The Rev. Karl E. Olson The Reverend Karl Edward Olson, former pastor of the Alturas Federated Church from 1954-1964 and founder of the Blue Lake Youth Camp, died peacefully in Hayward, California, May 11, 2003. He had led a very full and active life of service through ministry and a commitment to building a better world. He was 84 Karl was born on July 26, 1918 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Fred and Ilah Olson. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1940 and from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1948. A pacifist and conscientious objector, Karl served in Civilian Public Service during World War II. During this time, he met Peggy Anne Gettinger. They were married in 1945, and together wove a rich and loving life for themselves and their five children. Ordained into the ministry in 1948, Karl served churches in Illinois, Oregon, California, Australia, England and Alaska. Karl and Peggy retired to McCloud, CA. in 1986, where they continued to be active community volunteers. While Karl served in Alturas, CA. he was very active throughout the whole of Modoc County, serving as pastor to all its people. Karl was the founder of the Blue Lake Youth Camp, serving the youth of Modoc County, the current church building was built under his leadership, active in Rotary, served on the school board, and was very active throughout the great community. For the remainder of his life, Modoc County and its people remained close to his heart. Peggy passed away in 1998 Throughout his life, Karl worked actively for the cause of social justice, peace and environmental responsibility. He was a commentator on the nation's first listener-sponsored radio station, KPFA, during its early years. He was a religious columnist for the Fremont Argus, an adjunct professor at Ohlone College, a world traveler, a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of Rotary International, PTA, and numerous other community organizations, and a stalwart, award-winning blood donor. Karl relished and shared his love for the mountains and wilderness. He founded Blue Lake Youth Camp in Modoc County and led many high country trail camps for youth, as well as his own family. Karl is survived by his sister, Kathryn Rice, his and Peggy's children Susan, Larry, Kristen, Mark and Peter, eight grandchildren and many wonderful friends from around the globe. A memorial service will be held on May 18 at the Fremont Congregational/UCC Church of Fremont, 38255 Blacow Road, Fremont, CA., 94536 at 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to: Fremont Congregational/UCC Church Memorial Fund, or any environmental or social justice organization. Albert Frank Tourtillott Albert Frank Tourtillott, a gentle and kindly man, who quietly did a lot in his community, will be missed in a big way. Nearing his 85th birthday, Mr. Tourtillott passed away on May 3, 2003 in Cedarville, CA. >From the time Al and wife Gladys moved to "South Cedarville" 30 years ago, Al made friends with everybody and stuck with friends through "thick and thin." They purchased their home and labored to make it an "incredible place," described the Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra. Born May 22, 1918 in Stevens, Montana, Mr. Tourtillott was a survivor of Pearl Harbor. He served as a Chief in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the U.S.S. Maryland, docked next to the U.S.S. Arizona. He was discharged on September 23, 1945 The very talented Mr. Tourtillott retired after 30 years and three months as a mechanic with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and relocated to enjoy an active community life in Cedarville. He was caretaker of Surprise Valley Community church in Cedarville, where he tinkered to keep the old furnace working for many years until it was finally replaced. Every Sunday morning, he saw to it that the candles on the altar got lit, the church bells rung, served communion, and took up the collection. "One of the old school, his symbols included a roll of duct tape and can of WD 40," describes Zandstra. His heavy work coat was "repaired with duct tape and he used big safety pins where the buttons were gone." Al and wife Gladys are credited with the majority of remodeling and repair around the church. Very active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7888, he was always there and led the honor guard for the Post. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. "Once he saw the right thing to do, he just did it. He would do it himself or help others," stated Zandstra. Al and Gladys Marie Walter were married on May 17, 1947 in Glendale, CA. She survives him along with their son Eric Tourtillott and daughter-in-law Maria Delores Tourtillott; granddaughter Jennifer; grandson Ryan; brother Herb and wife Mae; sisters Kathleen Hettiger, Marion Nicolaides. Memorials may be directed to the Surprise Valley Hospital District, Cedarville. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra conducted services at the Surprise Valley Community Church on Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. Interment was at the Cedarville Cemetery. Joan Fuller English Alturas resident Joan Fuller English passed away in Klamath Falls, Oregon on May 4, 2003, after a brief stay there. She was 71 and had lived all but 10 years of her life in Alturas, CA. Born to Chauncey Arthur Fuller and Blanche (Nielsen) Fuller on February 6, 1932, in Klamath Falls, OR., Joan graduated from Modoc High School in Alturas, CA. She was a talented pianist and an avid reader. Many remember Joan for her kindness and her many years helping people as a Social Worker with the Modoc County Department of Social Services, from which she retired. She had a quiet demeanor and enjoyed spending time with her family and walking with her dog. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Prince and husband Marvin of Klamath Falls, OR.; son Eric English and wife Susan of Evergreen, Colo.; sisters Joyce Warner of Eugene, OR and Janice Quinlan of Vancouver, WA and her grandchildren Ian, Adam and Megan. A graveside service was held at the Alturas Cemetery on May 8. Kerr Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Donations in her memory may be directed to the Klamath Falls Hospice. James D. Rager Cedarville native and long-time Alturas resident James D. Rager passed away May 8, 2003 in Medford, OR. Mr. Rager was 91. He had relocated to the Medford area about three and a half years ago. Pastor Glenn Tucker of Central Point, OR. conducted the memorial graveside service at the Alturas Cemetery on Wednesday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary. Mr. Rager's obituary will be published next week. May 22 , 2003 Man killed in CR1 accident Anlt of a single vehicle accident May 17, 7:10 p.m. on County Road One north of Eagleville. According to the California Highway Patrol, Constantino Bilco, age 37, was driving a 1998 Ford pickup southbound at about 70 m.p.h. Both he and a passenger, Serafin Alonso had been drinking prior to the accident. Bilco failed to control the pickup and drifted onto the west shoulder of the road, overcorrected to his left and lost complete control of the vehicle. The pickup rolled several times, ejecting Bilco through the opened driver's window. The pickup landed on its roof and pinned Bilco underneath, inflicting fatal injuries. Alonso was trapped in the cab initially, but was freed prior to ambulance arrival. He sustained moderate injuries. John Glenn ‘Bud' Layton Long-time Alturas resident Bud Layton passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 in Redding, CA, at the age of 75. Bud was born March 1, 1928 in Chico, CA and moved to Alturas at age three, with his adoptive parents, Joe and Mae Layton. After graduating from Modoc High School in 1946, Bud joined the Navy at age 17 and was stationed at Treasure Island. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Alturas where he worked in the lumber industry for a number of years. Bud spent 30 years working in law enforcement with the City of Alturas Police, the District Attorney's Office and the Modoc County Sheriff's Department. He also drove school bus for 20 years which afforded him the opportunity to attend sporting events that his three children participated in during their years at Modoc High. After retiring from law enforcement in 1983, Bud spent 13 years driving tanker truck for Ed Staub. On November 25, 1948, Bud married Kathryn Morrison with whom he would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this year. Bud and Kathryn made their home in Alturas and reared their three children here. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends, in his spare time. He especially liked camping, golfing, playing horseshoes, washers and a great number of board games. Along with his many friends, Bud will be missed by his wife Kathryn of Alturas; son Mark and daughter-in-law Georgie of Yreka; son Brian of Redding; and daughter Lynn Strack and son-in-law Guy of Redding. His seven grandchildren, Ted and wife Brie, Erik, Shara, Jill, Karyn, Danielle and Kristin, and one great-grandson, Tyler, will also miss the man they affectionately called "Papa." A graveside memorial service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery, Alturas, CA. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mercy Hospice Program at 1544 Market Street in Redding or a charity of the donor's choice. James D. Rager Cedarville native and long-time Alturas resident James D. Rager will be remembered by many, for his honesty and goodness, his storytelling of great true stories of days gone by and the twinkle in his bright blue eyes. Mr. Rager, who was out cutting wood on his own, well into his 80s, and making friends after he relocated to Oregon, passed away May 8, 2003 in Medford, OR. at the age of 91. He had relocated to the Medford area about three and a half years ago. Pastor Glenn Tucker of Calvary Temple Worship Center, Central Point, OR., where Mr. Rager attended church, conducted the memorial graveside service at the Alturas Cemetery on Wednesday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. Born in Cedarville, CA on October 6, 1911 to William Rager and Mary (Dukes) Rager, he attended school in Chico, CA. He worked in the lumber business as a lumber grader, timber faller and at the Canby mill from the 1930s to the 1940s. He and Rosalie Black were married on July 19, 1933 in Reno, NV and moved to Springdale, WA in 1945, where they bought a farm, which Jim worked until they moved back to Alturas, CA in 1964. Jim went back to work in the lumber business at Calandor Pine in Alturas, fell timber and last worked at the Loveness Mill in Adin, CA. After retiring, he continued to keep busy, cutting, hauling and selling fire wood. He worked hard in his large garden, rototilling each year and growing potatoes, carrots and vegetables by the bushel full. He was an avid reader when he had time to relax and he loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren enjoyed their treasured time with Jim and Rosalie. After Rosalie passed away December 17, 1989, he lived alone for many years, before deciding to sell his home in Modoc Estates and relocate to a mobile home in 1999, near his son Jim H. Rager in Medford, OR. The senior Jim became an active and well-liked member of the Calvary Temple Worship Center in Central Point, OR., where he was also baptized. He is survived by his son Jim H. Rager of Medford, OR; son Ronald W. Rager of Eugene, OR; daughters Joanne Stamatoplos of Spokane, WA; Barbara Maillelle of Fairbanks, Alaska and Linda LaHue of Redding, CA.; half-sister Betty Matherly of Reedsport, OR.; 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. May 29, 2003 Gay Decious Boehme Gay Boehme passed away May 23, 2003, in Antioch, California after a lengthy illness. Born in Alturas, CA., to Doris and Stan Decious, Gay graduated from Modoc Union High School in 1951 and Oregon State University in 1955, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She taught elementary school students in the California communities of Bieber, Roseville, and Oakland and volunteered with the Quaker Project in Berkeley, and in schools in San Francisco. Gay was an accomplished pianist and together with her husband of twenty-one years, Fred, appreciated a broad range of music styles and artists. She enjoyed her continuing friendship with Modoc Union High School classmates and Oregon State University Alpha Gamma Delta sorority sisters. Gay will be fondly remembered by her step children in the Boehme family, especially Theresa Alley with whom she maintained a close relationship. She will be missed by many caring neighbors at Somerset Fellowship Church, and the David Kazakevich family, all of Antioch. Gay was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend who was cherished for her gentle loving nature and kind-heartedness. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her loving husbands, Charles Herbert and Fred Boehme. Gay is survived by daughter Cindy Exline, son-in-law Alex Exline, and granddaughter Chloe Exline of San Bruno, son Chuck Davis and close companion Carrie Kiskila of Oakland, brother Dan and sister-in-law Mary Decious of Sacramento. Gay's family welcomes her friends to gather at Traditional Care Funeral Services, 1205 A Street, Antioch, at 12 noon, May 30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Modoc High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Modoc High School, 900 North Main Street, Alturas, CA., 96101 or to a charity of your choice. ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus.