Robert Van Thom 86; resident of Bishop for 31 years, born in Florida on December 7, 1928, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2015 at his residence with his grandson Robert by his side.

Robert moved to California in 1942. He graduated from Narbonne High School the summer of 1946, from there went on to Compton J.C. (Junior College)

Robert served in the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers from Sept. 1950 until discharged April 1952 as a combat medic. He earned the rank of Staff Sgt. and was shipped to Korea.  He distinguished himself by Gallantry in action near Chung-Bang-P’yong, Korea on the 18^th of February 1952 and was awarded the Silver Star.

After his discharge from the service he was employed by Long Beach Oil Development Company. There he stayed for 34 years and retired as Chief Accountant in Material Control.  Shortly after retirement, Robert and his loving wife Thora, a marriage of 42 years moved to Bishop in 1986. Thora passed away Feb. 24, 1988.

Robert is survived by Grandson Robert Thom and wife Holly from Templeton, CA, Grandson William Newton Thom of Templeton CA, Sister Adoree Suran and Husband Richard from La Palma, CA.

From Robert: Iwould like to say to all my friends whom I know by name:

God Bless and Good Bye.

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Daniel Gale McRoberts, 57 years old of Lone Pine, CA. passed away on Wednesday April 1st 2015 in Keeler, CA.

Danny was born June 16, 1957 in Yreka CA to Thelma Brumley and Bailey McRoberts. Danny spent much of his childhood with his brother Bailey McRoberts camping, fishing, and hunting. They liked to ride their motorcycles on the back roads. They would explore the old mines and hunt for old bottles.

Danny attended Bishop High school where he was on the wrestling team and won many awards. Danny had many different jobs but was more known for being a cook. In his later years Danny spent much of his time fishing, mining for silver, and exploring the desert with his dog Rosie. Danny had the ability to make everyone love him; he had many friends who loved him like family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Danny is preceded in death by his Mother, Thelma McRoberts, and Father Bailey “Scooter” McRoberts and is survived by Daughter Sarah Wilson of Burleson Texas, Daughter Kelly Green and son in-law James Green of Rio Linda, CA. Grandchildren: Ariel Green, Michael Cronan, Danielle Cronan, Bailey Green, Kylie Green, Kiely Green, Tristin Wilson, Jaden Wilson and his Brother Bailey Lee McRoberts.  A celebration of life will be held on June 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the V.F.W. in Lone Pine, CA.

-Dan the man

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ROBERT E. (BOB) MICHENER

1/23/1924 – 4/18/2015

Bob Michener passed away at his home on Saturday, April 18.  He was 91 years old.  Bob was born on January 23, 1924, to Robert Ezra and Elizabeth Mae Michener.  He attended Dorsey High School in Los Angeles and graduated in 1942.

Bob proudly enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 during World War II.  He served until 1946, when he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.  He then attended Graceland Junior College in Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Wilma Hartschen.  The two graduated Graceland in 1947 and got married.

They decided to move back to California, where Bob then attended the University of Southern California.  He graduated in 1951 with a degree in Business Administration.  Bob then joined the LA County Sherriff’s Department in 1951, and served until 1963.

At that time, he and Wilma had decided they had enough of LA.  They moved to Mammoth Lakes, a spot they frequently visited, to raise their 3 young children, Robin, Scott, and Jon.  Bob, with his outgoing personality, was always interested in public service.  While living in Mammoth, Bob served on the Mono County Planning Commission as well as the Mono County Board of Education for many years.

Bob and Wilma then moved to Bishop in 1979.  While living in Inyo County, he served on the Inyo County Planning Commission, the Inyo County Grand Jury, as well as a term as 3^rd District Supervisor.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wilma.  Daughter, Robin Fernandez, of Bishop.  Son, Scott Michener and his wife Sharon, of Orangevalle, CA.   Son, Jon Michener and his wife Vicki, of Bishop.  Brother David of Los Angeles, and Sister Peggy, of Oregon.

As well as Grandchildren, Kristen, Jackie, Torey, Garrett and Jake.  Great Grandchildren, Mason, Sadie, Taryn and Dylan.

A service will be held Saturday, May 2^nd, at 11:00 am at the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints at 725 Keough St. in Bishop.  A luncheon will be held immediately afterwards at the church.

