Mike was a proud UAW member at GM and NUMMI plant for over 40 years. His lifelong passion for sports and people included umpiring at Willow Pass Park for over 20 years, coaching basketball at Concord High and women's slow pitch softball.
His love for competition was only surpassed by his love for his grandchildren and family.
After a brief battle with cancer, Robert Charles Campbell, Jr., died Tuesday morning, February 28, 2006 in Walnut Creek, California. At his side were his loving wife, Joan; father, Robert Campbell, Sr.; brothers and sisters, Bonnie Todd, Steven and Debbie Campbell, Sandy and Hal Bogner, Jim and Dana Campbell, Jennifer Campbell, Karen and Keith McMahon, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, June Campbell. Bob, born August 15, 1949 in San Mateo, California, was a 1967 graduate of Clayton Valley High School. Bob was the sole proprietor of Campbell Services, a professional Painting Contractor of over 20 years exclusively serving the Orinda community.
David is survived by his wife Jacquelyn; mother Charlotte Du Bois; brother Don DuBois; sister Gay (Joe) Green; stepson Harold Jones and his grandchildren Timmy & Jimmy Jones. He was preceded in death by his beloved Australian Shepherd Cody last month.
Bill was born on June 26, 1949 in Concord, California to Talitha Youngblood and Eric Emery. Growing up in Concord, he attended Queen of All Saints Elementary School and Clayton Valley High School, where he was an outstanding athlete on the junior varsity and varsity baseball, basketball and football teams, forging a life-long devotion to sports, especially his beloved A's.
Following high school, Bill attended Oregon State University for two years then transferred to UC Riverside. He graduated in 1973, from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physiology.
His love of the outdoors and skiing attracted Bill to Placerville where he lived for 42 years. He often said that he liked waking up in the morning, taking a look at the Sierras, and if it was a nice sunny day he'd "hit the slopes." He worked in the hospitality industry for several years and was one of the first bartenders at Arnavais Restaurant (mid-70's). After dabbling in Real Estate, he found his niche as a builder, a trade that allowed him the flexibility to work outdoors and to create his own schedule. Bill's breadth of interests and his quiet way of being made him a cherished friend of many.
Bill, the confirmed bachelor, met his wife Donna through his neighbors, Don and Louise Haley. Donna was living in Southern California, so their relationship developed over a few years of occasional visits. On his birthday in June 2004, he proposed and they were married the following October. They shared 14 years together, living many wonderful adventures.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Talitha and Eric, and his sister, Kathleen Anne Emery. He is survived by his wife Donna, his brother Richard Emery (Betty Lou) of Chicago, sister Mary Woods, his daughter through marriage, Susan Davies (Dennis), two grandsons Dillion and Dane from Southern California, several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces, nephews and so many friends.
Bill's Facebook Notice/Condolences
Ross was born in Texas City, Texas, on Aug. 14, 1949, and moved to California as an infant. He grew up in the Florin/Elk Grove area, near Sacramento. In his senior year, his family moved to Concord, Calif., where he graduated from Clayton Valley High School.
He volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was wounded in action.
Ross and his wife of 35 years, Carla Talbott, moved to McMinnville, Ore., in August 2008 from Palo Alto, Calif., on the San Francisco Peninsula, where they had lived for 38 years. Ross was a member of the Yamhill County Sportsmen's Association in McMinnville and enjoyed target shooting at the club.
Ross started his career in communications in Cable TV construction then became a Cable TV technician for several years. He graduated with an Associate's Degree from Bay Valley Tech in the mid-80s.
After working for a series of small companies for a few years, Ross was hired by Digital Equipment Co. (DEC) where he was a network engineer involved with the development and marketing of an early prototype Cable MODEM. Following that he was an independent contractor/consultant for a number of years with his own company, Convergcom.
During his career he designed and implemented communications systems for many prominent clients, including the City of Oakland, San Francisco Muni Court, U.C. Davis, and Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, among others, mostly in California.
Ross loved cars and motorcycles and was proud of having achieved a life-long dream of restoring a 1963 Corvette Stingray. He also loved animals, especially the many pet cats that were in the household over the years.
