The Rev. Canon Barbara C. Mudge, a native of Laguna Beach, died May 24 in Monterey, Calif. She lived in Bandon, Ore., from 1996 until she moved to Pebble Beach in April 2016 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She was 85 years old and had been ill with cancer. She died from several strokes and seizures.

Reverend Mudge

Barbara Duffield Covington was born Sept. 27, 1930, in her parent’s cottage on Cypress Avenue in Laguna Beach, Calif. She was raised in South Pasadena and was a two-time Rose Parade princess on the South Pasadena float. She earned a bachelor of arts at Occidental College and married her high school sweetheart, John Mudge. They moved to Laguna in 1963 to raise their three children. She was a dedicated, revered, beloved, and award-winning teacher in the Laguna Beach Unified School District (at the now closed Aliso Elementary and Thurston Middle School) until she retired from teaching in 1980.

Heeding a longtime call to the priesthood, she entered seminary at Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, and received a masters of divinity. She spent a year at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, after which she was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 by Bishop George W. Barrett in the Diocese of Los Angeles. She was the first woman in Orange County to be ordained in the Episcopal Church, blazing a path for other women to follow.

She served as an assistant priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Laguna, where she and her family were longtime members of the congregation, and served as hospital chaplain at the former South Coast Medical Center. She officiated at the weddings of many of her former students as well as that of her own children, which gave her much joy. She was called to be vicar at St. Francis in Simi Valley (1984-1995), chaired the Simi Valley Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless and Needy, and was president of the Southern California Ecumenical Council from 1994 to 1995. She was named an honorary canon of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul (Los Angeles) in 1993.

Upon retirement from St. Francis in 1996, Barbara and John moved to Bandon, Ore. She was soon called to be the vicar at St. John’s Episcopal in Bandon. Mudge served in several capacities for the Diocese of Oregon and was recently priest-in-charge at St. Christopher’s in Port Orford, Ore. Known as “Rev. Mum,” both Barbara and John Mudge were instrumental in establishing St. John’s Preschool in 2000 and both continued to serve on the board of directors after it was renamed Bandon Community Preschool in 2008. She also helped establish the Everyone At Table weekly nutritional program in 2004 and was an active supporter of the Good Neighbors Food Bank.

She is survived by daughter, Suzanne Mudge (Rolf Donahower) of Pebble Beach; sons, James Mudge of San Luis Obispo and Steve Mudge (Delia) in Fort Worth, Texas; six grandchildren; brother Richard Covington (Claire) and sister Patricia Elliott (Craig); numerous nieces and nephews; her cat, Buttons; and a host of very dear friends and family from Laguna Beach, Simi Valley, Bandon, and Carmel.

Her husband of 61 years, John Leonard Mudge, died in 2012.

All are invited to attend a celebration of her remarkable life on Aug. 13, 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church, 428 Park Ave., in Laguna Beach. A reception will follow in the Guild Hall and Parish Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Carmel Bach Festival (P.O. Box 575, Carmel, CA 93921) or the Bandon Community Preschool (P.O. Box 1705, Bandon, OR 97411-1705).

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Calvin Lee Smith Jr.

Calvin Lee Smith, Jr., a talented designer, bon vivant, and 45-year resident of Laguna Beach, passed away June 24, 2016. The cause of death was lymphoma.

Cal was born in Los Angeles Oct. 10, 1949, to Evelyn Svendsen Smith and Calvin Lee Smith, Sr. He grew up in Pomona and attended California Polytechnic Pomona where he studied business. Smith worked throughout college for the university food service, rapidly advancing to supervisor level, having learned all phases of food preparation.

After graduation, he immediately moved to Laguna Beach and found work at Laguna Nursery. Self-taught in plant identification and garden design, Smith began work as an independent consultant for Laguna residents. His design instincts were extraordinary and soon his clients were asking for his help in interior as well as landscape design. Client demand led to the creation of his company, Calvin L. Smith and Associates, which has provided full service design for both commercial and residential clients.

