History professor, Las Vegas expert Hal Rothman dies

ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Hal Rothman, a writer, professor and expert on all things Las Vegas, has died after a yearlong battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 48.

Rothman hosted a radio show, wrote a column in the Las Vegas Sun and wrote several books. He died Sunday night of complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, his wife, Lauralee Rothman, said.

Rothman began teaching history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1992, when the Las Vegas Strip was leading southern Nevada into a decade-long economic boom. He focused on the city's reinvention and growth in his 2002 book, "Neon Metropolis: How Las Vegas Started the Twenty-first Century."

His analysis made him the media's choice for thoughtful perspective on the city. He was quoted in or appeared on almost every national news outlets, including The New York Times, Newsweek magazine, ABC World News Tonight, The Wall Street Journal, the CBS Evening News, CNN and National Public Radio.

"I'm on television more than anybody who isn't a member of the Screen Actors Guild," Rothman joked in the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2003.

Though he became known as a historian of modern Las Vegas, Rothman's areas of expertise also included environmental history and the history of the American West. He was the chairman of UNLV history department from 2002 to 2005.

"In Las Vegas, you can pick your fantasy," Rothman wrote in an Oct. 29 op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times. "In the rest of America, you don't always get to pick."

Rothman is survived by his wife and their two children, Talia and Brent. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas.

---

Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Farmer, friend to many dies of ALS


David Pendray, whose family has been a mainstay of the local farming community since the early 1900s, has died at 57 from the effects of ALS.

http://www.canada.com:80/victoriatim...5-b2b06af6ac8a

Clyde Bland was active in politics and the arts during his more than 40 years in Tracy. Press staff report

Former Tracy Mayor Clyde L. Bland, 81, died Thursday afternoon at a hospice medical facility in Hughson, Stanislaus County, ending a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Services are pending at Fry Memorial Chapel in Tracy.

A native of Rogers, Ark., Bland had been a Tracy resident since 1963 and was Tracy’s mayor from 1990 to 1994. Before serving as mayor, he was a member of the Tracy City Council for five years.

While a member of the council and as mayor, Bland helped create planning and financing for Tracy’s growth through the development of Residential and Industrial Specific Plans and the city’s Growth Management Ordinance.

As the city’s representative on the San Joaquin Rail Commission, he was involved in the original planning for the Altamont Commuter Express passenger rail service.

Bland, a State Farm Insurance Agent for 27 years in Tracy, did not seek re-election as mayor in 1994, but he continued to be active in the community.

As a member of the West Side Pioneer Association, he worked to save and restore the old one-room Lammersville School, which was eventually moved to Clyde Bland Park.

Mr. Bland was co-chairman of the Arts Leadership Alliance campaign to raise private funds for the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts project and served as ALA liaison with the city of Tracy.

Several years ago, Mr. Bland encountered problems with muscle control and last year was diagnosed with ALS, a motor-neutron disorder for which there is no cure.

He remained in his Tracy home under care of his wife, Ina, until Feb. 20, when he was taken to the Alexander Cohen Hospice in Hughson.

Over 300 pay homage to former mayor
It’s the small dash between the birth date and date of passing on memorial cards that piques Rev. Les Halliwell’s interest the most.

Ed Moore
Leader Staff
Monday March 05, 2007

“It’s that dash in the middle that’s always fascinated me. That symbol represents an entire life. For all of us who knew Ron (Linford) he was much more than that,” Halliwell said.
He made his remarks during the memorial service last Thursday for former Edson Mayor and IGA owner Ron Linford. The 77-year-old long-time resident died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease on Feb. 25.
Over 300 people attended the afternoon service. In the crowd were Mayor Greg
Pasychny, West Yellowhead MLA Ivan Strang, a good friend of Linford’s, IGA employees, members of Edson town council, along with a good cross-section of prominent businesspeople, family members, friends and acquaintances of Linford’s.
Halliwell said conducting the service was one of the toughest things he’s ever had to do.
“Sometimes I feel like Mark Messier did the other night.”
He said Linford was a man who knew when to be quiet and when to tell a joke.
“He told me one time the best thing to do sometimes is just shut up,” Halliwell said.
Strang said many people might have got the wrong impression and misunderstood Linford.
“He was a very shy man but a very giving man.”
Strang added that Linford was a very generous man who helped a lot of people and did a lot of things behind the scenes.
“He never really wanted any praise -- it was something he wanted to do. He did a lot of things that people never knew he did.”
Strang said one of Linford’s greatest legacies was working with young people. During the memorial service he told those gathered that Linford bought modular classrooms for Parkland Composite High School because he recognized the need.
He also donated day old baked goods on a regular basis to an Edson elementary school because he realized that some youngsters were going hungry.
Hwy 16 twinning booster
Linford was also instrumental in lobbying for the eventual twinning of Hwy. 16 during the early-1990s and pushed for continued safety measures on the road.
“He was very proud of that,” Strang said.
Ann Marie Francis, Linford’s sister-in-law, gave the eulogy. She provided some personal insights about him that many may not have been aware of.

