Kwaj Obituaries & Notices

Bradley, Lewis H. (Brad) 1924-2010, passed away February 28, 2010 in McAllen, Texas after a two month hospital stay. He will be placed at the Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas. He worked for Kentron Inc. and was active with the Aloha Shrine Temple on Kwajalein and later in Honolulu. He used an artificial larynx so many people would remember him but him using one.

McAllen, Texas - Lewis 'Brad' H. Bradley, 85, died Sunday, February 28, 2010, at Comfort House. He was born in La Feria, TX, May 6, 1924. He survived by his wife, Violet Bradley; daughters, Linda Bradley and Denise Armstrong; son, Larry Bradley; and step children, Kristie Kanowitz and Michael Trutwin. Memorial donations may be made to Nomad Shrine Club Transportation Fund, 1044 W. Nolana, Pharr, TX 78577. There will be no local services. www.Kreidlerfuneralhome.com/obituaries

Gallant, Skip & Kay (Kwaj 1980-89) - Kay passed Nov 25th, 2008 and Skip passed Oct 7th, 2009. Skip worked for Kentron International as a Senior Programmer/Analyst. Skip and Kay returned stateside to retire in a very small town, Palmer, in mid-state Nebraska.

Herman C. (Skip) Gallant passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at the age of 82/ at Mesa, Arizona. Skip was born on June 30/ 1927/ in Yakima, Washington, to the parents of Walt and Minnie (Seat) Gallant. He graduated from high school in Mukilteo, Washington. After serving a tour of duty in the Navy, he met and married Irene (Lori) Bingaman, and they separated after about 20 years. To this union were born three children, Mark, Holly, and Marcy. On October 14, 1974, Skip married Beulah '''Kay'' Clark in California. They spent eight years overseas in the Kwajalein Islands and moved to Palmer, Nebraska, in 1988. His careers spanned being a police officer in Silver City, New Mexico, while he was in college; to teaching, which he loved to do; to the aerospace industry, including Boeing. Skip had the privilege to work with Dr. Van Bruan at Rocketdyne, and the latter was part of the space efforts at Vandenburg Air Base. Yes, he was a rocket scientist! He retired from Kwajalein where his job was to develop programs to assist in reentry vehicle tracking systems, a forerunner to the "Star Wars" defense systems.

Skip worked at the ICC in the Kentron days. He could always be found with a cup of coffee, a cigarette, a big smile, and a great sense of humor. His experience and demeanor made the ICC a very good place to work. Always willing to help out, solve problems, and teaching those lucky enough to work with him. After hours, he could be found playing Pinochle, playing on his Commodore Pet or walking his cat Tiger. He was a great friend and we'll miss him. In Palmer, he returned to teaching as a substitute. Skip and Kay were voted to receive the "Good Neighbor" award at the Palmer Fall Festival in 1991. They both had a love for children and would often do special things for them. Skip's wife, Kay, passed away November 25, 2008. Skip became a Catholic when he married Lori. He was active in the church as a teacher, reader, and parish member. When he and Kay settled in Palmer, he found his faith with the Wesleyan Church. He believed in being part of the community and giving back and so was a Sunday School teacher and was active in his church in Palmer. According to son, Mark: '''Dad' is a verb. He did it well. His support, lessons, help, and examples of and about life helped to mold us to be good Christians, good spouses, good parents, and good neighbors. Dad did a lot of things with and for the girls, but being the boy, I got to share his love of scouting, camping, some hunting, and cave exploring in addition to the just 'guy to guy' stuff as I matured. He was a good dad, husband, and servant of our Lord. He will be greatly missed. May he and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace." Survivors include Mark (Margie) Gallant, of Beaverton, Oregon; Holly (Bryan) Huschka of Everett, Washington, and Marcy (Kent) Slater of Mesa, Arizona; a stepdaughter-in-law, Mary Jo (Jody) Rasey of Yuma, Arizona; eight grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren; and a sister, Lottie Elke, of Edmonds, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Howard, Homer, Harry, and Harvey; and a step-son, Dan Rasey. The family is planning a memorial service in Skip's honor in Palmer, Nebraska, at a later date.

