If you would like to post an obituary of a San Dieguito alumnus, please let us know.
Jack was born John Anthony Buchans III on August 13, 1949 in Columbus, Ohio to Katherine Marie Schuh and John Anthony Buchans Jr. When he was quite young the family moved to San Diego, CA where he spent his childhood, much of the time at the beach.
He went to San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, and received his AA degree from Palomar Junior College. He created sculptures, some of which remain on campus. He transferred to California Institute of the Arts, where he was awarded his Bachelor of Arts in the emerging field of video art. After college he traveled around the West coast, living in Los Gatos, CA, then later Vancouver, BC, before settling in Seattle, WA around 1975, where his aunt Mary lived.He met Margaret Kitchell in 1979 and they were married in 1980 at PRAG house in Seattle. Daughter Julia was born in 1981 and son Alexander “Sandy” was born in 1983. They lived on Capitol Hill and annually hosted Thanksgiving dinner for extended family for about two decades. Jack and Margaret joined Plymouth Congregational Church in 1991, and Jack was a frequent attendee at the annual Men’s Retreat. He also was involved in The Mankind Project, a men’s group, attending many retreats. He also helped cofound the NW Chapter of Boys to Men, a mentoring project for young men.
In Seattle he was a founding member of High Hopes Productions, creating documentary, training and art videos in the early days of independent media. He was a member of Shelly and the Crustaceans, an antinuclear song and dance group. Highlights for that group were performances at a demonstration against the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant and at Target Seattle in Seattle’s King Dome.
After working at High Hopes, he became a King County Metro transit operator, and retired after 18 years in 2011. He drove many routes all over Seattle and was a familiar face to morning commuters. When Sandy attended Garfield High School, Jack volunteered with the baseball team and various after school programs. One of his favorite roles was the ‘Snack Man,’ handing out food to students.He spent many enjoyable summers working with Modern Enterprises on the Out to Lunch concert series, assisting in sound production. He would also produce sound for a number of other events. Another summer tradition, as Julia and Sandy were growing up, was spent at Rockaway Beach on the Oregon Coast, where he and the family spent many happy days by the ocean.
About ten years ago he discovered Ebbetts Field Flannels, a Seattle-based clothing store specializing in historic replica sports jerseys. His passion for the store was so great, after many years volunteering he was hired on as paid staff. He loved talking to the staff and customers, especially all things baseball. Eventually he amassed a collection of jerseys, jackets, shirts and hats. He often would gift them to friends and family, carefully selecting the appropriate item.Jack had a long-standing passion for American Western art, especially the artist Charles M. Russell. In the 90s, he produced the documentary A Portrait of Charles M. Russell: Preserver of the Old West, which is still in demand. He was an avid collector of books and memorabilia of Russell, Remington, and other Western artists.
In the past ten years he also resumed his artistic creativity with drawings, filling sketchbooks with colorful scenes from his life. Eventually he compiled many of these into the graphic memoir No Cake Walk Thru the Zodiac…This, which he self- published under the pen name of Jak Buchinsky, and is listed on Amazon.
Jack was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005 and spent the next year in a series of treatments. Gertie, a miniature dachshund, joined the family in 2009. When his cancer returned, he lovingly referred to her as his Cancer Support Dog. He was also active in a support group at Gilda’s Club in Seattle.Jack loved traveling to Southern California to soak up the sun and visit his sister Mary Anne, brother-in-law John, nephew Johnny, and Sandy. On one visit in 2011 he found and purchased a 1949 Chevy pickup truck. It was beige so he named it Leche. He trailered it to his other favorite place, the Lopez Island cabin of friends Paul and Judith. Lopez was a special place, where he found peace and serenity even when he was ill. His brother Bill came up for Labor Day this year and they drove the truck around the island. Jack also organized a family gathering around that time, where the extended family spent a stunningly beautiful afternoon on the 4th floor terrace of Jack and Margaret’s condo.
Jack was very loyal to lifelong friends and family. He had an open, warm personality and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He liked to joke around and laugh, created community anywhere he went, and was present with his full heart.
Jack was in hospice for about a month and was able to be at home the whole time. On the morning of September 23rd Julia and Margaret were present when he passed away and Sandy arrived soon after. Jack is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Julia, son Sandy, brother Bill, sister Mary Anne, and his extended family.A memorial service will be held at Plymouth Church, UCC, 1217 Sixth Ave, Seattle, Washington. Memorial gifts can be given in Jack’s name to either: Surfrider Foundation, Seattle Chapter 1752 NW Market St. #713, Seattle, WA 98107 or Boys to Men International, 9587 Tropico Dr., La Mesa, CA 91941.
