Major Gary Wickman

WEST MILTON, Iowa — Major Gary Patrick Wickman (USAF, Ret.), died on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 when Gary’s battle with ALS came to an end.

He was born to Ken and Pat Wickman on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960. He was one of six children. He was born in Detroit and raised in Kingsford. He graduated from Michigan Technical University with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1983, Gary joined the Air Force and earned his master’s degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Gary retired from service in 2004 when he was diagnosed with Lou Gherig’s Disease.

His many joys included his Harley, Detroit football, Nascar, the indoors, a good cigar, and a fine bottle of wine.

Gary is survived by his wife, Jill Wickman of West Milton; his son, Matthew Wickman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his parents, Ken and Pat Wickman of Iron Mountain; sisters, Susan (Rick) Lundholm of Iron Mountain and Deb (Gene) Davis of Kingsford; brothers, Dale Wickman of Mission Viejo, Calif., Tim (Erin) Wickman of Gladstone, Dan Wickman of Kingsford; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sandy McMaken as well as aunts, uncles cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell and Kathryn Gibson and Wallace and Adeline Wickman; his stepson, Michael Belcher; cousin, Michael Wickman and a brother-in-law, Don Charette.

Gary’s family would like to thank the many caregivers who were so good to him; Hospice of Miami County, Lincare, Dr. James Graham, Cindy Griffith, ICU staff at Wright Patterson, SCI Clinic at the Dayton VA, UVMC-Home Health Team, American Nursing and Horizon Home Health.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hale-Sarver Funeral Home, 284 N. Miami St., West Milton.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Ed Ellis officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Riverside Cemetery in West Milton.

Memorial contributions may be made in Honor of Gary to the Hospice of Miami County, The Fisher House-Wright Patterson Air Force Base or the ALS Association.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Iron Mountain.

The Hale-Sarver Funeral Home is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com...articleID=8406

Seals, Roy L. View/Sign Guest Book
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SEALS, ROY L. M.D. - age 71, of West Knoxville, son of the late Roy L. and Lottie Young Seals, departed this life to be with his Heavenly Father Sunday, November 18, 2007 from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was a member of West Park Baptist Church. Roy graduated from West High School where he played football and basketball and earned college scholarships in both sports. He elected to go to University of Tennessee, Knoxville on a football scholarship. While in college, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and with two years of football eligibility left, he elected to go to medical school at U.T. Memphis. Roy graduated from U.T. Medical School in 1961. After graduation, he did an internship at Confederate Memorial Hospital in Shreveport, LA. and upon finishing, did a surgical residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He then returned to Memphis for his otolaryngology residency. Roy started his private practice in 1967 and in 1968 he passed his otolaryngology boards to became a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. In 1990 and 1991 he became President of the Otolaryngology Society of Tennessee. He was in the United States Army Reserves for twelve years and retired as a Major. Roy leaves behind his loving wife, Susan and former wife, Mary Seals, whom is the mother of his three sons, James L. Seals, MD and wife, Brenda; M. Taite Seals, MD and wife, Jule; David E. Seals and wife, Diane. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Courtney, Kimberly, Charissa, Madeline and David Seals; his dear friend, Debbie Jones and many other special friends. A funeral service will be 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with Pastor Sam Polson officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: MDA-ALS, Division at 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, Arizona, 85718-3299 or West Park Baptist Church, 8833 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37923. The family will receive friends 10-11:30 A.M. Wednesday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com

Published in the Knoxville News Sentinel from 11/20/2007

Edward C. Hinrichsen


Edward C. Hinrichsen, 70, of 2520 56th St. S., Wisconsin Rapids, died Monday morning Nov. 19, 2007, at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).


Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Deacon Jim Johnston will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Marshfield. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post No. 9.


Ed was born Aug. 21, 1937, in Pittsville, to Robert and Frieda (Grimm) Hinrichsen. He was married to Marjorie Oestreich on July 31, 1965, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield.


Ed served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962 during which time he was stationed in Hawaii for training. He worked for the Conservation Department in Meadow Valley during high school and after returning from the Army. He then worked for Wood County Telephone Co. as a lineman for 26 years retiring in 1994.


He had the utmost respect for nature and was a true conservationist at heart. He was an active member of the Stan Plis Conservation League. Their goal is to improve and maintain the migratory bird habitat and resident wildlife in the south Wood County and northern Meadow Valley areas. Those areas were special to him throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, beekeeping, bird-watching and building birdhouses, especially for hawks, owls, bluebirds and wood ducks. He also enjoyed researching and viewing all the birds on his own.


Survivors include his wife, Marjorie; two sons, Michael (Jeanette) Hinrichsen of Hammond, and Jon (Laura) Hinrichsen of Milwaukee; three grandchildren, Bryce and Garrett Hinrichsen of Hammond, and Nicholas Hinrichsen of Milwaukee; his mother, Frieda Hinrichsen of Arpin; two brothers, Robert (Dorla) Hinrichsen of Spencer, and Glenn (Bonnie) Hinrichsen of Stevens Point; and two sisters, Dorothy (Don) Leece of Menomonie, and Joyce (Keith) Soppe of Arpin.


He was preceded in death by his father.


Friends may call at Taylor, Vollert & Jennings Funeral home in Wisconsin Rapids from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and at St. Luke's Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday.


"Our family would like to extend a special thanks to the many family members and friends who through countless acts of kindness have helped us in recent months. We would also like to thank the doctors and caregivers from Aspirus VNA and Hospice House for all of their care and support. A sincere thank you goes out to Bea Kohl for making a daily commitment and to Pat and Elmer Schemenauer for their ingenuity in providing a communication tool. Memorials will be given to the Stan Plis Conservation League and the ALS Association."

Morales, Linda L. View/Sign Guest Book


Linda L. Morales 1943 - 2007 Linda L. Morales, long time Downey resident, passed away November 17, 2007 due to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Linda was born in French Camp, California on May 21, 1943, to Cecil and Juanita (Walters) Garrison. With her husband, Jesse G. Morales, Jr., Linda established Morales Pool Plastering which they successfully operated for 40 years. Linda returned to school and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1971. In addition to Jesse, her husband of 35 years, Linda leaves behind her son, David P. (Genie) Limon; daughters, Tamara R. Lockhart, Yvette M. (Joe) Rincon; mother, Juanita Garrison and mother-in-law , Abelia Morales; brother, John Garrison; sisters, Jeanette Hinsz, Brownie (Jim) Carr, Sandra Talbert; grandchildren, Bradley Lakin, Julianne Lockhart, Alexa, David and Skylar Limon, Joshua, Britteny, Nicolette and Victoria Rincon. She was preceded in death by her son, Jesse Morales III. Linda will be deeply missed by her loving husband, family, friends and all who knew her. A vigil prayer service and celebration of her life will be held Friday, November 23rd, 7:00pm at White's Funeral Home, Azusa. The F uneral Liturgy (Mass) will be held Saturday, 10:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 10727 S. Downey Ave., Downey with the Rite of Committal and interment beside her son at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Rowland Heights. Contributions in her memory may be made to The ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301. Her family was assisted by White's Funeral Home 404 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA. (626)334-2921
Published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on 11/20/2007.

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Sharon Marie Hartwick
HARTWICK, Sharon Marie - Age 56, of Swartz Creek, died Saturday, November 17, 2007 at home. Funeral Service was held at 2PM today.

John Burkey

John Edward Burkey, 50, of Stevensville, died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Nov. 18 at his home.

The son of Jean Barber of Severna Park and Edward Burkey of Sebring, Ohio, Mr. Burkey was born Oct. 21, 1957, in Alliance, Ohio, and reared in Severna Park. He graduated from Severna Park High School.

Mr. Burkey was the owner and operator of a trucking company for 27 years, working primarily for B. Von Paris Moving and Storage in Arnold.

His interests included fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, football, baseball, coaching recreational sports, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, surviving are his wife of 25 years, Lisa Wehnert Burkey, whom he married Oct. 2, 1982; his stepfather, Lee Barber of Severna Park; two sons, Chase and Ian Burkey, both of Stevensville; one daughter, Gwyn Scholten of Chester; one sister, Lisa Dorrell of Centre-ville; two brothers, Bill Barber of Westminster and Don Barber of Towson; his paternal grandmother, Minerva Burkey of Sebring, Ohio; and one granddaughter. He was the brother of the late Michael Burkey.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Cloverfields Club House, 101 Nichols Manor Drive, Stevensville. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855. Online condolences may be made at www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

Miller, Carolyn Ann


CAROLYN ANN MILLER
1946 - 2007


Carolyn Ann Miller of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2007 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease", at the age of 60.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Thomas "Jack" Miller, two sons, Stacy (Susy), Navarre, Florida, Michael (Sherry), Cleveland, Alabama, sister, Judy Parker (Gary), Altoona, Alabama, two step-daughters, Jan Liberatos (John), Hendersonville, North Carolina, Sherry Altman, Clayton, North Carolina, her step-father, Ted Holland (Susan), Gardendale, Alabama, two nephews, Eric and Craig Battles (Melissa) of Altoona, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mrs. Miller was
preceded in death by her mother, Violet Holland of Walnut Grove, Alabama, and her father, Budge Dillard.
Carolyn was born in Etowah County, Alabama, Nov 28, 1946. She graduated Altoona High School. She resided in Pensacola for more than 30 years, retiring from Wal-Mart in 2005. Carolyn was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, always putting others first, sharing her joy of laughter, her love for birds and dogs, as well as being a friend and confidant to many. Her death will be a great loss to all who knew her.
Carolyn desired no formal funeral ceremony.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations sent to: Hospice of the Emerald Coast, 5401 Corporate Woods Dr, Ste. 800, Pensacola, FL. 32504. Please make note to state:
"In Loving Memory of Carolyn Ann Miller."
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Emerald Coast for the wonderful care and emotional help given during Carolyn's battle with ALS. A special thanks is extended to Nurse Carol Orta and CNA D'Arcy Hodges.
Arrangements are by Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 11/20/2007.