In addition to his wife, Carla, he is survived by a daughter, Rochelle Parker of Seattle, Wash.; and a son, Michael Eversole, of Waikiki, Hawaii, from his first marriage. He is also survived by a stepson, Eric Peterson of Santa Clara, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Cassie Peterson of Florence, Ore.; and two grandchildren, Bianca and Miles Peterson of Santa Clara, Calif.
Dennis' Facebook site
Link to Obit Website
Geoff graduated from Clayton Valley High School and received his B.S. in Microbiology from UC Davis. He loved hiking, golfing, kayaking, gardening and photography. He was a dedicated craftsman who enjoyed building and designing -- his latest projects were at the family cabin in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Geoff was hard-working and dedicated in all of his endeavors.
He volunteered his time for many charitable and political causes and was an animal and nature activist through and through. He will be missed for his sense of humor, his enthusiastic spirit of discovery and his devotion to making the world a better place.
Geoff is survived by his best friend and life partner, Beverly Kraut; daughter Natalie Smith and her husband Branden; son Miles Fink and his wife Paget; sister Karen Fullerton and her husband Les, and his beloved granddaughter, Vivienne Smith.
Geoff's Facebook Notice/Condolences
Geoff's Facebook Notice of Website
Robert became a carpenter and eventually obtained his license as a general contractor. On June 23, 1973 he was married to Lynda June Lear in Buchanan, Michigan. Robert and Lynda have two sons, Justin Derek and Joseph Daniel. Justin and his wife Amber reside in Livermore and Joseph is at home in Fremont. Robert was surrounded by a large and loving multi-generational family living in Northern California. He also remained close with his sisters Vickie and Glenda who live in Michigan and Indiana.
Don & I met in PE. When I turned 16 I needed a job to make my car payments, so Don got me a job with delivering food with The Chinese Kitchen. This began a lifelong friendship.
When Don graduated from CVHS he changed jobs to a local gas station where he began learning automechanics. Later, he got a job at PG&E in their Concord vehicle service center as a vehicle mechanic.Don married Margaret Switzer and bought a house on Concord.
Don was the most generous person I ever met. He always had a couch for you to sleep on, food for you to eat and beer to drink. He was a steadfast and loyal friend, the kind you could count on to help you move or give you a ride to the airport in the middle of the night.
PG&E promoted Don to supervisor and moved him to the San Francisco garage. After a few years, he transferred to Cambria. There, his lifestyle choices caught up with him and he died suddenly of a heart attack Oct 6, 1993.
Don and Mag were best friends to my wife and I. We had many, many adventures and memories that are still fresh today. We loved him and miss him.
see Margaret Switzer
Linda cherished every opportunity to "play" with her only Grandchild, ISABELLA CARR of San Diego and looked forward to those "Skype" Moments. Linda will be remembered as a strong person who for too many years suffered from the constant pain of her various illnesses. She will be dearly missed.
Mark went to San Francisco State College where he hung out with some like-minded kids who decided to run on the "Beer Party" ticket. As luck would have it they won and found themselves in the middle of the politics of San Francisco State University. Having no real idea of what they were doing, the “Beer Party” President found himself in legal trouble with the financial end of things and was removed from office leaving the Office of the Student Body President to the Vice President...Mr. Mark Kerber!" WHAT! No one saw that coming, especially Mark. But hey, how hard could it be? Mark having meetings with S.I. Hayakawa? He managed not to get removed, and to everyone’s surprise...that title was now on his "Resume". That's "Mark" he always seemed to have that kind of luck. He moved to Lake Tahoe after college and eventually became an Insurance Agent.
A Salesman? Mark was in his element now. He could sell a glass of water to a drowning man. (and get a deposit on another glass!). He was very successful in the Insurance business, giving him the income to have the biggest "Toy Box"...something Mark always wanted. He was about as active at playtime as it gets, he was an avid boater, had a place on the river in the Delta, had many boats in which to cruise on Lake Tahoe, and a Harley in his garage. He lived in South Shore, North Shore and finally settled down in Reno, building a home there. Met and married a lovely woman who had the personality to "hold her own" with him. Mark was...."quite the character" but all of us who knew him were always aware that he also had a huge heart and a good soul. I was asked to write something about him by my fellow CVHS gang members, “The Wochos”, which Mark organized and was the self-appointed President. I'm not quite sure there is enough space on this site to cover the "life and times” of Mark Kerber. He was a good friend of mine and will be missed. Here are a few words from his friends and fellow "Wochos”.
