Obituaries

  William Douglas Morton, 25, passed away September 8th, 2021, in Huntington Beach, California. Will was born January 19th, 1996 in Pineville, North Carolina to Terry and Lori Morton. Will attended Fort Mill, SC schools and most recently finished his education in Huntington Beach, CA. He was employed at Tanners Oceanfront Restaurant and Cruisers Pizza Bar and Grill. From the beginning of Will’s life, he was on the move and born for adventure. Will thoroughly enjoyed skateboarding, extreme sports, photography, art, the outdoors, a nice day on the beach, and spending time with his family and friends. Will would embrace any and every opportunity to try new and interesting activities any chance he got. Everyone describes Will as an eccentric, genuine, caring guy, the kind to give the shirt off his back to others. He had an energetic and magnetic personality that had an impact on many lives. His earlier years were spent in the Carolinas, he was well known at Cinder Skateboard Park, in Fort Mill, SC and for his street skating adventures in Charlotte, NC. In 2017 Will moved to Southern California, to start a new chapter of his life. Ultimately, he fell in love with Oceanside, CA, after the locals took him in as one of their own. He moved to Huntington Beach in 2021, and pursued his career in fine dining, along the way he made lots of new friends in the few months residing there, no one was a stranger to Will.  Although Will’s life was cut tragically short, he was living out his life’s dreams and looking forward to the future with positivity.   He is survived by his parents, Terry Morton Jr., Lori Akers, and stepfather Paul Akers. Siblings, Mary Morton, Macie Morton, and Benton Akers. Grandfather, Mark Cooney. William is predeceased by his grandparents, Terry Morton Sr. and Kathy Cooney. Will’s services are private, and his family will be scattering his ashes in a burial at sea, in the place he loved the most, Oceanside, CA.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Skate4life. Skate4lifenc.com   He’s in the sun, the wind, the rain, He’s in the air you breathe with every breathe you take. He sings a song of hope and cheer, there’s no more pain, no more fear. You’ll see him in the clouds above, hear him whisper words of love, You’ll be together before long, until then listen to this song.

  William (“Bill”) Crosby Milo was born on April 3, 1935 in Montpelier, Vermont. He passed away  on August 6, 2021, at the age of 86 in Orange, California, surrounded by loved ones.    Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet Cecilia Papen Milo, and their children: Sandy Milo of Anaheim, California; Rebecca Hansen (Allen) of Castle Rock, Washington; Rich Milo (Davida) of Huntington Beach, California; and Kathryn Gibson (Tom) of Huntington Beach, California. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Katherine (Ramsey) Milo of Montpelier, Vermont, and his brothers, George Milo and Tom Milo. Bill also has many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews with whom he enjoyed spending time. Bill loved to spend time with his large extended family.    Education was very important to Bill. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. army with the goal of attending college through the GI Bill. Upon his return from serving 18 months in the Korean War, Bill was discharged and achieved his goal by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Vermont. The taste of warmer climates he was given in the army drew him to look towards the Southwest for a job, culminating in a move to Southern California where he’d soon get married and start a family. Bill demonstrated the love and respect he had for education to his children by earning an MBA from Pepperdine University while they were young, still working full time along the way, later leading to motivate each of his children’s own college degrees.    Bill worked in aerospace his entire career. The job he’d take in Southern California was as an electrical engineer for North American Aviation, later Rockwell International and now a part of Boeing. Just some of his accomplishments include several patents and programs on exhibit in the Smithsonian, research hanging from the ceiling of the National Air and Space Museum on the X-15 aircraft, and building the first digital fingerprint machine for the FBI.   Bill married Janet Papen at St. Boniface in Anaheim, California, on August 24, 1963. Jan and Bill enjoyed going out dancing together, which they continued to do well into their 70s. They had four children and lived in the same house in Anaheim for over 50 years. Bill and Jan enjoyed their home and neighborhood and attended church weekly at St Justin Martyr and St Boniface.  They spent many summers with their family traveling and exploring the country, usually by camping and visiting national parks in trailers and RVs, enjoying campfires, hiking, site seeing, fishing, and exploring. In retirement, Bill and Jan completed their world travels via plane trips and cruises covering all 7 continents. Bill was a positive staple of his community through his hobbies, volunteer work, and playful personality. He loved dogs and had them as pets as a child, when his kids were young, as well as later playing with his kids’ dogs — his “granddogs”. He enjoyed joking and being silly to entertain his and other children, including making them laugh at Mass, earning him the nickname “Grandpa Silly Billy”. His corner lot house was nearly a suburban farm when his kids were young between the rabbits, pheasant, and quail being raised in the backyard, beer brewing in the bathroom, and a thriving garden including an abundance of fruit trees. He helped lead an “Indians Guides” YMCA troop, including taking charge of “crafts” (weapons). At 40 years old he started running marathons (later triathlons), a running club at work, and running 5 and 10ks with his kids as well as bicycling events with his coworkers and son. He coached AYSO soccer and little league baseball for many years, beginning with local youth sports when he was single, then his own kids’ teams when they were young, and finally his grandson’s first soccer team.  Along with his wife, Bill was very generous with his time and talent. When their family was young, they opened their home to a foster child for a year. Bill volunteered with charitable organizations such as St Vincent de Paul Society, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Halcyon Interfaith Shelter. He helped many of his family members, friends, neighbors, charities, and later his own kids over the years with home repair and construction. He was experienced in woodworking and construction, including electrical and plumbing. He maintained and fixed his own cars (even when his children caused the damage) and household appliances.   After retiring in his late fifties, Bill spent much of his time visiting extended family, volunteering, camping, fishing, golfing, and teasing his grandchildren. His love of education stuck with him through extensive reading and travel, providing knowledge of many topics, and Bill even worked to learn Spanish. He was a frequent golfer at his local course, Dad Miller in Anaheim, and became so well known by the employees and other regulars that he’d often spend more time talking than golfing. Bill enjoyed fishing with his kids and grandkids, or even by himself up in the Sierras. He participated in an annual “opening day” trout fishing trip with his son for many years, and multiple times won the “biggest trout” contest. It wasn’t enough to just fish and golf for Bill, he actually assembled his own custom rods and clubs — some of which are enjoyed now by his kids.   Funeral Mass will be offered at St Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim, California, on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 10 am. Friends and Family are welcome. Bill was a man of science as well as a man of faith. Therefore, for the safety of all and to honor Bill, vaccination (except for those 12 and under), social distancing, and mask use (covering mouth and nose) will be required.  