Bailey, Michael P.


MICHAEL P. BAILEY Former resident of San Bernardino on Nov. 15, 2007, our beloved Michael lost his battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease at age 47. Michael was a generous, kind and loving man, always putting others before him even in his last days. He leaves behind a loving wife of 28 years, Sandy; a son, Bobby; and a daughter, Crystal; grandchildren and many friends. Services were held in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
Published in the San Bernardino Sun on 11/19/2007.

Mom of seven fought ALS and inspired a community
By Virginia Culver
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 11/24/2007 11:18:36 PM MST


Dave and Lisa Nichols have a laugh with son Peter in a 2004 photograph. Lisa Nichols died of cancer after fighting Lou Gehrig's disease for more than three years. (Andy Cross, Denver Post file photo )It was in Lisa Nichols' nature to take care of other people.

But in the past few years, neighbors, friends and relatives banded together to take care of her.

Nichols, who for more than three years battled ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease, died of cancer Nov. 15. She was 49.

Friends and neighbors staged a Nichols fundraiser in August 2004 and called it "Band Together."

What started out to be a concert in a driveway turned into a huge event in a Greenwood Village park. Some 2,000 people showed up and Band Together raised $130,000 to help with the needs of Nichols' seven children after her death.

"Lisa was a little mortified about all the attention," said a close friend and neighbor, Susie Roy.

It didn't end there. For months "five meals a week have been arriving at the Nichols house," Roy said.

Friends have driven the Nicholses' kids to events and lessons, picked them up from day care and run other errands.

"She inspired a great community feeling," said Nancy Sharp, mayor of Greenwood Village and one of many involved in the fundraiser. Her illness "was a way for people to get galvanized and show kindness and generosity."

Nichols wanted people to have a "happy experience" after her death, Roy said. So, after the committal service, wine and hors d'oeuvres were served, a harpist played and there was a singalong.

"She was an amazing person in the face of such a horrible and devastating disease," said Leslie Ryan of Denver, director of patient services for the ALS Association. "She faced it with such bravery and grace and taught other people how to deal with it. She had a knowing and listening ear."

Dave Nichols was his wife's biggest fan for the way she mothered their children, her "toughness and brightness" and her faith. To him, "she was just two miracles short of being a saint."

As Lisa Nichols' illness worsened, she used a wheelchair and then a motorized wheelchair. Her right side was unaffected, so she wrote thank-you notes "until her hand couldn't push the pen any more," Roy said.

Lisa Helen Johansing was born in Pasadena, Calif., on Aug. 30, 1958, and graduated from Mayfield High School there. She took classes at Pasadena City College and the University of California at Santa Barbara.

She met Dave Nichols, a Colorado native, through a mutual friend when they both lived in California. They were married in 1981.

Her faith never wavered, friends and family said, and she told her husband to "make sure the kids keep their faith," he said.

Lisa Nichols also is survived by her four daughters: Molly Nichols, Maggie Nichols, Katie Nichols and Ellie Nichols; and three sons: Daniel Nichols, Joseph Nichols and Peter Nichols, all of Greenwood Village; two sisters; and three brothers.

Virginia Culver: 303-954-1223 or vculver@denverpost.com

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7550246
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ALS/MND Registry
http://www.patientslikeme.com/registry

Chicago TV news anchor John Drury dies

November 26, 2007
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

WHEATON, Ill.---- Longtime Chicago television anchor John Drury died on Sunday, the TV station where he worked until his retirement announced. He was 80 years old.

Drury died at his home in Wheaton after a long battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, said Jennifer Graves, a vice president at Chicago's ABC 7.

The Peoria-born Drury began working as a news anchor for ABC 7's 10 p.m. newscast in 1984, retiring in 2002. He also worked earlier for several other Chicago television stations, including WGN. Drury started his broadcasting career in 1955 at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee.

''John passed away peacefully this evening at his home surrounded by his family,'' a Sunday statement from his family said. ''Not only did he fight ALS, he gave back to the community by raising awareness to this disease.''

Former colleagues praised the celebrated newsman's professionalism and storytelling skills.

''John was the consummate journalist -- driven, passionate about telling the truth and, of course, a great communicator,'' said Emily Barr, ABC 7's president and general manager.

Drury is survived by his wife Ann, and by four children.

Jaworski, Robert


Robert Jaworski, 77, Pulaski, died peacefully Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, at his home from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).


The son of the late John Sr. and Rose (Westphal) Jaworski was born July 4, 1930, in the town of Chase and was a U.S. Veteran of the Korean Conflict.


On May 22, 1954, he married Barbara Loberger at St. Anthony Church in Oconto Falls.


Bob and Barbara were dairy farmers until they retired in 1996. The couple were supporters of 4-H in Oconto County. Bob loved to walk the woods, pick mushrooms and hunt. After he retired he especially enjoyed his garden and was generous in sharing the fruits of his labor. Bob loved all of his grandchildren very much, and especially enjoyed attending their sporting events.


In addition to his wife Barbara, survivors include one son, Robert A. Jaworski, Pulaski and his children, Steve, Sara and Jesse; three daughters and one son-in-law, Cindy (Glenn) Zoch, Green Bay and their children, Robyn, Jason, and Amanda; Diana Jaworski (Kevin Pusick), Suamico and her children, Bobby and Brandon; Connie Jaworski, Pulaski and her children, Travis and Rachel; one great-grandson, Jarrod; eight brothers, John Jr. (Rose), Pulaski; Edward (Georgia), Florida; Norbert (Carole), Florida; Matthew (Carol) Madison; Eugene (Nancy), Michigan; James (Donna), Sobieski; Lawrence (Nancy), Sobieski; Ronald (Kathy), Sobieski; four sisters, Dorothy Pecht, Green Bay; Alvina (Myron) Sievert, Pulaski; Mary McVey, Kansas; Elaine (Norbert) VerHaagh, Green Bay; a sister-in-law, Mary Herb, Navarino; and one brother-in-law, Robert Burk; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.


He was preceded in death by one brother, Bill; two sisters, Virginia Burk and Grace Jaworski; and two brothers-in-law, George Pecht and Jim McVey.


Friends may call at Marnocha Funeral Home, Pulaski, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation continues after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at SS. Edward & Isidore Church, Flintville. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, Fr. David Kasperek presiding with burial in Assumption B.V.M. Cemetery, Pulaski.


The family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Unity Hospice and everyone who stopped to visit Bob during his illness.


Online condolences may be expressed at www.marnocha funeralhome.com.

Programming Vet Jim Steel Passes Away From ALS

November 28, 2007

Radio veteran Jim Steel passed away yesterday (November 27) at the age of 45 after a battle with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. Steel (real name: Jim Lyle) was most recently Director of Operations for Clear Channel's Omaha and Lincoln, NE stations.

Steel's radio resume began at WIOT/Toledo, where he worked his way up from an intern to a four year run as PD of the station. He joined WHTQ/Orlando after leaving WIOT in 1991, and later programmed KIBZ and KTGL in Lincoln.

When he was diagnosed with ALS, Steel started the non-profit "Get In The Game" organization in Lincoln, which auctioned off music memorabilia to raise funds for the city's ALS chapter. Steel is survived by his wife Karin and five year old daughter Delani.

Current KIBZ PD Tim Sheridan told FMQB, "My wife Jackie and I got to spend an awesome evening with Jim and Karin on his 45th birthday about a month ago. He didn't appear to be in a lot of pain that particular night and he was still able to communicate a little bit with Karin, but for the most part we got to kick back and talk about the 'old days' of radio. You know the old days? The days where you'd read about our industry and didn't see a half page of people that were blown out for budget reasons? Ahhh yeah...the good old days. Now Jim is finally having his 'good old days' and he doesn't have to worry about any budget cuts."

Jim Steel's funeral will take place this Saturday, December 1 at 3 p.m. CT at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 6901 Panama Rd., Hickman, NE 68372. In lieu of flowers, the family says donations can be made to Steel's "Get In The Game" organization:
c/o Karin Lyle
1527 Meadowlark Road,
Lincoln, NE 68521

In June of 2004, FMQB's Paul Heine sat down for an interview with Clear Channel's Jack Evans. Moments into the interview, Evans stopped and asked for the tape recorder to be turned off. He said there was a more important story than his that the industry needed to hear about. An inspirational radio story about life, bottomless bravery, and putting things in proper perspective...a story of a heroic programmer living with ALS. So Heine traveled to Lincoln to meet Jim Steel for one of the more moving and inspirational pieces ever published by FMQB. To view the article in its entirety, please click here.

http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=521308

David Colby

A memorial service for David Bruce Colby, 71, of Gambrills will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1624 Millersville Road in Millersville.

Mr. Colby died of Lou Gehrig's Disease Nov. 20 in his home after a three-year illness.

He was born May 1, 1936, in Littleton, N.H., and graduated as valedictorian from Littleton High School in 1954. He attended Bates College in Lewison, Maine, on a Union Carbide scholarship and played baseball as a pitcher. He was offered a contract with the Cleveland Indians, but chose to pursue science instead. He graduated in 1958 with honors in physics and mathematics, and earned his master's degree in physics from Wesleyan University in 1960.

Mr. Colby began his 35-year civil service career in 1961 at the former Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, Va., and completed assignments at the Office of Telecommunications, Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He was instrumental in helping form the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren.

He earned the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award when he was 30 for directing a fleet research exercise that still has influence today. He was a founding director of the Colonial Beach Educational Foundation, raising more than $800,000 to help design and construct a new high school. He also sponsored an annual scholarship in the name of his son, who died in a plane crash after returning from peacekeeping duties with the 101st Airborne in Egypt. After retirement, he became a member of the vestry of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Colonial Beach, leading Bible studies.

