Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Julian C. Crane
Julian C. Crane, professor emeritus of pomology and pomologist in the agricultural experiment station at UC Davis, died on Jan. 4, 1999, at Courtyard Healthcare Center in Davis. He was 80.
At his request, no funeral services will be held.
Born in Morgantown, W.Va., in March 7, 1918, he earned his bachelor of science (1939) and doctorate (1942) degrees in horticulture at the University of Maryland.
After serving several years in Cuba and El Salvador as a representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he was appointed assistant professor and assistant pomologist in the department of pomology in 1946 at UC Davis. He retired as a professor and pomologist in 1985.
Crane's varied interests in fig and pistachio nut culture in particular, and the use of growth-regulating chemicals for modifying fruit set, growth and maturation in general led to more than 200 technical and popular publications.
He was the first to produce such fruits as apricots, cherries and peaches by treating the flowers with chemicals and thereby substituting for the usual process of pollination and fertilization.
His research contributions were marked by excellence and he was the recipient of the Vaughn Award of the American Society for Horticulture Science, the Award of Merit by the California Fig Institute, and the Man of the Year Award by the California Pistachio Association.
The National Science Foundation awarded Crane a postdoctoral fellowship for a year's study in England at the Long Ashton Research Station. He held the distinguished position of Fellow in the American Society for Horticultural Science.
He was a highly competent and respected teacher of both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Crane's greatest satisfaction was derived from directing the research of graduate students who came from around the world. Through his own research activities, as well as those of his students, he had become known worldwide.
He was particularly active in faculty governance. His offices in the Davis division of the Academic Senate were extensive and included, among others, the Committee on Committees, Educational Policy and four years of service on the Committee on Budget and Interdepartmental Relations.
His activities in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences included, among others, the Executive Committee, the Committee on Committees and five years as chairman of the College Personnel Committee.
The extended period of service on the latter, together with that of the Senate Committee on Budget and Interdepartmental Relations, attests to the high quality of his contributions and the reputation he enjoyed among his colleagues.
For more than 55 years, Crane was a member of and contributed extensively to the activities of the American Society for Horticulture Science. He was also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Plant Physiologists, Sigma Xi, Alpha Zeta and Phi Sigma Kappa.
He was a deacon and elder in the Davis Community Church.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty, and his sister, Helen Beattie of State College, Pa.
It is requested that remembrances be made to the Julian and Betty Crane Fund, Department of Pomology, University of California, Davis, 95616, payable to the UC Regents; or to the donor's charity of choice.
Simon I. Bravo
Simon Isaac Bravo of Davis died May 27, 2002, at Sutter Memorial Hospital's Special Care Nursery in Sacramento. He was 4 months old.
He was born Jan. 28, 2002, in Sacramento to Emigdio and Malina Bravo of Davis. He came quietly into this world and left quietly. Although here for only a short time, he brought great joy to his parents and to those whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service today at 7 p.m. at Grace Valley Christian Center, 27173 County Road 98, Davis.
Family and friends are also invited to attend a graveside service at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Road.
Charitable contributions may be made in Simon's name to the Special Care Nursery at Sutter Memorial Hospital, 5151 F St., Sacramento, CA 95823.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Chapel.
Eleanor I. Wade
Eleanor Iselin "Winnie" Wade died on Jan. 12, 2003, at Gloria's Country Care in Woodland. Born on June 3, 1910, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to Arthur and Eleanor Jay Iselin, she was 93 years old.
A noted artist and horsewoman, she was raised at the family's historic home, Bedford House, in Katonah, N.Y. The first U.S. Supreme Court chief justice, John Jay, established Bedford Farm as his country residence in 1778 and it remained in the family for five generations until 1956 when it became part of the Taconic State Park Region after Eleanor Jay Iselin's death.
In 1913, at age 3, she received her first pony and drew her first horse at age 5. In elementary school, she learned basic plaster casting and began formal art classes as a child at the Grand Central Art School in New York City.
Completing her first commissioned work at the age of 17, she left the school in 1927 when she accepted an invitation to study at the Royal Academy of London when she won the Landseer Prize for her study, "The Breaking of a Horse." She also won the Prix de Rome and studied in Munich.