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John Lee age 60, passed away to be with the Lord on April 17, 2015 in Whitter CA.  John was born to John Lee and Joan Lee Olive on March 17, 1955 in American Fork Utah.  John moved to Independence when he was 13 years old.  He graduated from Owens Valley High School in 1972.

He worked for Department of Water and Power for 17 years.  He really loved spending time setting up and running the sound system for his church and participating in church activities.  He loved the Lord, his family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father John Lee.  John is survived by mom Joan Lee Olive, brother Jeff Lee, nephew Dustin Lee, niece Denay Lee, sister Jody Scott, husband John, nephew Ryan and Kyle Scott and sister Jill Gonzales, husband Juan, nephew Bryan Gracey and Anthony Gonzales.

John is also survived by his daughter Faith Holbrook, her husband Ralph and three grandchildren, Zachary, Helen and Joseph.

Celebration of life graveside services were held April 25 at the Independence cemetery with a gathering after the services at the Methodist Church.

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Harold Miller

1932-2015

Hal passed away Tuesday April 21st after a prolonged battle with Prostate Cancer.
He was born May 13, 1932 in Ottawa, Ilinois the son of Marie and William Miller.

Hal worked many years in Los Angeles for Armored Transport Company where he worked as a security guard. His most celebrated clients include the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Los Angeles Dodgers where he got to know the Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda and other members of the front office.

Hal moved to Bishop from Woodland Hills, CA with his wife LaDonna in October of 1990, and he worked 16 years for Inyo Mono Transit as a bus driver. Hal enjoyed talking with the local residents on his route and helping them along on their daily routines.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, and boating. He moved to Bishop for his love of the outdoors. Hal was known for his kindred spirit and his ability to get along with everyone.

He is survived by his son Karl Miller of Los Gatos, CA, Larry Miller of Minden, NV, and Barbara Hack of Dana Point, CA. He has five grandchildren.

A ceremony open to the public will be held at Brune Mortuary in Bishop at 11am on May 9, 2015.

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Graveside funeral services for Robert H. Ferrey, 84, a resident of Bishop for more than 60 years, will be held Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. at the East Line Street Cemetery. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8988, and David Lent will officiate.

Born Jan. 13, 1931 in Los Angeles to Robert H. Ferrey II and the former Pomena J. Kelly, Robert was five years old when his father unexpectedly died. He was then raised by his mother and step-father in East Los Angeles. Shortly after his 1948 graduation from Garfield High School, Robert’s family relocated to Chalfant Valley. Robert worked at the Bishop Bowling Alley as a pinsetter before going to work for Chalfant Press.

He joined the U.S. Navy as the Korean War began and served four years aboard the U.S.S. Rochester. Upon discharge, Robert attended Los Angeles Trade Tech, studying commercial printing. While at L.A. Trade Tech, he met the love of his life, Sandra L. Jensen. The couple married October 6, 1955 and would spend 59 years together.

After briefly living in Iowa and South Dakota, the couple returned to Bishop and both went to work at Chalfant Press, Robert as a compositor and Sandra as a linotype operator. Both stayed with Chalfant Press for many years, operating various printing equipment, including the newspaper web presses. They retired from printing in 2005 with Robert putting in more than 45 years as a commercial printer.

The couple had one daughter, Barbara, in 1964.

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed reading, working on cars, reminiscing about his Navy days and spending time with his wife, daughter and son-in-law. Friends recall Robert as a kind and caring man who shared his knowledge about printing and newspaper production with those willing to learn. Robert was named “Best Friend of Mule Days” by The Bishop Mule Days Executive Committee in 1990 for his many dedicated years of laying out and printing the event’s Souvenir Program. Robert was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Robert died May 1 at Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop following a brief illness.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Keith Lovelace and Ralph Lovelace; sister Rosemarie Cheney; and one nephew.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sandra, and daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Paul Laughon, all of Bishop; sisters-in-law, Betty Lou Grafton of Iowa, LouAnn Lovelace of Bishop; brother-in-law Robert Jensen and his wife, Meda, of Florida; and six nieces and five nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW, Post 8988, or to the Laws Railroad Museum.

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Joyce Joan “Carter” McDowell, 86, passed away on May 5, 2015 in her residence in Yucaipa, Cali. Joyce was born in Long Beach, Cali., On March 6, 1929.

