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"Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and forever dear.”
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List of Deceased Members
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2022SCHJETNAN, ADRIAN ( 2022)
JOHNSON, REMO T. (1963-2022)
REMO T. JOHNSON, age 59. Loving father of William and Akeshea Johnson, beloved son of Lorene and the late Booker; dearest brother of Sherri Castile and Quiana Sowell. Remo was an Administrator of Environmental Services for University Hospitals. Services will be held at a later date in Chicago, Illinois. Online condolences and guest registry www.diciccoandsonsfh.com
EVANS, DAVID R. (1936 -2022)
On Monday August 22, 2022 we lost David Richard Evans at Overlake Medical Center, he was 86 years old. He was known to many as “Papa”, “Evey” and his favorite, “The Grand Poopa”. David was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Bobbie Jean (2014) and is survived by sons Greg (Lynn), Chris (Susan) and Jeff; grandchildren Haeli Hagen (Carl), Tanner and Hannah and sister Vicie Evans.
David was born January 7, 1936 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC to Alfred and Katherine Evans. In 1939, David and his family moved to West Vancouver where he attended Pauline Johnson Grade School and West Vancouver High School. In 1955, he graduated from West Vancouver High School and headed to Wenatchee Junior College. David was recruited by Don Coryell (former NFL San Diego Chargers Coach) to play football and was nominated Freshman Class President.
In 1956, David decided to head west to The University of Washington and continue playing football under Coach Jim Owens. During his time at the University he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity while majoring in Communications /Advertising and Public Relations. He was elected a Student Prominent during his senior year and his lifelong goal was to be a film director. After graduation from the University of Washington, David spent the summer of 1961 as an intern for King TV and in September of that same year, joined Seattle’s Olympic Hotel sales team where his hotel career was just beginning.
In the summer of 1961, David met his adoring and supportive wife, Bobbie Jean (Smith); they were married 53 years until her passing in February 2014. David often referred to her as the “Anchor of the Family” raising their three sons (Greg, Chris and Jeff) while he pursued his passions in the hotel industry. In 1964, Bobbie and Dave moved to Los Angeles, CA where he joined the Pre-opening Team for the Century Plaza Hotel. During this time the family grew with the addition of all three boys and in 1973 David was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Westin Hotels. The Evans clan moved to Mercer Island, WA where they resided until July 2016 at which time he moved to a small cottage on Lake McDonald in Renton, WA.
David’s passion for the hotel business and hard work paid off as he continued to travel around the world and achieve great successes. During these years, Westin Hotels was sold to Starwood Hotels and Resorts and in 1998 he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Starwood Hotels. Although the Westin/Starwood Hotels headquarters moved to White Plains, NY in March 2000; David kept himself involved in the business by starting a consulting practice in 2004. During 2004 and 2012 he was retained by Pan Pacific Hotels and the Vulcan Corporation to build the Pan Pacific Luxury Hotel in South Lake Union.
In 1997, David was diagnosed with heart failure, which he kept just between family until 1999 when he realized his condition was worsening. On August 25th, 2000 he had a very successful heart transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center where he was blessed with 22 more amazing years with family and friends. The success of this procedure led David to become passionate about consolidating the cardiac services into one location. Together with the support of longtime friend Joanne Meyers, David co-chaired the “Open Heart Open” and in 2004 the vision became a reality when the Regional Heart Center opened on the main floor of the UW Medical Center.
Throughout his many years, David continued to be a supporter of local organizations in both the University of Washington Alumni Association as well as the hotel industry. He received accolades and awards in the industry that include: ASAE “Academy of Leaders Award”, PCMA “Distinguished Service Award”, “Professional Achievement Award” and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” and the US Chamber of Commerce “Chairman’s Award”. In September of 2020, with the help of Sue Allison Campbell, he fulfilled a lifelong dream started with his wife Bobbie. David wrote and published his book, Yield to the Power of Common Sense.
The family will have a private burial where David will be joining Bobbie at Hillside Cemetery in Issaquah, WA with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. At his request, any donations can be made to The University of Washington Medical Center, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and anything involving love and support of animals.
WIKAN, LEIF OLAF (1931-2022)
Leif Wikan was born in Petersburg, Alaska on March 9, 1931 to Olaf and Mette Wikan. He passed away peacefully in Bellevue, WA on August 8, 2022.
In the Fall 1949, Leif entered Washington State University where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He returned to Petersburg every summer to work as a commercial fisherman to pay for his education and he graduated in 1954 with a degree in Hotel Administration.
