LEYDET, Francois G. The death of Francois Leydet brings to an end a life filled with joy, adventure, love and accomplishment. Born 26 August 1927 at Neuilly-sur-Seine (France), he became a U.S. citizen in 1956 after attending prep school and colleges in both France and U.S.: bachelor’s degree, University of Paris, 1945; bachelor’s degree, Harvard University, 1947; Harvard Business School, 1948/9 and 1950/62; School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 1952/3. Fluent in English and French, Francois Spoke several other languages and delighted in puns and other word play. In recent years he devoted much effort to institutions he believed in, serving as a docent at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and as an active worker and supporter of Planned Parenthood. Among his many 'careers' were experience in investment banking, wrangler on ranches in Oregon, crewing shrimp boats in the Gulf of California, and rowing dories through the Grand Canyon, but always there was writing. Starting as a copyboy for the Washington Evening Star in 1953, Francois worked at the San Francisco Chronicle, 1954/62, and Examiner, 1962/3, before turning to freelance writing, specializing in nature, wildlife and conservation subjects, for the remainder of his life. He edited and wrote books for the Sierra Club (Tomorrow’s Wilderness, 1963, The Last Redwoods, 1963, the award winning Time and the River Flowing–about the Grand Canyon–1964), and a comprehensive book about the maligned and misunderstood coyote, The Coyote, Defiant Songdog of the West, 1977; passengers on his river trips can remember Francois climbing on the ledges above the river and howling like a coyote and in later years at least one friend often referred to him as 'The Old Coyote'. Francois’essays and articles appeared in magazines and journals as diverse as National Geographic, American West, Holiday, Harvard Magazine and Vogue. Though never published, his sonnets, odes and other poetry were a delight shared with his friends and family. Francois died Tuesday, March 4, 1997 of complications following a diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, in Tucson, Arizona, where he lived with his wife, Roslyn since 1990. He leaves cherished dogs, Bruno, Max, Mortimer and Emma. Francois is survived by the people he loved, who adored him in return, his wife of 27 years, Roslyn (Tucson; his step children, Walter Robb (San Francisco), Dr. Rachel Avery (Portland, Maine), Holly Prunty (Palo Alto), Peckie Peters (Vail) and 9 3/4 grandchildren. His siblings are brother, Hugues Leydet (Montreal, Canada) and sister, Beatrice Mosea (Rome, Italy). A Memorial service will be held later in the spring after grandchild 10 is born. The family requests that memorial donations in lieu of flowers or other memorials be made to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or Planned Parenthood.
PICKETT, Lowell C. 'Bud' 81, 9015 W. Tangerine Rd., Marana, AZ, died March 4, 1997 at Hospice Family Center after a long illness. He was born August 19, 1915 in Montana. He is survived by wife, Ruth R. of 44 years; two sons, Phillip Pickett of Tucson, Larry E. Leas of Madison, IN; one daughter, Patricia Reckers of Tucson; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Forest Pickett of Kokomo, IN; three sisters, Mary Fivecoat, LaWanna Ballenger, Ethelda Shoal all of Kokomo, IN. Memorial services will be held at Northwest Baptist Church, 5115 N. Shannon Rd. Saturday, March 8 at 2;00 p.m. Contributions may be made to Hospice Family Care Center.
PRINCE, Kenneth E., 43, died March 4, 1997. Husband of Monica Prince of Tucson; father of Michelle A. Prince, Nicholas A. Prince and Anna Lisa N. Prince; stepfather of Mona Lisa G. Amado; son of James O. Prince and step mom; two brothers and two sisters also survive. He was a retired Tech Sgt. US Air Force after 21 years. After retirement he became a corrections officer for the past two years. Mass will be offered 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, 1997 at our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Rd. with father Charles Knapp officiating. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL and friends may call from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 1997 at BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.