She said Linford loved to drive but he wanted to get to his destination as soon as possible with no distractions.
“He was a point A to point B kind of guy -- with no diddling along the way.”
Francis said Linford also liked his gadgets and sometimes went to extremes to test their workability.
She said on one trip he suddenly veered the vehicle sharply to the left. This was totally out of character for Linford as he usually
adhered to the tried and true when it came to motoring. Suddenly everyone heard an electronic voice.
“This was his way of demonstrating his GPS.”
It turned out the GPS informed him he was going the wrong direction, which told Linford the device had lived up to its advanced billing, she said.
Avid sports fan
Francis said Linford was an avid sports fan who faithfully purchased Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos season tickets. She added he was also a generous supporter of Edson sports organizations.
She told of his many visits to her home in Saskatchewan where she said she must have accompanied Linford to many of the province’s IGA stores.
“He was attracted to that sign like a bear was attracted to honey.”
The former Edson IGA owner was also an avid train buff, Francis said. He used to unveil his train set every year for all to see and had a tape of train whistles he used to play often, she added.
Francis said Linford had a great sense of humour and had a stable of one-liners.
But despite his success he still had simple tastes, especially when it came to food, Francis said.
“One of his favourite meals was macaroni and cheese done in the oven -- how simple is that?”
Halliwell said he had many fond memories of Linford when they both served on the St. John’s Hospital Board, later to become the Edson and District Healthcare Centre. At the time Halliwell was the hospital’s chief administrative officer and Linford was the board chairperson.
“He was a very, very excellent guy -- I deeply admired him.”
Halliwell also admired his friend’s honesty and forthrightness -- traits he appreciated.
“He wouldn’t beat around the bush. If he didn’t like it he told you so and if he liked it he’d tell you that too.”
Halliwell said Linford was a quiet man and kept to himself a lot of the time but he
also projected strength.
Carried a big stick
“He stayed in his own space -- he carried a big stick and certainly he was a powerhouse in his own right.”
Both Halliwell and Strang agreed that one of Linford’s joys was spending time with his family.
“He was a family man -- he enjoyed his family,” Halliwell said.
Another love of Linford’s was his work, he added.
“He liked his business -- he enjoyed business life. Certainly he was good at what he did. He was a fellow who liked to work, enjoyed his occupation and was well respected by his peers.”
It was a common occurrence to see Linford at work in the store stocking shelves. In other words he wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty, Halliwell said.
“He’d be right in the middle of it all even if it meant that he would have to go home and change his clothes afterward.”
One of his greatest legacies was his community spirit, Halliwell said. That and his generosity.
“I don’t think the people of Edson will ever fully know what he gave in the community both to organizations and to individuals -- it would be thousands and thousands of dollars.”
Linford served on Edson town council from 1980 to 1983 and was the town’s mayor from 1983 to 1986.
He is survived by wife Evelyn, three sons, Ken, Keith and Brian, grandson Jordan, mother Henrietta, brothers Alan, and Bob, sister Pat, Francis family in-laws and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Linford was predeceased by father Frank and brother Lorne.

Harpswell mourns Irving Chipman, who died Friday at home
Beth_Brogan@TimesRecord.Com
03/06/2007
HARPSWELL — Irving F. Chipman, a beloved longtime resident of Harpswell who "lit up everyone's life," died Friday at his home on Allen Point Road, one day after his 85th birthday.

Many Harpswellians knew Chipman through his 60 years of service in the Harpswell Neck Fire Department — 32 of those years as chief. On Monday, Chipman's son, Ron, remembered growing up watching his dad head out on fire calls.

"Of course, every boy wants to be a fireman at some point in their life," Ron Chipman said. "As soon as we were old enough, we would say, 'Hey Dad, can I go?' He wouldn't want us to get in harm's way, but he'd say, 'Sure, jump in.' We grew up seeing him in that role."

Ron is now a captain in the Harpswell Neck Fire Department, and his brother, David, is also a member.

In fact, the Irving F. Chipman Station, which houses the Harpswell Neck Fire Department, was so named because, "There wasn't too much that happened that didn't start with him," longtime fire chief Nelson Barter said Monday.

