Obituaries

Glenda A. Maxwell

Glenda A. Maxwell October 27-1953- September 28, 2016

Glenda Maxwell passed away at her home in Lodi with her devoted husband Jim and her beloved pets by her side. Glenda is survived by her husband and soul-mate of 42 years, Jim Maxwell of Lodi, her sister Ingrid Benham, niece Alexandria Havneraas and nephew Travis Benham, all of Pacifica, CA. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Jeff Maxwell of Lodi and Todd Benham of Pacifica, CA; and step-sister Gayle Benedict of Tacoma, WA. She was preceded in death by her son Vinson Maxwell of Lodi, CA and her mother Doris Hallquist of Pacifica, CA.

 

VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way in Lodi.

ROSARY

Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home.

SERVICES

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 1 p.m. in the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park,Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi.

Virginia “Ginger” Buller

Virginia “Ginger” Buller, age 97, from Lodi, CA passed away October 1, 2016, in Stockton at Windsor Hampton Care facility following a stroke. She was bornbuller in Berryville, Arkansas on December 12, 1918, to Garfield and Edna (Hayhurst) Lovett. At age 17 she came to California to find work and married Loyd Beal in 1937. They eventually owned a dairy farm in Escalon where they raised their two children, Shirley and Gary. Ginger later moved to Modesto where she married Frank Post. They worked many years and both retired from Modesto State Hospital. Then they moved to Stockton.After Frank’s death, she was introduced by her daughter to Dr. Irwin Henning from Tracy. After a short courtship, they were married in 1989. After outliving another husband, she married Dr. LeRoy Buller in 1997 and moved to Lodi. Unfortunately, this marriage didn’t last. Ginger is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Mike) Burns from Lodi, and son Gary (Sharon) Beal from Placerville, three grandchildren, Tara (Beal) Burgess from Katy, Texas, Tiffany (Beal) Robinson, and Tim Beal from Farmington, New Mexico, five great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Garfield and Edna Lovett, her sisters, Ritha (Lovett) Rolfe, Ruby (Lovett) Steward, Artie (Lovett) Rogerts, and Zola (Lovett) Wheat, and brothers Dee and Roscoe Lovett. She was a remarkable woman who lived alone in Lodi several years in a large two-story home, doing her own housework, caring for herself, and working in the yard. She was quite artistic, painting beautiful floral paintings and making afghans and quilts. She was a good driver and drove until the time of her death. A Celebration of Life will be held at English Oaks Seventh Day Adventist Church on October 23, 2016, at 3:30pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Maranatha Volunteers of America at 990 Response Rd, Roseville, CA 95678, or Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204. A special thanks to the nursing staff at Windsor Hampton Care Facility in Stockton.

Frances Billingsley Amo

Frances Billingsley Amo, born February 4, 1928, passed away on September 22, 2016. Frances was originally from, Marlowe, Oklahoma, and came to California in 1946, making Stockton her home for the last 70 years. Affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Grams” but she was mom to everyone. Her house was home to everyone. If you were hungry, she fed you, if you needed a place to spend the night there was a bed for you. You may have arrived as a stranger, but by the time you left, you were family. Before her retirement, she worked as a care provider for more than 30 years. She is survived by her twin sister, Faye Muller & brother, Alton “Don” Billingsley.

Also survived by her children: Daniel Vandemark (Linda), Bob Amo, Thomas Amo (Ashley).  Grandchildren: Rob Amo (Brandie), David Latimer (Veronica), Nicole Amo, Jeremy Amo (Heather), Victoria Amo.  And four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter: Cheryl Lynn (Amo) Latimer. Brothers, Holland & George Billingsley, and sister, Pauline Reeves.