ROBINSON, Sylvia T., 86, beloved wife of Russell Robinson of Tucson, died at 4:00 p.m Sunday March 2 of heart failure. Beside her husband she is survived by sons, John Sullivan of San Francisco and Phillip Sullivan M.D., of New Orleans, and step-daughter Julia Roseborough and their families. Moving to Tucson 24 years ago, Sylvia was a docent at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum for seven years, then a docent at the Tucson Museum of Art for four years, a volunteer for the Tucson Symphony store and for other civic groups for some years, finally a Laubach Literary Volunteer tutoring Oriental students in English conversation. Sylvia will be sorely and lovingly missed. A Memorial Luncheon will be held at her late home on Palm Sunday March 23rd.
SHOUGH, Mildred Louise (Grimes), 88, died March 4th, 1997 in Tucson. Preceded in death by her husband, J. Emerson Shough and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Shough. Survived by sons, David E. (Joyce) Shough of Tucson and Donald (Marilou) Shough of Clayton, Ohio; daughter, Phyllis (Rudy) Ruetschle of Avon Lake, Ohio; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Gladys Kelly of Corpus Christi, Texas and Edith Blair of New Carlisle, Ohio. Mildred graduated with a Masters Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and taught high school in Port Clinton, Ohio. After moving to Dayton, Ohio she was a Home Teacher for high school students in Dayton Public Schools for many years. She was honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa, Delta Zeda Sorority. She was a member of The College Women’s Club of Dayton, Eastern Star, Dayton Garden Club, PTA in the Shiloh Schools, a member of Grace Methodist Church and Women’s Circle. After her husband retired from Lowe Brothers Paint Company, and she from teaching, they moved to Tucson, Arizona and was a member of Christ Methodist Church and Tucson Women’s Club. Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 8th at 10:30 a.m. at Whitmer Bros. and Thomas Funeral Home, 25 Indianolo Ave. Dayton, Ohio. Burial in the family plot in South Charleston, Ohio. Memorials may be made to Tucson Medical Center Hospice, 5301 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85712 or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45420. Tucson arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
SORENSEN, Christine, 107, of Tucson, died on March 3, 1997. She is survived by her daughters, Gladys Sorensen of Tucson and Jane (Edward) Pinckert of Apache Junction and her son, Vale (Peggy) Sorensen of Omaha, Nebraska. She is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. 3rd St., Tucson, AZ at 4:00 p.m on Friday, March 7, 1997. Graveside Services will be on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. March 8, 1997 at East Resthaven Cemetery, 4310 E. Southern, Phoenix, AZ. Memorials may be made to the Christine Heide Sorensen Scholarship Fund, University of Nebraska Foundation, 8712 W. Dodge St., Suite 402, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114 in the name of Christine Sorensen. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd. (at Speedway).
SOUKUP, Roger Francis, 48, a resident of Tucson since 1974, died Monday, March 3, 1997. Mr. Soukup was a Machinist in the Toolmaking Industry. Survived by his wife, Bonnie E. Soukup; his mother, Agnes Soukup of Tucson; sisters, Beatrice Soukup of Tucson, Janice Soukup of Colorado, Alice Capp of North Dakota, Pauline Hunter of Australia, LeAnne Smith of Colorado, Marcella Sultzbach of Oklahoma, Sally Soukup of Tucson and Donna England of Alabama; brothers, Harold Soukup of California, John Soukup of Tennessee, Ralph Soukup of Tucson, Richard Soukup of Minnesota, Dale Soukup of Tucson; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members. Friends may call at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Avenue on Thursday, March 6, 1997 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Rosary is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 7, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Rd. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 5325 E. Pima, Tucson, Arizona 85712-3631.
UPCHURCH, Charles W. Lt. Col. US. Army Ret., of Marana, died February 22, 1997. Husband of Peggy J. Upchurch of Marana. Survived by four daughters; one step son; nine grandchildren. Memorial Service were held at US Army Post Cemetery Ft. Huachuca, February 26, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3435 N. 1st Ave. (888-1111). Tucson, Arizona.
