In Passing – March 2015

Marjorie Elaine (De Lano) Gillette

Marjorie Elaine (De Lano) Gillette of Chandler, AZ (formerly of Lyons, NY and Grand Forks, ND) was called home by the Lord on January 8, 2015 at the age of 96. Marjorie was born on July 24, 1918 in Lima, NY to Harry Milo De Lano and Clara (Swick) De Lano Peer. Marjorie was predeceased by her husbands, Edwin D. Gillette; and Rev. Canon Frederick (Jerry) Gillette, and her sister Sarah (Jean) Wolk.

Marjorie was a Sunday school teacher at the Methodist Church in Lyons, NY for many years. She volunteered for many organizations her whole life, including Gray Lady Aid at Lyons Hospital, Girl Scout Leaders, and she was a bookkeeper at Gillette Construction. Marjorie was a life-long member of the Eastern Star order; and always enjoyed volunteer work across many organizations.

She worked at the Newark State school both before and after raising her family; and in 1971 was awarded the Psychiatric Aid of the Year by the New York State Association for Mental Health.

After her 1974 marriage to her second husband, she moved to Grand Forks, ND where she was actively involved in the Episcopal church. Her hobbies included reading, listening to all types of music; and enjoying her family.

Her contagious smile will be greatly missed by her family: daughters Sandra J. Gillette of Santa Ynez, CA; Barbara (John) Gillette DeTorio of Lyons, NY and Sun Lakes, AZ; grand-children Pamela (Eric) DeTorio Platte; Tina (Jeff) DeTorio Easter; great-grandchildren Sophia Easter, Dominic Platte, Jonah Easter, Amelia Easter, Gianna Platte and special family friends Gerry and Marie DeTorio. She is also survived by one step-son, Stephan (Julie) Gillette and one step-daughter Margaret (James) Boethner, two step-granddaughters Anne (Jason) Pernenter and Emily (Jon) Meeker and two step-great granddaughters.

A memorial service, burial and celebration of Marjorie’s life are planned for the Lyons Episcopal Church in Lyons, NY in July 2015.

Donations in her honor may be made to either of these charities special to Marjorie and her family: Companion Hospice, 1930 S. Alma School Rd, D105, Mesa, AZ 85210 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) JDRF26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

Paul Stewart Israel

Paul Stewart Israel, age 79, passed away on December 20, 2014 at his home in Sun Lakes.

He was born May 19, 1935 in Alliance, Ohio to Dewey and Blanche (Stanley) Israel.

Growing up in Beloit, Ohio, Paul worked in the family’s general store until he left home to attend college at Ohio Wesleyan University. Paul was president of Circle K at OWU, the Kiwanis Clubs’ collegiate leadership service organization, and also served as president for his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a member of the Air Force ROTC, drill team, and upon graduation received the Distinguished Military Graduate Award. Paul proudly served his country for five years as an air intelligence officer in the US Air Force.

Paul married his wife, Carol, four days following graduation from OWU, and in 1968 with their three sons they moved to Arizona. He worked for Xerox, requested and was granted a six-month social service leave to raise funds and build two new classrooms for a Phoenix preschool for special needs children. He continued his community service as a member of the Camelback Civitans to raise funds for Arizona’s Camp Civitan and other local programs for the developmentally disabled. He was appointed to the Arizona Department of Education’s first Special Education Advisory Committee and also served as president of the US Naval Academy Parents Club which annually organized an All Academy’s Holiday Ball for Cadets and Midshipmen while they were home on Christmas leave from the five US service academies. Paul loved history and the adventure of travel. He and Carol traveled the world and visited 49 of our 50 states. North Dakota was the lone hold-out.

Paul believed each of us has the capacity to show compassion, share a special moment and make a difference. A Military Honor Ceremony was held on December 30, 2014 at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix.

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend Carol, of Sun Lakes; his son, Jeffrey of Tempe; his sister, Barbara (John) Plinke of Kentucky, his twin brother, Perry (Peggy) Israel of Ohio, and his extended family throughout the USA and Canada. He was preceded in death by his two sons; Ensign Kurt Israel, US Navy; and Mark Israel; and his brother Donald Israel.

Memorials may be made to The Centers for Habilitation, 215 West Lodge Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283. We will always carry Paul’s memory in our hearts.

Frank Carlton Fortner III

Frank Carlton Fortner III was born on August 27, 1940 and went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2015. Frank was born in Chicago, Illinois to Frank C. Fortner Jr. and Constance Allene Churchill Fortner. He graduated from Hyde Park High School and Northwestern Business School.

He enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years. Afterwards, Frank worked in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster. Frank met and married his wife of 50 years while stationed in Guam. He became an avid lover of music and was a drummer in a jazz trio playing in venues in the San Francisco Bay area. He enjoyed traveling extensively and was a huge movie buff. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 2004.

He is survived by wife Tillie, sons Eric and Marc, grandchildren Brian Andrew and Marissa Lynn and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ora L. Evans

Ora was a Sun Lakes resident since 1979. She loved to play golf and many types of card games. She passed quietly at Lund House the day after celebrating her 93rd birthday.

