Betty Louise Striley, a longtime resident of Laguna Beach, passed away with her family by her bedside Feb. 18 at the age of 86.
A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, at Seven-Degrees from 2-6 p.m.
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Lyle Evans Proctor of Laguna Beach passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 13, 2013. He was 88.
Born in Soldier, Kan., Lyle moved to Southern California with his family as a boy, and attended Belmont High School in Los Angeles. Patriotic and brave, at age 18, Lyle began service for the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific theater during World War II. Upon his return, he went on to study education at UC Berkeley and USC respectively. Proctor earned his master’s degree in education-administration from Long Beach State University.
Proctor came to his beloved Laguna Beach in 1955 where he was principal of Aliso Elementary School for 27 years. When that school closed, Proctor taught P.E. at Thurston Middle School until his retirement in 1984. Proctor was passionate about the importance of mentoring and teaching young people. He was an all-around counselor, and enjoyed teaching everything from sports to Spanish.
Proctor lived a life full of adventure. While serving in the Coast Guard, he put a bit of time in the boxing ring. In Northern California, Proctor trained seeing-eye dogs, played for the San Francisco Seal’s semi-pro baseball team, worked on the construction of the Bay Bridge in the San Francisco Bay, and earned his pilot’s license so he could fly sea-airplanes. While a principal in Laguna, Proctor and his fellow principals often surfed together and he was one of the original members of a surf club at San Onofre. Proctor also enjoyed kayaking everything from white-water rapids to the calm of the Pacific on a flat day. And, he could often be spotted playing tennis with the locals at the Festival of Arts’ grounds tennis courts during his retirement years.
Proctor is survived by his two daughters, Tracy Lee Whitehead, 56, of Cedar City, Utah and Janis Proctor Smith, 52, of Mission Viejo; and by his two grandchildren, Lindsay KayLyle Whitehead, 26, of Cedar City, Utah, and Natalie Nicole Smith, 14, of Mission Viejo.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Proctor’s honor to a trust for his grandchildren. These may be sent to Tracy Whitehead, at 406 Circleway Drive, Cedar City, Utah, 84720.
A celebration of Lyle’s life will be held Saturday, March 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Aliso Creek Inn, 31106 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
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Former Festival of Arts artist and board member Robert Freeman, aka Philip, died of natural causes on Feb. 13, 2013. Freeman was born in River Rouge, Mich., in 1925.
He met his wife to-be Jean Sampson at the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts, which was later renamed the Center for Creative Studies. Both studied under famed ceramist John Foster. Freeman studied by the courtesy of the GI bill that provided for educational pursuits of veterans. While studying in Detroit, Freeman learned an ancient Chinese technique of glazing that produces crystalline formations. He developed crystalline and porcelain glazes, and at that time, he was one of six people in the United States that knew how to create these secret formulas.
Service in the Marines during World War II involved time spent in the Golden State. He fell in love with the West Coast and vowed to return. In 1952, he moved to Westminster, Calif., and convinced Jean to join him after she graduated from art school. They later married in 1954 and had two children. Both were on the Saddleback Community College faculty and together they set up the first educational programs at what is now Laguna Woods, where Freeman taught classes until he retired at age 65.
They moved to Dana Point in 1957, the same year the couple were juried into the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts fine art show. For 43 years, he showcased his crystalline glazed hand-thrown porcelain vases and pottery, included in permanent collections of the Detroit Museum of Art as well as 2,000 private and public collections.
Freeman served on the Festival of Arts board for two decades and held the position of president.
Freeman was predeceased by Jean, his wife of nearly 52 years. He is survived by his two sisters Joan Grace Greene and Nancy Joyce Durham, son Lance M. Freeman, daughter Paula Fowler, three married grand children and five great grand children.
A private memorial service will be held for Philip at Saint Edward the Confessor Church in Dana Point.
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May 15, 1927-Feb. 10, 2013
You are beloved daughter of Margaret Gertrude and Thomas Henry Conroy; charming wife to David William Upham, Sr., and Cmdr. Richard Newman Billings, USN (deceased); resolute mother to David William Upham, Jr., (deceased), Jonathan Conroy Upham (Patty), Christopher Allison Upham (Susannah) and Jennifer Upham Saunders (Dan); untiring grandmother to Jonathan, Jessica and William Upham, and Benjamin, Rachel and Zachary Saunders; adored aunt, second mother, friend and grand dame to many.
