Modoc County Record – October 12, 2006 Donald Emery Harbert Services for Donald Emery Harbert, 83 of Bieber, will be held Friday, October 13 at 11 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber. A potluck luncheon of salads and desserts will follow the ceremony at the Ladies Club Hall. Mr. Harbert passed away in Reno, NV. on October 9, 2006. For many years he was the Harbert Oil distributor. He was born September 11, 1923, and was a proud descendant of four Big Valley pioneer families. He served in WWII in the U.S. Naval Air Corps as a PBM pilot. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, woodcutting and sports. He leaves behind wife, Nadine Harbert; son Robin Harbert (Cindy), daughters Gail Philbrook (Richard), Terrill Johnson (Bill) and he was predeceased by son Kyle Harbert (Cathie). He will be missed by his six adoring grandchildren, Amanda, Krissie, Wyatt, Luena, Lauren and Denice and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. Pall bearers: Robin Harbert, Wyatt Harbert, Richard Philbrook, Bill Johnson, Randy Hurd, Jimmy Gier. Honorary pall bearers: Gene Bidwell, Ernie Larkey, Sam Gerig, Roger Grigsby, Merlie Hatfield, Mark Hicks, Kyle Benefield, Chris Click, Clarence George, Jack Franck, Greg Bidwell, Michel Josse. Joshua Velasco Woznack Josh was born at home in Alturas on February 25, 1983. Dr. Richert and Nurse Karen were there to help him begin his journey through life, along with a few family members and close friends. As Josh grew, our love for him grew as well. He could melt the heart of an angry mother with just the twinkle in his eye and with that big beautiful smile. With the patience and skills of several great teachers, Josh became the top reader in his fourth grade class. From that time forward he always had a book or two started, mostly about mountain men or cowboy adventures and at times, the Good Book. He was a wild one, enjoying everything that Modoc and the good outdoors had to offer. He would say "Don't tempt me with a good time." And, he meant every word of it. Josh loved babies and children, his family, friends, dancing, and golf. Josh enjoyed learning the game of golf. You always knew where he was going with his golf clubs strapped onto the sissy bar behind him. He was headed to the golf course to meet a friend for a round of golf. Josh graduated from Modoc High School in 2002 by the skin of his teeth and the constant harassment of his good friend, Nicole. He worked at several different jobs such as ranching, farming and land development at Alturas Ranches, to road construction and building with Larranaga Construction. Most recently, he was learning the heating and refrigeration trade with his long-time friend and mentor Wayne Bethel. Josh was carried into his new life on September 26, 2006, riding his black and yellow Harley. Something he loved very much. "RIDE ON JOSH" Josh's cousin Matt had a dream the day Josh passed away. He said, "Grandpa Pete and Grandpa Lyle were stringing up the fly rods waiting for Josh to get there." Josh is survived by his Grandma, Velma Wilke; Grandpa Don Woznack, his Mama and Dad, Cindy and Eddie Velasco; his father, Dennis Woznack; sisters Jennifer Kemper, Sarah Woznack, Christina Woznack-Velasco, Victoria Larranaga, Lisa Velasco, and Gerese Weber; brother Eddie Velasco Jr., and many close aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends "The Pack." Josh's 23 years seemed all too brief for all of us he left behind, but he packed a life time of living in those years. He is headed off on a new adventure. Josh, you will forever live in our hearts. There is a memorial scholarship fund in Joshua's name at Plumas Bank for anyone who wishes to make a donation. James Leal Former Alturas resident James "Jimmy" Leal also known as "Jackaroo," age 52, of Albuquerque, N.M. passed away Monday, September 4, 2006. Jimmy was the tenth child born April 18, 1954, to Joe and Rose Leal in Tulare, California. He moved to Northern California to live with his sister Teresa and brother-in-law Eddie Velasco when he was 16 years old. In 1972, Jimmy enlisted in the Air Force where he proudly served his country. After the service Jimmy pursued his cowboy dreams. He broke horses and worked on many ranches throughout Utah, California, Oregon and New Mexico. In 1987, Jimmy moved to Alturas to work in the building trade with his lifetime pal and brother-in-law Eddie Velasco. He taught his nieces and nephews how to be "buffalo rangers." Everyone was his "favorite." He was always the life of the party and never knew a stranger. Jimmy settled down in 1998, when he married his lifetime partner Sandee. He returned to the Roman Catholic Church in Albuquerque where he was to be ordained as a deacon in June of 2007. He loved the church and he loved the Lord. Jimmy was preceded in death by a stepson, Brandon Spencer, a sister, Irene Sa; and his father, Joseph Leal. Survivors include his wife, Sandee Leal; his mother, Rose Leal; stepdaughter, Shanean Spencer; seven sisters, Dee Martin, Lucille Machado, Dorothy Leal, Mary Leal, Alice Leal, Teresa Willoughby and Laurie Coleman; a brother Joe Leal; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews including Mark Witherspoon, Victoria Larranaga, Lisa Velasco and Gerese Weber. Jimmy was dearly loved by his family and all who knew him. He was laid to rest September 12, 2006, at Tulare District Cemetery. He will be in our hearts forever. Pat Gillespie Patricia Ann Lawver was born on March 7, 1934 in Los Angeles, CA. She was the youngest of five children born to Charles Joshua (Nebraska) and Lena Dell Lawver Hininger (Missouri). Her father, a dock worker, died of pneumonia when she was eight years old. Her mother, born in 1901, lived for 98 years. On