Smith was full of life and energy, and he pursued varied interests with his many friends. He was a world traveler and especially loved Paris and New York, which he visited often. At home, he supported the arts, especially live theater. He had a particular interest in art and architecture and was happy to attend all the latest openings in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

Smith was a wonderful cook. His parties were legendary. He loved and appreciated good food and wine and could quote entire menus from meals shared years before with fellow foodies. His generous spirit and impeccable taste resulted in meticulous preparation and artful presentation, whether entertaining for two or 200.

Smith is survived by his mother Evelyn; brother Phillip (Joann); sister Caroline; beloved cousin Janette Tovar (Gil); god children Sasha (Andy), Alex Tovar, Sebastian Tovar; nephews Joel Smith and Aaron Smith ( Nicky); grand nephew and niece Mason and Julia; and many other cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Calvin Lee Smith, Sr.

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May She Fly With the Angels 

March 3, 1966 – May 24, 2016

Amy Obrand

Amy Christine Higginbotham Obrand earned her angel wings on May 24, 2016, surrounded by her parents, Cindy and Michael Obrand.

Amy is survived by her brothers, Jesse and Edgar Obrand; her uncles, Sandy Obrand, David Crash Nelson, Jonathan Nelson; her aunts, Andi Miner, Carol Obrand and Barbara Nelson; and her first cousins, Kip Kernodle, Kelly Kernodle, Allie Obrand, Hilary Obrand and Samantha Scizak.

Obrand graduated from Laguna Beach High School with honors. She had a love of journalism and was editor of her high school newspaper.  She attended both UC Santa Cruz and UCLA. Obrand loved books and majored in women’s literature. Her very favorite books were the L. Frank Baum’s “Oz” series with W.W. Winslow’s beautiful illustrations. “Ozma of Oz” was her personal hero.

Obrand was an iconoclast in the punk movement and in her life. She was courageous and admired for her fierce intelligence and strong commitment to women’s rights and freedom of speech and expression.  She was a shooting star to her friends and family.

Obrand was a lifelong collector of vintage treasures and early cowgirl glam.  At a very young age, Amy and her mom combed through flea markets and garage sales for clothing, jewelry and furniture.

Obrand was a sixth generation Texan. Her deep roots in Texas appealed to her rockabilly heart. Her favorite place on earth was Austin, Texas, and the Hill Country. The music scene in Austin was her pride and joy.  She loved dancing with her friends and family at the Broken Spoke to the likes of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel.

The Obrand family is honoring their precious daughter, Amy, in a private memorial and tree planting. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward to someone in need in the name of Amy Christine Higginbotham Obrand. Thank you for your kindness.

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Nov. 5, 1926 – June 14, 2016

Bob McMenomy passed away peacefully June 14, 2016, in his home in Laguna Beach with his wife, Genevieve and his only child, Ann at his bedside.

Bob McMenomy

He had been in bed for eight years after a stroke and old leg and back wounds resulting from a severe auto accident in 1944 when he was hospitalized for two years. After his recovery, McMenomy was able to walk due to a special leg brace he and his father designed. His father was a graduate of the first chiropractic school in Los Angeles.

Standing out in his elementary school class with natural drawing skills, a strong ability to express his creativity freely and his love and respect for the creative process throughout his whole life, McMenomy was an artist from day one. He graduated with an associated arts degree form Long Beach City College and later a master’s degree in design and ceramics from UCLA in 1952.

McMenomy was a talented and much loved teacher at East L.A. Community College for a few years and then moved to Long Beach City College in the art department, teaching ceramics until he retired in 1989. Being an avid sailor in his youth, McMenomy and his wife Genevieve bought a Grand Banks trawler yacht and enjoyed three happy years going back and forth to Catalina Island with friends and family aboard.

From 1952 to 1972, during summer months, summer holidays, and many weekends, McMenomy assisted his family managing the Crystal Cove beach resort where they held the master lease with the Irvine Company.

In November of 1957 Bob married Genevieve Cote and they moved to Laguna Beach in 1970. Upon arriving in Laguna, McMenomy became active in Village Laguna, board of education politics and later Friendship Shelter. Despite the difficult things that McMenomy had been through, he had a very quick wit, a great sense of humor that always made people laugh and a strength that many people admired very much.

McMenomy’s ashes will be scattered at sea on a Neptune Society boat with immediate family and friends.