From David Feere: - Hanging with Mark in the 60’s was always an adventure, exciting but a bit scary at the same time, like speeding down 680 in his ’63 Ranchero, 3 in the front, 6 in the open bed and Mark at the wheel, or a road trip to LA in Mark’s Borgward . How fortunate we were to have been part of the “Mark Experience”. The Mark we knew lived by the motto, “Play Hard, Die Young”, lucky for us he lived through that “young period”. May you Rest in Peace
Obituary Web Link
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Patrick Noble McCullough was born on March 25, 1949 to his parents, Emerald Eugene McCullough and Doris Vivian Pew in Bandera, TX. He was the 2nd of 3 sons, his older brother Michael and younger brother Danny. His family moved to Richmond, CA, where his father took a job engraving and printing for the Oakland Tribune newspaper when Patrick was 6 months old.
They eventually settled as a young family in Concord, CA where Patrick grew up with his brothers and friends and graduated high school. His first job out of high school was working at a nearby naval yard loading munitions onto ships. His older brother Michael was drafted into the Army 101st Airborne Division and was killed in action in the Vietnam war in 1966. Patrick decided to enlist into the Navy shortly after that in 68 and served 4 years active duty as an electrician during the Vietnam war on board the naval Destroyer class ship, the USS John Paul Jones. After completing his service he was honorably discharged in 1972.
Patrick got a job at PG&E initially as a truck driver and was able to get into the lineman apprenticeship program. He completed that program and became a journeyman lineman, where he worked for 38 years as a lineman and eventually a crew foreman until retirement.
Patrick got married while in the Navy and had two children, Lisa and Jason, before becoming divorced after 4 years. He met his current wife, Lori, via mutual friends and was married in 1976. They had 2 kids together, Ryan and Corinne, and eventually bought their first home and settled down in Hollister, CA in 1985.
Patrick enjoyed the outdoors with his family, going on camping trips, hiking, fishing, going to the beach, and boating. He battled cancer for 7 years and passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife Lori, and his children, Ryan and Corinne on Thursday, August 27th at 4:45pm. He is survived by his wife, 4 children , 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and counting. Patrick will be buried at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, CA. The service will be in Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Christ Fellowship Church.
Larry n I were a strange match but none the less we had our moments and he had made me laugh with his dry sense of humor and red neck jokes that he always caught me off guard with, as most of you who knew his sense of dry humor and mostly off colored jokes LOL. BUT I am so grateful that he found TRUE happiness in life again with his special lady, Rickie. At this time there are no services being planned. Thoughts are being put together for a later Celebration of Life.
Larry's Facebook Notice/Condolences
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She is survived by her husband, John Barnes; son, Scott Davies; daughter, Heather Davies; Granddaughters, Breanna Chavis, Summer Davies and Hailey Davies; mother, Bernice Mitchell; brother, Danny Mitchell and sisters, Carol and Judy.
He was born July 13, 1949 to Charles and Helen (Tennison) Nicklas in Pittsburg, California. He was united in marriage to Sringara Sharma in September of 2004 in Madras, India. Jerry attended the Church of the Nazarene and worked in quality control at George's in Butterfield. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Jerry is survived by both of his parents and his wife, along with five sons: Jeremy and his wife, Audrey, Matthew, Stephen and his wife, Bree, and James, all of Columbus, Ohio, and Rahul Eapen, of Monett, Mo.; three daughters, Sarah Nicklas, of Harrisburg, VA, Kathy Nicklas and Bethany Nicklas, both of Circleville, Ohio; one brother, James Nicklas, of Verona, Mo.; and one grandson, Andrew.
Born August 24, 1949 (California)
Passed September 19, 2020 (California)
Wayne served in Vietnam and died targically shortly after returning home from his tour of duty
"I knew Boopie since kindergarten and in all those years, his zest for life, and his pure innocence were always at the fore front of his personality. A more unique individual we'll never meet. The class of '67 has lost one of our best." - Dave Feere. For a wonderful article about Lancer, please click here.
