Friends Keeping in Touch With Friends
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List of Deceased Members
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Announcements
OLSON, ORVIN "OLE" (1925-2020)
KREKAS, Nicolette (Nikki) Krekas (1925 -2020)Nicolette S. Krekas was born May 12,th 1925 to Peter & Angeline Sikokis in Chicago Illinois. “Nikki” attended Rosary College and graduated with a degree in Home Economics and then went to work with her Family owned confectionary business. Nikki’s best friend growing up was her only sibling & brother George. Growing up together Nikki spent a lot of time attending and supporting their local church events with her loving brother.
In 1955 Nikki met her husband Charles at a church dinner dance - they were married shortly after on Feb 5th 1956. American society in the 1950s was geared towards the family. Marriage and children were part of the national agenda. Charles had just returned from WW II and was looking to settle down and start a family. Shortly thereafter their daughter Suzanne was born and became the center of their lives. Nikki would always let her friends and family know how blessed and thankful they were to have Suzanne in their lives.
While living in Illinois Nikki and family played a very important role in the formation of the St. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Much of Nikki’s time and activity was dedicated to the church and Greek Women’s University Club promoting the well-being and support of the Greek community and all the family’s that were new to the Chicago land area. Nikki will be remembered for her kind heartedness, soft touch & light laughter. She always had a positive outlook on life and loved all those unconditionally that were lucky enough to have her in their lives. May her memory be eternal….
A funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at St. Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle.
BURTON, Patrick
September 13, 1946 - January 19, 2020
KREKAS, Charles (Chuck) Krekas (1926 -2019)Charles Paul Krekas of Kirkland, loving husband to Nikki and treasured father to Suzanne (Tim) Ferraro, passed away, Wednesday, November 6, 2019 in Bellevue. A funeral service will be held at noon, on Thursday, November 21st at St. Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle.
BASSE, Hans ( -2019)
We have learned that Hans Basse, shown here, surrounded by his sons, passed away peacefully on Saturday the 19th of october in Copenhagen.
IDHE. Klaus B. (1931-2019)
Klaus Bernhard Ihde, 88, a long time resident of Orlando, FL, but living in Eldersburg, MD for the last 1-1/2 years passed on to his heavenly home on Friday, May 17th, 2019. He leaves behind his wife Irmgard and two sons Alex and Stephan.
Published in the Orlando Sentinel on May 26, 2019
JORDAN, Robert (Bob) 1948 -2019
ELLIS, Kitty ( -2019)
We have learned of the passing of Kitty Ellis (wife of Bill Ellis) on Thursday, March 7 in the hospital due to pneumonia.
We offer our condolences to Bill, their son David, her niece Susan Taylor, and their extended families. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
Family services will be in Los Angeles where David lives.
HILL, Jim ( -2019)
TALBOYS, David ( -2019)
DAVENPORT, David C. (1932-2019)
David passed away peacefully and with dignity on Friday, January 4, 2019. Best friend and devoted husband of Florence Davenport for 62 years. Adored father of David Andrew Davenport and Lauren Wornig, Allen and Lesley Davenport, Nancy Davenport and Amit Primor. Beloved grandfather of Daniel and Amy Davenport. Predeceased in March 2018 by his sister Barbara Giesbrecht of Penticton, BC. He also leaves his nephews, Gary Giesbrecht, Tom Giesbrecht, and his niece, Joanne Fox. David had a profound love for his family, his cats, and a deep connection to the landscape of Indian Rock, BC. He was a gifted gardener, he had a wonderful sense of humor, and was always ready with a joke or a quip. He will be sadly missed and always remembered by his family who will celebrate his life privately.
WILLIAMS, George ( -2018)
HARRIS, Clyde Joseph III (1943-2018)
Clyde Harris, 75, died Christmas Eve at his home after battling heart disease. The evening prior to his death was spend with his family, eating good food, laughing and watching football.He leaves his wife of 52 years, Linda; his daughter, Claudine McKemie and husband, Chris; his three grandson’s, Trevor, Tommy, Tucker; his sister, Regina Thomas; and his brother-in law, Carl Harris and wife, Susan. He is preceded in death by his son, Clyde, who was 35 when he passed.