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Carl Schwarz

Carl Schwarz, long time Laguna Beach Unified School District board member, University Professor and community advocate passed away peacefully  surrounded by his children on Monday, July 25. He had just celebrated his 80^th birthday the previous month. The community knew him as a father figure, a mentor and a friend advocating for causes such as Save Laguna Canyon, LagunAquatics and the Cross Cultural Committee. Originally from Fresno, California, Carl attended UC Berkley and UC Santa Barbara earning his Master’s Degree and PhD in Political Science. Honorably discharged from the US Army Reserves with the rank of Captain, he quickly transitioned into what would be his lifelong passion for teaching, and in the early 70s settled in Laguna Beach. Carl was a professor of Political Science at Fullerton College from 1962-1999 and served as Department Chair from 1994-1999. He began teaching at UC Irvine in 1989 until as recently as last spring of 2016. He also held teaching positions at California State University, Fullerton, UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara. He was passionate about the Latino community and being bilingual, taught at the University of Mexico as a visiting professor and earned the Profesor Distinguido award. Carl served as an elected trustee to the Laguna Beach Unified School District for three terms from 1981-1994, serving two of those terms as President. A long distance ocean swimmer and beach lover, he was often seen swimming along the coast from Anita Street to Main Beach or playing Frisbee with his family. His recent years were spent gallivanting between his children’s homes. He was a permanent fixture at his daughter Lisa’s for Saturday dinners, Monday Night Football was spent at his daughter Diana’s and monthly excursions to Palos Verdes to visit with his daughter Linda. He enjoyed visiting his son Steve in San Diego and meeting up with Eric at Woods Cove. He loved getting his two grandsons Mason and Stefen together at the beach for some “boy time,” and bouncing his grandchildren, Harper and Preston on his lap. He was a constant encouragement to his granddaughter Sophia who has Cerebral Palsy, and was her biggest supporter in helping her to achieve milestones that were never thought possible for her. He is survived by his six children, Lisa, Steve, Eric, Linda, Diana and Alex, six grandchildren, Mason, Sophia, Stefen, Harper, Preston, and granddaughter-to-be, due any day, and former spouses Jeanie Ranney and Maria Teresa. The local community is encouraged to join in the celebration of his life to be held on Saturday, August 20 at 10 a.m. at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. In lieu of flowers, please donate to help Carl’s granddaughter Sophia who has Cerebral Palsy at: www.gofundme.com/sophiarobins

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Audrey Barbara Capobianco

Audrey Barbara Capobianco, a longtime resident of Laguna Beach, passed away July 12, 2016. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Audrey was born, Audrey Barbara Cotter, June 24, 1934, in Yonkers, N.Y. Having lost her father at a very young age, Audrey was an only child and was raised by her mother, Minerva.

Audrey moved to California in her early 20s and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Capobianco, on Feb. 25, 1961. They were married in Laguna Beach at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. Prior to having her children, Capobianco traveled the world as a stewardess for the highly regarded Pan American Airlines.

Joe and Audrey immersed themselves in the coastal culture spending many evenings at Woods Cove in the early 1960s when abalone and kelp forests were plentiful. Joe’s job took the family oversees, where they spent time in Liege, Belgium, and Milan, Italy. After several years abroad, the young family returned to the United States to their permanent home in Emerald Bay. While enjoying tennis in her spare time, Capobianco’s main devotion was to her sons and involvement in all of their school and sports activities. She will be remembered as a beautiful, loving mother and grandmother, “Grammy,” who was rooted in strong traditions that she instilled in her family.

Capobianco is survived by her three sons, Scott (Erin), Bill (Diane) and Rob (Stacie); and six grandchildren, Courtney, Lauren, Taylor, Lucas, Caden and Joey.

A private family service was held on July 20 at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. Capobianco was laid to rest with her beloved husband, Joe, at Pacific View Cemetery in Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Audrey’s memory be made to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, Calif., 92651 (www.pacificmmc.org). Capobianco loved visiting the center with her grandchildren over the years.

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Dorothy Gaither

On Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, much loved mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, Dorothy Winger Gaither, passed away peacefully at her home in Laguna Beach.

Dorothy was born in Glendale, Calif., in 1920. Even as a child, Dorothy displayed a spirit of creativity and enthusiasm for life. Throughout high school, she avidly pursued her interests in art and drama. It was in a Los Angeles theater arts class that she met her husband of 36 years, John Logan Gaither.

