Additional Pacific Grove High School obituaries, 1899-1942

[taylo...@comcast.net]

1899 Elsie Little (34)
Pacific Grove Daily Review, CA Jan 16, 1914 p1
Death of Miss Elsie Little
Miss Elsie little, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Little, died this
morning about six o’clock after a lingering illness with tuberculosis.
She had been gradually failing for five or six years past and it was
known that she could not recover. The funeral will be held on Saturday
morning at ten o’clock under the direction of Undertakers J.A. Pell &
Son. Interment will be in El Carmelo Cemetery.
LITTLE ELSIE 01 16 1914 MONTEREY 310867 age 34

1905 (t) Bessie Orchard (85)
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA March 9, 1975 p4
Bessie Orchard, 85, a resident of Pacific Grove for 76 years, died
Friday at Community Hospital. Miss Orchard was born on March 23, 1889
in Ayrshire, Iowa. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth G.
Scott of Martinez, a brother, John Orchard of Pacific Grove and a
nephew, John Orchard Jr. of Pacific Grove. Funeral arrangements are
pending at Paul Mortuary.
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA March 10, 1975 p4
Services Set for Bessie Orchard
Services will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Paul Mortuary Chapel
for Bessie Orchard, 85, who died Friday at Community Hospital. The
Rev. Glen Fisk of Mayflower Church of Pacific Grove will officiate at
the ceremonies, which will be followed by burial at El Carmelo
Cemetery.
ORCHARD BESSIE 1889 03 23 FEMALE IA MONTEREY
1975 03 07 545361182 85

1910 Elizabeth Alice Pinkerton (91)
Elizabeth Alice (Pinkerton) Lynch Rogers
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Sept. 24, 1980 p4
Elizabeth Alice Rogers, 91, of Salinas, a lifelong resident of
Monterey County, died Tuesday at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
after a short illness. Mrs. Rogers, born Sept. 2, 1889, in Mission San
Antonio, was a resident of Pebble Beach for 30 years before moving to
Salinas a year ago. She was a member of St. Mary's by-the-Sea
Episcopal Church in Pacific Grove and the Monterey Peninsula Country
Club. Mrs. Rogers, whose husband, John, died in 1976, is survived by
several nieces and nephews. No services are planned. After cremation
at the Little Chapel by-the-Sea, inurnment will be in El Carmelo
Cemetery. The Paul Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

1913 Miriam Neil Haynes Babbitt (?)
Pacific Grove Tide, CA Oct. 16, 1936 p4
Teacher Loses Life on Steamer Voyage
Miss Miriam Neil Haynes Babbitt, formerly a resident of this city and
formerly a teacher in Salinas high school, lost her life while on the
ocean voyage aboard the liner “Dorothy Luckenbach” this week. Details
of the accident are not yet known, the passenger having been reported
as “lost overboard” in a brief message from Captain Harry LeWald. The
vessel is due in New York today. Miss Babbitt’s mother, Mrs. Florence
M. Babbitt, resides at 125 Grand avenue, this city. Her daughter
formerly attended school here.

1919 Phyllis Heath (85)
Phyllis (Heath) Walker
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Feb. 2, 1987 p4
Phyllis H. Walker, 85, a retired English teacher, died Wednesday at
Canterbury Woods in Pacific Grove after a short illness. Born Sept. 8,
1901, in Palo Alto, she had been a teacher for 30 years. In addition
to teaching high school English in Carmel, she also taught in Redlands
and Berkeley. She is survived by a daughter, Shelley Meltzer of Santa
Cruz; a son, Bradford of Kalamazoo, Mich.; six grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. At Mrs. Walker’s request, no services are
planned. Cremation has taken place at the Little Chapel by-the-Sea in
Pacific Grove, under the direction of the Paul Mortuary. The family
suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Canterbury Woods or
the American Friends service Committee.

