Leonard Charles Rosky

Leonard Rosky, age 83 of Oceanside CA passed away after a bout with pneumonia on December 29, 2021. Leonard was born on April 27, 1938 as the only child to Polish immigrants in Bronx, NY. Leonard’s Bronx accent and attitude remained with him his entire life.

After graduating high school Leonard enlisted in the National Guard. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, where he was trained as a truck driver. His brush with history was in 1957 when President Eisenhower deployed federal troops to help with the integration of Little Rock Central High School of the first African Americans.

While serving in the National Guard, Leonard stayed in the Bronx and began his career with Conard Shipping. He also purchased a beloved 1957 Chevy Belair.

Leonard met the love of his life, Arlene Ann Osterberg while they were both serving in the wedding party of mutual friends. It was love at first sight and they were engaged 6 months after their first meeting and were married shortly after. His love for Arlene was so great that he left his beloved Bronx and they began to raise a family in Weehawken, NJ. As the family grew they moved to Lodi and then to purchasing their own home in Pompton Lakes, NJ. There they successfully raised four boys. Leonard worked hard to support his growing family as a truck driver and proud Teamster member. He primarily drove for Axelrod Dairy, waking early and making deliveries to supermarkets around New York City. He occasionally took his boys as “helpers”, exposing them to the trucker lifestyle, country music and their first cups of coffee. The family often spent their summer vacations camping up and down the East Coast. Leonard was also a fan of the writer Studs Terkel.

After their boys grew up and left home, Leonard retired and he and Arlene followed two of their sons West. They purchased their retirement condominium in Oceanside CA, just a short drive to the Pacific Ocean and the fishing pier. Leonard and Arlene spent their retirement exploring the Western part of the United States. They often took group bus and train excursions exploring the West. One of the highlights was visiting Mount Rushmore. In their later years Lenny and Arlene would spend time on the pier, while Arlene set up a chair and read books, Lenny would fish, but mostly engage the fisherman in conversation and his infamous one-liner jokes.

Leonard is survived by his wife Arlene of Oceanside CA, his four sons William Rosky and his wife Anne Zenger of Juneau AK, Peter Rosky and his wife Tracy Rosky of Wayne, NJ, James Rosky and his wife Sharon Rosky of Oceanside CA and Charles Rosky of West Milford, NJ. He is also survived by grandchildren Thomas Rosky of New York City, NY, John Rosky of Aurora CO, Heather Snyder and Randy Vitello both of Oceanside CA and great granddaughters, Sienna and Scarlet Snyder. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lottie Rosky

Caroline Swan

Caroline Mae Swan age 93, of Rancho Bernardo passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021 after a relatively short battle with Lymphoma. She was born on January 27, 1928 in Santa Monica California as the only child of Charles and Margaret (Jessop) Halverson. Caroline grew up in Los Angeles and Culver City and attended Alexander Hamilton High School, graduating in 1945. She married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Lester Swan, on January 14, 1950 and moved to Hermosa Beach. Caroline and Bob purchased a new house and moved to Torrance, California in 1955 where they made a warm and welcoming home and raised their three children, Dennis, Cydna, and Eric. After raising their children, Caroline and Bob moved to Thousand Oaks, California in 1984 where they enjoyed a busy retirement life, taking on leadership roles with their community groups and traveling extensively both domestically and internationally. In 2004 they moved to Rancho Bernardo in San Diego and continued to enjoy an active retirement life. Bob passed away in 2009. Caroline survived a major stroke in 2017 that left her disabled for the last four years of her life.

During her younger years, Caroline held various jobs, including working as a page at MGM studios as a teenager and later for Von’s Grocery Company as a long-standing member of Retail Clerks Union local 905. At home, Caroline enjoyed crocheting, sewing, knitting, decorating, entertaining, and caring for her cats.

Caroline is survived by her children; Dennis Swan of Torrance, Cydna Swan of San Diego, and Eric Swan of Oakland; and her six grandchildren : Terra, Izaac, Aimo, River, Jenna, and Astrid. Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Margaret Halverson, and her husband of nearly 60 years, Robert Swan.