Born and raised in New York City, Clyde was a graduate of Browning School and Cornell University. He began his career in hospitality in New York City, working for Hilton Hotels. He had a life long hospitality career with many of the big hotel chains like Holiday Inn, Westin Hotels and Resorts and Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts. As Vice President of the Denver and Colorado Convention and Visitors Bureau, he was extremely proud of negotiating The Final Four being held in Denver.
In later years, he helped develop and became President of Harris Hotel Group located on Hilton Head Island. This company consisted of 4 multi-state Intercontinental Hotels.
As was his son, Clyde was known for his smile, his quick wit and his love for his family and friends. Clyde enjoyed spending Sunday mornings at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Golfing and boating were his passions from a very young age. Cooking, thinking he was half Italian, was another shared passion with his son.
Clyde liked nothing more than a good martini and veal chop, especially at Flora’s Restaurant on HHI.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5 at 11am at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Pope Avenue with a luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hilton Head Humane Society.
RIEFLIN, Robert (1930-2018)
Born 01 February 1930 to William F. Rieflin and Mada M. Dodson, Aberdeen WA. Sadly, died suddenly 17 October 2018.
Grew up in Tacoma, attending Stadium High, playing football and Track and Field. At College of Puget Sound he joined the Kappa Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, graduating in 1952 with a BA.
In 1958, he married his love, Olive Ann Alldredge, and is survived by Olive and their four children, Ric and wife Katie, Tracy and Andy and their son Arlo, Bill and Frankie, and Fritz and Tracie and their daughters Mayda and Alex. We all loved him very much and will miss him sorely.
In his honour there will be a Memorial Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 5050 8th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105 on Saturday, 27 0ct 2018, at 9:30 am with the Rosary at 9:15.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Bob's honour to Medic One.
HUDSON, Charles Peter (1933 - 2018)
Peter passed away peacefully at home with his wife at his side. Predeceased by parents E.W. & Hazel Hudson & sister Elizabeth (Causey). Peter leaves behind his wife of 61 years Dorothy (Dunn), son Bill (Mary), daughter Julie (Matt), grandchildren Sarah (Devin), Alison (Shaun), Christopher (Sabrina), Tom and beagle Alf. Born in Vancouver, educated at West Van High and San Franciscos City College in Culinary Arts & Hotel Management program. Following his fathers footsteps, Peter became a hotel man, taking over from E.W. as GM at the Hotel Georgia and then the Bayshore Inn. A true entrepreneur, Peter was an original partner of the Grouse Nest (Grouse Mountain) and Canadian Air Tours. Peters passions were golf, boating, putting deals together & beagles. The family is grateful to all those who assisted Peter in his last couple of years including Coastal Healths Care unit and a special thank you to his amazing caregivers Sally & Mindy. A celebration of Peters life will be held at St. Christophers church in West Vancouver on November 10th at 2 pm with a reception to follow.
WILLIAMS, Barbara Z. (1947-2018)
Barbara Z. Williams, 71, of Riverwalk in West Palm Beach passed away Sunday July 15, 2018. Barbara moved to Florida 8 years ago from Wellesley, MA. Barbara was a Director of Finance for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Here in Florida she was a partner in PropheSea PWDs Kennels, a breeder of Portuguese Water Dogs. A “giver and not a taker”, Barbara possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was an extraordinarily kind person with a great deal of integrity. Barbara was predeceased by her father, the late Milton Zalk and is survived by her loving mother, Estelle Zalk; best friend Joyce Polak; dear brothers Barry (Lyn) Zalk, and Craig (Anita) Zalk. Memorial services celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday July 20, 2018 at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 11115 Jog Rd., Boynton Beach, FL 33437 with Rabbi Stephen Pinsky officiating. Those wishing to honor Barbara with a memorial contribution are asked to kindly consider either the TrustBridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, trustbridgefoundation.org, or the National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112, www.stroke.org.
