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On Sunday, March 10, 2024, Ronald (Ron) Gallego, loving brother, uncle, and friend passed away just shy of 61 years of age in Santa Ana, California. Ron is survived by his brothers Ric and Randy, niece Jaszmine, great nieces, cousins, friends, and dog Chloe. Ron was born on April 10, 1963 in Inglewood, California to Robert and Bea Gallego. He grew up in West Covina, CA and graduated from Nogales High School in 1981. Since childhood, Ron’s passions were health and fitness, body building, martial arts, and the beach where he loved spending time. Ron’s career spanned a variety of professions from fitness instructor, to male review dancer and model to restaurant server, hairdresser, cosmetology industry sales rep, and entrepreneur. The common thread among all Ron’s pursuits was his ability to relate to people from all walks of life. Although known to family and friends as a fun-living, Ladies’ Man who could be ridiculously competitive, he was also a man of faith who liked to share his love of God and Christianity with anyone who would listen. Family was also important to Ron who embraced a Papa-like role with his niece and grandnieces as well his mother in her final years as her primary care giver. He had a sentimental heart and often reminisced about childhood family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The beaches of Southern California were Ron’s happy place where he loved to relax and felt close to God. His spirit lives on in the majestic waves, tranquil ocean, and loving hearts and minds of those who knew him. May he rest in peace with God as he reunites with his parents, eldest brother, and loved ones in eternity where the stars meet the sea.

Kenneth O’Brien “Kobby” GILLESPIE, died peacefully December 12,2023 Stanton, CA. Aged 61 years young. Born January 25, 1961 in Orange County to loving parents Norman Worley & Patricia Sue (dec’d). He is the loved brother of Christina Mae (nee Gillespie) & brother-in-law Xavier Hermosillo. Loved Uncle & Great Uncle. Kobby never married, coming close three times, and though not having his own children he loved all children. He was also very sentimental. Kobby in his Jr. year at Magnolia High School, Orange paid him to teach woodwork to adults, then his Sr. year saw him a table tennis champion. After graduating he started a mini truck club with his 4×4 Toyota pickup. One of his many achievements was his truck featured on the front cover of Trucking Magazine. His closest friends, Farrah & Leb Alameddin & Cindy McKinnon loved him like a brother, knowing the very comical side to this young man. A manmade master of all jobs, a perfectionist is a small understatement of Kobby. He will be truly missed by his family, many many friends & those that had the pleasure to know & love him, he will never be lost as he is buried in our hearts.

