Obituaries Space is available for obituaries of residents and former residents.
• An “In Memoriam” column is available free of charge. Limited to name, mutual number and date of death.
• An obituary with or without photo is available free of charge for the first 250 words. Additional words will be charged at the rate of 20 cents per word. Notices written by the news staff will be free and no more than 250 words.
• Notices from mortuaries and non-GRF members will be printed exactly as submitted and charged at the non-member classified advertising rate, $10.45 for the first 12 words and 20¢ for each additional word.
• Bordered, decorative obituaries and eulogies are available in any size at the prevailing display advertising rate.
• Obituaries may be published as news articles when the person has been a member of the Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors, or when, in the opinion of the managing editor, the passing of a person is newsworthy to a sufficiently large number of GRF members.
• A “Card of Thanks” section is available in the classified section of the News at the member classified advertising rate, $6.60 for the first 12 words and 20¢ per word thereafter, for persons wanting to express their thanks for help during bereavement, sickness, etc.
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Wilson, Marjorie Parkman
1915-2016
Our beloved mother and friend Marjorie Parkman Wilson, Mutaul 14, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2016. Marge was born in Penzance, England, on Jan. 31, 1915.
When she was nine years old she moved with her family to Pennsylvania. She thrived in the American public school system and was class valedictorian when she graduated high school.
She attended Edinboro State Teachers College where she met the love of her life, James Newton Wilson, singing in the college choir. They secretly eloped in 1935 while Jim was still in school, and a year later married again for the benefit of their family.
While Jim taught back east they had memorable times traveling to New York City for Broadway shows and big band dances. When WWII started Jim enlisted in the Navy, and as a naval officer spent the war stationed in Hawaii. Upon his return Marge encouraged him to attend Columbia University on the GI Bill.
In 1949, with three children in tow and Jim’s Ph.D. in hand, the family moved to California, where Jim became professor of political geography at the new Long Beach State College.
In 1955 Marge finished college and fulfilled her lifelong dream to be a teacher. During her 30-year elementary teaching career countless children benefited from her firm discipline, experiential approaches and love of children, and as master teacher she inspired many teachers to excellence.
Jim and Marge took sabbaticals together several times to travel through Europe. After retirement they extended their travels to Asia, South America, Alaska and the Middle East, often inviting good friends to join in the adventures.
Marge was a deeply supportive and loving mother, a dedicated teacher, a church choir faithful, a fun-loving tennis and golf partner, a pretty good bridge player, a happy traveler, perhaps the oldest hula dancer with Hui O Hula, and a generous friend. We are in awe of the 101-plus years she fully and joyfully lived.
Marge is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her son, Will; and her brother, Kenneth.
She is survived by her brother, Ralph (Yetty) Parkman; her children, Tom Wilson and Jean (Steve) Kenin; grandchildren, Noah (Chelsea) Kenin, Dylan Kenin, Sebastian Wilson and Cary Wilson; and her great-granddaughter, Chloe Kenin. Marge is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, step-sons James (Josie) Rodgers and Brad Roelens, step-grandchildren Wilson and Taylor Rodgers and a host of relatives in England.
There will be no memorial as she thought of her 100th birthday as her ultimate celebration of life, but in her last months she frequently asked of us, “Tell everyone ‘thank you!’” So here is a heartfelt thank you to the many who graced her good life with love, caring and friendship.
—paid obituary
•••
In Memoriam
Carolyn Lausterer 73
Diane Fitzhenry 75
Rebecca Landrigan 41
Ann Sberna 94
Robert Lazur 64
Christine Swyschuk 91
Jose Averilla Sr 75
Octavio Dacanay 73
Robert Smith 83
David Tinajero 87
Families assisted by
McKenzie Mortuary,
961-9301
—paid obituary
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Noorthoek, Roger Paul, Sr.
1929-2016
Roger Paul Noorthoek, Sr., Mutual 17, was born on Dec. 16, 1929, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and died on May 14, 2016, at Leisure World.
Roger was from a prominent family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His father died when he was 9 and his family lost everything in the Depression.