For the next several years, Gaither devoted herself to being a wife and mother to two daughters, while continuing to pursue her love of acting in community theater as well as actively serving in the P.T.A. in leadership roles.

After the death of her husband in 1977, Gaither moved permanently from Los Angeles to the family summer home in Laguna Beach. She worked for 10 years at Robinsons-May in Fashion Island as assistant manager in designer fashion and then retired.

However, never one to remain inactive, Gaither, who was an enthusiastic yoga practitioner for many years, sought to share the benefits of this healthful practice with others by becoming a yoga teacher for seniors at the Laguna Beach Community Center. Gaither volunteered for many years at The Friends of the Library Bookshop in Laguna Beach and served with dedication as manager until her death.

Gaither was the inspiration and role model of courage for her family. Despite a debilitating jaw surgery in 1999 that limited her ability to communicate effectively with others, she continued to face each day with optimism and enthusiasm, a vibrant example of how to cherish life. She will be deeply missed by her family, but forever in their hearts.

She is survived by her daughters Pamela and Karen, her grandchildren David and Paula, their three children and one grandchild as well as her beloved niece Sharon, her children Toni and Jack and their five children. The family will celebrate her life on Sept. 7 aboard the Neptune Society’s boat The Orca in Newport Beach and will scatter her ashes at sea. The family requests that any memorial gifts be donated to The Friends of the Library Bookshop of Laguna Beach.

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By Howard Hills

Word of Mark Moore’s passing on July 10, 2016, stunned and deeply saddened his hometown of Laguna Beach, as it did friends and colleagues everywhere. He won the admiration and affection of all those whose lives he touched in both the work and play that he pursued with equal creative passion. His uplifting presence in our lives will be missed profoundly by all who were blessed to have known him.

Moore was a true pioneer in business who founded a market niche for his cutting-edge company, all through his love and unstoppable drive for making machines that carry people faster and safer. Moore was doing what he loved most at work and at play when he was taken from us at the age of 64, flying down an open highway in the state of Washington alongside his brother Dan (LBHS Class of 1971).  It was to be an epic journey on motorcycles from Laguna Beach to Alaska.

Mark Guy Moore graduated from Laguna Beach High School with the class of 1970.  He is remembered by LBHS classmates as a bright, good natured and friendly young man with what would prove to be a life-long unquenchable thirst for knowledge about practically everything.  After school he worked as a photographer, and print graphics technician for the local newspaper, and he was a founding member of a Laguna Beach search and rescue team, often ably helping people in need during natural disasters.

For his classmates at LBHS, no high school romance stands out more than Mark’s marriage to Carol Dugger, also class of 1970 (LBHS Gym is named after her father).  After the two first “noticed each other” at their 30th LBHS reunion in 2000, were “mutually attracted” again at the next LBHS reunion in 2010, “hit it off” at their all-class 60th birthday party in 2012, Mark and Carol “finally realized” it was love and got married in 2013.

By then Moore had long since become a success story pursing his life’s work bringing fun into the lives of others as a leader in the amusement park ride industry.  As the founder and president of the Uremet Corporation in Santa Ana, Moore revolutionized amusement-park technology, increasing the speed and safety of roller-coasters across the nation and around the world.

Having come of age during the infancy of skateboarding in his hometown, Moore witnessed the advent of polyurethane skate wheels.  Just as fellow Laguna Beach surfer Hobie Alter created the surfboard industry, Moore innovated wheel technology to produce the gold-standard for roller-coaster wheels. Moore also became a leader in modern amusement park ride safety standards and preservation, as well as roller-coaster history and heritage.

Moore knew the satisfaction of reflecting on a life of purpose, knowing he had found a way to make a living that brought happiness to millions of people.  He also found a separate peace for himself flying his vintage model Stearman open cockpit bi-wing airplane and greater joy in his new life with his wife, Carol, who joined him in his pursuit of an intense natural curiosity about people and our world.