DURGA KHATRI

Durga Khatri left this earthly realm on May 24th, 2021 after being unwell since 2017. She was 79 years old and was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Mohan Lal Khatri.

Durga courageously faced the challenges of her life from being a refugee who fled from Pakistan to India at a young age and then immigrating a second time to the United States at the age of 49. In India and in the US, she balanced managing a household and held a job for many years, contributing to her family's income. It is through her that we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. Durga is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Raj and Jyoti Khatri, her daughter and son-in-law, Renu and JP Sethi. She is also survived by three sisters in India and her youngest brother, Anil, who she raised like a son, and sister-in-law, Shashi Katyal. Her legacy lives on through her five grandchildren who have many loving memories of her such as enjoying her comforting head oil massages, listening to her endless stories at bedtime, and sharing Coke and ice cream floats with her.

FIDEL DANIEL CHAVOYA

1929-2021

Resident of Carlsbad, CA

On Mar. 29, 2021, after a brief illness, Fidel Daniel Chavoya passed away in his home in Carlsbad, CA; he was a former resident of Cupertino and San Jose, CA.

The third of seven children, Fidel was born on May 12, 1929, in Carlsbad, CA to Estevan and Evangelina Gastelum Chavoya. Estevan Chavoya was proud of the Chavoya family history: Fidel was a 5th-generation native Californian and a descendent of Antonio Chabolla, the original holder of the Rancho Yerba Buena Spanish land grant (which covered what is now known as the Evergreen area of San Jose, CA). Fidel attended Carlsbad Union Grammar School and San Juan Capistrano High School for 9th and 10th grades. In the summer of 1946, his family moved to Cupertino, CA where he attended Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, CA, and in 1948 Fidel graduated and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Military Police. Due to the Berlin Air Lift, in late 1948 Fidel was assigned to Wiesbaden, Germany. In early 1952 Fidel was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, CA. Following his honorable discharge, in Sept. 1952 Fidel married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Grijalva (deceased Apr. 1983). They had three children and were married for 30-1/2 years. After working for several years in the grocery business, in Sept. 1963 Fidel became an agent for New York Life Insurance Company until 1988 when he retired.

Fidel was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus (“KofC”). In 1960 he was one of the founding members of the KofC St. Francis of Assisi Council No. 4981 serving the Cupertino-Saratoga area of CA. He held every office including Grand Knight. Starting in 1983 Fidel served two terms as District Deputy. Fidel was also a member of the KofC Fourth Degree Color Corp.

In 1989 Fidel met Susan Buerger, and in March 1992, they were married. They celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary just days before he passed away. After living in San Jose, CA for eight years, in late summer 2000 Fidel and Susan moved to Carlsbad, CA where they have been members of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Fidel was happy to be living again in Carlsbad and continued to be active with the KofC, joining St. Patrick Council No. 15076.

Fidel is survived by his widow, Susan Buerger Chavoya, his children from his marriage to Rosemary Grijalva Chavoya: Rosanne Chavoya Minnici (Joseph), Rosalind Chavoya, Fidel D. Chavoya, Jr. (Eric Earsom), his two grandchildren, Phillip Minnici and Krysten Minnici Kennedy (Bob), his brother and sister-in-law Herb and Rosella Chavoya, his sisters Emma Chavoya Qualls and Rachel Chavoya Ochoa, his sisters-in-law Bonnie Wiegel Chavoya, Rebecca Grijalva Jurado and Veronica Grijalva Lewis, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, and Susan’s adult children and grandchildren from her first marriage: David Buerger (Carol), Karen Buerger Andrew (Marshall), Eric Buerger, Alicia True, Andrew Naselli, Shalece Doucette, Sarah Andrew, Kendra Buerger and Kaila Buerger.

Fidel has been cremated, and due to CA’s COVID-19 restrictions, his memorial services are being delayed. The family will hold a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church located at 3821 Adams Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008, followed by interment on Friday, Jul. 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery located at 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024. These plans are subject to California’s COVID-19 gathering restrictions in place at that time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Fidel’s memory to the “Knights of Columbus Council No. 15076” and sent to St. Patrick Catholic Church at the address provided above.