After college, Leif served in the Army. After his military duties in Germany he returned to Seattle and began a 25 year career with Westin Hotels where he made many lifelong friends.
In 1957, he married Mary Varnes. In 1963 they moved to Bellevue, WA and raised their family in Clyde Hill. Mary passed away in 1999.
He enjoyed retirement, and he eventually moved into The Gardens retirement community where he made more friends. He enjoyed playing bridge, and writing for the community newsletter.
Leif is survived by his daughter, Marie Arthur (Craig); granddaughter, Ally Blakley; son, Larry (Dana); and grandsons Bo, Trygve and Asher.
No flowers please. Donations may be made to the Lutheran Church at 3030 Bellevue Way, Bellevue, WA 98004
CHEN, JOHN
We have learned of his passing in December of 2021.
WISEMAN, MICHAEL
(19----2022)
A Celebration of Life date will be announced later
THURSTON, ROBERT HAROLD (1943-2022)
Robert Harold Thurston, age 78, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 5th, 2022. Robert was born on August 19th, 1943 to Ellen and Severt Thurston in Seattle, Washington and grew up alongside his three siblings in Medina, Washington, where he became an avid sailor and swimmer.
He graduated from Bellevue High School and, under the tutelage of his father, a hotelier who founded the Westin Hotel, discovered a passion for the hospitality industry. His passion for hospitality eventually led him to build the Inn at the Market, a celebrated hotel in the heart of Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market.
For 30 years, under his ownership, the Inn at the Market was the most highly regarded hotel in Seattle, attracting guests from all over the world and reflecting the distinct beauty of the emerald city. He also helped bring about the Bellevue Athletic Club, a hotel and athletic facility, which, for 40 years, has served as the premier athletic club and focal point of the community in neighboring Bellevue, Washington.
In 2016, Robert moved to Philadelphia, PA and, one year later, happily married his partner of 17 years, Monica Clements. He is survived by his wife, his three children, Veronique Thurston, George Stanley, and Ryan Clements, 2 grandchildren, and three siblings, Susan Thurston, Sherrie Tossell, and William Thurston.
Outside of business, Robert had a sincere love of the arts and philanthropy, utilizing his role on the board of the Thurston foundation to make donations to numerous charitable causes and efforts to advance medicine both in Seattle and Philadelphia. His generosity and kindness touched many lives.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation and funeral service on Monday, May 9th at 11 a.m. at West Laurel Hill Funeral Home in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The family would like to thank the help and care at Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Center at UW
ATWOOD, CHARLES "STARR" (1941-2018)
Charles Starr Atwood, age 77 of Franklin, TN passed away December 19, 2018. Graduate of Cornell Hotel School. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from Case Western University. Previously worked for Intercontinental Hotels, Holiday Inns, IFC (sister organization of World Bank) and retired from State of Tennessee as Administrative Law Judge. His favorite pass time was golfing where you could often find him at Forrest Crossing. Survived by: wife, Becky Atwood of Franklin, TN; sons, Jay Atwood of Richmond, VA and Craig (Kristina) Atwood; grandchildren, Savannah, Madison and Catherine Atwood all of Knoxville, TN; sisters, Anne Woodruff and Phoebe Alden and brother, Richard Atwood.
BUSHMAN, ROBERT "BOB"(1940-2022)Robert William Bushman, Sr., an amazing father, husband, brother, son, uncle, grandpa, and great grandpa led a full life until he died on March 27, 2022, in Lake Ridge, VA after suffering from cancer.
Robert was born on February 12, 1940, in Seattle, WA to loving parents Merton Lewis and Marye Esther (Willahan) Bushman. He had one sister, Barbara Bushman (deceased). His immediate family was led by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda Ruth Sand Bushman (deceased). He has four children; Belinda Lee Forrest (husband Nick), Robert William Bushman, Jr., Amy Jo Powell (husband Rick) and Bradley Sand Bushman (deceased); Seven grandchildren, Robert, Ashley, Kennedy, Parker, Jake, Amanda and Delaney; and two great grandchildren (with one on the way), Leni and Liam.
Bob loved his family immensely. Linda, who he met in seventh grade, was the love of his life and partner since 1961. They truly loved each other until her death in November of 2021. He was never the same after her death and we believe he died from a broken heart. He was a loving grandfather and doted on his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bob was a retired hospitality industry veteran of over 50 years. He had long careers with Westin, Hyatt, the Seattle and King County CVB, and the Houston CVB before retiring from the Cincinnati CVB. He was inducted into the HSMAI Hall of Fame and the Hotel Regional Sales Managers Hall of Fame, two accomplishments that made him proud.
