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16 December 1918 – 2 October 1992
18 May 1919 – 13 September 2010
26 January 1919 – 9 April 1992
BRASS, CHARLES FREDERICK — Dr. Fred Brass died on Monday May 20, 2002 at Scripps Oceanview Convalescent Hospital, in Encinitas. He succumbed to a variety of complications that were mostly the result of his having loved life and living it to the fullest.
Fred was born December 5, 1920, in Calexico, California, (“-1/2 a mile from Mexico” as he always said) because his mother was visiting her sister in the Imperial Valley for a family funeral. His father, Charles G. Brass and mother Dorothy “Dolly” Hindle Brass had lived in Del Mar since 1914. His younger siblings survive him, James E. Brass of San Marcos, Ca., and Elizabeth Dewar Brass Johnson of Pacific Palisades, Ca. The family moved about the county but mostly lived in Encinitas. While they could not boast of a lot of money, their life was rich in love, music and learning. His father was a highly skilled carpenter, cabinetmaker and homebuilder as well as a talented musician who passed on his skills to all of his children. He often played his violin and saw for the “Encinitas Ranch Hands” on Saturday nights in the meeting hall in Olivenhain. Fred’s mother, an educated woman who graduated from Stanford, was an English and Math teacher who always saw Fred’s maximum potential and pushed him to higher achievements. He attended Oceanside High School and was in the first graduating class (1937) San Dieguito High School with his life long friends, Robert E. “Bob” Grice of Olivenhain, Ca., and Herschell G. Larrick Jr. of Borrego Springs, Ca. Graduating at the tender age of 16, he went on to San Diego State, then UC Berkley for his undergraduate studies before attending USC Medical School. He applied his construction skills working to build “Liberty Ships” in Richmond during the war to work his way through college and medical school. His mother sent checks that would bounce and he often told of the story of eating so many carrots he turned orange (because carrots were cheap). His Mother’s saying: “Find a path or make one” certainly became his life’s motto.
He returned to his home, North San Diego County, to start a medical practice in Solana Beach in 1948. The practice grew as Fred used his God given talents as one of the best diagnosticians in the country. He had a deep sense of compassion and an ability to empathize with people from all walks of life. He delivered approximately 5, 778 babies, many in his office. Who knows how many bear his name because his patients loved him so. His fame as a great doctor and the attraction of Hollywood stars to Del Mar and its racetrack earned him the title “Doctor of the Stars”. He took care of many actors such as Victor Mature, Robert Young, Jimmy Durante and Desi Arnaz. He was credited with saving Desi’s life when Desi became deathly ill while fishing in Baja.
Fred jumped in a small plane with a Baja bush pilot and made a heroic landing so he could administer his unique brand of medicine with his “get it done” attitude. When asked what type of medicine he practiced he’d say his specialty was “the skin and its content.”
Through all his fame and success, Fred Brass never forgot his roots nor did he ever lose his love for the people who called him their “Doctor”. His love of people was only exceeded by his zeal for living life to the fullest. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He often would launch a boat or set duck decoys to get in a little fishing or hunting before work. If he wasn’t practicing medicine, hunting or fishing, you could usually find him building something at his home “Casa Brass” on top of the hill in Solana Beach, or working to improve the many properties he owned in town.
Fred was well known for his passion for driving fast and having flashy cars, but the women of his life were just as sporty and more beautiful. His son, Douglas C. Brass of Willits, Ca., was born to his first wife, Amy. But the real love of his life came along later when he married Barbara in 1961. She came with two daughters Katie K. Brass of Cody, Wyo., and Louise H. Abbott of Solana Beach, Ca., and a son Paul D. Hoffman of Washington, D.C. Fred took them in and reared them as his own. He provided the kind of love, guidance, wisdom, support, encouragement and inspiration that few fathers can boast. All of his children and grandchildren will always love him and be grateful for having him in their lives.
Fred Brass was a North San Diego County mover and shaker. He helped initiate dozens of projects that made this area what it is today. He was instrumental in initiating programs to help the area such as bringing paramedics to North County. He was pro-developer, but his brand of development had plenty of opportunity for all the people of the area. He worked tirelessly for many improvements to the area, like moving Interstate 5 further inland instead of on top of Highway 101 a it was originally planned. He gave generously of this time, his money, his love and himself as anyone who knew will attest. When he wasn’t speeding to the hospital at lunch and before dinner, he was chairing Fire Dept. meetings, Kiwanis meetings and Chamber of Commerce meetings. He lived a long and fruitful life in part because of the hundreds who prayed for him daily. Now he has gone to a far better place — to be in Heaven with his soul mate Barbara. Solana Beach and the North County of San Diego have lost an icon. A chapter in this town’s history is now over, but his remaining family hopes the memory of Dr. C.F. “Fred” Brass will live in the hearts of his many, many friends as it will for them.
Private services have been held at St. Peters, Del Mar. The family would like to invite persons interested to a Memorial Service commemorating his life. The celebration of his full life will be held at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club on Friday, May 24 from 1-3 p.m. Please, no flowers. Feel free to donate in his name to the charity of your choice.