You were in Hollywood movies before you were out of diapers. Your love of and achievement in sports, and your eternal love of literature and education, were your first pursuits after graduating Cathedral Chapel and LA High, and combined with your spark for adventure, after graduating with teaching credentials from UCLA (where as a freshman you were one of six selected by the football team to ride the UCLA Rose Parade float—Go Bruins!), you taught elementary school in rural Texas. Glorious adventures were shared with beloved Delta Gamma sisters, friends and family, from stylish lodgings to bare floor fare: as long as it was done like they do in New Orleans, you did it with flair. Your rising spirit of wanderlust and superb memory for face, name and story provided you cherished memories you relived throughout your lifetime. Each friend you greeted and treated with kind warmth and witty intellect while growing up in Los Angeles, ranching and raising a family in Texas with the other Uphams and friends, then in artistic Laguna Beach and Emerald Bay for more than 50 years with all the friends and families. Western adventures were skiing in Idaho, California and Colorado; sailing the seas, especially with Martha Ellen and Marie; Baja and San Onofre surfing sojourns with the Beckets and others; to the east, to Newport, R.I., and your Amherst friends; to the far east, from Hong Kong to Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee, and to Central and South America and the world, especially your ancestral home of Ireland, which you carried with you, always.
You beamed those qualities you prized most in others: strength, independence and intellect. And as long as it didn’t spill into the streets and frighten the horses, you showed great tolerance towards the rest of us. Animals always a great joy for you, you raised dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, reptiles, fish and birds, and you always answered “yes” to the query, “Can we keep it?” All creatures found in you a haven, and you remembered each one as well as you remembered all of us.
Through your generosity of both time and funds, you were devoted to a long life of service and contribution to your community. As a member and contributor to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and school PTA president in Laguna Beach you enjoyed communion with God, his servants and congregation; you were a member and president of Ebell Club; you served on the boards of the former South Coast Medical Center, and the Laguna Playhouse; you were a member of the Orange County Grand Jury, chairing the Criminal Justice Committee (1983-84); you served on the California Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation; you were a patron of the Festival of Arts, LACMA, the LA Music Center and many other worthy causes and foundations; you were a strong supporter of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Canyon; you founded the David William Upham, Jr., Scholarship at Loyola Marymount; you generously supported every school your children or grandchildren attended; and you were always an unwavering fan of the Bruins and a generous donor to UCLA. Dear Jody, we appreciate the Irish wisdom you lived every day: that the roof above us never fall in, and that we friends and families gathered below never fall out. You are missed.
There will be a memorial mass for Ms. Billings at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 1042 Temple Terrace in Laguna Beach, and we will continue to celebrate her life at her home at 102 Emerald Bay after the service.
In lieu of flowers, if you should wish to donate in her honor, friends and family suggest the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20162 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651 (949-494-3050; pacificmmc.org), and the David William Upham, Jr., Memorial Scholarship for the School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90045-2659 (310-338-5981; lmu.edu).
We cherish her many friendships and we thank you for remembering Jody.
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April 18, 1926 – Feb. 5, 2013
Lylah Jean Runingen Almon, a longtime Laguna Beach resident, died peacefully at her Laguna Woods home Feb. 5, 2013 at the age of 86.
Lylah had a simple upbringing. She was raised on a small family farm in Houston, Minn., along with her brothers Reginald and Glen and sisters Judy and Gladys. When Lylah was 4 years old, her mother died and her Aunt Belle stepped in to help raise the five children. At an early age, Lylah learned to milk cows, make soap and bread, and tend to dispatching the chicken for Sunday dinner.
She attended a one-room schoolhouse where she skipped seventh grade after listening closely to what the older kids were learning. Lylah was her high school’s very first majorette, leading the Houston High School marching band. And yes, the band did play the trick on her by turning right while she kept twirling and walking straight ahead. And it was with a majorette’s sense of direction that she knew where she was going in life and what she wanted.
“I’m going to leave the farm, become a nurse, and marry a doctor,” she told her sister, Gladys, as a young girl. And that’s what she did.
Lylah left the farm after graduating salutatorian from her high school, and attended Mounds-Midway Nursing School in St. Paul, Minn.
