THIS POINT....in time
The Point Richmond History Association Newsletter
Vol. XVII  No. 2     September/October, 1998

Help us keep our records.

Thank you to the following members who have renewed their memberships:

Pat & Frank Pearson

June A. Blackburn

Clara Loux

Will & Jean Speirsch

Josaphine Palenchar

Mary Stewart

Alfred S. Franco

Trefry Ross

Joe Savill

Donna (Taylor) Diaz

Zoanna M. Kille

Marilyn Darling

Sparta Chiozza

Edna Hathaway

Amelia Drake

Dora M. (Beesley) Feuerhelm

Mrs. Shirley Moore

Abigail Muñoz Rivera

Elaine Scott

Betty Glass Marshall

Viola Kennedy

Thelma Harvey

Hortense G. McGee

Albert W. McGee

John Healy

Lloyd & Phyllis Bogue

Mary L. Cornelius

Claude Bisio

Dody Perry

Lucretia Edwards

Tom & Shirley Butt Family

And a warm welcome to the following new members:

Alice Jordan

Louie Barra

Kathe Kiehn

Richard T. Dowell

Otto Barni

The Bradshaw Family

Joe & Judy Travis

Mr. E. Rife

Harold Shawl

S. Kelly Bootle

Museum Staff Coordinator Betty Dornan thanks volunteers who staffed the History Building during the summer

Thank You!

Santa Fe Market

and

Point Richmond Market

for their donated distribution of

"THIS POINT....in time"

GARY'S COLUMN

Here is the September/October issue of TPIT. In this issue you will find lots of good stuff from our usual staff along with a few special things. Special thanks to Allan Smith for all the images, and I forgot in the last issue to welcome Biblio Tek for bringing back news reports from the Westside Library Branch. Your reports are great and it’s wonderful to have this feature back in our newsletter. Now if we could get a regular report from the Point Richmond Neighborhood council I would be happy.

Mid Dornan continues to recover from her illness and is spending recovery time at her Russian River retreat. I bet we have her back, healthy and at full speed real soon.

Next issue look for a new article from Dr. Thompson on Ivan (Maj) Hill. It will be very interesting especially to the old timers who remember the local popular football star. Also an interesting old class picture sent by Elva Cook, she doesn’t say if it is local or not but includes her recently deceased husband Vivian Cook.

The deadline for the November issue is October 24th with an anticipated date of assembly of November 5th.

Thanks to the Summer issue assembly crew:

Mary Highfill

Pam Wilson

Mid Dornan

Jerry Cerkanowicz

Gary Shows

Betty Dornan

Allan Smith

Sonja Darling

A-Mid TRIVIA

-Mid Dornan (510-234-5334)

Question: When California celebrates its Sesquicentennial, what will it be celebrating?

Answer: At the end of Trivia

***

Trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

***

Gov. Pete Wilson visited Washington school in June to use it as a backdrop to promote the education component of his proposed budget-$50 million into after-school programs. Washington School has offered after-school programs for about four years. Students from UC-Berkeley, teachers and community volunteers teach subjects including computer, dance, art, English proficiency and math.

***

Joe Heath was the June winner of the Times Golden Pen Award for the best-written letter to appear in the Readers' Forum. His letter titled, "Don't wall in the bay" wrote of concerns about the future of a Bay shoreline site in Point Richmond.

***

Everyone in the Bay area must have had at least one meal at Spenger's Fish Grotto in Berkeley, an institution for more than 100 years. Now, Unless it is purchased by someone, it plans to close its doors in September. Who will replace their great clam chowder?

***

Ever notice that "Many Hands" tie Tom McGowan so proudly wears?

***

If you've enjoyed that cooling of an air conditioner thank Willis H. Cartier who invented it 96 years ago and General Electric who in the 1950's marketed it.

***

Multiply 37,037 by any single number, then multiply that by 3. Every number in the answer will be the same as that first single number.

***

Its a boy, Jackson Thomas for Carla and Tony Beckerley. Born June 15th in Ohio he was welcomed by big brother Will (7) and big sister Laura (5). Tony is owner of Little Louie's.