1924 Margaret Louise Wood (91)
Margaret Louise (Wood) Moore
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Feb. 24, 1999
Salinas – Margaret W. Moore, a retired schoolteacher and secretary,
died Monday at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. She was 91. Born June
16, 1907, in Campbell, she had lived in Carmel Valley for 29 years and
in Salinas for four years. Mrs. Moore graduated in 1928 from Stanford
University with a degree in French, and later earned a master’s degree
from Stanford. She taught for several years at public schools,
including Mt. Shasta in Siskiyou County and Rio Vista in Sacramento
County. Mrs. Moore is survived by a son, Marshall Moore of Salinas; a
daughter, Sharon Paul of San Francisco, and numerous other relatives.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Alta Vista Memorial Park in
Palo Alto. Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel is in charge of
arrangements.
MOORE MARGARET W 1907 06 16 MACFARLAND WOOD FEMALE CA MONTEREY 1999 02
22 545059017 91

1927 William Granger Gates (64)
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Aug. 18, 1972 p4
William “Bill” Granger Gates, 64, of 1001 Del Monte Blvd., Pacific
Grove, died yesterday in Chico while on a visit with his family.
Although death was unexpected he had been in failing health for some
time. A native of Pacific Grove, Mr. Gates was the son of the late
Arthur Gates who was the owner of the last privately-owned bank on the
Peninsula, now the United California Bank of Pacific Grove. Bill Gates
was employed by Del Monte Cleaners, before his recent retirement. He
is survived by his wife, Edith, of Pacific Grove; two brothers, Arthur
of Pacific Grove and Paul of Chico; and one grandson, Frederick
Delgadillo of Grand Junction, Colo. His daughter, Judy Delgadillo,
died in 1965; and his son, Jan E. Gates, died in 1966. Funeral
services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Paul Funeral Chapel.
Burial will follow at El Carmelo Cemetery.
GATES WILLIAM G 1908 01 15 MALE CA BUTTE
1972 08 17 561039925 64

1928 Chester E. Stalter (72)
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Jan. 22, 1979 p4
Chester Stalter Dies; Retired Deputy City Clerk of Monterey
Chester “Hickey” Stalter, 72, retired deputy city clerk of Monterey,
died today at Community Hospital after a long illness. Mr. Stalter, a
native of the Monterey Peninsula, held the deputy clerk post for two
decades before his retirement in 1967. Born Nov. 20, 1906, in Pacific
Grove, Mr. Stalter was an Army veteran of World War II and was one of
the most active and widely known members in the California Department
of the American legion. He served two terms as commander of Monterey
Peninsula Post 41, of which he was a life member, and also was a
former district and area commander and state vice commander. In 1956
Mr. Stalter was a leading contender for state commander. Mr. Stalter
also was an active Mason and was a member of Monterey Lodge 217 F&AM;
the San Jose Consistory of the Scottish Rite and was past patron of
the Year of Chapter 239 of the Order of the Eastern Star. His
memberships included the American Legion’s 40 and 8, and in later
years he was associated with the Bing Crosby national Pro-Am Golf
Tournament. Surviving are his wife, Winonah Stalter of the family home
at 953 Harrison St., Monterey; three sisters, Mrs. Hazel Merriman of
Tulsa, Okla., Mrs. Mabel Lumbers of Perry, Okla., and Eunice Archer of
Glendale. Funeral services are pending at the Mission Mortuary. The
family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Central Mission
Trails Heart Association.
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Jan. 23, 1979 p4
Chester Stalter Services Arranged for Wednesday
Funeral services for Chester “Hickey” Stalter, retired deputy city
clerk of Monterey, will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Mission
Mortuary chapel in Monterey. Burial will follow at Monterey City
Cemetery. Mr. Stalter, 72, died Monday at Community Hospital after a
long illness. A native of Pacific Grove, he held the deputy clerk post
in Monterey for two decades before retiring in 1967.
STALTER CHESTER 1906 11 20 MALE CA MONTEREY 1979 01 22 557074853 72

1929 (t) George William Fitzsimmons Sr. (99)
Contributed by son George W. Jr.
George William Fitzsimmons, Sr. departed this life on February 13,
2008 just five weeks short his 100th birthday. He was born in Salinas,
California on March 16, 1908 to his parents George L. and Bertha H.
Fitzsimmons. He lived his entire life in California and nearly all of
it in Pacific Grove. His Grandfather was Judge A. M. Fitzsimmons, who
served as Justice of the Peace in Pacific Grove from 1918 until he
retired in 1941 at age 95. George attended Pacific Grove Grammar
School on Pine Avenue (later Robert H. Down School) and Pacific Grove
High School. At PGHS he played football and basketball. The second
born of seven children he had an older sister Alba and five younger
brothers. When he was age 11, his sister, only 14 years old, died of
diphtheria. His youngest brother, Douglas was born when he was 16
years old. Two years later, in 1926 tragedy struck the family when his
father, age 49, died of a heart attack, leaving his mother, Bertha
Fitzsimmons with six boys (including 3 teenagers and a 2 year old) to
raise by herself. George was 18 and as the oldest child became the
“man of the family”. He left PGHS before graduation and went to work
to help support his mother and brothers. George married Jeanette
Sandman ‘30 in May 1932 at her parents home on 19th St. in Pacific
Grove. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary together last
year. He worked at a number of different lumberyards on the Monterey
Peninsula. During World War II he had a Civil Service job at Fort Ord
and after the war he worked for many years at Carmel Builders Supply.
George retired from the Seaside Redevelopment Agency in 1973. He was
a member of Mayflower Church in Pacific Grove and attended there
regularly for more than 50 years. At various times, he served as an
usher, deacon and elder. He enjoyed woodworking, building and
repairing everything as well as camping, hiking, photography, trout
fishing and playing games with his family. In 1950 he built a house on
Hillcrest Avenue in Pacific Grove which has been the family home since
that time. George is survived by his wife, Jeanette, son, Bill ‘55
(Ruth) of Morgan Hill, CA and daughter, Susan Fitzsimmons Bryner ‘65
of Falls Church, VA., 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by all his siblings.
Harold ‘32, Roy ‘33, Mervin ‘34, Norman ‘38 and Douglas ‘43.