Beulah "Kay" (Clark) Gallant, 84, of Palmer, Nebraska, died Tuesday, November 25, 2008. at her home. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2008, at the Wesleyan Church In Palmer. The Rev. Steven Dow officiated. 'Burial was in Rose HIli Cemetery, Palmer, Nebraska. Palmer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Kay was' born October 10, 1924 in Merrick County to Clarence and Mina (Edwards) Clark. She grew up and was educated in Palmer and graduated from Palmer High School. She attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and later worked for the Civil Service in Omaha for three years. She moved to California and lived there for 15 years. On October 14, 1974, she married Herman (Skip) Gallant In California. They spent eight years overseas in the Kwajalein Islands and moved back to Palmer in 1988. She was busy befriending the kids in the neighborhood. She always made Peanut Butter Balls at Christmas which the kids were more than glad to help her get rid of. She and Skip often walked Tiger in the evening. Probably the only cat on island that walked on a leash. They were voted to receive the "Good Neighbor" award at the Fall Festival in 1991. Kay faithfully attended the Palmer Wesleyan Church. Her hobby was searching for shells on the beach; and she loved children. Survivors include her husband, Skip, a step-daughter-In-Iaw, Mary' Jo (Jody) Rasey of Yuma, Arizona; one step-son, Mark (Marjorie) Gallant, of Aloha, Oregon; two step-daughters. Holly (Bryan) Huschka of Everett. Washington, and Marcy (Kent) Slater of Queen Creek, Arizona, 11 step-grandchildren and .nlne step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a. step-son, Dan Rasey; one brother, Ralph; and three sisters: Leota, Florence and Emma.

Walter Benjamin Fiske II, Dec. 12, 1941 - Jan. 8, 2010: "Benny" of Huntsville, passed away Friday. Mr. Fiske was a Huntsville native. He attended Rison Elementary School and graduated in 1960 from Huntsville High School. He worked for 30 years for Control Data Corp., spending seven and one half of those years in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. Survivors include his wife, Judy Hyer Fiske; children, John Walter Fiske and life partner Eric Templeton, Lisa Fiske Schrimsher and husband Jerry, and Kelli Fiske Wright and husband Alan; one sister, Mary Ann Kirkland and husband James; and one brother, Tom Fisk and wife Maria. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Katie, Ben, Jack, Taylor, Darci, Hunter and Wyatt; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jim Stringfellow officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Laughlin Service Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to The Heart Center at Huntsville Hospital. Guest Book

John Naughton Melbourne John J. Naughton passed away peacefully on Monday, December 28, 2009. He was born in Morris town, NJ on October 3, 1917, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Vene. He is survived by his three daughters, Nancy (Bill Fletcher) of Melbourne, Bonnie (Loren Vaughn) of Scottsdale, AZ and Peggy (Doug Broyles) of Longmont, CO, as well as nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. John was a graduate of Rutgers University and was employed by Bell Laboratories, Inc. for 45 years prior to his retirement in 1981. After retirement he re turned to Melbourne where his family had lived while he was assigned to Cape Canaveral. At Bell Labs, he began as a mailroom employee and completed his career as Plant Operations Manager. He held various positions in Bell Labs facilities in New York, New Jersey, Cape Canaveral, FL, Kwajalein, Marshall Is lands, and Wales, UK all involving his exceptional skills in organization, management and staff relations. He also served briefly in the United States Army. During their assignments, John and Vene made many lifelong friends with whom they kept in touch over the years. While assigned to Wales, they had the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe with friends. They also took time to see much of Asia during their stay at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands.

While assigned to Cape Canaveral, John participated in the early years of the space program and watched as Alan Sheppard made the first sub-orbital flight and continued through the first orbital flight by John Glenn. He was then transferred to Kwajalein Island where he worked with the Nike X project. His family, however, was always his first priority. He was a loving, devoted husband to Vene and a very special Dad to his daughters. He was always active in their school lives, and encouraged his girls to be active, independent, open to new people, ideas and adventures and to take ad vantage of opportunities presented to them. Al though his family was spread over the country, John and Vene traveled often to be with children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren making sure all knew they were loved and treasured by them. In addition, they made sure their home was always a place where all family members were welcomed, and were encouraged to return often. He touched our lives in many ways leaving all of us with wonderful memories that will remain forever and love for him that will never go away. A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to Wuesthoff Hospice and Palliative Care at 8060 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, FL 32940, or to the charity of your choice. www.brownliemaxwell.com.

Konny Banks Dec. 17, 1936 - Jan. 4, 2010. On Jan. 4 in His infinite wisdom and mercy, God took unto Himself His servant, Konny Banks, who died in Huntsville Hospital after a long fight against cancer. The only child of Everett Kyhn and Courtney Garland Kyhn, Konny was born in Richmond, Va. She was a graduate of the College of William and Mary and obtained a master's degree in library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked in libraries at all educational levels and retired as a Huntsville City Schools librarian from Westlawn Middle School. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a career Army wife. Konny was a member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild for 30 years and a longtime supporter of the Huntsville Symphony. She was a member of the Du Midi service club, as well as several other civic and church groups. She greatly enjoyed English history and travel, but especially loved time spent with family and friends. She never met a stranger and treasured her friends. Her winning smile and gracious manner will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Konny is survived by her husband of 44 years, Col. John W. Banks Jr.; her daughter, Caroline Banks of Houston; her daughter, Ashley Parsons and son-in-law Robert; and grandsons, John and Michael, all of Opelika. Visitation with the family will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday with funeral services following at 2:30 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, 406 Randolph Ave., Huntsville, AL 35801 or to the Salvation Army.