Mr. Colby was known for being devoted to his family and willing to help others. He passed on his interest in sports, science and engineering to his children, and was an avid reader and computer enthusiast. He enjoyed the Maine coast, and rebuilt his wife's parents' cottage in Kennebunkport, Maine.

He was preceded in death by one son, Army Sgt. Stephen Rice Colby; his parents, Reginald Merton and Margaret Bedell Colby; and one sister, Carolyn Colby Ellis.

Survivors include his wife, Judith Ann "Judy" Rice Colby; one son, Glenn David Colby of Hollywood, Md.; one daughter, Linda Colby Pautsch of Severna Park; one sister, Susan Colby Sumadi of San Antonio, Texas; and 11 grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. Interment is private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/vau...G/11/28-21.HTM

Rogg, Kirk L.

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OVERLAND PARK - Rogg, Dr. Kirk L., age 42, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, November 25, 2007, after a courageous battle with ALS. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Olathe Bible Church, 13700 W. 151st Street, Olathe, KS, followed by a Celebration of his Life on Friday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m., also at the church. Interment to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to the Nehemiah Project K.C. Foundation, which may be reached at www.nehemiahprojectkc.com. Kirk was born January 6, 1965 in Wichita, KS to Ronald and Deanna Rogg. He received his Bachelors of Science degree, Masters and PhD in Industrial Organization Psychology from Kansas State University. He married Angela Schumaker on June 4, 1988 in Manhattan, KS. Together, they raised their three daughters, Danielle, Hannah, and Sarah as they moved from Manhattan, KS, to Grosse Pointe, MI, and most recently, Overland Park, KS. Kirk was active as a member of Olathe Bible Church, Bible Study Fellowship, and served on the Board of Christ Preparatory Academy. He was a Senior Vice-President of AON Consulting. Kirk valued spending time with his family and friends, and especially enjoyed their time at Table Rock Lake. He is survived by his wife, Angela, and their three daughters, all of the home, his parents, Ron and Deanna Rogg, Valley Center, KS, his brothers, Kyle Rogg, Wichita, KS and Kasey Rogg, Olathe, KS. His desire was to bring God glory by the way he lived his life and faced his struggle with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). To leave a message for the family, please visit www. Penwellgabel.com
Published in the Wichita Eagle on 11/27/2007.

Gregory's family says thanks

View GalleryBy Phil Wilkinson

The family of Mike Gregory has paid a heart-felt thank you to those who attended his funeral – and said he would have "loved such a fitting send off".
They have been moved by the touching tributes that have been paid to the former Great Britain captain and Wigan coach.
And widow Erica said the incredible number of people who paid their respects at his funeral last Friday has been a huge help.
Sacred Heart RC Church was packed and hundreds more were left outside to hear the moving service relayed on loud speakers on a bitterly cold winter afternoon.

Erica said: "I want to say a massive 'thank you' to all the people who turned up.
"Mike would have loved such a wonderful send off. It was the saddest day of my life, but Mike would have loved it.
"Those who have helped, and continue to help, have been brilliant."
Dad-of-two Mike died peacefully at home last Monday lunchtime after a four-year battle with a form of motor neurone disease.

Erica reserved special praise for close friends Joe and Nicola Lydon for organising "a wonderful service".
On another day, on another occasion, last Friday afternoon in Springfield would have been an autograph hunters' paradise as a host of former players and stars of rugby league joined family, friends and fans in paying their respects.

Graeme West, Jason Robinson, Shaun Edwards, Andy Gregory, Andy Farrell, Denis Betts, Steve Hampson, Kris Radlinski, Brian Carney, Neil Cowie, Billy Boston, Colin Clarke, Mick Cassidy and Martin Dermott were among the former Wigan players in attendance.
They were joined by Warriors coach Brian Noble, new chairman Ian Lenagan as well as players and representatives from Warrington and St Helens, clubs Mike served as a player and assistant coach respectively.

The coffin left the Gregory family home in Standish-lower-Ground shortly after midday on Friday, and as it passed Christopher Park, the Wigan Athletic players applauded.
By the time the family arrived at Sacred Heart RC Church, the streets were filled with hundreds of mourners – the pews were packed an hour before the service began at 2pm.

The coffin entered the church to the music from the film Gladiator; the six pallbearers had served as his ushers at Mike's wedding to Erica, while two more friends carried a floral tribute which read, 'Daddy'.
In every respect, the mass was a celebration of Mike's life – as a rugby player, coach, friend, brother, son, husband and dad.

In a moving speech, Father Andrew Jolley, parish priest of Sacred Heart, described Mike's death at such a young age as a tragedy, and his life as an unfinished symphony.
He revealed Mike's first venture into professional sport was as a ballboy for Wigan Athletic, and he made the congregation smile as he remembered how, as a young child, Mike once interrupted one of his services – when the priest raised his arms aloft, his robe draping from his arms, Mike shouted out: "Batman".

Mike's sense of fun was illustrated elsewhere during the hour-and-a-half service, not least in a stirring eulogy delivered by Wigan's new chief executive Joe Lydon, Mike's best man at his wedding.
He recalled how Mike could fix a stare on you "that told you when you'd missed a tackle or, worse still, a round."

The tears were broken by more laughter as Joe recalled one memorable Boxing Day drinking session down Wigan Lane.
In one of the pubs, there was a door with a sign reading Beware of the Dog.
Mike, dressed in a gorilla costume, banged repeatedly on the door to aggravate the dog, then opened the door to release the angry pet, took shelter and laughed as the dog terrorised a stunned bar.

Erica had written a touching poem which was read out by her close friend Nicola Lydon, in which she lovingly referred to Mike as her "gentle giant with the crooked smile".
Mike called her "his rock" as she nursed him through his illness.
After the service had finished, the coffin was taken out to the same Gladiator music and spontaneous, rapturous applause from those gathered outside, who wanted to say their own 'thank you'.

The congregation waited patiently to exit the building, all of them grateful for the way Mike had touched their lives ... and with the final words printed on the back page of the Order of Service still in their minds.
"We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time." – Michael Keith Gregory.

Obituary
James Allen Lyle, 45, volunteerism advocate
Akron native was behind Get In The Game, agency that encourages volunteers

Published on Saturday, Dec 01, 2007




Beacon Journal staff report


James Allen Lyle gave of himself — and encouraged others to do the same — to leave this a better world.

Mr. Lyle, 45, died Tuesday in Lincoln, Neb. He succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mr. Lyle, an advocate for volunteerism, was an Akron native and Barberton High School and Bowling Green State University graduate.

ALS, which seems to strike at random, claims a person's ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.

Mr. Lyle was the architect of Get In The Game, which is a nonprofit organization that encourages volunteerism.

He was the recipient of a plethora of awards: Chairman's Award for service to broadcasting from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association; Heroes Award in recognition of Outstanding Performance from Clear Channel Radio; and a first degree black belt in Tai Shin Karate.

In addition to his wife, Karin, daughter Delani and other family members, Mr. Lyle loved all things Cleveland, especially its professional sports teams.

A paid obituary in the Lincoln Journal Star announced his death.

''Celebration of Life Saturday (12/1/07) at 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills, Hickman . . . with reception to follow . . . Jim requested casual dress, would like you to wear purple (T-shirts & jeans), absolutely no black,'' it read.




Beacon Journal staff report


James Allen Lyle gave of himself — and encouraged others to do the same — to leave this a better world.

Mr. Lyle, 45, died Tuesday in Lincoln, Neb. He succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mr. Lyle, an advocate for volunteerism, was an Akron native and Barberton High School and Bowling Green State University graduate.

ALS, which seems to strike at random, claims a person's ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.

Mr. Lyle was the architect of Get In The Game, which is a nonprofit organization that encourages volunteerism.

He was the recipient of a plethora of awards: Chairman's Award for service to broadcasting from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association; Heroes Award in recognition of Outstanding Performance from Clear Channel Radio; and a first degree black belt in Tai Shin Karate.

In addition to his wife, Karin, daughter Delani and other family members, Mr. Lyle loved all things Cleveland, especially its professional sports teams.

A paid obituary in the Lincoln Journal Star announced his death.

''Celebration of Life Saturday (12/1/07) at 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills, Hickman . . . with reception to follow . . . Jim requested casual dress, would like you to wear purple (T-shirts & jeans), absolutely no black,'' it read.

Reis, Betty



Hillcrest Memorial Center

A beautiful spirit has passed from this world. Betty Marie (Hofer) Reis died on Nov. 26, 2007 after a courageous, dignified and inspiring battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher, Betty will be deeply mourned by all whose lives she touched.

Betty was born to Col. Charles E. and Lucille A. (Jarrells) Hofer on October 10, 1949 in Breckenridge, MN. The youngest of four children (Shirley, George, and Tom), Betty traveled extensively with her family. As a child in the 1950s, she lived in the Alaskan Territory and occupied Japan. When out with her Japanese nanny, Betty made quite an impression on the locals as the kimono-clad little blond girl who could speak Japanese.

Betty and her family eventually settled down in Everett, WA, where she graduated from Everett High School. She attended Everett Junior College (where she first met her husband, Mark) and the University of Washington, earning degrees in Germanics and Education. She attended the Goethe Institute in Germany for 15 months as part of her studies. Betty and Mark were married September 22, 1973, and briefly lived in Seattle while Mark finished graduate school. During this time, Betty was a Systems Analyst for a reinsurance firm. They moved to San Luis Obispo, CA in 1976 and were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Danica, a year later. In addition to being a new mother, Betty taught Chinese cooking classes and studied French.

Returning to the Northwest in 1980, Betty's energy and spirit poured forth into her many interests and accomplishments. Her activities reflected her love of nature, passion for good food and commitment to community service. Betty was a Master Gardner, Leader of Guide Dog and Pony Club youth groups and a volunteer fire fighter. She made time to run her catering company and develop a passion for fabrics dying and basketry. Most recently, Betty was the Office Manager for Kiona Wineries, a job she loved because of the kindness and generosity of the Williams family.