1930 Knute Gunnar “Kay” Mathison (71)
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Jan. 7, 1984 p4
Knute G. Mathison, a Monterey Peninsula pharmacist for more than 40
years, died Thursday at his home in Pebble Beach after an apparent
heart attack. He was 71. Mr. Mathison, known as Kay, formerly owned
the Midway Drug Store in New Monterey, the Pebble Beach Drug store in
Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Drug Store in Monterey. He retired in
1975. He was born Aug. 3, 1912, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and moved
to the Peninsula 60 years ago from Santa Barbara. Mr. Mathison was a
member of Pacific Grove Lodge No. 331 of F&AM, the Monterey Peninsula
Shrine Club, the Lions Club of Monterey, the Monterey Elks’ Lodge, and
the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. He is survived by three sons,
Russell G. of Anchorage, Alaska, and Donald W. and Jon E. of Pebble
Beach; two brothers, Morris S. of Chalfont, Pa., and Peter A. of
Lincoln; three sisters, Thelma S. Fisher of Lincoln; Myrtle E. Johnson
of Atascadero and Marie G. Davenport of Salinas; and three
grandchildren. His wife, Evelyn S. Mathison, died in 1981. Memorial
services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Paul Mortuary Chapel.
Officiating will be the Rev. C.E. Wilson, chaplain of Robert Louis
Stevenson School. Cremation will follow. The family suggests that
memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association.
MATHISON KNUTE GUNNAR 1912 08 03 ESPELAND MALE CN MONTEREY 1984 01 05
559036650 71

1930 Evelyn Spotswood (70)
Evelyn (Spotswood) Mathison
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Nov. 2, 1981 p4
Evelyn S. Mathison of Pebble Beach, a retired bank cashier, died
Sunday at Community Hospital after a period of failing health. She was
70. Born April 19, 1911, in San Jose, Mrs. Mathison worked at Security
State Bank in Pacific Grove for 10 years after graduating from high
school. She had lived on the Monterey Peninsula for 60 years. Her
memberships included the Soroptimist Club, the Ocean Spray Chapter,
Order of Eastern Star, and Community Hospital Auxiliary. She also was
a Red Cross volunteer and a former member of Monterey Peninsula
Country Club and St. Mary's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific
Grove. She is survived by her husband, Knute G.; sons, Russell G. of
Anchorage, Alaska, Jon E. of San Francisco, and Donald W. of Pebble
Beach; brother, Russell Spotswood of Pine Grove, and three
grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at
the LCC in Pacific Grove with the Rev. C.E. Wilson of Robert Louis
Stevenson School officiating. Cremation will be at the LCC with the
Paul Mortuary in charge of arrangements. The family suggests that
memorial contributions be sent to the Hospice of the Monterey
Peninsula.
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Nov. 3, 1981 p4
Site Changed for services for Evelyn Mathison
A memorial service for Evelyn Mathison will be held Wednesday at 2
p.m. at The Paul Mortuary Chapel, Pacific Grove and not at the Little
Chapel by-the-Sea, as reported in Monday’s Herald. Officiating will be
the Rev. C.E. Wilson of Robert Louis Stevenson School. A spokesman at
The Paul Mortuary said the change in location for the service was made
necessary by a street resurfacing project on Asilomar Boulevard.
MATHISON EVELYN S 1911 04 19 JACOBS SPOTSWOOD FEMALE CA MONTEREY 1981
11 01 557074816 70