Corrine Beatrice Louis

Corrine Beatrice Louis otherwise known as Sister Connie passed in her home in Escondido, California at the age of 93. She was born in Sioux Falls South Dakota on 11-09-1927. She is survived by her daughter Dava June Birge- Sharp and her brothers; Richard and Gerald Foster. Her grandchildren are Roxana Daye Neeley, Amanda Wendy McCain and Anthony James Birge. Her great grandchildren are, Tavia Beth Morgan, Nakona Ann Grimes, Dakota Birge and Seth Michael Berry.

Sister Connie was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Louis, her father Paul Foster and her mother Gertrude Luella Miller. She also lost her brother Van Foster and two sons; Hal Allan and Manual Alfred Birge.

Connie was a devout Christian all her life. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, mother and great grandmother. She had a sharp wit and a hilarious sense of humor. She was a gifted musician who played the piano and the accordion. She performed with the Sweet Adelines and sang with the choir in the United Pentecostal Church.

In loving memory of Corrine Beatrice Louis. She is forever in our hearts.

You are gone
but thank you
for all these soft, sweet things
you have left behind
in my home,
in my head,
in my heart..

Nikita Gill

Psalm116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Daniel A. Schroepfer

October 7th, 1958 – January 19th, 2021
Age, 62, passed away on January 19th of heart and lung failure at his home in Oceanside, CA. Dan was born to Al and Ramona (Underdahl) Schroepfer at Trinity Hospital in Minot, North Dakota on October 7th, 1958. Dan is preceded in death by grandparents, parents, and baby brother, Richard. Dan is survived by a son, Evan Schroepfer of Maple Grove, MN, a brother, Jeff Schroepfer (Melinda) of River Fall, WI, his loyal little dog, Lola, and many cousins and friends.
For years, Dan dealt with the effects of radiation damage to his heart and lungs caused by treatment he received for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1987. While the treatment he received 34 years ago cured the cancer and allowed him to go on to have a family, engage in a productive career, travel the world, and make and maintain close friendships, it ultimately took his life. Dan displayed incredible resilience and strength while managing his condition and striving to live life to the fullest, particularly during the past four years.
Dan spent the first four years of this life in Minot, ND before the family moved to Crystal, MN. He attended Neil Elementary School, Sandburg Junior High School, and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1976.
Many hours of Dan’s youth were spent with his dad, Al, and brother, Jeff, in pursuit of building the ultimate go-cart. Test runs were frequently conducted on Idaho Avenue North in Crystal! Throughout his childhood, Dan made many family trips to the Minot, ND area to spend time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He thoroughly enjoyed the hours spent on his Honda 50 with his brother and cousins on his aunt and uncle’s farm in Ryder, ND. At the age of 12, he developed a love for playing and coaching soccer which continued from junior high school to college and beyond. He was particularly proud of introducing his brother to the game and later coaching his son, Evan’s, youth soccer teams. Dan developed many close relationships through his involvement with soccer and was comforted by these long-lived friendships when his health began to slip.
Dan graduated from the University of Minnesota – Institute of Technology with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1981. He began his professional life at Honeywell in the Military Avionics Division where his team engineered an electronically steerable antenna that was used on the NASA space shuttle fleet and is currently used on the SpaceX Dragon Capsule. Dan and the Honeywell team ultimately obtained a patent for this device. Dan later worked at Polaris, Inc. as a Business and Marketing Manager for the Personal Watercraft Division, at Weber Automotive as a Product Marketing Manager, and at Textron Motors as a Business Development and Marketing Manager. Dan’s career path allowed him to travel extensively around the country and in Europe.
Dan was married to Kathy Veum from October of 1988 to 2007. They made their home in New Hope, MN and later, after the birth of their son Evan, in Mound, MN on Lake Minnetonka. Dan enjoyed living on the lake and pursuing his passion for personal watercraft with friends and family for 20 years.
In 2014, Dan realized a life-long dream of living in southern California by moving with Evan to Orange County and then Oceanside. While there, he and Evan were able to participate in their shared passion for personal watercraft races. They spent many hours working together as a solid racing team: Dan served as the chief mechanic and logistics manager allowing Evan to focus on being a racer.
Dan was a dedicated son, brother, father, and friend who sought excellence for himself and worked tirelessly to foster excellence in others. He will be missed by family and friends in MN, ND, CA, and around the world.
A memorial service will take place at Elim Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale, MN yet this spring: Date and time to be announced. Dan’s friends and family are also planning a celebration of life for later in the year: Date and location to be announced. Memorials can be sent to the Salvation Army of MN or ND.

