Sam Swofford, former LUSD supe, dies at 62
By Amanda Dyer
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Friday, January 4, 2008 6:46 AM PST


Sam Swofford, former Lodi Unified superintendent, died Tuesday of advanced Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was 62.




Sam SwoffordSwofford came to Lodi Unified School District in 1984 as the assistant superintendent of personnel. Swofford was promoted to the district's top seat when former Superintendent Neil Schmidt resigned.

Swofford himself would resign in 1995, a move that was met with a good deal of controversy at the time.

Following weeks of closed session meetings, Lodi Unified's school board agreed to pay Swofford $150,000 and provide health benefits for the next 18 months in exchange for his resignation. Neither Swofford nor board members would ever discuss the deal or why Swofford resigned.

In June 1996, a San Joaquin Grand Jury released its findings that the district would have exposed itself to significant legal risk if it had not settled with Swofford, according to published reports from the time.

Despite his abrupt departure from Lodi Unified, Swofford's colleagues remembered him as an intelligent and hardworking professional.

"(He was) one of the best superintendents Lodi ever had," said Claudette Berry, former assistant superintendent of personnel at Lodi Unified.

Berry, who worked with Swofford for several years, said Swofford was a fair boss and friend who welcomed opposing points of view instead of running from them.

His colleagues could have heated discussions with him about hot issues, she said, and they could still be friends.

Swofford was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Maplewood, Mo., located about 15 miles from St. Louis.

A tremendous athlete, Swofford competed in five different events on his high school track team, and wrestled as well.

Swofford continued wrestling at Southeast Missouri State until he broke his nose and tore a muscle in his shoulder during his freshman year.

In 1965, Swofford joined the Marines and served in the Vietnam War.

From 1972 to 1973, Swofford worked as a buyer for Macy's in San Francisco before earning his teaching credential from California State University, Hayward. Swofford later earned his doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco.

Swofford spent eight years as a classroom teacher, taught adult school and worked on staff development and instructional issues at Cupertino Union School District before moving to Lodi Unified.

As superintendent at Lodi Unified, Swofford enhanced language programs for English learners, helped construct new schools and balanced the district's budget during a time of severe cutbacks.

He was also responsible for implementing several new curriculum and teaching assessment programs.

"I'm just grateful I had the opportunity to work with him," said current Lodi Unified Board President, Ken Davis, who served on the board during Swofford's tenure as superintendent.

Davis said Swofford continued to support the district even after his resignation. He would often see Swofford at school groundbreakings and dedications, most recently at the Manlio Silva Elementary School dedication last summer.

"Sam really did care about the kids in this district," Davis said.

Berry best remembers Swofford for his leadership skills.

"The people that worked for Sam had great affection for him," Berry said. "He let people do their jobs."

She also remembers his fondness for sending cards. He would look for any opportunity to send a card, she said.

"They were usually funny," she said, noting his good sense of humor.

After leaving Lodi Unified, Swofford became the director of teacher education and certification for the state until 2006.

He also served as president of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2006.

He was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, the Marine Memorial Club and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

A lifelong runner, Swofford also enjoyed swimming, biking and participating in triathlons.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Swofford, of Lodi; and children, Stacey Swofford and Steven Swofford, both of Woodbridge, and Scott Swofford, of Lockeford.

Services will be held on Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at Lodi Funeral Home on Jan. 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Donations can be made in Swofford's name to Lou Gehrig's Disease (A.L.S.), 21021 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91364.

Contact reporter Amanda Dyer at amandad@lodinews.com.
http://www.lodinews.com:80/articles/...ord_080104.txt

Dennis Mitchell is remembered as a loving family man



Tribute: Dennis Mitchell is remembered as a loving family man
By JACQUIE LEHATTO
Special to The Star

Mitchell family members showed off their holiday cheer in this Christmas 2005 photo. Who: Dennis Mitchell, 51, of Centerview, Mo.

When and how he died: Dec. 25 of a blood clot.

Surrounded by family: Mitchell, who had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, had limited mobility for the past 18 months. But he had never been admitted to the hospital until just before Christmas.