Upon graduation, she hopped on a train to San Francisco and took a job at the U.S. Public Health Hospital working in surgery. There she met her husband of over 50 years, Dr. David Almon. From 1954 to 1966, Mrs. Almon and her growing family lived in Claremont, Calif., before moving to Irvine Cove in 1966. For the next 27 years, Lylah and David worked side by side at his Newport Beach pediatric office.
Above all, Mrs. Almon was a caregiver. She took care of people. She volunteered. She was PTA president at El Morro Elementary School, treasurer of her homeowner’s association in Irvine Cove, and member of the Queen of Hearts Guild at CHOC Children’s Hospital.
Mrs. Almon was loved by all for her sweet disposition, sense of humor, and quiet strength. She never judged people. She loved anybody and everybody just as they were …with no expectations for them to change for her or to be any different. She was able to see the gift in everyone.
In true Minnesotan-Norwegian-fashion, she never raised her voice. The only way you could tell something wasn’t quite working for her was when she said, “Oh, honestly.”
Her door was always open. She was given to hospitality. She was an amazing listener. When you spoke to her, her eyes never left your face. You were the only person in the room.
She loved to travel and went all over the world—continent jumping with her own personal tour guides and adventure buddies.
She was a craftswoman. Creative. An accomplished seamstress who made prom dresses, Halloween costumes, and formal dress coats … not because she had to, but because she could and wanted to.
At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, she was an usher, a greeter, served coffee during coffee hour, and was a trained Stephen’s Minister who worked one-on-one with individuals who needed support while going through a serious life crisis.
When asked what she thought was the most important thing she learned in life, she said, “Always think positive and know every day of your life counts.”
Mrs. Almon practiced what she preached until her last breath. She will be deeply missed.
Mrs. Almon was predeceased by her husband, Dr. David Almon, and son, Jeff Almon. She is survived by her daughters Beth Coyle (Bill) of Fairport, N.Y. and Melissa Almon (Gasper Patrico) of Aliso Viejo; daughter-in-law Kathy Almon of Mission Viejo; sister Gladys Meiners of Caledonia, Minn.; grandchildren Garrett, Melissa, Bradford, Chloe, Sophia, Ryan and Kyle; great granddaughter Sophia; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service was held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Feb. 8.
Donations may be made in her honor to St. Mary’s for Episcopal Christian Women (ECW). Checks can be made out to “St. Mary’s Episcopal Church” and on the memo line include: ECW-In Memory of Lylah Almon. Mail to St. Mary’s Church, 428 Park Ave. Laguna Beach, Calif., 92651. ECW is an outreach group where Mrs. Almon was a member for years. These ladies support all kinds of people in need from the Friendship Shelter (for the homeless) in Laguna Beach to McCord Women’s Hospital in Durban, South Africa.
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Philip C. Herbert, 73, a long time resident of Orange County passed away on March 12, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz., with his loving wife Katherine by his side.
He is survived by children Scott, Kristine, and Penny; grandchildren Brynna, Stephen, Gianna, Kristin, EvaJean, Justin, and Meghan; great grandson Taylor; brothers Mick and Larry and sister Mollie.
Herbert was a 1957 graduate of Laguna Beach High School, a U.S. Air Force veteran, owner of Orange County’s PCH Tax for 30 years.
Best known for his dry sense of humor and giving nature, Herbert was loved by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Kidney Foundation and or Hospice Family Care in Prescott, Ariz., would be appreciated.
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Charlotte Marie McManus, a resident of Laguna Beach for 53 years, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013. She was 86.
She was our mother, mentor, benefactor, and friend.
She was born Nov. 29, 1926 in Chicago, Ill., to Albert Frank Comiskey and Charlotte Ann (Lottie) Verry. She came to California as a young woman and studied at UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Fullerton. She married Jerome McManus (deceased 1983) and raised four boys. In 1974, she started a business career, first with a sandwich shop located across the street from UC Irvine, and then three years later working for the founder of Kinko’s Copy in the same University Town Center building.
McManus soon purchased that same copy shop along with the right to do business as Kinko’s Copy and Stationery in the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and later, Laguna Beach. She went on to open eight stores and made many, many friends among customers, vendors, and employees. In December of 1998 she sold the business back to the nationwide Kinko’s Corporation and retired to a life of family, friends, and travel to Asia, South America, and Europe.