YSLAVA, Robert 'Bubba' Gordis H., Born March 7, 1967, died March 1, 1997, age 29 and his mother, Lisaura C. Yslava who passed away March 5, 1997. In loving memory of Ralph 'Butch' Yslava. Beloved brother and surviving family: father, Perfecto A. Molina; most beloved fiance, Patricia 'Patsy' Sanchez; daughter, Chricia T. Yslava; and unborn child; son, Michael Galaz; stepchildren, Bernadette, Pedro, Christopher, Herber; brothers, Jose (Yvonne), Guillermo (Karla) Yslava; sisters, Isabel (Kevin) Lowry, Maria (Richard) Orantz; grandparents, Maria Jesus Madrid, Jose Leon; great-grandmother, Louisa S.Guerrero, as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Wakes will be held Friday, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Christo Rey Church. Funeral Mass Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at Christo Rey Church. Interment Mt. Calvario Cemetery. Arrangements by HEATHER MORTUARY.
ANGIER, Bradford, born May 13, 1910, passed away Monday, March 3, 1997 at his home in Tucson. Brad was a former magma mine and advertising executive, turned wilderness homesteader who led the 'back to basics' trend when he and his wife, Vena sacrificed budding careers to establish a home in the woods on Canada’s Peace River. Learning basic wilderness skills and woodcraft from trappers, hunters, prospectors, traders and others who lived and worked in this primal habitat, he added to his new-found knowledge by experimenting, doing and living it. As an experienced writer, Brad then shared his expertise in over 20 books devoted to wilderness skills, at the same time contributing countless articles to outdoor oriented magazines. Brad is survived by his wife, Vena and will be greatly missed by all his friends. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 9071 Old Spanish Trail. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Church, P.O. Box 17116, Tucson, AZ 8573. Arrangements by WOLFREY PEACE CHAPEL, 881-0338.
BRECK, William D. 'Bill' 79, of Tucson, died Monday, March 3, 1997. He is survived by his children, W. Dan Breck, Carolyn Goebel, Joseph Breck; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 1997 at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway. Private Interment will be at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. Memorial donations, in his name, may be made to the Sportsmen’s Fund, Inc., 4910 E. Copper St. Tucson, 85712, which is a scholarship fund to send less chance children to YMCA Camp. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
CHIDESTER, Otis Holden, 93, died February 22, 1997. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Saddlemire Chidester; by his parents, Harmon Otis and Lillian Beatrice Chidester and by his sister, Beatrice Chidester LaFetra. He is survived by his cousins, Carolyn (Hank) Azcona of Tucson and John (Peg) Fuller of Lancaster, OH. A Memorial service will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway. A Masonic observance will occur at 1 p.m. on March 22, 1997 at Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Otis H. Chidester Scout Museum of Southern Arizona at 1937 E. Blacklidge Dr., Tucson, AZ 85719 or the Catalina United Methodist Church at 2700 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716.
CROFTS, Louis F., passed away March 2, 1997 after a long battle with cancer, 'not lung cancer'. Louis is survived by sister, Dorthea Fife of Rosamond, CA; brother, Robert Crofts of Tucson; half sister, Helen Miller, Rosamond, CA.
FLORES, Baby Eric A., two months of Tucson, passed away March 2, 1997. Preceded in death by grandmother, Herlinda Garcia. Survived by parents, Ronald and Frances Flores; grandparents, Edward and Anita Flores and Pedro Garcia; twin brother, Aaron Flores; godparents, Hector and Evelyn Corrales; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Although our baby Eric was only two months old, he touched the hearts of many who had the privilege to know him. In the short time we had him with us he taught me about strength, character and the unwillingness to give up. Unable to speak, his little eyes spoke volumes. When things in life go wrong, as they often do, I will draw from his courage to see me thru. No, we don’t understand why he’s gone, but our solace comes from knowing we will someday join him. With our Lord, Eric, We love you dearly and you will always be here with us. Love, Mommy, Daddy and brother, Aaron. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 1997 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, (North Chapel), 204 S. Stone Ave. Mass will be offered at 12:00 p.m. at St. Monica’s Church, 1220 W.Medina. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. Arrangements by CARRILLO’S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.