Bob was fiercely loyal to the friends he gathered along the way in his work journey. They were highly important to him. He was phenomenal about keeping in touch with people over the years.
A private service will be held for immediate family. If you would like to make a donation in Bob’s name, please consider ACTS of Prince William County https://www.actspwc.org/donations. This is an organization that was highly important to both Bob and Linda.To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert William Bushman Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
PETERS, KAREN DELIGHT "DEEDEE"( 1950-2022)
Karen Delight “DeeDee” Peters passed away on February 26, 2022, after unexpected complications from kidney disease. DeeDee was born on January 15, 1950, in Long Beach, California, and was adopted as an infant by her beloved parents, Joyce and Bill Noe. As a child, DeeDee enjoyed piano lessons and became an accomplished pianist. At the age of 14, DeeDee moved with her family to San Luis Obispo, California, where her family planted roots and opened Noe’s Restaurant on Higuera Street.
DeeDee attended Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo before moving to Pasadena, California, where she worked for Crocker Bank. In her early 20s, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she started a career in the hospitality industry at Adam’s Mark Hotel as a housekeeper. She returned to her hometown where she managed the San Luis Bay Inn at Avila Beach.
In 1986, DeeDee met the love of her life, Karl Thomas Peters, when they were both working at The Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. They married the following year and welcomed their only child, Stevan, in 1988. In 1989, Karl and DeeDee moved to Orlando to work at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. The family moved to Grosse Point, Michigan, in 1991, where they worked at The Renaissance Center in Detroit. In 1996, the family moved to Vallejo, California, where Karl and DeeDee resided for the next 20 years and DeeDee had a career as a school secretary at Widenmann Elementary School until she happily retired and eventually moved with Karl to Fernley, Nevada, in 2016.
DeeDee was a lifelong lover of reading, reality tv, gardening, decorating, Siamese cats, and traveling. In her honor, Karl will be traveling with her ashes in their camp trailer to see all of her favorite places around the country.
DeeDee is survived by her husband of 35 years, Karl; son Stevan (and Melisa) Peters; sister Melinda “Mendy” (and Lance) Falkenstern; in-laws Linda Peters, Gerald (and Karen) Peters, Sylvia (and Bob) Yetter; and many nieces and nephews.
DeeDee was preceded in death by her parents Joyce and Bill Noe and Aunt Corky Barton.
A viewing was held Thursday, March 3 at The Neptune Society at 228 Vine Street in Reno, Nevada, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 6, at 11:00am-3:00pm at The Golf Club at Fernley at 50 Desert Lakes Drive.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation in DeeDee’s honor (www.kidney.org).
SUGARMAN, HART FREDERICK ( 1953-2022)
Family and friends of Hart Sugarman, we invite you to attend the funeral service on Wednesday, March 9th at 4:30pm (Hawaii time) / 6:30pm (Pacific time) / 9:30pm (Eastern time) at the Chapel at Hawaii Memorial Park (45-425 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, HI 96744).
The burial will be held on Thursday, March 10th at 11:00am (Hawaii time) at Abraham's Garden in Hawaii Memorial Park. We will record the burial for those who cannot attend in person.
In respect with Jewish tradition, please refrain from bringing flowers. Instead donations can be sent to Temple Emanu-El of Honolulu, Hawaii (https://rb.gy/qxkxwe). For residents of Canada donations can be sent to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, where a fund is being set up in Hart's name. Instructions for this option will be posted shortly.
WOLNIEWICZ, ANTOINE ( 1943-2022)
Antoine, French and Mexican, arrived in the seventies in Mexico, and started in 1978 as manager of the Fouquet’s de Paris Restaurant. The restaurant had a long and slow period of business, although it was recognized as one of the best in town. From the first day one he was a hands-on man, always present with the patrons, supervising the quality and service, talking care of all minor details. After one year he increased the lunch and dinner covers from 40 to an average of 150 as a result of his profesional work, and his public relations ability. He left in 1982, in order to open his own restaurant, with the help of an investment partner.
CRUZ, AMADEO ( 2022)
“...Life has been given to us to seek God, death to find him and eternity to possess him...On behalf of Mamita and Güera, we inform you that after a long and very painful illness, Amadeo Cruz Cruz, the only one of the brothers who was alive, has left.His remains have been transferred to the city of Veracruz where he will be cremated behind closed doors.We thank family and friends for their support during these years that Amadeo was among us.In compliance with the current health measures, we inform you that no pious act will be made in public in memory of Amadeo.Peace and good to all”
FERRIS, RICHARD "DICK (1936-2022)
Dick Ferris, who passed away on January 16, 2022, was born Aug. 31, 1936 in Sacramento, California. He attended Cornell University, graduating in 1962, and he received a master’s degree from the University of Washington. While golf was never far from his mind, Ferris left an enormous imprint on the hospitality and travel industry during his storied career.