Joe R Salazar

Joe R Salazar was born in Jocotepec Jalisco, MX on January 31,1946 and passed away due to COVID-19 on February 3,2021 in Chula Vista California. He was a strong man and cared for his family. Was a hard working man and always provided for his family it may of not been a lot but he at least had clothes on our backs and food at the table. He has 3 surviving children and one son that passed in 2016. He has 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandkids. He will be missed and never forgotten. He is now in heaven will all our loved ones that we have lost.

ROBERT EUGENE STEVENS

Robert Eugene Stevens, age 93, of Fallbrook, California, passed away January 20, 2021 after a long fight with dementia and a short fight with COVID-19. Bob was born on Dec. 19, 1927 in Battle Creek, Iowa to Ida and Paul Stevens. He studied forestry at Iowa State and, after a summer as a fire lookout in Montana, joined the Air Force. While in the Air Force he became a photogrammetrist. He moved to Washington, D.C. where he married Janet Kleefisch on October 3, 1953. With the purchase of a convertible, Bob and Jan traded in their chilly DC life for a home in Southern California and 60-odd years of sunshine.

Bob was proudly licensed as a professional engineer and after several years working for American Aerial Survey he opened his own business, Robert E. Stevens, & Assoc. in Covina, Ca. He loved running his own business, especially being able to spend time outdoors and allowing time in the schedule for an afternoon nap.

Bob loved a good joke and a cold beer. He loved walking through the forest and sharing the scientific name of each tree. He loved going to the casino and traveling the world, filling his house with treasures from his travels. But mostly he loved his children, his grandchildren, and his dogs.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Jan. He is survived by his children Tamara Homnick of Hickory Corners, MI, Ronald Stevens of Concord, CA, Marta Baker of Solana Beach, CA, and Rebecca Solander of Fallbrook, CA, as well as 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Donations can be made to the San Diego Zoo or Elizabeth Hospice.

Gary A. Jenerette

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gary Alfred Jenerette passed away on December 21, 2020 at his home in San Marcos, California.

Gary was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 17, 1937 to Carol Partlow and Ellis Vandon Jenerette. Gary came from humble beginnings. Throughout his childhood, his family relocated frequently. Eventually, his family settled in Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed growing up with his six half- brothers and sisters. As a young adult, he attended college at Millersville State University. He then joined the Army and was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. After finishing his military service, he settled in El Paso, Texas. It was there that he discovered what happily became his life long career: a career in newspaper advertising. Gary’s first sales job was with the El Paso Times. He often exceeded his sales goals, and even won a grand prize trip to the World’s Fair. During a vacation to San Diego in 1969, Gary toured The San Diego Union-Tribune. He spontaneously applied for a job and was hired on the spot! At the UT, he continued to excel in advertising sales and was eventually promoted to managerial positions in both the display and classified advertising departments. Gary loved his career at the Union Tribune and was a beloved employee there for 35 years.