FOSDICK, Elizabeth C., 90, of Tucson, died March 2, 1997. Preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Fosdick. Survived by son, William (Cynthia) Fosdick, MD; daughters, Elizabeth (William) Carter and Margaret (Irving) Young; grandchildren, Susan (Scott Uselton) Fosdick, Janet (Peter) Wertheimer, Lynda (Glenn) Auchinachie, Robert (Mary McDonald) Fosdick, William (Teri) Carter, Elizabeth (Jon Atkin) Carter, Douglas (Kimberly) Carter, Amy (James) Ogle and Hillary (Michael) Garnica; two great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 1997 at Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft, Tucson, AZ 85711. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ Church United Methodist. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.
JUODAKIS, Veronika, 90, of Tucson, died March 3, 1997. Survived by daughter, Violet Juodakis, M.D. of Tucson; son, Gytis A. Juodakis, Phd.; sister, Ona Kutkus of Lithuania and brother and sister-in-law, Antanas (Elena) Stancius of Belleville, IL; grandchildren, Tim Rout and Ann Juodakis Rout of Tucson; nieces, Marija Allen of Belleville, IL and Veronica Stancius of Dallas, TX; nephew, Alfonsas of Lithuania and friend, Annelle Boswell of Yuma, AZ. Veronika was born in Gudziunai, Lithuania. She married Juozas Juodakis in 1932 who before and after marriage helped her attain a Medical Doctor degree at Kaunas University in 1933. Fleeing communism in 1944 she and her family left Lithuania and lived in displaced persons camps in Germany. In 1950 they were allowed to emigrate to the United states and settled in East St. Louis, IL. They lived there for 33 years until moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1983 to live with her daughter. Veronika was a courageous, self reliant, compassionate and extremely kind person. Because of her tenacity and courage she was instrumental in encouraging much of her extended family to leave Lithuania in 1944. Without her, our lives would have been sad and bleak behind the Iron Curtain as it existed then. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Casa De Los Ninos Crisis Center, 1101 N. 4th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705. Memorial Service Friday, 1:00 p.m. EVERGREEN MORTUARY, N. Oracle and W. Miracle Mile. Interment at a later date in Belleville, IL.
NAEGEL, Marie Faye, 69, of Tucson, went to be with the Lord March 2, 1997. Survived by loving husband, Byron H. Sr; sons, Stephen J., Byron H. Jr. and Mark A.; daughters, Lana P. and Lori L.; granddaughter, Jennifer; brother, Harold (Arlene) Rumery; brother-in-law, Allen H. (Estelle). Also survived by other relatives. Friends may call at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Wednesday, March 5, 1997 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held Thursday March 6, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. at East Lawn Palms Chapel. Marie grew up in Maine where she met her husband. They moved to Milwaukee, where they lived for 34 years and then retired to the Tucson area.
SALDANA, Esteban Garcia, was born in Durango, Mexico August 3, 1908. He was a well known and respected labor contractor in Eloy, AZ from the 1940's to 1960's, when he relocated in Tucson and continued working for several farmers in Pima County. He was last employed by Sahuarita and Continental Farms. In 1965 he moved his family to Pasadena, CA where he worked as a gardener for the Beda Company until his retirement in 1973. After a prolonged illness he returned to Tucson, where eventually his health deteriorated, and he passed away on March 4, 1997 at 2: 15 a.m. at the local hospital. Mr. Saldana leaves behind his devoted wife of 66 years, Mrs. Trinidad Acosta Saldana; two sons; eight daughters and five sons-in-law. Mr. Saldana was especially grateful for the love and support he received from his son-in-law, Mr. Leonard Marks and his daughter, Antonia Marks and to his youngest daughter, Estela Ramirez for the care she lovingly and tirelessly gave him until the end. And to my daughter, Trinidad S. Rosas, who was with me until my last breath. He leaves 44 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mrs. Elena Fiero of El Paso, TX and brother, Domingo Hernandez of NM. He was a good husband and wonderful father and loving grandfather. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace now. Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 7 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church. Interment to follow in Holy Hope Cemetery, 3655 N. Oracle. Friends may call at SOUTH LAWN MORTUARY, 5401 S. Park Avenue, Thursday, March 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