No one who knew Moore was surprised when he teamed up with the North American Eagle Project in the on-going endeavor to break the world land speed record in a supersonic wheeled vehicle, and contributing to innovative enhancements for the Eagle’s wheels and braking systems.  He also was known to show up at the hangar with a pot of his world famous chili for the project team. When the North American Eagle ultimately breaks both the sound barrier and the current 763 m.p.h. record, Moore will be out there on the desert flats among the crew watching it streak past a new milestone in the history of human invention.

Moore is survived by his wife Carol Dugger Moore, brother Dan Moore, sister Laura Moore, son Brett and daughter Brooke.  To honor his spirit of compassion lend a hand to someone who needs it, as he did so often, or, in his memory please send donations in his name to the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation (Attention: Dugger Scholarship), P.O. Box 1569, Laguna Beach CA 92652.

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Sunny

On Saturday, Aug. 27, Sunny, a longtime resident of South Laguna and Laguna Beach, passed away peacefully at her home on Brooks Street surrounded by her family. She was just about 16 years old.

Sunny was a special dog, with an intelligent, yet sweet disposition. Although she strongly disliked the water, Sunny enjoyed Laguna’s hiking trails, restaurants, sandy beaches, and parks.

In her youth, she was well known for long daily walks from South Laguna to town and back. In her later years, she became intimately familiar and friendly with the local businesses providing cookies, treats, and water. Sunny’s many friends included dogs, cats, birds, and even a few tourists.

Sunny will be missed by all that knew her.

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Ann Crowell

Ann Hult Crowell, a longtime resident of Laguna Beach, died on July 4.

Crowell served on city Art Commission, in the vestry of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and with St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, in the National Charity League and Habitat for Humanity.

Crowell is the author of “Wrap it Up, the Guy’s Guide to Giving & Gifts.” She owned Crowell & Associates Advertising and Public Relations.

Crowell is survived by her daughter, Catherine.

A celebration of life service in her honor is planned at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave., at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17.

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Dawn Mariko Spurlock, born and raised in Laguna Beach, died peacefully at the age of 56 on Sept. 8, 2016, after a four-month battle against cancer.

She is survived by her partner of many years, Asia Salet, her mother Marcia French, her brothers Jeff and Mark Spurlock, and extended family.

Friends and family will remember Spurlock as a truly kind, gentle, and generous person, but also as someone who was fiercely loyal and hard-working.

Spurlock was an exceptional student and athlete during her school years, before turning her talents to artistic expression as a respected glass artist, exhibiting in many arts shows, including the famous Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. Always quick with a laugh and a story, Spurlock’s humor and good nature will be missed by many.

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May 2, 1938 – Aug. 13, 2016

Joe Cyr

Born and raised in Spokane, Wash., Joe Cyr is the son of Joe and Monnie Cyr.

Cyr is survived by his daughter Cindy Cavignac, of San Diego, and sons, Jeff, of Newport Beach, and Chad, of Louisville, Ky.; brother Jim Cyr, of Seattle, Wash.; and eight grandchildren.

A graduate of North Central high school, Cyr Joe also attended Easter Washington University, in Cheney, Wash., and Whitworth University, in Spokane, Wash.

Cyr was friendly and outgoing.

He had a very successful career in sales with Swift & Company, Hallmark Cards, Grub & Ellis, Shapell Industries and other commercial real estate firms.

He raised his family in Spokane, then moved to San Diego. For the past 23 years he lived in Laguna Beach, a place he dearly loved.

His interests included sailing, classic cars and politics.

Memorial services were held in Laguna Beach Sept. 20, 2016.

He was loved by his friends and family. He will be missed.

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Bassist Roger Shew

The public is welcome to join a celebration of the life of musician and educator Roger Shew at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in the Campus Theatre at Fullerton College, 321 E. Chapman Ave., in Fullerton.

Born Dec. 26, 1974, Shew is survived by a son, Simon, and his wife, Jamie, with whom he often shared the stage.

He is also survived by his parents, Dick and Kay Shew of Pullman, Wash.; brothers Eric of Bellingham, Wash., and Keith of Rosemount, Minn., and their respective spouses, Becca and Mandy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

As an accomplished jazz musician, Shew played upright bass throughout southern California and around the world.  He also taught at Fullerton College, Mt. San Antonio College and in Laguna Beach at the high school and middle school.

