United States High School Yearbooks by County
Warren Arthur Staiger
Died February 17, 2003, a few months short of his 80th birthday. He was born in LaCanada, CA and grew up in Inglewood, CA. He received his BA from UCLA and his law degree from Hastings College of the Law. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy in the Pacific. He was associated with California State Automobile Association for 37 years. He was a trial attorney for many years and later became Manager of the Law Department and Assistant General Council. He and his family moved to Marin County in 1950. He had served on the boards of the Marin YMCA, the Mill Valley Community Church and the Mill Valley Historical Society. He was a member of SIRS. He enjoyed golf and traveling. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Carol Castner Staiger. His children are Steven Staiger of Portola Valley (wife Luana), Stuart Staiger of Dixon (wife Martha), and Janet Staiger Drozd of Reno, Nevada (husband Kenneth). His three grandchildren are Kristen Staiger of Santa Clara, Nicholas Drozd of Reno, Nevada, and William Staiger of Dixon. The family suggests contributions to the Mill Valley Historical Society or the American Cancer Society. RUSSELL & GOOCH FUNERAL CHAPEL 270 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley 415-388-1573
Ruth Charlotte Staley
Passed away February 13, 2003 at the age of 90. Wife of the late Jerome Staley, mother of Nicolyn and husband Andrew Burgoyne, Mary and husband Gregory Trimble, and John and wife Jeanette Staley, grandmother of Rachel, Benjamin, Carrie, Christopher and Erik. Her sister, Una Hoisser of Minnesota, also survives Ruth. A resident of San Anselmo for 50 years, Ruth touched the lives of many during her 45 years of teaching beginning in Owatonna, Minnesota. During WWII she taught at the Presidio in San Francisco. She continued to work for the SFUSD providing "home teaching" for high school students unable to attend their schools and eventually teaching at St. Elizabeth's Infant Hospital. After retiring from SFUSD, Ruth took on summer school in San Anselmo and then taught at San Dominico School in Sleepy Hollow. Ruth will be remembered for her love of music and piano, her dedication to her church and her strength and determination. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 10:00 a.m. at the Christ the Victor Lutheran Church, 2626 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, CA. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4340 Redwood Hwy., S.R., or a charity of your choice. MONTE'S CHAPEL OF THE HILLS Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo - 415-453-8440
Cecelia Weir
Cecelia Weir, born August 5, 1934 in San Francisco, died on February 15, 2003 at the age of 68. Cecelia was a lifelong Bay Area resident and attended St. Paul High School in San Francisco. In 1956 she married William Weir and in 1968 they moved their family to Novato. In addition to her dedication to her family she worked for the City of Petaluma for 23 years, retiring in 1996. Cecelia will be greatly missed by her husband of 47 years, William of Novato, her daughter Susan (David) Stubblebine of Rohnert Park, her son Steven (Julie) Weir of Ukiah, her sister Joan (Duke) Fishman of Fremont, her five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday, February 21, 2003 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Lane, Novato. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations are preferred to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 690 Market Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA. 94104 or the charity of your choice. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151
Coralie L. Willis
Coralie L. Eddards Willis, mother, grandma, retired R.N. with Mt. Diablo Medical Center died at John Muir Medical Center on February 15, 2003. She was 74 years old. She was a native of Oakland, CA; a resident of Marin County since three months old; she attended schools in Marin County and Los Medanos Nursing School; and was an original member of the Four Winds Club. She has lived in Antioch for 35 years. Coralie is survived by her daughters Kathleen Willis of Antioch and Michele Gishi of Germantown, Maryland; her brother Gerald Eddards of Cottonwood, Arizona; one granddaughter and three grandsons. Visitation will be held Friday, February 21st from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Chapel, Antioch. Services will be Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at the L.D.S. Chapel, 4th Ward, Antioch with Burial at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Concord. Memorial gifts may be made to your favorite charity.
