LAS - Key Persons
Arthur Pierce Dull passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family after a long, happy life of nearly 84 years. He is survived by Carol Dull, his devoted and loving wife of 54 years, along with their 3 daughters: Judy (Chris), Laura (Paul), and Tammy (Erin), and 6 grandchildren. Together, Art's family will sustain and treasure his precious memory with the same love and happiness, which he brought to their lives.
Art was full of life and love, a devoted family man whose presence touched many lives over a lifetime of public service and positive influence. Born to Marian Bruna Dinelli and Charles Oxford Dull in Berkeley, CA, Art graduated from Acalanes High School and College of the Pacific before earning a M.A. in Mathematics from University of Utah. While in college Art began refereeing high school football, a passion he continued for over 30 years. His teaching career began at Las Lomas High School. He continued his career at Diablo Valley and Los Medanos Colleges where the California Mathematics Council for Community Colleges honored him with their Teaching Excellence Award and their Distinguished Service Award. In all Art had a distinguished teaching career of 51 years.
Art committed much of his life to the Bar 717 Ranch, a children's summer camp in remote Northern California, where he worked as a counselor, administrator, and support staff. He gave back to the camp community for 60 years. The Bar 717 Ranch community and philosophy were truly one of Art's greatest treasures.
Art nurtured his love of theatre with annual trips to the Ashland Shakespeare Festival in Oregon interspersed with countless regional performances and festivals. Never one to just be an observer, Art worked at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek as a stage manager and assisted with security. In Art's "spare time" he travelled the world with his wife, while also squeezing in annual vacations with his children and their families to Kauai.
Art's family will be honoring his wishes not to have a memorial service, but would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported and loved them during this time. Art's life will live on in the memories of his many friends, family and loved ones.
GATES, Craig B. 1948 - 2016 Craig Bruce Gates, longtime Santa Rosa resident, passed away suddenly of a heart attack in Tomintoul, Scotland. Craig was 68 years old and died on June 10, 2016 while vacationing in Scotland with his beloved wife, Faune Gates. Craig, affectionately known as Craiger or "Da" to his grandchildren, was born in Hawthorn, California on May 15, 1948. Son of George F. Gates and Virginia Larsen (both deceased), Craig was the youngest of three brothers. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Biology in 1970 and was married that same year on December 19 in Santa Rosa to his best friend, Faune M. Cochran. Craig worked for 31 years as the General Manager at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, finishing his career as Facilities Manager at LEMO USA in Rohnert Park. Craiger had his pilots license and enjoyed flying, was a cookie-maker extraordinaire, was a wonderful artist, could fix or rebuild anything broken, loved traveling and was always the most cheerful, most generous and fun one at any gathering. All of us who were blessed enough to know Craiger or Da knew his greatest source of pride and accomplishment was his family and all the happy memories they shared together. Craig was adored by his two daughters, Kindra L. Sampson and Aimee E. Gates. Craig will live forever in the hearts of all those he is leaving behind: Faune Gates, his wife of 45 years; two daughters, Kindra L. Sampson and Aimee E. Gates; sons-in-law, Scott A. Sampson and David A. Hemenway; and grandchildren, Lauren E. Sampson, Colin A. Sampson, Chase A. Hemenway and Avery K. Hemenway. Craig is survived by brothers, Dr. George Gates and Bill Gates, and sisters-in-law, Jill Gates and Dale Gates; brothers-in-law, Rick Iversen and Bruce Cochran, and sisters-in-law, Vicki Iversen and Marcia Cochran; as well as many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service on June 26th at 1:00 p.m. at Willowside School, at 5285 Hall Road in Santa Rosa, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Craig's name to the Oak Grove Education Partners (OGEP) at 5285 Hall Road in Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
Donald Bruce McNay Jan. 17, 1948 Aug. 26, 2010 Resident of Walnut Creek Beloved father and husband, Donald B. McNay, age 62, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at home surrounded by loved ones. Born to Bruce and Jeanette McNay in Oakland, California on January 17, 1948, Don grew up in Walnut Creek and graduated from Las Lomas High School in 1965. He was a prominent leader in the cable television industry for over forty years, where he was a valuable mentor and inspiration to his colleagues. Don was a very thoughtful, loving and caring person who went out of his way to help his family, friends and fellow man. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Becki McNay; two sons Daniel McNay and Quentin Osborne; three daughters Jennifer Gainey, Mandy McNay and Mikala McNay; four grandsons Oliver Gainey, Tristan McNay, Joshua Osborne and Christian Osborne; and two granddaughters Ellie Gainey and Brittany Morrow. He is further survived by cousins Patti Sudduth; Jim and Vera Volk; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Private funeral services will be held for Donald Bruce McNay at Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Duane Louis Dec. 10, 1931 - July 15, 2012 Resident of Brentwood Duane John Louis entered into eternal rest at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Huntington's Disease on Sunday, July 15. Duane was born in Alameda, CA to Duane and Edna Louis and graduated from Alameda HS. He earned a degree in History and was quarterback for the Santa Clara University football team, even earning a try-out later with the SF 49ers. After ROTC and serving in the Army two years, Duane began his 32 year career in education, earning his Masters and Administrative Credential at USF. He taught and coached championship football and baseball teams at Las Lomas HS in Walnut Creek. He was honored as one of the top coaches in the Bay Area and co-coached in the first Alameda/Contra Costa HS Football All-Star Game. Duane was also an administrator at Las Lomas HS and at Acalanes HS before retiring in 1989. Duane is survived by his loving wife, Annette, of almost 59 years; devoted children Debbie White (Chuck) of Dublin, Michael Louis (Machiko) of Redondo Beach, Paul Louis (Cindy) of Concord, Gayle Leiser (Pat) of Antioch, Karen Louis (Joe) of Martinez, Steve Louis (Roxanne) of Antioch, David Louis of Casper, WY and Duane Louis (Donna) of Pleasant Hill. He is survived by 21 grandchildren (Jen, Erin, Laurie, Nathan, Jessica, Jamie, Joel, Michelle, Bryant, Ryan, Nicole, Emily, Danae, Paige, Matt, Michael, Garrett, Jordan, Maria, Spencer and Jackson) and 5 great grandchildren (Silas, Riley, Trinity, Levi, and Hudson.) He is also survived by his sister, Donna Zunino, of San Leandro. Duane and Annette lived in Pleasant Hill for 29 years and were active at Christ the King Parish and College Park HS. They have resided in Brentwood for 18 years and have been active at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and Summerset 1. Duane enjoyed golf, traveling, SIRS, Santa Clara Alumni, and the innumerable athletic events and activities of his children and grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. A reception gathering will follow at the Summerset 1 Clubhouse, 1675 Crispin Dr., Brentwood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Ave, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018 or hdsa.org.
