In Passing – December 2023

Gill Ho Bai

On Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, Gill Ho (Kirho) Bai, loving husband, father, and Republic of Korea (ROK) veteran of the Korean War, passed away at the age of 88. Gill was born Oct. 9, 1935, in Seoul, Korea.

His family lived in Beijing, China, during his childhood where his father was in business. In first grade, Gill spoke Korean at home, Japanese at school (due to the occupation), and Chinese when playing with children after school. He claimed it was “just natural” to switch languages based on his surroundings.

During Chiang Kai-shek’s revolution, the Bai family traveled by U.S. transport as refugees back to Korea. The following years were full of war, fear, and heartbreak. At age 16, Gill lied about his age and joined the ROK Army. He returned home and graduated from Seoul High School after serving his country for about 18 months.

In 1955, he moved to Wilkes-Barre, Penn., to attend Wilkes College where he studied English and mathematics. He later earned his master’s degree in applied statistics from Villanova. Gill worked for Boeing, Emerson Electric, and Anheuser-Busch where he retired as a computer systems analyst. At A-B he participated in Junior Achievement and spent 15 years working with high school students helping them with their business plans and presentations.

He moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 1994, where he enjoyed playing golf, working out, shopping, and cooking. He loved dancing and was an original founder of the Sun Lakes Dance Party.

Gill was preceded in death by his parents Sundo Bai and Bong Choon Park. He is survived by his wife Joyce Patrick-Bai, sister Yong Sook Hong, ex-wife Bernet S. Bai, his sons Ari M. Bai (Jennifer Bai) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Shawn E. Bai (Michelle Dunlop) of Seattle, Wash., and grandchildren Jordan, Madison, Samuel, Oliver, and Evelyn.

Mary Jane (Dottie) Barnard

Dottie passed away on Mother’s Day this year (May 14, 2023) at the age of 94 from a massive heart attack. We feel that it was “Mother’s Day” to be with Our Heavenly Father. She died peacefully with her loving family at her side.

She was born March 19, 1929. She grew up in Superior, Wis., graduated from East High School, and married her best friend and love of her life, Robert James Barnard. They were married more than 72 years before he passed on Nov. 8, 2019. If you knew them, you loved them! They were both very kind, giving, and caring folks with a great zest for life and a fun sense of humor! They were very positive energy to be around!

Dottie and Bob were known for wonderful dinner parties with family and friends, along with a huge abundance of food as well as variety. Family members would often joke about “putting on the funnel” when they went over for dinner so they could stuff more food down!

Fond memories were created at their cabin in Fish Lake in Minnesota as well as their summer months spent in Alaska near the Kenai River with family. Fishing was a fun time with Dottie; she was the “netter” and would land some big fish, and always had a great fish story to tell you.

They raised four girls, Karen, Roberta Jane, Nancy, and Debbie. They have six grandchildren, Scott, David, Ted, Callie, Robert, and Jessica, and three great-grandchildren, Sierra, Tristan, and Trinity. Dottie is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, daughter, Roberta Jane, and grandson, Scott.

Dottie knew how to light up the room with her infectious laugh and great wit along with her fun sense of humor. We always had vast amounts of laughter and fun at the Barnard house, and it was such a fun time at family gatherings to hear all the laughter.

After moving to Sun Lakes in 2020 Dottie became a Colorist and enjoyed her Monday outings with friends. She also enjoyed the monthly Shirley Temple movies with Lily Whitson and friends, as well as her fun pool time with her friend Reggie Wegman and the many gals and guys she met at the pool. She joined the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church and loved her Sunday School sessions as well as church services. She read the Bible daily. She joined the Grief Counseling group at United Methodist Church and benefited greatly from the teachings and sharing with others. If you are struggling with grief, please consider going to their sessions as it was powerful for her.

Her Celebration of Life will be on Dec. 20, 2023, at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, in the Chapel at 1:30 p.m. located at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ. Please contact her daughter, Debbie Flinn, if you plan on joining the Celebration of Life at phone number 602-430-7541.

Cherie Marie Esperance Dankas

It is with heavy hearts that we remember Cherie Marie Esperance Dankas, who passed away on Aug. 24, 2023, at the age of 77. Despite her long and difficult battle with lung cancer, Cherie remained strong, resilient, and full of humor throughout her journey. She was blessed to have an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and close friends who provided her with unwavering support every step of the way.

Cherie’s experience as a hospice nurse made her an exceptional patient. She offered guidance, wisdom, and empathy to her family and friends as they cared for her and prepared for her eventual passing.

Cherie had an unmatched sense of humor, and she could always make any room she walked into brighter with joy and laughter. She had a fondness for playing games, particularly mah jongg, Mexican train, and ponytail canasta, where she enjoyed the excitement of friendly competition and camaraderie. Her passion for greyhounds was evident in her beloved companions. Cherie took great pride in her San Francisco roots, and she was always eager to share stories of her hometown.

Above all, Cherie’s love for her family brought her the greatest joy and fulfillment. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, Betty and Sally, and their families, including Dan, Carter, Caitlyn, and Ezra.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider supporting one of the organizations that held a special place in Cherie’s heart: Neighbors Who Care, AZ and Arizona Adopt A Greyhound.

John Kapranopoulos

John Kapranopoulos, age 81, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. John was born in Tsaritsani, Greece, on May 2, 1942, and came over to the United States at the age of 5 through Ellis Island. John graduated from Central High School and received his master’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska.

John was a man of service and enlisted in the Army at the young age of 19, completing two tours in Vietnam. He was a decorated war hero, a proud member of the 82nd Airborne, and highly respected by the men he called his brothers.

John was married to Dawn Amidon in Manchester, N.H., and the loving couple had two daughters, Katy and Christy, and one son, Johnny. After numerous moves around the world, John retired from the military in 1984 and the family settled down in Sierra Vista, Ariz. John was an entrepreneur at heart, always thinking about what to do next and what new venture excited him. His love for becoming a self-made man and his drive to succeed started from a young age, sitting around the dinner table at the Puritan, his family’s restaurant in Manchester with his older Greek relatives, listening to them discuss business. John started The Beverage House in 1986 with his partner Eli and after 18 years they had successfully opened 13 additional stores throughout the state of Arizona.

John’s passions in serving went beyond his country, he was known to many as someone who always put others before himself. He was always willing to help a friend, a neighbor or a relative. John was an active member of the Boys & Girls Club and often gave to those in need.

He was a successful entrepreneur with a generous heart. A humble war hero and a gentle, loving Papou. A proud Greek and an even prouder father. He had a deep love for cars, sports, travel, and good company. He was the best storyteller and the friend you always wanted around. His love for his family was his highest priority and it was always felt. He was known as a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a coach.

John is survived by daughters Katy Watson (Chris), and Christy Kline (Dan); son John Kapranopoulos (Alyssa); grandchildren Luca Kapranopoulos, Nico Kapranopoulos, Owen Kline, Dax Kline, Maddie Watson, Teague Watson; and sister Fanny Canotas.

Lewis Langer

Lewis Langer passed away on Oct. 29, 2023, at home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., at the age of 93. He was born in 1930 to Lester and Evelyn Langer in Klamath Falls, Ore. Lew graduated from Ashland High, Ashland, Ore., lettering in football, basketball, and track. He played football his freshman year and was in track all four years at the University of Oregon in Eugene, graduating in 1952. He married Shirley Weitzel in 1951.

After receiving his B.A. at Oregon, he began his career with JC Penney in Bend, Ore. After working in Woodland, Calif.; Visalia, Calif.; and Phoenix, Ariz.; he became a Treasury Store manager in Lakewood, Calif., followed by JC Penney manager positions in Fullerton, Calif., and Klamath Falls, Ore. When living in the small community of Klamath Falls, he enjoyed being active and served as campaign chairman of United Way, and was on the board of the Salvation Army and Chamber of Commerce.

