In Passing

John A. Arkins, M.D., B.G. USAR

John A. Arkins, M.D., B.G. USAR, 88, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away peacefully July 31 with his wife of 67 years and his daughter at his side.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 13, 1926, he served in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a Pharmacist Mate Third Class. He went on to medical school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, graduating in 1952. After four years of internship and residency, John practiced allergy and immunology. He became a Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette University School of Medicine). He published over 25 research papers and was a Board certified allergist. John served in the Wisconsin National Guard, being called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, and was on the Board of Directors and overseas liaison officer for the Wisconsin Indo-China Refugee Relief Program in Thailand. He made numerous trips to Thailand directing a field hospital. John’s military career spanned 30 years and he retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Brigadier General and from the Medical College of Wisconsin as Professor Emeritus.

He enjoyed over 27 years of retirement in Sun Lakes with golf, travel, poker, volunteer work and many friends.

John is survived by his wife, Carolyn (his high school sweetheart), his daughter, Debra, sons, James and Jeffrey, Jr., granddaughter, Jennifer, grandsons Eric and Jeffrey Jr., great-granddaughters Arden and Daphne and brother, Dr. Robert Arkins of New York City. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Marguerite and Alex Arkins, sister, Abigail and brother, Rowland.

Memorial services were held on Monday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery. Friends were invited to join the family at a reception at Noon at Valley of the Sun in Chandler. Donations to Hospice of the Valley Dobson Home, 1188 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224 or to the charity of your  choice.

Harriette “Penny” Penelope Fox (Smith)

Penny – loving partner, mother, sister, friend passed away on July 20, 2015. Penny was born on April 4, 1944 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jessie Mitchell and Hugh “Hap” Smith and at the age of 12 was blessed with stepfather Eldon E. Taylor.

Penny spent her childhood and early teenage years in the Granger suburb of Salt Lake attending Granger Jr. and Sr. High School until moving to the island of Oahu to live with her sister. She graduated from Waipahu High in 1962. She married in 1962 and welcomed daughter Julie Ann Young in 1963 and Jennifer Ellen Young in 1967.

Penny met the love of her life, Susan Marie Hayward, in 1980 and they have spent the past 35 years celebrating life to the fullest – every day recognizing the joy and adventures life has to offer.

Penny leaves behind so many who love her: life partner Susan Marie Hayward; daughters Julie Ann Young and Jennifer Ellen and their partners Patrick Muder and David Reese; brothers and sisters Bernie House (deceased), Marianne Johnstone, Hiram “Higam” Smith, Elwyn Taylor and Arlyn Taylor; love grandchildren Colton Hoy and Kelly Wertz; nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews; and so many, many chosen “family” and friends.

Penny’s many accomplishments include:

Receiving her Marketing degree from National University – San Diego, California

Co-Owner Fox Hayward Insurances Services in 1984

President of the American Business Women Association “ABWA” – La Jolla/Clairemont, California

Proclaimed “Queen of Clairemont” – California

Speaker of the Year” – San Diego, California

Storyteller – Bear Lake, Idaho leading to “Where in the West is Penny?”

Consultant for the Arizona Priority Care Network – Arizona

Presenter with New Adventures in Learning – Sun Lakes, Arizona

Publicist and member of the Hospitality Board for the Cottonwood Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) – Sun Lakes, Arizona

Graduate of the Comedy School – Tempe, Arizona

“Members Who Care” Social Counsel and the Audio Counsel at the Sun Lakes United Church of Christ

2014 Ambassador Award for Neighbors Who Care – Sun Lakes, Arizona

Penny was the light of any life she touched; here is proof:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2MAEAH31u4 – Penny in Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QNcRKAeQDI – Penny on the Native American flute

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIdkkK4UE38 – Where are my keys?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggNBSgiqcTc – Penny on the drums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjxCFba3tYY – Penny on drums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKn7LkkYkWk – Labyrinth/drum

Please note: If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, Penny prefers we support Neighbors Who Care; phone 480-895-7133’ [email protected].