Diagnosed with ALS in mid-2006, the courage and good spirits with which she faced her affliction is an inspiration to her family and friends to look at their own adversities with a more positive perspective. One day, when talking about ALS to Mark, Betty commented, 'Well, it could be worse.' Much-perplexed given her condition, he asked, 'How?' With that glint of humor in her eye, she replied 'It could be contagious.' Even during her illness, Betty's house was the focal point for her craft group and a weekly movie day. Betty continued to enjoy life and take a personal interest in the lives of those who surrounded her.

Betty is survived by her husband, Mark, daughter Danica and son-in-law Rick Garcia; her mother, Lucielle; her sister, Shirley Klien; brother George Hofer; brother-in-law Ed Klein, Art, John, Kevin, and Ron Reis; sisters-in-law, Joan Hofer, Pam Hofer, Debbie Reis, Julia Reis, and Mary Reis; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her father, Charles E. Hofer, and her brother, Tom Hofer.

Many very special friends made her final months most fulfilling for Betty. Marcia, Pam, Cheryl, Sharon, Betsy, Carol, and others taught us that not all angels have wings or flowing white robes. The true angels come dressed in jeans to dye fabrics and read, weave baskets, make jewelry, watch movies, gossip, laugh and cry together. The kindness, love and personal attention they showed Betty cannot be measured or even fully appreciated.

Betty, you are already deeply missed and each day will reveal even more deeply the profound loss of your spirit to the world.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2007, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kennewick. Her family requests that any donations or remembrances be made to the ALS Society, Evergreen Chapter, the Tri-City Hospice at The Chaplaincy, or to your favorite charity in her name.

The Reis family sincerely thanks all the friends and family who enriched Betty's life and made all her days so special.

For more information or to sign the guestbook go to www.hillcrestmemorialcenter.com

Brady Jr., Tom Henry

Tom Henry Brady, Jr.
Tom Brady passed away into the arms of Jesus on, November 27, 2007 at his home in Charlotte, NC surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Born April 8, 1960 in Charlotte, NC, he is the son of Tom & Edna Brady of Cornelia, GA. Tom graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte, NC., attended Catawba Heights Baptist Church, and was also a lifelong member of Sunset Road Baptist Church. He was the owner of Brady Electric and Control for 22 years, making many lifelong friends and prided himself with honest and hard work.
Tom is survived by his faithful wife and best friend Debbie Westbrook Brady; his parents, Tom Brady Sr. and Edna Brady; aunts, Katie Williams of Clarksville, GA., Edith Knudsen (Ken) of Sunnyvale, CA.; uncle, Watt Brady of Demorest, GA.; sister-in-law, Pat Fair & husband Terry (Amy & Brett) of Huntersville, NC.; brother-in-law, Robert Westbrook and wife Becky (Justin & Zachary) of Mt. Holly, NC.; and numerous cousins. Tom was predeceased by his grandparents, Claude and Sallie Brady and Rossie & Geneva Forester.
Tom's courage and strength during his valiant fight with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. Through all his pain and suffering he remained a constant source of love and laughter. He gave us smiles each and everyday, and even in the face of death, he never once faltered in his faith and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and it was his desire that everyone he knew would also know Jesus so that he may see you again in Heaven. Tom was a unique individual who holds a special place in the hearts of all that knew him. We will love and miss him always.
Tom's happiest times were spent while riding his Harley-Davidson or on the lake in his boat. To honor Tom's love for Gaston County Toy Run for Kids and Travlin' Light Motorcycle Ministry, there will be a motorcycle procession from the church to the graveside and all are welcome to join.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 311 Belmont Rd., Belmont, NC on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 1:00pm. Pastor Raymond Johns Jr. officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Denver United Methodist Church cemetery, Denver, NC. Visitation will be held at Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, November 29, 2007.
Pallbearers will be; Grover Nunnery, James Bailey, Bill Elwood, Sunny Watkins, Bill Adams, and Calvin Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Travlin' Light Motorcycle Ministry.
Memorials may be made to any of the following: Hospice Charlotte, ALS Assoc., or to Catawba Heights Baptist Church.
Tom and his family owe a debt of gratitude to everyone that cared for him throughout his illness, especially Dr. John Barkley and Beth Bleavins, and their team at Hospice of Charlotte & Lake Norman; Dr. Al Hudson, Charlotte Medical Clinic; Dr. James Caress, Theresa Johnston-Crows and Carla Ruth of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Sue Humphries, ALS Assoc, Jim 'Catfish' Hunter Chapter, Laura Armstrong and Linda Penley, and countless others. You have all been a blessing and will always be held close in our hearts, and we thank you for loving Tom.
Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC is serving the family.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 11/29/2007.

The taste of his life from post to meals
Kanagasabai Vivekanandarajah

Among my several cousins, Vivekanandarajah better known as Vive stood out from the rest since he was the only son of my father’s only brother. But as fate would have it, he succumbed to a rare illness, termed Motor Neurone Disease, in Cochin, India on October 18, having been hurriedly flown from Canada for specialist ayurvedic attention.

Vive first attended St. Anthony's College, Wattala and then Wesley College, Colombo before he joined the Post & Telegraphic Department as an inspector. He rose to the rank of D.I.T. within a short period. It was as D.I.T Mount Lavinia that he carved a name for himself. With his calm, cool and easy manners, he earned a wide circle of friends and customers. His humanistic attitude towards his staff and his ability to mix with people from all strata in society made him the most popular and sought-after officer in the department.

It is at this time of his illustrious career, he was urged by his wife and in-laws who had migrated to Canada after the 1983 riots to join them. He was sad to leave the department in 1987 on premature retirement, leaving behind friends, customers and the country he loved very much.

Having settled down in Toronto with his wife and only child, he was soon running an agency post office named Royal Bank Plaza before venturing into the catering business in 1993, utilizing the technical expertise of his wife Kamala, a home science graduate. He named the catering centre “Raja Ram” coining the end of his name with that of his son Ramesh.

Raja Ram catering service caught the local market of Toronto and was soon a craze among expatriates from Sri Lanka and South India. The catering service bloomed into a large profitable concern with hundreds of employees and was soon to become a challenge to other leading hotels and food centres. No Sri Lankan wedding function or get-together was complete without their expert catering services.

Vive, as he was in Mount Lavinia, became a popular figure in Ontario. Immaculately dressed at all times, he was a benevolent figure caring for the needs of his employees who adored him in return. He was the godfather of my two daughters in Canada and a tower of strength in their lives.

A few years ago, he made a sudden visit to Sri Lanka with his wife and was in Colombo meeting all his friends. He also visited his native place Karaveddy, met his long lost relatives and paid homage to local temples, including the Nagappooshana Amman Temple in Kayts.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, loving son and his only grandson, little Gauutham. I miss him dearly. May he attain the supreme bliss of Moksha under the feet of our deity Thatchanthoppu Vinayagar.

By A.R.S. Mahalingam

Neuron disease claims Ginger Meggs cartoonist
 

JAMES Kemsley, the artist behind the Ginger Meggs comic strip, died yesterday of motor neuron disease at the age of 59.

Ginger Meggs has a legion of loyal readers and is the most syndicated Australian comic strip, appearing in more than 120 newspapers in Australia and around the world.

Kemsley became the fourth artist to draw the comic strip following the death of Lloyd Piper in 1984.

In 1982, Kemsley was recruited to work on the Ginger Meggs movie, released at a time when the comic strip's popularity was flagging.

But under Kemsley, Ginger Meggs has enjoyed unprecedented popularity.

In 1999, Kemsley and Ginger Meggs signed with the US-based Atlantic Syndication for worldwide distribution, and the comic strip is now distributed across 30 countries.

Kemsley leaves behind his wife Helen and three sons.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22864583-2,00.html

McCutcheon, onetime trainer, dies

Former trainer J.R. McCutcheon, better known by his nickname, "Coach," in honor of his previous career as a football coach, died Friday after a long battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was 83.

McCutcheon is survived by two daughters, including Sally Valenti, the widow of one of California's most prominent owners and breeders in the 1980s, Pete Valenti. McCutcheon's wife, Dorothy, died earlier this year.

McCutcheon, who served in the Army during World War II, owned and trained for 39 years after an accomplished career as a head football coach at the high school and college levels in California. He won four California Interscholastic Federation championships and was a longtime coach at Antelope Valley (Calif.) Junior College.

As a trainer, McCutcheon won 319 races.

According to Valenti, a memorial service for McCutcheon will be held Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at The Fountains Mobile Home Park, 3530 Damien Ave., La Verne, Calif. Handicapper and journalist Gordon Jones will deliver the eulogy.

In lieu of flowers, Valenti requested that donations be made to the Antelope Valley College Foundation, 6215 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93402.

Nancy K. Beck


Nancy K. Beck, age 64, formerly of Manitowoc, died on Sunday, Dec. 2, of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) at her home in Eau Claire with her loving family by her side.


Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire.

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4611 Commerce Valley Road, and also one hour prior to service at the church. Interment will be later in Cable.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family and will be given towards ALS research.

Angelo Plaez
PLAEZ, ANGELO , 69, passed away Wednesday, November 28th at Florida Hospital, Altamonte Springs following a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Angelo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and worked in data processing and later in sales. With a real estate license he worked in time share sales and leasing and his favorite pastime was watching sports. He leaves behind Lillian, his devoted wife of over 40 years and a sister in Argentina, Aida Scheinfeld. He was a wonderful, loving father to the late Debbie Armstrong Gray and Alicia (Chris) Kovar, grandfather to Jessica (Scott) Long, Brendan Kovar, and
uncle to Jorge and Ricky Scheinfeld of Argentina. He will be greatly missed. Graveside services will be held Monday, December 3, 2007 at 11AM at Congregation Ohev Shalom Cemetery with Rabbi Aaron Rubinger officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to ALS Foundation, Hadassah, Congregation Ohev Shalom or JCC. A gathering for all will be held immediately after the services at the home of Lillian Plaez. Services entrusted to Beth Shalom
Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando. 407-599-1180
Published in the Orlando Sentinel on 12/2/2007.