McManus leaves behind her sons and their families, Paul and Gina (Nicolas and Charlotte Rose); Philip and Agnes (Amahlia, Joshua, and Ayla); Blair and Albenia (Jerri, Brian, and Kendra); and bachelor son Sean, a resident of Brazil. She also leaves behind “adopted” daughter, Vilma Dunn Koscil and long time friend and business partner, Charles “Rollin” Buchanan. Her ashes will be spread at her mountain “hideaway” in Garner Valley.
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Pat Weaver
Patsy Ann Weaver, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at 79.
Pat was the daughter of Willard Wallace Tully and Alice Katherine Tully. She was born in Glendale, grew up in Alhambra and graduated from Alhambra High School and Pasadena City College where she met Everett (Gene) Weaver. They were married on July 18, 1953 and soon were settled at Fort Ord, Calif., where Gene was in the Army Language School.
After the Army sent Gene to Japan during the Korean conflict, Pat moved home to Alhambra to live with her parents and soon thereafter their first son Lance was born at the Army hospital in San Pedro while Gene was in Japan. Upon his return from Japan, Pat and Gene settled in Alhambra and sons Drew and Todd were born in 1958 and 1960. The early years were spent in Alhambra and San Fernando before the family moved to Pasadena in 1964 and Pat began her career as a music librarian at Occidental College followed by a career as a para Legal.
The family moved to Laguna Beach in 1971 and Pat continued her career in the legal field all the while being an extraordinary mother and wife. All three sons graduated from Laguna Beach High School and subsequently from Georgetown University (Lance), The American College in Paris (Drew) and The University of Southern California (Todd). From an early age, Pat instilled in her sons the importance of education and later was instrumental in establishing the Weaver Family Scholarship at Laguna Beach High School, which the family has renamed the Patsy Ann Weaver Scholarship in her memory.
Pat resided in her Laguna Beach home on Cliff Drive for over 40 years and loved meeting and getting to know the many recipients of the Weaver Family Scholarship. As these young people went on to achieve great things in college and beyond, they would periodically return to Laguna to visit Pat and tell her that it would have never been possible without her support.
Pat loved to travel and went to China in 1983, years before it became a common travel destination. She also visited Paris frequently while Drew was in college and took in all that great city has to offer. Over the last decade all her family would gather during the Christmas holidays at the Los Cabos vacation home of her eldest son Lance. She treasured these memories with her children’s families and especially watching her grandchildren grow up.
Her children and grandchildren affectionately called her “Pars”. She will always be loved and remembered as an example of a life well lived. She was also a great wife, friend, and neighbor who was always there for her family as they in turn were always there for her. She will be dearly missed.
Pat leaves behind her husband Gene, son Lance, his wife Karyn and granddaughters Loring and Logan; son Drew, his wife, Carol and granddaughter Kaila; and son Todd, his wife Jane, and grandchildren Nat and Dana.
A private graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013.
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July 14, 1938 – March 27, 2013
David Rodney Gibbs lost his battle with cancer on March 27.
Gibbs was an old- school “Lagunan” who left the malt shops and hot rods of ‘50s-era Santa Ana for the surfing and beach lifestyle of 1966 Laguna.
Gibbs cherished Laguna, believing that coming here was the best move he ever made in his life. A little known fact is that Gibbs was the original builder of the “palapa” at Thalia Street Beach, and showed his Laguna pride by secretly maintaining the Laguna “L” that sits beneath his Mystic Hills home.
Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Gibbs worked in Laguna building high-end custom homes, and later specializing as everybody’s favorite electrician.
Gibbs was a true outdoorsman who was a pioneer in early surfboard and skateboard design that he created in his infamous garage, a place where tools hung immaculately on the wall. He never quit surfing and in later years took up long-distance paddling and mountain biking when he wasn’t restoring his latest hot rod.
Gibbs was always very active with the youth of Laguna, driving kids early in the morning in pursuit of waves or taking them to skate parks when the surf was flat. He had many friends, and despite being in his 70s, maintained relationships with people of all ages. A healthy lifestyle enabled him to keep up with the next generations, whom he admired for taking the sports he loved to new levels.