CALL, Dwight E. (1930-2018)
Dwight Call passed away peacefully on July 11, 2018 at age 88 reading in his favorite chair at home in Bellevue. He had celebrated the 4th of July at the cabin on Lake Cavanaugh with family. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly. He is survived by his daughters Debbie of Burien and Lisa (Howard) Hawk of Medina, his son Gregory (Carolyn) Call of Berkeley California, and 5 wonderful grandchildren.
He was born in Moscow Idaho on January 2, 1930. Dwight grew up in Moscow with his parents Elmo and Isa and his older sister (Marjorie) and brother (Max). He starred on the high school basketball team and played clarinet in a dance band. After graduating from Moscow High School he attended the University of Idaho where he was awarded a BS in Business Administration in 1952. From 1952 to 1954 he served as a U. S. Army Lieutenant in Europe and developed a passion for skiing.He returned to Moscow and attended Hotel Management School at Washington State University in neighboring Pullman. While at WSU he met Beverly Carlson, the love of his life, who was at the time a junior at the University of Idaho. Dwight and Beverly married in 1955 in Wilder Idaho near the Carlson farm. In 1956 Dwight received his hotel management degree from WSU and Beverly received her degree in education. That year they moved to Portland Oregon where Dwight began working at the Multnomah Hotel (part of the Western International Hotel chain) and Beverly began teaching. In 1957 their first daughter Deborah was born and Beverly focused on raising their family. Dwight continued working for Western International Hotels (later Westin Hotels) and his jobs with the company took the family to Los Angeles, Seattle, Calgary, Portland (again), Chicago and then to the corporate headquarters in Seattle. Dwight managed 4 hotels in 2 countries, opened hotels on 4 continents (North America, Europe, Africa and Asia), and became the President of Westin Hotels in 1983. He retired in 1988.
He trained and mentored people who managed hotels across the world. He had basket full of sayings: "The hotel business would be an easy business if it weren't for the guests and the employees." "You need to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable." His professional contributions were widely recognized. He was inducted into the University of Idaho Hall of Fame and into the WSU Hospitality Business Management Hall of Fame.
Dwight and Beverly were married for 55 years until Beverly died in 2011. Together they raised a family and made friends throughout the world. They entertained with a relaxed and gracious style whether by a campfire or in a ballroom. Dwight and Beverly knew how to throw a party.
Dwight also loved to compete. He competed on the golf course, the tennis court and around the poker table. In his later years as the grandchildren gathered around the kitchen table at Lake Cavanaugh, Dwight would say "old age and treachery will defeat youth and skill." The cards would be dealt and root beer floats consumed.
Dwight will be missed. An informal celebration of his life will be held at Overlake Golf and Country Club, 8000 NE 16th St., Medina on Sunday, July 22 at 2 pm. The family suggests any remembrances be made to the Dwight and Beverly Call Scholarship (Go to give.wsu.edu and search "Dwight and Beverly Call Scholarship").Published in The Seattle Times from July 15 to July 22, 2018
NEWMAN, William Bill ( 1935 - 2018)
Bill with Bill Ellis
My amazing husband had a beautifully peaceful passing Monday morning June 18, 2018 at 11:11 surrounded by and held by our loving arms. What a great privilege to have him by my side since 1959. I am so grateful for our life together, four wonderful children, ten grandchildren, and five great grandchildren as well as the joys of knowing all of you and many other incredible people.
We have been blessed by so much & so many in our time together, please feel free to forward to anyone unintentionally left out.
What a tremendous life he led, touching us all just by being his wonderful self. Love, Leone (Newman)
Family and friends mourn the recent passing of William Pearce Newman. Bill was born in Spokane, Washington, to William Albert and Norene Newman in 1935. In 1954, he graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane and subsequently graduated with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Administration from Washington State University in 1958 where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and US Army ROTC.
After graduation Bill was hired as a Salesman for the Davenport Hotel in Spokane which marked the beginning of a long and tremendously successful career where he traveled the world, met dignitaries but most importantly had a profound impact on the people he met. Bill loved people. This genuine interest and caring for people led to sincere connections and life-long friendships throughout the hospitality industry and beyond. He remembered people and had a gift for making everyone feel special regardless of title or position.