1933 (t) Beryle Asher (76)
Beryle (Asher) Kuska
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA March 12, 1992 p4A
Beryle Kuska, 76, of Monterey, a retired waitress, died Tuesday at
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Mrs. Kuska, a native of
Alberta, Canada, was born on March 15, 1915, She came to Monterey
County 65 years ago and attended Bay View Elementary School in
Monterey and graduated from Monterey High School. She had lived at her
present address in Monterey for the last 58 years. For 50 years, Mrs.
Kuska was employed as a waitress, working at various restaurants in
Monterey and Carmel. She last worked at Blum’s in Carmel before
retiring in 1962. She was a charter member, since 1945, of the Women
of the Moose and served as a senior regent for the organization in
1946. In addition, she served as a deputy grand regent for California
and Nevada in 1971 and 1972. Mrs. Kuska was a member of the Women’s
International Bowling Congress and was also a Girl Scout leader in
Monterey for many years. Survivors include a son, Dale of Monterey;
two daughters, Naoma Browe and Verna Simmons, both of Monterey; a
sister, Julia Perez of Oroville; nine grandchildren; and six great-
grandchildren. A memorial service will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at
The Paul Mortuary. Private inurnment will take place later. The family
suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Women of the
Moose, c/o Moose Lodge No. 876, Del Rey Oaks.

1934 Verle Lulu Fleming (68)
Verle Lulu (Fleming) Watson
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Oct. 16, 1983 p4A
Verle Fleming Watson, a resident of the Monterey Peninsula for 54
years, died Friday at Community Hospital after a lengthy illness. She
was 68. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, on Nov. 5, 1914, she moved with her
family to Pacific Grove during her early high school years. She and
her husband, Richard, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last
December. A resident of Monterey since 1945, Mrs. Watson was a
bookkeeper and assistant treasurer for the Monterey Peninsula Teachers
Credit Union, which had it original office in her home. The credit
unit later became a branch of the provident Central Credit Union. She
was a member of the San Jose Scottish Rite Women’s Association, the
Faculty Wives of Monterey High School, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and
more recently, the Funchasers, a recreational vehicle group of the
Monterey Elks Lodge. In addition to her husband, she is survived by
daughters, Shirley Ann Hayes of Fresno and Nancy Jane Mariano of
Carmel Valley; and four grandchildren. A third daughter, Jayette
Audrey Grice, died in 1982. A memorial service is planned Saturday at
10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Pacific Grove.
Cremation is planned, with the ashes to be scattered during private
services next Sunday at Cedar Springs Retreat near Alder Springs. The
Paul Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests that
memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, or the
Diabetes Association.
WATSON VERLE LULU 1914 11 05 HOXIE FLEMING FEMALE
IA MONTEREY 1983 10 14 551562432 68

1934 Edna Virginia Menezes (85)
Edna Virginia (Menezes) Roberts
Reno Gazette-Journal, NV April 9, 2002
Edna Virginia Roberts, age 84, died Monday at a Reno hospital
following a very sudden illness. Born in Monterey County, California
to John and Ida Menezes. She was a homemaker and had resided in Fallon
nearly 7 years. Surviving son, Earl Roberts of Fallon, grand and great
grandchildren living out of town. No services will be held. Cremation
at Smith Family Crematory. Smith Family Funeral home in charge of
arrangements.
EDNA V ROBERTS 11 Apr 1917 08 Apr 2002 (V) 89407 (Fallon, Churchill,
NV) (none specified) 550-36-6922 California

1936 Frances Ann “Fae” Hodges (89)
Frances Ann “Fae” (Hodges) Williams
Monterey County Herald (online ed.), CA June 27, 2008
July 27, 1918 ~ June 20, 2008 Pacific Grove - Frances Anna Williams, a
76 year resident of Pacific Grove, died at Pacific Grove Convalescent
Hospital on June 20. A native of McGill, Nevada, she was born July 27,
1918. Frances and her late husband, Florus, were married for 64 years
until his death in 2002. Florus served in Pacific Grove as a City
Councilman for four years and as the Mayor for ten years, as well as
serving as Foreman of the Monterey County Grand Jury for two years.
Frances proudly supported her husband in all his activities and served
on the Grand Jury for a year herself. Frances was an active member of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monterey Stake.
Politically active, she was a member of "Ladies in Their Eighties", a
group of women involved in protecting the coastline of Pacific Grove.
Frances is survived by her children, R. Bruce (Marty) of Syracuse,
Utah, Russell of Missouri and Susan (Larry) Warman of North Richland,
Texas; 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and her foster son,
Juan Lazerno of Delta, Utah. Visitation will take place at The Paul
Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm.
Funeral services, also at the mortuary, will be Wednesday, July 2, at
1:00 p.m. followed by burial at El Carmelo Cemetery. Contributions are
suggested to the Perpetual Education Fund, 2402 West, 1900 South,
Syracuse, UT, 84075. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign
Frances' guest book and leave condolences for her family.