Francis Damaris BurnettBOULDER, Colo.

Francis Damaris Burnett April 25, 1925- November 28, 2007

Dear Ones,

Family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, it is with joy that I write to let you know that I have overcome the disease ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's Disease and the challenges of life on earth; and passed into life eternal with my heavenly Father.

Reflecting on this journey is a reminder of how much has happened in my life of over 82 years. I was born on a dry land wheat farm near Mullinville, Kansas in 1925 to Zula and Bert McFadden. My brothers Kenneth, Wilber and sister Mildred survive. My husband of over 62 years, Duane, was born on a neighboring farm. We attended grade school together and grew up friends. I attended Kansas State University where I studied accounting. Duane and I were married in 1945 while he was in the Army Air Forces. After the war, we moved to Boulder with our infant daughter Tena Suzanne, now Mrs. Fred Engelman Jr. I made a home for our growing family while Duane studied architectural engineering at the University of Colorado. Before he graduated in 1951 we had two sons, Larry Dee and Brian Paul, both are life-long residents of Boulder. Our family has worked at building construction and land development in our growing community. I was employed at the CU College of Engineering for over twenty years, eventually becoming the administrative assistant to Dean Max Peters of the College of Engineering. I have been blessed with five grandchildren, four of whom, Roger Burnett, Alex Burnett, Scott Engelman, and Rick Engelman, have earned degrees from the University of Colorado. My beloved granddaughter, Betsy Burnett, is presently a student at CU.

In the 1950s I was among the charter members of Mountain View United Methodist Church, which has been my church home ever since. There I have enjoyed the fellowship of many friends in the body of Christ and I am again with those who have gone before. Remember me as one who valued personal integrity, high standards, and hard work towards noble goals through gentle perseverance and steadfast love.

Please join my family in celebrating my life at a funeral service on Saturday December 8, 2007 at the Mullinville United Methodist Church at 10:00am, followed by interment and dinner.

In lieu of flowers, my family requests donations for The ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter, 1201 East Colfax Ave., Ste. 202, Denver, CO 80218 or a charity of the giver's choice.

David Bruce Colby

GAMBRILLS, Md. — David Bruce Colby, 71, lost his courageous three-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) on Nov. 20, 2007, at his home in Gambrills, Md., with his beloved wife Judith Rice Colby at his side.

After his retirement in 1996, they spent summers at their home in Kennebunkport.

Born in Littleton, N.H., on May 1, 1936, Dave was the son of the late Reginald Merton and Margaret Bedell Colby.

He pursued his love of science and sports while attending Bates College in Lewiston on a Union Carbide scholarship. An outstanding baseball pitcher, he received a contract offer from the Cleveland Indians. Dave chose to forgo baseball in his final year at Bates to concentrate on his studies, graduating with honors in physics and mathematics in 1958.

A week after graduation Dave wed his college sweetheart, Judith Ann Rice, before heading to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., where he received his Master's Degree in physics in 1960.

In 1961 Dave began a distinguished 35 year civil service career, with the last 25 years at the senior executive level. Starting at the former Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, Va., his career encompassed assignments at the Office of Telecommunications, Executive Office of the President, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Dave was preceded in death by his son Stephen Rice Colby in 1985; and sister Carolyn Colby Ellis in 2004.

He is survived by his wife Judy; sister Susan Colby Sumadi of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Linda Colby Pautsch of Severna Park, Md.; son Glenn David Colby of Hollywood, Md.; nephew Scott Colby Ellis of Kennebunk; niece Margaret "Peggy" Ellis of Astoria, N.Y., niece Sarah Sumadi of San Antonio, Texas; and 11 grandchildren.

Service notice — Memorial Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1624 Millersville Road, Millersville, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Arrangements by Barranco & Sons Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com.

Steven Walter Saxon


Steven W. Saxon, 54, of 4218 South 12th St., Sheboygan, died Sunday, December 9, 2007 at St. Nicholas Hospital of Lou Gehrig's Disease.


He was born March 28, 1953 in Chicago, the son of Richard and Judith (Hoffmann) Saxon. He attended Joliet High School.


Steven was a Limo Driver. He lived with Laurie Hening, his spouse under God. Steven was a member of Bethany Reformed Church in Sheboygan.


He was a die hard Harley Motorcycle person and loved animals. He was loved and adored by his family.


Survivors include his parents, Richard of Chicago and Judith Reese of Sheboygan; three daughters, Shyanne Engstrom of Sheboygan, Jessica Lynn (William Boettcher) Hening of De Pere, Heather Hening; two sons, Waylon Saxon of Sheboygan, Steven S. Saxon of De Pere; two grandchildren, Maylena Ione Neuaone, Liam James Boettcher; two sisters, Laura (Richard) Ramminger of Sheboygan, Cherise Grisa of Sheboygan; one brother, Richard (Sheri) Saxon of Sheboygan; nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his grandparents; a brother-in-law, Ken Grisa; and a cousin, Eric Gustafson.


A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 14, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls. Friends may greet the family on Friday, from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service.


A memorial fund will be established in his name.


Online condolences may be sent to wenig@wenigfuneralhome.com.


The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Saxon family.


The Sheboygan Press


December 12, 2007

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9397/user1636ab2.jpg

JIM WILKINS
Male, 64 years
Poynette, WI

Received some bad news last night about 6 p.m. that our neighbor down the road, Jim Wilkins, died sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning. He is the one you were corresponding with on the ALS chat site. How ironic that he died almost two years to the date he was diagnosed with the incurable disease. Jim went in about 4-5 weeks ago to get a neck brace because he couldn't keep his head up straight any longer. He then had a problem breathing last week and went in to have a tracheotomy done. He wasn't doing too well with the trachy so they re-operated to stop some of the bleeding. Some friends of ours went up to the hospital last week to visit him and Carol said it seemed that he was just giving up and had enough. Jim was then transferred to a Hospice care place and that is where he died. I think the funeral will be on Friday but haven't heard anything for sure.

http://www.patientslikeme.com/forum/show/4540?page=1

A pause, this evening...
A few comments to an earlier post (as well as a couple of well-meaning emails) have tweaked me slightly for, *ahem* showing off (regarding either current project mobility and/or high-profile acquaintances), and to be perfectly honest, that was exactly what I was doing.

Someone in my family died today, and I'm trying not to let it settle in. So I'm posting about Lazy Sunday stuff, and sending Christmas presents, and several pages of silly fun comics.

He was the person that began teaching me Tae Kwon Do when I was twelve; and he died today of Lou Gehrig's Disease.

And others in my family are more affected, today, because I'm not done processing it.

This journal is my news source, and soap box, and personal stage - and I rarely share personal things here, unless they're important.

And, for those other family members and friends who are reading this - it seems only appropriate now, that the scrappy character in THE INDIGO KING is named 'Fred'. But it's killing me that he'll never get to read it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Post a new comment)


klwilliams
2007-12-17 07:04 am UTC (link)
I'm so sorry. My best friend died at the end of September, and I still haven't dealt with it. I'll think of tae kwon do when I read about Fred in THE INDIGO KING.
(Reply to this)(Thread)


coppervale
2007-12-17 07:15 am UTC (link)
Well, that did it. I just burst into tears reading that.

Fred (the people Fred) introduced me to SF in large part as well. He was an Andre Norton buff, and a Darkover fan as well.

My Fred (the badger Fred) is smarter than others realize.

And that's just two thoughts colliding in my head, and I totally get the 'not dealing with it' thing, and I appreciate the comment, Karen. A lot.
(Reply to this)(Parent)


rosefox
2007-12-17 07:12 am UTC (link)
I'm very sorry for your loss.

I hope you get every opportunity to handle and express (or evade or deny) your eventual grief in the ways that feel right to you. It's your journal. Don't worry about what other people think.
(Reply to this)(Thread)


coppervale
2007-12-17 07:17 am UTC (link)
Thank you.

There will probably be a chance in a week or so - he and his wife gave me my favorite Christmas present ever: THE SMITHSONIAN BOOK OF COMIC BOOK COMICS.

Still have it. Still adore it. Still think of them when I read it.
(Reply to this)(Parent)


copperwise
2007-12-17 07:29 am UTC (link)
I'm very sorry for your loss.

And showing off is a perfectly acceptable use of your journal. Personally, I love it when my art/writing/music friends post tantalizing things. It gives me something to look forward to. You are on my very short list (with Theo Black, Tony DeTerlizzi, and Ari Berk) of people whom I hope to someday have illustrate something of mine. Show off more!
(Reply to this)(Thread)


coppervale
2007-12-17 07:32 am UTC (link)
Thank you - on a couple of counts!

(Hope your recovery continues apace!)

'Tantalizing' was part of my thought process (on the public side of things) as in: what IS he up to with those Henson people?

Among other things.

;)
(Reply to this)(Parent)


translatorius
2007-12-17 07:48 am UTC (link)
Usually not at a loss of words, I can now only say that I'm very sorry of your loss and offer you my deepest condolences. Oh my ...

Neither do I know you in person ("only" through your work and the journal here) nor did I get the chance of knowing Fred personally, but I'm sure he ignited a lot of things in you that still thrive and flourish in you and are part of the wonderful person and artist you've become.

And unless these things in you die away, you can be sure that Fred will always be with you - and thus also with us, your readers and fans.

I thank Fred for that.


(Reply to this)(Thread)


coppervale
2007-12-17 07:50 am UTC (link)
Thanks for this.

It's been coming a while, and he's gotten bad just in the last few weeks (as in, needing around the clock care), but it's still rattling to the core. He wasn't sixty, yet. Way too young.
(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


translatorius
2007-12-17 08:04 am UTC (link)
If you love somebody, it somehow always will be to early if he has to go, regardless of age. And the circumstances are not of real importance. It's one of the bad bargains we get from being alive. Loss ... Everything, literally, only being temporarily ...