Robert & Dorothy Olds I am a Kwaj Kid ’66 - ’72. Daughter Joy to Robert & Dorothy Olds. My Dad ran the Yokwe Yuk Club for about 15 years. My Mom Dorothy worked at the Power Plant with the late Billy Daniels & Ed Borgess. While they were in Kwaj, they both loved living there and in fact, we all loved it. After Kwaj duty, they worked with Aramco in Saudi Arabia for about 5 years and they retired in Hawaii and eventually moved to Las Vegas where my husband George and I now live.

Robert Olds
Yokwe Yuk Club
Manager, 66-72|

Daughter, Joy, 17 yrs. with mother
Dorothy, July 1, 1971, July 1, 1971

Dorothy 79 & Bob 85, year 2000

Mediterranean Cruise - 1983

George & Joy, 2008

My mother Dorothy passed away in 2000 at the age of 80 & Dad Bob passed away June 2009 at the age of 92. Joy Olds-Jones

Earl Coon Titusville, FL, Earl Everett Coon, age 87, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2009 at home. He was born on April 19, 1922 in Cushing, OK. Earl was raised in western New York state in Medina. He was a Staff Sergeant in the New York State National Guard prior to World War II and served as a Navy Seal during the war. Earl spent several years in rocket engineering with Bell Aircraft and General Dynamics Corp. in various missile programs. The last 15 years prior to retirement were spent in the Marshall Islands of the Pacific with the Vinnell Corp. on the island of Kwajalein (eight years). The last seven years were as a self-con tractor with the Hospital Corporation of Great Britain and the Saudi Arabian government. Earl was predeceased by Janet Coon, his wife of 47 years; son, Scott Coon, and sister, Sally Johnson. Earl is survived by many loving family members in cluding his wife, Norma Blunk Coon; his son, Terry Lee (Kathie) Coon of Titus ville; his daughters, Nicki Lynn (Jack) Piedmont of Hilton, NY, and Patricia Jan (Jay) Parrish of Titusville; his stepchildren, Joseph (Marsha) Blunk of Melbourne, FL, Becky (Bill) Senecal of North Groves nordale, CT, and Vicki Hammond of Columbus, OH; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and the church family of First Presbyterian Church of Titusville. A celebration of Earls life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Titusville, 1235 South Park Ave, Titusville, FL 32780 or Hospice of St. Francis 1250 B Grumman Place Titusville, FL 32780. Online condolences may be expressed at www.north brevardfuneralhome.com. Link to > Obituary and Guest book

Meck Operations Manager for Global 1970s

Charles H. Felton Jr. "Charlie Tuna," 71, died Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. Charles spent his life traveling. He worked in Washington, D.C., for Western Electric, then in Cherry Hill, N.J., for RCA, where he got to travel the world. Then he took a job overseas in Kwajalein to work in communications. While there, he had the chance to visit the many islands and that's where he fell in love, and then retired. He passed away in his sleep in Kolonia, Pohnpei, where he had lived out the rest of his life. As he had wished, it will be there that he will be laid to rest. Charles leaves many family members behind: a stepmother, Helen Felton; a brother, Edward Felton; a sister, Debbie Talley; his children, Yvonne Sudduth, Charles Felton III, Christy Jones and Lauri Bruton; and their mother, Joyce Muterspaw. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In Pohnpei, he leaves a wife, five children and six grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In Memory of Charlie Tuna:

"I worked with Tuna on Roi for many years. He will be missed. He actually started Channel 4 TV on Roi. Hooked a VCR to a small amp, out the window of Ajax BQ. RIP my old friend." Bill Williamson
"Roi revolved around Charlie - to me he made Roi what it was. I can honestly say he was the most pleasant guy to be around and one of the people I missed the most when I PCSed. He was the Mayor. God bless you Charlie." Dan Turney

