Tuesday Obituaries

11/15/05

COLVILLE, William Teal, Jr.

1923 - 2005

"The Heart of Montecito," Bill Colville was born July 29, 1923 to William and Johanna Colville, proprietors of the famed Montecito Store on East Valley Rd. above San Ysidro Road.

Bill grew up in a Montecito far more innocent and open than the community of today. "The big difference between the estates now and the estates then, there was no electric gates. For us kids, we'd just walk through the estates along the way to wherever we were headed, opening and closing the gates behind us... all you had to do was put a towel on your shoulder and head out to the beach and somebody'd pick you up."

The Colville home was adjacent to the family business and Bill began working at the store as soon as he "was old enough to push a broom."

He bagged groceries, worked the soda fountain, helped drivers load the cars and eventually upon gaining his license made deliveries himself. While delivering a case of whiskey at the Hillman Estate on Picacho Lane the sixteen year old had his first encounter with the undraped female form as he opened the poolside gate and found two women sunbathing au natural with their host. Bill was so startled he dropped the case, loosing three bottles in the process. Hoping for a repeat performance he dashed back to the store for the replacement bottles but upon his return the nymphs were "...sadly, gone."

He attended Montecito Union School graduating with a class of eight, and then went to ninth grade at Santa Barbara Junior High where "we were shunned. Though we were just the kids of the gardeners and workers in Montecito everyone thought we were rich."

Bill's charm and friendly personality soon changed attitudes and he was elected class president. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School and spent his war years in the army at March Field near Riverside.

After the war, Bill returned to Montecito working at the family store until 1961 when his parents retired and sold the store and liquor license to Harold Jurgensen. Jurgensen's, an upper end grocery chain opened their new store on Coast Village Rd. with Bill as manger. In the meantime Bill had married and he and his wife Bessie adopted a son, Gary. In the mid-60s the Colville's moved to 1550 East Valley Rd. which Bill "slightly remodeled" to include a swimming pool that extended into the living room.

Civically and spiritually he was active in the Montecito Lion's Club, was an elder in El Montecito Presbyterian Church and was the Sunday School Superintendent there for 25 years. Historically, civically and certainly spiritually was his involvement in the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. He was taken in to the organization by his friend, Dr. Don Bittleston in 1976 and became Grand Noble Humbug of Platrix Chapter #2 in 1987. Three years later he was one of the Founding Fathers of de la Guerra y Pacheco Chapter 1.5.

Bill's first wife, Bessie passed away in 1969 and as fortune would have it, two years later he found his soul mate Betty Jane "BJ" Seaton, a widow of four years, at a church function. Bill and BJ moved to 130 Butterfly Lane which soon sported a fabulous sauna and a commodious hot tub featuring an antique copper wrapped water heater which was a piece of art in itself - "those were the days... and nights!"

Following his retirement from Jurgensen's the Colvilles left Montecito and moved to a mobile home park where Bill could spend his full time developing what would evolve into a new career.

Though he had no formal training, Bill was an accomplished and sought after artist. His initial interest in art became apparent at a very early age when his mother found the best way to stop him from fidgeting at church was to give him a sheet of paper and a pencil. "When they saw that I liked to draw - I didn't paint at that time - my dad would give me a nickel for every drawing I did that he thought was good."

When he began attending school as both his parents and his sister worked at the store, they had to find something for him to do until they could get home. First they tried piano lessons from Mrs. Hosmer at the adobe on his way back from the Montecito Union School. Failing that, mathematics from the Ords at the same location was attempted with the same result. But when they got to art lessons Bill's natural talent stood out. In addition to the afternoon art lessons he also went to the Saturday morning art classes at the Museum of Art taught by Mrs. Frank (Esther) Julian.

"I had fun with those Saturday morning classes. I never went to a formal art college or anything. It was just after school and for fun. And lots of the kids in school could draw a lot better than I could but I went home and tried it again and they went off to do something else. I really loved it and every vacation when I was older it was an art vacation and I'd have lessons from some expert, but I have no formal art training."