Itsuye (Tsubochi) Hirst went by the name, “Peggy,” because she and her siblings, as Nisei (2nd generation) children, served as a bridge between their non-English speaking Issei (1st generation) parents and the American social order of the early 20th century. Peggy lived a full, eventful, and long 101-years.  Peggy passed peacefully and comfortably on 14th February 2023 at her home in Seal Beach, California. She was born on 31st August 1921 from humble beginnings in San Pedro, California as the first-born child to her mother, Ito (Kitagaki) Tsubochi, and father, Chozo Tsubochi. She was blessed with four siblings Tsuneo “James” Tsubochi, Mihoye “Betty” (Tsubochi) Higgins, Tayeko “Tye” (Tsubochi) Ray, and Yoshino “Alyce” (Tsubochi) Toyama. Peggy and her siblings grew up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula of Southern California, where their  close-knit family was one of forty families who were sharecropper-farmers and grew crops on 2,000 acres of fertile land. During their childhoods they worked hard on the farm and enjoyed family time at the nearby scenic beaches for fishing, abalone-diving, octopus hunting, periwinkle foraging, and picnics. Peggy outlived her two husbands, Yasutoshi “Yas” Okuji, the father of her sons and whom she wed in November 1941, and Louis “Lou” Hirst, wedded in February 1972. As well, she was predeceased by her above-named four siblings; an infant son “Baby Okuji;” brother-in-law Tadashi Okuji; sister-in-law Tomoe Okuji; and step-son Robert Hirst. She is survived by sons Dennis Okuji, Michael Okuji, David Okuji; daughters-in-law Lilit Mazmanyan, Cindy (Sakata) Okuji; step-daughters Janet (Hirst) Henderson, Kathy (Hirst) Roberts; step-daughter-in law Linda Hirst; grand-daughter Kelli (Okuji) Wilson; grand-son-in-law Landis Wilson; great-grand-daughter Olivia Wilson; and numerous Tsubochi nieces and nephews. Peggy graduated from San Pedro High School, after which she soon married Yas to start their young lives together in Los Angeles, California. Peggy always had a ready smile and carried an underlying toughness, which prepared her for life’s uncertainties. “Strength through Smiles” can best describe Peggy’s steely grit and resilience for the hardships she endured in her 101-years. In 1942, during World War II, Peggy, Yas, and their parents and siblings were forcibly moved from Los Angeles and interned in Heart Mountain, Wyoming for two years under Presidential Order No. 9066. During these difficult years Peggy started her family with the births of two sons and a third who did not survive childbirth. Family photos show Peggy smiling from the joy of her new sons, while enduring the monotony of confinement. Upon release from Wyoming, Peggy and her family returned to Southern California and rooted in Long Beach, California where she bore and raised two more sons. Tragedy struck again in 1965 when Peggy unexpectedly lost both her husband, Yas, and her second son, Victor, within seven months of each other. Surmounting grief in mid-life, Peggy was thrust into the role as a single, working mother as a grocery clerk for Atlantic Farms and Cole’s markets in the Long Beach area. Although tired after a full day of work, Peggy always returned home with her smile. A few years later, Peggy joined a bowling team, with Lou Hirst as one of her team-mates. One thing led to another and soon they became married life-mates. Approaching retirement age, Peggy and Lou purchased property in Oregon where they could establish a life of travel as snowbirds. In 1972 they fulfilled their plan, moved to Beavercreek, Oregon, and also established a winter residence in Vincete Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. Thanks to the early days of satellite TV technology, Peggy was able to regularly watch her beloved Portland Trail Blazers. During these care-free years Peggy and Lou enjoyed plenty of travel adventures in their recreational vehicle with sightseeing, fishing, and communing with friends and family. However, this period of bliss was disrupted when a gas-leak in their recreational vehicle ignited and exploded causing Peggy and Lou to suffer serious burns. They were air-lifted from Mexico to a burn center in Los Angeles, where Peggy underwent three months of care, rehabilitation, and full recovery. Despite the seriousness of her experience, Peggy never shared the pain and suffering she endured. Instead, she remained steadfast with her gracious smile. In 2000, and again unexpectedly, Peggy lost her beloved husband, Lou; after which she moved back to Southern California to be closer to her family. Upon her return, Peggy kept busy with watching NBA basketball, joining a competitive table tennis team, and junkets to the local tribal casinos. Peggy will always be remembered for her fastidious memory (she remembered everyone’s birth, graduation, and anniversary dates) and her love of nature’s beauty (the colors of flowers, foliage, and sunsets), the Portland Trail Blazers, singing, dancing, cooking, cake-baking, knitting and crocheting, Hershey Kisses and butterscotch candies, and ICE CREAM (although she did not partake in any other dairy products). Of course, Peggy will be remembered for her “strength through smiles.” In her final years as the sole remaining sister, Peggy would often ask, “Why am I still here?” On 13th November 2022 her question was finally answered when she was presented with her one and only 3-month old great-grand-daughter, Oliva, who shares Peggy’s August birth week and more importantly shares her joyful smile. Through Oliva, Peggy’s “strength through smiles” will continue onward. Peggy’s celebration of life remembrance will be held privately with family members at sea in Los Alamitos Bay on Saturday, 25th March 2023. To honor Peggy’s love of nature’s beauty, donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy.