1938 Kathleen Effie Reese (77)
Kathleen Effie (Reese) Steinman
Fresno Bee, CA Sep 9, 1997
Graveside services for Kathleen Effie Steinman, 77, of Visalia, will
be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Visalia District Cemetery. Mrs.
Steinman, a homemaker, died Sunday. Remembrances may be sent to
Celebrant Singers Scholarship Fund, Visalia. Arrangements are under
the direction of Hadley Funeral Chapel.

1935 Joel David Warrington (63)
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA March 2, 1979 p4
Joel David Warrington, 63, died Tuesday at his home on Blanco Lane,
Salinas, after being stricken suddenly. Although his death was
unexpected, he had been in failing health. He was a retired painter,
who had made his home in the Salinas and Peninsula areas for 57 years.
A native of Lancaster, Minn., he was born May 15, 1915. He was an Army
veteran of World War II, who served for 3 ½ years in the South
Pacific, and was discharged as sergeant. He was a graduate of Pacific
Grove High School, and a life member and former secretary of the
Painter’s Union, Local 272; a member of American Legion Post 694 in
Marina and Post 591 in Seaside, and of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
80 in Marina. He is survived by his wife, Cherice of Watsonville; two
sons, Joel Jr. of Monterey and James of New York; a stepson, Franklin
P. Miller of Prunedale; two stepdaughters, Patricia Donovan of Carmel
Valley and Pamela Ramirez of Redding, and seven grandchildren. Funeral
services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Farlinger Funeral Home,
under the auspices of the Marina American Legion Post. Cremation will
follow with the ashes to be scattered at sea.

1936 (t) Doris Jessie Drever (64)
Doris Jessie (Drever) Bauer
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Dec. 24, 1981 p4
Doris Jessie Bauer died Sunday at her home in Monterey following a
brief illness. She was 64. Mrs. Bauer was born Oct. 9, 1917, in
Fortuna. She had been a resident of Monterey for 55 years. She is
survived by a sister, Virginia Powers, and a niece, Gail Duguay, both
of Seaside. Her husband, Fred, died in 1973. Services will be held
Monday at 2 p.m. at the El Estero Chapel of the Mission Mortuary, with
the Rev. Alex Campbell of the First Southern Baptist Church of
Seaside officiating. Burial will follow at San Carlos Cemetery.
BAUER DORIS JESSIE 1917 10 09 SWEASY DREVER FEMALE CA MONTEREY 1981 12
21 64

1939 Alice Merina Varien (75)
Alice Merina (Varien) McNulty
Fresno Bee, CA, May 11, 1996
Private services for Alice Merina McNulty, 75, of Tulare, will be held
under the direction of Hamilton Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service. Mrs.
McNulty, a homemaker, died May 2.

1941 Wayman Bailey “Toad” Rettig (84)
Obituary contributed by the family
Wayman Bailey “Toad” Rettig, 84, died March 24, 2008 at a care facilty
for Alzheimer’s patients in Oak Harbor, WA. He was born April 24, 1923
in Honolulu, HI, and came with his family to Pacific Grove where he
attended grammar school and graduated from PGHS in 1941. “Toad” spent
30 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief warrant officer. He
served on the U.S.S. Tennessee during World War II, and did tours of
duty in Korea and Vietnam. Hunting, fishing, and golfing were his
hobbies, and he was Episcopalian. His mother, Nellie, preceded him in
death. Survivors include his wife Donna of Freeland, WA, brother Lee
Royce Rettig ’42 of Alpine, and three stepsons, Scott, Steve and
Spencer Lewis.

