Everyone who knew Jim knew to take a moment...or a few...out of his or her day to listen to one of his stories or jokes. Jim’s story started in Jesup, Iowa on April 5, 1933. After his family moved across the country, he spent his childhood in La Verne, graduating from Bonita High School in 1951, and then attending Mt. San Antonio College.
Longtime Claremont resident, volunteer, was 106 years old, Ruth Elizabeth Pitt, a resident of Claremont since 1967, died peacefully at home on June 5 at the age of 106.
Beloved mother, longtime Claremonter, loved music and art, Diana Denise Manny, died May 10 at the age of 47. Diana was born in San Gabriel on February 3, 1974. She was a lively and bright child who loved to sing, dance and had a beautiful imagination.
Beloved grandmother, prolific artist, adventurous, creative ‘yes’ girl, Margaret “Margy” Gates, the only child of Ruth and Bill Crawford, died May 30 at the age of 89. Born two months premature on May 6, 1932 in Huntington Park, California, Margy’s early months were a challenge, but from the very beginning she showed stoic strength and thrived.
Grandmother, former Scripps College dean of faculty, professor, lover of literature, Anne Fuller, died in the morning hours of May 22 at the age of 89. She is survived by her brother, Thomas Havens; daughter, Kate Niles; son, Peter Fuller; and grandchildren, Sarah Fuller, Nicholas Fuller and Christopher Niles.
Husband, father, grandfather, minister and community leader, Rev. Barrie Gray, died peacefully with members of his family and hospice support present in Claremont on May 17, after a lengthy health issue compounded by the emotional and physical impacts of pandemic isolation over the past year.
Loving husband, father, son, friend, doctor and teacher, David Shofler, died suddenly during May at 40. A polymath with a quick wit and dry sense of humor, Dave will be sorely missed by his family, friends, coworkers and students.
A long life devoted to family and friends, Laura Nancy (Bassett) Emerson, 98, died April 23 at home in Mt. San Antonio Gardens in Claremont. Born in Valley City, North Dakota, on August 10, 1922, young Nancy moved with her family to Long Beach, California.
Kind, gregarious, dedicated father who believed in second chances, a longtime Claremont resident, Chris Rhoades, died in Rancho Cucamonga at the age of 59.
Grandfather, bicycling enthusiast, traveler, worldly extrovert, Oris V. Barber, age 86, died peacefully on May 5 following a stroke. His friends knew him best as the “crazy guy on a bike” who pedaled over 115,000 miles across the U.S. and Europe, sharing his journeys via his well-followed blogs. He never met a stranger, and they immediately became his “newest old best friend.”
Beloved son, lawyer, sports fan, Claremont High grad, Garett Patrick Talve Hill, JD, 29, died Sunday, May 2 while watching the Angels game at home in Santa Monica.
Professor emeritus, storyteller, inspirational educator, devoted family man, Leonhard McLain Myers, a resident of Claremont for the last 57 years, died February 24 at his family home. He was 90 years old.
Former Claremont and Pomona resident Christopher John Lindsey has died at the age of 69, in Dana Point, California. He had been in declining health for many years since suffering a traumatic brain injury in an accident.
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