Upon retirement in 1990, he and Shirley moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where he was very active in the Sun Lakes Rotary Club, serving as President and Assistant District Governor. He was active in the HCSC Club for retired JC Penney Executives and served as President of the Valley of the Sun Group and served on the National Board for several years. He was a member of Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church in Tempe and an avid golfer. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the world after retiring.

Lew was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley. He is survived by his children: Larry Langer (Caryn) of Gilbert, Ariz.; Denise Schauer (George) of Chandler, Ariz.; and Ron Langer (Susan) of Bend, Ore.; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his siblings Gerald Langer (Joan), Steve Langer (Norma), and Enid Delaney (Ron).

Celebration of Life plans are still pending. Memorials in his name may be sent to Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1565 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 or The Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 13094, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Janice Ruth Main

Janice Ruth Main, a devoted mother, homemaker, teacher, and worshiper of Christ, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2023. She was born on Dec. 16, 1936, in Dassel, Minn., to Clarence and Goldie Nordstrom, who instilled in her a strong faith and a love for family. She was the middle of five siblings who grew up working and playing on the farm. Janice graduated from Dassel High School and North Park College in Chicago, Ill., where she earned her Associate of Arts Degree. She later completed her B.A. in Home Economics from Illinois State University while raising her three daughters (Annette, Sarah, and Shari) with her beloved husband Delwyn, whom she met in California in 1955 and married in 1958. Janice loved homemaking and served her family with joy and grace. She also taught first grade at Hawthorne Christian School for three years, served as a substitute teacher later, and was a regular Sunday school teacher, touching the lives of many children. She also enjoyed singing in the church choir, crocheting blankets for her loved ones, gardening, cooking and baking, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a faithful member of Sun Lakes Community Church. She leaves behind a family legacy of Christ-followers who will miss her dearly but rejoice in her eternal home.

Janice is survived by her husband of 65 years, Delwyn; children Annette Walker (Douglas) of New Brighton, Minn.; Sarah Hickman (Daniel) of Midland, Mich.; and Sharon Yasseri (Sacha) of Otsego, Minn. Janice is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Goldie Nordstrom and brother Ralph Nordstrom.

A Celebration of Life service was held at Sun Lakes Community Church, 9240 E Sun Lakes Blvd. N, at 10 a.m. on Oct. 23. A reception followed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Casa de Amor (azresourcecenters.com/donate).

Raymond G. McCoy Jr.

Raymond G. McCoy Jr., 76, recently passed away after a long illness. He grew up in Levittown, Penn., graduated from Neshaminy High School, and earned a B.S. in marketing from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn.

As was the trend in New Jersey, young people would rent houses at the Jersey shore for the summer. It was here that Ray met Margaret (Margie) Pratt. They were married in February 1974 and lived in Delran, N.J.

Ray was always passionate about the automotive industry, and his first job was with Ford Motor Co. He then accepted a position with AMC Jeep and was transferred to Portland, Ore., where their two sons were born. They had lived there eight years when Ray accepted a position with Mercedes-Benz of North America.

Ray and his family moved several times while working for Mercedes with stops in Jacksonville, Fla.; Mission Viejo, Calif.; Houston, Texas; and Agoura, Calif. He retired to Palm Desert, Calif., and lived there almost 20 years before moving to Sun Lakes, Ariz., to be closer to family.

Ray is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margie, his son Raymond McCoy III and his wife Heidi of Chandler, Ariz., his son Kevin McCoy of Fort Worth, Texas, his two grandchildren, Colin McCoy and Caitlin McCoy of Chandler, Ariz., and his sister Rosemary Metzen of Galloway, N.J.

He will be missed by his family and all all who knew him.

Robert Paul Rouleau

Robert Paul Rouleau, born Sept. 28, 1939, in Buffalo, N.Y.; passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Oct. 18, 2023, in Chandler, Ariz. Robert (Bob) was raised in Lackawanna, N.Y., where he worked as a young boy and teenager at the local movie theater and his dad’s service station.

At the age of 17, and with his mother’s consent, Bob joined the United States Air Force in 1956 and served honorably until 1960. During his military service, Bob specialized in radar systems and found time to earn his GED since he left high school early to join the military.