***

Verle Cravens has been a postal carrier in the Point for 13 years so George Coles hosted a retirement party at his home on Bishop Avenue to honor his years on the Point route. Verle's wife, Liz, also a postal employee, has not yet retired so does that mean Verle is the housemate that will have the meals on the table at night?

***

It was a lovely afternoon wedding at Rockefeller Lodge on August first for Rose Ellen, daughter of George and Mapda Nelson and Seth Ming Liang Fenton, son of Jay and Karen Fenton. After their honeymoon they will live in New York City.

***

Special sympathy to my friend Al Franco on the loss of his wife, Audrey.

***

Who said, "The wisest man I ever knew taught me something I never forgot. And although I never forgot it, I never quite memorized it either. So what I'm left with is the memory of having learned something very wise that I can't quite remember"

***

THANK YOU...to those girls at the Stroll who found 6 one-dollar bills lying in the street and turned them into the history museum. Honesty does still exist!

***

T’is rumored that Dee Rosier switched serving on the election board to the Methodist Church because voter Bob Peckham brings fresh french bread and brie cheeses to this board

***

School has begun...watch out for children.

***

ANSWER: California will be celebrating its 150th birthday in 1999 and the Department of Motor Vehicles will make commemorative Sesquicentennial license plates for California which will begin with the number 4.

SAVE THE PLUNGE

If you grew up in the Point you probably not only swam at the Plunge but also learned to swim here. Only then, it was known then as the Natatorium This 71 year old indoor pool needs repairs and building retrofitting totaling 4.5 million dollars. When it became clear that funding was not available, the Richmond Friends of Recreation sprang into action.

Working with a scaled-down restoration approach, the Save the Plunge Committee is soliciting donations from residents and businesses over a three-year period.

Chevron has contributed $10,000 to get the effort started and other local businesses are expected to follow.

Walt Fauerso, president of the RFR urges contributions be made to the Save the Richmond Plunge Trust, P.O. Box 70443, Point Richmond CA 94807. Or you may mail them to This Point...in time.

Plunge Jam Coming Soon to Kick Off "Save the Plunge Campaign"

Plans are afoot...or should we say afloat for a PLUNGE JAM to be held in front of the Plunge on October 10th, from noon to 5, featuring well known local musicians and favorite public personalities. The East Bay Blues Band is confirmed and others are invited. Music, starting at noon, will be interspersed with friends of the plunge sharing historic highlights of the building.

Food from popular vendors will be available. Collector T-shirts, with logo designed by Jim DeWitt, and buttons by Al Kipnis, can be purchased at the event.

Come listen to the music, sample the food, pick up your souvenir T-shirt and buttons and catch the spirit.

(For information...contact Kay Walker at 215-6100, Fran Smith at 222-2999 or Walt Fauerso at 223-9387)

The Save the Plunge folks are still planning a fashion show for later in the fall and still need memories and photos. Please let us hear from you.

BURNSIDE GIVEN FUNDS TO WRITE BOOK

It was a surprised Kaye Burnside, Principal of Washington School, that was recipient of a $15,000 grant. A grant to write her story of how she turned around a school destined to be closed for lack of leadership and declining students into a model school. A school whose enrollment jumped from 150 to 354 with a long waiting list. A school whose test scores have skyrocketed and whose first graders are now scoring above the national average on most standardized tests often 75 percent better than just two years ago.

How does a busy person like Burnside have time to write a book? Even she must be wondering. She is indeed a miracle worker!

The first meeting of the season was held on September 8th. It was great to welcome old friends and new.

Usually our meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at the First Methodist Church. Doors open at 11:00 AM. Dues are $10.00 a year and are now payable.

As your new group of officers try their wings we hope to make the meeting both interesting and fun. Virginia Cherniak has agreed to be our program chairman. We need all of your help and support. See you soon.