“He didn’t want to spend Christmas there,” said his wife, Lyn Mitchell. “He’d ask everyone who came past the door, ‘Can I go home now?’ ”

She was preparing to take him home Christmas Day when he took a turn for the worse and died at 6 p.m. “In a way, it was a blessing,” she said. “All of his family had visited him. It was as if the Lord had everything lined up.”

Family first: Everyone who worked with Mitchell knew how much he loved his family. “All he talked about at work was his family,” said Steve Knott, who worked with Mitchell, an AT&T outside repairman, for more than 20 years.

Mitchell treated many people, including Knott, as if they were family, too. New to the job when he first was transferred to Kansas City, Knott found the work difficult, and few co-workers were willing to take the time to help him. Except for Mitchell, that is.

“When I asked a question, not only would he give me the answer, but he would show me how to do it,” Knott said. “I asked him once why he was showing me and teaching me his job, and he said, as far as he was concerned, if I could do it better than him, he said, ‘My hat’s off to you.’

“I never got better than Dennis. Dennis always excelled at any endeavor. And he was a man of faith, and his work ethic and his love of his family were his priorities.”

Loving husband: Mitchell met his wife, Lyn, in high school and never dated anyone else. They were married 29 years.

“He called me ‘Boots,’ ” Lyn Mitchell said. “You know, like the Nancy Sinatra song, because he said I could walk all over him and he didn’t care.”

In 2000, the couple bought their dream home, Clover Ridge Farms, where they raised registered Black Angus cattle. “We spent most of our marriage looking for the perfect farm,” Lyn Mitchell said.

As recently as a few weeks ago, with his family’s help, Mitchell got into his Bobcat and helped with clearing rocks and digging holes for fence posts. The couple had bought a hand-operated tractor and the Bobcat so Mitchell could continue working.

“He loved the outdoors,” Lyn Mitchell said. “He had worked outdoors his entire life.”

Devoted dad: Once he had worked in the Bobcat or tractor, he would be tired for days, said Mitchell’s daughter, Crystal Gatewood. But he remained busy from his recliner. “He would make phone calls to check up on everyone. He would call everyone to say ‘Hi,’ and he would hang up saying, ‘Have the best day ever.’ ”

Biggest fan: While they were growing up, Mitchell supported his son and daughter in their every activity. “He always believed in us more than we believed in ourselves,” Gatewood said. “It was my dream to play college softball. He helped me make that dream come true.”

One of Gatewood’s softball coaches came to her father’s memorial. “My dad never missed a game,” she said.

Survivors: His wife, mother, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, two brothers, a sister and brother-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Last Words: “My dad was my best friend; he was my hero,” said his son, Matt Mitchell. “I have two little kids. I feel like I have these huge shoes to fill as a father and a family man, because that’s what mattered most to my father. I just hope I can be half the dad he was.”

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/431260.html

Facing fate with faith
Ernie Wallengren made a career writing stories for Hollywood. Ultimately, the most compelling story he had to offer was his own
By Peggy Fletcher Stack
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 01/04/2008 08:47:25 PM MST


Ernie Wallengren, a Utah Mormon who died of ALS, was a screenwriter for numerous television shows, including Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons. He is featured in the American Public Television documentary Rolling. While his teenage son beats on a set of drums in the background, Ernie Wallengren looks straight into the camera and says, "I'm bored."
Not a surprising sentiment for any active person with a progressive, fatal disease that requires him to use a wheelchair, but for a living dynamo such as Wallengren, boredom was excruciating.


Wallengren, a Heber City native, hadn't stopped moving since he began his television career as a writing apprentice on "Little House on the Prairie" straight out of college. As a recently returned LDS missionary, he wrote the 1980 teleplay "Mr. Krueger's Christmas," a light tale featuring Jimmy Stewart as a housebound janitor who fantasizes about conducting the Mormon 'Rolling' on TV


"Rolling," an American Public Television documentary featuring Heber City native Ernie Wallengren, will air on KUED Channel 7 Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 4 p.m.

