Author Archives: David Stevens

GEM-O-RAMA and Coronavirus

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Yes, we still hope to have a Gem-O-Rama in 2020.  But right now it only looks 50/50 whether-or-not we will have a show. The only thing we know for certain is that we will be following orders from the CDC, State of California and San Bernardino County in making any decisions about allowing large gatherings of people, physical distancing, and doing frequent cleaning of venues.

In the absence of these goverment orders, we are uncertain how we may have to alter show activities. For example, we may have to limit attendance on certain activities to stay below maximum crowd size or ensure mandated physical distancing. There is also a possibility that we may have to cancel some activities for the same reasons.

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Hyrum “Skip” McInelly — Class of 1960

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Hyrum Reece McInelly, better known as Skip to friends and family, passed away on April 28, 2020, in Walnut Creek, CA. After battling ill health for a few years.

He was born in Spokane, WA, October 15, 1941. During his early life the family moved a few times and ended up in a small town of Trona, CA, in the Mojave Desert. He attended school there and after graduation he took an apprenticeship class to become a machinist working in plants and made his living at this until his retirement. He later moved to Concord, CA, to pursue his career and worked as a machinist in the surrounding refineries. It was at this time of his life when he met his wife, Chantal McInelly. They were married August 12, 1976, and together as a family of 7, Skip having 2 daughters and Chantal had 3 boys, they began their loving relationship.

Skip enjoyed life, enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and just going for road trips. He was a kid at heart and tricks and pranks came naturally to the boy in him. When visiting his wife at work, he would string paper clips together at one of her coworkers desk, when going out for a meal with friends poke a hole in a straw when they weren’t looking, or when walking where there was a water puddle making sure someone was close and stomp his foot in it to splash the victim. He also enjoyed working with wood and making things, then giving them away. The same was done with stain glass projects that he and his wife made, or crochet items that were made by his mother when he was a child. He is a loving father, faithful husband, and truly a friend to all he meets. His warmth has touched many lives through his 78 years with us. Both friends and family will miss him.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Hyrum S McInelly and Violet McInelly, his sister Dorene (THS 1954) and a second sister that died at birth, and his daughter Julie. He is survived by his wife, best friend, soulmate and caregiver, Chantal, his children Sally McInelly of Henderson, NV, Brian Lund of Federal Way, WA, Mark Lund of Martinez, and Harold Lund of Concord. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren.

Skip was a cousin to Marian (Reece) Walsh (THS 1955), LeRoy Reece  (THS 1957)  and Vernon Reece (THS 1959).

Thomas G. Dunne — Class of 1948

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October 10, 1930 – April 5, 2020

Thomas G. Dunne, Ph.D., 89, of Tualitin, OR, died peacefully on Sunday, April 5. Born in 1930 in Los Angeles, he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Mary A. Dunne, and grew up in the small chemical company town of Westend, CA, on Searles Lake in the Mojave Desert. He graduated from nearby Trona High School in 1948, and received a B.S. in Chemistry from UCLA in 1952 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Washington in 1957. Dr. Dunne then worked as a chemist at Central Research labs at IBM and as a post-doctoral fellow at MIT.

In 1963 Dr. Dunne joined the faculty of Reed College in the Chemistry Department. For over four decades, he taught a variety of Chemistry and Environmental Science courses to Reed undergraduates, advised dozens of Reed thesis research students, and chaired the Chemistry Department for several years. In his honor, one of his Chemistry advisees endowed an annual lecture named after him.

Dr. Dunne was a very active, 64-year member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Portland Section. He was the former chair of the Portland Section, where he served on the committee to select the Linus Pauling Medal Award. He was an active member of the ACS Northeast Regional Board of Directors. Dr. Dunne was a longtime member of the Sierra Club and active in environmental issues. He was a longtime participant in the Reed Emeritus Book Club, and also active in the City Club of Portland, and the Searles Valley Historical Society of Trona, California.

Dr. Dunne leaves his brother, C. Patrick Dunne, Ph.D., and wife Maureen of Framingham, MA, his nieces and their spouses, Kerry Dunne and Adam Steiner of Framingham, MA, Eileen Dunne and Jack Daniels of Boise, ID, Erin Dunne and Ryan Ellis of Waltham, MA. He leaves three grand nieces, Nora Steiner, Margaret Steiner and Veronica Ellis, and a grand nephew, Indigo Ellis. He is also survived by Beatriz and Stokely Beckford of Chicago, IL, his cousin, Joan Murphy of Palo Cedro, CA, and close friend Ron Sato, of Portland, OR.