She leaves behind her son, Rae Frank Evans and wife Mary, daughter Diana Gunn and husband Don, along with two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Doris A. Kehoe

Doris A. Kehoe passed away on February 9, 2015 at age 98. She is survived by son Gregory (Linda) Kehoe, daughters Carolyn (Bill) Thomason, Kathy (Rudy Ramos) Kehoe, and Colleen (John) Horngren. She has 4 granddaughters and 5 great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Steven’s Catholic Church at Sun Lakes. Doris was a Navy Wave during World War II and a teacher (one room country school through normal elementary school). She was active in PEO and several bridge groups, making many friends in the process. Her burial will be in her home town of Osage, Iowa.

Roger D Burns

Roger D Burns of Sun Lakes passed away January 5, 2015. He was born July 27, 1947, the son of Norman and Winifred (Sevigny) Burns in Grafton, ND. He grew up in Grafton and went on to attend the University of North Dakota, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. He then moved to Cedar Rapids, IA to start a long and fulfilling career at Rockwell Collins, a world leading designer and manufacturer of Communications and Aviation systems for the Aerospace Industry. He began his career as an engineer and later moved to his natural role of leading a group of engineers. During his tenure, Roger worked on some of the most complex and critical aircraft systems. He loved the aviation industry and was part of a team that certified the first all digital avionics systems for Business Jets. Roger’s broad system and technical knowledge coupled with his passion for aviation was well known and respected both within Rockwell Collins and throughout the Aerospace Industry. Roger was often asked to participate in key industry committees and the many contributions he made helped to advance both aviation safety and affordability. He retired in 2010 but continued doing contract work till his health forced him into full retirement in 2012.

Roger enjoyed being a private pilot, obtaining his license while still in high school. He very much enjoyed traveling the world both through work and for pleasure with his wife, Dianne. He was an avid golfer which led to the purchase in 2010 of their retirement home on the golf course in Sun Lakes, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert and Ronald and one nephew Darren.

He is survived by his wife Dianne; one step-son, Brad; two step-grandchildren, Kassianne and Tanner; Robert’s wife, Sharon and their two sons, Dennis and Doug; and many more distant relatives.

Donald J. Callahan

Donald J. Callahan, 90, of Quincy, Illinois, died on January 18, 2015 at Good Samaritan Home.

Don was born May 5, 1924 in Adams County, as a son of Albert A. and Luella Howe Callahan. He married Margaret T. Sickles on June 19, 1948 at Vermont Street United Methodist Church. He graduated from Payson High School and attended Gem City Business College.

Don was employed by Gardner Denver/Cooper Industries for more than 33 years. During the last 10 years of his employment he served as regional sales manager of the Kansas City branch and lived in Lenexa, KS. After retiring in 1985, he moved back to Quincy, and resided in Sun Lakes, AZ during the winter months. From February 24, 1945 to July 22, 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy, where he was a gunner’s mate.

He was a member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church. He was a member and past president of Golden “K” Kiwanis and was a member of Bodley Lodge 1, AF&AM, the Quincy Consistory, Mohammed Shrine Temple of Peoria, the Quincy Shrine Club and Quincy High Twelve. He had been a past member of both the Quincy Country Club and Spring Lake Country Club. While residing in Sun Lakes, he was a member of Rotary and the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Margaret Sickles Callahan; one sister, Mrs. Walter (Mildred I.) Speckhart of Lynn Haven, Florida; two nephews, Jim Callahan of Ottawa Hills, Ohio, and Ron Speckhart of Meriden, Connecticut; three nieces, Patricia Callahan of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Sandra Callahan of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mary Lou Germann of Lynn Haven; and a godchild, Pamela Raad of Waterbury, Connecticut.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Albert J. Callahan and Marion L. (Bill) Callahan.

Services were held on January 21, 2015 at the Vermont Street United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.

Wesley Milton Gorman

Wesley Milton Gorman, age 92, of Stratford, CT (formerly of Sun Lakes, AZ) passed away peacefully in his home on December 13, 2014. He was born in Elkhorn, WI to the late Ralph and Ida Gorman on March 27, 1922. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He worked for Seeley and Jones, Inc. as an office manager until 1984 when he retired.

Wes was predeceased by Betty, his beloved wife of 59 years and his son Donald. His brothers Woodrow “Pete” Gorman, Kenneth Gorman, William Gorman and his sister Luverna Zolhimsky also predeceased him. He is survived by his brother Ralph Gorman, Jr. of Beloit WI, son Richard of Milford, son Jonathan and wife Deborah of Stratford, daughter-in-law Marie of Poughkeepsie, NY, grandson David (Veronica) of Milford, great grandsons Kyle Broderick (Jessica) of Milford, Jonathan J. Gorman of West Haven, granddaughters Samantha Ostrowski of Copper Mountain, CO, Emily Worthy (Darrell) and great grand-daughter Adelyn of College Station, TX and many nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life Wes was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Stratford and the United Church of Sun Lakes, AZ. He was an avid amateur photographer who won many awards for his photographs and a talented duckpin and tenpin bowler for over 50 years. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Church of Sun Lakes, 25635 South Country Club Drive, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 or to the C.A.R.E.S. Program Donation, Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad Street, Stratford, CT 06615-6359.