But on the other hand there's always the memory of the things one has shared with the person that isn't there anymore. And if you do not give these precious feelings and memories, you'll cut something out of that bad bargain - preserving something from being temporary by making it everlasting.

I'm sure you can do the trick.

So sorry, but I'll have to sign off for now - have to leave for work; gonna be a little late already, but that's ... temporary :-).

Best wishes,
translatorius aka Michael

(Reply to this)(Parent)


victoria_lane
2007-12-17 11:34 am UTC (link)
.........yeah. Successful people aren't allowed to mention their good fortune because it might make insecure people feel insignificant.

Those people need to get a grip.
(Reply to this)


zalena
2007-12-17 12:53 pm UTC (link)
My grandmother succumbed to ALS after conquering breast cancer. It is such a terrible disease it makes me angry that we still know so little about it and that research for it is underfunded. I'm sorry for your loss.
(Reply to this)


_stranger_here
2007-12-17 01:32 pm UTC (link)
I'm so sorry. I hope the holidays will give you some time and space to mourn your loss.

As for the showing-off thing: don't sweat it. It's nice to see people doing well and enjoying it. I read your tone as shared (and a bit fanboy-ish) glee that professionally, you were having a good year, which made me smile.

(Reply to this)


godswraith
2007-12-17 01:40 pm UTC (link)
Ah, so sorry to hear of your loss.I am a firm believer in things going on, of good never being dinminished just changed. But for all that, our sorrow is real, and I am sad for yours.
(Reply to this)


tltrent
2007-12-17 03:13 pm UTC (link)
Agh, very sorry to hear. Do what you need to do to feel better, whether it's showing off or lazing around. Personally, I always love knowing who people know and reveling in the fun they have. So, no worries. Grieve well.
(Reply to this)

http://coppervale.livejournal.com/124520.html

Fairfield Man Dies After Battle With ALS




FAIRFIELD (NEWS CENTER) -- Al Hendsbee was featured in a NEWS CENTER Special Report last month. We first met Hendsbee in November 2006.


Hendsbee's wife tells NEWS CENTER her husband got a respiratory infection and wasn't able to fight it off. She says he died peacefully Sunday morning.

Doctors diagnosed Hendsbee with ALS four and a half years ago, and he slowly lost the ability to use his muscles. Hendsbee was confined to chair and couldn't move on his own.

Until the end, Hendsbee kept his faith and his sense of humor. Al Hendsbee, a former Maine State Police detective, was 58 years old.

Hendsbee's funeral will be Friday at 2pm at the Faith Evangelical Free Church at 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville.

http://www.wcsh6.com:80/news/article.aspx?storyid=76641

http://images.zwire.com/local/Z/Zwir...hoon_story.jpg

Services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 19 for Brad T. Schoon, 47, of Geneseo, Ill. Brad died Sunday, Dec. 16 following a five-month battle with Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease. He was surrounded by his family.
A "Celebration of Brad's Life" will be Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Geneseo High School Gymnasium. Per his request cremation rites have been accorded. Vandemore Funeral Home, Geneseo is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests donations be made to the "Brad Schoon Memorial Scholarship Fund", c/o Central Bank, 101 North State Street, Geneseo, IL 61254. The fund will annually benefit a deserving Geneseo High School college bound senior.
Brad was a loving and caring husband and father. He was a considerate and helpful son, thoughtful brother, and a great friend to many. He was a dedicated high school science teacher for 23 years, the last 12 at Geneseo High School in Ill. He was respected by his colleagues and loved by his students.
Brad is survived by his wife, Renada and daughters Lindsay and Sara, his parents Neil (Pate) and Pat Schoon of Anamosa and his brothers Cris (Nancy) Schoon and Todd (Jennifer) Schoon.
Following the "Celebration", family and friends are invited to the Geneseo High School cafeteria for a time of reflection and sharing. Food donations will be welcome at the "Celebration".

http://www.zwire.com:80/site/news.cf...&PAG=461&rfi=9

Richard Koerner a.k.a. Rudy
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7073/user60sf0.jpg
rudyk58
Male, 66 years
Pickerington, OH
rudyk58 Data Quality: 1 star ALS: 5 yrs Bi-Pap Wheelchair Bulbar: moderate Arms: severe Chest: moderate Legs: severe See profile Member since: 12/05
Last updated: 05/18/07

Joe Martinez
12/14/07

http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/daily/2007/12/Mathes100.jpg

Stephen Mathes



Pioneering Leader in Plastic Surgery Dies of ALS

Stephen Mathes, MD, professor emeritus in the UCSF Department of Surgery and a pioneer in reconstructive surgery, died on Nov. 20, 2007, after a long and valiant battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

A longtime member of the UCSF faculty, Mathes was a towering figure in 20th century plastic and reconstructive surgery. He was a role model, educator, mentor and a gifted surgeon. Mathes will be remembered by his many friends and those he trained as brilliant, creative, supportive, energetic, lively and fun-loving.

“Dr. Mathes was a respected leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery who made seminal contributions to the field of plastic surgery,” said Nancy Ascher, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Surgery. “He has had a profound influence on his many trainees, colleagues, patients and on UCSF as a whole.

“UCSF and the plastic and reconstructive surgery community have lost a leader, innovator, mentor and compassionate human being,” she said. Born in 1943 and raised in New Orleans, Mathes attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and obtained his medical degree at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. While in Baton Rouge, he played for the LSU tennis team; tennis remained his favorite sport, and he enjoyed many matches with colleagues and friends throughout his career.

From 1970 to 1972, Mathes served as a major in the US Army Medical Corps and was assistant chief of surgery at Fort Polk Army Hospital in southwest Louisiana, where he treated soldiers from his home state who had been wounded in Vietnam.

Mathes then completed general surgery and plastic surgery training at Emory University in Atlanta. Driven by his experience working as a surgeon at Fort Polk, he developed a laboratory to explore the anatomy and develop new ways to do reconstructive plastic surgery. These anatomical preparations and his subsequent publications were to become the source of the musculocutaneous flaps soon to be taught and adopted nationally and internationally for the coverage of previously untreatable wounds.

Mathes chose an academic career in surgery and in 1977 published his first textbook, titled Clinical Atlas of Muscle and Musculocutaneous Flaps. This text showed the vascular anatomy of flaps throughout the body and demonstrated how to move healthy tissue as needed to various sites. In 1978, Mathes moved to San Francisco to join the faculty at UCSF.

At UCSF, he was involved in basic science and clinical research that was supported by the National Institutes of Health and other grants. More than 42 research fellows from the United States, Europe and Asia were supervised in his laboratory or on clinical projects as the basic science work done in the laboratory was successfully applied by plastic surgeons around the world to treat deformities and wounds.

In 1984, Mathes became professor of surgery at UCSF, and in 1985, he became head of the Division of Plastic Surgery and residency program director. During his 26 years on the faculty at UCSF, 62 residents completed their plastic surgery training.

Mathes has received numerous awards recognizing his basic science and clinical research. These include six first prize awards from the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, extending from 1981 to 1999. Other awards include the Special Achievement Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Best Medical Book Award from the American Medical Writers Association.

Mathes was a member of 32 national and international professional societies. He served as chairman of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, chair of the Residency Review Committee for Plastic Surgery, president of the Association of Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery, president of the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation and trustee for the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.

Mathes published more than 233 peer-reviewed papers and chapters as well as six books, including the eight-volume edition of Plastic Surgery published in 2006. He was a visiting professor in more than 25 countries, delivered more than 400 formal lectures and participated in symposia throughout the world.

He is survived by his loving family, who will miss him greatly. They include his wife, Mary H. McGrath, MD, a plastic surgeon practicing at UCSF; his mother, Norma D. Mathes, of Cookson, OK; his sons David W. Mathes, MD, and wife, Amanda, of Seattle, WA, Brian A. Mathes and wife, Vaso, and their two children, Zoe and Norah, of Boston MA, and Edward J. Mathes and wife, Erin Mathes, MD, of San Francisco; his two brothers, Paul Mathes of New Orleans, LA, and Peter Mathes of Cookson, OK.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at 4 p.m. in Toland Hall at UCSF’s Parnassus Heights campus. A reception will follow. The family requests that all donations in memory of Mathes be made to the Stephen J. Mathes Endowed Chair Fund at UCSF Foundation, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA, 94145-0339. This fund will be the first endowment within the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and will serve as a lasting tribute to Mathes’ contribution to plastic surgery here at UCSF.

RSVP to Regan Botsford, Department of Surgery director of development, by Monday, Jan. 21, for the memorial service and reception. She can also provide you with additional information on how to make a gift to the endowed fund in his honor. Botsford can be reached by phone at 415/502-1573 or by email.


http://pub.ucsf.edu:80/today/cache/news/200712173.html

Dave Bakke: Giving the gift of rhyme




Published Wednesday, December 19, 2007


Frogs are neat/The way they croak/They sound defective/But they ain’t broke!”

That cute little poem was written by Sandy Hill. Sandy wrote all kinds of poems for small children. She started writing them in 1992, but gave her poems only to friends and family so they could be read to their children.
Unfortunately, Sandy died May 15. She was 57 years old.

Her poems for children were collected into a book and put on display during visitation for her at a funeral home. People stopped to read those poems. A few laughs were heard from that corner of the funeral home, and it was not at all inappropriate.

Sandy died from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). She had worked for several state agencies, including as director of personal standards and education for the state fire marshal until her retirement in 2002. She was diagnosed with ALS in 2006. One of the first things the disease took was her voice, but it never took her spirit, much of which is included in her poetry.

“Grape to raisin/Plum to prune/Girl to grandma/All too soon.”

After the visitation, Sandy’s husband, Kent, heard from people who wanted copies of Sandy’s poetry book. That gave Kent an idea. He decided to print 25 copies of the book, give some away and sell others for $10 each. The proceeds would go toward research for the prevention and cure of ALS so that someday other people would be spared what he and Sandy had to endure.

