Harvey Thorpe Boyd
Harvey Thorpe Boyd passed away on March 20, 2017. He had a life well spent.
Harvey was born on his family’s farm in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 3, 1947. In 1960, they moved to California where in 1972 he obtained an MBA in finance from California State University. Once out of college, Harvey’s career flourished. Employers along his career path included such names as Standard Oil of California, Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, Continental Cablevision, Inc., United Cable Television Corporation, Post Newsweek Cable Co. and friend Warren Buffett. From 2005 to 2010, Harvey was President and CEO of Western Broadband of Sun Lakes and Casa Grande, Arizona.
In 2009, Harvey partnered with Western Broadband and Robson Publications to form the Crystal Awards Program for the purpose of recognizing those within the Sun Lakes community who have excelled in volunteer efforts. Harvey was, at one time, President of the Sun Lakes Country Club Board of Directors. He also served as a State Hearing Officer, managed by the Arizona Supreme Court, from 2010 to 2014.
Harvey is survived by his wife Darlene and three children, Leslie (Dan) Hoy, Dr. Laurie (John) Pemberton and Michael (Dianne) Boyd along with his three grandchildren. There will be no services per Harvey’s request.
Charles Ralph Ewan
Sadly, Charles (Chuck) Ralph Ewan, 81, passed away February 25, 2017, in Chandler, surrounded by his family. Chuck was born on December 7, 1935, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He graduated from Ft. Collins High School in 1953, where he played varsity sports. After graduation, he joined the United States Army. While in the Army, he played both baseball and football at Ft. Lee, Virginia. During his Army tenure, he received two invitations: to play football for the Baltimore Colts and baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After the Army, he went back to Ft. Collins and continued his education, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Biological Science.
Chuck received his Master Degree in School Administration. While working, he coached in several high schools in Colorado. Chuck and his family moved to Longmont, Colorado, where he took a position as Principal of Erie High School. Two years later, another door opened for Chuck, and he had his first opportunity to become Superintendent of Schools for Platte Valley REI School District. In 1986, he and his wife moved to Dolores, Colorado, where he took the position of Superintendent. He and his wife divorced and he moved to Florence, Colorado, where he again had the position of Superintendent. Chuck retired at the age of 55 having worked in the Public Schools for 35 years.
Chuck married Lily Poole on December 24, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They moved and built a home in Sun Lakes in 2000. He enjoyed golf and belonged to both IMGA and MOGA. He also belonged to ACBL Duplicate Bridge. Chuck enjoyed family and friends along with his beloved CSU Rams, the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and the Cardinals and Diamondbacks. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Colorado Association of School Education (C.A.S.E.) and American Association of School Ad-ministers (A.A.S.A.).
Chuck is survived by his wife Lily Poole, his brother John Ewan (Vonnie), sons Randy Ewan (Rhonda), Rob Ewan, Rick Ewan (Krissie) of Colorado and daughter Lisa Ault of Nebraska, along with seven grandchildren.
No service is planned. A memorial has been set up at Hospice of the Valley, Dobson House, 1188 N Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224.
Chuck was a great guy, and I will miss him. Think of him kindly.
Barbara Ann Harms
Barbara Ann (Burger) Harms went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 2, 2017. She was born on May 29, 1931, at Hartley, Iowa. A memorial service was held April 5, 2017, at United Methodist Church, Sun Lakes, Arizona. She was baptized at a Lutheran church in Belgrade, Minnesota, and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church, Everly, Iowa, where her grandfather had served as pastor.
Barbara graduated high school in 1949 at Everly, Iowa, and completed her education at Mankato Business College, Mankato, Minnesota, in 1950. She married Jack E. Harms on April 12, 1950, at Hope Lutheran Church, Everly, Iowa. She was a Cub Scout den mother and served on the Lutheran Church board where she also taught Sunday School. She was employed through the years at Arnold Motor Supply, Spencer, Iowa; Harms Implement Co. and Honeybee Company, both of Everly, and managed a gift shop in the Okoboji resort area. She was a member of the Everly Kitchen Band which served and entertained in northwest Iowa for over 25 years. The couple had two children, Douglas Allen Harms born May 22, 1951, deceased January 15, 1992, and Deanne Jeanette (Miller) Harms born September 5, 1954. She had four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Barbara’s parents were Kenneth Henry Burger and Charlotte (Seitzinger) Burger. She had three sisters, Virginia (John) Norman, Margaret Cromer and Marlene Wilharm.