JoAnn Helstrom born JoAnn Pennington 9-23-1935 San Antonio, Texas. Employed at the local Air Force facility in the late 1950s. Married and moved to Athens, Alabama; raised 3 children. Re-entered government employment at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL ap. late 1970s. Assigned to Kwajalein Missile Range 1981 -1993. Served as Secretary to Deputy Commanders and Range Commander. Returned to Huntsville to live and work; retired from Redstone in 1996. Joann had been divorced and had remarried Ray Helstrom in 1989. JoAnn passed away 9-1-2009 after a 3 year bout of ovarian cancer. JoAnn was extremely well liked and deeply loved by her family and remarkable gathering of loyal friends over her lifetime. As for virtually all alumni who ever lived and served on Kwajalein, she too was deeply steeped in its lifestyle lore and richly rewarded with treasured memories. Among the many, "happily-ever-after" stories written on Kwajalein, JoAnn and her husband Ray Helstrom lived one of the closest and fullest. they met on Kwajalein in 1983 and filled their life with family happenings and world adventures for 26 years. Ray testifies that he and JoAnn were truly blessed and states that there is no doubt that their good fortune greatly benefited from the opportunity to pursue a life on Kwajalein that cultivated the lasting friendships that are serving as support to this very day. She leaves her children Donna, Gregory and Douglas, and grandchildren Amanda and Elizabeth in Alabama; her brother Eugene and extensive family in Texas; and step son Marek and step grandchildren Britt and Garrett, and Carolyn and Bruce, Ray's sister and brother and extensive family in California. Her loyal shih tsu, Spritzer, remains with Ray in Huntsville, Alabama. rayhelstrom@hotmail.com.

Lawrence Lowe Nelson St.George, Utah - Lawrence Lowe Nelson, 78, passed away at home with home with his family on September 5, 2009. Larry was born March 31, 1931 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Clela Lowe and Leslie Raymond Nelson. Larry lived in What Cheer, Iowa and graduated from What Cheer High School on May 14, 1948. He was the lead in his high school play, "Good, Gracious, Grandma " his junior year of high school. He was the Junior Class President and Senior Class Vice President. He played football and baseball in high school and loved to fish. After high school, Larry enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and received an Honorable Discharge on June 13, 1952. He was a Submariner on the USS Grampus 523 submarine. He was a Helmsman. On October 3, 1953 he married Isabelle Martire in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Larry went to school to become a computer engineer and worked for IBM and Control Data Corp. Larry loved to scuba dive and was a volunteer for the Cook County Rescue Squad. He was a scuba diving and water safety instructor and lifeguard at the YMCA. He was a member and held the office of President of the Harvey Orca's Scuba Club. Larry spent three years in the Marshall Islands on the Kwajalein Atoll where he learned to fly planes and enjoyed boating, deep sea fishing, snorkeling and sailing. Larry was an avid hiker. He backpacked in the Grand Canyon twice a year for more than 20 years. He would hike from rim to rim of the Grand Canyon in one day. Larry was a member of the Rocky Mountain Hiking Club in Colorado and was one of the original members of the Outback Hiking Club in St. George. He served as leader for 110 club hikes and held every office. He was one of only 11 achieving the level of "10-Star Hiker." His outstanding hiking record and extraordinary abilities as a hike leader merited him the title of "Honorary Lifetime Member." Larry climbed approximately 306 mountain peaks in his lifetime. Larry always had his family with him whenever possible on his hikes. One thing his children will always remember is what their Dad said every time they were tired of hiking and wanted to go home. The end is "just around the bend." The "bend" would usually be an hour or two away!

James "Jim" M. Sumter
Jim , 67, of Keaau died August 11, 2009 at Kaiser Foundation Hospital. Born in Lompoc, California, he was a retired high-speed photographer for Lockheed Martin. Celebration of life 11 a.m. Sunday at the Hot Ponds. Survived by wife, Judy Sumter; son, Trevor Sumter; daughters, Danell (Hector) Hurtado, Laurie Galbrath and Meredith (Joseph) Florita; sister, Georgia Hart; six grandchildren. Arrangements by Williams Funeral Services. Judy Sumter / HC2, PO Box 9635 / Keauu, 96749

Domingo Gomez May 4, 1931 – May 9, 2009. Domingo Gomez, Kaneohe, Hawaii passed away May 9, 2009 in Kaneohe of cardiac arrest. Domingo was the head custodian for the KREMS Facility, Roi-Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands for 30 consecutive years from 1972 until retirement in 2002. Domingo was born May 4, 1931 in the North Kohala district of the Big Island of Hawaii. He passed away May 9, 2009 in Kaneohe, Hawaii five days after celebrating his 78th birthday. He will be remembered by his friends and co-workers for his cheerful and helpful attitude. He was a friend of all and greatly respected for his dedication and work ethics. He loved the ocean and built a little beach park behind the ALCOR Facility {‘Domingo Beach Park’} where many of his co-workers enjoyed their lunch hours. Prior to work on Roi-Namur he served 8 years in the US Army before being honorably discharged. He touched many people while on Roi-Namur and will be missed by his many friends. Funeral Cemetery services will be May 28, 2009 at 1:00PM at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe. Internment with full military honors will follow at the Veteran’s Cemetery.