Jack was cremated and next year Margaret, Julia and Sandy will honor his memory with ceremonies on Lopez Island, WA and Rockaway Beach, OR.
Obituary from www.funeralscoop.com
(January 24 1949 — February 6, 1997)
Source: California Death Index
June 16,1949 -June 10, 2017
FRANKFORT, KY —
Kathleen passed away after a brief illness. She was traveling with her husband of thirty years, Jim. They had been traveling the US the last few years in their RV.
Kathleen was born in Burbank, CA. The family moved to Encinitas in her childhood where she attended Central School and Oak Crest Junior High and graduated from San Dieguito High School.
Kathy worked for many years in banking and then in customer service in the insurance industry.
She was predeceased by her father, Cliff Ehn and her brothers, Michael and Jeffery.
She is survived by her mother, Marianne Davis and her sisters Kimberly Jones, Donna Iiirschfelder, and April Statum, as well as much-loved nieces and nephews and grandchildren who call her “Nana’
There will be a memorial gathering in the future.
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
Alan Douglas Kohal, 64
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law and brother-in-law, Alan Douglas Kohal, 64, of Pinehurst, passed away March 23, 2013, at the Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg. He was born March 19, 1949, in Sandpoint. Alan was the son of Donald Douglas and Lesley “Marleen” (Mooney) Kohal.
Alan attended and graduated from the San Dieguito High School of San Dieguito, Calif., in 1967. He then attended Idaho State University in Pocatello and graduated from this university’s School of Pharmacy in 1974.
Alan served his internship of pharmacy at Dan’s Rexall Drug store in Kellogg, where he met the love of his life, Nicki Holland. Alan and Nicki were married on Aug. 16, 1975, in Kellogg.
Alan had served at various pharmacies; he then owned and operated Kohal Pharmacy in Pinehurst in 1993 and later Kohal Pharmacy in Kellogg in 1995. Alan’s many customers became his friends throughout the years and he always made a point to treat them like family. Because of Alan’s strong work ethic, he was a lifeline to not only his immediate family, but to so many others.
Alan was a member of the Mountain View Congregational Church in Kellogg. He was a very respected businessman and an active supporter of his community. Alan loved and enjoyed the numerous family trips to Disneyland, long weekends at Lake Coeur d’Alene, hunting, fishing, camping and was an avid sports enthusiast; he was a great supporter of local school sports. Alan’s greatest pure joy was his family and seeing his face light up when talking about them, will be forever missed. He was a very loving, giving and compassionate man.
Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Nicki Kohal of the family home in Pinehurst; three children, Tim (Sarah) Kohal of Coeur d’Alene, Matt Kohal of Coeur d’Alene and Angela (Levi) Shoolroy of Athol; seven grandchildren, Jackson, Joseph, Madison and Elliot Jane Kohal, Jacob, Ashlyn and Amber Shoolroy; his mother and stepfather, Lesley “Marleen” and Bill O’Donnell of Sagle; his mother-in-law, Lee Holland of Kellogg; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Bill Booth of Hayden, David and Debbie Holland of Coeur d’Alene, Lisa and Mike Ouimet of Farmington, Conn., Janlyn and Kenny Cleveland of Coeur d’Alene, Amy and Tim Arnhold of Kellogg, and Jill and Paul Berger of Kingston. Alan is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, adopted nieces and nephews, and a dear friend and helper, Ellery Lovell of Kellogg. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Douglas Kohal; his godson, Chad Berger; his father-in-law, Ed Holland and his brother-in-law, Robert Fink.
A Celebration of Alan’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013, at the Mountain View Congregational Church in Kellogg with Rev. David Langer officiating. A reception/luncheon will be held at the church following services.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Mountain View Congregational Church in Kellogg, 525 W. Cameron Ave., Kellogg, ID 83837.
One may sign Alan’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.
Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Victor L. Zeeb’ Minshew October 29, 1949 – September 4, 2016 Alpine
Our gentle giant with a big heart passed peacefully in his recliner. Born in Solana Beach, he was the 10th of 12 kids. He loved country living, fishing, fast cars, a generous margarita, shirts with collars, riveting crime novels, the Chargers, and his HUGE family.
