Class of 1967

Source: California Death Index

SINCLAIR HUNT

Sinclair “Sissy” Hunt
(July 16, 1949 – June 1, 2008)

Sinclair “Sissy” Hunt,58, died Sunday morning, June 1, 2008.

Sinclair was born July 16, 1949 to Mary and Albert Frank Hunt in Asheville, NC. She grew up in southern California and moved to New Mexico in 1968. She graduated twice from UNM, first with a B.A. in English with a minor in Spanish Literature and then with a B.S. in Chemistry. She also graduated from NMSU in 1985 with a master’s in education.

She has been with her husband George Pearson since shortly after they met in 1980 in Socorro at the NMIMT/TERA proving grounds where they worked in weapons testing. After moving to Las Cruces for her masters, she purchased the Branigan house on Las Cruces Ave and resided there for 22 years.

She took pride in several of her accomplishments, including her work as an engineer at NASA/Johnson Space Facility controlling the first TDRS satellite, and her work as a chemistry and biology teacher at Loretto Academy.

Sinclair was actively involved in the community and was committed to preserving the character of her neighborhood. She became a realtor specializing in historic structures. She was a member of the Las Cruces Task Force on the Homeless, and the first meeting of what became the Community of Hope was held in her dining room. Appointed by the mayor to the CDBG Advisory Committee, she was responsible for allocating the first funds for the Court Junior High building renovations, which lead to the eventual opening of the Court Youth Center.

She was a loving wife and mother, who had a special place in her heart for the disadvantaged and would open her house to assist.

She is survived by George Pearson, her husband of almost 16 years, her daughter Laura Hunt of Annapolis, MD, her sister Mary “Treasure” Shambra of Santa Barbra, CA, and her cousin Jim Medford of Greensboro, NC. She was preceded in death by her father, her mother, and her stepfather John Settle.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Friday, June 06, 10am at La Paz – Graham’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sinclair’s name to Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, P.O. Box 6875, LC, NM 88006.

—obituary from La Paz-Graham’s Funeral Home

NELSON, Jr., DONALD E. On January 29, 2008, Don Nelson died at his beloved home in Del Mar listening to his music. Born May 10, 1949 in Tucson, Arizona, Donny grew up in Solana Beach and Del Mar and graduated from San Dieguito High School. He was a superb athlete excelling at basketball, baseball and beach volleyball throughout his high school and college years at UC Santa Barbara. A religious studies major, he was respectful of people of all faiths, but related best to the concepts of Buddhism as a way to understand life and how to live it with integrity and in peace. But it was music of all kinds, especially blue grass, acoustic folk music and blues that sustained and lifted him, enriching his life. Playing guitar, fiddle and banjo and singing with friends was what he loved most. He lent his talents to several different bands and groups, performing at local venues and helping his friend, Robin Morning, produce ‘Cobalt Blue,’ a CD of original songs, one of which he wrote. As a hobby he bought, sold and collected musical instruments. Professionally, he started and ran a painting company with his lifelong friend and business partner, Tom Lyman. Known for paying attention to detail and having the ability to solve problems; for being ethical and enjoyable to work with, their business thrived. His employees became like family members, enjoying ‘painters’ day at the races’ on opening day of the Del Mar Race Track and taking turns using the company’s Padres season tickets. They stuck by him, helping him until the very end. Donny’s warm, friendly personality and sincere compassion endeared him to people, and his constant optimism, even during the most trying personal challenges, was an inspiration to all who met him. If there is an adjective that describes him best – other than brave – it would be generous. He loved to help people financially and every other way he could. At age 58, Donny finally succumbed to health problems that had plagued him for years including cancer and myasthenia gravis. He fought magnificently, never indulging in self pity but always looking forward and making the most of his life. Preceded in death by his father Donald E. Nelson, mother Margaret Beirn Nelson and sister Bonnie Kreyling, he is survived by his brother Andrew E. Nelson, sister-in-law Tracy, nephews Drew and Tim and nieces Gray Nelson, Lisa, Carrie and Kathleen Kreyling along with an amazing group of loyal friends. A Celebration of his life is pending.

—San Diego Union-Tribune, published February 17, 2008