terrific sense of humor,” and how he “cared deeply for the underdog and for unpopular causes and always felt free to speak his mind about that which he believed.”

In May 2007, Disner made headlines after he was fired by Richmond, Va.-based McGuireWoods for lodging an objection to the $49 million settlement negotiated by his firm in an antitrust class action against West Publishing Corp., the parent company of BAR/BRI.

Under the terms of the settlement reached in February 2007, about $36 million of the total was to be distributed among approximately 300,000 law school graduates who took the BAR/BRI course between 1997 and 2006.

Less than a week before Disner was fired, he filed a 13-page brief objecting to the settlement on behalf of three of the seven lead plaintiffs, arguing the firm should have sought at least $400 million and the break up of BAR/BRI.

Argument on the objectors’ appeals of the settlement was conducted before the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on March 3.

Disner filed the original suit in 2005 when he was a partner with Van Etten Suzumoto & Becket. He became a partner with McGuireWoods when the two firms merged in 2006.

After leaving McGuireWoods, Disner established the Disner Law Corporation with his son Perrin F. Disner, Bennett and intellectual property attorney Robert Ashen.

Despite Eliot Disner’s untimely passing, Bennett vowed that the corporation would continue to practice and carry on with its active cases.

During his 32-year career, Disner represented both plaintiffs and defendants, placing an emphasis on complex business litigation, including antitrust, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition, business interference, securities law, class actions, land use, construction, contract, insurance and other commercial disputes.

In 1998, he secured an $80.09 million award in favor of his client in a dispute over finder’s fees with a sand and gold mining business in Colangelo v. Morgan. Disner’s website claims the award was the fourth highest jury verdict in the state that year.

Other accomplishments touted on Disner’s website include his work in obtaining a multi-million dollar jury verdict in Los Angeles Land Co. v. Brunswick Corporation, a case brought in federal court in Los Angeles involving unlawful monopolization, interference with prospective economic advantage and bad faith denial of contract.

He also claimed to have obtained the first successfully-enforced private divestiture order under Sec. 7 of the Clayton Act in Parrish’s Cake Decorating Supplies, Inc. v. Pillsbury, before a federal court in Chicago.

Disner graduated from the University of Michigan and Harvard Law School, and was admitted to the State Bar in 1976. He was also licensed to practice in Michigan and the District of Columbia.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Disner, sons Perrin and Seth Disner, and daughter Madeline Disner.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (ALS Division) located at 3415 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 550 in Los Angeles, Bennett said.

Iria F. Kabala
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SALEM, N.H. — Iria F. (Branco) Kabala, age 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, with her family by her side, at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Massachusetts.

Iria, or Edie as she was known by her family and many friends, was a resident of Salem, New Hampshire for 40 years. She was born on May 19, 1942, on the island of Sao Miguel, in the Acores, Portugal. She grew up in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts and was educated at New Bedford High School. She worked at Salem Building Supply and the Coca Cola Company as the Office Manager at the time of her retirement.

Edie's interests include crocheting, arts and crafts of all types, and spending time at Newfound Lake and the ocean. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She was an especially caring and generous person who touched many lives and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Leonard Kabala of Salem; her mother, Lucy Branco of Dartmouth; and godmother, Mary Mello. She was predeceased by her father, Frank Branco.

She was the loving mother of daughter, Karen and her husband, Michael Regan of Salem; and her son, Michael Kabala of Derry, N.H. She adored her granddaughters, Samantha, Andrea and Abigale. She is also survived by sisters, Connie Kabala and husband, Donald of North Dartmouth, Natalie and husband, Victor Gonsalves of Fairhaven, MA; and nieces and nephews, Don Kabala, Lori Rosa, Deana Falcone, Lynn Cousens, Shayna Gonsalves and Adam Gonsalves.

Calling hours are Monday, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA, (508) 993-2921. Directions are available at www. perryfuneral.com. A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Mary's Church in Dartmouth, MA, the date and time will be announced.

Contributions in Edie's memory may be made to the ALS Association, New England Chapter, 10 Ferry Street, Suite 438, Box 314, Concord, N.H. 03301. Contact information: (603) 226-8855 www.alanne.org.