Ferris entered the business world working for Western International Hotels (now known as Westin), holding various positions at Chicago-area properties. From 1966 to 1971, Ferris was the general manager of Chicago’s Continental Plaza Hotel. He became an airline executive when United Airlines purchased Westin, and Edward Carlson, then Westin’s Chief Operating Officer, became United’s CEO, bringing Ferris with him into the merger and putting Ferris in charge of United’s food-service division.
In 1976, Ferris replaced Carlson as United’s CEO, a position he held until 1985 when he became the airline’s chairman of the board. He remained with United until 1987.
Ferris, a lifelong golfer and follower of the sport, became a member of the PGA TOUR Champions’ Policy Board in 1985. Seven years later, he joined the PGA TOUR Policy Board, and a year later he became the Chair upon the retirement of Del de Windt. It was a position Ferris held until 2007.
In 1999, Ferris was a part of a group that included World Golf Hall of Fame member Arnold Palmer, former Major League Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth and actor and director Clint Eastwood. The consortium purchased from Japan’s Taiheiyo Company Pebble Beach Golf Links and its properties, including the legendary home to the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, three other nearby golf courses, two hotels and 17-Mile Drive, a road that winds through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. For their efforts, Ferris and Uebberoth will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Golf Hall of Fame in March 2022.
Ferris spent much of his adult life living in Chicago, but upon retirement he moved to Orlando.A celebration of life will be held on Feb. 11 at the Pebble Beach Resorts Beach and Tennis Club in Pebble Beach, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the PGA Tour First Tee Foundation or the Tahoe Community Sailing Foundation.
Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kelsey, his three sons, Andrew, Brian and Mark, and his eight grandchildren.
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2021
MENA, Victor (1953-2021)
VISSER, Hilke ( -2021)
Former hotel director of housekkeping and opening hotels task force regular
MARKER, Susan Kelley (1941-2021)
Susan Kelley Marker of Medina, WA bade farewell on November 6, 2021, and peacefully embarked on the next steps of her journey.
The daughter of Ronald and Betty Kelley, Susan was born on December 1, 1941 in Snohomish, WA and was raised in Mt. Vernon, WA. She attended Washington State University where she met her future husband, Chris Marker. She graduated in 1964 with a degree in education, and she and Chris married in 1966. Their early life together included multiple corporate relocations (Westin Hotels), including a four-year family adventure with two young children in Johannesburg, South Africa. They settled in Medina, WA nearly forty-one years ago. With uncommon grace, Susan made every new community feel like home, and the friendships she helped build would remain central to our lives.
Susan was a beautiful, kind, and thoughtful soul. Her genuine warmth, sincerity and grace drew people to her, and her strength of character and Irish charm kept them close. While our hearts ache with a loss which came much too soon, we will be forever grateful for being blessed with our loving, elegant and vibrant Wife, Mom, Grammy, Sister, Aunt and Friend. We honor her by loving each other, carrying on family traditions, and living each day to the fullest; we are comforted knowing that she will for evermore walk at our side.
Susan leaves behind her beloved husband and forever partner Chris; her daughter Allison Rider (Todd); her son Todd Marker (Karissa); her adored grandchildren Anna and Petra Rider and Colton and Amelia Marker; and her two brothers, Bill Kelley and Tom Kelley and their families. She was greeted in Heaven by her loving parents Ron and Betty, in-laws Darrell and Anne Marker and brother-in-law Peter Marker.
At Susan's request, we will be celebrating her life in a private family ceremony. In her memory, find something to appreciate each day, and tell those you love what they mean to you. For those who have asked, memorial gifts can be made to the R.L. Kelley Excellence in Education Scholarship at Washington State University (PO Box 641925, Pullman 99164) in recognition of our family's 90-year Coug legacy.
BUSHMAN, Linda Sand (1941-2021)
Linda Sand Bushman, a beloved and beautiful mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandma, aunt, and great grandma led a full life until she died on November 1, 2021, in Woodbridge, VA.