Joyce first marriage was to Robert Wright and together they brought 3 children into this world, Ronald, Janelle and David. Later she was married to Donald Swenson and together had a child Kim. Joyce and Donald owned several businesses together in Bishop for many years, including the franchise of H&R Block for Inyo and Mono Counties, Swenson’s Bookkeeping Service and Swenson’s Family Restaurant. Joyce then married Richard McDowell in 1985 and enjoyed the retirement life in Bishop, fishing the surrounding areas of Mammoth Lakes and Bishop; she also enjoyed traveling the United States.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 30 years Richard McDowell, 3 children; Janelle Wade, David Swenson and Kim Swenson also, grandchildren; Jeff, Amber, Justin, Joshua and Rebecca, and 7 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday May 12 at the East Line Street Cemetery, Bishop.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Sharon Ann Rubio, age 65, resident of Bishop, California for 42 years, born in Des Moines , Iowa on September 16, 1949  Passed away on May 3, 2015 at 1:05PM at home with family.

Sharon grew up in southern California graduated from Kennedy High School in 1967. Met Robert Rubio in 1969 and married in 1970. They moved to Bishop in 1973. Started driving school bus for Inyo County in 1975 and drove for over 30 years with Bishop and Round Valley schools. She loved being a bus driver and even learned sign language to be able to communicate with all of the children.

Sharon loved camping and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include Robert Rubio, husband of 45 years. Her son, Jeremy Rubio and his wife  Annie  Rubio and her two grandchildren Travis and Cecelia Rubio. She is also survived by her daughter Sara West and her husband Scott West and her grandson Mason West plus extended family.

Memorial service will be held Saturday June 27, 2015 at Brune mortuary chapel at 11:00 AM officiating Chris Costello.

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Gerald C. Rupp, age 75, resident of Bishop for 29 years, born in Monterey Park on November 7, 1939 Passed away on May 17, 2015 at Northern Inyo Hospital.

Jerry grew up in Los Angeles surrounding areas and graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1958. He entered service in March 1958 with the US Air Force and earned the rank of A/1C (E-4) while being honored with several awards for conduct with the Air Force. He was honorably discharged in June 1962.

He married Judith Janee Allen in 1963 and had his son Garry in December 1964. Jerry started working for Scientific Data Systems in 1964 which eventually become Xerox where he was field engineer repairing and installing computer systems all around the United States and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Systems in 1974.

Jerry was laid off from Xerox in 1975 and the family decided to move to Mammoth Lakes, CA where they had vacationed many times before. He was employed by El Burrito, Mono County as a health inspector, and Caltrans as a plow driver. Jerry and Judy bought the Village Wash Laundromat in Mammoth Lakes and turned a failing business into a successful one. Jerry settled on becoming an electrician and worked for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Rowan’s Electrician Mammoth Lakes.

During his time in Mammoth Lakes, Jerry became involved with the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department and earned EMT status and the rank of Captain. He very much enjoyed the people he met with the MLFD and the experiences he gained. He was Fireman of the Year in 1982. Many of his long term friendships were acquired through the MLFD because it was a unique group of firemen on and off the job.

Jerry moved to Bishop in 1986 and continued to be an electrician until he retired at age 73. He believed in the quality of life which was a big part of the family leaving the city and coming to Mammoth Lakes.

He was happiest in his garden with the wind blowing through the trees. He loved having horses, dogs and cats and cared for them admirably.

Survivors include Garry Rupp, son ; Mariam Staley, sister; Gayle Delcoure, niece; Michael Staley, nephew; Patrick Staley, nephew

Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 30^th, 2015 and 10:00am.

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Aurora Granado Lopez, 73, resident of Bishop, CA for 41 years, born in Deming, N. Mexico on December23, 1941 Passed away on June 2, 2015 peacefully at her home.

Aurora’s love and joy were her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She found pleasure in watching them in the many activities they were involved in and just sharing conversation with them. Her cherished times were early morning coffee with Kristopher, teatime with all her granddaughters and grandson Donald and council time for all as they sat or laid on her bed.

She enjoyed many hobbies during her life like crocheting, embroidery, jigsaw puzzles, bowling, gardening, watching novellas with her husband, cooking with her daughters and quilting. The homes of her family are decorated with many of her beautiful crochet and embroidery work as well as many quilts and afghans to keep her family warm.