Bill's life was full of adventure and engagement and his career was no exception. During his career he had the opportunity to work at the Seattle Olympic Hotel (1961), the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego (1963) and the Carefree Inn, Carefree, Arizona (1964). Ultimately his career took Bill and his family back to Seattle where he became Executive Vice-President of Westin Hotels & Resorts.
Throughout his career, Bill remained a passionate Cougar and stayed actively engaged with WSU in leadership and fundraising. In 1993 he was recognized by Washington State University for outstanding service & leadership in enhancing the quality and visibility of WSU's Hotel & Restaurant program. Bill was also recently nominated for induction into the WSU Hospitality Hall of Fame.
Bill married his wife Leone in 1959. Bill and Leone's marriage of 58 years successfully navigated career changes, relocations and the raising of 4 children all the while maintaining a thoughtful and loving relationship. Bill's children fondly recall the family adventures ranging from dude ranches in Montana and skiing in Whistler to tours of the White House and plays on Broadway. Most importantly, Bill's children will remember a kind and loving father who conveyed values and life lessons through gentle guidance and his own actions. He led by example.
Bill is survived by his wife Leone, sons and daughter, Russ, Kevin, Kirk and Katy, his brother Tom, 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and countless friends. Bill loved each member of his family dearly and his family and friendships were one of his proudest accomplishments and possessions.
We invite you to share your memories of Bill at http://www.legacy.com/
A celebration of Bill's life will take place on September 9, 2018 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Westin Hotel in Seattle.
CRUICKSHANK, Donald C. (1934 ~ 2018)
With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Donald Clifford Cruickshank who left us on June 7, 2018.
Don was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan and in 1940 moved to Seattle with his family. Don is survived by his loving wife Janet, step-daughter, step-grandson and
a large, extended family in Metro Vancouver, BC. Don is pre-deceased by his parents and sister (Jean Stirton).
BRUDNEY, David ( 1938 - 2018)
David died peacefully May 30, 2018 in Carlsbad, CA after a 3 1⁄2 year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife of 56 years, Karen, and children Lisa Phelan, Cheryl Yoshida, and Mark Brudney. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Shane and Jack Phelan, and Denzin Brudney.
David grew up in Berkeley, CA, attended Berkeley HS, USC, and SFSU. While attending SFSU, David was recalled during the Cuban Missile Crisis October 1962. After his release from the Air Force, he continued at SFSU and graduated June 1963. David had a brief career in television news. After working for Westin, Hyatt, and Marriott, he founded David Brudney & Associates in 1979, a hotel sales and marketing consulting company. David led with passion and shared his expertise with clients and students, as well as published many articles in industry journals.
David loved life, family, friends and sports. His humor sustained him through many struggles, especially through cancer. His presence will be missed.
David was a 30 year resident in Rancho Palos Verdes where a private memorial gathering will be held June 16, 2018 at Terranea Hotel and Resort.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido, CA or the Multiple Myeloma Foundation.
HELMSTEAD, George Henry ( 2018)
George George Henry Helmstead of Ada, MI was welcomed into God's arms on Sunday May 6, 2018. George was the only child of the late Harry and Irene Helmstead natives of Closter, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and earned a Masters of Business Administration at Pepperdine University. On a weekend stay at a friend's home while serving as a Sergeant in the Air National Guard,
George met his friend's little sister, Jane. Years later they fell in love and were married in 1979. George was a devoted and loving husband for the next thirty-eight years. He was destined to become a father of two children and is now lovingly remembered by his daughter, Marisa, his son Trever, his daughter-in-law, Kari and his grandson, Soren.
George had an illustrious career in the hospitality industry starting in New York at Westin Hotel's home office, then on to the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and overseas to Singapore as Director of Sales for Westin's Raffles City Hotel. Returning stateside, Marriott welcomed him as a Director of Marketing in Los Angeles and in short time shipped him to New York to promote Marriot's flagship property, the Marriot Marquis.