"Irving was a first-class gentleman, and that isn't said about many men," said Shirley Thompson, who worked with Chipman on the first ambulance squad that started in 1957, using a retired hearse as an ambulance. "He always treated you with respect."

"Anyone who ever met him loved him," his son, David, said today. "He was just so disarming, charming, and soft-spoken. This community was central to his life. He lit up everyone's life. You could see the sunshine in him."

Born in Harpswell, Chipman lived in Poland until the age of 12, attending Poland Elementary School and Harpswell Center School. He graduated from Brunswick High School, then served in the U.S. Army. Following the end of World War II, he served in the military police in Germany.

On Oct. 1, 1949, he married Carolyn M. Allen.

Chipman was a member of the John Leo Murray Jr. American Legion Post 171, and fellow Legionnaire Dan Boland remembers him as a relentless recruiter to the post.

"The guy was a dynamo," Boland said. "I loved the guy. He was a very talented tradesman, friend, neighbor … he was a God-fearing, loving patriot. He was a contributor." Boland said Chipman visited bedridden veterans at Togus veterans hospital just last year. "He was a very sensitive, caring person. ... You could see in the patient's eyes the recognition, the acceptance, and that he cared enough to hold their hand. He was just a decent human being."

Ron Chipman said his father was greatly influenced by growing up in Depression-era rural Maine without many resources, and held on to those values throughout his life.

"He was resourceful, and with the very minute budget we had back then, we couldn't afford anything," Barter said of working for Chipman when he started at the fire department almost 28 years ago. "But he would find ways to make things happen."

Chipman worked for Glen Rollins Construction and later for Bowdoin College. His son, Michael, remembered that after his father retired as locksmith and head of carpentry at Bowdoin College, he and a friend who was an electrician took on "side jobs," and soon had more work than they could handle.

"He'd help out neighbors, anyone that needed anything," Michael Chipman said. "He'd tune up people's furnaces, run wiring for them, fix broken windows … right up until this winter, really, when he started getting sick, he was busy all the time."

As recently as last month, Chipman was helping people out. During the Valentine's Day snowstorm, Chipman saw a light on in the home of a neighbor who was living in an assisted living facility. Despite using an oxygen tank, he headed to the home to see what was wrong. Discovering the house was low on oil, he called the oil company to arrange for delivery, and then arranged for the neighbor's driveway to be sanded.

First and foremost, however, Irving Chipman was "a good family man," Ron Chipman said, and remained involved with his three sons, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. "We're all going to miss him."

Chipman's health began deteriorating this winter, and last week he went to Boston to see a neurologist, who confirmed a diagnosis of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. On Thursday, Ron Chipman said, the family received a call that he wasn't going to live through the day, and they rushed to his father's bedside. They found him sitting up in bed, talking, Ron said, but the rally was only temporary.

"He was brilliant, charming and gentle, and he enhanced the lives of everyone who will ever live in Harpswell, in ways that most may not even be aware," granddaughter Nicole Chipman said Monday. "Harpswell has lost a pillar, a friend, a savior ... a truly great man."

'A gift from God'
Jeff Dent found good in disabling illness
By Damian Gessel
The Daily Item
March 08, 2007


Editor's note: Danville native Jeff Dent lived with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. While he was no longer able to speak leading up to his death, Mr. Dent communicated through e-mail. This is the final story in a three-part series.


DANVILLE — A light snow fell Wednesday afternoon as Jeff Dent's body was lowered into the ground.

The Rev. Brian E. Cope spoke the "Our Father" and nearly 100 people, surrounding Mr. Dent's flower-adorned casket in all directions and clad in heavy coats and gloves against the frigid air, bowed their heads on a high hill at St. Joseph Cemetery.

On March 4, at 39, Mr. Dent finally succumbed to ALS, the disease that years before had taken his ability to move, to speak and to live independently.

But it had never taken his spirit. That was evident, as dozens of people packed into the Roat-Kriner Funeral Home on Bloom Street for his funeral.

Every space in the parking lot was taken. Many people were double-parked.



They had all come to see off a man that, even without the use of his arms or legs, was able to touch so many.

"Jeff didn't let ALS define him," said the Rev. Cope during the service. "His life and love continued to go on. I'm not saying he didn't have places he stumbled over. I'm not saying he didn't have pain. But he had love. There's no reason to feel sorry for him."

Mr. Cope asked those in attendance not to be sad, instead urging them to celebrate Mr. Dent's life. But as Mr. Dent's own words were read out loud, written months in advance of his death, people began to weep openly.

In a letter, Mr. Dent addressed each of the mourners directly, as if he were alive and in the room.