Lou Gehrig’s is a pitiless disease.

“Having this form of ALS has been described as being buried alive,” Kent wrote in the introduction to the book. “No one should have to die like this.”

Since first getting the idea, Kent has printed about 300 copies of the book, which is called “The Toy Lion and Other Children’s Poetry.” The book is on sale at Blades Unlimited, 1524 W. Jefferson St., (where Sandy used to have her hair styled) and at Scrapbook Your Story, 313 Stevenson Drive, and also, at least through the holidays if not longer, in White Oaks Mall.

Kent keeps copies of his wife’s poetry book in his car. If, as he drives around Springfield, he sees small children with their parents, he frequently pulls over and gives the book to the children. For every book Kent gives away, he puts $10 in his ALS fund.

Sandy and Kent never talked about this. It all came about after Sandy’s death. “She had no idea hundreds of people would be reading her poems,” Kent says. But that is what has happened.

“Do fleas have birthdays and if they did/What would you buy for a little flea kid?/Think hard and give your brain a jog/Maybe he’s ready for his first dog!”

If you think these poems I am quoting sound familiar, there is a reason for that. Shel Silverstein was one of Sandy’s favorite poets, and many of her poems have that same flavor.

Though “The Toy Lion” sells for $10, some people have given Kent more than that. A dentist gave him $50 for a copy of the book to put in his waiting room.

“Just a lot of nice things have happened,” Kent says about distributing the book. He knows of a family in which the kids have been taking turns reading Sandy’s poems to each other. People who learn the story behind the book give him hugs.

“As long as there will be people who buy it,” he says, “I’ll keep printing them.”

Anyone who wants a book can buy it at Blades or the scrapbook shop, or call Kent at 787-8677 or e-mail him at khill326@aol.com.

Money from the book sales has been given to ALS and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The MDA has a division for research into ALS.

“If I knew who had the best shot at curing the disease,” Kent says, “I’d funnel the money to them. I’d like to see it cured in my lifetime.”

Sandy will be remembered for a lot of things and, now, for the poems she wrote for children. Though she and Kent never had children of their own, through her art she will bring joy to a lot of young kids.

I will leave you with one more of Sandy’s poems. This one might be for grown-ups. It’s called “Dumb Mice?”

“Mice in a maze/Cheese surprise!/Humans in a maze/Without any prize.”

Everybody has a story. The problem is that some of them are boring. If yours is not, contact Dave Bakke at 788-1541 or dave.bakke@sj-r.com. His column appears Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/22145.asp

Former Funny Car racer Sherman dies

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by Phil Burgess, NHRA.com
12/19/2007

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Former Funny Car racer Ray "R.C." Sherman, who piloted a long line of entries including the Black Magic and Raybestos machines, died Dec. 18 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was 64.
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Sherman and the ATI Black Magic teams were prolific match race contenders in the mid-1970s and were known for having a quick car that seldom broke, thanks to Bill Barrett's tune-up that relied on smaller engines and superchargers than the national event heavies yet was capable of competitive times. The team won several NHRA National Opens, IHRA national events, and many match races.

Sherman, of Frederick. Md., had been involved in auto racing since 1959, originally in sports car drag racing, then, with Len Cottrell of Chicken Chokers fame, stepped up to a gas-burning Corvette Funny Car in 1972.


In 1975, Jim Beattie, owner of ATI Transmissions, asked Sherman to pilot his Black Magic Vega, which had been driven by Al Segrini. The team campaigned through the 1977 season, when Sherman fielded his own Arrow Funny Car that eventually ran as the Dirt Shirt Express through 1982. In 1983, he earned corporate sponsorship from retail giant Kmart and fielded the Kmart Motorvator entry through 1985 and competed in 1986-88 with backing from Polaroid. In 1989, he began a long stint in the seat of Nick Boninfante's Raybestos entry. Although never a final-round contender in the NHRA series, the team did win an IHRA championship and stayed together through the 1993 season.

Sherman continued to compete infrequently in 1994, driving Paul Smith's school car and for Dan Richards before retiring.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger, and mother, Alise.

http://www.nhra.com/content/news/26010.htm

Press Release Source: Randy J. Valli


Obituary: Caesar J. Valli (1925-2007) -- Beloved Maitre D' Welcomed 100,000+ Diners to Famous 'Hill' Restaurants in 1970s, 80s and 90s
Saturday December 22, 3:17 am ET
St. Louis, Missouri and Bi-State (MISSOURI-ILLINOIS) Region


ST. LOUIS, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Caesar Joseph Valli died at his home Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, 11:00 p.m., of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or "Lou Gehrig's disease." Valli was 82.
For Photo: http://www.CaesarValli.com

For decades, Valli was a fixture at some of The Hill's most popular Italian restaurants. As weekend Maitre D', his was the face that greeted more than 100,000 diners at Rigazzi's, Da Baldo Trattoria, formerly Da Vinci's, Bartolino's, and finally Cunetto House of Pasta. He also served as weekend Maitre D' for seven years at Italian Gardens/Bartolino's South in South St. Louis County.

Valli was born and raised in the St. Ambrose Parish on The Hill. He grew- up in the same tight-knit neighborhood as Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra and Joe Garagiola, Sr. Both Berra and Garagiola became baseball Hall of Famers. Garagiola went-on to broadcast for NBC, and Berra became famous for his malapropisms, or "Yogiisms." All three were born into the St. Ambrose Parish in 1925 or 1926 and were friends on the playgrounds. Valli often joked that he "had the same English skills as Yogi Berra."

A first-generation American, Caesar Joseph Valli was born in St. Louis on April 27, 1925 to Pietro Allesandro Valli and Antoinette Benedetta Valli (nee Bottarini), both of whom immigrated to the U.S. from Turbigo, Italy in 1922. Turbigo is in the Lombardy region in northwest Italy, about 30 miles west of Milan; its current population is about 7,200.

Valli is survived by wife Carolyn, daughter Lynn, son Randy and daughter- in-law Patty, son Tim and daughter-in-law Chris, and grandchildren Peter, Monica and Sarah. He is also survived by sister-in-law Margaret Kistner, and brother-in-law Ray Schulte.

Visitation, mass and funeral arrangements are pending. Visitation will be at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., Affton, Mo., (date and time to be announced shortly). The funeral mass will be held at St. Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Ave., City of St. Louis (date and time to be announced shortly). The final resting place will be Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 Mackenzie Rd., South St. Louis County.




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Source: Randy J. Valli

One man's life tells larger story
Bill McCarthy, Burnaby Now
Published: Tuesday, December 25, 2007

On Oct. 20, Elio Sicolo passed away after a battle with ALS, more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 62 years old.

For so many of his customers and friends in South Burnaby, he was simply Elio, who operated his comfortable barber shop at Royal Oak Avenue and Rumble Street for over 30 years.

He was my barber for this entire time. I greatly appreciated his friendship. Over the years, while my hair decreased, our conversations increased. And while he was an excellent barber (you never referred to him as a hairstylist), he was even a better man. I had thought about writing a column about Elio, tying in the role of the small business operator and the changing nature of commercial real estate in Burnaby since I realized he would be retiring about two years ago.
I thought more about this during his beautiful funeral service and decided to write these words this month and further connect it in to the changing demographics of Burnaby.

As with any exemplary person, one can learn a great deal by his example.

Elio was an extremely well-read individual, a keen observer of the events and individuals.

He was a very practical person. Over the years, he cut the hair of politicians from all political parties and all levels of government. He also had as his customers many business owners and operators, employers and employees. All of them were fond of Elio and remained his customers for decades.

When Elio wanted to emigrate to Canada from his small village in Italy, it took him almost three years of applying. This was in the beginning of the Trudeau era before immigration policies were essentially rewritten, and those wanting to come to Canada required both a plan and perseverance.

After multiple applications, Elio was able to join his brother in Edmonton only after his brother guaranteed his sponsorship and Elio could prove he had work lined up and sufficient command of English in the country he planned to make his new home.

From this time forward, Elio embraced his new country and never complained about the long hours he worked and what was expected of him as a new citizen.

He and his wife Christine proudly raised their five children from the income he generated cutting hair. He gave back far more to his adopted country than he ever took. And he was an entrepreneur: leasing space, generating revenue, paying taxes and expenses. He provided quality service for a fair price.

And now, almost 40 years after Elio was permitted into Canada, it has been reported that more than half of Burnaby's population was born outside of Canada. Fully 56 per cent of Burnaby residents have languages other than English or French as their primary language.

These trends were well underway while Elio was still working, and he would often reflect on how times had changed since he was permitted into this country.

He could never have dreamed of so many services and benefits being provided for newcomers. Nor is it likely, knowing the man, that he would have been comfortable accepting them. He acknowledged that sacrifice and personal accountability and responsibility made him appreciate what he had earned through his own hard work.

Canada's size and diversity and rapidly declining birth rate means we will increasingly need immigrants. The question going forward will be from the huge and unprecedented numbers of new Canadians in our city and province, how many of them will prove to be the great asset to our country and city that Elio Sicolo proved to be.

William P. J. McCarthy is president and CEO of W. P. J. McCarthy & Co. Ltd., a firm specializing in property management and development.

http://www.canada.com/burnabynow/new...2d46f3&k=24394

George V. Cowdrey II Oct. 30, 1937-Dec. 26, 2007

story updated December 28. 2007 1:00PM



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George V. Cowdrey, II of Sylvania passed away in his home on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). George was diagnosed in January 2007. George was born in Ottawa Lake, MI on October 30, 1937, to George and Ila (Burghardt) Cowdrey.