Maggie & I were great friends, she & I had more laughs together than I can count. She was sweet & Sassy!! Just my kind of friend. In PE we attempted to play tennis & deliberately hit the ball over the fence in back of one of us...so Naturally, we'd both have to climb over to get it....and get out of a few minutes of PE. Margaret is my favourite name & Maggie was a favourite friend...sorry to lose you Mag....Sherrie Herschbach Ross
From Mick Fitzgerald:
I first met Mag in my Junior year. She was running the delivery operation for the Chinese Kitchen when her boy friend Don Hubert got me a job delivering food. We were close friends until she died on Feb 1996.
Mag had a sharp intellect and love to talk about politics, philosophy, and life’s absurdities. She eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a writer and published of twisted folktales.
Mag and Don Hubert married shortly after high school, divorced and remarried as their lives went through its ups and downs. They were destined to stay connected to the end.
Mag starting showing symptoms of scleroderma in her 20s. None of us knew what it was at the time. At first she just had trouble keeping her hands and feet warm. She was later misdiagnosed with a nerve disease and soon quit trusting doctors altogether. In early 1994, scleroderma caught up with her and Mag passed away at her brothers home in Santa Rosa.
Don and Mag were best friends to my wife and I. We loved her and miss her.
see Don Hubert
Facebook Screeshot Link
Mel raised in Concord, CA and attended Clayton Valley Elementary School, then El Dorado Intermediate and Clayton Valley High School. In High School, he participated in Basketball, Track, and Cross Country. After HS Mel went to Diablo Valley Community College for 2 years, then onto the University of Pacific, in Stockton, CA. He taught in Stockton at Lincoln High School for a couple of years and then changed career course to the Gaming Industry in Nevada. He hit his stride both personally & professionally. All who knew Mel will surely miss him - he had such a thoughtful, caring and generous nature. So talented with a tremendous amount of integrity. So loyal to Family & Friends, always organized. He will be missed - but always in our hearts. He was an all-around extraordinary person - irreplaceable!
Mel is survived by a Daughter, Tara Buff (Davin Rory) from Lahaina, HI; Sister Melody Hanson (Bob) from Twain Harte, CA. A Host of McGuires; Mother-in-law, Sisters-in-law (spouses), Brothers-in-law (spouses), Nieces & Nephews. God-daughter, Reyna McGuire from Fresno, CA and God-Son, Crue Casteel from Gardnerville, NV
We are planning a celebration of Mel's life, at a little later time.
From Jim Rubiales . . .
Mel Thomas was one of my best friends. He was my college roommate at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, he was my Best Man when I married and a life-long friend for over fifty-four years. We taught and coached together at Lincoln High School until he chose to pursue a career in the gaming industry.
Although Mel became a success in his chosen profession, he never changed. He was kind, considerate, a generous host and an appreciative guest. Mel was always willing to lend an ear or bend an ear and never shied away from pitching in to help with a project. Whether he was asked or he volunteered, Mel was always willing to pick up a paint brush, a saw or hammer. He could tell a joke, take a joke and enjoyed a shot of whiskey and a cigar under the evening stars.
I feel fortunate to have had Mel as a friend. He was a loyal friend, a loving husband to Katie, a loving father to Tara, devoted to his family and extended family. No matter how far he traveled he always kept in touch. Whether we talked frequently or infrequently, our conversations always picked up as if we spoke the previous day.
I will miss you, my friend.
Obituary Web Link
Facebook Screeshot Link
A beloved father, brother, son, friend, neighbor, and partner, Stanley Trent, born February 1, 1948, with his larger than life personality, was loved by so many in his family and community. Having retired early following a successful career in sales that he loved, Stan spent the next two decades living out his life's passion of traveling the world on the open seas,meeting lifelong friends and making memories to last a lifetime. Having spent the majority of his adult life in Stockton, there is hardly a person in town who did not know Stan. With his contagious smile, booming voice, infectious personality, and hardy laugh, he was truly one of a kind.
A devout Catholic, Stan devoted much of his later years to his faith and church. Stan loved his family, friends, community, travel, telling a good story, having dinner with family and friends at his favorite local restaurants, and, of course, his cats. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by all those who had the honor of knowing and loving Stan the man.