Gary met the love of his life while working at the Union Tribune. They married in 1985. He was happily married to Linda Jenerette for 35 years. His daughter, Lisa Jenerette, resides in El Paso, Texas. Her sons, Zachary and Joshua, enjoyed spending time with their grandpa on their visits to California. His daughter Joy resides in Simi Valley, Ca. She has four children. Gary loved spending time with his large family which includes David and Linda Rick, Lisa and Baris Sarsilmaz, Kathryn Rick Binney, Charles and Amy Rick, Amy Kennedy and 15 perfect grandchildren! He is survived by his wife Linda Jenerette, his two daughters Joy Lee and Lisa Jenerette, and his siblings Jane Jenerette, Bea Ladley, Viola Mayberry, Faith Traini, and Vandon Jenerette as well as many nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his father, Ellis Vandon Jenerette, his mother, Carol Partlow, his step-mother Viola A. Jenerette, and brothers George S. Jenerette and Peter M. Jenerette.

Due to current COVID restrictions, there are no plans for a service at this time. A small family gathering will be held at a later date.

Kathleen Rae (Foley) Havlik

San Marcos, CA

On Friday October 30, 2020, Kathleen Rae (Foley) Havlik gained her wings and passed away unexpectedly with her sister Laura by her side.

Kathleen was born January 17, 1970, in Leominster, Massachusetts to Leonard and Carolyn Foley, and moved with her family to Carlsbad, California in the summer of 1985. She graduated from La Palma in 1989. As a CNA, she had several elderly and disabled clients that she cared for, then became a transportation aide with the Vista Unified School District.

Our family has lost a child, a mother, a sister and an aunt. Her robust laughter and great sense of humor will be severely missed by all who knew her. Her ability for joke and story telling could fill a room with laughter even in the darkest of times, a great comedian she was. She enjoyed spending time with her great niece Norah.

She is survived by her parents, her husband Scott Halvik; a daughter Kimberly Moore, a son Connor Havlik. A brother Norman Camire of Montana, sisters Brenda Glenny of Sherborn, MA, Karen Parent and husband Scot of Carlsbad, CA, Laura Baxter and husband Richard of Vista, CA, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and close friend Darrel Annabelle. She is preceded by her brother Stephen Foley and nephew Kyle Secrest.

The family will hold an intimate family graveside service at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life is being planned for January 16th at Marshall Street Park, Oceanside, CA for family and friends. The family wishes to thank everyone who has sent their condolences and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory at Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America AAFA.org

VALERIE DINSMORE

Valerie “Vicki”, “Val” Dinsmore, 75, of Carlsbad, CA passed away peacefully at home onNovember 3, 2020.

Valerie was born in Butte, MT to George and Geraldine Garrison. She grew up in Montana along with three siblings and eventually settled in California.

A retiree of the City of Carlsbad, she loved her family dearly and enjoyed playing board games, cards, and rides along the coast.

She is survived by her four children, Wendy Dinsmore, Shelly Howell (Enos), Bryon Dinsmore (Jeny), and Travis Dinsmore (Siri). She is also survived by 10 beautiful grandchildren: Blake and Kevin Howell, Christena, John, Taylor, Noah, Matthew, Isaiah and Abigail Dinsmore and Silas Dinsmore-Johansen.

She is preceded in death by her partner Alvy Funaki.

She was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed.

No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice By The Sea.

SCIPIO ECKERT

Scipio died Wednesday, October 7th. He is survived by Elyse OHare , MaiaEckert and Creed Eckert. They are his children. His wife , Dawn Eckert will miss him .

VIRGINIA MARGARET "MARGE" ROBINSON

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November 10, 1940 - October 12, 2020

It is with great love we remember a beloved wife, mother, grandmother “MaSugie”, friend and teacher to us all. Marge passed away in her sleep with her husband at her side Monday October 12, 2020. Marge’s love for teaching children was an unquestionable talent that will continue to bless the world with her lessons. One of her favorite Easter Sunday School lessons for young children was to clap together and sing the words “give up sadness, keep your gladness”. We know that she would want us to do the same in her passing and know that our Father Mother God continues to care for her. In lieu of flowers Roger, Eric, Kristin, Robyn together with their families invite you to share your favorite quality, memory or expression of gratitude for Marge or donate to a children’s charity of your choice. We will share your notes* with each other at a private family memorial. *(Mail to Roger Robinson 13526 Calle Colina, Poway CA 92064 or email kmj5@icloud.com)