Tabernacle Choir. Later, he wrote and produced dozens of episodes of television series such as "Doc," "Touched by an Angel," "The New Adventures of Flipper," "Life Goes On" and "Falcon Crest." He produced the first episode of "Baywatch," but backed away from the show after seeing the bawdy direction it was taking.
Father to five children, Wallengren willingly divided his time among work, home, studios and computers. An avid basketball fan and player, Wallengren coached his sons' high-school teams, barking out commands while pacing the sidelines.
His life was one continuous motion - until a 2001 diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

During his fierce 2 1/2-year battle with the disease, Wallengren's Mormon faith grew stronger and more clear. His priorities shifted from making money, driving fancy cars or going on exotic vacations to finding peace. He learned to live in the moment, spending only a few minutes a day thinking about the past or the future.
In an unexpected way, Wallengren said, "I became more spiritually oriented. My inner sense of peace increased. . . . Taken as a whole, body and spirit have never been in better health in my entire adult life."
Part of his therapy was work, which he continued almost to the end.
He wrote an episode of "Touched" in which a man with ALS tries to find a reason to live. He consulted with LDS officials on a proposed film biography of church founder Joseph Smith, using Morse code on a headset to produce dialogue. A Christian production company interviewed him for a television series on death and dying that never materialized.
And Wallengren participated in an award-winning documentary by physician-filmmaker Gretchen Berland called "Rolling." It tracks the efforts of three Americans who use wheelchairs to navigate the world from a waist-high view, trying to maintain a sense of independence and dignity.
Berland compressed more than 200 hours of footage into the one-hour documentary, due to air in Utah on Jan. 24 and 27. She affixed the camera to the tops of the wheelchairs, allowing viewers to experience a life on wheels. These frank self-portraits reveal the humiliations and triumphs common to more than 1.6 million Americans.
Remarkably, one thing they all share is a wicked sense of humor.
"I am a high-tech gimp," Wallengren jokes. "It's put a little crimp in my ability to defend the fast break. I'll just have to run over them with my wheelchair."
Three lives
Galen Buckwalter broke his neck in a diving accident while in high school about 30 years ago. He eventually earned a doctorate and is now a clinical psychologist in Southern California. He films himself playing lead guitar in his band, Ziggy.
"I put in a half-day's work just getting dressed in the morning and getting in and out of the car," Buckwalter says. "I always envisioned myself as a proud gimp . . . but my blessings don't stop it from hurting."
Vicki Elman was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 22 years ago and has been in a wheelchair for eight. At one point in the film, a driver leaves her in front of her house and her wheelchair breaks. Her cell phone doesn't work and no one offers to help her. Daylight grows dim as she is left, sobbing, in the dark. Finally a neighbor stops to help drag her inside.
Unlike the others, Wallengren knows he will not survive. The film details his diminished muscle control, his wife's yeoman efforts to get him out of bed and into the shower, and eventually, his loss of speech.
In the end, Wallengren decided to forgo a respirator, knowing the effort and expense would be too overwhelming to his wife and kids.
Claire Peterson, Wallengren's mother and a screenwriter in her own right, was among the standing-room-only crowd gathered at his bedside on May 27, 2003.
She looked deep into her son's eyes and watched as the life seeped out of him. He did not seem frightened or panicked, she says. He was at peace.
Faith factor
Mormons, Buddhists, Catholics, producers, writers, "Falcon Crest" actors, African dancers and many other of Wallengren's assorted friends filled an LDS meetinghouse in Southern California for the funeral. Family members distributed copies of Wallengren's beliefs about God, religion and his church.
"I was born a Mormon and I'll die a Mormon, but it won't be because of some blind adherence to cultural tradition," Wallengren wrote. "It will be because, as the prophet Jeremiah said, 'God's word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones.' "
In the statement, he described his youth growing up in Heber in the large and loving extended Whitaker family, which owned The Homestead, a Midway resort hotel. He told of Mormon activities, his baptism and patriarchal blessing, a unique promise offered to Latter-day Saints about their future.
The assigned patriarch told young Ernie his life would be filled with the usual activities such as missionary work and family. But one thing was missing - no guarantee of a long life.
"Instead, I was told that I would live long enough to fulfill that enigmatic mission which I won't know about fully in this life. For that reason, I believe that my current situation - my affliction with Lou Gehrig's disease - is part of that mission."
As Wallengren left, the patriarch's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, "as if he'd seen something or knew something that he hadn't shared with me. This was no imagined sadness. It was real, palpable - conveyed from his heart to mine."
Wallengren went on to describe several spiritual episodes from his two-year mission to Central America, though later, he wasn't always involved in the church.
"The world is a slippery place," Wallengren wrote in his statement, recounting a life-changing dream of a mountain covered with "slick ooze [reeking] of raw sewage" and surrounded by steep chasms.
"I have done more than my share of sliding to the bottom, but I have also learned the value of picking myself up and tackling the mountain all over again," Wallengren wrote. "I have learned that the mountain flattens out considerably if I don't try it alone. God's hand is always extended to us. All we have to do is take it in our own."
PEGGY FLETCHER STACK can be reached at pstack@sltrib.com or 801-257-8725. Send comments about this story to religioneditor@sltrib.com.