–May 23, 2002, San Diego Union-Tribune
17 November 1918 – 15 June 2007
13 July 1919 – 20 January 1977
22 May 1918 – 22 January 1999
Was killed in an accident before graduation
19 May 1919 –12 January 2011
Gerald Donald Cullison 05/19/1919 ~ 01/12/2011 CARDIFF —
Gerald Donald Cullison was born May 19,1919 in Garber, Oklahoma, and moved to California at the age of seven. He grew up in Cardiff, California, with his father and was in the first graduating class of San Dieguito High School in 1937.
He served our country in World War II, enlisting in the Army in 1944. After an honorable discharge, he decided to work for the County of San Diego where he stayed for 30 years, retiring in 1978 as Superintendent of Parks and Recreation.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Shirley June Cullison; and five children, Gaila Cullison Rasmussen, Shelia Cullison Howard, Terry Brown Frost, Gerry Brown, and Gerald Donald Cullison, II. Funeral Service: Viewing at 9 a.m. Service at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 20, Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, Oceanside. We love and miss you, Dad.
22 August 1919 – 7 September 2007
30 July 1919 – 28 February 2000
10 August 1918 – 9 September 1989
Bob Grice, 87
ENCINITAS – Bob Grice, 87, died Friday, March 30, 2007.
He was born Jan. 17, 1920, on the family homestead which is now part of the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. He operated the first car wash in Encinitas, worked at Encinitas Pharmacy and Ted Wright’s Ideal Market. He graduated from San Dieguito High School in the first class of 1937. He attended San Diego State College and worked at the Del Mar Turf Club.
He served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was the owner of the Grice, Lund and Tarkington accounting office in Encinitas, Escondido and Carlsbad. He served on the boards of the Society of California Accountants, San Dieguito Union High School, the California State Board of Accountancy, the San Dieguito National Bank, Forest Home Christian Conference Center, Scripps Memorial Hospital Advisory Board and the San Dieguito Heritage Museum.
He was the grand marshal of the Encinitas Christmas Parade in 2006.
Mr. Grice is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jan Grice; daughters Darlene Sottile and Barbara Grice; sons and daughters-in-law Richard and Carolyn Grice, Bruce and Rhonda Grice and Rob and Cathy Grice; sister Bettie Wolfe; nine granddaughters; and nine great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. in Carlsbad.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Young Life, 845 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024, or San Dieguito Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 230851, Encinitas, CA 92023.
27 August 1920 – 26 May 2005
Butler, nee Hewes, a lifelong resident of San Diego County, passed away on May 26. Born August 27, 1920, Kay grew up in Olivenhain and attended its historic one-room schoolhouse. At 15, she began singing with Frank Brandt’s band at the Mission Beach Ballroom. Her melodic alto soon became a local sensation on the radio, and with the big bands of Paul Pound in North County and Buddy Rogers in Los Angeles. With her first husband, trombone player Walt Simpson, she had Linda Kay in 1942. In 1948 she married Robert N. Butler, a contractor, and in 1955 had Simone (Susan). Kay was a beloved member of the Mission Hills United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir from 1948 until her throat became paralyzed by ALS in 2002. As secretary to five principals at San Diego High School, she was a “second mom” to many, and it was often said that she ran the school. Kay held her family together with unconditional acceptance and love. Her gentle, grace-filled presence was a blessing to all she knew. She is survived by husband Robert Butler, daughters Linda Kruse and Simone Butler, sister Betty Sturdevan, granddaughters Donna Frye, Launa Adair and Debra Madison, and great-grandchildren Brianna and Vince Adair, and Jacqueline and Brent Madison. Services will be held Sunday, June 12 at 12 p.m. at the Mission Hills United Methodist Church at Ft. Stockton and Lark. Donations in her honor to the San Diego Hospice, which provided such a nurturing passage for her, would be appreciated.
—May 29, 2005, San Diego Union-Tribune, ?Page: J-6
29 November 1998
February 11, 1919 – July 24, 2007
Funeral Service: private family service is planned in St. George, Utah…
Mrs. Thurman was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Frank Thurman, in 2001. She is survived by her sons William Thurman (Carole) and Alex Thurman (Yolanda); sister Betty Brass (James); five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was in the first graduating class of San Dieguito High School and a graduate of Kelsey-Jenny Business College.
She was a member of Eastern Star. She worked as a school secretary at Mayfair High School in Lakewood and Castle Park High School in Chula Vista. Her hobbies included ceramics and reading.
Herschell Larrick: Decorated pilot ran family’s lumberyard
Herschell Larrick might have been pushing his luck when he kept volunteering for combat missions as a World War II fighter pilot.
After completing the normal quota of 25 assignments, he took on another 25. Then more after that. On his 59th assignment, flying air support for Gen. George S. Patton’s 3rd Army in France, the future Air Force major was shot down and crash-landed.