"I've thought of ALS as a gift from God. It taught me to live every day to the fullest," he wrote. "I would not change a thing about my life, even though it was cut short. I want each and every one of you to know that I love you."

In the funeral home's front room, tacked to cork board, hung Mr. Dent's life: at least those moments of it captured by the flash of a camera.



In one photo he held his infant son against his bare chest. In another, he fished along the banks of a river. In a third he was in his 20s — a long-haired young man standing in front of an AC/DC poster. In still another, he grinned mischievously with both hands at the top of his head.

The images at once cut through the palpable sadness and elevated it; here was a life fully lived; a man fully loved; a father, son, brother and friend taken too soon.

For Mr. Dent, ALS was a double-edged sword. It confined him to a wheelchair and eventually cost him his life, but it gifted him with the deep knowledge of what was most important.

"I am honored that He chose me," he wrote. "I am looking forward to meeting all who went before me, and meeting up with you one day again.

"I will be watching. I will never forget any of you."

At one point during the service, the Rev. Cope asked those in attendance to close their eyes and picture Mr. Dent's smiling face.

And for a few seconds of unbroken silence, they did.



E-mail comments to dgessel@thedanvillenews.com.

Winthrop D. Jordan, Expert in the History of Race Relations in America, Is Dead at 75


By MARGALIT FOX
Published: March 8, 2007
Winthrop D. Jordan, a National Book Award-winning historian who wrote several influential works on American slavery and race relations, died on Feb. 23 at his home in Oxford, Miss. He was 75.



University of Mississippi, 2000
Winthrop D. Jordan
The cause was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, said his wife, Cora.

At his death, Dr. Jordan was emeritus professor of history and African-American studies at the University of Mississippi, where he taught from 1982 until his retirement in 2004.

Dr. Jordan’s most famous book was “White Over Black: American Attitudes Toward the Negro, 1550-1812” (University of North Carolina, 1968). “White Over Black” was considered one of the first significant works of scholarship to trace the deep roots of 20th-century racial inequality, devoting particular attention to its basis in the collective psyche of the early European settlers of North America.

Reviewing the book in The New York Times Book Review, the historian C. Vann Woodward wrote, “In seeking out the origins, meaning and explanation of Negro debasement in America, Mr. Jordan has tackled one of the most abstruse, subtle, tangled, controversial and certainly one of the most important problems of American history.”

“The result,” he added, “is a massive and learned work that stands as the most informed and impressive pronouncement on the subject yet made.”

“White Over Black” received a National Book Award for history and biography. It also won a Bancroft Prize, awarded by Columbia University for the best books of the year in American history and international relations.

Dr. Jordan won a second Bancroft Prize for “Tumult and Silence at Second Creek: An Inquiry Into a Civil War Slave Conspiracy.” The book chronicled a planned slave rebellion in Mississippi in 1861 and its aftermath, in which the revolt was thwarted and more than two dozen slaves were hanged.

Winthrop Donaldson Jordan was born on Nov. 11, 1931, in Worcester, Mass., the son of Henry Donaldson Jordan, a professor of history at Clark University, and Lucretia Mott Churchill, a great-great-granddaughter of the abolitionists James and Lucretia Mott. Disinclined at first to follow in his father’s field, Winthrop Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard in 1953; his major — a gentle act of rebellion — was not history but social relations.

“My undergraduate background meant that my approach to history was strongly influenced by the social sciences of the early 1950s,” Dr. Jordan wrote in a recent autobiographical essay posted on the Web site History News Network (www.hnn.us). “More particularly, I aimed to understand the large component of emotion and indeed irrationality that characterized the attitudes of the white majority toward ‘Negroes’ in this country.”

His career as an academic was briefly delayed, however, when, after graduating from Harvard, he went to work as a management trainee at the Prudential Life Insurance Company. Having quickly realized that gray flannel suits were not for him, he then took a job teaching history at Phillips Exeter Academy. The lack of a degree in the field was no impediment: he had soaked up more than enough history at the dinner table.

He earned a master’s degree in Colonial American history from Clark in 1957 and a Ph.D. in the field from Brown University in 1960. In 1963, Dr. Jordan joined the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught until 1982.

Dr. Jordan’s first marriage, to Phyllis Henry, ended in divorce. He is survived by his wife, the former Cora Miner Reilly, whom he married in 1982; a brother, Edwin C., of Kennett Square, Pa.; three sons from his first marriage, Joshua, of Davis, Calif.; Mott, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; and Eliot, of Berkeley; three stepchildren, Michael Reilly of New York; Steven Reilly of Greeneville, Tenn.; and Mary Beth Conklin of Atlanta; five grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren.