FREE

IBM Composer Typewriter with Font Elements

Sharp SF-711 Copy Machine

Gestetner Offset Press

Offset Plate Maker

All of the above equipment was working the last time it was used several years ago. Interested, call Gary or Jerry at 510-235-1336.

MEMORIES OF JOE HANZLIK  by Jerry Cerkanowicz

I first met Joe Hanzlik in 1987. His wife Anne was Vice President of the Point Richmond History Association and Chairman of the Indian Statue Park Committee. All I knew about Joe was that he was a big guy and a retired steelworker. Early the next spring various problems with the project’s contractor caused work on the park to grind to a halt. Joe Hanzlik came to our rescue. Using his skills in construction and organization he single handedly began construction of the rock walls around the edge of the park. He then assembled a group of volunteers and, after much hard work, finished the park. Those of us involved in the creation of the park know that Joe really saved the day!

As my friendship with Anne grew I got to know this gruff ole’ steelworker better. He, with his wife built their steel and brick home, he loved conservative talk radio and TV talk shows. He was retired Navy who spent WW2 on submarines in the Pacific. After the war he worked on among other things bridges and missile silos.

He was always working around their house or in his garden. Several years ago for Anne’s birthday he built her a sand beach. It was while sitting on this beach that I learned much more about Joe. He and Anne loved to travel….to Europe, the Pacific Islands and Turkey. But he loved England the most. He collected Roman coins and read everything that he could get his hands on about the Emperors of Rome.

He loved talking about food, politics and the economy. The last time I saw him, they were coming home from a seven week European visit. As we drove on the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge, (which he worked on) to their home he was laughing and telling funny stories about misadventures during a train trip to England and how great it was to be home. Now he is really at home and we miss him.

Church News

Our Lady of Mercy

Dee Rosier

232-1387

It's that time of the year again - time for our Annual BBQ. Was held on Sunday, September 6, 1:00-5:00 P.M. New York steaks with all the trimmings were served - and if you are not into steak, hamburgers or vegiburgers were also be available. Cost - $12.50 per adult and $5.00 per child. This years event was chaired by Peter and Mary Lespier (235-5276).

May 31st was the fifth Sunday of the month and a special collection for the Souper Kitchen amounted to $750.00. This collection was started many years ago when Father Carmelo was our Parish Priest. Volunteers are also needed to help. Many thanks to our regular Parishioners who are always present to lend a hand.

Louise Haley (1902-1998) passed away in June, Louise held the honor of being our oldest parishioner.

The Sisters of the Holy Family celebrated their 125th anniversary in June at St. Mary Cathedral in San Francisco. The Sisters taught CCD classes at our Lady of Mercy. I can remember my early childhood religious instruction being taught by the same order.

The June Parish assembly was a potluck and chaired by Mary Lespier and Amelia Drake. A plaque was presented to Father Jim honoring his 42 years as a Priest.

It's summer and vacation time. Those that have enjoyed vacations lately are: Brenda McKinley who visited family in Louisiana and Betty Conception who traveled to Manila to see her new Granddaughter. In Septernber Varsie Lometti will visit family in Greece. Marie and Bob Peckham have plans to visit Spain and Portugal. Ruth Beardsley spent time in New Mexico visiting family.

In July we were honored to have Father Francis Springer visit our Parish. Father Springer was born and raised in San Francisco. He is a Marist Missionary and had everyone's attention as he told stories about his 20 years in New Guinea. He delighted us by telling the Easter story in Pidgin English.

Mary and Peter Lespier renewed their marriage vows during Mass on June 19, 1998.

Nicholas Hermann Ultsch, son of Bruce and Dina Ultsch was baptized on June 19, 1998. Celebrating birthdays since our last issue were: Josephine Palenchar, Adolph Brossard, Betty Conception, Louise Banks and John Gerk. Happy Birthdays to all - and may they all be healthy ones.

Tripping and breaking her ankle did not keep Edwina Murray (and Jack) from taking a vacation via train to Bakersfield.

Back for more surgery - Dody Perry. Get well soon.