Changing gears, George settled into a new role as Vice President of Sales for the Metropolitan Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau. He later served as Executive Vice President of Sales at "Experience Grand Rapids," the organization that marketed Grand Rapids and Kent County as a "preferred" convention and visitor destination. He was known as an "easy going, kind and friendly guy" whose sense of humor quickly disarmed acquaintances and converted them to long term friends. As a boss, staff appreciated his willingness to "go to bat" for them, to be "a pleasure to work for," and for some to be, "the best boss" they ever had.
Retirement in 2015, brought George closer to the pleasures of sailing, golfing, and dancing. He served on the board of the Lake Michigan Catalina Association and through their varied activities made lasting friendships both on and off the water. He became a Certified Bareboat Captain and spent time chartering in Anguilla, Saint Martin, the BVI's and Cuba. His most cherished time on the water however was always sailing the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.
Golfing was also a keen interest and through his buddy, Tom, George would join in weekly golf outings with a gregarious group of friends. Other plans included road trips to the Shakespeare Festival, hikes on the Bruce Peninsula, line dancing at the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club and ballroom dancing at Forest Hills Arts Center with Jane. Summers included gleaning fruits and vegetable for Feeding America and bike riding in MSU's annual Gran Fondo.
George's greatest pleasure was spending time with family. Annual trips included visiting the Detroit Auto show with Marisa, shopping at Countrywide Nursery with Jane, and offering career advice while skiing in Utah with Trever. Words cannot express how much his family adored him or how much he will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the National Stroke Associationat: www.stroke.org to further their work in stroke awareness and treatment. A celebration of the life of George Helmstead is being planned in Grand Rapids. The date will be published in the near future. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful family and friends that helped and supported them over the past several months.
HELLRUNG, Mark (1953-2018)
Mark Raymond Hellrung, 64, a resident of the Henderson area since 2008, passed away on March 23, 2018. His previous residency was Lana'i City, Hawaii.
Mark was born on August 19, 1953 in Houston, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science in 1976 from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. Mark began his career with Westin Hotels & Resorts in 1974. Traversing the country, he held positions in Houston, San Francisco, Kauai, Chicago, and Boston. In 1993, he joined Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts at The Pierre Hotel in New York. Mark was quickly promoted to General Manager and managed properties in the Caribbean, Houston, Lana'i City Hawaii, and since 2008, as General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. Mark proudly just celebrated his 25th year with Four Seasons.
Mark found his soul mate and partner for life when he married Loretta Santacroce in 2001. In their free time, they enjoyed traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Mark is survived by his wife of 17 years, Loretta Hellrung; his faithful Labradoodle companion Teddy; son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Katie Hellrung of Denver, CO, and son Charlie Valentine of Angel Fire, NM; sisters: Cyndee Smith of Chappell Hill, TX; Robin Garcia of Columbus, TX; Christi Hellrung of Houston, TX; Tracey Hellrung of Columbus, TX; and Terri Pavlicek of Glidden, TX.
There will be a funeral Mass held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 9:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 2300 Sunridge Heights Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052 followed by a Gathering and Reception from 10:30am to 1:30pm, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:30pm; and a Committal at 3:00pm, all at Palm Eastern Mortuary
VANDER KAIIJ, Nick (1945-2018)
Son Nicolaas, Nick, Peter Blyth, Ray Sylvester
2016 Westin Reunion, Las Vegas
While attending the October 2016 reunion in Las Vegas, Nick was hospitalized, released and then readmitted to hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, his home. After a period of improvement he was admitted for continuing care. He passed away on February 12, 2018.
“Beste Nick”, dear Nick, as he was known by his colleagues and close friends. He arrived in Mexico in 1972, and started as Food and Beverage Manager at the Camino Real Puerto Vallarta. He moved in 1974 to the Camino Real Guadalajara as Executive Assistant Manager, 1977 to the Camino Real San Salvador, 1980 to Puerto Vallarta, 1981 to Cancún, the latter ones as General Manager, and from 1987 to 1990 as Director of Operations for Hoteles Camino Real/Westin Hotels. A jolly good fellow has left us.