Linda was born on April 15, 1941, in Seattle, Washington, to loving parents Albert Lawrence and Florence Winifred Sand. She had two sisters; Sandra Bieloh (husband Bill) and Shelley Sand (deceased); four children, Belinda Forrest (husband Nick), Robert W. Bushman, Jr., Amy Powell (husband Rick) and Bradley Sand Bushman (deceased); Seven grandchildren, Robert III, Ashley, Kennedy, Parker, Jake, Amanda, and Delaney; and two great grandchildren, Leni, and Liam.
The love of her life was her husband, Robert William Bushman, Sr., who loved her back with all his heart. They have been “dating” since 1955 in Seattle and just celebrated 60 years of marriage on March 25th.
Linda and her family moved 20 times during her marriage, and she picked up many friends along the way with whom she was still in contact. They finally settled in Northern Virginia, where they have lived since 2001.
Linda was the quintessential mother and wife. Love was the essence of her life. She had an amazing capacity for being compassionate, kind, loyal, stylish, and giving. She did not just do good, she was good. She made a point to be friendly to every person she crossed. She loved her neighbors very much. She glowed, and always looked put together with her classy clothes, jewelry, and makeup. She was a loving and devoted participant in two groups that were extremely close to her heart: Surviving after Suicide and Parents of Suicide Loss.
To say she loved her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren would be a huge understatement. She said she knew she wanted to have kids when she was five years old. They were her life in a beautiful way, and she was very proud of them. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them and they all loved her back immensely. The same could be said about her amazing friends, she collected people over the years who had many of her best qualities
.God Bless Linda
FEDER, DAVID S. (1947-2021)After earning his MBA from American University in Washington D.C., David began his career at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Over the span of his career, he held executive positions at several other preeminent luxury properties, including The St. Francis San Francisco, Princess Hotels International, Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort, The Breakers Palm Beach, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, PGA Resort & Spa, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Spa. He spent 17 years at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, ultimately serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the publicly traded parent company, Boca Resorts, Inc. Most recently, David was tapped to oversee the revisioning of Trump National Doral where he led the transformation of the 800-acre resort and navigated it through the challenges presented by Covid-19. (read full obituary here)
COATES, GEORGE R. (1949-2021)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George R. Coates, 72, on July 31, 2021. George was born in Alameda, California on Oct. 1, 1948. He moved from California to live in Hawai‘i, where he met his wife and raised their two children.They lived in Hawai‘i for over 40 years until they moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2011. George loved the outdoors, especially bird hunting with his two German shorthaired dogs. He enjoyed working on projects around the house and was proud to have built several homes in his lifetime.
He was preceded in death by his father Wayne B. Coates and his mother Clara A. Schveiger. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Joanne Farias Coates, two sons, Jeremiah K. Coates and Joshua K. Coates, two grandchildren, Danielle Coates and Jeremiah K. Coates Jr. Other family members include a brother Gene (Vicki) Coates, two sisters, Joyce Moulden and Jeanette (Steven) Shade, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
TREVINO, MARIA ( 2021)
Maria G. Trevino, of Houston, passed away on August 31, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents Ninfa Lopez and Juan W. Lopez. Left to cherish her memory are her children Bernadette Trevino, Gabriella Trevino Martinez; grandchildren Cecilia Trevino Beas, Sophia Guerra, Javier Guerra. Gabriel Martinez; great-grandchildren Mia Beas, Aria Beas, Elias Beas; siblings Angela Brand, Susana Carcini, Maria E. Lopez, Adolfo Salinas, Mary Alice Garza.
A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with a rosary at 7:00pm, on Friday, September 10th at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am, at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX 77379, on Saturday, September 11th.
Maria will be laid to rest at a private ceremony, at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Trevino family.
McCAULEY, ROBERT "Bob" (1936-2021)
Bob joined Western International Hotels in 1962 at the Georgia in Vancouver, B.C. In 1969 he was named general manager of the Imperial Inn on Vancouver Island. Three years later he returned to Vancouver and the Georgia as general manager. The following year, 1973, he moved east to open the Edmonton Plaza as general manager and in 1975 he moved further east to become general manager of Hotel Toronto. In 1988 he was appointed area vice president for Canada, Norway and South Africa. Two years later he was appointed managing director of the Harbour Castle in Toronto.
A funeral Mass for will be conducted On Thursday August 5th at the Church of the Annunciation in Edmonton (9420 163rd street N.W.).