Water damage done to the walls and ceiling of the ladies restroom and the main hallway entrance have been repaired and painted. Peter Lespier was in charge of this project, assisted by Bob Hartynk. Money for it came from our first of the month repair and maintenance fund.

Jennifer Rosier and Cody Lespier attended the Methodist Church vacation Bible School and had a great time. Cody made new friends and Jennifer renewed friendships. Thank you to all of the volunteers who give of their time each year and offer our children such a worthwhile experience.

Married in our Parish on August 15, 1998, were Caryn Chisenhall and Terence Doherty. Margaret and Maurice Doherty are Terence's parents and long time Parishioners. Congratulations to the new couple. We wish them many years of happiness.

Congratulations are also extended to Lollie and Benny Garcia who recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They were married in Bernalillo, New Mexico and moved to Richmond m 1951.

Just as Herb Caen had his trusty Royal, I relied on my trusty Smith-Corona which I have retired and replaced with a computer. The intimidation period comes and goes, but with continued use am feeling more confident. Fortunately my Daughter Renee is my support system and readily available to me.

Remember that doing nothing is hard to do because you never know when you are done!

Point Richmond Methodist

Jean Reynolds

235-2988

Vacation Bible School was the week of July 27-31. High points of the week included the art and craft projects led by Jean Eger, a visit from Lorilyn Parmer-Folks who spent two years in Sudan working for Save the Children Foundation, dance led by Carla Nelson, music led by Pastor Dan, games led by Taylor McClure, Bethany Reynolds, Kathryn Artegiani, Heather Damon and Emily Goetsch, and lunch served on Friday by Fran Smith. Classroom teachers for the week were Kristi Johnson, Jean Eger, and Jean Reynolds. Anne Goetsch made African-bordered name tags and Melba Farley baked cookies. More than twenty students attended and we had such a good time! Students donated spare change to Heifer Project International , an organization that helps people raise their economic and nutritional levels by providing animals and training to needy people around the world. We missed puppeteer Linda Brooks who was away taking care of her mother: look for some puppet shows this fall as part of worship.

The Reverend Ray Pitsker graciously house-sat the parsonage and preached three Sundays in August while Pastor Dan was away on a short term mission to Zimbabwe and Africa University. Ray is retired and lives in Colorado. He fit in easily in our community and we were blessed by his stay with us.

Some members of the Monday night book study group went to Mendicino the second weekend in August so they could meet at Jean Eakle’s summer home. I don’t know what reading they discussed, but somehow I don’t think that mattered.

The United Methodist Women and friends had a meeting at the Russian River at Mid Dornan’s place on August 26. Lunch was potluck, we celebrated August birthdays, the weather was great, we saw a video of the Century Ball "fashion show", and the business meeting was brief. It was a perfect day.

The Joyful Noise Choir has resumed rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 7:00.

Angel Choir for children and youth will begin in September at 10:00 a.m. Saturday mornings. Sunday School for ages 3 through adult resumes on September 13 at 9:45. (Adult Sunday School meets regularly even through the summer!)

To cap off the summer, we are having a singing led by local songwriter Mike Mirabella on August 28, followed by an ice-cream social. May Cotton and Ray Pitsker are making some homemade ice-cream as a demo, but hopefully there will be enough singers to eat some store-bought ice-cream, too!

Point Methodist

Church History

-Mid Dornan

Church history is rich with contributions of women. One church group in the 1920’s was the SOCIAL LEAGUE of the first Methodist Episcopal Church whose history is reflected in their minutes printed below and taken from the canvas covered, red leather cornered notebook which cost $1.15. The minutes are printed as written. This is the 33rd installment.

Oct. 6th, 1925

Social League met in the parlors of the Methodist Church, with Mrs. Dicely and Mrs. Diller hostesses. Called to order by President, Mrs. Dicely. The meeting opened by Lord’s Prayer. Roll-call found nineteen members and one visitor present.