Leland S. "Lee" Bright,
Nov. 15, 1924 - Feb. 8, 2003
Leland S. "Lee" Bright passed away peacefully at his home in San Rafael, on February 8, 2003, at the age of 78. He was a native of San Francisco and lived in San Rafael for 34 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; their three sons, Leland III, William and Barton; daughters-in-law Hazel and Frances and eight grandchildren. Lee was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Navy Amphibious Force in the Pacific from 1942 to 1946; he received a Naval commendation for meritorious service. He was in the financial management business for 44 years, retiring as Vice President and Principal of Sage Financial Corporation, a subsidiary of E. F. Hutton. He was past president and founding director of Western Securities Transfer Association; past president and founding director of Terra Linda Scholarship Foundation; Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 72; past Big SIR of Central Marin Branch #122; past president of Marin County MADD and served 20 years as a volunteer leader of the Boy Scouts of America. Lee was a member of the Marin County Civil Grand Jury and the San Francisco Federal Grand Jury; a volunteer fire lookout on Mt. Tam, and a member of San Rafael Police Department Volunteers in Policing. As he requested, a private family service will be held. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Students Scholarship Fund, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MIchigan, 49242-9986.
Allan Chambliss
Died on Monday, 9 February, 2003 in Santa Rosa. Born in Oklahoma in 1911, he grew up in Annapolis, MD, where he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1933. During a Navy cruise he met Doris Newell of San Anselmo. They married in 1936. Sent by the Navy to MIT in Cambridge, he earned an M.Sc. degree in 1939 and was assigned as an engineer to the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton, WA. In 1945 he transferred to Hunters Point in San Francisco, and the family settled in San Anselmo. When the onset of adult diabetes cut short his Naval career, he earned his Civil Engineer's license and joined Standard Oil of California. During his time at Standard he moved from the engineering to the personnel department. Following a five year stint at the reins of a family business, he became Director of Personnel at Utah Construction Company. Upon his retirement in 1966, Mr. and Mrs. Chambliss moved to Kenwood. In the mid 80s they moved to the Spring Lake Village retirement community in Santa Rosa. Throughout his life Mr. Chambliss was concerned with issues of world peace, the environment, and community service. In Marin County he served on the San Anselmo School Board as well as the Marin General Hospital Board. For many years he was a member of the United World Federalists (serving two terms as President of the California chapter), upon moving to Sonoma County he became an active member of the Sonoma Land Trust. Mr. Chambliss is survived by three children, Joan Bossart of Emeryville, CA, Julia Spencer of England, and Allan McLane Chambliss, Jr., of New York; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Chambliss died in the fall of 2000. A third daughter, Anne Schmidt, died in 1998. A Memorial Service on Tuesday, February 18, 11:00 a.m. will be at the Spring Lake Village Chapel. Donations may be made to the Sonoma Land Trust.
James Calvin Huckins, Jr., Semper Fi !
A Marin County resident since 1962. Born in 1921 in Oklahoma, Jim graduated from Oklahoma A&M and was a Major in the Marine Corps. He enjoyed a career in architectural and industrial sales and marketing with the Reynolds Metals Company and FMC. Jim was a 40 year member and past President of Rotary Club of San Francisco, and served on committees for the YMCA and Boys Club of San Francisco. He was actively involved with Fire Safe Marin, served on the Marin County Grand Jury, and organized neighborhood disaster preparedness groups. He was an avid golfer, past President of the Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club, a voracious reader, and found pleasure in woodworking, photography and gardening. Jim died February 10th, 2003 leaving behind his wife Donna, children Jean and Lee, and brother Joseph. Donations may be sent to the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 "E” Street, San Rafael, 94901, or the charity of your choice. SEMPER FI !