September 2008

Timothy Persons March 7, 1956 - March 19, 2009 Timothy Parker Persons, 53, of Huntsville died Thursday. Born on March 7, 1956, in Birmingham, he was a member of the Alabama National Guard and the U.S. Air Force. He resided in the Marshall Islands for 10 years and in Huntsville for the past 10 years. Mr. Persons was preceded in death by his father, Albert Persons; and sisters, Virginia Persons and Evelyn Persons. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Albert Persons of Ashville; sisters, Penelope Persons of Vancouver, Canada, Patricia Persons, and Heather Persons, both of Toronto, Canada, Melanie Persons and husband Mike Sands of Ashville; and brothers, Albert Persons Jr. of Atlanta, Mike Persons of Ashville, and John "Jack" Persons of Birmingham. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Henry Edmonds Chapel at Independent Presbyterian Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Birmingham Humane Society as Mr. Persons was very much a lover of all animals.

Herb Lambert Herb and his lovely wife, Ila, were on Kwaj from 1976 to the early 80’s. Herb was with McDonald Douglas. He passed away on December 1, 2008 in Mesa, AZ. He is survived by at least one son, Steve. Ila will be remembered by those of us who loved and admired her as a fantastic golfer. She gave lessons while on Kwaj. She was also a Master Bridge player and gave duplicate bridge lessons. She was just a really wonderful woman who succumbed to Alziemer’s in the late 90’s or early 2000. Steve’s address is 2596 NE Linden Ave. Gresham, OR. 97030.

Steve Moore April 4, 1958 - March 1, 2009, Steven D. Moore, 50, of Huntsville, a loving and dedicated husband, father, son and friend, was called home to be with our Lord on Sunday. Steve was born in Coventry, R.I., to Clarence and Barbara Moore. He attended Florida Institute of Technology on an ROTC Scholarship, where he met and married his lifelong love, Maryjon Large. The young couple traveled with the Army across the globe including a tour of Kwajalein, Marshall Island, which produced their first son, Marshall. They soon had two more boys, Cody, born in Texas, and Scott, born in Virginia. After retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel with 20 years of service, he worked for Boeing at Kwajalein and then Miltec and Venturi in Huntsville. Steve also was a Scout leader, avid fisherman, scuba diver, underwater photographer, airplane and helicopter pilot, and enjoyed Pop Warner football. Survivors include his wife, Maryjon Large Moore of Huntsville; sons, Marshall John Moore, Cody Michael Moore and Scott Cornell Moore; and mother-in-law, Trudy Benson of Huntsville; parents, Clarence and Barbara Moore of Coventry, R.I.; brother, Michael Arthur Moore and his children, Torri, Jason and Sean, all of Rhode Island; and brothers-in-law, Budd Large and wife Kelly and their children, Daniel, Raynor, Caroline and Janey, all of Maine, and Andy Large and wife Belinda and their daughter Emily, all of Arizona. A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Rev. Todd Henderson officiating. Laughlin Service is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or The Army Aviation Association of America - aaaa@quad-a.org. The Huntsville Times Obituary - Steve Moore

2003

Judy Kessler was full of life and you could usually hear her giggling at something someone just said. She was on Kwaj with her family for two tours, 2/69 to 6/73 and 6/75 to 7/77. Her husband, Alan, worked for MIT/LL on Roi Namur. When they arrived on island, their son Jonathan was almost three years old, Steven was four and Debbie was eight. Judy took to life on Kwajalein with a passion right away. She loved tennis and played every chance she could. You could usually see the whole family jogging around island. Judy was very active in the Kwajalein Community Theater (KCT). She and Alan were involved in many plays, including, Fiddler On The Roof, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Fantastics, Man Of La Mancha, and No, No, Nanette. During her second tour, Judy was one of the founding members that helped set up and create the Kwajalein Swim Team.. She found time to take Toshi Tanigawa’s classes on tissue paper collage, and clay. On her first tour she became involved with Brownies as a Den Mother, Webelos, and Cub Scouts. She tried sailing with Alan and quickly decided that she would rather travel by plane. And travel she did, to Pohnpei, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. She helped plan a trip to Majuro; combining a tennis club match with a KCT production of The Fantastics for the children of Majuro. If she wasn’t on the tennis court you could find her at Emon Beach smoozing with her friends and watching the kids. After leaving Kwaj, Judy and family moved to Fountain Valley, Ca., where she quickly helped to establish a local synagogue. She later become a VP responsible for the temple youth group. Judy's full-of-life personality enabled her to make many friends in California. Son Steven's wedding was held in the family back yard. She saw her daughter Debbie married on Kauai. The memories of Kwajalein were deeply ingrained in the whole family and all but Steven moved to Kauai in 2004. Judy, Alan, son Jonathan, partner David, and grandkids, Sophie and Eli all lived together in the same house in Omao. Judy quickly joined the local tennis and yoga clubs, activities she dearly loved. Judy died unexpectedly while on a family reunion in Palm Springs, Dec.2, 2005. We all miss her, her laugh, her warmth, her friendship and her love.