From Guy Diehl: I'm sad to tell the alumni who may have known Kathy Walker, my high school sweetheart, passed away on March 25, 2020. After 38 years, in 2007, we reunited as a couple. She was the love of my life. I will miss her dearly. As part of her legacy, I want to let people know that she graduated from UC Davis with a Masters Degree in child development and education and spent 40 dedicated years teaching kindergarten in the Vacaville Unified School District of California.
Matt was born March 28, 1949, in Vallejo, Calif., son of Donald and Eva Kofsky Weintraut. He worked for Eagle Food Stores for many years and retired upon their closing.
Carl Frederick (Fred) West, beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, friend, neighbor, and your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate passed away on November 3, 2021.
Fred was born on January 16, 1949. His adventure into this world was later followed by 3 brothers, the infamous West Boys, and the world was changed forever.
Fred was a racing aficionado. This obsession started in his formative high school years and was shamelessly aided by his close friends (who will not be named until the statute of limitations runs out).
In 1978 he married Susan, who remained his partner in crime for the rest of his days. Those in attendance would not forget this notable day to which he wore his naked lady button-down shirt with his powder blue leisure suit. He was nothing if not classy.
Much to his delight and very specific wishes he was graced with two daughters (princess and peaches). He taught them the fine art of selecting a quality hammer, how to fish (well, tried to at least), to be kind, to laugh at yourself, and to be stubborn. He took great pride in stocking their tool boxes.
He had life-long love affairs with racing, guessing what crops were growing in fields he was driving by, baseball, giant bowls of ice cream, Louis L’Amour novels, black powder rifles, and radial irrigation systems. He excelled at wood-turning phallic paper towel holders, finding creative uses for duct tape, knowing the level of water in the canal just by sight, designing backyard sprinkler systems like a NASA engineer, and making you feel like you were the greatest person in the world.
All who loved him dearly will never forget his tenacity, wit, charm, chivalry, humor, and unwavering love. He will be greatly missed.
Instead of flowers, Fred would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for another, in his name. A memorial celebration will take place at Katie’s house (contact family for the address) on November 13, 2021, from 2pm until the bar closes, with the hilarious honoring speeches starting at 3pm. Dress Code: No black is necessary. Preferably something purple (his favorite color). Racing or baseball attire is highly favored. Be comfortable and happy.
Born, April 12, 1949 in Concord, California, she was the daughter of David and Ellen Inez (Whitson) Wik.
She is survived by her husband and caregiver, Ronald L. Chapman of Bloomington, IN. They were married December 9, 1978. Judy is also survived by her daughter, Shawn Alexander and her husband LTC USMC Marc Alexander of Stuttgart, Germany, step-children, Michael Chapman and his wife Trace of Amelia, OH; Tara Kozlowski and her husband John of Apex, NC; sisters, Janet Kenner and her daughter, Cari of California, and Joan Manwill and her husband Michael and their son Michael all of Usk, WA; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was a 1967 graduate of Clayton Valley High School in Concord, CA. She then joined the United States Marine Corp in 1968 serving for two years achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5).
Judi was a Medical Administrator with Humana Hospital in Indianapolis, and with the Department of OB/GYN at I.U. Health Hospital in Indianapolis. She was last employed for the Honorable Kenneth Todd of Monroe County Circuit Court.
She and Ron had 59 foster children over the course of several years. Judi’s hobbie was helping others and hugging her grandchildren.
Obit Web Link
The lifelong resident of Concord grew up and attended schools in the Bay Area, including San Francisco State College (Now Cal. State, San Francisco), where he sat on the student council and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech in 1972. He worked as a Senior Programmer Analyst for the Public Safety Applications Group for the City and County of San Francisco from 1979 until his retirement in 2009.
Bill was a highly dynamic member in the community starting from a young age. As a youth he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and in the Order of DeMolay beginning in 1967. As an adult, Bill was a member of numerous Masonic organizations and service groups including the Concord B.P.O.Elks Lodge # 1994, Diablo Valley Masonic Lodge No.448, Northern California Research Lodge, and the Academia Lodge No. 847. In 1970 he served as Northern California Master Counselor for the Order of DeMolay. From 2005/2006 Bill was the Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch of Masonry. He also received three of the highest awards from Masonry: The Hiram Award for extraordinary service to his lodge, the Knight York Cross of Honor, and upon completing his year as Grand High Priest, he received the Knight York Grand Cross of Honor.