Rivera , Jose Antonio "Pepe" (1953-2021)
Born in Mexico City on January 5, 1953, he was the son of Judith CampoGuevara and Luis Rivera Piedrabuena. He had 4 siblings: Luis, Eduardo,Judith and Miguel and 6 nephews: Francine, Danielle, Natalia, Luis José,Fernanda and Amanda. He married Elisa Murrieta, and the large family wasintegrated into his walk through life, made up of countless friends whoalways loved and recognized him.He attended Elementary and High school at Simon Bolivar and La SalleInstitutions in Mexico City, continuing his studies in England, France andSwitzerland.In 1975 he completed his hotel studies at the Hotel School Glion inSwitzerland, where he received the title Hôtelier Diplomé. He did hiscooking internships at the Hotel Des Berges in Geneva, Switzerland andadministration at the Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, France.Upon his return from Switzerland, he joined the Le Château and Klosterrestaurants, and later Camino Real Hotels, starting as an OperationsAnalyst and ending 16 years later as Director of Operations for the entirechain. During his years with Camino Real hotels, we can follow his passagethrough the hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Alameda in Mexico City, Las Brisas,Ixtapa and Cancun.In 1993 he took over the General Management of Grupo TurísticoEscorpión, owner of the Ritz Carlton Cancun Hotel, Holiday Inn ExpressCancun, La Jolla de Mismaloya in Vallarta and Malibu in Acapulco.He was President of the Hotel Association in destinations such as IxtapaZihuatanejo and Cancun. He was also Vice President of the Association ofHotel Chains, making enormous contributions to the Tourism sector of ourcountry.In 1999, he rejoined the Camino Real Hotels as Managing Director of theHotel Camino Real Mexico in Polanco.In 2002, he was in charge of the challenging opening of the ExhibitionCentro citianamex as Managing Director and later he collaborated as GeneralCoordinator of Grupo Autofin, in the creation of the huge Mundo Imperialproject in Acapulco.In 2004, he accepted a proposal to work with Alejandro Zozaya, to collaborate with the recently founded Grupo Hotelero AMResorts, as VicePresident of Development and New Projects, and Vice President of Expansion,being part of the hotel group for 14 years.He was Founder and Honorary President for Life of the European HotelSchool Alumni Association, as well as Bailli Honoraire and Comandeur de laChâine de Rotisseurs. He obtained several recognitions throughout hiscareer, such as La Llave del Progreso in 2013 in the category of Hotelier ofthe Year in by the National Tourism Purveyors Association and a finalist forMKG Group Worldwide Award with the Lifetime Worldwide Award Achievement"Iconic Employee 2014" in Paris, France.From 2018 until May 2021, he dedicated his time and passion to be anIndependent Consultant through his firm Grupo RiveraAuthor: Francine de Rungs, Niece
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2020
MELTON, JR. KENNETH F. (1933-2020)
Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Frank Melton Jr. (US Army Retired), 87 years of age, of Stone Mountain Georgia, passed away in his home surrounded by the immense love of his family on 29 December 2020.
He was born in Columbia South Carolina on 27 December 1933, eventually graduating from Columbus High School in Columbus Georgia. Over the next twenty five years he chose to serve his country; first as a submariner aboard the USS Requin in the US Navy which he followed with a twenty one year career as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army. He then chose, for the sake of those he loved, to retire and pursue a civilian career in Personnel Management. During those years he dedicated to his family, he was active in his church and denomination eventually being recognized as Elder Emeritus in the Presbyterian Church in America. During his military career he served two tours in Vietnam- one with the 11th Armored Cavalry (Blackhorse) and a second with Military Assistance Command Vietnam- Studies and Observations Group. He also served as a military advisor during the Ethiopian Revolution. His decorations include two Bronze Stars with Valor Device, The Legion of Merit and The Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Marilyn, three children: Lisa Cadora (Matthew), Linda Williams and Kenneth F Melton III (Holly), six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
This obituary is not meant as an announcement of mourning but as a celebration of a life well lived and the God that led it.
We Love You Pops…
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to either The 11th Armored Cavalry Blackhorse Association of The Wounded Warrior Project.