In 1934, budding artist Bill was working on a portrait of Pancho Villa for a school project when a friend's father happened by. "He looked at the picture I'd drawn of Villa with a big hat and embroidery which I knew from Fiesta, a big handlebar mustache and fierce eyes, and bandaleros and bullets with a big knife. And he says "You're an artist - I'm an artist too - I really like your work."

So I tore it off, signed it "Billy" and gave it to him and he said "I'll have to give you one of my paintings."

"A few months later I found the family packing up to return to Mexico. I told my friend's father "Hey you can't leave, you owe me a painting."

So he took a piece of old newspaper and with charcoal drew a picture and signed it "to my dear Billy, Ramos Martinez."

For a while I had my nose out of joint because I had my art on a nice piece of white paper and he used a damn newspaper."

Many years later Bill would find out that his friend's father was the great artist Alfredo Ramos Martinez who had been in Santa Barbara to paint the magnificent frescoes at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel.

Now, some fifty plus years after that event Bill was gaining a reputation of his own, specializing in portraits of homes and gardens.

After BJ passed away in 1991, Bill returned to Montecito to a house on Hosmer Lane just a few steps from the home and store where he had spent so much of his early life. His new home was in fact the first house he bought - for û100 as a 19 year old. "A man came into the soda fountain and mentioned he would be tearing down the old Pollorena House on the other side of East Valley Road. I told him don't tear it down, it's a great old house I'll give you a hundred bucks for it. He immediately took me on my word and I had a house. It cost me another û800 to move it to a piece of property my dad had behind the Montecito Library."

Bill later sold the house to his sister, who used it as a rental, but luckily was able to buy it back. It was overgrown with vegetation and had suffered a bit over the years but several of Bill's friends came to the rescue with ideas and plans that turned it into the perfect bachelor pad, artist's studio and gallery.

Happy, peaceful years of painting, garden parties and art receptions were marred by the passing of Bill's sister Elizabeth and his son Gary in 1997 and Gary's wife in 1996. Bill's eternal optimism kept him strong. He took many painting trips including several to Europe.

Last year Bill was diagnosed with esophageal cancer but despite the bad days and discomfort, he was always glad to greet a friend with his generous smile and a booming hello. He passed away quietly on Sunday, November 16th.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

John 14:1-3

As the end drew near, Bill took great comfort in that scripture as he was certain that his room "included a wet bar and dancing girls."

His many friends would like to acknowledge the care given to him during these past months especially by the tireless Hospice workers Holly Joseph and Julie Hirsch, the daily caregivers Kari Campbell, Michelle and Pia, Gary and Gerda Meyer and Mark and Cheri Swank.

Bill's friends will gather to remember him on Sunday, November 20th from 12:30 to 3:00 at the Elk's Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave. Friends and strangers alike are encouraged to send a donation in his memory to The William Colville Foundation for the Arts c/o Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, 1483 East Valley Rd., 93108.

Bill never had a cross word about anyone, greeted friend and stranger alike with a welcoming smile and despite the many tragedies he dealt with during his life he remained upbeat and positive. This is Bill's legacy. And if each of us could take the time to think of Bill from time to time and follow suit, "The Heart of Montecito" will always be beating.

CONK, Pearl (Barr)

at the age of 95 passed away this summer in Yakima, WA where she had recently moved. She was born in Walnut Ridge, AR, May 16th, 1910 to John Jaggers and Lucy Alexander Jaggers. Pearl graduated from Anaheim High School and Business college. She married Woods Barr June 19th, 1933. Mr. Barr preceded her in death in 1974. They were married 41 years. Between 1951 and 1971 Mrs. Barr worked at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in the County Clerks office. She had been involved in Eastern Star and many other clubs and organizations in Santa Barbara in the 1940's through 1960's. She was married to Russell Conk for 16 years. He died in 1996. She is survived by 2 daughters, Marilyn Spano of Solvang and Carolyn Morrison of Yakima, WA, along with 2 grandchildren, Kristie Morrison of AZ, and Chuck Morrison of WA. She was blessed with a long and happy life.