Gibbs is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn; his son Chad and daughter-in-law Jennifer; and sisters Linda and Paula. Most of all he cherished his grandkids, Wyatt and Emma, who have each followed his legacy by pursuing an active lifestyle and sharing his love of the beach.
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Pegi Marie Lopez-Parker passed away on March 28, 2013. Ten days later she was joined by the love of her life, husband Tommy (Pickles) Parker.
Born Jan. 5, 1951 to William and Peggy Joyce, Pegi was an inspiration to those she met, greeting everyone with a loving smile and open arms. Those who knew her loved her for her fabulous home cooking, great advice and her unwavering strength and independence. After conquering the business world, she found her true passion in painting. She will be greatly missed by many and undoubtedly making a great impression in her “eternal circle of light”.
She is survived by her daughters Jazmen, Hodel, and Joslyn; and her five grandchildren, Mercedes, Dylan, Liam, Owen, and Charley; and her newest “children” C.B and Bella. She is also survived by her brothers Billy “Pookio” Lopez and John Lopez, sister Elizabeth Lopez and their families.
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Charles D. Williams, known to all as “Charlie,” passed away on April 23, 2013 after a battle with cancer. He was 62. Williams was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Charlie was born to Charles Earl and Louise Williams in Pontiac, Mich., on Sept. 26, 1950. He graduated from high school in Galatia, Ill., and then moved to California to attend architecture school. After two years, he decided to pursue a career in general contracting at the urging of a family member.
He is survived by wife Toni L. Williams, son Charles K. Williams, daughters Kiersten and Charity, and grandchildren Abigail, Hannah, Chase and Francesca. He is also survived by his brother Trent Pulliam.
Williams worked in construction for over 40 years. He formed Williams Construction Company in 1989 and built many beautiful custom homes in Laguna Beach and the surrounding Orange County area. He took pride in his craftsmanship as well as his keen sense of design, which was fostered by his love of architecture. In all his buildings, he placed a silver dollar under a stair banister or newel post in order to assure good fortune and happiness to the home and its occupants.
Residents of Laguna Beach and particularly those impacted by the Bluebird Canyon slide of June 2005, will remember Williams selfless and tireless efforts driving his truck over to the slide area, helping people at no cost to retrieve and haul whatever belongings and treasures he could rescue. Williams made literally hundreds of trips into the slide area and entered houses that were in a state of collapse to help friends and neighbors at great personal risk to his own safety. On one occasion, Williams crawled into a collapsing house to retrieve a resident’s wedding ring buried in the mud and wreckage.
When Williams was not building or fixing something, he spent his time pursuing hobbies and activities he loved; hiking, looking for artifacts and antiques, using his natural green thumb for gardening and raising orchids, and spending time at the Marine Mammal Center helping with whatever they needed built. He also volunteered for the Cuddle Program at UC Irvine, sharing compassion with abandoned, dying infants so small they fit in the palms of his hands. But most of all, Williams loved spending time with his family.
A public memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Laguna Presbyterian Church, followed by a public celebration of his life which will be conducted at Hotel Laguna’s Rose Garden from 4-6 p.m., where Charlie and Toni were married over 15 years ago. His final resting place is Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar.
Saint Francis of Assisi said, “He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” Charlie Williams was the consummate artist.
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DeWitt “Dewey” Hutchings Carson, 52, formerly of Laguna Beach, passed unexpectedly while on vacation in Machu Picchu, Peru on April 4, 2013.
He was born May 9, 1960 in Newport Beach. A son of the late Clarence William Carson and Helen Hutchings Carson, he was also a descendant of Frank Miller, founder of the Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif.
Carson was a member of the Laguna Beach High School Class of 1978, and was employed many years by Sam Rohloff Painting. A master cabinet finisher, Carson’s work was renowned from Laguna Beach to Morro Bay, where he resided until his death.
He was a fun-loving person and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. A horse racing aficionado, Carson could be found at Del Mar and Santa Anita during the season. He also enjoyed sports, music, the ocean, nature, traveling, and was an avid reader. Carson will be remembered as a great listener and confidant, and the most loyal friend anyone could have with the kindest and most compassionate heart.
He is survived by a sister, Anabella “Annie” Wilson, of Boise, Idaho, a nephew, a niece, and a great nephew. His twin brother, William, predeceased him in 2008.