Anti-aircraft fire blew a wing off his P-47, and shrapnel bloodied his face.
“He couldn’t see out of his goggles,” said his brother, Charles.
The wounds, which occurred not long after a D-Day mission, marked the end of Maj. Larrick’s World War II combat. But he had already been awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts and an Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Maj. Larrick joined his family’s retail lumber business in Solana Beach after World War II, only to be recalled to active duty during the Korean War, where he flew 70 ground-support missions.
He died of cancer Feb. 19 at his home in Borrego Springs, his family said. He was 85.
When he joined the Army Air Forces in November 1941, Maj. Larrick was so anxious to fly that was afraid to complain about the two right shoes he was issued in flight training.
“He didn’t want to miss any training,” his brother said. “So he wore two right shoes until they gave him one for his left foot.”
One of Maj. Larrick’s first missions was aborted when his bomb-laden plane plowed an oversized furrow in a farmer’s field. Based in England, he was on a mission leaving England and was to cross the English Channel but barely made it past the runway before the engine failed.
“He was slightly injured,” his brother said. “After a couple of weeks in the hospital, he returned to action just in time for D-Day.”
During the June 6, 1944, landing at Normandy, Maj. Larrick flew six hours’ worth of missions.
His total military flight log, including the Korean War and four years in the California Air National Guard, totaled 2,500 hours, including 306 of them in combat.
Maj. Larrick was born Dec. 13, 1920, in San Diego and grew up in the Solana Beach area. In 1937, he was part of in the first graduating class at San Dieguito High School.
The students attended class in tents before the school was completed in January 1938 to the specifications of architect Lilian J. Rice.
Maj. Larrick’s father, pioneering businessman H.G. Larrick, was elected the first president of the San Dieguito Union High School District board.
A pioneering businessman, H.G. Larrick founded the Lumber and Builders Supply Co. in Solana Beach in 1923, and it soon became the largest employer in the community’s business district. Maj. Larrick left Occidental College after two years to join the military.
After World War II duty with the 9th Tactical Air Command, he bought a small private plane, which he kept at the former Del Mar Airport.
Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, Maj. Larrick flew P-51s. He would go on to fly F-86 jet fighters in the Air National Guard, spending his weekends at an Ontario base until 1958 while tending to the family business Monday through Friday.
When his father died in 1963, Maj. Larrick became president of the lumber company. During the next two decades it would became one of the largest retail lumber suppliers in the county.
By the time Maj. Larrick sold it in 1983, it employed 130 and occupied property along Lomas Santa Fe Drive North that later became the site of the Amtrak train station.
In retirement, he enjoyed visiting Baja resorts — by airplane, vehicle or mule — and indulging his green thumb on his Borrego Springs property.
“Each year his cactus garden was included as part of the flower festival,” his brother said. “It was always an attraction for visitors.”
Survivors include his daughters, Martha Francheteau of Brest, France, Julie Wickliffe of Three Rivers and Susan Gularte of Maui, Hawaii; stepchildren, Alex Long of Encinitas, Susan Piek of San Marcos, Patti Casne of Helena, Mont., Terry Fox of Tyler, Texas; sister, Martha Kalivas of Three Rivers; brother, Charles Larrick of Rancho Bernardo; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
No services were scheduled. Cremation was planned. Donations are suggested to the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, P.O. Box 310, Borrego Springs, CA 92004.
—by Jack Williams, San Diego Union-Tribune, published February 26, 2006
1 July 1920 – 17 November 1985
30 May 1919 – 31 May 1995
21 April 1920 – 22 February 2000
9 August 1919 – 26 November 1997
May 20, 2003
24 Jun 1919 – 23 Aug 2008
21 Mar 1918 – 30 Jul 1969
9 FEB 1921 – 14 DEC 2005
WILKENS, Sr., GEORGE CRANSTON:
Feb. 9, 1921 to Dec. 14, 2005 Resident of Solana Beach, California since 1925 at the age of four. Attended local schools, University of Redlands, University of California at Davis, graduating from University of California at Berkeley in 1941. After serving four years in the Army Medical Administration Corp and attaining the rank of Captain during World War II, joined the family business, Wilkens Garden Supply, which he and his brother, Robert, operated until their retirement in 1986. He was one of the “old school” in that his word was his bond. Many business matters were cemented by notice of consent and a handshake. George is survived by his wife of 35 years, Violet K. Wilkens; son, George C. Wilkens, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Barbara M. Wilkens; grandson, Travis C. Wilkens; daughter, Joan Hofmann Hockert-Waite; son-in-law, Jeffrey A. Waite; brother, Rob ert M. Wilkens; sister-in-law, Jane S. Wilkens; sister, Virginia Wilkens Smith; brother, Frederic C. Wilkens; sister-in-law, Riva S. Wilkens and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A family observance of George has taken place. The family requests that any memorial gifts be made to the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choosing. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com
–December 28, 2005, San Diego Union-Tribune, ?Page: B-5
4 Aug 1919 – 3 Sep 1996