KOEHLER, Adi ( 1937-2020)Hawai’i’s ‘Mr. Mauna Kea’ Adi Kohler Dies at 83
Adi Kohler, often called “Mr. Mauna Kea” for serving as the highly regarded, long time General Manager and Executive Director of the world famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast of Hawai‘i Island, died at the age of 83 from natural causes at Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2020. Kohler had struggled with health issues for several years.For nearly three decades, Kohler welcomed generations of visitors from around the world to what was originally Laurance S. Rockefeller’s premiere Hawai‘i resort, and in the process he became one of Hawai’i‘s leading ambassadors of aloha. Among his many awards was being honored as America’s Resort Executive of the Year by the American Hotel & Motel Association in 1988 – a tribute he credited as much to his employees as to his own hard work.Kohler was born Dec. 20, 1936 in the Sudetenland (now a region of Czechoslovakia). In 1945, the family was forcibly relocated into rural Bavaria, where they opened their first restaurant. In 1953, Kohler enrolled in hotel school in Munich, and then became a front desk clerk at Frankfurter Hof, still one of the best hotels in Germany. In 1957, he was employed by a fashionable spa resort, where he met future wife, Kathrin Gutt.With aspirations of becoming a general manager, he worked for first class hotels in Munich and Paris, then relocated to the United States in 1963, first to Arizona, then Wyoming. He met Laurance S. Rockefeller at Jackson Lake Lodge in 1969, and worked for Rockefeller’s properties Caneel Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cerromar and Dorado Beach Hotel in Puerto Rico, before coming to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in 1973. Kohler remained at the helm until 2000, and is remembered best as her beloved general manager.Upon retirement, he authored an autobiography, titled “Mr. Mauna Kea,” a nickname that stuck with him for the rest of his life. The popular book shared memorable stories of his years hosting world leaders, entertainment and sports superstars, captains of business, renouned journalists, authors, artists and ordinary people who loved the resort’s beauty, serenity, understated elegance and the employees’ aloha and attention to detail.Kohler was active in supporting and nurturing all aspects of the hospitality industry, and served as Bailli (president) of the island’s gourmet society Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, and in 2015 received a special Bailliage of USA award. He was also a member of the elite western riding club, Rancheros Visitadores. He was consistently involved in Hawai‘i Island business and community organizations including the Rotary Club of North Hawai‘i and served on the Board of Directors for Parker School. After retiring from the resort, he became a dedicated volunteer for Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital.Kohler is survived by wife Kathrin “Chacha” Kohler, son Christian Kohler, daughter-in-law Kristin Kohler, grandchildren Elyse and Alexander “Adi” Kohler of Lincoln, Nebraska, son-in-law Robert Johnson, and grandchildren Alicia and Ryan Johnson of Honolulu. Beloved daughter Ulrike “Bieni” Kohler Johnson passed in 2009.A family memorial is planned, with a celebration of life to be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Bieni Kohler Johnson Memorial Fund, c/o Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road, Kamuela, HI 96743 (808-885-7321).
HEREDIA, Alejandro ( 1943-2020)
Renown chef and alum, Alejandro Heredia has died at the age of 77.
He was an icon of Mexican gastronomy and seedbed of the new generations that today oversee great restaurants. With five decades behind the stove, where the last 20 years he was in charge of the Hacienda Los Morales , in Polanco, is a great example that to be a chef requires perseverance and discipline as Alejandro began his hospitality career as a dishwasher at the Hotel Presidente In Mexico City.
An opportunity then beckoned at the Camino Real, where, for twenty years, he rubbed shoulders with international chefs from all over the world.
He later moved on to the Hacienda Los Morales located in the exclusive Polanco area of Mexico City. Under his direction the restaurant garnered numerous accolades by guests, hospitality journalists, his fellow culinarians, and was the first Mexican chef to be recognized by the French Culinary Academy.
GULLAKSEN, Bjorn ( 1944-2020)
Memorial service for Bjorn Gullaksen will be held on October 22nd at Ullern Church Holgerslystveien 22, 0280 Oslo, Norway at 10:00 am.
DUNFORD, James B. "Jim" ( 1944-2020)
We are very sad not to be able to gather in person due to the ongoing pandemic. But we have created this memorial site as a place to come together and celebrate our beloved father and grandfather, James B. (Jim) Dunford, who was born on October 10, 1944 and passed away unexpectedly from pancreatic cancer on October 3, 2020. He will be in our hearts forever. Please take a look at the Gallery tab for photos from Dad's life and share a memory or a photo of your own under the Stories tab above. We look forward to hearing from you!