For the ministers reception, the following comitys (sic) were appointed: Food: Mrs. Scofield, Mrs. Brothers, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Owens. Decorating: Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Burdick, Mrs. Seymour, Mrs. Dusthimer. Reception: Mrs. Osborne, MRs. Adams, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Ford. Motion to buy all refreshments, Carried.

Bills for bazaar materials:

Mrs. Burdick $4.35

Mrs. Danner 1.84

Mrs. Dusthimer 1.00

Ordered paid.

Bill from V.A. Fenner for supplies $5.35. Ordered paid. $24.75 was turned in on pledges and a check for the amount given to Mrs. Adams for the church.

Meeting Ajouned (sic)

D. Dusthimer, Secy

Cash on hand 30.34

Paid out 12.54

17.80

Dues Mrs. Diller .60

Tea fund 2.40

20.80 on hand

Ruth Lucas was a teacher at Washington School. Dr. William Thompson, one of her students, sent the following article written by Mary McVittie after the death of Miss Lucas adding, " This information should be preserved along with the other correspondence that I gave you some years ago. This, along with the little booklet "The Poppy" and its photograph of the 1922 Washington School class of 1922, make a rather interesting bit of history."

Ruth J. Lucas by Mary McVittie

February 20, 1891 -- June 26, 1990

The gentle and quiet woman who preferred the anonymity of "A.L. Bernes Washington Elementary School Teacher" died at the age of 99. Ruth Lucas not only played a significant part in the future of education by generously supporting the A.L. Bernes Scholarships program, but was also vital in the education of many generations of young people. In addition to A.L. Bernes, she numbered among her Washington School pupils Catherine Head, Pina Barbieri and Wm. L. Thompson, M.D.

When I reminisced with Dr. Barbieri, she told of two loving remembrances of Ruth's genuine interest in her students. Pina attended the first few years of elementary school in San Francisco, where all the children spoke only Italian; therefore the teacher concentrated instruction on teaching English. When Pina entered Washington, her English was fine, but her arithmetic skills were not at grade level. Miss Lucas told Pina to come at 8:30 a.m. each school day for special tutoring. This was before school instruction continued all year.

Dr. Barbieri feels that this illustration is typical of Miss Lucas' dedication to the development of all her students. The other story is about Mrs. Barbieri. Miss Lucas' class put on a little play and costumes were needed. Pina's mother made her an attractive costume. After the performance, Ruth Lucas met Mrs. Barbieri as they were walking on the street. Miss Lucas stopped Pina's mother and complimented her on the costume. Mrs. Barbieri spoke no English, but was warmed by the recognition and compliment. Miss Lucas treasured the friendship of her former pupil and saved every postcard sent by Pina on her travels through the years, plus the cards and flowers sent every Easter, Valentine, Christmas and birthday.

Dr. Thompson was a student of Ruth's in sixth and eighth grades at Washington. He says, "She was a wonderful teacher, rather quiet and soft spoken. She never raised her voice. In the 6th grade she kept our interest up with simple scientific experiments. We were the last 8th grade in the old Washington School. In 8th grade we made a simple little annual called, 'The Poppy -- Washington School, June 1922.' This was handwritten by Lucas and reprinted by the old mimeograph method. Each student had a project in the production. Also added was a class photograph taken by Miss Lucas. Each student was given on of these booklets. I still have mine, one of my prized mementos." Ruth Lucas moved with that class to Roosevelt, where she taught social studies and arithmetic, remaining until her retirement, June 1955 at 64. One of her colleagues there, Mrs. Betty Stanley, remembers her fondly. She says, "When I came to Roosevelt...Ruth taught me how to work the old mimeograph machine you had to ink. We were register partners. When I started teaching two big (52 and 53) arithmetic classes, she helped me, too." Betty's children always enjoyed Ruth's Christmas letter with its beautiful handwriting.

Ruth Julia Lucas was the eldest of four children, all of who predeceased her. Born and educated in Ohio, she graduated in 1908 from high school, began teaching in 1910 in a one-room school and was paid $40 a month. She came to California and taught two years in Shasta. In Richmond she applied personally and was immediately hired by Mr. Helms. She never drove and didn't own a car...living alone independently...until this year when I arranged for assistance will miss her bubbling sense of humor, sharp perception and wonderful stories about "the old days."