His other books include “The White Man’s Burden: Historical Origins of Racism in the United States” and, with the historian Leon F. Litwack, “The United States,” a college textbook.

In a telephone interview, Ira Berlin, a historian at the University of Maryland who is the author of many books about slavery and race, discussed the enduring significance of Dr. Jordan’s work, in particular “White Over Black.”

“It’s directed toward a question of signal importance, that remains of signal importance: What is the nature of race?” Dr. Berlin said. “And his book in some ways is kind of ground zero for understanding that.”

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Archambault, Leonard Wilfred

LENOX -- Leonard Wilfred Archambault, 82, of Devonshire Estates, formerly of Oxford Street, Pittsfield, died Wednesday at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. He had resided at Devonshire for 14 months.

Born in Pittsfield on March 7, 1925, son of Roland P. and Marie Paulhus Archambault, he graduated from Dalton High School in 1943.

A World War II veteran of the Marine Corps, he served from March 5, 1943, to June 4, 1946, and was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant.

An insurance agent, Mr. Archambault worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. from 1955 to 1980. After his retirement, he worked part time at the former City Savings Bank in the life insurance department from 1986 to 1989. Following his military duty, he worked at the former Brookshire Ford car dealership.

He was a member of Charles A. Persip American Legion Post 68, where he served as post commander from 1985 to 1986 and as adjutant and finance officer at various times. A supporter of the legion's Boys State Program, he was chairman of both the Post 68 and District 1 Boys State committees and vice chairman and chairman of the Department of Massachusetts Boys State Committee. In 2006, he was recognized for 60 years of continuous legion membership.

He also was a longtime member and former president of Berkshire Coin Club. He was active with the Pittsfield Squares and Berkshire Archaeological Group. He photographed the progress of urban development in Pittsfield over the past two decades and presented a public slide program. He also enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, gardening and camping.

He and his wife, the former Clara C. Masino, were married May 6, 1950, at All Souls' Church.

Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Marc L. Archambault of Claremont, Calif.; a daughter, Donna M. Drew of Great Barrington; a brother, Paul E. Archambault of Dalton; a sister, Elaine Boyd of North Eastham; and two granddaughters.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Leonard Wilfred Archambault, who died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, will be conducted Monday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME by the Rev. Geoffrey J. Deeker, CCS, pastor of All Souls' Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Post 68's Boys State Fund, in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, or to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 369 South St., Pittsfield. Mr. Archambault also leaves his son-in-law, Bernard A. Drew; his daughter-in-law, Amy McGough; two granddaughters, Jessie and Darcie Drew; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Archambault, in 1991. Mr. Archambault took great interest in a family link with the early history of Montreal, Quebec, where Jacques Archambault's 1658 well in d'Youville is a historical site. Mr. Archambault and his family especially appreciated the care and support of the HospiceCare staff and volunteers.

William Herbert Beasley

1943-2006

Former Gardnerville resident, William (Bill) Herbert Beasley, 63, died in Alamo, Texas, on Dec. 13, 2006, from Lou Gehrig's disease, which was diagnosed in August 2006.

Mr. Beasley was born Oct. 30, 1943, to W. Herbert and Ioma Estelle Fitch Beasley in Wilder, Idaho. He graduated from Wilder High School in 1961. In his early years he worked in a casino in Elko. He then moved to Lake Tahoe and worked for Harveys Casino as a games supervisor where he met and married Joni Purvis Erwin in 1975. The liked to travel, as well as loving the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting and his favorite past time was listening to talk radio 24 hours a day.

In 1994 Joni was incapacitated by an illness, which left her dependent on Bill who lovingly took care of her until his death.

Mr. Beasley was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and an uncle. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joni Beasley; his two daughters Carrie Beasley and Wendy Hill, both of Elko; two stepchildren, Becky Erwin Taggart of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Joe Erwin of Orlando, Fla., as well as grandchildren Trevor, Roxanne, Dillion; his sister Marilyn Beasley of Boise, Idaho; other relatives; a host of friends but especially Steve Orlob of Las Vegas with whom he worked for 18 years at Harveys Casino.