My full name was Robert Gary Fenske, but everyone knew me as "Gary" (confused the heck out of teachers and employers/businesses for years!). Please make sure you have a little extra time for this review… you might even want to get a snack or your favorite beverage. The stronger the better, I assure you.
So, many of you may remember, I was the one that was not so much a jock, but more of an "athletic supporter"… and by that I mean (besides the pun), I was the manager of the Football team, track team, and wrestling team… but I was also on the swimming team. They must have liked me, as I got a "B" Letter Sweater for all of it. (You do know that the "manager" of the teams is really just the "gofer", and does all the work so the others can shine)!!
Margaret Hurt Mahler June 11, 1923 to Dec. 6, 2004 Margaret (Peggy) Mahler passed away peacefully on December 6, 2004, in Walnut Creek, California. Peggy is survived by her husband, Leonard, her children, David, Nancy and Barbara, and her sister, Ruth. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Peggy moved with her mother and sister to Sacramento in 1929, and then to Berkeley in 1932. She graduated from Berkeley High School in 1940 and from the College of the Pacific in 1944. She and Leonard were married in 1946 and they settled in Lafayette. Peggy was known for her fun-loving spirit, her sense of humor, and her caring nature. Her love for her family was enormous, and she was devoted to her many friends and her sorority sisters. As an English teacher in the Acalanes School District, she was a guiding and inspirational figure for thousands of high school students over her more than thirty-year teaching career. Peggy passed on to her children her love of books, nature, sports, and travel. Once retired, Peggy and Leonard traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, December 10, at 10:00 am, at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Save Mount Diablo Fund, 1196 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek, CA, 94595.
Michael R. Mahan Teacher and Coach 73, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2008. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born in Oakland on Nov. 18, 1934. He attended Saint Joseph's High School and later graduated from San Francisco State University. Michael spent a short time in the army where he coached and created a successful youth athletic program. For the last 30 years he has been a resident of Los Gatos. He spent his career teaching English and coaching J.V. basketball at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino. He was best known for his passion for teaching and for his vibrant sense of humor. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Michael is survived by his children, John, Lori, and Greg; grandchildren, Alison, Jake, and Heidi. He is also survived by sister, Mary Ellen Frederick. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 19th at 1 p.m. at Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills, 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. For more info contact please mahangreg@yahoo.com.
William Gordon Carroll beloved Actor and Vocalist passed away after a long and valiant battle with his health. He touched a multitude of lives with his gentle and giving spirit, talents, and positive outlook on life. William was born in Libertyville, Ill. to Charles E. Carroll, Jr. and Kathryn Dee Carroll (nee Abney). He graduated from Los Lomas High School with a degree in Business. He was fluent in both. French and English. William had a unique ability to charm a person with his numerous accents. As an Honored Tuba player he was a member of the California University Berkeley Marching Band. William was versatile with musical instruments, playing five different instruments from the violin to the bassoon. He worked 35 years for the Pacific Bell Company now AT&T, working his way from climbing telephone poles and phone installation to Senior Data Specialist and Data Center Management. At age 5 he fell in love with music surrounded by his brothers and the families pet hamster. William donned in his fathers hat, tooted to his mothers organ music with a bugle made from the insides of a of an old coffee perculator. He went on to dedicate 55 plus years to being a technician, musician, singer and actor. William sang in barbershop quartets and for 3 years he was a singing bartender at the Sea Witch in Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco. He added his romantic and spiritual tenor voice to many weddings, church services and stage productions. William has over 65 plus shows, commercials and company training videos to his credit. His on stage appearances included the roles Snug the Joiner in the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as Mr. Bumble in Oliver, and Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls. A few of his favorite roles were Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, Robert Livingston in 1776, and The Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz. The highlight of his many years working backstage and on stage was playing the role of Sancho in The Man of La Mancha beside his loving friend Robert Roger. William was co-founder and president of the highly acclaimed Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble, where children see fairy tales come true. He won the coveted Shelly award for his contribution to children's theater. He played Santa Claus for the City of Walnut Creek, and was blessed to hear many children's wishes for others. William enjoyed a well planned practical joke, and there were many! His fun, loving, and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial to be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 1050 Flores, Rio Vista, CA. (707-374-5003) All are welcome to attend a dessert reception after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, William asked that donations be given to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Rio Vista to enhance their music and art programs.