An account has been set up for the family, accessible by searching “Roger Shew” at gofundme.com<http://gofundme.com>.

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Ann Webster

Festival of Arts board member Ann Webster passed away on Friday, Sept. 16, at her home in Laguna Beach with her family by her side.

Ann was born in York, Penn., on Feb. 22, 1925. She earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in art history from George Washington University.

In 1946, she married her first husband Lewis Street, a marine pilot, with whom she had three children, Kathy, John and Nancy. She raised their children while stationed in several locations, Tustin, Calif., Annendale, Va., and Honolulu, Hawaii. As a marine aviator’s wife, she received a special medal because her husband served in three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

She married her second husband, Roland C. Webster, in 1971. They lived on a yacht and traveled to many tropical islands.

In 1975, they settled in Laguna Beach and Webster fell in love with the Pageant of the Masters. She was affiliated with the Pageant for 40 years, including 28 years as makeup supervisor, 15 years as an elected Festival of Arts board member and 14 years on its scholarship committee.

Recognizing and awarding students art scholarships brought her great joy.

Webster continued to travel and on her journeys would research artwork that could possibly be re-created in the Pageant.

Webster was also a member of the Pacific Symphony League.

Webster is survived by her daughter Nancy James; grandchildren Becky Gates, Annika James, Genevieve Buegel, Jaime Blickenstaff, Wendy Boslet, Brandy Jefferson, Jack Boslet and Campbell Boslet; and great grandchildren Kenneth Showe, Amelie Hart, Luther Buegel, Samantha and Tatum Jefferson, and Abigail and Natalie Gates.

Webster was preceded in death by her husbands and her children Kathy and John.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Glenn E. Vedder Scholarship Fund at the Festival of Arts.

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Aug. 13, 1942 – Sept. 29, 2016

Terry Smith

For over 35 years, Terry Smith was a devoted resident of Laguna Beach and a long time benefactor and trustee of Laguna College of Arts & Design. He served as development committee chair, Collectors Choice committee chair, and was instrumental in funding many special projects, and the LCAD Scholarship Fund.

Knowledge was always a quest, and a gift for Smith to give. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Pomona College, and a masters from Claremont Graduate School. After 23 years, he retired from Balboa Life and Casualty after holding a series of positions from programmer analyst to regional office manager.

Smith also worked for Sisters of St. Joseph Data Center, Pacific Life, and as a math teacher at La Canada High School. He also taught an information technology course at Irvine Valley College for 14 years.

As a committed volunteer, Smith was active in Laguna Beach City Council, served on the Laguna Beach Arts Commission, and volunteered for friends of the Library and the Laguna Police Department. His generous spirit and legacy is an example of the positive way in which one individual’s efforts can impact the community, champion culture and the arts, and enrich the lives of others in countless ways.

In addition to the arts, Smith liked fine cuisine, classical music, watched PBS loyally and baked a gourmet pumpkin pie and pecan pie every year for his dual Thanksgivings at the Bickel’s and the Crehan’s homes for over 25 years. We will eat our pie and think of Terry.

Smith bravely battled cancer, but succumbed to health complications due to a sudden critical infection.  He passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Sept. 29 at Mission Hospital, MV. He is survived by his partner, Wayne Peterson, and the families of cousins Lori Thompson Bickel and Allen Thompson, and Wayne’s niece and nephews, Christy, Paul and Mark Allen.

A service will be held in Smith’s honor at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave., in Laguna Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Terry Smith Memorial Fund at Laguna College of Art and Design at www.lcad.edu.

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Constance Hilburn, a longtime South Laguna and Dana Point resident, passed away Sept. 28.

She is survived by a son, Michael Hilburn; daughter, Laura Ashley Hilburn: grandchildren Maxwell and Samuel Hilburn and Holly Lee; and three great grandsons.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at The Fountains, 25411 Sea Bluff Dr. in Dana Point.

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Lynda Nicholson

Lynda W. Nicholson, of Laguna Beach, passed away quietly at her home in late January 2016 at the age of 81. A free spirit with a passion for life and art, their beauty and complexity, their mysteries and chaos, she will be missed dearly by family, friends and the community.