AROUND THE POINT by Allan Smith

Local resident Jim Forbes passed away recently. He was not born in the Point but came here in his infancy from Boston and attended local schools. At the age of 16, he left school and went to sea aboard a Standard Oil tanker sailing worldwide. (Incidentally, James Arnold helped him get the job.) In January of 1942 Jim Forbes enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. After his military career, he completed his school education and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He was one of the first local (Point) youths to become an embalmer, Bruce Bartram joined him.

SHHH! by Biblio Tek
Westside Branch Library News

Thank you all so much for your incredible support of Measure A. It would have passed in Richmond. Unfortunately, votes in East County brought the measure to defeat. So - back to the drawing board. Perhaps the Point Richmond Neighborhood Council can come up with a new strategy. It was necessary to cut branch hours to the following schedule: Mon. Wed., and Thurs. 11 - 3 and Tues. 11 - 7. The staff hopes that by the middle of September, it may be possible to rearrange some hours to help the after school children.

The children have had a marvelous summer at the library with a very successful Summer Reading Game', the weekly Story Time (which continues at 10 a. m. Thursdays despite the. shortened hours) and seven special presentations including puppetry, guitar players, story telling and magic. 116 children participated in the Summer Reading Game with 22 of them completing the program by reading ten books and writing about or drawing a picture about each one. Congratulations, kids!

Have you heard about The Best Sellers Club? Lynn the librarian has posted a list at the front desk of books the library would like to acquire but cannot afford. Many people have been most generous in signing up to buy these books and donating them to the library. How do you join? Simply scan the list to find a book that you would like to read, place your name or initials next to the entry, buy the book, and when you are finished reading it, drop it by the Front Desk. Donation receipts are available, and your generosity helps keep your neighborhood library a vital place.

Lynn says that two of her favorite reads this summer were A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - a very funny true account of hiking the Appalachian Trail and The All True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton by Jane Smiley – an early 1800's tale about a tomboy in Kansas Territory. Check 'em out!

ALLAN SMITH'S POINT by Allan Smith

CARDS AND LETTERS

Dear Gary:

Oops! Mistake! I got my addresses mixed up. I’m sure some old-timer will catch me up on it. Jas. P. Arnold family lived at 45 Nevada Ave., next door to the Cunan’s. We lived (the McGarvey’s) at 114 Nevada Ave. across from the Carl Stenders.

We rented our little grey house for $17.50 a month, in the 1930’s.

Regards,

IlaMay Dein

Paradise, CA

Dear Pam:

I am so sorry we missed the "Kid’s Day".

Al has a new knee replacement and I was not feeling well. Hopefully next year we will be bright and bushy-tailed.

Hortense McGee

Vallejo, CA

Dear Pam:

With pleasure I am renewing my TPIT. It takes into the past but also in the now.

Its good to know what’s going on in dear old Point Richmond..

I feel I was blessed to have been born and raised in the Point.

Keep up the good work,

June Kunkel Blackbun

Bemidji, MN

Dear Gary:

I just want to say Betty Marshall and I had a grad time at the "Point Richmond Kid’s Day Reunion".

To the very few who worked so hard to make it a success for the many – a huge "Thank You".

The air was filled with "do you remember" and "do you know" and "how many years". It was wonderful to be a part of childhood memories that were happy, mischievous, and never to be forgotten.

Here’s to next year and lots of volunteers to help make it another great experience.

Sincerely,

Luella Bain Wilcox

 Dear Gary,

You certainly put out a good paper. The day I receive my copy I read it from cover to cover.

Enclosed is an article from an Oakland Tribune (regarding the 75th anniversary of Our Lady of Mercy Church) that does not show the date. Perhaps you already have this article and if so you can destroy this copy. I don’t know when Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church celebrated its 75th birthday but it was apparently after I left Richmond in 1955. It was probably sent to me by Bena Bowles.