http://www.sltrib.com//ci_7881299?IA...www.sltrib.com

Marold, Joan M.


Joan M. (Getschow) Marold, 78, Allouez, WI, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2008, from ALS/ Lou Gehrig's Disease. She was born in Appleton, WI, on September 7, 1929, to Herbert and Florence (Wingrove) Getschow. Joan graduated from Menasha High School in 1947 and attended Carroll College. On September 26, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Tony Marold; they had 40 wonderful years of marriage. In 1962, she and Tony purchased controlling interest in Reeke-Marold Company, where she served as vice-president. Joan was a charter member of Resurrection Catholic Parish in Allouez. She was active in Green Bay Service League in the 60s, 70s and 80s. She enjoyed playing bridge and going out to dinner with friends. She loved to play golf and was a member of Oneida Country Club for over 30 years and also a 20 year member of the Island Country Club in Marco Island, FL, where she spent her winters. She loved people and socializing. She especially cherished time spent with her family.


She is survived by four children: Mary (Richard) Robinson, Marco Island, Florida; Holly Marold, De Pere, WI; Tony (Sue) Marold, Green Bay, WI; Jody (Scott) Fox, De Pere, WI; and a son-in-law, Patrick Ver Haagh, Green Bay, WI; six grandchildren: Sara Robinson; Ashley and Eli Ver Haagh; Lindsay, Tony and Lauren Marold; a sister, Patricia (Ken) Bodway; a brother, Richard (Cami) Getschow; many aunts, uncles and cousins.


She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tony, in 1993; a sister-in-law, Miriam Hagen; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Anthony and Hannah Marold.


Family and friends may call at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr., Allouez, on Saturday, January 5, 2008, from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. Entombment at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family with arrangements. On line condolences may be expressed to the family at cotterfuneralhome. com.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Joan's name.


Joan's family would like to thank the staff at Bellevue Retirement Home and Unity Hospice for all of the kindness and care given to mom and our family.

Weyenberg, Jr., William P.


William P. Weyenberg Jr., age 60, of Little Chute, died Thursday evening, January 3, 2008, following a brave two-year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was born February 5, 1947, to William P. and Loretta (DeBruin) Weyenberg, Sr., in Kaukauna, where he was a resident until moving to Little Chute in 1976. Bill was owner of Weyenberg Builders, which he established in 1977. He loved his family, was an avid sports fan and enjoyed golf. Bill also enjoyed his Florida family vacations and his Lakewood golf outings with his friends. Survivors include his wife, Charlene M. "Fee" (Ward) Weyenberg, whom he married February 17, 1973; three children, Tony Weyenberg, Little Chute; Tiffany (Chad) Vosters, Neenah; Troy (Stacy) Weyenberg, Combined Locks; his mother, Loretta (DeBruin) Weyenberg, Grand Chute; eight grandchildren, Sam, Jaydin and Jack Vosters, Noah, Ethan, Kaleb, Abram and Halle Weyenberg; two brothers: Marv (Beverly) Weyenberg, Green Bay; Glenn (Joyce) Weyenberg, Little Chute; two sisters: Joan (Carl) Schumacher, Kimberly; Joyce Bauman, Kaukauna; his father and mother-in-law, Les and Marcella Ward, Wisconsin Rapids; his sisters-in-law, Jackie (Dave) Weiland, Darboy; Lori (John) Svoboda, Wisconsin Rapids; many nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his father, William P. Weyenberg, Sr. and a brother-in-law, Barry Baumann.