DUNFORD, Mary Kathryn (1946-2017)
Mary Kathryn "Doc" Dunford (née Thegze) age 71, originally of Hammond, IN, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from her home in Richmond, TX. She is survived by her husband, James B Dunford; her daughters, Lisa Dunford Dickman and Kathryn Ann Showalter; her granddaughters Abby and Bryn Showalter; and her brothers, Bill, Bob and Tom Thegze. She is preceded in death by her parents George Thegze and Kathryn Kain Thegze. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 12:00 noon, Thursday, April 6, 2017 at St Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 8103 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; the Very Rev. Steven Koplinka will officiate. Mary will lie in state from 11:30 AM until time of service. She will be laid to rest at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Hammond, IN. A visitation will be held at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN, 46375 (corner of Kennedy and Main St.) on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM, with the Parastas at 4:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made at http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/MaryKathrynDunford.
BORMES, Robert A.(1954-2017)
Robert A. Bormes, 63, of Lake Geneva, WI, died Tuesday August 22, 2017 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, WI. Robert Alfred Bormes was born in Washington, DC on June 26, 1954 the son of the late Robert and Patricia Bormes. He attended Regis College in Denver CO where he earned an Associate Degree in Business. On July 30, 1982, in Lake Geneva he was united in marriage to the former Barbara Quincannon; she preceded him in death on November 10, 2016.Robert was well known and well respected in the hotel industry. He had worked for many years for Shangri La Hotels and Resorts retiring as Vice President. He enjoyed spending time outdoors golfing, boating and fishing, traveling and bicycle riding. Above all he was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.
Robert is survived by: 2 sons; Joseph R. Bormes of Lake Geneva, WI and Paul (Torri) Bormes of Elkhorn, WI, a grandson Paul Quincannon Bormes, a sister Rebecca Merritt, 4 brothers; David (Kathy) Bormes, Tom (Jean) Bormes, Jim (Ann) Bormes and Gregory (Eileen) Bormes. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Peter.
A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held on Sunday September 17, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Hawks View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Rd. Lake Geneva. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorials are requested in Robert’s name to: The Cradle, 2049 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. To sign the on-line guest registry click guest book/condolences.
CASPARIUS, Rudolfo (1921-2017)
Rodolfo was a Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management lecturer and the executive director for the Latin American Management Programs for more than 30 years.
It has been many years since a young man, born to a German father and a Mexican mother in Mexico City, became an icon in the industry. After his time in Cuba, where he started as a dishwasher, and advanced to assistent to the vice president of the Havana Hilton, his career continued with great success.He opened 27 hotels and managed many others, among them the Presidente Chapultepec in Mexico City, the Camino Real chain, an afíliate of Western International Hotels, including Camino Real Cancun, for which he acquired the first parcels of land. At that time, only 156 people lived in the área, nowadays the population has grown to more than one million.
Rodolfo was active until his last days, writing a weekly column for 34 years for the Mexican newspaper La Opinión.
The City of Houston proclaimed July 1 Rodolfo Casparius Day.
MCKIBBIN, Bruce HuntoonBorn (1932-2015)
on January 24, 1932 to Helen and William McKibbin, Bruce fell while gardening and died peacefully on June 14, 2015. Bruce spent his formative years in the Pacific Northwest, went to 13 schools in 12 years, graduated from Renton High School in 1949, and the University of Washington in 1955. He entered the US Army and felt fortunate to serve in Germany for two years. After the Army he held several jobs, the longest being with Westin Hotels, which allowed him to travel the world. He married Marlies (Marlee) Meier in 1962 in Denver, Co, and moved back to the Seattle area in 1967. Bruce and Marlee joined the Seattle Yacht Club, spent much of their vacation time sailing in the San Juan Islands, and Bruce became very active at the club and served on many committees. In 2004, he became a docent at the Museum of Flight and was very dedicated to educating people about the history of flight and space exploration. Bruce enjoyed mountain climbing, skiing, sailing, and being with his granddaughters. Many of Bruce's happiest memories were of the people he met and interacted with throughout his life.Bruce leaves behind his wife, Marlee, son Tom, son Bill and daughter-in-law Kim, and two precious granddaughters, Erin (13) and Libby (10). He will be missed.
Memorial to be held at Seattle Yacht Club June 28 from 2 - 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Seattle Yacht Club Foundation, or Museum of Flight.