Would you please include Bena Bowles on the list of birthdays in January.

I look forward to your next issue.

Sincerely,

Mary Valenzano

Port Charlotte, FL

DEATHS

William E. Berk former owner of Timmons & Berk Plumbing & Electric Co. in Richmond for 35 years, died July 20, 1998 at his home. He was 92. The Point Richmond native was a lifelong resident of Richmond. He was a member of St. David’s Catholic Church, Lions Clum and Elks Lodge 1251, all in Richmond; Richmond Re-development commission; West Contra Costa Plumbers Association; Richmond Rod and Gun Club; the electrical workers union in Martinez; and was a former director of AC Transit, representing Ward 2. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara A. Kringle of El Cerrito; brother, Charles P. Berk of Richmond; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His wife, Grace, died in 1997 and his son, Tim Berk, died in 1960.

Audrey Erma Franco died in Sumner, Washington on July 18, 1998. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Al Franco; sons Pete Baldwin, Michael and Christopher Franco; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; and a brother Rodrick Dunphy. Audrey was a talented writer and wrote poetry. Al shares this short poem which he feels exemplifies the philosophy by which she lived.

Bruno J. Roveda died at his home in Richmond on June 17, 1998. Husband of Kay Gigliotti Roveda of Richmond for 35 years. Father of John G. Roveda of Alameda & Frances E. Roveda of Nevada City, CA. Brother of Mary A. Rosenberger, Brother-in-law of Roy A. Rosenberger, Grandfather of Christine A., Michelle J., Jay J.G., & John G. Roveda Jr. & Steven Roveda-Harper, Step-grandfather of Marian, Joseph & Jimmy Leinbach, Jeannie Kitchen & Diana, Deannie & David Law. Also survived by 4 step gret-grandchildren. Mr. Roveda retired as the owner of the United Beverage, Inc. of Oakland, CA. Private burial was held at St. Joseph Cemetery in San Pablo. Memorials suggested to VNA Hospice of Northern CA, 1900 Powell St., Suite 300, Emeryville, CA 94608.

Ruby Hazel Carr-Fram, retired after 45 years as a real estate agent in Point Richmond, died June 3, 1998 in a Richmond hospital. She was 86. The Wilmer, OK native lived in Point Richmond for 44 years and was a member of the Point Richmond Business Association. She is survived by her brother, Howard Carr of Oakland; and niece, Barbara Tolsma of Merced. Her husband, Clyde Robert Fram, preceded her in death.

James M. Forbes, retired as an embalmer with Ellis-Olson Mortuary in Albany, died June 6, 1998 at his home. He was 76. The Massachusetts native previously lived in Point Richmond. He was a minister of the Universal Life Church in Modesto and a member of Teamsters Local 78 of Oakland. He is survived by his daughters, Judy Forbes of New Zealand, Debbi Miller of Oklahoma , Cindi Forbes of Downieville and Kathy Sanchez of Crockett; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Pearle E. Westman, a homemaker, died June 12, 1998 in a Pinole hospital. She was 96. The Peoria, Ill., native lived in Richmond for 84 years. She is survived by her daughters, June Mussetter of Ricklin, Joan Buskirk of Dublin and Lynn Barca of Hawaii, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dale Edwin Carlson died July 10, 1998 in Concord. He was 50. A native of Berkeley, he lived in El Cerrito for 30 years before moving to the Point Richmond area 15 years ago. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Blanche Carlson Bell and George Bell of Discovery Bay; brother, Wayne Carlson of Rodeo; and sister, Janet Williams of Benicia.

John Jacobus Boonstoppel, retired after 20 years as the owner of Pacific Calibration in La Honda, died July 28, 1998 at his home. He was 77. A native of the Netherlands, he lived in Point Richmond for 12 years. He was a member of the Unity Church in Marin and Richmond Yacht club. He is survived by his wife, Gunde; daughter, Barbara Sue Diefendorf of New Hampshire; son, Robert John Boonstoppel of Maryland; and three grandchildren.