Memorial services took place Jan. 24, 2007, in Alamo, Texas. Memorial donations may be made to help support ALS research: ALS Association-South Texas Chapter, 6800 Park Ten Blvd. Suite 220N, San Antonio, Texas 78213.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


BEAL-ALLEN, Mrs. Jacqueline A. age 61, of Dayton, departed this life at home with her daughters in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, March 3, 2007 from ALS aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. She was a native Daytonian and a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Class of 1963; a graduate of Central State University where she earned a B.A. degree in Education. She obtained her Master's degree in Elementary Education and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from Wright State University. She was adjunct faculty in the Department of Mathematics at Sinclair Community College for 10 years. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and a former educator advocate and representative for the Dayton Education Association. She was active in the community and the National Priority Board. She retired from the Dayton Public School System in June 2005 with 33 years of classroom service. She is preceded in death by her father, Augustus J. Beal, Sr. and her brother, Augustus J. Beal, Jr. "Butchie". She leaves to celebrate her homegoing, her beloved mother, Mable Beal; her beloved and dedicated children, Kimberly Renee Allen and Andrea Nichole Allen "Nikki", of Atlanta, GA; her sister, Constance Y. Beal; her brother, William H. Beal and other cherished relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held 1 pm Monday, March 12, 2007 at St. Paul Global Outreach Ministries, 2050 Germantown Street. Bishop Mark C. McGuire, Sr. and Elder John Allen officiating. Interment West Memory Gardens. Visitation 9 am Monday at the church until the time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Arrangements entrusted to the HOUSE OF WHEAT Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 North Gettysburg Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Jacqueline A. Allen to the DREAM Foundation, 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 304, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 www.dreamfoundation.org (310) 385-7973. Online condolences may be expressed at houseofwheat@woh.rr.com
Published in the Dayton Daily News from 3/9/2007 - 3/11/2007.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


Polk Co. man convicted of patricide dies in prison
REGISTER STAFF REPORTS



March 12, 2007
Add comment



Richard Wheeler, 52, who had been in prison the past 22 years for the December 1984 slaying of his father in Polk County, died today at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison.

Wheeler succumbed to Lou Gehrig's Disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, said Fred Scaletta, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Corrections. He had been a patient in the penitentiary's hospice care unit.

Wheeler entered prison in 1985 for the shooting and bludgeoning death of his father, Dale Wheeler, 59, at the family's home in northeast Polk County. He was convicted and given a life sentence after a judge ruled he was not legally insane at the time of the killing.

A psychologist and a psychiatrist disagreed during Wheeler's trial about his mental status when the slaying occurred. But both agreed he was mentally ill and probably had been for at least a year before his father was killed.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


William Joseph Waters

Date: March 8, 2007
Publication: Standard-Examiner (Ogden, UT)

1948 -2007 "Faith and Courage"


MIDVALE -Our Loving Friend, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, and Uncle passed from this life to his eternal home to be with his daughter Anna. On Monday, March 5, 2007, under the watchful care of Vista Care, Bill passed away from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Bill was born on April 24, 1948 in Brigham City, Utah to Joseph William Waters and Donna Mae Chlarson. He attended Bonneville High .
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

A great sport, reporter calm through a storm

Thu, March 15, 2007

Longtime Free Press staff member Doug Langford was best known for his coverage of golf and car racing.

By JOE MATYAS, SUN MEDIA



Doug Langford wrote stories, edited copy and on more than one occasion gave an antsy reporter on deadline an impromptu shoulder massage to calm him down.

Barry Langford loved that story when a Free Press sportswriter recounted it to him at a funeral home visitation for his father on Tuesday.

"It said so much about dad," he said after a funeral service at St. Stephen's Memorial Anglican Church in London yesterday. "He was such a calming influence."

Doug, best known as a former Free Press golf and auto racing writer, died at the age of 70 at University Hospital on March 9, six months after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Fortunately, said Barry, he was given "an early entry into heaven" and didn't have to suffer the most devastating effects of the fatal motor neuron condition also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"Dad was never one to look for sympathy," said Barry. "I was amazed and awed by the courage he showed after the diagnosis."

Langford was remembered yesterday as a humble, friendly man of generous spirit, who didn't let the disease dampen his good nature.

Free Press records show that Langford came to the paper as a linotype operator from the Simcoe Reformer in 1965.

"He was probably the fastest hot metal typesetter we had in the composing room," said Dale Stolk, a veteran copy editor and page designer in the editorial department.

When metal type was replaced with paper pasteup in the mid-1970s, Langford was given a chance to retrain in the sports department.

"Dad appreciated the break he got and made it work for him and the paper," said Barry. "He was the kind of guy who would repay you ten-fold for what you did for him."

Langford became a mainstay of sports as a writer and editor for about 20 years until his retirement in 1995.

His career highlights included covering George Knudson and Moe Norman in golf tournaments and Mike Weir at the beginning of his career. His coverage of CASCAR and NASCAR racing was widely read for more than a decade.