Although she was most recognized as a sculptress of Western art, she also worked in a variety of other art media. In addition, she illustrated numerous books, including the second edition of "My Friend Flicka."
From 1954 to 2000, she lived near Libby, Mont., where she managed the 4-W, a thoroughbred brood ranch. She actively bred and raced her horses on tracks in Washington and California. While keeping a low artistic profile on her ranch, she found an excellent foundry in Kalispell, Mont., and produced bronzes for her own personal enjoyment. She sometimes sold secondary castings by word of mouth and produced pieces for important thoroughbred owners.
In 1997, she exhibited her art at the Racing Museum in Saratoga, N.Y. The show traveled to other famous museums in the United States and abroad. Today her sculptures and her art are in numerous museums and private collections throughout the country.
She is survived by her daughter, Hope M. Pracht of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; three grandchildren, including Eleanor Pracht-Smith of Davis; and three great-grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death in 1976.
Memorial services will be scheduled in Woodland, Libby, Mont., and the St. Mathews Episcopal Church in Bedford, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Winner's Foundation (Jockey Rehabilitation Center) 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007; to Bob Fletcher, executive director of the John Jay Homestead, P.O. Box 232, Jay St. Rte. 22, Katonah, N.Y. 10536; or to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014 Davis, CA 95617.
Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors is assisting the family with arrangements.
Arthur J. Shahan
Arthur James Shahan died peacefully at home on Jan. 5, 2003, with his wife of 61 years, Rosemary G. Shahan, and his daughter, Rosemary, at his side.
Born on March 16, 1918, he was 84 years old. The 50-year resident of North Canton, Ohio, moved to Davis five years ago.
He was an amateur gymnast and diving champion, creative and talented carpenter, stonemason, home and church builder, avid and eclectic reader, beekeeper, gardener, traveler, elder in the Community Christian Church of North Canton, Ohio, World War II veteran, Meals on Wheels volunteer and recipient of a Golden Hammer Award from Habitat for Humanity.
He received the award in recognition of his skilled work helping build homes for low-income families. He also instilled in each of his children a lifelong love of books.
He will be remembered for his energy, creativity, resourcefulness, integrity, kindness, patience, love, sense of humor and devotion to his family, friends and community.
He was also known for his warm smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Even in his last moments, he continued to inspire those who came in contact with him.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his daughter, Susan Houghton of Lansing, Mich.; sons, John Shahan of Glendale and Arthur Shahan of Norco; sisters, Helen Monahan of Akron, Ohio, and Elizabeth La Rosa of Salinas; sister-in-law, Lillian Shahan of Huntsville, Ala.; as well as grandchildren, friends and neighbors.
His family wishes to thank Kaiser Hospice personnel as well as all of his friends and neighbors who provided him with comfort and care, sent greetings and well wishes during his battle with prostate cancer.
A private celebration of his life is planned for Sunday, March 16, in Davis. The time and location of the event will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his name may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, 509 College St., Woodland, CA 95695 or to the Seniors Citizens of Davis Inc. Building Fund, 646 A St., Davis, CA 95616.
Sylvia Hess
Sylvia Hess, a resident of Woodland for nearly 30 years, died peacefully at her home on her birthday. Born on Jan. 21, 1919, she was 84 years old. She was raised in Tacoma, Wash., and attended college in Pullman at Washington State University.
She was an active member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Upon leaving school in 1940, she marriage and lived for many years in Naches and then Quincy, Wash., on an apple ranch with her husband, Willard. He preceded her in death in 1975.
After moving to Woodland, she worked as a certified nurse's aide at UC Davis' Student Health Center until her retirement in 1991 at age 73.
In addition to her work with students at UC Davis, she enjoyed oil painting as well as camping, time at the ocean and trips to Hawaii with her family.
Immediately upon retirement she became trained as a volunteer with the Woodland Literacy Council, providing adults from Yolo County an opportunity to learn to read. In 1993, she received recognition from the Literacy Council as Tutor of the Year.
She helped many over the following eight years until she again retired to play golf on almost a daily basis with her companion of many years, John "Red" Hayes, who preceded her in death this year.