The Lopez home was always open as Aurora and her husband Calie took in and welcomed family and friends during all of their married life. Sometimes it was for short visits but mainly raising or providing a home for long periods of time to loved ones in need. She was known to her children’s friends as “mom” and to her grandchildren’s friends as “ grandma”. She provided a great example of Matthew 25:31-40 until the Lord took her home that Tuesday afternoon. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were blessed by her touch in their lives.

Aurora is survived by her husband of 55 years Calie Lopez, sister Mary-lou Granado, aunt and uncle Natalia and Moses Acosta, daughter and son-in-law Tina and Rogelio Esparza, son Edward Lopez, daughter Debbie and son-in-law Jeff Clarkson, grandchildren Katrina and Juan Martinez, Kris Lopez, Donald Clarkson, Erica and Juan Esparza-Ambriz, Acacia Clarkson, Marisa Aurora-Jean Clarkson, Elizabeth Lopez-Esparza, great-grandchildren Xochitl Martinez, Juan Martinez Jr., Rogelio Josue Esparza, Alexa Itzel Ambriz-Esparza, nephew Patric Granado and numerous other nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Aurora is preceded in death by mother and father Manuela and Alberto Lechuga-Granado, brother Albert Granado and brother Raymond Granado.

Funeral Services for Aurora Granado Lopez will include a Rosary on Tuesday, June 9th at 7 PM at the Brune Mortuary 325 W. Elm Street, Bishop and a Mass on Wednesday, June 10th at 11 AM at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 849 Home Street, Bishop. Interment will be private.

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Peggy Blunt, long time Bishop resident, dies on Mule Days Weekend

Margaret “Peggy” Rose Blunt, a resident of Bishop for over 60 years, passed away on May 23^rd at the age of 83.

Margaret Rose Blunt, known to many as Peggy, was born as Margaret Price in 1931 in Winscombe, England. Like many youths in England at the time, Peggy did volunteer work during WWII. Upon completing her education, Peggy worked at a local paper mill. While visiting her mother at a local pub in 1951, she met a United States Air Force mechanic named Ernie Blunt who was stationed at the nearby RAF Fairfield air base. Their courtship continued for several years until Ernie proposed marriage prior to leaving the military service. Although they planned to get married in England, paperwork held things up. Peggy flew to Los Angles in 1955 shortly after Ernie had left England. They were married a month later on July 18, 1955, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Bishop.

Peggy’s arrival in Owens Valley in 1955 was quite a culture shock, including adjustments to the heat, food, and the very different high desert weather instead of the mild weather of England. Her first stop was the Parker Ranch, located above the current Independence Fish Hatchery. The Parkers, Ernie Blunts’ grandparents, employed Ernie to take visitors on mule packing adventures into the mountains. After a couple of years in Independence, they finally settled in Bishop where they have lived ever since.

Peggy was school homeroom mother, a member of the Bishop Bottle Club and became involved with Brownies, Girl Scouts, and 4-H, especially since she was raising two daughters. Peggy’s hobbies included knitting and plastic canvas, fishing, flowers, gardening, and traveling to go fishing or to see her grandkids. Her passion, however, as many Bishop residents may know, was her penchant for going to every yard sale in town. Her husband Ernie will most likely continue that tradition.

Peggy is survived by: her brother Gordon Price of England; husband Ernie Blunt of Bishop; daughters Helen Waitkus of Bishop; and Mandy McCarthy of Rohnert Park, CA; grand-daughter Kelsey McCarthy of Los Angeles; and grandsons Joseph Blunt of Wasco, Oregon and Jack McCarthy of Orange County, CA.

Peggy and Ernie were planning to celebrate their 60^th Wedding Anniversary in July.

A funeral and a public celebration of life service are not planned. Instead of flowers, please consider a tax-deductible memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association.

# # #

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Reba Mae Sullivan (nee: Morgan) was born December 13, 1915 and passed away June 4, 2015, just six months shy of a grand 100 years old.  She was born in Southwest Missouri  and moved to California where she spent her happiest days fishing with her husband Paul and partying with her second husband Harold.

Reba did not have any children, but she did have a beloved nephew Kenneth Magruder who was like a son to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Hughes, her husband Harold Sullivan and her nephew Kenneth Magruder.   Her surviving great-nieces are Kathleen Magruder, Heather Thiess and Jeanie Finney.  She has several great-great nieces and nephews and one great-great-great nephew.

She was a woman who saw many changes in the world throughout her long life. She was a survivor and adapter to most every situation she found herself in.   She often said, “When I die, don’t cry for me because I had a very good, long life.”