SERVICES

Funeral Services will be held On Tuesday, September 27th at 1pm In the Evergreen Chapel.  Cherokee Memorial Park Harney Lane & Hwy 99

In Lieu of Flowers: Memorial Contributions may be made to:

Christian Life Center Church

9025 West Lane, Stockton, CA 95210

Willa Paul

paul-obitWilla Paul of Lodi was called home to her Lord on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at the age of 76.  Willa was born August 19, 1940, in the city of Cheyenne, Oklahoma.  Willa had worked alongside her Husband Dallas C. Paul II in their dairy feed sales business for the last 38 years.  While handily executing that role with Dallas, she also raised two kids, Curtis A. Paul and Michael D. Paul and maintained a loving household throughout it all.   Willa was preceded in death by her parents, James and Edna Hicks, as well as her oldest son Curt.  She is survived by her husband Dallas C. Paul II, her youngest son Michael D. Paul, Daughters-in-law Sharon Paul & Sheryl Paul.  Grandchildren Jennifer, Lauren, Curtis Jr., Austin, Noah and Jason Paul will greatly miss their Grandmother as Willa was an integral part of their lives on a daily basis. SERVICES

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 23, 2016 - 10:00a.m. at St. Michaels church 5882 N. Ashley Ln, Stockton CA. 

VISITATION

A reception will be held immediately after the church services.  Willa will be interned at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery (Hwy 99 and Harney Ln, Lodi CA.) after the reception.

Genevieve “Gerry” Guthrie

Genevieve “Gerry” Guthrie, 80, of Casa Grande, guthrieArizona, passed away September 1, 2016. Born October 20, 1935, in Versailles, Missouri, Genevieve lived for over 40 years in the Stockton area. She held different retail positions and worked for Heinz for over 20 years in the personnel department. Genevieve leaves behind her loving husband of 60 years, Dale LeRoy Guthrie, and their children, Kimberly Shinsky, Pamela Guthrie Klesert, and Kevin Lee Guthrie. She will also be missed by her 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many dear family members in Missouri and California.

SERVICES

Graveside services will be held at 10am Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus, 1675 E. Monument Plaza Circle, Casa Grande, AZ 85122.

Veta Eveline Lamb

part0Veta Eveline Lamb passed away on August 30, 2016 in Stockton at the age of 96. She was born in Keota, Oklahoma on June 6, 1920 to Larenzo and Myram Teague. Veta loved going to her Church Faith Assembly. She loved praising God, cooking, and she loved her family. Veta will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Larenzo and Myram Teague; husband, James Lonzo Lamb; children, Donald Lamb, Jerry Lamb, Jimmy Lamb; and grandchild, Lisa Lamb.

She is survived by her daughter, Doris Carollo; grandchildren: Kevin McCoy, Kellie McCoy-Davis, Brenda Jorgensen, Sabrina Baskerville, Charlie Lamb, Sandy Stockman, Deanna Goddard, Sheila Griffin, Jerry Lamb, Tammy Lamb, Pam Walker, and Donnie Lamb; also survived by over twenty great grandchildren and over eleven great great grandchildren.

Veta is at peace up in Heaven with all her loved ones that went to be with the Lord before her.

 

VISITATION

Visitation will be held at 2 - 8pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way in Lodi.

 

SERVICES

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 in the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi.

Flowers and contributions may be sent to Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240.

 

Ruth Thomason

Ruth Annette  (Burgdorf) Thomason was born on November 9, 1930, to Martin C. Burgdorf and Annette ruth-thomasonRiedel Burgdorf in Wessington Springs, SD.  She went to be with her Lord on August 24, 2016, at the Hospice House in Stockton, CA.  She had moved back to Stockton nearly 4 years ago to be near her daughter and son-in-law. In January of 1948, Ruth married Harry Hoaas of Watertown, SD and they had two children – Vickie and Randall.  Randall passed away shortly after birth.  Ruth and her daughter moved to Washington State where she became a Certified Dental Assistant, prior to moving to Southern CA.  In April of 1959, Ruth married Jim Thomason who was in the military and spent 3 years in Germany.  All while she lived there, Ruth loved singing in the church choir. She had a gifted voice which she always enjoyed sharing and has been a gift in her legacy.  She loved singing “The Requiem” and “The Messiah” in Germany and was honored to have visited Martin Luther’s church in Worms, Germany on Reformation Sunday.