Sophie & Eli with Grandma 2005
Any correspondence
can be sent to alankessler@hawaii.rr.com

Debbie, Steve, Jona, & Judy - 1969

June 1969

The beach never stopped her from
staying in touch - 2004.

Thanksgiving 2005

Alisa Sawyer Edmunds passed away February 14, 2009 about 8 p.m., funeral arrangements and details: Tuesday, Feb. 17th at Hazel Green Funeral Home, 13921 Hwy 231/431 North, Hazel Green, Alabama, viewing: noon - 2 p.m., services at funeral home: 2pm, burial following in Meridianville (the little white church on Hwy 231/431). Some Local Flower Shops you can use: Peggy's Log Cabin: (256) 533-7575 or Hazel Green Florist: (256) 695-4696, charities: any Cancer Charity. Children's names: Amber & Dillon Edmunds. Parents: Lee and Betty Sawyer, Brothers: Michael and David Sawyer.

The following message was emailed to Alisa's classmates and Kwaj Kid friends by Wanda Smith Mannahan: I'm Free - Don't grieve me, for I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you sunshine for tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now; He set me free - by Horan & McConary

Jacob E. Starr of Peoria, AZ left us for paradise February 10 in his home by the water. He was the youngest of four born to Jessie and Ethel Starr in Conroe, Texas, 6/16/1944. The Starrs moved to the Buckeye area when he was an infant. Times were tough and from a young age he worked alongside his migrant working family traveling from Texas west and north to Washington State as crops were ripe and work could be had. His dad passed away when he was 8 years old. His courage, generosity, and rare determination took root and grew in the cotton fields, classrooms, and football fields of the West Valley. He married Marilyn Ann Webb of Buckeye, July 24, 1964 and together they brought up three daughters who gave them 7 grandchildren. He entered the US Army as a private and courageously served two tours in Vietnam, first as an infantryman, then as a helicopter pilot. After 25 years of distinguished service, he “retired” as a Lieutenant Colonel. With relentless determination and not enough capital, he and Marilyn built Glendale Aviation into a successful business. He was a talented man who lived an adventurous life of: fighting wars, flying the skies, sailing by the stars, raising girls, surprising entrepreneurship, scuba diving…and loving others with courage, unflinching determination, and generosity known not only in the valley but the world even unto total strangers and testy pound dogs. Please join the family for a celebration of Jake’s life at Mountain Ridge Church, 23104 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85310 on February the 21st at 2p.m.

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William Richard (Bill) North, III of Holliston formerly of Natick died on January 8, 2009. Beloved husband of Patricia Everett North. Devoted father of William Everett North and his wife Anne Elizabeth North of Holliston. Born October 19th 1930 in Plattsburgh, NY, spent his early years in Northern Vermont where his mother was born before moving to Takoma Park, MD where his father worked for the FDA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Growing up Bill loved building elaborate wood airplanes, playing trumpet in the Lowes Theatres Cadet Marching Band and playing baseball in the Washington DC Departmental League where Harry Truman would occasionally come to catch a game. Graduated University of Maryland, College Park, MD in 1952 at the top of the Electrical Engineering Class, BSEE Honors: Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi. Worked at the Naval Research Lab (NRL) on High Resolution Radar from 1952-1955 before serving in the US Army Chemical Corps at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah till 1957. Moved east to Waltham, MA and worked from 1957 to 1993 as a Senior Member of the Technical Staff at GTE Government Systems Corp in Needham. During which time worked on such projects as the Neutral Particle Beam Accelerator at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM, the ALTAIR Radar System at the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands, the Haystack Hill LRI Radar for MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System at Clear, Alaska. Bill authored several symposiums and books including "High Powered Microwave Tube Transmitters", and "Haystack Hill Long Range Imaging Radar Transmitter". After GTE Sylvania, Bill continued his career consulting for many companies including Northrop Grumman, Diversified Technologies, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Bill was highly regarded in the field of high-powered microwave transmitters. He was a mentor, a real friend, and will be missed by all in the industry. In addition to his technical achievements, Bill enjoyed traveling, was an avid tennis player and cyclist and often combined the two, riding several miles to get in a set of tennis. A model railroader, Bill created landscapes and layouts that overtook the basement. Bill enjoyed building a hot fire with the wood he had hand cut, reading the New Yorker magazine and debating politics with anyone who would listen. He loved, educated, and supported us all. He was forgiving, generous and selfless. He was the glue that kept all of us together. He leaves a brother Gordon North of Rockville, MD a niece and nephew Lisa and Gary North and two grandchildren Katie & Will North. We will miss Grampy so. Relatives & friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) Natick on Monday, January 12, 2009 from 5-7 pm with a funeral service at 7:00 PM. Rev. Victoria Alford Guest will officiate. Donations in Bill's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701