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12^th  at 11:00 AM  at East Line Street cemetery, 2000 Poleta RD. Bishop, CA.

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Barbara Louise  Mandich (Bobbie), longtime Bishop resident and descendant of local pioneer families, passed peacefully in her home on June 9, 2015.  Bobbie was born on October 30, 1923, in Downey, CA, to Verle and Pearl Brown.  She attended school in Norwalk, CA, graduating from Excelsior High School.

She enrolled in classes at Long Beach City College, then met Nick Mandich, Jr., the love of her life, married him on June 5, 1945, and moved to Bishop.  She raised  her three children and helped with the family business, Owens Valley Drug Co.  Bobbie also pursued many other interests, among them piloting her airplane (a true passion!) traveling the world,  creating stained glass, playing bridge, belonging to Rotary International, supporting other service groups, and spending time with dear friends in the area.

On Mother’s Day this year, when asked if there were anything she still wanted to do in life, she responded, “I’ve had a fortunate life.  I’ve been everywhere I’ve wanted to go and done everything I’ve wanted to do.”  Bobbie is survived by her children, Nick Mandich III, Neal Mandich, and Patti Mandich, their spouses and partners, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss her very much.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, at11:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 205  N. Fowler Street, Bishop, CA, followed by a light luncheon.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to Rotary International.

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George Robert Macklin, 86; born August 25, 1928 in Ukiah, CA passed away peacefully on June 20, 2015 at Northern Inyo Hospital.

Bob moved from Duarte, CA in the summer of 1968 to Bishop where he lived until 1988 and then moved to Gardnerville, NV, and then back to Bishop in May of 2011 to be closer to family.

Bob is preceded in death by wife of nearly 65 years, Merydith Macklin in July 2013, and son-in-law Dale Watterson in December 21, 2014.

Bob is survived by, daughter Patti of Bishop, son and daughter in law, Dennis and Allene Macklin of Lake Havasu, AZ, granddaughters, Renee Parra and husband Marin Parra of Lancaster and Monica Watterson of Bishop, great grandchildren, Dante and Falon Parra of Lancaster and Saige and Savannah Connolly of Bishop, Trudy and Rick Lee of Big Pine, CA. and many great friends. Private Services will be held at 10:00 AM. , July 1, 2015 West Line Street Cemetery Bishop, California.

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Irwin M. Heit

1925-2015

Born March 4, 1925 to Nathan Heit and Esther Unger Heit in Manhattan, New York City, NY he passed away Thursday June 25, 2015 peacefully with members of his family by his side.

Irwin was a WWII veteran serving in Shanghai, Mainland China where he met and married Ellie in November of 1948.

Upon returning home, he completed 10 years of honorable service as a Captain in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. He and his family moved to Northern California where he earned his degree in Electronic Engineering from San Jose State College. He then spent 31 years as a sales representative in the Aerospace and U. S. Defense Industry.

In 1991, Irwin and Ellie retired to the Owens Valley to be closer to their son, Nathan and his young family.

It was at that time that Irwin began volunteering, first as a Tax Aide through the AARP serving the senior community, and then as a HICAP representative helping to negotiate the Medicare, and Medi-Cal programs. He became a very active member of the Women’s League of Voters until it dissolved.

He also became active in the Owens Valley Democratic Club and the ICDCC holding numerous executive positions in both organizations. In 2008 Irwin was awarded the prestigious Democratic Ideals Award at the Annual Charles Brown Breakfast.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Barry T. Heit in 1985.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ellie Heit;, his youngest son, Nat Heit and daughter-in-law Leslie Heit; grandchildren, Michael Heit and Elisabeth Heit ; daughter, Bobbi Heit Ashurst; sister, Roselyn Heit Leiberman; niece, Nancy Barron and family; nephew, Jay Leiberman and family;  Bob and Mary Braitman and their daughter Leah Andersson.

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– Mono County Sheriff’s Office press releases

On the afternoon of Monday, July 20, 2015, at approximately 12:30pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding an unresponsive male climber in the Clark Canyon area.

Ryan Nash, age 35, of Mammoth Lakes, California, was rock climbing in a popular area known as Area 13 in Clark Canyon where he fell approximately 60 feet from the rock face. Mono County Paramedics, June Lake Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, and Mono County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area. Life saving measures were conducted but were unsuccessful and Mr. Nash was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of death is pending autopsy results but appears to be of traumatic injuries caused by the fall. Foul play is not suspected in the cause of death.