ALS claims life of SCMT teacher Tom Wolf
By **** JOHNSON, ****.johnson@globegazette.com
SHEFFIELD — No lousy Lou Gehrig’s Disease could stop Tom Wolf’s sense of humor.

His brother, Ralph, visited recently and left a nice cigar for Tom’s old friend, Ned Bohach.

When Bohach showed up days later, Tom’s wife, Ann, placed the cigar between her husband’s fingers.

“He wasn’t going to die ’til you came and got that cigar,” Ann said.

That was Tom Wolf.

The disease, ALS, took the longtime Sheffield-Chapin/Meservey-Thornton teacher Thursday at age 64.

“He was a very jolly person,” Bohach said. “He was fun to be with, just an all-around nice young man. He was a big BS’er from the word go. He touched the lives of so many people. It’s a big loss to our community.”

“Obviously, everybody knew him and everybody had him as a teacher,” said fellow teacher-coach Tom Severe. “He had a lot of friends.”

Wolf, a social studies teacher, coached boys golf until a year ago.

He was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, retired teacher Gary Nelson said, and a dedicated teacher and coach.

“He was just a good family man,” Nelson said. “He loved being around kids.”

Wolf was honored in 2007 by elementary school students who raised more than $600 to fight ALS.

http://www.globegazette.com/articles...7946982447.txt

William E. Moorehead

William E. Moorehead, 67, of Garner died Monday, April 6, 2009. The funeral service was held Friday, April 10 at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel in Clayton. Interment followed at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Pastor Keith Schuler officiated.
He is survived by his daughter, Linn Sheik of Beckley, W.Va.; son, William E. Moorehead, II and wife Ginny K. of Garner; step-son, Steven Baker of Cummings, Ga.; brother, Arthur Moorehead of Alabama; and six grandchildren, John Keenan, Jason Keenan, Billy Keenan, Matthew Sheik, Marcus Sheik and Mitchell Sheik.
Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association, Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter, 120-101 Penmarc Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 or to Hospice of Wake County Foundation, 1300 St. Mary’s Street Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Randy Jeans
FALMOUTH - Randy Jeans, 51, died Tuesday, April 14, at Hospice of the Bluegrass Care Center, Fort Thomas.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie Kinney Jeans; son, Charlie Gilmore of Florence; daughters, Miranda and Christina Jeans of Falmouth; parents, Russel and Janie Jeans of New Richmond, Ohio; sister, Sharon Anstaett of Batavia, Ohio; and one grandson.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, with service following at New Richmond Church of Christ. A second visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 17, with service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Peoples Funeral Home, Butler. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Falmouth.

Memorials: The ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.



http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs...104/904160324/

Jennifer Miller, 56; fostered growth of the Rashi School
Email|Link|Comments (0) Posted April 17, 2009 07:54 AM
By J.M. Lawrence, Globe Correspondent

A powerful public speaker and educator in Jewish schools most of her life, Jennifer (Gordon) Miller could not walk or speak when she went back to visit the greater Boston reform Jewish day school she had headed for 10 years.

It was Hanukkah 2007, and Ms. Miller was determined not to lose a minute of her life to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease. She used a PowerPoint show to tell her story to scores of students and friends gathered at the Rashi School in Newton.

"I may be silenced but never unheard," she said in words she typed through a sensor on her nose. "Be reassured, I am experiencing joy beyond your wildest imagination."

Ms. Miller, who lived in Cleveland, died April 4 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center during a visit to Boston to celebrate Passover with her children. She was 56.

"She grew the Rashi School to what it is today," said her friend Anne Puchkoff, admissions manager at the school. "She was a wonderful leader and beloved by all."

Born in South Africa, Ms. Miller was an educator her entire adult life. She graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 1974 and earned her teacher certification from the Johannesburg College of Education in 1975.

She immigrated to the United States in 1978 and lived in Pittsburgh, where she taught English and social studies in Jewish schools. She divorced in the early 1980s and moved to Providence, where she raised her twins, Carla and Greg.

"She worked twice as hard," said Greg of Boston. "She played the mother and the father role."

From 1984 to 1992, she was an administrator at the Alperin Schechter Day School in Providence, where she helped increase enrollment from 7 students to 50 in three years.

She also earned her master's in education administration from Providence College in 1991.