With love,
Lisa & Billy Dickman; Kate, Brett, Abby & Bryn ShowalterPlease go to...[https://www.forevermissed.com/jim-dunford/about]
Hall, William Ames (Bill): ( 1949-2020)
William Ames "Bill" Hall Folly Beach - A successful entrepreneur who breathed life into mountain-sized ideas. A visionary leader who until recently had a flip phone. And a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. All of this and more describes William Ames "Bill" Hall, Founder of Hall Management Group and its signature Halls Chophouse restaurants located throughout South Carolina. But the east coast is not where this hospitality legend got his start. Born November 2, 1946 in Seattle, Washington and raised in Sausalito, California, Bill Hall began his hospitality career on the west coast, as a teenager working in both a restaurant and in the family grocery store. His resilience training came early. Bill's father fired him after Bill terminated the butcher who had been there for 25 years. But if you know Bill, that tough call was likely the right move. Bill's determination was only matched by his deep love for his family and his affection for serving people well. From Napa Valley to Vail, from Pebble Beach to Palmetto Dunes, Bill Hall ran some of the most luxurious resorts in the United States. Along the way, he always invested his time and money in the community, frequently going above and beyond the call for help. If we tried to list all of the charities blessed by Bill Hall and his family, we'd likely fill the page and more. He served on some of South Carolina's most prestigious boards including the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and Patriots Point Development Authority where Governor Henry McMaster recently appointed Bill as Chairman. But he never sought the limelight. He put others above self and that graceful humility cultivated relationships beyond count. In 2008, Bill, his wife, Jeanne, and sons, Tommy and Billy, founded Hall Management Group in Charleston and opened their first steakhouse. In 2009, they cut the ribbon on the iconic Halls Chophouse Charleston. ess of fame or fortune. Family members are grateful for the outpouring of . Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeanne Lamond Hall and the loving Lamond family, son, Billy Hall, daughter, Stacey Gibson, son, Tommy Hall (Catherine) and grandsons, Redford Gibson, Ryland Hall and a Hall granddaughter on the way. Cousin, Barbara Bradeson and her husband Brian of Huntington Beach, California have meant so much to us over the years. A celebration of life will be held in the future when we can all be together safely. In lieu of flowers, please join us in supporting two charities near and dear to Bill's heart: MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children Hospital , MUSC Children's Hospital Fund, 59 Bee Street, MSC Code: 201, Charleston, SC 29425 and The Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, Bill Hall Culinary Entrepreneurship Endowed Scholarship, TTC Foundation , PO Box 61227, Charleston, SC, 29419-1227. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston
MASSAGLI, DON: ( -2020)
HAYDEN, John David: ( -2020)
O'Connell, Patrick James "Jim": (1945-2020)
Patrick James ‘Jim’ O’Connell, 74, of Hutchinson, died February 9, 2020, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. He was born April 4, 1945, in Peoria, IL, the son of Larry and Mary (Mooney) O’Connell.After attending school in Chanute, Jim graduated from Topeka Hayden High School in 1963. In 1967, Jim graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA degree in Sociology and Chemistry and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Immediately following graduation, he served for 2 years in the Peace Corps in Morocco and Micronesia as a medic and logistician.
Jim worked in marketing and sales management for Westin and Fairmont Hotels at some of the most famous hotels in the world, including the Mayflower in Washington D.C., the Fairmont in San Francisco, the Roosevelt in New Orleans, and the Westin Ilikai in Honolulu. In 1991, Jim retired from the hotel industry as Director of Sales, Weston Resorts Hawaii responsible for the Westin Kauai at Kauai Lagoons, the Westin Maui, and the Westin Mauna Kea.
Following a 3-year stint as Regional Sales Manager for NJA Publishing in San Diego, Jim returned in 1993 to Hutchinson to care for his ailing father. After the passing of his father, Jim made Hutchinson his home, where he was a member of the Church of the Holy Cross, Knights of Columbus Council #612, and the Hutchinson Bridge Club.
Jim’s passion for bridge began when he was asked by his parents to fill-in when they needed a fourth at a table at neighborhood gatherings. Because his work in the hotel industry took him all over the globe, he made lifelong friends in the bridge world playing in international tournaments. At home, he mentored beginning players and was always willing to help any that asked. An apt student of the game, Jim achieved the American Contract Bridge League rank of Gold Life Master in 2002 and was approaching Diamond Life Master status at the time of his death.
Jim is survived by: brother, Mike O’Connell and partner, Sharon Puddington of Olathe; nephew, Michael O’Connell of Kansas City, MO; nieces, Jessica O’Connell O’Neil and her husband, Dan O’Neil of Cottonwood, AZ, and Mary O’Connell of Overland Park.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place. Parish rosary will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd., with Fathers Ned Blick and Michael Kerschen officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 28, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Cause for Paws, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
O'HEARN, JOHN FORSEE (1952-2020)
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Forsee O'Hearn (Frisco, Texas), who passed away on June 10, 2020, at the age of 67, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John Forsee O'Hearn to pay them a last tribute. You may also light a candle in honor of John Forsee O'Hearn.He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, Edward O'Hearn and Mildred O'Hearn. [everhere.com/us/obituaries/tx/frisco/john-forsee-ohearn-10987620
BLYTH, THOMAS PETER ( 1941-2020)
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