December 2, 1950 she married Donald Ray Gillespie, her first sweetheart. The two made their home in the city of Bell, CA. Don began a career in furniture manufacturing, and in 1951, the first of four daughters was born and the young bride became a mother. Those four children are: Cynthia Lynn, Donna Sue, Bonnie Lorene, and Christine Lendell. The family moved about during those first years eventually planting themselves in Downey, CA. Their home was always open for get-togethers with family and friends. Pat had a creative and artistic talent which she greatly enjoyed sharing with others and entertained and decorated lavishly for holidays and celebrations. In 1970, the couple purchased the Rancho Steak House in Alturas, leaving the city life behind. Here, together, the family lived and worked and again Pat decorated and entertained, this time for a whole community. She enjoyed those days and the acquaintances and friendships she made. They sold the restaurant in 1975 and in 1976 she and Don moved back to Southern California. These were difficult times for the couple and they were divorced. Pat began work as a secretary/bookkeeper, a position she kept and enjoyed for many years. She lived independently and began painting. Even though they had divorced she was never far from Don and later his ill health brought them together again. Although they never remarried, they continued to live as husband and wife. Don moved back to Modoc County and with the encouragement of her children and now grandchildren, Pat later followed. The couple lived in Canby and there Pat opened a small craft store with her floral and craft creations. This business was later moved to Alturas and she and Don operated "Crafters" together on Main Street; a small kitchen for him and a local gifts and crafts store for her. Don's health worsened and the store was closed in 1998. In a small house belonging to their daughter, they retired to finish out their days together. Pat had a heart attack in 1999 from which she never fully recovered. Don passed away in 2000, after years of struggling with heart disease. With the help of her daughters and grandchildren Pat has lived quietly with her poodle, "Greta," and her two cats, "PC and Scooter," whom she loved like children. Pat Gillespie gave up her long battle with lung disease and passed away on the morning of Saturday, October 7, 2006, in her Alturas home. She was 72 years old. She is survived by her two brothers: Chuck Lawver (Grants Pass, OR), and Leonard Lawver (unknown). Her daughters and their families: Cindy Lauer (Susanville), Donna and Ron Bellamy (Alturas), Bonnie and Jim Sherer (Canby), Christine and Ken Ward (Tulare); her 10 grand children and their families: Alice Gillespie, Theresa Lauer, Dawn Emerald, Nicole and Robert Overacker, Jesse Bellamy, Annette Bellamy, Nadine and Darren Kupsky, Chris and Lindsey Sherer, Lisa and Mark Newport, and Stephen Ward and 13 great-grand children. Respecting her request, there will be no memorial, rather a "Celebration of Life" gathering for Sunday Brunch with all family and friends at California Pines Lodge on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Kerr Mortuary has charge of arrangements. Sandra (Houseman) Sweeney Services are pending for Sandra Sweeney, 51, of Alturas, who passed away October 10, 2006, at Surprise Valley Long Term Care, Cedarville, CA. Mrs. Sweeney was raised in Modoc County. Arrangements are being made with Kerr Mortuary. Donna Newsom Services are pending for Donna Newsom, 66, who passed away at her home in Davis Creek, CA on October 8, 2006. Kerr Mortuary will be handling arrangements. Adam A. Wells Adam A. Wells, 42, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2006, in a plane crash in Plumas National Forest near Oroville, CA. He was born August 9, 1964, in Yreka, CA to Earl and Martha Wells. As a young boy he visited Alturas where his grandparents Mary and Murray Wells, lived. Adam spent most of his life in Vancouver, WA and received his Bachelor's Degree at Walla Walla College. Adam enjoyed flying, and playing keyboard with his band in Paradise. He is survived by his parents, Earl and Martha Wells; sister Earlene Bailey; half-sister Becky Trimm; half-brothers Duane and John Wilcher; nieces Tiara and Brittany; niece Leveta and nephew Jim, aunt Phyllis Clark of Alturas and cousin Marie White of Alturas. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Murray and Mary Wells of Alturas. Funeral services were held in Paradise, CA on September 22. He is loved and missed. Arnold Shedd A celebration of life for Arnold Phillip Shedd, 77, of Redding was held at 2 p.m. October 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Redding. The Rev. Eduino Silveira of the church officiated. Mr. Shedd died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006, at his daughter's residence in Anderson, CA. He was born April 30, 1929, in Adin and moved to Shasta County in 1966. He served in the artillery division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was a lumber handler for U.S. Plywood Corp. and Champion International, and a member of the U.S. Bowling Congress, the Monday Seniors and Friday Seniors bowling leagues at Anderson Bowl, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Redding. Survivors include sons Bill of Sacramento and Mike of Brighton, Colo.; daughters Linda Helmer of Anderson, Dawna Johnson of Red Bluff, Terri Derwitz and Nancy, both of Redding; brothers Gordon of McCloud and Delbert of Anderson; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market St., Redding, CA 96001. Condolences can be posted at www.allenanddahl.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding. ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.