Her son Dan preceded her in death in 2000.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy Walden of Honolulu; daughter-in-law, Betty Hess-Pierce of Davis; grandson, Scott Hess of Miami; four granddaughters, Kristin Hughes of Albuquerque, N.M., Lisa Walden of San Diego, Tonya Weaver of Minneapolis and Tiffany Dodge of Los Gatos. She was a great-grandmother of seven, with the great-grandchildren ranging in age from 6 months to 8 years.
A quiet and caring person, she will be missed by family and the many friends whose lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Retirement Village Chapel on Friday at 2 p.m. The chapel is at 135 Woodland Ave. in Woodland. The family requests that memorials be directed to Woodland Public Library, Literary Services , 250 First St., Woodland, CA 95695.
Virginia Degenkolb
Virginia L. Degenkolb died in Davis on Jan. 20, 2003. Born Dec. 12, 1921, she was 81 years old.
For most of her life she was active in church and community organizations in the Sacramento, Davis and Central Valley areas. In her later years she traveled extensively with her husband.
She is survived by her husband, Oris Degenkolb of Davis; son, Charles Degenkolb, his wife Martha and their two sons Skyler and Tanner, all of Putney, Vt.; daughter, Nancy Degenkolb of San Jose; brothers, Dale Swift of San Jose and Roy Swift of Reedsport, Ore.; and sisters, Lois Swift of Granite Bay, Doreen Guisewite of Auburn and Betty Selby of Suffolk, Va.,
A memorial service will take place Thursday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at Davis Community Church, 412 C St.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 824, Sacramento, CA 95812.
John A. Caro
John Anthony Caro died unexpectedly on Jan. 21, 2003, at his home in Davis. Born on Feb. 18, 1923, in San Francisco to Jose and Josephine Caro, he was 79 years old. He was one of four children born to the couple.
He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While stationed in Australia, he met his wife, Doreen L. Clark. The two were marriage on July 18, 1945. Soon after, he was separated from his wife and son for one year until they were reunited in San Francisco, where they lived for two years.
The family lived briefly in San Mateo and Redwood City before moving to San Carlos in 1948; they remained for the next 50 years and raised their four children there.
He owned and operated John's Barber Shop in San Carlos where he had many loyal and regular customers. He loved his work immensely and continued to cut hair long after his retirement. In 1998, he and his wife moved to Davis to be closer to family. He was an active member of the VFW and American Legion in San Carlos.
During his retirement years, he enjoyed working on his home and yard. He especially enjoyed his dog Shina. He was described as a loving husband, father and grandfather who was very devoted to family. He will be greatly missed by family and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Caro. He is survived by his wife, Doreen L. Caro of Davis; sons, Joseph C. Caro of Torrance, Michael J. Caro and his wife Elizabeth of Portland, Ore., and Mark L. Caro and his wife Genevive of Cupertino; and daughter, Suzanne M. Gaskins of Davis. He is further survived by his granddaughters, Megan Plachy and her husband Roman of Davis and Melissa Caro of Cupertino; and two sisters, Dorothy Tomei of Palo Alto and Anita Serrato of Sunnyvale.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Chapel, 116 D St. The Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass Christian Burial will take place at St. James Catholic Church at 14th and B streets in Davis on Friday at 11 a.m. with a Burial to follow at the Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Road in Davis.
Vernon R. Trevisanut
Vernon Richard Trevisanut died in a tragic work-related accident on Jan. 17, 2003, his 35th wedding anniversary. Born on March 30, 1948, in Chicago, Ill., he was 54 years old.
The longtime owner and operator of Vern's Commercial Refrigeration in Davis, he built his business of 23 years on dedication, hard work and determination. His business will continue to operate. A decorated veteran with a Purple Heart in the Vietnam War, he is best remembered by his family as a strong, loving, admirable man.
He is survived by his wife, Carla Trevisanut of Dixon; daughters, Johnna Xavier and her husband Ken of San Lorenzo, Julia Trevisanut of Dixon and Jillian Trevisanut of Dixon; grandchildren, Jordan and Jennifer Xavier of San Lorenzo; and mother, Irene of Manhattan Beach.