In 1992, Ms. Miller was recruited to head the Rashi School, which was founded in 1986. Passionate about Jewish education, she boosted enrollment from 50 students to more than 300 over the next 10 years and shepherded the growing school through three moves.

Ms. Miller inspired her staff, Puchkoff said. "She made you reach for the bar. She was a workaholic, and the only thing that came before her work was her children."

In 2002, she moved to Cleveland to head the private Pardes High School in Beachwood, Ohio, until it closed in 2004. She also worked as a marketing consultant for Boston-based Partners for Excellence in Jewish Education and was director of marketing for the Jewish Education Center in Cleveland from 2004-05.

Ms. Miller met her second husband, Jack Cohan, in Cleveland. They were married four years.

In fall 2006, Ms. Miller began having symptoms of ALS. She had just started as head of the primary school at an all-girls prep school in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

By July of 2007, she was in a wheelchair and could not talk. She resisted despair and plunged into several projects, including fund-raising for ALS and a documentary of her life by Cleveland filmmaker Kidist Getachew called "Voiceover: The Challenge of Silence."

"She never stopped," said her friend Barbara Ekelman, a speech pathologist at Case Western Reserve University, who was traveling with Ms. Miller when she died. "She was a woman of incredible vision who knew how to bring people's strengths together to accomplish a goal."

Ms. Miller did not want to miss a moment of her life even as her body shut down. "She had a passion for living," said her daughter Carla Miller-Kopikis of Needham. "She was full of love and joy on a daily basis."

Her mother's life inspired her to become a special education teacher, and she now works in Newton schools.

In addition to her husband, daughter and son, Ms. Miller leaves her brother, Alan Gordon of Barrington, R.I.; her sister, Lorraine Podolsky of Toronto; her step-daughters Andrea Cohan of San Francisco and Ilene Cohan of Columbus, Ohio.

Services have been held. Burial was in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.

Ex-Negri football player passes away

SEREMBAN: Former Negri Sem*bilan football player Burhanudin Juned died yesterday at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital here where he had been warded for more than a year for motor neuron disease. He was 54.

He leaves behind wife Ros*ma*wati Abd Manaff, 47 and five children aged between nine and 22.

Burhanudin joined the Negri Sembilan State Development Cor*po*ration in 1975 as technician and retired on last year due to health reasons.

He played in defence for Negri Sem*bilan in 70s and 80s and had also served as a coach for the state. — Bernama

"Responsible dying" advocate dies at 77

Apr 20 2009 3:24PM
Associated Press
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SHERIDAN, Mont. (AP) Retired University of Montana philosophy professor Richard Gotshalk, who suffered a debilitating illness and advocated "responsible dying," has died at his home in Sheridan.

Gotshalk's partner, Doris Fischer, says he had declined food and water.

Gotshalk suffered ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which also is known as Lou Gehrig's disease and is incurable. The University of Montana, from which he retired, confirms that he died on Thursday.

In a letter published in the Missoulian on April 10, Gotshalk wrote that "responsible dying does not mean clinging to life beyond the point when your capacities to give to others have virtually disappeared." He wrote that his capacities in that respect had "faded to nothing." Gotshalk was 77.

Broadcasting pioneer Christopher Spier dies

04:04 PM PDT on Sunday, April 26, 2009

By KING Staff

SEATTLE - A well-known broadcasting pioneer who was part of the KING TV family has died of complications of Lou Gehrig's disease.

Christopher Spier was 83.

In the 1950s, Christopher Spier produced investigative reports for KING 5 News that exposed an election conspiracy and thefts by Port of Seattle employees.

He also directed the popular children's show "Wunda Wunda."

In his later years, Spier served as a Kitsap County Sewer District Commissioner and launched Bainbridge Island Broadcasting.

Footballer dies after ALS battle

ISTANBUL - Former Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe defender Sedat Balkanlı died early yesterday, following a 12-year battle with ALS disease.

Known for his aerial ability and prominent record of goal scoring for a player in his position, Balkanlı played top-flight football for Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Bursaspor, Eskişehirspor, and Konyaspor, after starting his career at Gaziosmanpaşaspor.