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
Eric Arndt Simonson
September 13, 1948 – March 3, 2013
Eric Arndt Simonson, 64, passed away on March 3, 2013, at his Carlsbad home with his loving son, Jeffery, by his side. Eric was born in La Jolla, Calif. on September 13, 1948 to Holly and Adeline Simonson, joining two older sisters, Lorrie and Cheryl.Eric grew up in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, attended Cardiff Elementary School, Oak Crest Jr. High and San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, and graduated Class of 1967. Eric was drafted into the Army serving from March 27, 1968 to January 19, 1970, serving primarily in the Vietnam War. He was a decorated soldier receiving a Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal. Upon his return from Vietnam, he reunited with his sweetheart, Donna Wagner of Escondido, soon married and son, Jeffery, was born. Eric pursued a career in carpentry and was employed by Solana Lumber Co. in Solana Beach, building trusses. Later, he started his own business, Cardiff Closet Company. Eric was a fun-loving, warm-hearted man whose generous spirit touched many.
He was an avid golfer, inventor, and his love of the ocean and surfing from a young age, lured him to Todos Santos, Baja, California. Eric obtained dual citizenship, purchased a home in Todos Santos, and established Todos Santos Surfboards, shaping and selling surfboards. His inventive imagination of aerial surfing maneuvers spurred his patent of Sector Deck, consisting of a three-part system of decking, booties, and Velcro pads, all specially designed for Simonson by 3M Co. and Velcro USA.
In the early 1990’s Eric’s exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange in Vietnam, had resulted in his kidney function beginning to fail. In September 1994, sister Cheryl Minshew lovingly donated a kidney to her brother. Regaining his health, Eric was excited to continue life to it’s fullest. Still battling the Agent Orange exposure, another kidney transplant was needed, and in January 2005, he received a kidney from his good friend, Chris Ursich. As years progressed, Eric was challenged with additional health issues.
Eric is survived by his loving and devoted son, Jeffery Eric Simonson of Carlsbad, sisters, Lorrie Seiler (Bill) of Encinitas and Cheryl Minshew (John) of Lakeside, nephew, David De La Torre of Encinitas, nieces, Kristen Minshew of Santee and Staci Johnson of Ramona, and seven great nieces and nephews.
Services and final resting place will be held at MiraMar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, Calif. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 12:30 p.m.
A paddle-out at Cardiff/North Pipes Beach will be held in Eric’s honor at a later date.
Mark Alan Wangsness, 64, of Pahoa died Sept. 2. He was born in California. Private services held. Survived by sister, Kim (Paul) Consol of California; numerous nieces. Arrangements by Borthwick Hawaii Funeral Home.
Published 14 September 2013, Hawaii Tribune Herald
Bayfield resident Terry Lynn Youngflesh died of complications of an upper gastrointestinal bleed Monday, July 15, 2013, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango. He was 64.
Mr. Youngflesh was born to Carl and Mary Youngflesh on May 18, 1949, in Akron, Ohio. He spent much of his childhood in San Diego, graduating from San Dieguito High School in 1967.
In the early 1970s, he married Paulette Chini in San Diego. The couple had two children together before the marriage ended in divorce.
After working as a firefighter in Southern California in the 1970s, Mr. Youngflesh went on to start his own business, designing and building houses. He personally built many of the homes he and his family lived in and considered his profession a labor of love, his family said.
On May 12, 1984, he married Penny Fladrich in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
The Youngflesh family moved to Durango in 1993. Mr. and Mrs. Youngflesh moved to Bayfield about six months ago.
An avid cyclist in his younger days, Mr. Youngflesh enjoyed taking long rides up the California coast every summer. In more recent years, he might be found hunting in the Colorado wilderness – connecting with the natural beauty that the Durango area has to offer, his family said.
He volunteered with many organizations throughout the community, including Durango Friends of the Arts, Durango Arts Center’s Arts on Main, St. Columba Parish and Boy Scouts of America Troop 538.
“Family and friends knew him as a kind-hearted individual, always looking for a good laugh,” his family said.
Mr. Youngflesh is survived by his wife of 29 years, Penny Youngflesh of Bayfield; children Casey Youngflesh of Durango, Kristi Noe and Brandon Youngflesh, both of Boise, Idaho, and Taylor Youngflesh of Redondo Beach, Calif.; mother, Mary Youngflesh of San Diego; twin brother, Larry Youngflesh of San Diego; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per his wishes, cremation has occurred, and his cremated remains will be scattered with his father’s on a small river in Montana. A private service will be held at that time.
Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 2962, Durango, CO 81302.
Source: The Durango Herald