A celebration in remembrance of Carson’s life will be held at South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway in Monarch Beach on Saturday, April 27, from 12 p.m. to 2 pm with Pastor Ty Guy officiating.
Gifts honoring Carson may be made to Jane Meckley at 25212 Stockport St., #53, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.
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Gay Rights Advocate Dies
June Esther Campbell, 89, passed peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2013.
She had been in failing health for several months and entered hospice care last summer.
Campbell was an active real estate agent in Laguna Beach, selling homes even into her 80s. Legend has it that Campbell sold many local houses three times over during her career.
Many will remember her exuberant personality, professional success and adventurous nature. She had many friends and a lifelong love of animals. She leaves behind her beloved bijon, Benji.
Born Oct. 26, 1924 and raised in St. Louis, Mo., Campbell studied chemistry at the University of Chicago. She served in Hawaii during WWII as a marine and migrated to California shortly thereafter.
Campbell was a fierce and courageous advocate for equal rights at a time when it was perilous to be so. In 1978, during the campaign against the Briggs initiative, a law that threatened gay rights and would have permitted the firing of gay teachers in public schools, many people were too terrified to be identified as gay friendly. Campbell had then send checks and cash through her and routed them to the cause.
Campbell’s presence as a gay female realtor in Laguna from the early ‘60s until last year cannot be ignored. She was a generous mentor, taking many fledgling realtors under her wing. She was also well respected for her honesty and astute protectiveness where her clients were concerned. Her influence and help to other gay women in business was considerable. One of her favorite projects as a realtor was to adopt needy families during the holidays and shower them with gifts.
In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be made to Animal Crackers Animal Rescue, 24310 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, Ca., 92367, or a charity of your choosing.
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March 28, 1923 – May 14, 2013
Henri Hellieson had a long and happy life. He had a marvelous deep voice and was a fabulous singer. He sang at several of the church choirs, not to mention any piano bar that was available.
He was a chef for many years, including cooking for former President Richard Nixon at the Western White House in San Clemente. Hellieson came to Laguna Beach in 1958 and had many friends over the years. He and his wife Dee Dee went to his birthplace, Holland, on their honeymoon and shared many good times together.
Henri and Dee Dee had a dear family. Dee Dee’s daughter Jadee and her husband Phill and two lovely grandchildren, Jason and Sarah.
One of Hellieson’s his favorite sayings was “you can tell a Dutchman, but you can’t tell him much”.
He will be missed.
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Shirley Virginia Whitman Aguinaldo Grogan, 93, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Wednesday, May 22.
She was born Jan. 4, 1920, in her home on 7 Mile Road during the biggest snowstorm in the history of Lake Orion, Mich.
She graduated from Lake Orion High School in 1938 and in 1943 she joined the Marine Corps in New River, S.C., at Camp Lejeune. She shipped out to California and was stationed at El Centro. Shirley married Maurice Aguinaldo shortly after being discharged and they lived in Laguna Beach for 20 years.
In 1995 she married Donald Grogan, her high school sweetheart, from Farmington, Mich., and they lived together in Port Charlotte, Fla., until Donald’s death in 2009.
She will be greatly missed by her children, Maurice Aguinaldo of Sarasota, Fla., Bruce (Dianne) Aguinaldo of Laguna Beach, and Denise Spriggs of Port Charlotte, Fla.; grandchildren, Dr. Tyler Aguinaldo and Shiva Malek of Burlingame, Calif., Tamra (Daniel) Verrico of Orinda, Calif., Sara (Joshua) Jensen of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Alison (Kenneth) Brewer of El Paso; great-grandchildren, Ayden and Dylan Aguinaldo, Jordan and Kyra Jensen, Lia and Bella Verrico and Jaeden Brewer.
Memorial mass was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Florida.
To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.
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Beloved Monika Sorce passed away to heaven on Friday, June 21.
She was surrounded by her family and her animals.
Sorce devoted her time to rescue animals and brought them to her home in Laguna Canyon. One of the dogs she rescued, Boomer, the amazing trick dog, was invited to the Jay Leno show. Money from her appearances went to the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter.
All who were graced by her presence will miss her. She loved her family, animals, gardening, and watching her son play football. She never missed a practice and always was a mother to all the kids.