Bill’s hobbies included website creation and maintenance for many of the clubs and organizations he belonged to, as well as being a family genealogy buff and Masonic history scholar. Bill was also an avid and frequent online gamer who ran large organized player groups with members from around the world. He was also a licensed single engine aircraft pilot.
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Jim Woolum, a native of Kansas and a seasoned mathematics instructor, died at home in Clayton.
When the Clayton Wood subdivision was being built in the 1950s, the Woolums anxiously awaited the completion of their new home in Clayton. Mr. Woolum joined the staff at Clayton Valley High School when it opened in September 1958 and taught there until his retirement. His tenure with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District spanned 37 years.
After earning a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State, Jim graduated with a Master's degree in the teaching of mathematics from Stanford.
His contact with students did not end in class, as he stayed at school until 3:30 or later to help any students with questions. He also tutored students in his home every Monday evening. In addition to his academic endeavors, Jim was an avid supporter of the high school sports programs. He rarely missed a wrestling match and spent countless hours with the track team. He attended baseball games, watched the basketball team and cheered the football players.
Many of his former pupils kept in touch with him through the years. He took great delight that in his normal routine as a resident of Clayton, he would encounter teens from long ago who fondly remembered him.
The son of Charles and Bertha Harmon Woolum, Jim met Georgia Cozad at a restaurant in Palo Alto when he was an Army soldier in 1944. Being of considerable stature himself, Jim looked for the tallest girl in the room to ask for a dance. After a brief courtship, they married in Washington state.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Georgia, of Clayton and cherished children Sharon Trueman of Washington; Linda Lee of New Mexico and Jim Woolum of Clayton.
He was the dear Granddad to grandchildren Chuck Trueman and Kerry Bash of Washington and Nicole Gaines of Oklahoma, and great grandchildren Chad Bash of Washington, Haley Gaines, Erika Gaines and Mariah Gaines of Oklahoma. Brother Wayne Woolum of Colorado and sisters Freda Troy of Arizona and Nancy Cramer of West Virginia also survive him.
Jim was affiliated with the Math Association of America and the Retired Teachers Association. He earned the Governor's Award for teaching from 1976 to 1980.
The man was passionate about genealogy, and he and Georgia spent many summers in their motor home touring the country to visit relatives. Jim was an avid photographer and loved to play his guitar and sing.
Born and raised in Springfield, Mass, Charles graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University in 1958. In that same year, Charles married Catherine, and they moved to Berkeley, CA, where they began their family.
After brief stints first as a graduate student in UC Berkeley's English Department and then with the Social Security Administration, Charles acquired his teaching credential and found his niche as a high school English teacher. Charles spent his entire career at Clayton Valley High School in Concord, where he loved going to work every day for 35 years.
Charles dedicated his retirement to his life passions which included spending time with his partner, Diane Hill Cookston, world travel, being with his family, reading, seeing movies, going to the theatre, and hiking.
Charles is survived by his brother Francis Lynch, his children Timothy, Erin and Kevin, and his longtime partner Diane. Although Charles and Catherine divorced in 1979, they were connected through their children, grandchildren, and mutual interests, and the two remained life long friends.
Charles' greatest prize in life, though, were his grandchildren; Joshua and Alicia, Edward, Michael and Daniel, Athena and Arlo. The family expresses profound appreciation to Diane, who provided him with great wit, company, and style for 30 years, and in the end took care of Charles when he was ill.
Charles was a wonderful father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, friend, patron of the arts, citizen, partner, cook, hiker, traveler; he lived well, and maintained his life credo of "a good day, all day, every day."
Many throughout Contra Costa County are mourning the loss of friend, community volunteer and College District Governing Board President Sheila A. Grilli, who passed away on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013.
Grilli was born to Al and Dolly Boyer of Martinez in 1937. After graduating from Alhambra High School in 1955, she went on to East Contra Costa Junior College – now known as Diablo Valley College – where she became editor of the Viking Reporter. After earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1957, Grilli commenced to U.C. Berkeley, where she earned a B.A. in English and Journalism.