Bob met his wife-to-be, Doris, in 1959 at a weekend church choral festival in Chicago, Ill. Their meeting was no coincidence, however. Doris’ mother first met and talked with Bob at the event and was so impressed with him, she played matchmaker. One introduction is all it took, as Bob and Doris married in Chicago, shortly before the end of his military service in 1960.

Bob started his civilian career with Stewart Warner Electronics, leading the young couple to post-war Germany during the escalating Cold War. Bob was instrumental with instructing U.S. pilots in low-level precision flying using guided radar during the Berlin Airlift. On numerous occasions, while walking the Berlin Wall, he witnessed firsthand the tragedies of the Cold War, which he never forgot. Despite these tensions, Bob and Doris enjoyed weekend travel throughout Western Europe in their new Volkswagen Beetle.

Upon returning to the States, Bob continued his education at the University of Illinois Chicago (at Navy Pier), finishing the last two years at the Urbana-Champaign campus, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1967.

After graduating, Bob had many employment opportunities. He ultimately chose a career with IBM where he dedicated the next 34 years selling large mainframe computer systems to multinational companies. Late in his IBM career, Bob traveled extensively around the globe as a competitive marketing manager. These opportunities promoted a passion for people, cultures, and food, particularly in South America.

Bob was a dedicated husband and father of two sons, John (1969) and Mark (1971), who were his pride and joy. His boys always saw him in the stands, behind the bench; being their biggest fan at every game, no matter the hour, inclement weather, or distance. Bob and his sons enjoyed many special moments, memories, trips, and visits together. He was blessed as his family grew, welcoming daughter-in-law Cathy, twin grandsons Michael and Jack, and granddaughter Addison.

Bob and Doris relocated to the Valley in 1993 where he finished his IBM career before retiring in 2001. They moved to Sun Lakes in 2003, where Bob became an integral member of the community. For 18 years, Bob was the “Golden Voice” of the infamous Sun Lakes Monday Night Horse Races, bringing joy to regulars and visiting families and friends. He was also a talented thespian, appearing in eight plays. Bob was a member of the Tempe Diablos, volunteering for the Anaheim Angels during spring training for five years. He was an avid golfer who achieved the remarkable feat of six holes-in-one. Bob was a dedicated member of the PVMGA, serving as president and board member for many years. As a proud member of the Dirty Dozen, he earned the affectionate nickname of “Roll Over.” Bob also volunteered with the Sun Lakes Fire Department CAP program for 10 years and served on the fire department’s board. Bob was an early and long-time board member of the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation, and was a cornerstone for the foundation’s work. He served for nine years and resigned only a month before his passing due to his deteriorating health. Bob’s dedication and passion for the community and people earned him the prestigious Crystal Award in 2018.

Bob is survived by his wife Doris; sons John (Catherine) and Mark; grandchildren Michael, Jack, and Addison; brothers, sister, niece, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation (www.slcommunityfoundation.com) or Mayo Clinic Cancer Care (philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC0).

Bob was sincere to his core, with an infectious laugh, genuine smile, and personality that would light up a room and touch all who were around him. To know him was to love him. He was a devoted, passionate, and loving husband to Doris, greatest Jedo to his grandchildren, and the best dad that his two sons, John and Mark, could ever dream to have. He was the definition of unconditional love. His spirit, his lasting effect on his loved ones and friends, and his legacy will forever endure inside us all. “We love you husband, dad, Jedo, and will see you again, someday.”

Eleanor Sellers

Eleanor Sellers, 86, was called home to Heaven, on Oct. 9, 2023, at Robson Reserve Assisted Living with her beloved husband, Michael, by her side.

Eleanor was born June 26, 1937, in St. Paul, Minn. She grew up in Clinton, Minn., and moved to California in her late teens. It was there she met and married the love of her life, with their marriage lasting 66 years. In 1991 they made Sun Lakes their home, enjoyed their golden years, and continued to live a happy fun-filled life.