###

On the afternoon of Monday, July 20, 2015, at approximately 1:15pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding an unconscious male near the Mono Village campground at Twin Lakes in Bridgeport.

Kennedy Feulner, age 72, of Dayton, Nevada, was riding mountain bikes with his grandson when he crashed and went over the handle bars. Mono County Paramedics, Bridgeport Fire Department, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area. Upon arrival, it was determined that Mr. Feulner was deceased.

The cause of death is pending autopsy results but appears to be of traumatic injuries caused by the crash. Foul play is not suspected in the cause of death.

Written and reported by: Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

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Graveside services will be held August 1 at 10:00 am at the East Line Street Cemetery in Bishop for 81 year Bishop resident, James Claude Doherty.

Born in Imperial Valley, Calif. On February 13, 1921 to Joseph L. Doherty and Louella Boshers Doherty.  Jim passed away July 26, 2015 in Bishop, Calif.

Jim came to Bishop in 1934 with his dad, Joe Doherty.  Joe started Joe’s Garage on Willow St. in the same year.  Jim attended Bishop schools, graduated in 1939.  He spent time in the U.S. Army from 1942-1944, in England, returned to Bishop in 1944.  He married Helen A. Brockman on July 11, 1945 in Pasadena, Calif. They were married 59 years.  Helen passed away in 2004.  They made their home in Bishop.  Jim owned and worked at Joe’s Garage until his retirement in 1985.

Jim loved to fish on his boat at Crowley Lake, he and Helen took several cruises, enjoyed traveling in their 5^th wheel trailer visiting new places,  family and friends.  His passion for his wood pile was a highlight in his life.

He leaves 4 children, Karen Eckert, Sacramento, grandson David Eckert, granddaughter Kim Kaluba. Janette Boyd, (Doug), Stockton, grandaughters Teri Boyd, Dena Brayshaw, grandson Ryan Boyd. Tom Doherty, (Judy), Gardnerville, Nev., granddaughters Cori Ayandele, Linzy Fitzsimons, grandson Todd Doherty. Donna Brazier, Bishop, grandaughters Cara Brazier, Jenna Brazier, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild.

His beloved dog Sadie, his best friend and companion, passed away February 2015.

Jim loved life, his family, his friends, he loved Bishop.  Bishop was his life.  He will be truly missed.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to www.ICAREforPets.org

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James K. Wilson (June 22, 1948 – Jul 15, 2015)

Founder of Eastside Sports dies of stroke at age of 67

By Charles James

The following posted description of James Wilson was found on the website Supertopo.com.

“James was, quite simply, one of the coolest guys I ever knew. He had a serious appearance, like a college professor, but that belied his hidden, playful inner self.” –AMB, Climber, CA

It was an apt description of a man that many have described as “funny,” “gentle,” “soft-spoken,” “kind,” “generous,” “humble,” and “wise.”

During a brief talk at the 2015 Owens Lake Bird Festival in April, Wilson reminded those attending that “Life is short.” Bird Festival-goers little suspected at that time just how sadly true those words would become just three months later.

The shock and dismay following his untimely death a few weeks ago at the age of only 67 from a stroke are echoed throughout the environmental and climbing community as messages of condolence and grief, coupled with stories and photographs of James Wilson’s life are posted on his Facebook page and on a special memorial website in his honor, www.forevermissed.com/james-kepler-wilson.

Wilson moved to Bishop in 1977 with his wife Kay and opened Eastside Sports.  He was a visionary who saw the need for a local shop to provide outdoor equipment and clothing whether camping, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, or climbing. James and Kay sold the business in 2012.

James was a co-founding member of Friends of the Inyo, established in 1986 and he was very active in many environmental and civic groups, often speaking at public meetings expressing his concerns for wildlife and the environment. While an avid outdoorsman, birding was his passion and he belonged to the Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, which he helped found in 1983. Their website also features many fond memories and appreciation of his of his life. . He was also a businessman and was active in the Bishop Rotary and Chamber of Commerce.

James leaves behind his wife, Kay, daughter, Roseanne, son-in-law, Bay, and grandson, Ansel.