He was a good golfer and a "huge gear head," said his son.

"He was always fixing and restoring cars like Corvettes and Malibus. I've seen aluminum heads on his kitchen table."

It was Doug Langford's nature to give his all to his passions, said Barry.

"He went to drag racing school to learn more about racing. And he made and repaired golf clubs."

Stolk, co-owner of a software training company called Q Integrators for about a decade, employed Langford after his retirement.

"He was unflappable, nothing phased him. He made learning easier for people."

Hartselle High band director Dexter Greenhaw.

Longtime Hartselle High band director dies


By Deangelo McDaniel
and Holly Hollman
dmcdaniel@decaturdaily.com
hhollman@decaturdaily.com


HARTSELLE — No matter what was going on in his personal life or how his health was, Dexter Greenhaw always put his students first.

Just shortly after he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in 2004, for example, Greenhaw sat in his vehicle and watched the Hartselle High soccer team defeat Athens.

"It was a special moment and spoke volumes about Mr. Greenhaw," said Lisa Galloway, whose son, Nick, played for Hartselle.

Greenhaw, who served 10 years as director of Hartselle High's award-winning band, died at his Athens home Wednesday morning. He was 52.

His funeral will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Friendship United Meth-odist Church Multipurpose Building in Athens. The family will receive friends Friday from noon to 2:45 p.m. at the church.

McConnell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

When doctors diagnosed Greenhaw with Lou Gehrig's disease, he said it was tough, but he accepted it and kept living.

"I've always said, we're all born terminal, it's just how we leave this world," Greenhaw said in a 2006 interview.

"He never lost his humor," said Greenhaw's minister, Cal-vin Havens of Friendship United Methodist Church in Athens. "He was diagnosed two years ago, and he contributed at the church until he could no longer go out a few months ago."

His church family watched as Greenhaw went from being able to play trumpet, guitar and piano to being unable to speak. He served as the church's music director for 17 years.

In October, Dexter, confined to a wheelchair, agreed to let Havens interview him for a video for the church's Web site. Havens said the video has had 90,000-plus hits and the church has received comments from those ranging from band directors to soldiers in Baghdad.

"He knew he was dying," Havens said. "He always kept the faith. He never lost the belief he was going to a better place."

Hartselle High Principal Jerry Reeves called Greenhaw a "dear friend" who was an "outstanding band director." Greenhaw was at Hartselle from 1994 to 2004. He also served as band director at Clements High in Limestone County from 1978 to 1986.

"He was the kind of teacher you wanted the kids around," Reeves said.

He credited Greenhaw with starting Hartselle's annual band competition fundraiser, which draws marching bands from across the state and Southeast.

"Dexter had an amazing ability to relate with people of all ages," Havens said.

Greenhaw also served as assistant coach of Hartselle High's soccer team when his son was a player.

Even though he could no longer stand on the sideline after doctor's diagnosed him with Lou Gehrig's disease, he continued to come to the games.

After the win over Athens, the team rushed to his car to show their appreciation.

"No matter what happened that day, the boys were going to win that game for Mr. Greenhaw," Galloway said.

To pay tribute to him, the players wore patches on their uniforms that said "Mr. G."

"He was so special and those kids loved him," Galloway said.

Greenhaw, an Athens High and University of North Alabama graduate, is survived by his wife, Cindy Greenhaw of Ath-ens; two sons, Zach Greenhaw of Atlanta, and Ian Greenhaw of Athens; his mother, Edna Greenhaw of Athens; and one brother, John Greenhaw of Athens.

In addition to teaching, he was music director at Friendship United Methodist Church for 17 years and played with the group, Denim, for 25 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Limestone County or the Friendship United Meth-odist Church Building Fund.

In the online interview, Greenhaw said the disease made him feel like a prisoner in his own body. His mind was active, but his body unwilling to move. Still, Greenhaw said that when he thought about how Jesus had suffered for mankind, he couldn't be hopeless.

"I don't want my funeral to be depressing," Greenhaw said. "I want it to be a celebration."

He said he wanted "To God Be The Glory" and "The Potter's Hand" played, as well as something band-oriented.

"I want everyone to know what it is like to live through the music," Greenhaw said.

Havens said Greenhaw will be cremated and his ashes spread around an oak tree at the church. Members of one of Limestone County's high school bands may perform at his memorial.

Those who want to view Greenhaw's interview, called "Discovering Hope," can do so online at http://www.friendshipumc.org/.

Nobody stood taller
Friday, March 16, 2007

By MATT DUNN
Staff Writer

BRIDGETON -- The word "Benderized" cannot be found in Webster's Dictionary.