Although Eleanor spent most of her life with low vision, she did not let it define her. Over the years, she loved to play cards, run (including 5k races), swim long distance, water ski, follow the Arizona Diamondbacks, visit with her nieces and nephews, and she always loved a good party.

Eleanor is preceded in Heaven by her three sons, Kenneth, Kevin, and Keith; her sister Bea Whitney of Sun Lakes, and brother, Roger Devor of Minnesota. In addition to her loving husband, Michael, she is survived by stepchildren, Pamela Perry and Sheila Sellers of Sun Lakes, and Michael Sellers, Tucson.

Services were held on Oct. 20 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Sellers family may be shared at valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com or sent to 8916 E Copper Valley Lane, Sun Lakes, 85248.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Praise & Worship Center or Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

John (Jack) Voight

John (Jack) Voight born May 28, 1936, in Binghamton, N.Y., died of lung cancer on Sept. 2, 2023, at home in Carmichael, Calif., at the age of 87.

Jack is survived by his children Debbie Richardson (Mike), Sherri Holmes (Keith), Julie Ahern (Patrick), and John, Jr. (Joelle); his five grandchildren Garrett, Adam, Logan, Devon, and Ava; his great-grandson, Hayden; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents (Clifford and Eleanor), his sister Jane, his brother Delbert, and his wife, Joy.

Jack was a successful high school wrestler and baseball player at Kingston HS in Pennsylvania. Shortly after graduating high school, he was married and had his first two daughters, with whom he sadly lost touch for decades. He remarried in 1963 and later had Julie and John Jr. and was married to Joy for nearly 52 years before her passing in 2015.

After graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Texas, where he served for four years. After his discharge and a short stint back in Pennsylvania, he moved his family to California where he worked for Carnation Milk Company and later went on to own a wholesale distributorship for the company. In 1974 he entered the apprenticeship program and later became a journeyman for UA Local 342 as a pipefitter, where he ultimately rose to foreman.

In 1976, after he helped a friend move to Tahoe, the family moved to Incline Village, Nev., where he and Joy made many friends and enjoyed raising their family in a slower paced environment until he decided he needed to get back to his occupation as a pipefitter and moved back to Concord, Calif., until the time came to retire.

Jack and Joy retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they lived their happiest lives, enjoying an active adult community, where they had dozens of friends. Jack picked up golf quickly and got as low as an 11 handicap. He enjoyed working in his garage and making golf clubs for himself as well as friends and family.

Believing he would never see his eldest daughters again, he was overjoyed when Debbie showed up at his home in Arizona in 2018 and he was reunited with her and Sherri, which was truly a blessing. All four of his children were together with him in July and spent time telling stories, looking at photos, reminiscing, and enjoying a friendly game of cornhole (where he still had the competitive spirit).

Jack did not wish to have any services after his passing. His ashes (along with Joy’s) will be inurned at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, in Dixon, Calif.

Lynn Weith

Lynn Weith passed away on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, after succumbing to injuries associated with a recent fall. She was just five days shy of her 89th birthday.

Upon graduating from the University of Illinois, Lynn was a first grade elementary school teacher for more than 30 years and positively touched the lives of many children. Lynn and her husband, Art, were some of the first residents of the Oakwood section of Sun Lakes to retire there from Overland Park, Kansas, in 1996. They found a wonderful circle of friends, and Lynn was particularly active with her Sun Lakes Tennis team. Lynn and Art were both active members of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ and supported the church in many ways through the years.

Lynn loved the many cruise vacations with Art and various friends. She had so many fond memories of their travels. Lynn enjoyed meeting up with friends and in particular, her weekly Sun Lakes Mah Jongg group.

Lynn and Art recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August 2023. Lynn is survived by Art, who is living in a memory care home near their oldest son Brian and his wife, Michele, in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition, Lynn and Art’s children Steve (and MaryBeth) Weith of Plano, Texas, and Carolyn (and Stan) Wiley of Mooresville, N.C., and their four grandchildren will all miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing in her honor.