CRAIG, Clayton D.

November 23,1921 to November 8, 2005

Loving husband for 59 years of Liz, survived by his children: John (Lynn), Janie (Rob Guillermo), Margaret, Ruth (Dave Ambriz), Trish (Tim Drennon), Tony (Diana), Rita (Johnny Flores), Dan (RoseAnne), Chris (Mark Bellefeuille), Nancy (Bernie Torres), Paul (Julie), 29 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is also mourned by his sister Noni Saunders.

As founder of Craig Roofing Company he was known for his high integrity, honesty and pride of workmanship, and donated his company's efforts to many of the charitable institutions in the Santa Barbara area. As past member of Santa Barbara Mission for 30 years, he was currently a member of St. Mary's Parish, Palmdale, CA.

For 10 years Craig performed the maintenance for Our Lady of the Pines, Pioneer, CA, as a volunteer. He volunteered for the Knights of Columbus and was a WWII veteran.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17th, 2005 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary at 2936 De La Vina St. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, November 18th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Old Mission. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Mary's Church Building Fund, 1600 E. Ave. R-4, Palmdale, CA 93550.

FURMAN, Irene Jarek

Goleta, California

Irene J. Furman, 92, of Goleta died at home on November 10, 2005 of natural causes. Born August 17, 1913, in Amsterdam, New York, she was the daughter of Stanley "Steve" and Katherine Bogdan Jarek. Irene graduated from St. Mary's Institute, Amsterdam and The College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York.

Irene taught elementary and secondary education in Amsterdam, Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs, New York, the latter being the city where she made her home with her husband, John Furman and raised their three children. Irene was active in St. Peter's Parish and the Mother's Club, a member of the NYS Teacher's Association and The Catholic Daughters of America. She was an avid tennis player, golfer and bowler.

Retiring in 1973, Irene and Jack moved to Goleta, Calif. Irene was active in both Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Clubs, earning medals and trophies and holding elected positions. She was also a competitive "Scrabble" and "Upwards" player. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting and cooking.

Irene had been an active communicant at St. Mark's Catholic Community, Isla Vista since 1973.

Irene was predeceased by her husband John of 55 years in 1993 and is survived by her three children: son Robert J. Furman, daughter Sister Janet K. Furman, CSJ, both of Goleta, Calif. and daughter Carol Furman (Anthony Ken Umina) of Delmar, NY; two grandchildren Deborah Irene Umina and Anthony John Umina, both of Delmar, NY; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Jarek and Phyllis Zimmers, both of Schenectady, NY; brother-in-law Ralph Hardison of Mt. Dora, Fla. and several nieces and nephews. Irene's siblings Clara, Theresa and Joseph Jarek, sister-in-law Irene Hardison and brother-in-law Joseph Furman preceded her in death.

A Funeral Mass will be at St. Mark's Catholic Community, Isla Vista, Calif. A Memorial Mass and burial will be at St. John's, Amsterdam NY in the Spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, 780 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY, 14218-1682.

HOWARD, Nelson Arthur, Jr.

passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 12, 2005. He was not an ordinary man! He was an active and influential member of the Santa Barbara and Pasadena communities for more than 7 decades. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 28, 1906. His mother, Anna Galpin Howard died when he was two months old and he was raised by his father, Nelson Howard, Sr. and his beloved stepmother, Natalie Rand Howard in Piedmont, California. Nelson was sent to Taft Prep School in Watertown, Connecticut at the age of fourteen and stayed on the East Coast for eight years, graduating from Yale University in 1929. He was an active alumnus and one of the last surviving members of both alma maters' classes. When he was 16 years old, Nelson met his wife, Elizabeth Murray Buckingham (Betty), who lived across the street from Taft School in Watertown, CT. With the help of her brother, John Buckingham, a Taft classmate, Nelson courted Betty through high school and college, and they eventually married on July 12, 1929. He always referred to her as his "bride" and was devoted to her for 76 years.