At the time Jack and Barb reached 50 years of age, they adopted a lifestyle that was filled with distance running events, 5k and 10k runs, half and full marathons in which they participated in several states and did many organized bicycle rides, such as RAGBRIA (a ride across Iowa in seven days, in which they participated 13 years). They did the Grand Canyon hike twice and did many mountain hikes on trails surrounding the Phoenix, Arizona, area. Barb won gold medals in the Arizona Senior Olympics in 1999 and 2000. During these years, they were blessed with the arrival of four grandchildren, Bronk Harms (1979), Wes Miller (1980), Justin Miller (1981) and Meagan Harms (1982).
The nine great-grandchildren are Jackson Miller (2009) and Luke Miller (2015) (parents Wes and Abbie Miller), Saylor Miller (2010) and Bellamy Miller (2014) (parents Justin and Aubrie Miller), Henry Harms (2010) and Willa Harms (2012) (parents Bronk and Jessica Harms) and triplets Haley, Caroline and Ella Flajser (2011) (parents Meagan and James Flajser).
For Barb and husband Jack, retirement came in 1994, and they enjoyed wintertime motorhome life while traveling the southern regions of the United States. In 1997, they purchased a winter home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, and continued to maintain a summer home on a lake in Iowa. In 2014, they sold their lake property and opted for full-time Arizona residency.
Joy G. Horowitz
Joy G. Horowitz passed away on April 7, 2017, after a brief catastrophic illness. She is survived by her son Bruce and his wife Deb of California, her son Ron and his wife and daughter Tongmei He and Yuning Jiang of Maryland and her brother Richard Ross and his family in Arizona.
Joy was born, raised and lived in New York City until she and her husband Barry retired and moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona. It took a lot of trips and much discussion to decide to settle here but, in the end, it was the right choice. Joy loved it here. She expressed that love through her art. While she worked in many mediums, her later years were primarily devoted to her Arizona watercolors. In her words, “I am inspired by the beauty of nature, and especially by the mystery and excitement of the desert.” Joy was a member of the Scottsdale Artist League, a juried member of the Arizona Watercolor Association and the Arizona Art Alliance.
Along with her art, Joy loved her friends and neighbors. They were her “Arizona family” and an inexpressible comfort to her. Meal invitations, art class sharing and exploring the area were always welcomed and highlights of her life.
Lamont J. “Monty” Meuwissen
Lamont J. “Monty” Meuwissen, age 89, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, formerly of Edina, Minnesota, passed away on March 20, 2017. Monty is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rosemary, parents Paul and Mae Meuwissen, sisters Shirley Kohls and Suzanne Wathen and brothers Ken, Robert and Thom Meuwissen.
Monty was born on May 1, 1927, in Chaska, Minnesota. He graduated from Guardian Angels Catholic School and served in the Merchant Marines during WWII. He married Rosemary on August 23, 1949, and they moved to Juneau, Alaska, with his sister Shirley. A year later, returning to the Twin Cities, Monty started his career in the trucking industry at General Trucks as a parts picker. He worked his way up through the ranks to be the general sales manager of McGee GMC Trucks. He then co-founded and became president of Allstate Peterbilt Truck group in 1971, which quickly became the top Peterbilt dealership in the nation.
He retired in 1985, spending summers at his lake home on Mille Lacs and wintering in Sun Lakes, Arizona. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Minnetonka, Cottonwood and Palo Verde Country Clubs. You knew Monty’s golf cart by the big Peterbilt emblem on the hood. He recorded nine holes-in-one in his lifetime and consistently shot his age or better in the last 15 years. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, offering advice, telling stories and playing cards.