John Arthur Hansen

John Arthur Hansen, “Jack,” 84, of Wilton, Maine, formerly of Sun Lakes, Arizona, died Monday evening at Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, with his family by his side.

He was born October 30, 1930, in the Bronx, NY, a son of Kai Aage and Eleanor Mary (Cook) Hansen. They moved to Saratoga Springs and later settled in Hudson Falls, NY, where he received his education and was a 1948 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

He was a veteran of the US Navy, having served during the Korean Conflict.

On January 17, 1953, he married the former Jeannine Mary Cashion in Glens Falls, NY. For many years, Jack was a manager in the marketing department of the computer division for General Electric, Honeywell and Machines Bull. He retired in 1988. Together, they enjoyed 22 years of retirement living in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where they had many close friendships, and enjoyed playing both golf and bridge. In 2011, they relocated to Maine to live closer to family.

Jack is survived by his best friend and wife of 62 years, Jeannine, of Wilton; their two children: Richard A. Hansen and his wife, Susan of Union, Maine and Kathleen Falco and her husband, Joseph of Temple, Maine; four grandchildren: Kerrianne Falco and her husband Tim Hooper of Topsham, Maine; Joseph Falco and his wife, Brittany Falco of Limerick, Maine; Emily Bean and her husband, Troy Bean of Vienna, Maine and Steven Falco of Augusta, Maine; three great-grandchildren: Joseph Falco, Abigail Falco and Landen Bean; one niece, Christina Lee of Tempe, Arizona. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ellen Wiley.

At his request, there will be no services, but a random act of kindness in his memory would be in keeping with his spirit, and most appreciated. Remembrance gifts may be given to Neighbors Who Care, 10450 East Riggs Road, No. 113, Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248. Cremation services are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Centers: Cremation Services and Funeral Home, 136 High St., Wilton. Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Nancy Lou Kelton

Nancy Lou Kelton passed away August 7, 2015 at The Villa Hospice Center after a long illness with kidney failure. She was a long-term resident of Sun Lakes and before her illness years ago she was an avid golfer and quite active in the ladies golf club.

She is survived by her husband; Gene, daughter; Debbie McPherson, and grandchildren; Callie, Bevin, Abraham and Ian, all of Seymour, Tennessee.

Services are going to be private and held in Seymour, Tennessee. To leave online condolence messages to the family please visit www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.

Jody Murphy

Jody Murphy, 77, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 27, 2015 in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Mrs. Murphy was born in Bel Air, MD and graduated from Bel Air High School and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1960, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and head cheerleader her junior and senior year for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

Jody then spent a highly successful career as an executive with Boeing in Renton, WA, where she later retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona, during the winter months, and spent the summer in Anderson Island and Seattle, WA. Jody was active in her church and an avid tennis and golf player, an excellent bridge player, and a member of the Red Hats. Jody dedicated her whole life to her faith and family. She loved the Lord our God with all her heart, soul, and all her mind.

Mrs. Murphy was predeceased by her father, Salvatore Guercio, and her much loved and respected brother, Paul Guercio. She is survived by her beloved mother, Regina Haslbeck, her husband Roger Murphy, her sister, Regina Hall, and her two wonderful children, Lori Ann Afflerbach and Arthur Schwerzel, Jr., both of Sammamish, WA. She also had seven grandchildren, Alicia, Michael, Arthur, Nicholas, Brittany, Madison and Jordan, two great-grandsons, Isaiah and Declan, with another great-granddaughter on the way.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Family Church, 11530 E. Queen Creek Road, Chandler, AZ 85286. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Lund Family Hospice Home-Hospice of the Valley, 1982 E. Woodside Ct., Gilbert, AZ 85297.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Edward Martin Rosenzweig

Edward Marlin Rosenzweig was born on February 20, 1941 and died on July 8, 2015. He spent his childhood in a small town outside of Pittsburgh. His father worked at the steel mill and his mother was a teacher. Ed spent a lot of his childhood playing sports and working on cars. In high school, Ed played basketball, football, and baseball. He was the All American boy – intelligent, athletic, handsome, and courageous. He joined the Air Force right after completing his college degree at Penn State University in 1963.