The funeral liturgy for Bill will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna, with Father Tom Pomeroy officiating. Entombment will be in Appleton Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. Monday and at the church on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.


FARGO FUNERAL HOME


400 West Wisconsin Avenue


Kaukauna 920-766-6200


www.wichmnannfargo.com

Joseph Theodore Zunic

Joseph Theodore Zunic
of Endwell and
Maine, N.Y.
Joseph Theodore Zunic, of Endwell and Maine, N.Y., died January 4,
2008. Joe lived life to the fullest for 33 years, especially for the
last 4˝ years after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Joe was an amazing man. He fought a good fight and walked with God
throughout his life and the battle with ALS.

checkout www.zooneyfest.com to see the wonders of what one man and a
comunity has done for other sick with a terminal disease. He thought
of everyone more than himself. Mark and I will miss him terribly.

you can read about him here:
pressconnects.com

Leaving his (land)mark
Michael Lamont developed the Bijou Art Cinemas into Eugene's only venue for independent films
By: Trevor Davis | News Reporter

Michael Lamont's hobby of showing films on the University campus would eventually turn into a Eugene landmark. Lamont, who died Dec. 22 at age 62 of Lou Gehrig's disease, opened the Bijou Art Cinemas in 1980.

Moviegoers can still watch indie films at the theater, which is housed in an 83-year-old chapel at 492 E. 13th Ave. near campus. A theater manager says movies at the Bijou will still play as usual - for now.

"Nothing's going to change right away," said Louise Thomas, theater manager. She added family members have yet to read Lamont's will. The family may sell the business or keep it as is.

"We'll just have to see how it goes," Thomas said.

Lamont, originally from El Paso, Texas, learned how to be a projectionist at the now-demolished Waco Twin Cinemas on Franklin Boulevard, and he started showing movies on campus as a computer science student in the 1970s.

He heard space was available in an empty chapel, then known as the Wilcox Building. He sold all of his photography equipment to open the Bijou in 1980.

"He wanted to show films that people weren't able to see anywhere else in Eugene at the time," Thomas said.

Delila Olsson worked with Lamont in the 1970s at the Waco theater and was a friend during the opening of the Bijou.

"Michael had a strong vision for the theater, but I don't think it was apparent to anyone that the Bijou would be a long-term success, given the financial challenges he faced in those first few years," Olsson said, adding he worked to create a fun, artsy atmosphere.

Lois Wadsworth, a former film critic for the Eugene Weekly, started reviewing films at the Bijou in the mid-1980s.

"I remember it being pretty funky, but I liked that about it," Wadsworth said.

She said her relationship with Lamont was professional, and he was courteous toward her.

"We often disagreed about films, and I would disagree with some films he brought," Wadsworth said. "It was always interesting that he brought strong, politically left-wing films to the theater when that was not his personal belief."

As other theaters closed around Eugene in the 1980s and '90s, the Bijou played an increasingly important role in the local arts scene and became the only outlet for independent films.

"If it weren't for the Bijou, we would be stuck with whatever the multiplexes wanted to bring, which would be Hollywood blockbusters," Wadsworth said. "It would be a barren landscape for people who love delicious independent films."

The future of Eugene's chapel-turned-theater, however, is up in the air after Lamont's passing.

Lamont was diagnosed of Lou Gehrig's disease in 2001, and the progressive disease slowly took its toll on him.

Lamont was sometimes difficult to work with and was a micromanager, Thomas said.

"Oh, he was a pain in the butt sometimes," she said.

Lou Gehrig's disease took over Lamont's life, and he left most duties to Thomas during the last years of his life.

Those close to him are discovering Lamont, who played guitar, piano and drums, left behind cassettes of partial songs he wrote, Thomas said. The theater is working to catalog the music.

Thomas said the Bijou has left its mark on Eugene history.

"Michael has left a great legacy," she said.

Those close to Lamont hope the Bijou stays open.

"I hope that the Bijou continues its long tradition of bringing excellent films to the community," Wadsworth said. "They bring the best films here."

tdavis@dailyemerald.com
http://media.www.dailyemerald.com/me...-3146788.shtml

Jim Dooley, former Bears coach and Halas successor, dies at age 77
By Don Pierson | Tribune pro football writer
6:15 PM CST, January 8, 2008


Jim Dooley, who succeeded George Halas as coach of the Bears and had one of the most innovative football minds of his time, died Tuesday, his daughter Lisa said.