ROBERT GEORGE RICHARDSON

Robert (“Bob” “Bobby”) George Richardson
February 24, 1944 – September 6, 2020

Bob Richardson was born in Minnesota and moved to San Diego, CA as a young boy. He was the eldest of four Richardson brothers and was always active in sports and learned the values of hard work. Bob attended Kearny High School where he earned MVP in Football, Basketball, and Track & Field. He was awarded most outstanding athlete at Kearny his senior year. Bob went on to attend UCLA, where he received his BS degree in Business, and was part of the awesome Bruin football team that won the Rose Bowl Championship in 1966. After college, Bob played football for the Denver Broncos and also played in the Canadian Football League. He was part of the great Hamilton Tigercats team that won the Grey Cup Championship in 1967. After football Bob continued to love all kinds of sports. He participated in many recreational team sports, enjoyed jogging, was constantly focused on exercise, and later became an avid golfer. He was also a talented singer and loved to socialize and make people laugh.

Bob’s ultimate career however was in Commercial Real Estate. He was a successful broker with Coldwell Banker and the John Burnham Company in the 1970s and then went on to form his own development company, Richardson Partners. Bob built three successful business parks in San Diego and was part of the master planning of Pacific Corporate Center, back when Sorrento Valley was in its infancy. Bob worked in real estate for nearly 40 years before retiring.

Bob has spent much of his retirement enjoying family, exercising, and singing karaoke with his friends in North County San Diego where he has been a fave at the Elk’s Lodge for the last few years, known for his “big band” ballads. Robert Richardson is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Julie, his two children, Tamara and Kent, one brother, and three amazing grandchildren.

Michael Steven Lesko

Michael Steven Lesko - better known as Mike - passed away peacefully at the age of 53 on Monday July 20, 2020 at Scripps La Jolla Hospital, California.  He was born August 4, 1966 in New London, Connecticut, to Frank & Christine (Mlynarz) Lesko.

Mike was a graduate of San Dieguito HIgh School in Encinitas, California and remained very close friends with many of his classmates.  He worked in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator, but most importantly he was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and a great friend to so many.

Mike loved sports - especially golf, fishing, horse racing and football.  He was a Dallas Cowboys fan for life!  For several years he was the Voice of the Mavericks, announcing the football games at La Costa Canyon High School.  He had a tremendous knowledge of all kinds of sports trivia.

He is survived by his parents Frank and Christine, sister Sharon, brothers Robert and Kevin, his brother-in-law Jeff, sisters-in-law Kimberly and Tiffany and many nieces, a nephew, cousins, aunts, uncles and so many close friends whom he considered family.

Luther James Harmon, Jr.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Luther James Harmon, Jr. (Luke), who left us on June 16, 2020, and is now at peace from a long battle with Cancer. Luther was born on January 16, 1960 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the eldest son of Luther James Harmon, Sr. and Yvonne Travitt. In 1990 he brought great joy into the world with his daughter Brittany.

Luther’s lifelong passions were racing, fast cars, dancing, and comic books. He retired from 38 years of service at power plants in Wisconsin and California as a Control Operator. He is survived by spouse Nigel Rosemary Harmon, daughter Brittany Marie Harmon, parents Luther James Harmon, Sr. and Yvonne Travitt, brother Michael Lem Harmon, sister Kelly Marie Scott, half-sister Lena Wilder, nephews Nathaniel and Michael Scott, and niece Rita Ann Belasco.

At Luther’s request, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

WAYNE ALAN GRITTON

Wayne Alan Gritton, of San Diego California went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2020. Born in 1935 and raised as farm boy, he forewent multiple football scholarships to support his country and join the US ARMY in 1953 as an intelligence officer in Korea. He returned to the states and joined the San Diego City Police Department in 1961. In 1997, he retired as Detective Sargent in the Western Division. As part of Narcotics Task Force, Wayne was instrumental in establishing the National K9 Narcotics unit for Airport Security and Undercover High School Narcotics Task Force.