He is also survived by six brothers, Victor Trevisanut of Kingston, Mo., Vaughn and Val Trevisanut of Manhattan Beach, Van Trevisanut of Clearwater, Fla., Rusty Trevisanut of Kent, Wash., and Rory Trevisanut of Redondo Beach; a sister, Janice Roque of Huntington; and a number of extended family and friends.
Visitation and services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Kraft Brothers in Woodland, followed by the Burial at Monument Hill Memorial Park.
Matthew C. Smolich
Sacramento native Matthew C. Smolich died on Jan. 21, 2003, in Sacramento. Born on June 1, 1925, he was 77 years old.
He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1943 and served as a bombardier in World War II. After the service, he was a member of the Sacramento Fire Department before going into the baking business. Starting in 1958, he worked on various projects in Alaska where he met his wife Virginia. He retired in 1989 and lived in Davis.
His brother, Joseph Smolich, preceded him in death.
He is survived by wife, Ginny Smolich; daughters, Becky Mergell, Sandy Mergell and Diane Cronan and her husband Timothy; brother, Andrew Smolich; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Smolich and Doris Smolich; grandchildren, Jennifer and Michelle Cronan; niece, Christine Stell; and nephews, James and Robert Smolich.
Visitation was Thursday at W.F. Gormley & Sons in Sacramento. A Mass of Christian Burial was planned this morning at St. Francis Church in Sacramento. Interment followed at St. Mary's Cemetery.
William J. Whalen
William J. Whalen died in San Francisco on Jan. 23, 2003, after an extended illness.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday at the Holy Trinity Church in El Dorado Hills.
Born in Greeley, Neb., on May 28, 1939, and raised in Hastings, he moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., after high school and began working for Frontier Airlines in 1958. He continued working for the company in Cheyenne and Sacramento until 1986 when Frontier went out of business. Although his airline career ended, his love of airplanes and flying never did. After Frontier, he worked for Consolidated Freightways until his retirement in 1999.
A beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary. Additional survivors include son Will Whalen of San Luis Obispo and daughters Jennifer Kimzey of Davis, Peggy Cocke of Austin, Texas, and Syvlia Settlemoir of Folsom.
He also is survived by his parents, Leo and Alma Whalen of Cheyenne, brothers Joe Whalen and Jim Whalen, both of Cheyenne, and three sisters: Ann Rhodes of Cheyenne, Jeannette Whalen of Castro Valley, and Patricia Holland of Kennewick, Wash. In addition there are eight grandchildren.
Leonard M. Morris
Leonard M. Morris, a 62-year Davis resident and professor emeritus at UC Davis, died Jan. 23, 2003, in Davis. Born on Aug. 5, 1914, in Terre Haute, Ind., he was 88 years old.
He was the first of six children of Ivan and Anna Morris and was raised on a farm just outside of Terre Haute. He graduated from Honey Creek High School, went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Purdue University and received his Ph.D. in the field of agricultural sciences from Cornell University in 1940.
He marriage Marsaille Crandall in 1940 and the couple moved to Davis, where they have resided since. He taught in the field of post-harvest handling of vegetable crops at UCD until his retirement in 1990.
He had many consultancies in Third World countries in Africa, South America and Asia, particularly China, including residencies in all three continents. He continued with his consultancies overseas even after his retirement.
He is survived by his wife, Marsaille Morris of Davis, and his sister, Maurine Roehm of Terre Haute. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Davis Community Church, 412 C St. Burial will be private at the Davis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial contributions be made in to a favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Chapel.
Robert M. Sequeira
Robert M. "Bob" Sequeira died peacefully at home with his family in attendance on Jan. 24, 2003. He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend many.
"We all love and miss him," his family says. "He will be in our hearts always."
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at George Klumpp Funeral Home, 2691 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento. A reception in Davis will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Helen J. Muller
Helen J. Muller died on Jan. 19, 2003, at Sierra Health Convalescent Hospital. She was born on March 11, 1910, in New York City and was a resident of Davis for the last 16 years of her life.
She is survived by a son William Muller of Boston, Mass.; daughters Phyllis O'Rourke of Austin, Texas, and Dorothy M. Place of Davis.; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She will interred at Lutheran Cemetery in Middle Village, Long Island. Funeral arrangements are being made by the Davis Funeral Chapel.