Ruth spent most of her working years as a dental assistant in Washington State and California.  She also loved being a foster parent in her home for 10 years to mentally challenged and disabled children in Southern CA.  They captured her heart and she was devoted to them.  She enjoyed bookkeeping jobs in both Stockton and Southern CA at different times.

She loved being involved with church activities, getting together with her sisters who lived close by (and all of her family members), sewing, playing games, doing crafts and interacting with people.  She was also very actively involved with various political and religious groups.

Ruth leaves behind her daughter Vickie Cordell (Ed) of Stockton, CA, two sisters, Lois Muller of Florence, SD, Johanna Rakhshani of Huntington Beach, CA and two brothers, M. Riedel Burgdorf (Valerie) of Derby, KS and M. Fredrick Burgdorf of Shelton, WA.  Also, three grandchildren Aaron Cordell (Michelle),  Jamie Good (Dennis) and Seth Cordell (Trish)  and 7 great-grandchildren – Ashlee, Rachel & Brandon Good, Devin Cordell and Ricky, Sophiya and Mya Ortiz, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews, and cherished friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, infant son and sisters Eunice Kostka, Hope Mundahl-Strey, and Miriam Taecker.

SERVICES

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life,  will be at a later date at her former church in West Covina, CA and inurnment will be in Watertown, SD according to her wishes.

Ruth Peoples

Ruth G (Huling) Peoples passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at the age of 93 after suffering from a 7408314B191B4D9F8AF4B79594FC1360massive stroke. She was born January 16, 1923, in Yonkers, NY. Her parents were Glenn and Mary Huling. She had two siblings: Glenn and Jacqueline, both who have passed.While she was in New York City she met her future husband, Arthur Zeno Peoples. He was sent to Portland, Main and stationed on a minesweeper ship during the war. Ruth married Arthur on September 14th, 1944, while Arthur was on a 72-hour pass, and she joined him in Main shortly thereafter. The were bless to have been married for almost 71 years. Art and Ruth had two wonderful sons, David and Steven Peoples. David married Tammy and had three daughters. Steven married Lynn and had 3 sons. Both sons passed away in September 1999. During the war, Ruth did serve some time giving back to the military,however, she felt that she could. Following the war, Ruth worked for America Savings and loans for 24 years as the Escrow manager. Ruth enjoyed spending her time playing Bridge, reading a new book, watching movies, spending time with her grandchildren, and making memories with her family and close friends. Ruth had three grandsons, Joshua People, Seth Peoples and Cory Peoples, and three granddaughters, Heather Peoples-Sali, Jamie Peoples-Morris, and Danielle Peoples-Petersen. She also had 14 great-grandchildren. Please feel free to add your condolences in the comments below.

VISITATION

Visitation will be held Friday, August 26, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831, Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240

SERVICES

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240

James Gerald Smith

Jim peacefully passed away leaving a legacy of service and friendship to others. He was born July 2, 1934, to James Smith

Gerald Frankie Smith and Dorothy Long Smith in Kellyville, Oklahoma.  He was the oldest of two children. Jim's family moved to California when he was two years old. He attended Edison High School where he lettered in sports and in 1952 graduated from the12th grade from Stockton College. In 2005, Jim and other members of the YMCA basketball team of 1954-55 were inducted into the Stockton Athletics Hall of Fame. Jim was a member of Morning Star #19 Masons, Scottish Rite, San Joaquin Shrine Club, the Tokay Shrine Club (Zoorama) and the Stockton High Twelve Club. He was also on the founding board of the Stockton

 

Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center. In 1955 Jim married Shirley Louise Gilder and he also began his sheet metal apprenticeship. In 1992 he retired as a sheet metal journeyman. Following his retirement, Jim and Shirley traveled and he volunteered with S.T.A.R.S. Jim was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his sister Shirley (Ron) Brumfield, daughter Lynette (Dennis) Bingham, son Gerald (Sandra) Smith,  grandchildren Jason (Michelle) Tunquist, Brian (Lisa) Tunquist, D.Michael (Liz) Tunquist, Karen (Wayne) Evans, Kayla (Bowe) Maxfield, 16 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  VISITATION

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016, from 10am - 7 pm at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home (831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA 95240).