Wayne received numerous commendations over the years and was loved by many at the SDPD. He was known as the “Best Detective Sargent”, someone who “impacted my life and career”, “raised me from a pup”, he taught me “how to investigate and be patient” and told so many, “there is life after the [SD] Police Department”.

Those who knew and loved him referred to him as “Gritts” or “True Grit” as a man of integrity and unconditional love for his family, fellow police officer’s, neighbor’s and those who he gave a hand to.

He loved being a Dad and “Pop Pop Wayne”. It meant the world to him. He let his grandkids dress him up, cover him in stuffed animals, play tea parties and ball. He always had an open door for all his children to lend an ear or cheer on their successes.

He fought his bravest battle against Frontotemporal Dementia. His love and devotion to his wife Eileen was with him to the end. He had her read his favorite Psalm 91 each night. Heaven opened up and welcomed Wayne A. Gritton with a smile on his face to greet the King…Jesus!

Thank you all for your love, support and beautiful memories. Wayne, my precious soulmate, you will be missed and forever with us in our hearts.

Wayne Gritton is survived by his wife of 19 years Eileen Gritton; daughter’s Lisa Gritton Sweesy and Vicki Gritton Klein; blended family Kris Michell, John Paul Behra, Tim Behra, Jeannie Kalley, Ted Behra , Shari Futas and Leanne Packard, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Private Services for interment are tentatively scheduled at Miramar National Cemetery on July 6, 2020.

A Celebration of Life will be tentatively held at Maranatha Chapel in Rancho Bernardo on July 6, 2020 at 2pm. Attendance may be restricted. Please check with family members as the date approaches if additional people will be allowed to attend.

In lieu of flowers please consider a tax-deductible donation to either Association for Frontotemporal Dementia at:
Association for Frontotemporal Dementia- in memory of Wayne A. Gritton
AFTD https://www.theaftd.org/support-aftds-mission/
AFTD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible, and our federal tax ID number is 41-2073220.
1-866-507-7222 or email info@theaftd.org

Maranatha Chapel- in memory of Wayne Gritton
10752 Coastwood Rd, San Diego, CA 92127
(858) 613-7800 or website https://www.maranathachapel.org/

Elizabeth Ann Matthews

Elizabeth Ann Tumbleson Matthews passed away peacefully on April 22nd, 2020 in Oceanside, CA at the age of 68.

She is survived by her daughter Tammy Rizzo Harris, her son Thomas Rizzo and her three grandchildren Jace Rizzo, Nicole Harris and Ryder Rizzo.

Elizabeth was born to Jeanette and Harold Tumbleson in 1951 and grew up in Ohio. She was a professional model for newspapers and catalogs. Later in life she became a makeup artist for runway modeling.

She will be remembered for her kindness, laughter, beach adventures and love and sacrifice for her family.

Many thanks for all the kindness and support that has been shown to our Mother, as well as to the family at this time.

Mother you will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

LOWELL BURTON

Lowell Burton, 94, passed on April 6. Son of Joseph and Tillie Brodsky, “Butts” was born in Newark, NJ, but lived most of his life in West Orange, NJ. After attending Weequahic High, he enlisted in the Navy and served in combat on submarines in the Pacific. He graduated from the University of Miami (FL) and New York Law and was a trial attorney for over 50 years. He is survived by four sons (Dennis, Donald, Andrew, and Michael) and four grandchildren (Blake, Elena, Grant, and Jack). The family requests donations be made to The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation. Private services will be held at a later date.

ROBERT LAMAR WALTERS

In the early morning of March 24, 2020, Robert Lamar Walters, known as Bob by those closest to him, passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a father to many, a grandfather, great-grandfather, and a loving husband of 50 years to his wife Mimi. He lived a long life surrounded by his family and close friends.

He will be remembered by his good sense of humor and strong will to live. 

“And more, much, much more, I did it my way”


May he travel peacefully on to his next journey in life, with strength in his heart and love in his soul.

We love you. We miss you.


Robert Lamar Walters
May 19, 1938 - March 24, 2020