Harriett Burt, fellow educator and Grilli’s college roommate at Berkeley, has fond memories of her friend.
“We used to stay up playing gin rummy until the Campanile chimed 2 a.m. So when I came to Martinez five years later to teach at the Junior High, I already knew a lot about the town she loved and contributed to her entire life,” Burt said.
After obtaining a general secondary teaching credential at San Francisco State University, Grilli began teaching journalism at Clayton Valley High School. She also studied for her M.A. in English at California State University-Hayward, and taught writing there for four years.
Later, Grilli would go on to co-own a flooring business in downtown Martinez with her then-husband Bob Grilli, and run a much-loved book shop on Ferry Street. She was an active member of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce throughout both business ventures. Grilli was also a charter member and founding president of the Martinez Historical Society in the 1970s, helping to restore the Borland House, now home of the Martinez Museum. She was a member of the Martinez Land Trust, now known as the Muir Heritage Land Trust, and their long-time treasurer. She was also involved with the Martinez Lioness Club, and was an active volunteer within the Martinez community. Grilli especially loved her church, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, and education, both of which she devotedly served throughout her life.
Grilli was elected to the governing board of the Contra Costa Community College District (CCCD) in 1998, and was serving her fourth consecutive term in office representing areas of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord and Pacheco, when she passed away.
“Sheila was a feisty advocate for the students who come to us with hopes of fulfilling their higher education goals with us,” said Governing Board Vice President John E. Márquez in a Sept. 1 press release. “One of my fondest memories will be the joy on her face as she describes her participation at graduation ceremonies and seeing the contribution our colleges make in the lives of our students. She will be missed.”
Pat Keeble, a longtime friend who worked with Grilli on the staff of the Viking Reporter and helped her during Community College District campaigns, praised Grilli’s service on the board: “During her tenure she championed several successful bond measures to make safety improvements and expand the school’s three campuses. Through the financial reversals of the last few years, she worked hard with board, district and faculty members to maintain the best budget possible that would provide continuing high quality education at what is one of the consistently highest rated community colleges in the state.”
Helen Benjamin, chancellor of the CCCCD, worked closely with Grilli.
“She was a very honest, straightforward, dedicated board member who loved the district. She was always interested in the welfare of the students and employees, and always spoke her mind,” Benjamin said. “She was admired by the staff, managers and students because she was just a very honest person with a great sense of humor, and we will greatly miss her.”
“We will all miss her humor, her intelligence, her hard work and her support of so many of our town’s institutions and good causes,” Burt said.
Also found on Youtube a long and interesting filmed interview that the Martinez Oral History Project did with Mrs. Grilli on her life in Martinez and her many contributions. Here is a link to that interview: Youtube interview
When Frank was a boy of 15 and wanted to start working, it was his sister Palma who encouraged him to inquire at the hotels. After several days with no luck, he found himself in front of the St. Francis Hotel and wondered if he dared go in as it was so prestigious. He did enter and was told they were looking for a pageboy but they did not have a uniform to fit him. He was small for his age still not showing the signs of his eventual 6'1" height. Somehow, he convinced them to alter the double-breasted, dark blue suit to his size, with a determination that would continue to benefit him throughout his life.
Frank was proud to serve his country in WWII, as an army band member stationed in Japan. He loved his country and recently created baseball caps with the phrase "Make USA More United." After the war he went to San Francisco State University on the GI Bill, earning his BA in Music. He continued his education later in life, receiving credentials in teaching and administration.