Lamont is survived by daughter Sharon (Ken) Moen; sons Glenn (Dawn) Meuwissen, John (Sue Stewart) Meuwissen and David (Pamela) Meuwissen; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister Mary Jane (Mike) Mohlin and loving friend Suzie Judge of Oakwood. He is deeply missed by his family and friends. Memorial services were held in March in Edina, Minnesota. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Monty’s name.
Earl F. Nolte
Earl F. Nolte, 89, of Nebraska City, passed away at his home on March 29, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Earl was born on July 27, 1927, to Venon and Sarah (Scott) Nolte in Walton, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Walton High School. He was united in marriage to Mona Beavers on July 30, 1950. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he returned to Nebraska. For 30 years, Earl worked for the Nehawka Farmers’ Cooperative, where he was general manager prior to retirement.
Earl was a devoted husband and father. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, great grandchildren, harvesting fall crops, cheering on the Huskers, playing card games with family and friends and telling great stories. After retirement, Earl could often be found on a golf course in Nebraska or Arizona. In 1993, Earl and Mona began spending the winter months in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where they developed new friendships and participated in many activities. He was always up for an adventure and traveling, especially when a cruise ship was involved.
Earl is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mona, children Cheryl (Ken) Henry of Omaha, Connie Arends of Lincoln and Rick (Renee) Nolte of Nehawka, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 1, 2017, at First Lutheran Church, Avoca, NE. Suggested memorials: First Lutheran Church, Avoca, NE; Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Sun Lakes, AZ; or donor’s choice.
Fran Osborn
Born Anna Frances Baker in St. Francis Arkansas, Fran had four siblings who she enjoyed for many years. She also loved and said goodbye after 16 years to her wonderful little red poodle Ruby last year.
She was married to Max Osborn of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. They met during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne and had many happy adventures both in Cheyenne and in Sun Lakes.
Fran held a B.S. in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois and was an Occupational Therapist in Cheyenne, Wyoming from 1958 to 1968. She then moved into the real estate profession as an appraiser and residential and commercial real estate broker. She was active in many community and civic organizations in Cheyenne. Additionally, she served as the first woman President of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. She had a very successful career until moving to Sun Lakes in 1996 with her husband, Max Osborn, an enthusiastic golfer, who passed in 2002.
She was a talented artist and a popular member of the Sun Lakes Watercolor Club. She loved fly fishing and fishing of any kind. She was a social, active woman who loved life and her family. She volunteered with Neighbors Who Care when she could, and requested their help when she could not. Her daughter Francine lived close by and she was visited often by members of her family in Wyoming, Denver and New York, along with friends all over the country.
Fran passed peacefully of natural causes after a brief illness at the Lund House Hospice of the Valley on January 19, 2017.
She is survived by three children, Francine Osborn of Sun Lakes, Mitchell Osborn and Ray Osborn of Cheyenne, Wyoming, as well as her four grandchildren, Alyxa Lease of Brooklyn, New York and Austin Osborn, Cortney Osborn and Lauren Gibbs of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Fran was an amazing, incredible, beautiful woman, mother and grandmother. She was a feisty and bright light in this world. She loved the warmth and sunshine. She is, and will be missed forever by those who knew her and loved her.
A celebration of her life will be May 7 (her 92nd birthday) at the Cottonwood Saguaro Room at 3:00 p.m. We would like to invite those who knew her and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley or Arizona Poodle Rescue, if desired, in her name.
Robert W. Porter
Robert W. Porter (Bob) passed peacefully at home with his family on April 7, 2017. His voice in song lifted the spirits of everyone who was fortunate enough to hear it.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Terry, Marsha, Beth and Lynn, grandchildren Lorien, Lindsay, Lydia, Taylor, Rachael, Cali, Elizabeth, Aiden and Zach, as well as great-grandchildren Ian, Hayden, Zelda, Nehemiah and Khloe. He has joined his daughter Amy, brother Roger, sisters Lois and Barb and great-granddaughter Carlie in the Kingdom of Heaven.
A memorial service is planned for June 10 at Sun Lakes United Church of Christ at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of his life will be shared in Iowa later this summer. Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Valley and Sun Lakes United Church of Christ.