He met his wife, Karen, at Penn State and married her in 1964. They moved to Valdosta, Georgia, where Ed completed his officer’s training.

Eventually, his job in the Air Force led him to teach fighter pilots deploying to Vietnam. Ed eventually worked as a pilot for Continental Airlines for 32 years.

He spent his retirement playing golf and travelling around the country visiting his three sons – Ted, Tim, and Todd – and six grandchildren – Sierra, Luke, Sofia, Oliver, Tyler, and Tristan. Ed’s favorite pastime was to hit golf balls and eat ribs in the Clubhouse at their homes in Chandler, Arizona, and Show Low, Arizona. He and Karen spent much of their time playing in leagues and enjoying each other’s company on the Ironwood Golf Course. Ed and Karen recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise through Alaska with their children and grandchildren.

It is hard to encapsulate the life of Ed Rosenzweig in a short obituary. Really, all that matters is that he truly lived! He played sports passionately as a child, he was studious throughout his educational career, he served his country unselfishly, he worked hard to support his family, he loved his wife, he raised three children, and he found things about which he was passionate. Ed Rosenzweig will be missed by everyone with whom he has come into contact. We will miss his smile, integrity, heart, and wisdom. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sister, Jean; his three sons, and six grandchildren.

Donald Harvey Vachon

Donald Harvey Vachon, of Sun Lakes Arizona, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his family on July 29, 2015 at the age of 84. Don is originally from Michigan and was born to Harvey and Mildred (Kliene) Vachon on February 15, 1931. One of four children, Donald grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, where the family had apple orchards and prized walnut trees. Don could always be found outside; he would play hockey on the pond next to his home in the winter and baseball all summer.

Don graduated from Bloomfield Hill High School and went on to work for the Birmingham Public Schools for 12 years in the purchasing department. Later, he owned and operated a small drive-thru grocery store, Richardson’s, in Clarkston, MI, and also worked for the Oakland Press newspaper in the circulation department for over 10 years.

More important than his career or even sports, is the life he led with his family. He met his beautiful wife, Patricia (Irvine), early in life and was married on July 23, 1952. Together they had four children, Donald Jr., Debra, Diane, and Douglas. While the kids grew up he shared his love for sports with them and coached them and many others in softball, baseball, and hockey. Despite all of their running around, the Vachons always had the greenest grass in the subdivision.

Don and Pat left Michigan for the sunny state of Arizona in 1989. They moved to Sun Lakes, where the green grass was abundant and the community opportunities were plentiful. Don became the pitcher for the Sun Lakes softball team and played until 2007.

It was due to his health that he had to stop playing. Our sweet Donald was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s seven years ago. After his long and courageous battle, his memories will live on with us and he has finally found peace again. He will always be remembered for being funny, gentle and loving. He was a man of few words but, when asked, was happy to offer his sage point of view and advice. You could trust what he had to say was truth the way he saw it, and spoken from the heart to a family he loved.

Don has reunited with his parents, Harvey and Mildred, as well as his brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia; their children, Donald Jr. (Chris) Vachon, Debra (Rick) Alvira, Diane Cain, Douglas Vachon; six grandchildren, Tara, Eric, Elizabeth, Emily, Zachary and Jace; brother, Lawrence (Kathy); sister, Carole, and countless other friends and loved ones his life has touched.

A special thank you to the staff at Cedar Care Home whom Don has lived with since December 2011; our family is forever grateful for the wonderful love and care they gave him.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 10, 2015.