Balkanlı had his career-best season in the 1994-1995 campaign, when he scored an impressive number of eight goals for Galatasaray, all from headers, aptly earning him the nickname "The Golden Head."

Diagnosed with ALS in 1997, Balkanlı battled on despite doctors initially predicting he would not live more than two years.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. Former New York Yankees baseball star Lou Gehrig was one of the first famous people to die from ALS, causing the disease to be also remembered as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Physicist Stephen Hawking is probably the best-known living ALS patient now.

GRIFFITH, Gilbert Wayne, 77, Cramer

Published: Saturday, May 2, 2009 11:06 AM EDT


Gilbert Wayne Griffith, 77, of Cramer, died at home on Thursday, April 30, 2009, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).



Family and friends will be received at the Richard C. Stuart Funeral Home, Armagh, today, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be conducted at the funeral home on Sunday at 2 p.m. with hospice Chaplain Adam Kravets, interment will follow in the Armagh Cemetery. Military rites will be held by local veterans organizations. An open house celebration of his life will be held at the family home from 4 to 6 p.m.



In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the ALS Association under Gilbert Griffith’s Web page at http://web.alsa.org/goto/Gilbert.Griffith or by mail to: ALSA, 416 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 or to Southern Care Inc., 820 East Main Street, Roaring Spring, PA 16673, whose staff assisted in caring for Dad in his last days.

Claire Gormley Collier
Obituary Editor, posted on May 5, 2009

Claire Gormley Collier, 46, of Stamford, ended a courageous battle fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Born September 9, 1962, in New Rochelle, Claire was raised in Larchmont, NY by her surviving parents Dr. Eugene Gormley and Mary Gormley.

Claire’s loving spirit lives on with her devoted husband Bill and children Kieran, Bridget and Leah. Additionally, Claire’s family includes eight siblings - Mary Lou Warren, Fr. Eugene Gormley, LC, Anne Daly, Fr. Stephen Gormley, LC, Greg Gormley, Kate Gutekunst, Phil Gormley, Lorraine Lunapiena; eleven nieces, eleven nephews, seven sisters-in-law, and seven bothers-in-law.

A graduate of The School of the Holy Child and Rosemont College, Claire majored in art. Pencil drawing of her three children brought Claire great joy. Claire’s professional career included Drexel Burnham and The “21″ Club.

Once diagnosed with ALS, Claire began a crusade for raising ALS awareness and fundraising for ALS research through her Friends of Claire Foundation. Claire’s efforts focused on changing the discriminatory “20/40″ rule, which Claire challenged up to the United States Supreme Court. Lobbying efforts led to the introduction of the Claire Collier Fairness Act, which is still pending in Congress. Claire’s efforts were recognized by the Allyson Rioux Memorial Fund, the MDA Wings Over Wall Street Spirit Award, and the ALS Association CT Chapter David Grimshaw Beacon of Light Award. Claire is most proud of her three children and their collective growth through this ALS journey. Claire is truly appreciative for all the love and support bestowed upon her and her family. Claire and her family are especially thankful to the nurses who have cared so lovingly for Claire.

Her family will receive friends at the Stamford Sheraton International Ballroom, Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 4 pm-8 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 10 am at St. Leo’s R.C. Church, 24 Roxbury Rd, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Long Ridge Union Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Friends of Claire, c/o MAC Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Greenwich, CT 06836.

Cyclists ride for activist who died of ALS
By Hoa Nguyen • *edited* • May 6, 2009





GREENWICH, Conn. - Surrounded by friends and family, Phil Gormley hopped on his bicycle yesterday to descend and then later ascend Claire's Climb in honor of his sister, who died Monday of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

"We're here celebrating," said Gormley, 50, of Rye. "In honor of her freedom from ALS, we're going to ride for her today."

Claire Gormley Collier, 46, an advocate for ALS patients who spent the past six years fighting to keep the terminal illness at bay, died at her home in Stamford, Conn. Collier, who was born in New Rochelle and grew up in Larchmont, was the second-youngest of nine children. She also was the mother of three children.

After she was found to have ALS, Collier became active helping to raise awareness about the disease and advocating for others like her.

She lobbied to change rules that denied her Social Security disability benefits because the disease was diagnosed years after she left the work force to become a stay-at-home mother.