In 1955 he moved to Modesto for his first teaching job at Del High Elementary. This is where he met and married the love of his life, Freda Doerksen. Frank and Freda eventually moved and made Concord their home for 43 years. Frank worked for the Mt. Diablo School District for over 20 years. First as a band leader at Clayton Valley H.S., and later moving into administration, as vice principle at College Park, Pleasant Hill and Mt. Diablo High Schools. After retiring from the school district Frank got his real estate license and enjoyed a new career as an agent for Centex Realty. He recently remembered these years of selling homes during the day, returning home for a swim in the pool, a chilled martini and dinner with Freda, as "golden days." Frank enjoyed sports; playing tennis and golf throughout much of his life. He was a lifelong avid football fan all the way to the 2021 Superbowl. Frank was devastated by the loss of his wife, Freda in 1995, but persevered to create a new and fulfilling life in Benicia. He enjoyed a healthy social life as a member and musical coordinator of the Benicia Yacht Club. He also continued to serve his love of music as the conductor of the Diablo Regional Band. The Benicia Library manager, Fran, says that she'll never forget the conversation she had with Frank that convinced the Library to open the fireplace area for concerts. "It totally changed how we did things. Frank had walked back there and was impressed with how great the acoustics were. His audience capacity went from 40-85 people. I remember some Christmas concerts where I just kept bringing more chairs out. He was a special man."
Frank enjoyed many jobs and careers including in his city days as a detective for the San Francisco Burnes Agency, but when asked which career he would like to try he said, "I'd like to be a working cowboy, moving the cattle." He loved riding horses as a young man, old Western movies, and never tired of starting his day by watching Gunsmoke while eating breakfast. Frank's legacy will continue to shine and thrive through those who knew and loved him: his three cherished daughters Amy, Judea, Karen, his much-loved son-in law Mark, his many nephews and nieces, their children, and grand-children. Those special in his heart who will remember his presence: Deborah Selman, his music students, Benicia Yacht Club members and the artists he promoted and supported with his nearly 20 years of Jazz-Wine-Art events. We also remember the special bond he shared with his other son-in-law, Phil, and his dear friends Sam and Nancy.
Link to Obit Website
Info for Larry Fogelstrom Memorial Scholarship
Larry Fogelstrom
September 1, 1939 - October 16, 2021
Long time Resident of Clayton, CA Larry Fogelstrom (9/1/39) passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on October 16, 2021.
Larry was born in Bemidji, MN. He graduated from Albany High School (1957) where he was later inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to receive a scholarship to play football at Fresno State After college, Larry joined the Mt. Diablo Unified School District at Clayton Valley High School teaching biology and physical education; he also coached football, baseball, and softball for the Ugly Eagles.
He was on the inaugural football staff at Los Medanos College where he was the defensive coordinator. He umpired USSSA softball for 4 decades, including the USSSA World Series. He was known for his wide strike zone in order to get home early or socialize with the players in the parking lot. He loved fishing and seeing his grandchildren Hannah, Jacob, Sarah, and Nathan.
Larry is survived by his wife of 61 years Marietta, his son Dave Fogelstrom (Tracy) of Brentwood and his daughter Melissa Schwartz (James) of Concord. Larry was a supporter of the Wounded Warriors Foundation and any donations can be directed to them in Larry's name in lieu of flowers or sympathies. The family plans for a small private gathering. The family would also like to thank Cathedral Home Care for making Larry comfortable and well-cared for during his final week.
CVHS Hall of Fame Bio
Tom Passed away of leukemia on December 17th at home with family. Tom was born February 5th, 1938 in Pittsburg, CA to Thomas and Helen DiMercurio. He spent his childhood playing sports at the Pittsburg Boys’ Club and lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field at Pittsburg High. He graduated in 1955 and was later inducted into the Pittsburg Hall of Fame in 1998. He Played football at DVC and then entered the Army where he was stationed in Germany. He played baseball and coached little league while serving. Tom returned to Pittsburg where he married Patti and enrolled at Humboldt State in Arcata, CA majoring in education.Tom played baseball and football for Humboldt and was inducted into their Hall of Fame for both sports. Tom took a teaching and coaching job at Clayton Valley High in Concord where he coached football, baseball, and tennis and retired in 1997. He was inducted into the Clayton Valley Hall of Fame for coaching the three sports.
He and wife, Patti, moved to Trilogy in Brentwood in 2007 and formed lasting friendships within that community. He enjoyed his “coffee group” every morning and played golf and bocce. In 2012, Tom had a bone marrow transplant donated by a young nurse, Michelle, in Texas. She was a perfect match for transplant through “Be the Match” organization. She saved his life and gave him 9 ½ years of precious life. Tom said, “The best compliment you could give me would be to call me ‘Coach’.”