 

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial at Scottish Rite Masonic Center at 4:30 pm on Saturday, September 3, 2016. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation may do so in Jim's name to the Stockton Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center, 33 W. Alpine, Stockton, Ca. 95204 or Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, Ca. 95204.

Thelma Roth Jones Garrison

GarrisonBorn September 9, 1921, in Deep Creek, British Columbia, Canada, Thelma Garrison died August 19, 2016, in Stockton, CA. Thelma was a grocery clerk, antique shop owner, homemaker and bookkeeper. She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Lepisto (Peter), Donna Bassi and stepson Gene Garrison (Connie). Her hobbies were doll making, crocheting baby items and making baby quilts.

She will be greatly missed by her 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as 8 nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by husbands, Alton Jones and Charles Garrison and her sister,Vi Castles.

SERVICES

Graveside services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi,CA 95240. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.

 

Benjamin Michael Ward

Benjamin Michael Ward, 28, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Ben was born in Stockton, California, on May 22, 1988. Ben is preceded in death by his grandfather, Sergio “Sam” Rabanal. He is survived by parents Debbie and Larry Roberts, and Michael and Susan Ward. He is also survived by siblings Lexi Guzman, Andrea Ward, Trenton Ward, Felicia Ward, Dylan Roberts, and Nolan Roberts, as well as grandparents Jane Rabanal, and David and Jackie Ward, and his girlfriend, Erin Casey. Additionally, Ben leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. SERVICES

Memorial services will be held at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at 10:00 am.

INTERMENT

A graveside memorial at Cherokee Memorial Park is scheduled for 1:00 pm following the memorial service. Memorial contributions can be made to Ben’s Memorial Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/2k6bkrw.

Joanne Dexter

Joanne Dexter 07/28/1926 – 08/09/2016

of Merced

Joanne Dexter, 90, of Merced, passed away August 9, 2016. Born in Sioux City, Iowa on July 28, 1926, to Gale and Doris Jividen. Joanne worked for 28 years as the office manager for Frisbie, Warren, and Carroll.  Joanne was very Dexterobitphotodevoted to her family and enjoyed traveling to Michigan and Arizona to visit her daughters.  She was an active member of the Lions Club and St. John’s Episcopal Church. She also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Joanne will be missed by her 3 daughters, Pam Waite (Wayne), Jane Pinney, and Jodi Breuker (Phil), 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, sister-in- law and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Allan Dexter, her parents, brother, and 2 grandsons.

SERVICES

Services will be private at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi.

Lana Louise Scott

Lana Louise Scott was born 02Nov1924 to Catholic, first generation Italian parents Augustus and Louisa Tannozzini in Plainfield, NJ.  Lana, her older brother Enzo, and her younger brother Sergio graduated from North Plainfield HS. Lana worked as a telephone operator during WWII, and later owned a print shop in Plainfield with her first husband Jess Scott. They moved to the California Bay Area in 1950 where she worked as a B of A teller for more than 15 years.  From the late 1960’s to the early 1990’s she worked as a secretary for the California departments of Correction, Youth-Authority, and Rehabilitation.  In semi-retirement, she worked as a secretary for Delta College until she fully retired in the late 1990’s.

Those who knew Lana knew that her lifelong love was bowling.  She was on leagues throughout her life.  Lana was a member of the Delta 500 Club and she enjoyed traveling in California to tournaments several times a year.  Lana bowled her final game on 14Jul2016 at West Lane Bowl.  She loved her bowling buddies.

Lana leaves behind her brother Enzo, her adopted son Michael, her adopted daughter Janine, grandchildren Wendy Hoff, Elisabeth Lee, and Heather Emerson-Roberts.  Lana enjoyed her seven great-grandchildren and wanted to meet her three great-great-great-grandchildren.  Lana’s eighth great-great-grandchild Ryker Roberts was born the day after Lana died.