Her efforts led to the introduction of the Claire Collier Social Security Disability Insurance Fairness Act, legislation that has since stalled in Congress. She and her family also formed the nonprofit Friends of Claire to raise awareness and lobby for change.

Yesterday, her two brothers and many Friends of Claire supporters lined the roadway in front of the Greenwich American Center holding banners and photographs of Collier, who often stood on the hilly section named after her to greet triathlon participants as they reached the top.

Many of yesterday's participants are members of a training team that Phil Gormley coaches who ride on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"It's going to be an awesome ride," Gormley said to cheers as the group began the first of 10 trips up and down Claire's Climb.

Gormley said one of the most frustrating things about the disease was knowing that his sister, who had been athletic prior to the disease, had little to no control of her muscles to make simple gestures such as shooing away a fly.

ALS attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leaving a person without the ability to move muscle, eventually leading to muscle atrophy.

"You feel everything but you can't do anything about it at all," Gormley said.

Despite her illness, Collier never complained and focused on things that mattered to her, such as advocating for ALS patients and her family, said another brother, Greg Gormley, who came from Seattle.

"She was a warrior for ALS," he said. "She was strong spiritually and a great family person. She showed us how to live life better."

Calling hours for friends and family of Collier are scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, and the funeral will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Stamford.



http://www.lohud.com/article/2009905060339

Businesswoman, dancer Carol Hudson dies
Longtime dance instructor died of ALS complications

Carol Hudson, 62, a longtime resident of the Mid-Columbia, businesswoman and dance instructor, died at her home outside The Dalles on May 2, 2009, from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
She was born Carolyn Sue Hursh Dec. 15, 1946 in Marshall, Ark., to John Howard and Sylvia Mae (Stills) Hursh. She was a “miracle baby.” Due to her mother’s rare, undiagnosed and, at the time, untreatable immune disorder, she arrived six weeks early and was the only one of several siblings to survive more than a few days after birth.
She moved with her parents to Washington State while still an infant, and the family later settled in Southern California. Her exuberant personality emerged at an early age, and led to her choice while in the third grade to represent her grammar school on the “Art Linkletter’s House Party” TV show.
She met her future husband, best friend and dance partner, Steve Hudson, in junior high. They were married July 30, 1966, in Buena Park, Calif. They had two daughters, Robin (Aubrecht), Zurich Switzerland, in 1970, and Tricia (Weber), Oregon City, in 1973. The family moved to The Dalles in 1978 where she helped her husband establish a State Farm insurance agency. She managed Steve and the Agency until becoming disabled in 2005.
Carol’s interests were intense and far ranging. They included her three grandchildren (Cale Darnielle, Mackenzie Darnielle, and Dixie Weber), her two Labs, gardening, painting, hats, camping, dirt bike riding, dancing and helping others learn to dance, and driving, detailing and showing her cherry red Studebaker convertible.
She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, the Trail Dusters motorcycle club, Mid-Columbia Car Club, the Studebaker Drivers Club, “Country Club” dance and the Red Hat Society. She had a large collection of hats, and enjoyed matching her hat with her mood.
Along with her husband, she helped many many people discover the fun of country dancing, and several marriages resulted from matches made in their classes. She specialized in getting shy “2-left feet” beginners out on the floor, and when she could no longer dance herself, she still came out to help and encourage others.
After her ALS diagnosis in 2005, she became an inspiration to many, and her remarkable courage and positive attitude in dealing with the disease was the focus of feature articles in The Dalles Chronicle and The Portland Oregonian.
Contributions in her memory are suggested to the ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 7, at 2 p.m. at IOOF Threemile Cemetery. A celebration of her life and sharing of memories will take place at Calvary Baptist Church (3350 Columbia View Drive, The Dalles) on Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m., with reception following at the church.

Former San Jose State wrestling star Wayne Jones died after a long battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Jones, 48, finished third at 126 pounds at the NCAA tournament in 1982, the best finish in Spartans history.

Mount Angel Seminary honors late activist
 

Mount Angel Seminary honors late activist

Theresa Willett
http://www.sentinel.org/files/images....-1-CK.300.jpg
ST. BENEDICT — Longtime Catholic activist and volunteer, Theresa Marie Willett, was posthumously awarded Mount Angel Seminary’s Lumen Gentium Award at the annual appreciation dinner.