Larry D Hazelbaker Rifle Resident, age 73. Larry Hazelbaker died December 24, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado after suffering a stroke and related medical complications. He was 73 years old. Larry was born April 26, 1935 near Meeker, Colorado to Joe Paul Hazelbaker and Dorothy Elisabeth Warren. Larry attended school in Meeker and graduated from Rio Blanco High School in 1953. He attended Mesa Junior College and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he became a sergeant and trained as a electronics technician. He was later employed by the RCA, General Electric Aerospace and Martin Marietta companies. During his employment with these companies, he worked on and supervised satellite tracking system projects including being involved with NASA’s Mercury and Gemini Projects. He traveled extensively but spent much of his working time on the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. He retired from Martin Marietta in 1993 and then moved to the Rifle/New Castle area. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Peggy Ivie. He is survived by his aunt - Florence Barnard Hazelbaker, cousins - Conrad Hazelbaker, Beverly Prosence and Barbara Greeley. On his sister’s side, Larry is survived by nephew – Mark Ivie, brother in law – Lenard Ivie, grand nephews – Chad Ivie, Bobbie Albretson, Jared Ivie and Joshua Ivie. A celebration service will be held in the Meeker area in early June 2009 adjacent to the annual Rio Blanco Old Timer’s Assoc. meeting. Another notice of the celebration time and place will be placed in local newspapers just prior to June. The family requests than in lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Hazelbaker’s name be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5843 at PO Box 825, Meeker, Colorado 81641. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction.

Harry L. Raymond May 31, 1945 - December 31, 2008. Harry L. Raymond is survived by his wife, Anita, and his three children, Steven, Gerald, and Melanie. Harry lived a great life as a devoted husband and loving father. He spent a great part of it in Socorro. You may remember him walking the sidelines, coaching from the bench, or standing in a dugout. He coached his sons in every sport beginning with Pinon League. When the boys were too old to coach, he became the referee and officiated their games in high school. He is remembered as "Mr. Raymond" to countless players and students from throughout the years. He came to New Mexico early on when the military called him to service as an MP in the Army and assigned him to Stallion Site on White Sands Missile Range. This is where he first met his soul mate, and son-to-be wife, Anita Gallegos. Throughout the years they have moved from time-to-time, until most recently, when he felt a second, inner-call to service. Harry served for the last 27 months with his eldest son, Steven, alongside Soldiers and Marines in the Al Anbar Province. He executed numerous combat missions as a part of a classified project dedicated towards saving countless lives of military members. His conduct and actions were part of a historical effort that will become a footnote in history in the decades to come. He was a very quiet, soft spoken, determined man. He was at his happiest moments in the final months serving his country and planning his retirement and ultimate reunion with Anita. Though we lost him way too early, he will never be forgotten. He was more than a Husband and a Father, he was our friend. We will miss you Pops, Dad, Daddy.

Capt. Keith Coberly It is my sad duty to report the October death of my late friend and co-worker Capt. Keith Coberly, skipper of the US Department of Energy's Research Vessel Liktanur 2. I received an E-Mail from his daughter December 10 stating that he died in October in San Diego. He was home ported at Kwajalein during the late 70's to the mid 80s. Capt Coberly was a well known employee of US Oceanography, the owner of the RV Liktanur 2. I worked as the Kwajalein coordinator of US DOE research teams that checked for radiation related problems due to the `1950s A-Bomb and H-Bomb above-ground tests at Enewetak and Bikini as well as the radiation cleanup program in the 80s at Enewetak Atoll. Keith and his crewmates were essential to the success of those missions. Regards, Jim Watt, Kwajalein from '75 to '83.