After graduating from Yale, Nelson worked for GM until 1932 when the depression eliminated his job. He and Betty then moved to Pasadena, California, where his parents had built their home at the Huntington Hotel.

He worked in the chemical field thereafter, starting with American Cyanamid in Azusa, California where he worked on the development of chemical products for use in the growing petroleum industry. Nelson traveled throughout the country selling these products for many years and lived in Houston, Texas for four years until World War II broke out. Even though he was nearly 40, and the father of two young daughters, he enlisted in the Navy after Pearl Harbor and became commander of a naval base in the Aleutian Islands and at Ream Field in San Diego, finally reaching the rank of Lt. Commander. After the war, he founded the Nelson Howard Company, selling oil well washing compounds, and retired in 1968. Upon his retirement, Nelson and Betty moved to Santa Barbara where they owned a beach house at Sandyland Cove and later built one of the first houses at Birnam Wood Golf Club. They have lived at Casa Dorinda retirement community since 1980.

His retirement years were filled with friends, family, hobbies and civic activities. He loved tennis, flying airplanes, fly fishing and golf. His community works included: the American Field Service; Director of Planned Parenthood of Pasadena; Head of the Community Chest of Pasadena which later became The United Way; Director of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Association; Director of LA Soap Company; Director of Santa Anita Race Track; Chairman of the State Social Welfare Board appointed by Governor Reagan; Chairman of the Board of Northrop University from which he received an honorary doctorate in 1972; and Director of the Boy's Club of Santa Barbara. By far his most enjoyable volunteer project however, was tutoring youngsters at Franklin Elementary School in Santa Barbara, which he did several times a week well into his nineties. He also helped fund the college educations of quite a few deserving young people over the years.

Nelson Howard was a voracious reader and avid student, attending classes at Santa Barbara City College into his eighties. He traveled all over the world with his wife, Betty and their group of friends. For the last twenty years on their anniversary in July, Nelson and Betty hosted an annual family reunion for all twenty immediate family members at Alisal Ranch in Solvang. Nelson was a natural extrovert and real "people person."

He had a genuine interest in everyone he met. Family members loved to ask "Papa" to tell them stories of his meetings with people like Annie Oakely, Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani and Rudolf Valentino. Nelson's enthusiasm for life, integrity and affectionate bear hugs will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. His favorite saying from The Sound of Music by Oscar Hammerstein describes his values best: "A bell isn't a bell 'til you ring it; A song is no song 'til you sing it; And love in your heart wasn't put there to stay; Cuz love isn't love 'til you give it away."

He is survived by his wife of 76 years Betty, daughter, Natalie Anne Howard of Los Angeles and her children, Holmes Erwin Penn III and Natalie Penn Hodges, her husband Brett Hodges; as well as daughter Joan Howard Sammis, son-in-law Lee Chapin Sammis of Newport Beach and their children Diana Sammis Brookes, her husband Robert Jordan Brookes, Jr., Virginia Lee Sammis, Caroline Howard Sammis and Anne Elizabeth Sammis. Great grandchildren Chelsea Lee Anne Beck, Savannah Julia Beck, Sammis Nelson Gayner, Cassidy Caroline Gayner, Joanna Buckingham Brookes, Christina Valentine Brookes, Lillie Grace Hodges, Michelle DeForest Brookes and Alena Lucia Arrigo also survive him and will remember him lovingly as "Papa," a very extraordinary man.

A private family service will be held in two weeks. He requested that any donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara-632 E. Canon Perdido, SB, CA 93101 or Planned Parenthood-518 Garden St., SB, CA 93101.