The award, named in Latin for “Light of the Nations,” recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the pastoral mission of the church. The prize was established in 1989, the 100th year anniversary of the seminary.

Theresa Willett was born in Texas. As a child, she and her family moved to Portland where she attended The Madeleine School and Holy Child Academy.

As the first woman member of the Seminary Advisory Board, Willett initiated the first Mount Angel Seminary Benefit Dinner. The dinner still plays an important role in supporting the seminary.

“Theresa’s reputation as a fundraiser and event planner earned her the respect of the Catholic community and she was loved and revered throughout Portland for her faithfulness, creativity, commitment and hard work,” says the seminary. “Theresa was a woman with a Catholic mind and heart. She responded to the needs of many Catholic institutions. She was a model of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who helps those in need. She was involved — active, courageous, perceptive, insightful, creative and generous.”

In spring 2005, Willet was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. After her diagnosis and referral to the ALS Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington, she became a volunteer and served on event committees and provided development advice.

The award was accepted by her husband of 31 years, Ken, and their children Catherine, Claire, Christopher and Colin.

http://www.sentinel.org/node/10059

Val Tudi

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CANASTOTA — Val Tudi, 79, of 120 Will New Blvd., Canastota, died peacefully at home from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on Sunday, May 17, 2009.

She was born on Feb. 3, 1930, in Croghan, N.Y., a daughter of George and Bertha Meister Sauer.

Val was active in Trinity Episcopal Church, Canastota, where she served as vestry member and treasurer for several years, and was a member of the choir. She was also active in the Canastota Garden Club.

She spent much of her time working in her flower gardens and landscaping her home. She loved camping, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada with her husband.

Surviving are: her husband of 36 years, Ned Tudi; a daughter, Diane (Louie); six sons, Jack (Karen), Randy (Audrey), Scott, Jeff (Holley), Michael (Sue), and David; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers; and a sister.

A funeral Mass celebrating the life of Val Tudi, 79, of Canastota, will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 341 Main St., Oneida. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, 201 James St., Canastota. In her memory, contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 400 S. Peterboro St., Canastota, NY 13032, or MDA ALS Division, 6493 Ridings Road, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.

J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Canastota

I am sad to say that I must now add BobbyB to his own thread. He passed away after a 17 year battle with ALS, during which he provided information and education to hundreds of patients and their families through tireless campaigning and advocacy. I hope others will take up his legacy, he will be sorely missed.

Paul Wicks

My friend, BobbyB. :(
One of the bravest souls I ever did come to meet online.

I am so sad to read this, but thankyou Paul for posting.

*heart

:(

Thanks for letting us know Paul. Such sad news.

I can see Bobby with a smile on his face..skydiving straight up to heaven.

(((Bobby)))

(((BobbyB))) (((BeckB))) What an example you set for all of us. :grouphug:

http://www.patientslikeme.com/members/picture/50

((((((((BobbyB))))))))))

I am saddened to hear this.

My condolences to Bobby's family and friends.

A brave man with vision!

:Sob:

Bobby will be greatly missed

my condolences to his wife and family and friends

I'm so sorry to hear about Bobby, he did great things in spite of the ALS. I remember his skydiving adventures. It made me think of my late brother also named Bobby who was a skydiver before he died at 19.

God bless Bobby and his family and friends.

Bless Bobby, Lord.
In spite of ALS, he made a difference in many lives and will be sadly missed.

In Memory of Tommy Stevenson
 

I was in the 424th Army Band from 1960-62. I think Jim was my squad leader. The Jim I knew bought a new Volkswagon while he was at Ft. Bliss. I had many good times with Jim. He was a great guy! Our Warrant Office was Richard Shelton---I think. Please write back and let me know if this is the same Jim I knew. Thank you! Wilbur E. Haggerty

Yes, this was the Jim Koelling you knew. We miss him daily. He lived valiantly with ALS for 14 months. An unbelievable disease!

This is my Uncle Ronald, my Dad's twin brother. The Trump family has sure had a struggle with ALS. My Dad lost his battle with ALS Feb. 13, 2010. I miss him every day. Thank you for your tribute to those who have fought and are fighting ALS.