Lana had a long healthy 90-year run despite being one of the first kidney repair and removal patients at UCSF in the mid-1960’s.  Never-the-less, she was taken too soon and will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends.

To our truly devoted Mother, goodbye for now.

Memorial Service is on Friday 19 Aug 2016 at 1PM at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, E. Harney Lane & Hwy 99, Lodi 95240.

Curtis Robbins

Curtis "Reed" Robbins July 11, 1925 - August 7, 2016

of StocktonRobbins

Curtis “Reed” Robbins, a native of Stockton, passed away on August 7, 2016 at the age of 91. He was born July 11, 1925 to Curtis M. and Louise Robbins. Reed was a member of the graduating class of 1942 from Stockton High School. An Eagle Scout, he later became Scout Master of Troop 3 Between WWII and the Korean Conflict. Reed was a member of the Naval ROTC and entered the US Navy in 1943 serving until 1952 in the South Pacific. He again served in the Navy in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1952.

Reed received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley and began a career in Real Estate in Stockton in 1947. He served as President of the Stockton Board of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, 1st Vice President of the National Association of Realtors and was Past President of the Stockton Rotary Club and was a multiple recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award with Rotary International. He was also a Founding Member of the 21st Century Club at the Doric Level of the Masons. He was honored as Stoctktonian of the Year.

Reed was active and attended church at Lincoln Presbyterian Church in Stockton.

Reed is survived by his wife Renee Robbins of Stockton; stepson Philip (Alexis) Steed of Sacramento; stepdaughter Kathy (Barrett) Finney of Stockton, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, four nieces: Page Robbins, Catherine Robbins, Marya Bell, and Marsha Robbins; two grand nephews and two grand nieces.

Donations in Reed’s name are preferred to The Rotary Foundation: 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve Reed’s Family.

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center 33 W. Alpine Ave. Stockton. Burial will be private at Stockton Rural Cemetery.

 

Evelyn M. Renfro

Evelyn M. Renfro 09/06/2016 – 08/06/2016

Of Lodi

Evelyn M. Renfro was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 6, 1919, the second of Renfroten children. She passed away in Lodi on August 6, 2016, at the age of 96.

Evelyn enjoyed 72 years of marriage with her husband Leroy, until his death in 2012. Together they raised four children; Roy, Dan (Patsy), Bill (Holly) and LaVerne (Gary). They were blessed with 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

In her lifetime, Evelyn worked in the cannery near Winton, California, and for Kaul’s Nursery in Lodi, but her greatest joy was being a housewife and raising her children.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice for their care of Evelyn throughout her illness, and in remembrance of Evelyn, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 2195 W. March Ln, #2, Stockton, CA 95207.

SERVICES

Private services will be held.

Richard Lee Brown

Richard Lee Brown went to be with the Lord August 4th, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. Richard was born on August 5, 1934 in Bates County, Missouri and lived most of his life near Stockton, California later moving to San Andreas then Lockeford. He married his high school sweetheart in 1956 and celebrated 60 years together.  Richard worked as a tractor driver until 1978 when he went on to bigger tractors, and became an agricultural land leveler.

Richard exemplified a life of service, humility, and caring. Whether performing groundskeeper work in his community, serving in various capacities at Grace Baptist Church, sharing his love of the outdoors with his family and friends, or spending time as a Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America, he was

happiest when he was contributing to the lives of others. As a young man, Richard served an enlistment in the U.S. Navy and later in life he was a Master Gardener known for his beautiful gardens. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Virginia Myrtle Brown, and his father Ralph Frank Brown, and is survived

by his wife of 60 years Betty Brown, daughter Janet Barnett, sons Donald Brown and Ronald Brown, 3 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren, sisters Dorothy Carson of Sacramento, Joyce Brown of Stockton, and Linda Shuff of Tracy.