In fact, it probably doesn't mean anything to most people outside of Cumberland County.


But to the many people touched by the benevolent spirit of Lt. Leslie Bender, who died Monday, the word holds a very special meaning.

It's the feeling a person got after spending even just a little bit of time with the 26-year Bridgeton Police Department veteran, according to Det. Lt. Michael Gaimari.

"Anybody that met (Bender) walked away with a little part of him inside of them," he said Thursday, at a funeral service for the beloved former police officer. "Three-quarters of the current department never worked with him, but through their superiors, everyone has a little bit of him in them."

Bender died Monday at the age of 72 after a lengthy battle with Lou Gehrig's disease, a neurodegenerative disease which confined the lifelong county resident to a wheelchair for the later part of his life.

But somewhere out there, the Upper Deerfield resident is back on his feet, believed those who mourned the passing of the city police officer Thursday morning at Freitag Funeral Home.

"He's one person who probably didn't deserve this," Bridgeton Police Chief John Wentz said at Thursday's funeral service. "But he's probably in a much better place right now."

Wentz said he knew Bender his entire life, and told the crowd of friends and family gathered Thursday the former officer was "a very good man (who) never held a harsh feeling toward anyone."

That character trait was infectious, Wentz said.


Which made it just so much more tragic when, only days after retiring from the Bridgeton Police Department in January 1996, Bender was diagnosed with the deadly disease.
"He was looking forward to spending time with his family. There were things he wanted to do," said Rev. David L. Strope of the West Park United Methodist Church, comparing Bender to the character of George Bailey in the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life."

Strope officiated Thursday's service, which included a military-style multigun salute.

Strope said, like the character actor Jimmy Stewart made famous, Bender overcame his sudden disabilities and appreciated life to its fullest.

Like Bailey, Bender didn't let life's setbacks control him.

"In the last few days, (Bender) laughed," Strope said. "He was happy. He knew that he was going to be going to heaven."

Bender certainly had a full life to look back on in his final days.

Born in Bridgeton, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as an underwater demolition diver.

After leaving the military, he worked for a few years at Ed's Body Shop.

But Bender was destined to do so much more than just help people by changing their oil and rotating their tires.



"He had a passion to help people," Strope said. "And he thought this could best be done by being a police officer."

Bender was the first person to obtain an associate's degree in criminal justice from Cumberland County College, after which he served as a Bridgeton Police officer for 26 years, rising to the level of sergeant.

At the time of his retirement, he was the highest-ranking city police sergeant, only one step removed from becoming lieutenant.

He took that last step in 2005, when city council bestowed the title of "lieutenant emeritus" upon Bender.

It was a proud moment that doctors told Bender he probably wouldn't live to see.

"(Bender) was proud that he exceeded (doctor) expectations for his life expectancy. But (this week), his fight against the disease had come to its conclusion. In his last few days, he laughed, happy that he would soon be with his wife, his son and his parents," Strope said.

Bender was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, JoAnna Hanshaw Bender, who died in 2006, and a son, Robert, who died at 22 months.

His surviving family members include a son, a daughter, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson, most of whom were at Thursday's service, along with his two caretakers, Loretta Soto and Margaret Miller.

Soto and Miller were like family to Bender.

Soto sang and read a poem at the funeral, her voice shaking with emotion.

"Now I know I can live in peace because I know you live in peace with angel wings," she recited.

Later, Bender's American flag-draped casket was carried from Freitag Funeral Home between two lines of saluting uniformed Bridgeton Police officers.

A lone bagpipe player played "The Rowan Tree," a traditional Scottish tune commonly heard at military-style funerals.

In that moment, after reflecting on the life of the celebrated Bridgeton Police officer, it was hard not to feel Benderized.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


The Rev. Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., a former Lutheran minister in Baltimore who became a national church leader and president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, died Tuesday at the Lutheran Home in the Pennsylvania town from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Lou Gehrig's disease.
Born in Clarion, Pa., he attended public schools in Hughesville, Pa., and was a graduate of Susquehanna University and the Lutheran seminary. He held advanced degrees from Union Theological Seminary in New York and a doctorate from the Claremont School of Theology.

Before coming to the seminary in 1962 as professor of preaching, Dr. Stuempfle had ministries at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Baltimore from 1950 to 1953, and also in York, Pa., and Gettysburg. He had a 27-year career at the seminary, including 13 as president, and retired in 1989.

An author and poet, Dr. Stuempfle's most widely read theology text, Preaching Law and Gospel, was published by Fortress Press in 1978. He was a prolific writer of hymns, and produced four volumes of them.