1941 (t) Mary Louise Menezes (67)
Mary Louise (Menezes) Smith
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Oct. 4, 1991 p4A
Mary Louise Smith, 67, a homemaker and former resident of Monterey
County, died yesterday at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. She was a
resident of Oakhurst at the time of her death. Born in Oakdale on Jan.
31, 1924, Mrs. Smith lived in Monterey County all of her life until
moving to Oakhurst 10 years ago. She was a graduate of Monterey High
School and worked for several years at Salinas Valley Hardware. She is
survived by her husband, Denzil; a son, Allen of Salinas; two
daughters, Darlene Moats and Diana Danelon, both of Salinas; four
brothers, John Menezes of Corning, Bill Menezes of San Juan Bautista,
Fred Menezes of Castroville and Harvey Menezes of Pollock Pines; three
sisters, Edna Roberts of Silverton, Ore., Evelyn Harper of Grass
Valley and Claudine Newby of Quincy; and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be at the Whitehurst Muller Chapel today from noon to
9 p.m. Graveside services will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the
Garden of Memories Cemetery.
SMITH MARY LOUISE 1924 01 31 MARTIN MENEZES FEMALE CA MONTEREY 1991 10
03 554225865 67

1941 Charles Paul Walton (59)
Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA Nov. 19, 1982 p4
Charles T. Walton, a former Pacific Grove resident, died Wednesday in
El Paso, Tex., following a long illness. He was 58. Born Dec. 27,
1923, in Gilroy, he was the son of the late Forrest and Rinalda
Walton. He grew up in Pacific Grove, graduateing from Pacific Grove
High School, and was a 25-year veteran of the Navy. He retied as a
chief warrant officer and saw service in World War II, Korea and
Vietnam. Survivors include his wife, Lucy of El Paso; son, Martin of
El Paso; brother, Edgar of Garden Grove; and sister, Mary Brazelton of
San Jose. Funeral services are planned in El Paso.
Charles Walton 27 Dec 1922-Nov 1982 – 79925 El Paso, El Paso, TX
562-24-0835 CA