A retired teacher and principal with over 30 years in the Bedford Public School System, his legacy as an educator continues in the lives of the children he taught and the educational opportunities he championed for his students. George spent most of his career as the first elementary school principal at Smith Road School, a school that opened in the 1970s, and was known for its unique approach for educating young children. George had a sense of humor ranging from witty to ridiculously slapstick that kept everyone smiling.He made morning announcements a comedic learning opportunity for the children and teachers alike. George had an infectious smile and the ability to see the funny side of any situation. He was the kind of administrator that attracted the best teachers and he developed a loyal, talented staff. George spent a majority of his life giving back to the community as an educator, mentor, and friend to many and to his family, he was indispensable.

George held various teaching positions in Bedford Public and Washington Local Schools from 1961-1971. He was then appointed to chair the Education Specifications Committee of the new Smith Road Elementary School. George recommended an open education concept format (several rooms that open together and share a common space allowing student/teacher interaction/communication). This approach was adopted at Smith Road and George was appointed as the Principal of Smith Road Elementary School from 1971-1994. During this time frame, George also served as the Principal of Temperance Road Elementary School from 1990-1991. George retired in 1994 at age 55 while serving as principal at Smith Road. He later served as President and Recording Secretary of the Kappa Delta Phi Alumni Association.

George attended Blissfield High School from 8th through 12th grade. He received a Bachelors Degree in Education at Eastern Michigan University in 1961 and later obtained a Masters Degree in K-12 Education Administration.

George had a lifelong love of trains ranging from model railroads to live steam locomotives. He worked as a part-time employee of the Adrian Blissfield Railroad, and volunteered his time to the Northwest Ohio Live Steamers and more recently the Southern Michigan Railroad Society (SMRS). He served as an engineer running train excursions for SMRS, instructing new engineers and providing his guidance and support to the organization as a board member and secretary. George also had a reputation as a consummate handyman and he was known for his unique approach to repairing anything.

George is survived by his wife of 44 years, Salinda; his children, Lucinda Binni (Bassam), Katrina Walls (Robbie), George Cowdrey, III (Kristina); and grandchildren, Gavin Binni, Elizabeth Walls, and expected grandchild Kira Cowdrey in March 2008; and brother Carl Cowdrey (Theresa); and sister Betty Keezer.

Visitation will be held at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St., Sylvania, on Friday, December 28, 2007 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 12:00 pm at Monroe Street United Methodist Church at 3613 Monroe St. in Toledo with viewing at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.

The family suggests memorial contributions are to be made to one of the following organizations: Monroe Street United Methodist Church; The ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter at 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, OH, 44115; or the Southern Michigan Railroad Society at P.O. Box K, Clinton, MI, 49236.

Alternative cinema’s right-wing champion
By Diane Dietz
The Register-Guard


Published: December 30, 2007 06:01AM



He was a spy, a helicopter pilot, a patriot and a right-wing conservative who spent his career screening art films for Eugene’s liberal elite.

Michael Lamont, owner of the Bijou Art Cinemas, was a private man who didn’t exactly hide his views but didn’t exactly trumpet them either, longtime friends and employees say.

“He was someone very far to the right to show left-leaning films. There’s some ambiguity there that I never penetrated,” said Lois Wadsworth, a retired film critic and arts editor.

Lamont died Dec. 22 of Lou Gehrig’s disease, which over a half-dozen years slowly robbed him of his ability to walk, eat, breathe, speak and finally live. He was 62.

Gone is a man of enormous talents and contradictions, say many who knew him.

As a young man growing up in El Paso, Texas, he was a “genius” with a perfect grade record, according to his sister, Michaele Rychetsky, of Redmond.

At age 18, he joined the Air Force, which sent him to Yale to learn Chinese. After that, he was based in Taiwan, where his job was to translate Chinese radio transmissions, Rychetsky said.

After his hitch in the Air Force, he joined the Army because that branch would allow him to do what he really wanted: Fly. He became a helicopter pilot and served for an additional five years.

At age 32, he came to Eugene to study computer science, but got derailed when he took up a hobby of showing Super 8mm films in the “wine loft” of a campus restaurant called Aunt Lucy Devine’s.

It was a short step from there to opening the Bijou in 1980 in the venerable mission-style building at 492 E. 13th Ave. in Eugene, which had served previously as a church and a funeral home.

“Everything was sort of accidental,” he once told a reporter. “Things don’t always go as planned.”

Within a month of opening the Bijou — at age 35 — Lamont abruptly changed his name. From birth until that point, he was Robert McNeely. After, he was Michael Lamont.

Rychetsky said he chose the name “Michael” to honor his mother. That’s what she’d wanted to name him, but somehow he got pinned with his paternal grandfather’s moniker. Apparently, he just liked the sound of Lamont, she said.

“All my kids were used to calling him Uncle Bob,” she said. “It was kind of strange.”

Lamont was an artist who left boxes brimming with notebooks and microcassettes with records of dreams, song lyrics and melodies and ideas for stories and products and projects.

He could instantly play any instrument. He learned accordion as a small child, played baritone horn in high school and piano, guitar and drums as an adult.

He believed “The Grumbles” was the perfect name for a rock band, but he wouldn’t tell anybody lest they steal it, said Jamie Hosler, who worked for Lamont for seven years, lived with him for a year and was his friend until his death.

In 1989, Lamont felt compelled to enlarge images from the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, which he exhibited at a campus coffee shop, Hosler said.

It was hard to tell if he was moved by the bravery of the Chinese, Hosler said. “We had a conversation about it at the time, that basically all art was to pick up girls with.”

Lamont’s Bijou became an essential part of Eugene’s cultural life, especially when the city’s 11 commercial cinemas winnowed to just a few.

“It was an exclusive entree to the kind of film you’d never see in a traditional, commercial movie theater,” said Lloyd Paseman, retired editor and movie critic. “And that was important and it’s still important.”

The Bijou is revered by Eugene’s counterculture for its yeasty, organic popcorn and for showing small, offbeat, classic and foreign films the multiplex theaters often pass by.

Little in the ambience betrayed the owner’s point of view.

Lamont was an early fan of Rush Limbaugh and a latter-day participant on the conservative Lars Larson radio show, according to family and friends.

When protesters thronged in the streets to protest the first Gulf War, Lamont was a counterdemonstrator, sticking up for the first President Bush on the other side of the street.

When President Bill Clinton visited Springfield in 1998, Lamont stood in the streets to protest. Lamont contributed to Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, a group that challenged presidential candidate John Kerry’s war record four years ago.

“He had this particular feeling of right and wrong in politics,” Rychetsky said.

Lamont strongly felt that a flag was the right replacement for the cross on Skinner’s Butte and wrote a moving letter to the editor with his rationale: “We look up at those stars and stripes — Old Glory, a symbol of our revolution, our history, our sacrifices, our mistakes, our triumphs, our future course. How lucky, how very lucky, we are to see it fly.”

Despite his strongly held views, Lamont succeeded for more than quarter century in a left wing business in a liberal town.

“He was a conundrum because he loved art films, and he was this other guy. He tried not to associate his goofy rantings with the Bijou, but he was very politically active,” said Louise Thomas, who knew Lamont for two decades and continues to manage the Bijou.

He’d argue with the Bijou’s fix-it man, Sparks, who had opposing views on many issues, Hosler said, but the repartee was without acrimony.

“Sitting with the two of them at lunch was like sitting with an old married couple. They’d argue back and forth — just arguing for the sake of arguing,” he said.

Ex-employees said Lamont was hard to work for. He could be harsh, and the atmosphere was sometimes tense. And he would engage in arguments with employees.

But he’d also send them e-mails on topics that interested them, saying “you mentioned this the other day,” Holser said. “Even if he was arguing with you it seemed like he was paying attention to what you were talking about,” he said.

Thomas worked for him for years, quit in anger and then went back to work for him again in 2002 after he got sick.

“He was difficult to get along with, but a lot of us never left him. We would get mad and leave and be drawn back,” she said. “He was so unlike anyone else in the world. He was difficult, but also glorious.”

Lamont was a vigorous man who ran, hiked, snowboarded, paraglided and climbed towering rocks. Although he had no children, he was devoted to his nieces and nephews.

Once, while visiting his sister when her children were 3 and 5 years old, he disappeared into the bathroom. He emerged with a pile of suds on his head and on the backs of his hands, which he clapped, and the bubbles flew. “They thought it was the most comical thing,” she said.

Diagnosed at 56 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neuromuscular disease, Lamont kept disability at arm’s length as long as he could, Thomas said, accepting a feeding tube and a ventilator to aid his breathing only when absolutely necessary. He lived on a ventilator for five years, Thomas said.

“He just wouldn’t stop,” she said. “His body was so done. It was so tired, but it was his will. He concentrated on not dying for the longest time.”

A match made on the front page


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Virginia Holberton fell for her husband, Douglas, after reading his war letter in the "Times-Union."

(January 3, 2008) — I owe meeting my husband to the now-defunct Times-Union newspaper here in Rochester. In 1966, the Times-Union ran, on its front page, stories and pictures from servicemen from the area who were in Vietnam. Douglas Holberton, a sergeant in the Marines, wrote the second letter. As I read his letter and biography, I realized he lived about a mile from my parents, with whom I lived. I was new to the Henrietta area, as I had lived in Webster most of my life.

I was impressed that Douglas and the other servicemen would take the time to respond to the newspaper's request about why we were in Vietnam. Using the sketchy address published in the newspaper, I wrote to Douglas to say thank you for fighting for our country. I should add that he was very handsome.

Somehow he received my letter and asked me if I would write to him as a pen pal, which I did. I later learned two other girls and a houseful of nurses near Strong Memorial Hospital also wrote him regularly. When Doug came home, he decided to personally thank each girl for writing to him. I was girl No. 3. We met at my parents' home for the first time on Feb. 1, 1967. Doug was 27 and I was 24. Our love grew quickly, and on Jun. 30, 1967, five months after meeting, we were married.

We enjoyed 261/2 years together and raised two sons, Michael and Chad. On Jan. 22, 1994, Doug died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Doug was a wonderful husband and a great role model for his sons. So thank you, Times-Union, for our union.

— Virginia (Ginny) Holberton of Greece