William Purden
William Purden, 88, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Bill was born June 10, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, the son of the late Peter and Helen (Cuthbertson) Purden. After serving in the Marine Corps, Bill attended Cornell College (1948-1951) where he majored in education and English. He married his hometown sweetheart Mary Jane (Weaver) Purden in 1949, and together they lived their great adventure until her death on May 15, 2011.
Bill began his career as a high school teacher and basketball coach in Iowa, spending two years each at Huron, Winfield and Fort Madison, respectively. Bill returned to his hometown of Harvey, Illinois, in 1956 and began a successful eight-year run at his alma mater, Thornton Township High School, as the Head Basketball Coach. His successful coaching style took his teams to the State Championships four times, and later earned him an invitation to the Illinois Coaches Basketball Hall of Fame. Bill later took his career to the university level and served as the Assistant Basketball Coach for the University of Wyoming (1965-1970) and as the Head Basketball Coach for Valparaiso University (1970-76). Bill retired his coach’s playbook in 1976 and began his administrative career as the Athletic Director at Tinley Park High School in Tinley Park, Illinois (1976-1988). Bill’s passion for coaching touched countless lives and, as such, he was honored many times over the years for his contributions to the sport and to his players.
Bill is survived by his three daughters, Katherine Vialpando of Cheyenne, Debra Purden of New York, New York, and Lori Compton (Doug) of Glen Carbon, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Amy and Sara Vialpando, Claire (Jake Harper), Seth and Grace Molek, and Jennalee, Michael and Matthew Compton. He was preceded in death by his beloved son and grandson, Scott and Bryan Purden; and two sisters, Janet Acklin and Jean Schneider.
Bill was devoted husband, father and teacher. He was a member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, as well as an avid golfer and bridge player. Bill enjoyed retirement in Sun Lakes, Arizona, living his dream of having a golf course right outside his back door, before returning to Wyoming for his final years. Bill will be remembered most for his zest for life, his devotion to his wife and children and his dedication to his coaching career.
Services were held. Condolences to www.wrcfuneral.com.
A Remembrance of Bob Beck
Kenneth R. Nelson
Our relationship was short, but oh so sweet! The Splash chronicled the life of Bob Beck, and I learned more about my tennis buddy that I did not know. I always told Bob I wanted to be like him, and I truly do. I want to get up every morning with a smile on my face and a kind word about everyone I meet as I enjoy my retirement playing tennis and golf and doing what retirees do!
I met Bob two years ago on the tennis courts of Phase 1. He never missed a day of play on Monday mornings, and I was either late or not there. Lesson 1 – Just show up; you never know what will happen.
The third club meeting, Bob called me to his side and asked me if he could give me a nickname. I agreed, but I was somewhat puzzled. He said, “You’re like a ‘cocoon.’” I was taken aback. Being of the Afro-American persuasion, I went silent, and Bob gathered me in, “No, no, no, I’m talking about like the caterpillar waiting to come out of that shell to become a butterfly, you’re gonna surprise yourself as the tennis player you really are!”
I would run all over, 66 years old with a little left in the tank … the veterans would say, “We play Nelson; he’ll chase ‘em all down.”
Dedication, determination and down-right honesty was who Bob was! I mean, this was a man whom I was touched by. My mother and step-dad and uncles did a fairly outstanding job of making me who I am, but Bob Beck enhanced those qualities living as he did!
Growing up in LA, of Mississippi and Louisiana parentage, I learned to love my elders and get all of the knowledge I could from them. Trust me, this is one man who will be missed, emulated, loved and remembered in his passing.
Ninety-plus, it took a lot for him not to come to the tennis courts, but God had a larger plan for him.
I used his name as an anagram of points he told me to live by:
Be kind; it’s so easy!
Order is the message!
Boast not!
Be available to others!
Everybody needs some help!
Care about him! (the other guy)
Kindle a gentle spirit!
Godspeed, Bob, gone but not forgotten!
Thank you, God, for sticking this traveled and well-used saint in my path. He showed me more and more of your love! Bless the Beck/McWilliams family and all who come across his path!