1942 David F. LaVine (84)
Redlands Daily Facts, CA May 15, 2008
Big Bear, Redlands resident David PonTell dies at 84
PonTell, a leader in the Big Bear Lake community, owned a historic
home in Redlands and was a member of the Redlands Area Historical
Society
David F. PonTell, a 38-year resident of Big Bear Lake who also had a
home in Redlands since the 1993, died May 4 in Redlands. He was 84. In
his years in Big Bear Lake, PonTell was involved in business and civic
affairs and was played a role in Big Bear Lake's successful bid for
cityhood. He was born Nov. 28, 1923, in Monterey and grew up on the
Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove, where he finished high school as
president of his class. When he was an officer in the U.S. Navy, he
served a tour that included submarine duty at the Bikini bomb tests in
1946. A graduate of Pomona College, he majored in English literature
and minored in business. In Big Bear Lake, he worked in real estate.
In the mid-1970s he established a partnership with Norma Harper, who
was the Big Bear Lake agent for the Bear Valley Mutual Water Co. of
Redlands, with major interest in the lake ownership and management.
When he and his wife, Dee, came to Big Bear Lake in 1970, they
operated Eagle Point Cottages. Through the years, they were interested
in and supported the parks, library and performing arts center in Big
Bear Lake. PonTell was also involved with businesses in the downtown
Village area in Big Bear Lake, taking a leadership role in the Main
Street project and the Village Streetscape project. He was involved in
forming the first parking district in San Bernardino County for the
Village area and he encouraged the Big Bear Choppers. PonTell also
helped develop the community's first sign ordinance and played a role
in achieving cityhood for Big Bear Lake. He was a founder of the
Toastmasters Club of Big Bear Valley, served as president of the Big
Bear Valley Republican Club, served a term on the Park District board
and helped update the 10-year master plan for the valley parks. He
worked with a committee to take control for water service from So-Cal
Water and place it in the hands of the city of Big Bear Lake, and a
reservoir is named in his honor. He and his wife chose Redlands as a
retirement retreat, buying a 1901 Fisk-designed house in a historic
district with a Historic Register designation. They became members of
the Redlands Area Historical Society and the University of Redlands
Town & Gown. He was an avid book collector, and his library contained
special editions of classic California authors. He studied painting
under Ed Runci, experimenting with landscapes. He and his wife
accumulated a vast collection of World's Fair artifacts, from the
first Crystal Palace Exhibition of London in 1851 to the latest
exhibitions in Germany and Asia. There are plans to incorporate the
collection into a museum. In 2001, when the musical "Meet Me in St.
Louis" was presented on the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, he
and his wife loaned items from their collection that related to the
1904 World's Fair in St. Louis for a display in the A.K. Smiley Public
Library. Before moving to Big Bear Lake, he owned Presentation
Industries, a company that designed and built exhibits for museums and
world's fairs. Some, such as IBM's Mathematica, still exist at the Los
Angeles County Museum. Other exhibits that he worked on with Charles
Eames are in places such as San Antonio, Seattle, Vancouver and New
York. In recent years, he underwent a liver transplant and heart
bypass surgery. In an article in the Big Bear Grizzly in November
2000, he attributed his overcoming such physical trauma to "a solid
Christian faith and belief in Jesus, and to be as lucky as I am to
have a good partner and excellent doctors." His wife said his friends
spoke of him as honest, straightforward, reliable, a gentleman and a
great dad and husband. She said he preferred to work behind the scenes
and avoid accolades and that "Big Bear will continue to be a better
place because of Dave's caring and contributions." Survivors include
his wife of 43 years, Donna "Dee" PonTell, a graduate of the
University of Redlands; his children Rene Briggs of Ojai, Leslie
Schreiber of Tiburon, Steve PonTell of Ontario and Annette Kesler of
San Francisco; sisters Jacquie Jones of Pacific Grove and Sara Service
of Union City; brother Sheldon Hawkins of Houston, Texas; six
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His son David Francis
PonTell Jr. died in 1978. A memorial service and celebration of his
life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Big Bear Lake
Performing Arts Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the
American Liver Foundation, 5777 Century Blvd., Suite 865, Los Angeles,
CA 90045, (information at (800) 223-0179, ext. 231, or www.liverfoundation.org);
or to the Salvation Army, (c/o Leah Sanders, attn.: personal), 2320
Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 (information at (619) 446-0283 or
www.salvationarmyusa.org).
Big Bear Grizzley, CA May 14, 2008
Dave PonTell remembered as pioneer in Big Bear Valley
David F. PonTell, a 38-year resident of Big Bear Lake, died Sunday,
May 4, 2008, of natural causes. Born Nov. 28, 1923, in Monterey,
Calif., he grew up on the Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove,
finishing high school as class president. Dave and his wife of 43
years, Dee, owned Eagle Point Cottages where the current McDonald’s
now sits. Dave was a real estate broker and established a partnership
with Norma Harper, the agent for Bear Valley Mutual Water Company of
Redlands. PonTell Harper Realty served Big Bear Valley for more than
30 years. “His gift was seeing the value of someone and seeing
potential,” said Jeannie Antes, owner of O Koo Ran, about Dave
PonTell. Antes was Dave’s tenant for many years, but their
relationship started much earlier, she said. “He knew me from Leroy’s
and knew I had the experience to make it in retail,” Antes said about
Dave. She made it with some help. Antes was 28 years old when she
opened her store, and getting a commercial lease at a young age isn’t
easy, she said. “I think knowing me and knowing my father helped, but
without his help I might not have made it,” she said. Dave was very
involved in stimulating, improving and providing leadership for
businesses in the Village area. He initiated or became involved in:
Forming the first Business Improvement District in San Bernardino
County for the Village Area. Taking a leadership role in the Main
Street project helping to organize events and improvements in the