She is survived by her son, Scott Hamilton; grand daughter, Jade Hamilton; and sister, Irmelin Cook.
What a great lady!
Funeral services will be at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona del Mar, on Friday, June 28 at 2:30 p.m.
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Joie Pierce Jones, age 72, passed into the light on June 23 after several years of failing health.
As a high school student in Abilene, Tex., Jones won the National Science Fair using a rocket he built to measure radiation in the upper atmosphere. The rocket rose 52 miles, a record that still stands.
Jones consequently enjoyed the opportunity of working at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory during summers while attending the University of Texas in Austin where he received his B.A. in math and physics and his M.A. in math. At JPL, he participated with teams that worked on the early moon and Mars projects.
In addition, he was an honors English and philosophy student and a gifted musician who played first chair cornet in the state high school band. He would become a life-long scholar and avid reader.
Jones received his Ph.D. from Brown University with research in underwater acoustics. After graduation, he became interested in medical applications of ultrasound, research he pursued as a consultant at Bolt, Beranek and Newman, a technology company in Cambridge, Mass., as a faculty member at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, and since 1977 as a UC Irvine professor of radiological sciences.
Dr. Jones pioneered new developments in ultrasonic imaging and tissue characterization, acoustical microscopy, and non-contact ultrasonic imaging, and holds multiple patents.
In recent years, Dr. Jones explored alternative and complementary medical modalities, especially the relationships between Eastern and Western medicine. Working with colleagues, he made landmark discoveries about the nature and mechanisms of acupuncture. Working with pranic healers (that rely on the body’s energy to heal) in a laboratory setting, he conducted pioneering, controlled experiments that established the healing power of subtle energy. He interacted with the Chopra Foundation, Andrew Weil’s program in Arizona, and the Friends of Health organization.
Dr. Jones also took leadership roles in multiple professional organizations. In addition, he served on former President Jimmy Carter’s scientific advisory board and in a similar role for President Obama’s first campaign, advised the Obama administration on energy and medicine, and consulted for the Department of Energy on the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill. He was honored to serve on a special committee under the Secretary General of the United Nations to investigate solutions for global warming.
Locally, Dr. Jones worked with Laguna’s Environmental Committee, served as president of the Laguna Beach Chamber Music Society, was the founding president of the UCI Theater Guild and the Orange County Chapter of the Acoustical Society of America, wrote a food and wine column with Becky, his wife of 48 years, and was a black-hat member of the California Wine and Food Society, serving for a decade as the group’s wine committee chairperson.
A gifted teacher, Dr. Jones was selected to participate in UCI’s “My Last Lecture” series. He was a generous mentor who had the ability to teach effectively while respecting his students and inspiring their best. His unbounded optimism, encouragement and wisdom made him a consummate advisor and life-altering friend.
He will be missed.
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September 7, 1927 – May 28, 2013
Lyle Pickett, after a very long struggle with his health, has left this world for his next great adventure. He was affectionately known to many as “Tiger”.
Born in 1927 to Joe and Martha Pickett, Lyle grew up in Los Angeles where he met the love of his life, Edie. They married in 1946.
Pickett served in the Army during the Korean War where he was also stationed in Japan. The couple lived in Hawthorne and Whittier where they raised three sons. For many years Lyle worked for the Herald Examiner as a pressman printing the Sunday edition Parade magazine.
In the early 1970s, Pickett and his wife moved to Laguna Beach. They managed and maintained several rental properties, which kept them both very busy. He was devoted to his family and his church. He loved life, golfing, cooking, music, baking bread, travel and sharing a laugh.
Pickett is survived by his wife , Edie, and three sons, their wives as well as six grandchildren. He also leaves behind many other relatives. Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend …..Tiger will be missed by all whose life he touched.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Friday, July 20 at 11 a.m. at the Grace Brethren Church, 6704 Milton Ave., in Whittier.
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Randolph Leonard Hargrave, 72, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2013, at home in Laguna Beach among family and with his dog on his lap. The cause was chronic lung failure due to a severe reaction to a medication.
Hargrave, whom family members and close friends knew as Randy, was born to Hallett Leonard and Lena Ashton Hargrave, March 27, 1941, in Upland, Calif. Hargrave graduated from Claremont High School in 1960 and went on to the school of hard knocks as he pursued various jobs and business ventures in the real world.