Roger excelled in school and was awarded scholarships to the University of Michigan, where he obtained his law degree.
Roger practiced law in South Gate, California, for many years, handling everything from divorce to bankruptcy to criminal matters. He never lost his interest in the law and still practiced part-time long after his retirement.
Roger married twice, the first time to Lorraine Knoeller Noorthoek, with whom he had two children, Roger Noorthoek Jr. and Susan Noorthoek Paulos. He was later married for many years to Janice Sandell, who was still a close friend at the time of her death in 2012.
Roger spent his last five years at Leisure World and very much enjoyed the active social life at the community. He sang in the choir, took yoga and stick classes, and computer lab. He traveled frequently, often visiting family in Michigan and Northern California. He enjoyed spending time with his two grown children who both live in the area.
Roger is survived by his son, Roger Jr.; daughter, Susan Paulos and son-in-law Freddie Paulos.
His memorial will he held on July 30 in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, from 3-6:30 p.m.
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Bernstein, Norris S.
Nov. 14, 1929 - July 22, 2016
Norris S. Bernstein was a beloved husband, father and friend. He was born in Long Beach, California, and was a lifelong resident, most recently living in Leisure World, Seal Beach.
He was active in professional and philanthropic organizations locally, nationally and internationally.
Norris co-founded Bernstein’s Salad Dressings, an off-shoot of Bernstein’s Restaurant in Long Beach. He shared his business acumen through consulting and was most proud of his time spent mentoring young people and start-ups.
No services will be held at this time.
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Barter, William
1929-2016
William Barter, 87, Mutual 7, died in his home surrounded by his loved ones on July 15, 2016, after a battle with cancer.
William Edward Barter was born on July 2, 1929, to Wallace and Ethel (Benner) Barter in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
After graduating from high school he joined the Marines. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He received a Purple Heart.
He married MaryAnn See in 1951.
In 1963 he married Barbara Shepard. Altogether he had five daughters.
In 1977 he married the love of his life, Bettye Larsen.
He retired from the Marines after serving 22 years. He continued his education and received several doctorate degrees.
He worked with the Volunteers for Israel-Sar El for about 25 years. He loved helping others.
They moved to LW in 1989, where Bill enjoyed using the gym and visiting with many friends.
He adored teaching, enjoyed being a pastor, loved to travel and spend time doing physical activities outdoors. His passion was reading and studying. He loved sharing his love of God with others.
William is survived by his wife of 39 years, Bettye; daughters, Jamie Dokken, North Dakota, Janice O’Hara and Joy Simpson, Montana, Jennifer Peck, California, Karen (Jerry) Thomas, Kansas; three step-children, 10 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Ethel, sisters Evelyn Barter, Dorothy Rand, Barbara Smith and Janice Cusumano and brother, Wallace Barter, Jr.
Pastor Dan Ballinger officiated a memorial service on July 19.
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Bradley, Alexander Michael
1932-2016
Alexander Bradley, Mutual 6, was born on Aug. 7, 1932, in Binghamton, New York. He joined the Navy in 1951 and served aboard the USS Isherwood. It was in the Navy that he became acquainted with computers as a fire control man, second class. Working with computers since 1951 has led him to be a designer and programmer. He customized specific computer needs in the business and science fields. He and eight other men were recognized as the Computer Wizards of Orange County in the 1980s.
He and Ruth were married in March 1957. He began to pursue a degree in physics at San Diego State University and ended up with a double major of physics and math. Later he attended Pepperdine University, where he obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration. Both degrees helped him in his chosen field of computer science. He eventually began his own company, Vanguard Data Systems, and designed the Data Scribe.
Also during these years he taught many courses in computer and business. He was a faculty member at UC, Irvine. Before his death he had completely retired.
He leaves his wife, Ruth; six children, Marie, Kathleen, Suzanne, Joan, Alexander, and Jenifer. Also seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter Also still living is one brother, Edward and a sister, Patricia.
As were his wishes, he will be buried at sea by the U. S. Navy off of San Diego, his last assignment.