JAHANGIR, Esfandyar 'John'

husband of 33 years, passed away on November 13th, 2005 of a massive heart attack on the way to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. He was born in Shiraz, Iran February 4th, 1946. Married at the age of 24 to Zahra 'Sara' Kazeroni in Shiraz, Iran. Together they immigrated to the United States in 1976 to further their education. Close friends and family followed Esfandyar and Zahra's lead and moved to the United States. This close network of friends and family enjoyed celebrating life together in Persian tradition. This began a great bond between friends and relatives that lives on today.

The past 25 years the family has called Santa Barbara their home. Their first child Negar was born in 1975 while in Iran; followed by Roozbeh in 1979 and Rod in 1982, both born in Ca. Each of the children were raised with the love and generosity of a great father who was focused on what was best for their life. Their father's gracious heart surrounded them with love and adoration. His character and words of wisdom will guide them throughout life. It was his and his wife dream to have the children follow their path of education. Esfandyar was proud of his children's accomplishments.

All that encompassed Esfandyar's life was his wife Sara. Their bond with each other made them whole. Together they balanced each others charms. The indescribable love Esfandyar had for Sara cannot possibly be expressed.

As the owner of John's Mobil on 1936 State St. & Blue Dolphin Taxi, both of Santa Barbara, CA, he will be remembered as an honorable and polite business man. His interaction with customers and employees can only be expressed with the utmost of charity. He was respected by all associates.

John's smile and kindness will be missed by the entire community. He is survived by his immediate family, four brothers, two sisters and his parents. All but three of his family members reside in the United States.

Services will be held to celebrate his life at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, at 11am Wednesday, November 16th, 2005.

JOHNSTON, Jacquelyn B.

passed away on Nov. 7, 2005. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, S. Parker Johnston, Jr. and her sister Elaine B. O'Meara.

Jackie was born in Boston, Mass. on Oct. 30, 1927 and lived in Montecito, CA for over 25 years. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dog Adoption Welfare Group (DAWG) at P.O. Box 92210, Santa Barbara, CA 93190.

A Mass will be said in her honor at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Carpinteria. A memorial service will be held by family and friends in the near future.

Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

McCURRY, Ernest Alton

Ernest McCurry died on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005 at his home in Carpinteria. He was born Oct. 11, 1914 in Los Angeles, CA to Avery and Verna (Hill) McCurry. Ernie had a very strong work ethic. From early childhood through high school, he delivered milk for a Hawthorne dairy before school each day. He worked at the Riviera County Club as a shoeshine boy and caddy where he developed his life-long love of golf. He graduated from Leuzinger High School and attended Los Angeles Technical School and Los Angeles Junior College.

He married Jeanne Evelyn Welsh in 1935. They lived on Catalina Island where he managed the power plant. They had three children. During World War II he went to the Northwest Territory and worked on the construction of the TransCanadian pipeline.

The family moved to Carpinteria from Avalon in 1944. Ernie worked as a mechanic at Gordon Bailard Tractor Repair. He later owned a gas station/grocery store in Summerland. Upon returning to Carpinteria in 1951, he took over the Shell station, which he sold in 1959. He then joined Surf Realty where he enjoyed a long and productive career.

Ernie was generous with his time and energy. He helped individuals with their particular needs, as well as addressing community-wide needs. He and his friend Fred Risdon secured, operated and maintained the town's first street sweeper. He was named Carpinterian of the Year in 1960. He served on the Carpinteria School Board and the 19th Agricultural District Board (including terms as president), and the Grand Jury. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Carpinteria Lodge and twice past master and chaplain for over 20 years.

Ernie was an avid golfer and was a member of the Montecito Country Club. Music and singing were an important part of his life. He sang in the Carpinteria Community Church choir for over 50 years. He was a charter member of the Channel City Barbershop Chorus.

In 1983 Ernie married recently widowed Barbara Winneguth. They shared 22 years together - traveling, mostly on golf trips, singing together, enjoying their retirement and their families. Although he was a cancer survivor, he succumbed to Alzheimer's disease.