Lowe H. Bibby Captain Lowe Haydn Bibby III USN (Ret.) died 5 November, 2008 at his home in Kailua, HI He had been in declining health for the past several years. "Buzz" was born in San Diego, CA on 16 July, 1928 into a Navy family. His father graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1922, Buzz with the Class of 1951. Both were submariners. At the Academy, Buzz played Battalion football and was All Brigade end his Plebe year. His First Class year he was the Brigade middle weight boxing champion.

After graduation, Buzz reported aboard the battleship WISCONSIN (BB-64) serving with the SEVENTH FLEET and saw action in Korea providing close fire support for United Nations troops engaged in action against North Korean and Chinese troops ashore. He later served aboard the aircraft carrier LAKE CHAMPLAIN, and destroyer GATLING before receiving orders to Submarine School in June 1955. After Sub School, Buzz served aboard BURRFISH (SSR-312), TORSK (SS-423), and ENTEMEDOR (SS-340) before commanding BLENNY (SS-324). He attended the Naval Post Graduate School from July 1959 to June 1961 where he earned a BSEE, and then served on COMSUBPAC Staff and CNO Staff (OP 31) before being appointed to command Submarine Division 73 in July 1970. He next went to the COMSUBLANT Staff as Operations Officer where he served until taking command of MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20), his last sea duty. He served as Commanding Officer of the HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CENTER, Pearl Harbor, HI, until his retirement in July 1981. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Buzz had an active life after retirement. He and Mary crewed on several sailboats, which gave them the opportunity to sail over 30,000 miles of Pacific Ocean visiting remote islands far off the normal tourist routes. In 1988 he took a position with Johnson Control World Services on Kwajalein Island for six years. After "Kwaj" Buzz settled in Kailua, HI where he lived until his death, enjoying life and playing countless rounds of golf, following the athletic teams of the University of Hawaii, and of course, the fortunes of Navy football.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Mary Faris, a daughter, Kris, a son, Lowe IV, and 2 grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by another daughter, Patricia. Buzz was a remarkably likeable person. To know him was to love him. Buzz was not a man impressed with the acquisition of wealth, expensive possessions, or exalted position; he measured his treasure in terms of his many friends and the love of family. Rest easy Old Friend, Classmate, Shipmate and Messmate. We have been graced by your friendship and warm presence. We will sorely miss you.

LOWE "BUZZ" BIBBY III Longtime Kailua resident Capt. Lowe H. Bibby III (Ret.), whose 35-year career in the U.S. Navy included sea duty as a submarine commander and land duty as the Commanding Officer of the Navy's Human Resources Management Center (HRMC) in Pearl Harbor, died at the age of 80 on November 5, 2008, at his home in Kailua, Hawaii after several years of declining health. Affectionately known as "Buzz," he was a 1951 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Buzz served as Commanding Officer of the USS Blenny from 1964 to 1966. His other Navy assignments included a tour as Commanding Officer of the USS Mount Whitney, the flagship of the Second Fleet, from 1974 to 1976. Buzz was born into a Navy family in San Diego, California, on July 16, 1928, the son of Jeanette King Bibby and Lowe H. Bibby, Jr. His father, a 1922 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was also a submarine captain. He is survived by a beloved family, including his wife, Mary, of 55 years; a daughter, Kristen; a son, Lowe IV; two grandchildren; and his brother Charles. His youngest daughter, Patricia, died in 2004. His warmth and outgoing spirit also inspired the love of many friends over the years, both in and outside the Navy. MEMORIAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, AT 4:30 P.M., AT 144 KAIMOANI WAY, IN KAILUA. ALOHA ATTIRE IS REQUESTED. THE FAMILY RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS NO FLOWERS. Updated on 12/10/2008.
Published in the Honolulu Advertiser from 12/7/2008 - 12/13/2008

To Shermie - My condolences to all of the family. I too, have very fond memories of Buzz. He was always the word of reason, and his stature and stance, gave creditability to what he was attempting to put across. I've been studying history about the Bikini test, and learned that Buzz was in charge of placing the vessels at anchored in the Bikini lagoon, and setting up the test articles and studies on them. Little known, over 95% of the camera film available in the entire world at the time, was procured, shipped to, and used in the Bravo test. His passing is truly a point in history. Jim Schillings

Picture of Buzz (left) and Bob
Dunn, taken when Buzz relieved
Bob as CO of MOUNT WHITNEY.
The picture was taken when Bob
was running the ship through GQ
so Buzz could see the combat
readiness of his new command.
Buzz was graced with many
friends who will greatly miss him.