Dooley, 77, had been ill with complications from ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, and died at Lake Forest Hospital.

"He was just a wonderful father and we had a very strong family," Lisa Dooley said. "We were all there at his bedside when he passed. He had been on life support and he asked to die with honor and dignity."


He died a day after his 56th wedding anniversary.

Enthusiastic and innovative, Dooley presided over four of the darkest and worst years in Bears history as head coach from 1968 through 1971.

The first Bears coach after Halas' permanent retirement, Dooley labored under the founder's shadow and amid organizational chaos. At age 38, Dooley came to the job as the culmination of a Bears career that began as the team's No. 1 draft choice in 1952 and featured major contributions as an assistant to Halas on offense and defense.

His future was bright, but a 1-13 season in 1969 combined with bad luck and worse quarterbacks doomed him.

"Halas never forgave me for the 1-13," Dooley said in a 2001 interview.

Loyal to the end, Dooley returned at Halas' request in 1981 as an "offensive assistant" on coach Neill Armstrong's staff, undermining the authority of both Armstrong and former general manager Jim Finks and paving the way for Halas to replace Armstrong with Mike Ditka.

Dooley served with Ditka as a quality control coach until 1990 but never developed a relationship with the present McCaskey family ownership and was excluded from team functions in his later years although he lived with his wife, Elaine, in Lake Forest, where the Bears train.

"He always had a tremendous football mind," Ditka said. "He [was] an expert at analyzing film. He could see things in that film that other people can't."

Halas' 1968 sendoff of "Good luck, kid" to his successor immediately turned to bad luck and haunted Dooley through seasons of 7-7, 1-13, 6-8, and 6-8.

He had the good fortune to coach Hall of Famers Gale Sayers and **** Butkus, and the bad fortune of seeing both go down with knee injuries that would shorten their careers.

The only game the Bears won in 1969 was against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also finished 1-13. The Steelers then beat the Bears in a coin flip for the draft rights to Terry Bradshaw, who would have solved the incessant Chicago quarterback confusion.

Dooley's tenure began with journeymen quarterbacks Jack Concannon and Virgil Carter, both of whom subsequently blasted Dooley for mishandling them. By 1971, Dooley was a desperate man who resorted to the desperate measure of moving into Bobby Douglass' bachelor apartment the week before a game in an effort to force-feed Douglass a diet of football knowledge. The plan worked for two games as the Bears climbed to a 6-3 record before collapsing.

The Bears were so disorganized that they would draft by a vote of every coach and scout. In 1969, the table was set for their disastrous season when they failed to reach consensus in the draft room and had to forfeit their position in the first round, jumping back in after the team behind them selected.

"My biggest problem was I'm very naive," Dooley said much later.

An outstanding defensive back and receiver at the University of Miami in his native city, the 6-foot-4 Dooley intercepted four passes in the Gator Bowl and led the Bears in interceptions as a rookie. He led them in pass receptions his second year. His main playing contributions came as a receiver in tandem with Harlon Hill. When he retired, he was third on the Bears' career receiving list with 211 catches despite missing two seasons while serving in the Air Force.

Dooley's first coaching assignment under Halas was to help defensive coach George Allen incorporate the strategy the New York Giants employed under defensive coordinator Tom Landry. For the first time, pass coverage by linebackers became coordinated with defensive backs. Allen popularized the "nickel" defense of substituting a fifth defensive back for a linebacker, called the "Dooley Shift." Dooley also experimented with zone blitzes, dropping linemen into pass coverage, a tactic considered new when other teams adopted it in the 1990s.

After the Bears won the 1963 NFL title with a stifling defense, Dooley switched to offense and helped coach the high-scoring 1965 team featuring league-leading passer Rudy Bukich, rookie Sayers, fullback Andy Livingston and receivers Ditka, **** Gordon and Johnny Morris.


Dooley came up with combinations and pass patterns superior to anything I had seen in the game," former quarterback Bill Wade said.