A memorial service is planned in Wilson’s honor for Sunday, August 2 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Mono Lake County Park. Those celebrating James Wilson’s life are asked to bring potluck food of their choice and drink, along with their own plates, cups and eating utensils. Visit www.forevermissed.com/james-kepler-wilson/ for more information.

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Robert “Robbie” Andreas passed away, July 30, 2015 at the age of 90 in Bishop, CA. Robbie was one of eight children born to William Andreas and Ester Collins Andreas on August 29, 1924 in Bishop. Until recently, he was the oldest living male of the Bishop Paiute Tribe.

In his youth, Robbie attended a church school in Bishop and the Stewart Indian School in Stewart, NV. He received his high school diploma from Sherman Indian High School, in Riverside, CA.

Robbie met his wife, Angela Martinez (Spoonhunter, Andreas), while attending Sherman Indian High School. The first time he saw her was while she performed as a drummer in the school band. They had many childhood memories throughout their high school years. A fond memory they shared was their roller-skating stories. The two would later reconnect and begin a life together raising seven children.

Robbie and Angela spent over 50 years together as a family and on September 8, 1979 in Hawthorne, NV, they would finally marry. He was a loving and loyal husband who was dedicated to his family. When his wife Angela became sick Robbie stayed by her side until her passing in 2002.

He was a very hard-working man, his working years were among the Southern Pacific Railroad, Bishop Sawmill, and Union Carbide Corporation. While at Union Carbide Corporation, he was proud to say he missed only one day of work throughout his 25 year career. He received special recognition from Union Carbide Corporation for his years of dedication. After he retired, he became the Water Master for the Bishop Paiute Indian Reservation which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Robbie loved the outdoors, spent much time hunting and became an expert in fishing and gardening. He loved picking pine nuts and wild onions. He would roam the valley and mountains to pick pine nuts and fish until he was 84 years old, to finally be slowed down by a falling accident. He was famous for his vegetable gardens and had one every year until he was 89 years old.

Robbie was a well loved and respected man. His biggest accomplishment in life was caring for and raising his seven children. Although Robbie and Angela did not have children together, he loved the children as if they were his own. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Angela Andreas; brothers, Dan Andreas, Clarence Andreas, Richard Andreas; sisters, Virginia Davis and Mary Manriquez; daughter, Linda Stone Benitez; sons, Alan Spoonhunter, Thomas Spoonhunter and Garrett Spoonhunter; grandson, Clinton Robison. He is survived by brothers, Harry Andreas and John Andreas; sons, Ron and Lyle Spoonhunter; daughter, Dorothy Robison (Spoonhunter); 26 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and his loyal dog, Rover.

A traditional Cry Dance will be held at dusk on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at the Jonathan Stone residence, 661 N. Pa Ha Lane in Bishop, CA.

Funeral Services will be held at the Brune Mortuary on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., immediately following is graveside service at the East Line Street Cemetery, and to conclude services a luncheon will be held at the Barlow Lane Gymnasium, 390 N. Barlow Lane, Bishop, CA.

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Mike Hawley, age 74, a resident of Bishop for 19 years, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2015, at home surrounded by his family and friends, after a long battle with prostate cancer and several other illnesses.

Mike fought each challenge that arose and stayed strong and positive for his family. His courage and strength were inspiring to all who came to know him during this difficult time.

Mike was born on April 19, 1941, in Bell, California, to Marie and George Hawley. He worked 35 years for Southern California Edison with eight years of his career in the Bishop office as the Budget and Service Manager before accepting a promotion and moving to Yucaipa.

After Mike retired from SCE he continued to pursue his favorite pastime of golfing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family spending vacation time in Escondido and Park City, Utah.

Mike is survived by his wife Pat of 51 years, his daughters Suzi Johnson and her husband Jamie and Debbi Barbieri and her husband Nik and his four grandchildren Jon and Kaitlynn Barbieri, James Hawley and Danika Johnson, and brother Ralph (Bud) Hawley, and his wife Becky, niece Shannon Omessi, and her family Ari and Taylor. Danika would like everyone to know how loved he was and what a great “Papa” he was. Mike was preceded in death by his parents George and Marie Hawley, and brother Pete.

As per Mike’s wishes no formal services will be held, but instead a celebration of life, or as he wished a “party”, will be held September 9th at 5:00 at Highlands Senior Clubhouse. Please come join his family and friends in a party to honor the husband, dad, papa and friend that he was.

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