Ernie was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne, son Jack, grandson Todd, and brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Diane Beamer (David), son Barie, daughter-in-law Jenifer, grandchildren Mickey, Jeffery, Mitchell, Kirsten, Hilary, Jack and Sarah, 12 great-grandchildren, and his stepchildren Nancy, Mike and Jill, their families, and his sister, Velma. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and the many Carpinterians who knew him. His family wishes to thank Namgay Namadorje for his gentle, loving care.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carpinteria Community Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Carpinteria Community Church or Hospice Care.

MEIJER-VAN DER WERF, Trijntje

passed away November 8, 2005 in Santa Barbara, California at 93 years of age. We deeply regret the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She lived a very long, full life and left behind a legacy of family who love her very dearly.

Trijntje was born on December 31, 1911 in Winschoten Gro. Netherlands, the sole child of Hendrik Van der Werf and Renske Molema. She married Harm Meijer in 1934 and moved to Berg en Dal, Netherlands, where they had eight children together. There was no challenge too great for her. She successfully raised six of her children during the devastation of World War II, through evacuations, bombings, rations and the like. In January of 1957 they embarked on the journey that brought the whole family to America, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. In January of 1961 the family moved to Santa Barbara, California, and she found her paradise where she happily lived the rest of her days. Though she had fond memories of Holland, she truly loved Santa Barbara.

Trijntje became a U.S. Citizen in 1961, and she worked as a nurse for many years. She enjoyed gardening, and feeding the many birds that graced her garden. But most of all she enjoyed spending time and sharing stories with her large family. She is survived by her children Pieter and wife Dianne, Hendrik and wife Barbara, Willem and wife Roberta, Renske and husband Eltje, Gerald, Harm and wife Becky, and Arend. Her youngest son Eltjo preceded her in death in March 1997. Her children provided her a wealth of grandchildren, with 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. They all share fond memories of playing together in Oma's garden, hearing the many stories of her life, and especially for her Dutch windmill cookies that she always had on hand to share. She also had an abundance of extended family and friends here and in Holland.

Trijntje is very much loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will always be remembered for her loving nature, fairness, honesty, independence, and of course, her cookies. She lived a full and healthy life, independent in her own home up until the end. She now joins the love of her life, her husband Harm, who preceded her in death in December 1973, and her son Eltjo. Trijntje was a loving mother and Oma, and she will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Monday November 14, from noon to 8 p.m. at Welch-Ryce-Haider at 15 E. Sola St. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 15, at 1 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the American Lung Association.

SCHULZ, Inge

Inge Schulz, age 59 of Rancho Mirage, CA, died 11/12/05 in Palm Springs, CA of a long illness. She was born 8/14/1946 to Fritz Pfeiffer and Anneliese Maier in Pforzheim, Germany. She married Gunter Schulz on 8/17/74 in Las Vegas, NV. She was self-employed at Schulz Engineering.

She is survived by her husband Gunter Schulz and step-daughter, Gabriel Wick, parents Fritz & Anneliese Pfeiffer of Arnbach, Germany.

There will be a private service on 11/16/05 at Forest Lawn Mortuary, Cathedral City, CA. Inurnment will be at Santa Barbara Cemetery.

Family suggests memorials to Cancer Society, Santa Barbara, CA.

IN MEMORIAM

Esfandiar "John" Jahangir

The brothers and sisters of beloved Esfandiar "John" Jahangir regretfully announce his passing. John was a wonderful and generous man who will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. He will be best remembered for his devotion to his family, his gracious nature and his contagious smile. His involvement in the community, as a local businessman and friend to many, will be greatly missed. John is survived by his three beautiful children (Negar, Roozbeh and Rod) and his adoring wife Rafat. His loving memory will be cherished forever in our hearts. May his spirit rest in peace.

Kind Regards, Shadi Jahangir