Nicholson moved to Laguna in 1976 to pursue her interest in ceramics and her love of the ocean. Responding to the artistic atmosphere, she began taking pottery classes at the Laguna Beach School of Art. And for the next 20 years, participated in the Sawdust Festival (ca 1977-1989) and Festival of Arts (1986-1996) for her ceramics. Her work was also commissioned for a local hotel and represented in the gift shops of the Laguna Beach and Newport Harbor Museums.

A life-long learner and adventurer, Nicholson was always traveling and taking classes in art (printmaking, silk painting, watercolor, plein air, figure drawing, collage, jewelry-making, and ceramics). At age 62, she was chosen as a ship’s mate to journey 18 days on a 65 foot racing skiff, the Alaska Eagle, from Tonga to Fiji. A “dream come true,” she announced, beaming.

Perhaps as a foretelling of the artist she was to become, at 17 (1951) she wrote a composition titled “Watercolor,” a description of a foggy morning by the ocean where “the opposite shore was blotted out by the fog, making the sea climb right up into the sky,” and “the sun seemed to slide through these elements,” “transforming” the scene into a continuous, vertical “glowing brilliance” of yellow and “tints of the lightest blue.” The finale of the composition read, “It was a freshly painted watercolor that should have been hanging in a yellow room.”

Nicholson was the youngest child of two, born to Ken and Marcella Nicholson in Robinson, Ill. She grew up in Long Island, N.Y., and graduated from Huntington High in 1952. In 1956 she graduated from Bucknell University, and later that year, age 22, she married Terrance H. Tennant and moved to Claremont, Calif., to raise a family.

At the time of her passing, Nicholson was survived by her three children, Katy Brian (Mark) of Park City, Utah, Tracy Tennant (Chuck) of Riverside, and Alex Tennant (Taryn) of Dana Point; grandchildren Krissy Brian, Jacky Brian and Riley Tennant.

Please consider making a donation in Nicholson’s name to the Laguna College of Art and

Design: http://www.lcad.edu/give/, or other art-inspired institution. Messages of celebration of Nicholson’s life may be sent to: lwnicholson34@gmail.com or by post in care of Tracy Tennant, 5758 Eugene Street, Riverside, Ca., 92506.

A favorite poem: “If I Wanted a Boat”, by Mary Oliver in “Blue Horses,” 2014 Penguin Press.

Dear One, “Fly towards a secret sky. It’s time to take your first step without feet.” -Inspired by Rumi.

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Jack Meehan

Jack Meehan, 31, of Laguna Beach, died in a tragic bicycle accident in the early evening of Oct. 26, 2016, in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Jack was born Oct. 15, 1985, and grew up in Laguna, attending El Morro Elementary and Thurston Middle School. An accomplished athlete at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, he was captain of the football team and set several records including the school’s all-time record for most tackles in a career. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from San Francisco State University and went on to also complete a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation at the California Maritime Academy.

During his school years, Jack worked at the Laguna restaurant La Sirena, where he was a local favorite and eventually became a manager. After completing his degree and licensing at Cal Maritime, Meehan began a promising career as a professional mariner working for the Alaska Tanker Company. Motivated and disciplined, Meehan was on an accelerated career path with the company, achieving the rank of second mate of the Alaskan Frontier early, and was on track to soon become chief mate.

Meehan’s larger than life spirit would fill a room whenever he walked in. His lust for life led him to many great adventures, from surfing big waves at Mavericks, to snowboarding mountains around the world, to running with the bulls in Pamplona. An avid surfer and accomplished waterman, his love of the ocean cultivated a life long respect for the environment; the water was his sanctuary.

A true gentleman, Meehan’s kindness was inclusive of everyone he met, and he was always fast to make a friend. A loving son, brother, brother-in-law, and friend, he lived an incredible life in the short time he was with us. He will be remembered for his smile, his wit, his loyalty and his passion for life.

Meehan is survived by his parents, Kevin and Betsy; his siblings, Camron, Joe and Erin; his brother-in-law, Brandon; his large extended family; and his many friends. Following a private family ceremony, a paddle out will be held at Three Arch Bay on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Jack Meehan Scholarship Fund, at the Cal Maritime Academy Foundation, 200 Maritime Academy Drive, Vallejo, Calif., 94590; or the Jack Meehan Football Scholarship at Santa Margarita Catholic High School,

22062 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., 92688; the Jack Meehan Memorial Fund at the Surfing Heritage Foundation, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, Calif., 92672.