Dennis Okuji, a consummate visual artist, died on March 2, 2023 at his long-time home in Long Beach, CA after a short illness. He was 80. Dennis worked as a research analyst at the Long Beach Public Library for 25-years. He preferred the public library over a university research library because the quiet surroundings gave him the independence and solitude to delve into his passion for painting, drawing and wood-block printing. He seemed to change mediums every five-years. Prior to his library stint, Dennis used his design talent in the fast paced world of commercial art at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO and the Los Angeles Times (newspaper) art department. Upon retirement, he soon expanded his interests to photography, calligraphy, coin and firearm collecting. He could often be found driving fast down Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down in his candy-apple red Pontiac Firebird. Dennis was an enthusiastic traveler who brought whimsy to his trips to Las Vegas, Santa Cruz and San Francisco to visit family. He was so thrilled to visit Napa Valley for his niece Kelli’s wedding at Meadowood that he bought a swanky new suit, shirt, tie, shoes and a pocket square for a bit of panache . . . a special flair for such a frugal kind of guy. Dennis Masao Okuji was born January 21, 1943 in the Heart Mountain, Wyoming relocation camp during World War II to Itsuye (Tsubochi) and Yasutoshi Okuji. He showed so much artistic talent at Long Beach Polytechnic High School that his teachers arranged for him to receive a scholarship to the Parsons School of Design in New York City. In an early show of his independent bent, Dennis eschewed the scholarship and remained close to home to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Long Beach State College (now California State University, Long Beach). He later earned his Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from the University of Southern California. Dennis served in the Army as an infantryman deployed to Viet Nam where he saw combat action and volunteered to jump out of airplanes as a paratrooper. He regularly traded stories on Army life with his uncles Raymond Toyama and Tadashi Okuji. On his return flight from Tokyo, he remembered being bumped-up to a first-class seat where he shared a row, wine and stories with the film actor E.G. Marshall. In retirement, Dennis continued to live a fiercely independent life where he even drove himself to the hospital for surgery. He lived his entire life on his own terms, created beautiful art, was content in solitude and passed peacefully. A life well lived. Dennis is survived by his younger brothers Michael and David, sisters-in-law Lilit Mazmanyan and Cindy (Sakata) Okuji, niece Kelli (Okuji) Wilson, grand-niece Olivia Wilson, and many Tsubochi cousins. Private services will be held at sea in Los Alamitos on March 25, 2023. Memorial donations in Dennis’ honor may be made to the Room to Read literacy program for underserved children.

November 29, 1953 – January 1, 2023 Christine Anne Haapala Oosdyke entered into eternal life on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Oosdyke. Cherished mother of Lauren (Levi) Storms and Brett Oosdyke. Dear sister of Bill (Nancy) Haapala, Therese (Derek) Marshall, the late Robert Haapala, Eric (Debby) Haapala, Steven (Debbie) Haapala, John (Peggy) Haapala, and Margaret (Michael) Kurpiers. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and will be an angel-grandmother to her first grandchild, a boy, who will bring comfort to her family when he is born this month. Christine was born November 29, 1953 in Joplin, Missouri, where she had a wonderful childhood with her many siblings. In 1958, the family moved to Michigan, where Chris attended Precious Blood Grade School and Our Lady of Mercy High School. She went to college at Michigan Technological University and graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing, MI in 1973. She worked in critical care and burn units at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI and Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. While living in Grand Rapids, Chris met Bob, and they enjoyed many summer weekends at the marina and sailing up the coast of lower Michigan on Bob’s boat, Big-O. In 1983, Chris joined Support Systems International (Hillrom) as a sales rep and moved to Chicago, where Bob had accepted a job with Herman Miller. Chris and Bob married in 1985 and eventually made their home in Southern California. Chris rose to stellar heights in her sales director career, yet she remained humble and graciously mentored others along the way. Chris was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She truly enjoyed family time together, whether it be vacationing in Hawaii, skiing in Colorado, or watching Lauren and Brett play basketball. She often traveled to Michigan to spend time with her large extended family. And she was a loyal friend to many. Chris loved working out and organizing anything and everything. She had a wonderful sense of style and loved shopping for clothes and household décor. She loved a great Nordstrom fashion find, a good Starbucks latte, and all things chocolate. Christine’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 7 at 10:00 am at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, 22082 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.     In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to Wendy Walk Foundation (https://www.wendywalk.org) in support of sarcoma research.

Patrick Sean McKenna was born January 30, 1961 in Whittier, California and died January 19, 2021 in a homeless shelter in Orange County, California following a lifelong battle with alcohol. Pat went to Lowell High School in California and spoke fondly of riding the public bus down Beach Boulevard to surf and hang out in Huntington Beach. He loved football and played at Utah State University where he made the list of top 10 all-time tackles as a linebacker with 359 tackles in his college career. Always the life of the party, often shared his story of tackling BYU’s Steve Young and promptly receiving a penalty. Post-college, Pat worked for the family automobile business in California and Hawaii, and then others around the country. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Joseph “Mike” McKenna and his mother, Ann Stephens Luzzi. He is remembered by his two beautiful daughters, Courtney and Meagan McKenna, his brothers Danny McKenna and Steven Luzzi, his sisters, Tracy McKenna and Michael Widener, his ex-wife Cathy McKenna and her family, nieces and nephews, several close friends, and the automotive industry at large. If you are so inclined, please consider a donation to: Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression Phone: (310)923-6394 https://aaadfoundation.org/donate/  