SERVICES

Services held at Grace Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Ca, August 11, 2016 at 10:00am.

James Richard "Dick" Schwyhart

Richard passed away on July 26,2016 in Stockton, CA. He was born in Missouri to James and Florence Schwyhart.2016-08-16 14.49.08 He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence Schwyhart; wife, Ruthann L. Schwyhart; brothers and sisters, Jack, Albert, Dorothy, Arlis, Clifford, Wilma, Francis, George, Ruth, Florence (Tuney).

Richard is survived by his children: Jeffery R. Schwyhart (son), Jearld J. Schwyhart (son) and his wife Verna (daughter-in-law), and Jeanette S. Patrick (daughter); 11 grandchildren: Donald, Hiedi, and Adam (Jeff’s Children), Charissa, Jessica, Jamie, Jennifer, Johnathan, and Jacy (Jerry’s Children), Christopher L. Patrick and Craig J. Patrick (Jeanette’s children); 9 great-grandchildren: Mason, Damion, and Solara (Jeff’s grandchildren), Riley, Jordan, Allison, Raymond, Jason, and Jerry (Jerry and Verna’s grandchildren); brother Joe Schwyhart of Arkansas, sister Lula Mae Thomas of Stockton, and sister Nadine Tirapelle of Stockton; also survived by 35 nieces and nephews and approximately 66 great nieces and  nephews.

SERVICES

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016, at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or the American Rheumatology (Arthritis) Association.

 

Douglas James Martin

Douglas James Martin was born on November 15, 1939, in Montreal, Quebec to MDougMartin1other, Anne Marshall, and father, James Martin.  Little brother, David Martin, would follow a few years later. When step-father, George Hiscock, came into their lives, their family was complete. Doug attended Lester Pearson High School, but like any true Canadian, his youth was spent on the ice, playing hockey. His senior year in high school he was drafted by the Montreal Canadians to play semi-pro hockey in Spokane, WA.

In 1959, Vancouver, B.C, the skates he put on would change.  After 6 weeks of figure skating lessons and auditioning for the world-renowned Ice Capades in Hollywood, he was offered a job in the show.  He went on to skate on the National Ice Capades tour for the next 10 years as an Adagio or “Pair Skater” first with Elyn Tia and later with Patti Forbes. Doug also skated in various comedic routines with Freddie Trenkler. They performed 10 shows per week, 10 months per year.

Some of the highlights of his career were selling out shows to record-breaking crowds of 29,000 at Shea Stadium, performing at the Olympic open ice arena in Squaw Valley, meeting and performing with numerous celebrities, including the Supremes, Jimmy Dean, and for the First-Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy.

Then as fate would have it, Honolulu, Hawaii was later added to the tour.  It was in Hawaii, that he was introduced to fellow international entertainer, Tahitian dancer, Andrea Malawaina Bright Andrews, who was dancing with Tavana Faanui at the time in Waikiki.  Malawaina, “Mala” would later become his wife.

Acknowledgement: Doug always said that he would write a book about his time with the Ice Capades and he did.  The book is called “Frozen Community.”

Doug and Mala Martin have come to make their home in Stockton, CA. He was a loving husband and father.  Together, they have 3 children: Monique, James, and Tinamarie; 4 grandchildren: David, Nicole, Kaitlyn, and Alyssa; and 5 fur babies: dogs- Xena, Kiera, Michael, and Critter: cat- bruddah.

a few of his favorite things: Studying the Bible, Joe Montana (49er’s), Hockey, Skating, Travelling, World News, Comedy, Everly Brothers, Coffee Crisp, Shortbread, Macintosh, Neapolitan ice cream, and Coffee (Chewy and Moowy)…..

On July 18th, Doug was called home to glory.  He was surrounded by his family and with love until his last breath and beyond.  It’s not possible to fully capture everything about who dad was in a memorial and what he meant to all of us.  This a mere glimpse at the essence of who he was.  If you are reading this, however, then you are a part of his story.  We would love for you to share your memories with us.