When Halas retired because hip surgery made it impractical for him to prowl the sideline, Dooley's ascension to head coach was a foregone conclusion hailed by all. But the honeymoon was short. The team's first draft choice, Mike Hull, was O.J. Simpson's blocking fullback at USC whom the Bears tried to convert to tight end to replace the departed Ditka.

Dooley could make strategy and statistics come alive and could turn the mundane topic of field position into a passionate pregame speech, but he could not overcome the dearth of talent.


Bears linebackers coach resigns
"He knew his stuff," former linebacker Doug Buffone said.

After Sayers returned from his first knee injury to lead the league in rushing on the 1-13 team in 1969, the Bears' rushing leader in 1970 was Ross Montgomery, who managed just 229 yards for the season.

Good players such as safety Rosey Taylor left the team and the Bears replaced them with what Dooley described as "Continental League players." Dooley said the Bears avoided players who had agents and categorized draft prospects by race, leaving themselves vulnerable to their own prejudice.

Dooley said he knew he was gone before the 1971 season when the Bears traded away promising center Bob Hyland without anyone to replace him. Despite a surprising 6-3 start, a 6-3 loss to Denver prompted Halas to bemoan "a deplorable game plan," and he fired Dooley after the season, ordering him to leave by the back door.

Dooley sank into a state of depression, and after briefly serving as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills, filed for bankruptcy in 1974.

A gambler who liked to play the horses, Dooley said Halas used to have security guards follow him home at night. Dooley remained a confidant of Bears Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman, who supported Dooley emotionally and financially through tough times and persuaded Halas to bring him back in 1981.

"I was a broken man, disillusioned and ashamed of myself for failing," Dooley said in a 1986 interview. "I was a hot-shot coach and in four years I was a bum. I went nowhere, did nothing. I wasn't a wild man or anything, but I became indiscreet in my personal life, wasn't the father or the husband I should have been. Thank God I had a strong wife who was able to hold the family together. To me that is the best thing that ever happened to me, to see my family survive a troubled time in our lives."

Dooley never made more than $35,000 a year as a coach and never received a signing bonus as either a No. 1 draft choice or a coach. Halas forbade radio and TV shows and endorsements.

"He lived to win in everything he did," Dooley said of the Bears' founder and patriarch. "No one ever went into his office and came out a winner. Everything was a contest and he won every battle. He was a person out of Charles Dickens. The only time he was generous was in death benefits or kindness to widows."

Yet Dooley never really succumbed to bitterness. In his later years he marveled at how lucky he was to be both a No. 1 draft choice and a head coach in the NFL.

With Luckman, Dooley was one of the last people to visit Halas the day he died in 1983. "I kissed him on the forehead and told him I loved him."

Dooley was often described as a second son to Halas, who said when he rehired him in 1981: "If I had a choice of any other coach in the country, I would go to Jim, because he was a great assistant coach. He wasn't much of a head coach on account of a lot of things we won't get into."

Dooley is survived by his wife Elaine, children Jim Jr., Patrick, Tim, Bill and Lisa, and 16 grandchildren. Services are pending.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,6637909.story

Cheryl R. Hurst

BUCYRUS - Cheryl R. Hurst, 59, of Bucyrus, died Monday night, Jan. 7, 2008, at her residence, following a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

She was born in Bucyrus, the daughter of Eugene Cress, who preceded her in death, and Naomi (Grasley) Van Buskirk, who resides in Upper Sandusky.



Cheryl was a 1966 graduate of Wynford High School and on July 1, 1967 she married Ron Hurst who survives.

She worked for Wynford Schools as a cook for 13 years, then worked at Maplecrest for four years as a nurse's aide and finished her working career in Marion. Cheryl was a special and caring person who loved and enjoyed her grandchildren and animals.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by a son, Douglas (June) Hurst of Bucyrus; three grandchildren, Jessica, Zachary and Dana Hurst, living at home; and a stepfather, Norman Van Buskirk of Upper Sandusky. Cheryl was also preceded in death by a son, Randy E. Hurst; and a brother, John Cress.