There will be no services. Remembrances may be sent to Reed College, the Portland Section of the American Chemical Society, or the Alzheimers Association.

https://davies.mem.com/Obituary/9115489/173039300/173039307?title=Obituary

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Louann (Ford) Fouraker – Class of 1954

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Louise (Louann) Ann Fouraker was born September 16, 1936 to Fred and Elsie Ford in Indianapolis, Indiana. She peacefully left the earth surrounded by many family members at her side on April 5, 2020.
Louise is survived by, Husband Don Fouraker, Brother Andy Ford (Amy), her children Rhonda Ewing (Ron), Russell Benson (Charlotte) and Ron Benson (Lisa). Grandchildren Blake Benson (Ashley), Kristen Benson, Bernadette Brown (Jaycob), Beatrice Benson, Amy Ewing, Chad Ewing, Tyler Mortimer and great grandchildren children, Tyler Ewing, Megan Ewing, Jaylin Benson, Raelyn Brown, Joelle Benson. She was proceeded by her granddaughter Jessica Benson.
Louise was very proud of her German heritage. This was evident in her immaculate housekeeping and organizational traits. She was able to make visits to Germany to see her Uncles, Aunts and cousins.
At a young age, Louise moved to Trona, California, with her family. There she enjoyed playing in her high school band. She recalled many stories about band trips and how the high school football field was sand, due to being in a desert. Home field advantage, she would say.
It was in the Trona area where she met her first husband, Ronald Benson. They married in 1955 and had their three children. Ron’s job had him transferring around many places, but in the mid 1960’s they ended up in Washington. This is where Louise called home.
In the 1970’s, she went to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her motivation was to earn extra money to be able to send her children to college. With her caring nature nursing was the perfect profession for her and she excelled at her job.
In 2003, Louise married Donald Fouraker. They enjoyed being part of many musical groups. This is evident when they would attend weekly jam sessions. Louise didn’t perform but loved listening as Don played and sang. Louise would help organize pot lucks and fund raisers for the groups.
Faith was extremely important to Louise and she embodied her Christian faith in the way she lived her life and treated others. She was very active at volunteering. This includes local food banks, St Vincent DePaul and many church functions through her parish, Holy Disciples Catholic Church. Louise enjoyed many hobbies and activities. She was always present for any of her children’s school or sporting events. She loved sewing, reading, hiking, gardening, and music to name a few.
Louise’s true passion was for her family and friends. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all were her world. She never forgot a friend, even if it had been years. She remembered friends and would always reach out to them. She was the most non-judgmental person and this was shown by how she accepted everyone for who they were.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to, “Greater YMCA of Seattle Jessica Benson endowment fund” or “St Vincent DePaul.” Since Louise was a very giving person, you can also make a donation to an organization close to you with thoughts of Louise in your heart.

https://www.yahnandson.com/obituaries/Louise-Ann-Fouraker?obId=12614962#/obituaryInfo

Kenneth “Leroy” Bradburn — Class of 1952

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Kenneth “Leroy” Bradburn, age 81, life long resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.  Leroy was born on January 31, 1934, in Elwood to Kenneth Greenstreet and Doris (Hicks) Bradburn.  Leroy was retired from Continental Can of Elwood after 22 years and later retired from Chrysler Corp. after 19 years.  Leroy was a veteran of the US Army, member of the Daleville American Legion, and the Elwood Elks.  He enjoyed wood working, golfing, and fishing.
Leroy is survived by his loving Wife, Shirley (Browning) Bradburn of Elwood, Son, Gene Bradburn of Elwood, four Daughters, Bobbi Fanning, Tracy (Fred) Albers, Kimberly Boes, and Robin (Bill) Copeland all of Elwood, eleven Grandchildren, Leslie, Brian, and Ryan Fanning, Holly (Ryan) Abbott, Michelle Albers, Lacey Copeland, Cole Bradburn, Jack Bradburn, Tori Clough, Misty Bradfield, and Jessica Hendrix, 11 Great Grandchildren, Sister,  Joyce Call of Elwood, Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Leroy was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother, Gene Greenstreet (Class of 1951), Sister, Linda, Brother in law, Ralph Call, and a  Daughter in law, Michelle Bradburn.

A Celebration of Life Funeral service will be at 3:00 pm Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood, Indiana.  Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 10, 2015, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson Street, Elwood, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter.

Sharing memories and online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com

Note: Leroy’s family left Trona in 1950 so Leroy and Gene did not graduate from Trona High School.