Village. Being a driving force behind rerouting the state highway and
implementing the Village Streetscape project. Helping to develop the
first sign ordinance and serving on the first architectural review
panel. Performing a role in the successful cityhood for Big Bear Lake.
Supporting Big Bear’s public parks, library and Performing Arts Center
with his wife, Dee. Dave was a founder of the Toastmasters Club of Big
Bear Valley and served as president of the Big Bear Valley Republican
Club. In addition, he served a term on the park district advisory
commission, helping to create the 10-year master plan for the Big Bear
Valley Recreation and Park District. Leo McCarthy of Pine Knot Landing
started working for Dave straight out of college. “He was a fair and
honest man, and working for him was a pleasure because he had no
hidden agendas,” McCarthy said. McCarthy got to know his boss on a
personal level too. “He studied art and painting and had a large
collection of first edition books by California authors,” McCarthy
said about Dave. “He played violin from the time he was 6 years old,”
McCarthy said. Dave was a civic leader, even though he wasn’t as
visible as others, McCarthy said. “He was always behind the scenes
making something happen,” McCarthy said. Dave worked with a committee
to take control of the domestic water service from SoCal Water and
place it in the hands of the city of Big Bear Lake. In a rare
willingness to accept public accolades, Dave accepted the naming of a
DWP reservoir in his honor. Dave encouraged the success of businesses
ranging from O Koo Ran, Room to Room and Big Bear Choppers, just to
name a few. Kevin Alsop met Dave in 1999. Alsop owns Big Bear Choppers
and rented a commercial space from Dave for six months. “He saw what I
was trying to do and knew my business would grow,” Alsop said. Dave
came into Alsop’s shop with a surprising offer. “He wanted to sell me
the building,” he said. Dave knew Alsop didn’t have the credit to buy
the building, so Dave offered to hold the mortgage while Alsop
purchased the property, Alsop said. “I remember when he told his wife
what he was doing. She couldn’t believe he would do that,” Alsop said.
Big Bear Choppers is a nationally known motorcycle company and Alsop
said some of the credit goes to Dave PonTell. “He was very proud of
what we accomplished and how he was able to help,” Alsop said. People
who had the honor of being Dave’s friend, and there are many, spoke of
him as honest, straightforward, reliable and gentlemanly. Furthermore,
he was great dad and husband his family says. Dave was honored by his
daughter Rene as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. Dave was
an officer in the Navy Submarine Corps, graduated from Pomona College
as an English literature major. He collected books including special
edition classics by California authors. Dave studied painting under Ed
Runci and played the violin. Dave and Dee collected World’s Fair
artifacts spanning from the first Crystal Palace Exhibition of London
in 1851 to exhibitions in Germany and Asia. The collection will be
donated to a museum in Dave’s honor. Dave owned Presentation
Industries prior to settling in Big Bear Lake. The company designed
and built exhibits for museums and world’s fairs. The exhibits include
IBM’s Mathematica and exhibits in San Antonio, Seattle, Vancouver and
New York. Dave overcame major life-threatening illnesses, from a liver
transplant to bypass heart surgery. In an article by Elizabeth Stevens
in The Grizzly on Nov. 15, 2000, Dave was asked what it takes to
survive victorious from such physical trauma as he has endured. Dave
responded with vigor, “A solid Christian faith and belief in Jesus,
and to be as lucky as I am to have a good partner and excellent
doctors.” The PonTells chose Redlands as a retirement retreat where
they purchased a Fisk-designed home in the Historic District, with a
Historic Register designation built in 1901. They are members of the
Redlands Historic Society, and Town & Gown of the University of
Redlands. Dave is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dee, a graduate of
the University of Redlands; his children Rene Briggs of Ojai, Leslie
Schreiber of Tiburon, Steve PonTell of Ontario, and Annette Kesler of
San Francisco. He was preceded in death in 1978 by his son, David
Francis PonTell, Jr. He is also survived by six grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren, his sisters Jacquelin Jones of Pacific Grove and
Sara Service of Union City, and a brother, Sheldon Hawkins of Houston,
Texas. A memorial service and celebration of life is Saturday, May 17,
11 a.m. at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dave’s honor to the
American Liver Foundation, 5777 Century Blvd. Suite 865, Los Angeles,
CA 90045; 800-223-0179 ext 231; www.liverfoundation.org, or the
Salvation Army, c/o Leah Sanders: Attn: Personal 2320 5th Avenue, San
Diego, CA 92101; 619-446-0283; http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Monterey County Herald (online ed.), CA May 11, 2008
November 28, 1923 ~ May 4, 2008 REDLANDS, CA – David F. "LaVine"
PonTell, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 4,
2008. Dave PonTell was born on November 28, 1923, in Monterey, CA,
grew up in Pacific Grove, and spent the last 38 years in Big Bear
Lake, CA, creating a lasting legacy through his business ventures and
widespread mentoring. He was a lover of art, literature and music, a
seeker of knowledge, and a proud husband, father and grandfather. His
soft spirit, hearty laugh and deep love will live on in us forever. He
is survived by his wife, Donna PonTell of Big Bear Lake; his adoring
children, Maren Rene Briggs of Ojai, Leslie Schreiber of Tiburon,
Steve PonTell of Ontario, Annette Kesler of San Francisco; and he was
preceded in death in 1978 by his son, David Francis PonTell, Jr. He is
also survived by his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as
well as his sisters, Jacquelin Jones of Pacific Grove and Sara Service
of Union City and brother, Sheldon Hawkins of Houston, TX. A memorial
service and celebration of his life will be held in Big Bear Lake on
May 17, 2008 at 11:00am at the City of Big Bear Lake Performing Arts
Center. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made in
his honor to the American Liver Foundation (5777 Century Blvd., Suite
865, Los Angeles, CA 90045; 800-223-0179 ext. 231; www.liverfoundation.org)
or the Salvation Army (c/o Leah Sanders, attn: personal, 2320 5th
Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-446-0283;www.salvationarmyusa.org).


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