Betty Louise Erwin  October 17, 1938-November 28, 2022 Betty Louise (Mayes) Erwin was born October 17, 1938 in Phillips Texas. She was the daughter of Liniel & Mary Mayes. She was sister to John (Johnny) Mayes. Due to her Fathers work, Betty’s family moved around quite much. She would say that she attended 13 schools in 5 states over the years (Texas, California, Tennessee, Kentucky). When she entered High School her family moved to Long Beach, California. She asked Jesus in her heart as her Savior in the quiet at her home. She would say that she sensed the need to be saved. She met & married the love of her life Jim Erwin after graduating from Wilson High School. Betty & Jim met at a church during their High School years. Betty & Jim lived in Glendale, Arizona(during Jims time in the Air Force). Once Jim was out of the Air Force, they moved back to Long Beach, California. During the following 6 years, their three children would enter their life & add much joy. Jim worked for LA County & they moved to Saugus. Once the earthquake of 1971 occurred, Jim was relocated to Long Beach General Hospital & they moved to Buena Park. Throughout all of these changes Betty loved being wife & mother to her three children.  Always loved serving & taking care of family & friends. Loving & serving others was always the heart of Betty. She had great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. Betty was always planning events at the family home & looked forward to all the gatherings. The last home that Betty & Jim enjoyed was at Quaker Gardens/Rowntree Gardens Senior living 1999. Betty & Jim loved their new home & they made many wonderful new friends. in 2004, Betty was excited to share that she had read through the Bible from Genesis  to Revelation for the first time. Jim went home to be with Jesus 2013 & Betty was ready to join her love in Heaven.  Betty entered Elmwood Care Facility in 2018. Obviously, due to various health challenges…strokes, Covid-19 & pneumonia – Betty went home to be with the Lord entering heaven on November 28,2022. Life verse Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Donald Ray Basham January 31, 1934 – October 30, 2022                                                                                                              Age 88                                   Age 68                            Age 18 Donald Ray Basham passed away October 30, 2022, at the age of 88 from chronic illness.  He was surrounded by close family and Friends as he passed peacefully. Don Basham was born January 31, 1934, in Harrisburg, Illinois.  He was the youngest son of 10 children. Donald spent his formative years hunting the woods of Illinois, caring for all manner of wounded woodland animals, and learning everything he could about cars.  At 18 he married the love of his life, Marlyss Olney.  Their courtship was spent dancing, going to the drive in, roller skating at the local roller rink, attending her singing competitions and cruising around town in Don’s old Ford. They were married 70 years. After high school, Don completed his certification exams and became one of the youngest Ford Master Mechanics in the Bay Area.  People knew Don far and wide as a mechanic you could trust for quality service.  Business moguls, movie stars and athletes would periodically come asking for Donald.  Players from the Oakland As would hand him wrenches and football players would help him set lug nuts on wheels.  Don’s love for anything with an engine was contagious and his work showed that passion.  He would often say he could fix anything with an engine and at least 2 wheels…” except for “Stupid-bakers” but they went under, so I never had to worry about them after that.” Donald had a great circle of friends and hobbies.  As a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge association, he could be found playing cards with the boys, donating his time, and helping others. In his off time, he was a prodigious angler, radio-controlled airplane pilot, DIYer, outdoorsman and entrepreneur. He could often be found playing pool at a pub near home. He enjoyed life, was a good husband and father, and a nice all-around guy. He will be missed by family and friends. Marlyss Basham is receiving calls at 714 846-7729

  In Fond Memory of Betty Ann Cantrell (5/7/1925 – 9/1/2022) Heaven gained another angel September 1, 2022.  Betty Ann Cantrell (Vertrees) joined other family and friends in the kingdom of God a few months after celebrating her 97th birthday on May 7th.  The last of what was known as the “Modern Nine” and “The Nine Shy Babes” of her high school class that stayed in touch throughout their entire lives.  She is survived by her two sons Kevin Blake and Craig Lee, her grandson Christopher Blake and great grand daughter Olivia Grace.  Betty was preceded by her late husband of 58 years Gerald Eugene Cantrell (5/12/1925-12/24/2014).  A kind and loving soul, Betty will be greatly missed by all. The Cantrell family will be having an intimate private graveside gathering at Riverside National Cemetery per Betty’s request.  Flowers and condolences can be sent to the Cantrell family’s Anaheim home.   I’m Free   Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God has chosen for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I’ve now found peace at the end of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow Look for the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seems all to brief Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief. Lift up your heart and peace to thee, God wanted me now – He set me free.