Norma M. O'Hair
Passed away in Kentfield on February 5, 2003. Wife of the late Douglas R. O'Hair, Norma was born on May 2, 1926 in Merced, CA, the only child of Wallace and Edna Montross Hunter. A Registered Nurse, she completed her training at St. Francis Hospital, San Francisco in 1946 and she later received her BSN degree from the University of California at San Francisco. She was the first College Nurse appointed to the College of Marin and served 17 years at the Kentfield campus. Longtime residents of Belvedere and Tiburon, she and her husband were lifelong sailors and active in local yacht clubs. She is survived by her daughter, Kim O'Hair of Kentfield, CA, son, Michael O'Hair of Pleasanton, CA, and five grandchildren. No Memorial Service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the National Emphysema Foundation, 15 Stevens Street, Norwalk, CT 06856.
David Allen Hickerson-Perry
Suddenly in Los Angeles, California February 10, 2003 David passed away in his sleep at the age of 27. David will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. David was a gentle person who was always quick to help out friends and animals in need. David was a volunteer and coach for San Rafael High School's Wrestling Program. He helped many young people develop their wrestling skills. Wrestling was David's passion and he won many awards and state championships in Hawaii where he was born. David was an avid photographer, cook, surfer and gifted artist. He is survived by his mother Ana Ree Hickerson of San Anselmo, CA. Father, Allen K. Perry of Hawaii, grandmother Shirley Perry of Los Angeles, Brother Allen Wesley of Cabot AK, sisters Markell Ness of Grover Beach, CA and Sarah Perry of Hawaii. Aunts Jeannie Perry of Los Angeles, Mary Ann Hickerson of Guerneville. Uncle Robert C. Hickerson of Placerville. Cousins Rhea and Cheo Taylor, Elizabeth Giambastiani of Clear Lake, several nieces and nephews and countless wonderful friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the David Perry Scholarship Fund, San Rafael High School, 185 Mission Street, San Rafael, CA.
William M. Spencer, Jr.
On January 24th, 2003, William M. ("Bill") Spencer, Jr. passed away peacefully at his horse ranch in Nicasio surrounded by his family and caregivers. Peggy Spencer, his wife of 44 years, preceded him in death. Bill was born March 1, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. He lived a gregarious, active life with his family and many longtime friends. He graduated from Princeton University in 1950 and served his country on the front lines of the Korean War. After marrying Peggy in Colorado he and his family moved to San Francisco in 1958 and to Marin County in 1959. As a businessman, he spent his early career with McKinsey and Co., consulted independently, and then worked for George Lithograph for many years. He traveled whenever he could for business or pleasure, and lived for two years with his family in Australia. While there he established a cattle ranch, Kunapipi Springs, which became one of his great lifelong loves. He managed it with frequent visits from the U.S. Bill's deep understanding of history, his joy of music, and his passion for horses informed every day of his life. His sons inherited his love for the outdoors. He also did the world some good in the arenas of education and politics. He chaired the Marin Country Day School Board and served one term as an elected trustee of the College of Marin. He taught Latin to grade schoolers and business to college students. He owned two after school learning centers. In the last years of his life he wrote children's books. He was a generous supporter of many Marin organizations. In his final years Bill Spencer was an inspiration as he coped with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a debilitating disease that left him progressively paralyzed and unable to speak. He lived those years as he lived his whole life with dignity, integrity, and humor. He raised enough funds to initiate the first research program in the county devoted to MSA. His three sons Bill, Bob, and Hunter, sister Suzanne, brother Edson, their families, and his many friends including the "Dirty Dozen" will sorely miss him. A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross on March 29, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made to "UC San Diego Foundation". Please note: "William Spencer Fellowship and MSA Research Fund #4359". Mail to: Jennifer Svihus, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive - Mail Code 0696, La Jolla, CA 92093.
Frank Carson
Age 87 passed away in Marin County on February 10, 2003 after battling a long illness. Frank was a long time resident of Fairfax, California where he lived with his family for 51 years. Born in Rocaforte, Italy, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 after having waited 14 months for a vacancy. In 1937 as a buck sergeant in Hawaii, he was a gun commander of the first type of antiaircraft artillery weapon used by the Army. During WWII, Frank fought in the Solomon Islands and at Luzon and saw action in three campaigns during the Korean War. In 1952, Frank was one of 2500 soldiers who volunteered for the Atomic Bomb survival test in Nevada. Except for two tours to Korea and a year's hitch at Thule, Greenland, Frank spent his service time in the SF Bay Area. After 37 years of service and being awarded the Legion of Merit medal, Frank retired at the Presidio with the rank of Command Sergeant Major. After the Army, he worked with Ongaro Plumbing in San Anselmo and Deer Park Villa in Fairfax. While Frank had a secret desire to be a chauffeur (driving for miles on end relaxed him), he also had a love for trout fishing with his buddies and a passion for his yard, complete with 50 plus fruit trees, vegetables, berries and flowers. He would stir up a storm when fruit and berry season arrived, being the jam and jelly maker in the household. He is survived by his wife Louise and son Lenny of Fairfax, his daughters Carol Habiger of Santa Rosa and Shirley Carson of St. Helena and a sister, Violet Jansoone of Pleasanton, CA. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Marin or The American Cancer Society.
Betty Gene "Genie" Graybeal
"Genie" Graybeal passed away suddenly in San Pablo on February 2, 2003. She was the loving mother of Cheryl Adams and her husband Lorren of Novato. Beloved grandmother of Bettina Warwick of Rohnert Park and Terry Adams of San Pablo, CA. Devoted great grandmother of Tamara and Jacob Warwick and Joshua Adams. Caring sister of Audrea Carero and aunt of Elaina Carero both of Castro Valley. Longtime companion of the late Harold Young. Genie was born in Oakland, CA to Bessie and Audmer Ruckman. A graduate of UC Berkeley and the Academy of Arts in Oakland, she was very artistic and devoted her life to the arts. She was an avid reader and traveled the world through her books. Surrounded by beauty she could lose herself in her favorite classical music. She was a lifetime member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston and a long time member of the Eastern Star. Genie's caring manner and witty sense of humor will be sorely missed. An Urnside Service was held at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma. Arrangements made by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA.
Ingeborg "Inge" Carson, June 23, 1923 - February 8, 2003
Passed away unexpectedly in Rancho San Diego on February 8, 2003. She was a native of Neuruppin-Dabergotz, Germany and a 39-year resident of Marin County, CA. She lived in Rancho San Diego since 6 April 2002 where she resided until her death. Her two sons and their spouses, Rolf and Kristine Carson of El Cajon and Niels Helge and Jennifer Carson of Sterling, Virginia, and her beloved granddaughter, Kelley Victoria Carson survive her. At her request her ashes will be strewn over Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County. Donations in her name will be accepted with gratitude to the Marin Humane Society.
Georgia D. "Anny Love" Dufton
Passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2003 in Sonoma, CA. She is predeceased by her husband, Jack Dufton and her two sons Jack and Bill Dufton. She is lovingly survived by her daughters Judith Ashton and Vicki Dufton-Spackman; two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In her 86 years, she was a dedicated wife, doting mother, amazing grandmother and true friend. She served over 25 years as a Christian Science Nurse at Arden Wood. Her life was a gift and a radiant light of inspiration to all who encountered her. So blessed by her presence we will be forever brightened by her light. Friends and extended family are invited to join the family for an Open House at her home on Saturday, February 15th, 2003 from 1 to 5 p.m. to share memories and celebrate her life. Private Inurnment. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Georgia's honor may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 987 Airway Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; The Humane Society of Sonoma County, 5345 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407; Arden Wood; or to the charity of the donor's choice. Inquiries may be made to: DUGGAN'S MISSION CHAPEL MISSION CREMATION SERVICE 707-996-3655 - Sonoma, CA