Hargrave married Kathleen Jane Morgan on April 29, 1961. The couple lived in different parts of Claremont for the next 35 years. Always fond of the beach and their second home in Laguna Beach, they made a permanent move to Laguna in the late ‘90s until the present.
Hargrave in his early newlywed years bought into San Dimas Ready Mix with Al Preszler. He devoted much of his work life and effort into this business.
At this same time, he was very active in the kid’s lives, from Little League, PDCA, bowling leagues, hunting, fishing, drag racing, car collecting and of course traveling and driving his Porsche.
In 1984, both Hargrave and his wife purchased what was then known as Apex Painting from a family friend. The company has proved to be a family business for the entire family for years to come. Today, with the help of Hargrave and his extraordinary vision, the business has evolved, grown to extraordinary heights and gained national respect under its current name, Apex Imaging Services. In recent years, Apex has been spearheaded by Hargrave’s oldest son Hal, joined with his daughter Deb, son Randy Jr., and his wife Katie, who never slows down.
On any given day, most of Hargrave’s grandkids are active and usually visible at Apex’s office in Pomona. In the last few years, with Hargrave’s inspired vision the company has taken on new, shared interests with the Be Perfect Foundation, founded by grandson Hallett Hargrave and immediate family. The key point and day-to-day operator is Lorie Hargrave.
Randy and Katie Hargrave were fortunate enough to gain friendships through the San Gabriel Valley Porsche Club, South Coast PCA, 356 Club, PDCA, and local Lagunans. Their love of wine and travel took them on trips all over the globe where they were sure to meet new lifelong friends. Touring with longtime friends in their Porsches around the U.S. was always a highlight for Hargrave. His need for speed, bonding and friendship was cemented with this great group.
Most of Hargrave’s conversations evolved around fishing, hot rods, Ferraris and of course his favorite, Porsches.
Some of Hargrave’s best Sunday afternoons were spent in Laguna’s downtown Marine Room Tavern watching The Missiles of October band. The family would like to thank the mayor of Laguna, Kelly Boyd, for giving them the chance to experience those great moments.
Hargrave is survived by three children, Deborah Hargrave, Hallett and wife Lorie, and Randy Jr. and wife Renae; ten grandchildren, Jennifer Shirlock, Ian Shirlock and soon to be wife Maria, Shelby Shirlock, Hallett K. Hargrave, Corey Hargrave, Hailey Hargrave, Bella Hargrave, Randi Lee Hargrave, Jennifer Fortey, and Carissa Bailey; great-grandchild Kaydrien Shirlock; and family dinners could always include a real conundrum of grandchildren’s friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, and partners.
Hargrave was always known as a visionary and somebody who was passionate about his hobbies and various collections, but the thing that he valued most was his family. And that vision will live on for years to come as his legacy will live on forever.
Services will be held for Hargrave at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. A reception will follow immediately at Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Highway. A private burial is planned at Claremont’s Oak Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and condolences, the family requests that donations in Hargrave’s name be made to the Be Perfect Foundation, 720 Indigo Ct., Pomona, Calif., 91711.
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Mina Wise
Mina Wise led a wonderful life. She passed away on July 31, 2013, at the age of 93.
She was born Wilhelmina Gordon in Portland, Ore., on Nov. 22, 1919.
As a young lady, she moved to Carmel, San Francisco and Hollywood. In the 1950s, she was employed as an administrative assistant for Capitol Records and the William Morris Company. And as a confidant to the stars.
Her love of the beach, tennis, dancing, art and books brought her to Laguna Beach in 1960. Her dedicated relationship with builder David Young and family was lifelong.
As a lover of the arts, she volunteered as a model at the “Pageant of the Masters.” Then, she became the secretary for the Laguna Beach School of Art, befriending local artists such as Armen Gasparian, Roger Armstrong, Frank and Phil Interlandi, Leonard Kaplan, Paul Darrow and and notable others.
Wise has a wonderful book collection, which she donated to the Laguna Beach Friends of the Library.
Her last years were enjoyed with “delicious” dinners, many devoted friends and much laughter.
Wise embodied a hip bohemian style and inspired a sense of grace.
God speed, Mina, and love from all that knew you.
As a longtime member of Laguna’s St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, her memorial service will be held there on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.
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