Robert F. Durben
Robert F. Durben, 93, of Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away on July 30, 2016.
Beloved husband of the late Shirley Hansen Durben, and the late Dorothea Harrington Durben; dear father of Mark (Betty) Durben and Patti (Randy) Smith; dear grandfather of Rachel, Bryan, Chris, Gabriel (Stephanie) and John (Christina); dear great-grandfather of River, Claire and Zaine; dear brother of Marguerite Scholtzen and George Durben. Dear companion of Vivian Cox. Our dear uncle, great uncle, and friend of many.
Contributions to Hospice of the Valley, or Sun Lakes United Methodist Church are appreciated. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6 at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Interment at 1:00 p.m. at Valley of the Sun Cemetery; www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.
Dr. Kenneth Neil Marsh
Dr. Kenneth Neil Marsh passed away peacefully at 10:10 p.m. on July 27, 2016, in San Diego, CA. He had been admitted to Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center on Friday, July 15, having suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.
Ken was born December 27, 1939, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, to John (Jack) Henry and Tessie Winifred Bibby Marsh, who precede him in death, as did his brothers, Robert John and Edward James Marsh.
Ken was a loving husband and father/grandfather, dedicated teacher and mentor, renowned scientist and esteemed colleague, lifelong friend to so many, and brilliant man.
Ken loved to understand how things worked. His early career studies included physical chemistry and related topics in chemical engineering. From his B.Sc. with Honors at the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, he earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of New England in Armidale, NSW, Australia. While doing graduate work, he met his wife, Barbara. They were both doing conductance measurements in the laboratory and were fighting over the thermostat.
From 1966–2016, Ken’s career included teaching/research at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, as Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Director of the Thermodynamics Research Center; University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand; and University of Western Australia. He also served as Editor of the Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data from 1991-2010.
Of equal importance to Ken was his family. From his sabbaticals in the UK and Sweden and New Zealand, to conferences the world over, the family met new people and forged lifelong friendships. Ken’s ability to connect with and care for his neighbors, friends, and colleagues can be seen in the many heartfelt tributes written in his honor. In 2007, Ken experienced great joy when his grandson Dylan was born. The two shared many precious moments, and were especially fond of playing at the beach and eating chocolate cake with raspberries.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Barbara of Sun Lakes, AZ; son, David (Brenda Stanley) of Chandler, AZ; son, Andrew of Chula Vista, CA; daughter, Cathryn Marsh, Ph.D. (Brian Larson) of Superior, CO; grandson, Dylan Larson of Superior, CO; brother, Graham (Bruce) Marsh of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and eight nieces/nephews.
The family has no doubt that his spirit will remain and that he will “take care of them” (one of his favorite things to say) as their guardian angel. Friends and family alike will also honor him often as they toast his memory often with a glass of wine. May he rest in peace.
A small memorial service will be held at the Oakwood Clubhouse in Sun Lakes, AZ on October 9, 2016. To connect with the large community grieving his loss, please visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kennethmarsh2.
Joan M. McMaster
The heart of our family passed away August 9, 2016.
Born in Culver City, CA on May 27, 1930 and a 30 year resident of Sun Lakes, Joan was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, chef, nurturer, warrior and protector extraordinaire!
Survived by her loving husband, Glenn, seven children, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, Joan brought smiles to the faces of those who knew and admired her, while enriching many others’ lives with her humor, kindness, compassion and loving ways.
What an honor and joy to have loved her!
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Alzheimer’s Assn.-Desert Southwest Chapter.
“What a time it was while she was here! How she enriched the lives of those who knew her, and were lucky enough to be part of her family. She brought smiles to the faces of those who merely admired her…”
Barry Mostovoy
Barry Mostovoy died unexpectedly on July 11, 2016 at the age of 80, while in rehab recovering from back surgery. Barry is survived by his wife Sharon; his children, Cathy and Tracy; his brother in-law, Scott; his grandchildren, Amber and Samantha; his great-grandchild, Dominic and his brother, Bob and sister in-law, Linda.
Barry was born on August 11, 1935 to Ann and Joseph Mostovoy. Barry graduated from UCLA in with a degree in Geology and received a Master’s degree in Education and worked as a top Administrative Consultant for LAUSD for over 35 years. Barry and Sharon have called Sun Lakes their home for 22 years.
Barry always listened to people; he was a very caring and compassionate person and had a real passion for serving his community. This translated to serving as president of the Cottonwood-Palo Verde Homeowners Association, president of the Men’s Golf Club and the coordinator of the Ambassadors Committee.
He had a true appreciation for golf and played daily. He enjoyed gardening, was a skilled hand and foot player and loved to adjust his players when playing his fantasy football team, Kermit Killers. It was the simple things around him in life that he never took for granted, commenting daily on how fortunate and thankful he was, reminding family and friends to take their time and be safe. He was a man of strong faith, believing in the power of people. Above all, Barry was absolutely devoted to his wife, whom he adored and loved unconditionally. Sharon and Barry would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this August.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Gilbert William Randall
Gilbert William Randall, 85, of Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away on June 22, 2016.
Gilbert was born on March 25, 1931, in Texarkana, TX, to Gilbert Q. and Myrtle Randall, the eldest of two boys. He grew up in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He began work for the Bell System at the age of 17, his career interrupted by four years of service in the United States Air Force. He married his wife, Dorothy, in Chicago, IL on October 23, 1954, one week after his discharge, and they moved to Dallas, TX. Gilbert graduated from North Texas State University, and returned to work for AT&T, where he retired in 1984 after 36 years of service.
Gilbert is survived by their three children, Linda (Rich) Jackson, Laura (Scott) Harper, and Michael (Kathy) Randall; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Gilbert enjoyed making lists and creating collections. He liked playing bridge and doing crossword puzzles. He refereed and umpired for the local rec department for many years, and was an avid sports fan.
A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church-Chandler at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix) or In Touch Ministries (www.intouch.org); www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.
Bob Spruiell
Bob Spruiell, 70, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away on May 13, 2016, after a long fought battle at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
At the age of 17 Bob enlisted in the US Navy and continued his loyalty and friendship with his fellow seamen throughout his life. After discharge he started his construction career as an iron worker and retired 37 years later as a General Superintendent. He resided in the Granite Falls-Arlington, Washington area. He and his wife Sharon retired in 2003 in Sun Lakes were they enjoyed retirement, travel and the many friendships they made. He served six years on HOA Board in Sun Lakes Two. He leaves to mourn his wife, Sharon; son, Henry Spruiell; step-children, Jody Panko, Vern Hove and Marni Walker; grandchildren and great-granddaughter; mother, Christine; siblings and in-laws along with their families. He was preceded in death by his son, Robbie and daughter, Stephanie.
Always quick to give a smile, joke or tease to all he met, he will be sorely missed. Blessed be his memory. A Celebration of Life will be held in Sun Lakes at a later date.