The post Jack Meehan appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Jack Meehan

Jack Meehan, 31, of Laguna Beach, died in a tragic bicycle accident in the early evening of Oct. 26, 2016, in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Jack was born Oct. 15, 1985, and grew up in Laguna, attending El Morro Elementary and Thurston Middle School. An accomplished athlete at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, he was captain of the football team and set several records including the school’s all-time record for most tackles in a career. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from San Francisco State University and went on to also complete a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation at the California Maritime Academy.

During his school years, Jack worked at the Laguna restaurant La Sirena, where he was a local favorite and eventually became a manager. After completing his degree and licensing at Cal Maritime, Meehan began a promising career as a professional mariner working for the Alaska Tanker Company. Motivated and disciplined, Meehan was on an accelerated career path with the company, achieving the rank of second mate of the Alaskan Frontier early, and was on track to soon become chief mate.

Meehan’s larger than life spirit would fill a room whenever he walked in. His lust for life led him to many great adventures, from surfing big waves at Mavericks, to snowboarding mountains around the world, to running with the bulls in Pamplona. An avid surfer and accomplished waterman, his love of the ocean cultivated a life long respect for the environment; the water was his sanctuary.

A true gentleman, Meehan’s kindness was inclusive of everyone he met, and he was always fast to make a friend. A loving son, brother, brother-in-law, and friend, he lived an incredible life in the short time he was with us. He will be remembered for his smile, his wit, his loyalty and his passion for life.

Meehan is survived by his parents, Kevin and Betsy; his siblings, Camron, Joe and Erin; his brother-in-law, Brandon; his large extended family; and his many friends. Following a private family ceremony, a paddle out will be held at Three Arch Bay on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Jack Meehan Scholarship Fund, at the Cal Maritime Academy Foundation, 200 Maritime Academy Drive, Vallejo, Calif., 94590; or the Jack Meehan Football Scholarship at Santa Margarita Catholic High School,

22062 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., 92688; the Jack Meehan Memorial Fund at the Surfing Heritage Foundation, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, Calif., 92672.

The post Jack Meehan appeared first on Laguna Beach Local News.

Jan. 24, 1948 – Oct. 28, 2016

Gary Brauer

Gary Edward Brauer “GB” was born in Petoskey, Mich. At a very early age Gary, his father Fred, and mother Bertha, packed up all of their belongings and drove west to start their new life in Laguna Beach in the early 1950s.

Gary has been a lifelong Laguna Beach resident, going to Aliso Elementary School, Thurston Middle School (when it was located where the current high school pool is now located), and he graduated from Laguna Beach High School. As a boy, Gary was involved in a number of youth sports and played baseball, basketball, and tennis. As an adult, he coached his children’s baseball, basketball, and softball teams through the Recreation Department and Boy’s Club of Laguna Beach.

Brauer’s true passions were his love of the ocean and his love of music. At an early age, he picked up the accordion and became proficient enough to play a number of youth talent shows. If there was ever a dull moment at a party or event you could always count on him to pull out the accordion to liven things up and let someone pick the song of their choice.

As he progressed through to his teens his musical tastes began to change and he gravitated towards the electric guitar. Brauer played numerous gigs, concerts, and events all over California throughout his life and he continued to write, record, and play music with his friends until his passing.

Brauer’s motto, “have guitar will travel,” was on many of his letters, correspondence, and business cards and he always had both an instrument and swimsuit in his car just in case of an “emergency.”

Brauer was a charter member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (located in Bluebird Canyon) until the church’s closing. He was also baptized at the Church of Latter-day Saints (LDS) located on Park Avenue.

Brauer’s enthusiastic personality and “aloha” spirit will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

He is survived by his son, Aaron Brauer of Los Angeles, his daughter Erica Jones of Laguna Beach, and his two grandchildren, Cameron Jones and Carter Jones.

The band upstairs just got another amazing musician. We love you and miss you…ALOHA!!!

A celebration of Brauer’s life will be held at the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, 286 St. Ann’s Dr., on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3-6 p.m.

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