Her family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, where the funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, with Pastor Bob Jividen officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Marion General Hospice through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.wise funeral.com

Community turns out to honor firefighter's life

Published: January 9, 2008





Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard bagpiper Wylie McKinnon faces the bugler playing "Taps" at the conclusion of Tim Wilson's graveside service.
Photo Helen Hollyer


By Helen Hollyer

The bell slowly tolled once…twice…three times, calling all firefighters and apparatus back to quarters at the fire station. Volunteer firefighter Tim Wilson's name was called for the final time. The siren wailed and slowly, ever so slowly, died away.

There was no response; Wilson was unable to return to quarters.

Only 44 years old, he had fallen, not to smoke or heat in a burning structure, but to the inexorable ravages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a merciless disease that progressively robbed his body of its ability to function.

The final call to quarters took place near the conclusion of a memorable Jan. 5 celebration of Wilson's life combined with a formal firefighter's funeral ceremony that filled Cottage Grove's Riverside Church of God with grieving family members, friends and fellow firefighters.

The service revealed Wilson to have been a passionate man, whose love of nature's beauty and the calling of firefighting was surpassed only by his devotion to his family and his faith.

A gifted photographer of the outdoors, where he spent time hunting, hiking and exploring with his family and friends, he was also devoted to firefighting, having first volunteered for the Cottage Grove Fire Department 12 years ago, and continuing with South Lane County Fire & Rescue until he became physically incapable of attending drills.

Wilson and his wife Shelley taught Sunday school at Cottage Grove Faith Center, where they and their daughters Rebecca and Alisha worshiped.

A graduate of Cottage Grove High School and Lane Community College, Wilson had worked in the forest products industry and, for the last eight years, for Lane County Public Works.

Early Saturday morning, Boy Scouts placed American flags along Cottage Grove's Main Street, and Brad Cohen's 10-foot by 19-foot American garrison flag was suspended above the street from two pieces of firefighting apparatus, Cohen's 1983 American LaFrance ladder truck and SLCF&R's Telesqurt aerial pumper.

In mid-morning, after South Lane County Fire & Rescue firefighters gave the equipment that would be used during the ceremony a final cleaning, Wilson's casket, covered by an American flag, was loaded into a black-draped Medic Unit and taken to the church.

Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard members from Sisters/Camp Sherman, Hood River, Crooked River and Bend fire districts joined three SLCF&R firefighters, all wearing formal dress uniforms, some carrying chrome-headed fire axes, to bring the casket into the sanctuary, position it before the altar and place Wilson's turnout coat, helmet and boots in front of it.

From then on, two Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard members stood at attention beside the casket, replaced every ten minutes throughout the service by another pair who approached, stood directly in front of their counterparts, slowly raised their hands in joint salutes and took their places while the replaced pair retreated down the center aisle.

Three of Wilson's photographs, those of a whale's tail as it dived under the waters of the Pacific Ocean, a male bald eagle and a bull bison surmounted by a brilliant rainbow, flanked the casket.

Ushers gave smaller versions of Wilson's photographs to funeral attendees as remembrances.

"Faith, hope and compassion are the words that best described Tim," said Tony Graves, a friend who first met Tim when they were training to become volunteer firefighters. "Anything you needed, if you called Tim and said it was for the community, he stepped up to the plate."

"Tim was quiet and unassuming," said retired SLCF&R Deputy Chief Andy McClean, "he wanted to know how everything worked. He was a pleasure to be around; he was there to serve."

Tim and Shelley's pastor, Jim Jenkins of Cottage Grove Faith Center, remembering Tim as a special individual who was greatly beloved in the community, asked mourners to share memories of their friend.

One of Tim's co-workers at Lane County Public Works elicited a laugh when she said that although Tim often threatened to run over her lunch pail with his dump truck, she knew he wouldn't actually do it because her pail always contained an extra doughnut for him.

"Tim never said a negative word," said a volunteer firefighter describing Tim's taking him under his wing when he joined the fire district.

"When everybody else ran out [of a burning building], he ran in," said Jenkins, speaking of Wilson's choice to be a firefighter. "That's who these guys are; that's who this guy was."

Tim Wilson is buried at Sears Cemetery, in a hillside meadow surrounded on three sides by towering Douglas firs and open to western sunsets. It seems a fitting resting-place for a person who loved nature as much as he did.