In loving memory of Rick Leonard Burns.  Rick was born on June 28,1952 and passed away on July 21, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

In loving memory of Curt George Gaxiola.  Curt was born on July 10, 1951 and passed away on July 13, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

In loving memory of Gilbert McCroey.  Gilbert was born on May 3, 1957 and passed away on June 16, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

In loving memory of Carol Ann Madle.  Carol was born on September 1, 1936 and passed away on July 18, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

In loving memory of Patricia Carol Engle Mays.  Patricia was born on January 8, 1974 and passed away on June 29, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

Lois Blanche Cook, 97 passed away Monday March 22, 2021 at her home in Garden Grove. She was born to Jeanette and John Haringsma on March 23, 1924, in Holland, Michigan. Lois was one of 5 sisters, Anne Lamb, Doris Lorraine Hoffman, Isla Jean Prelesnik and Ruth Elaine Hieftje. She had 3 brothers John Raymond, Henry George and Richard Vernon. She was brought up in the Dutch Reformed Church of Holland and the Christian faith and her love of Jesus Christ was the corner stone of her life. She grew up in Decatur Michigan on a rented farm during the Depression in 1930 and in Montello Park Michigan in 1940, but mostly she lived in Holland Michigan. Lois graduated from Holland High School. She had an amazing voice and loved to sing and was second soprano in her high school choir. After graduation she worked in Holland at a bookstore but during WWII she worked at Fafney Bearings factory making ball bearings for our airplanes. In 1944 right after Christmas, her brother Richard introduced her to the love of her life, Ervin G. Cook, whom he had met at the Vets club. Erv had enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941 and had been overseas in the Pacific for 30 months straight during which the Marines lost his paperwork and forgot to give him leave. So Erv had 120 days of leave all at once in Holland where his family lived on a farm there, and when he met Lois, they dated as much as possible getting to know each other until he had to return to the Marine base in California.  In her own words, Lois told me:  “I followed him to California. I bought an old car (I don’t remember what kind) and was going to travel from Holland Michigan to Long Beach California. Being unmarried I traveled with Erv’s mom, Mary Helen Pontius Cook, until the car broke down in Benton Harbor, Michigan. From there we took a bus to Erv’s brother Clyde and his wife Fanny’s, and then I took the train to California alone. I lived with Erv’s sister Vivian in Long Beach and later with Pat and Jonny in Garden Grove.   Until we married, I traveled to Santa Ana on the Pacific Electric train to visit Erv every other week from April to August, while he reported to work as a marine to the base. We married on August 3, 1945 in Sana Ana and Auntie Pat and Mrs. Morgan, a USO lady, were the only guests… No fancy dress for me… we only had a few pictures… but it was perfect!” How courageous she was!  An amazing woman, during that tumultuous time!    Erv and she  lived in Santa Ana, on base at El Toro, but mostly in Anaheim after Erv retired from the marine Corps in 1953, where they raised 3 children, Julie Anne, Douglas Irving and Kristina Marie.  They were very supportive and active in PTA, Band Boosters and Drill team and went to every football game and parade to help out and encourage us kids. We were blessed with wonderful loving parents… encouraging each of us in our endeavors and talents. Eventually, in 1986 they moved to Garden Grove.   Lois was very generous in giving of her time and support… for her children’s activities, school events and church ministries. With her love of singing and her talented voice, she sang in the First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim’s church choir and was active in the women’s ministry and she organized, set up and baked 6 crock pots of her delicious baked beans for every buffet… and there were many! As well she made centerpieces and did the setup and serving… I know as I helped. She learned to sew at school in 3rd grade in Decatur Michigan and loved to sew! Lois became an excellent seamstress. She started a very successful sewing business she ran out of her home and sewed hundreds of custom designed drill team uniforms for all the local high schools. Lois was all about family… and she was very close to hers.  Erv would save up all his weeks of vacation and every 2 years they would carefully plan a tent and car trip to Holland Michigan, driving a different route each time visiting many national parks on route to Michigan to give us children the chance to see and explore the magnificent places in this great land she and Erv loved. (later we traveled by RV)  So many wonderful memories…. and it was not easy, stopping to set up a tent with 3 young kids and sometimes two more when Doug and Julie brought friends.   When I asked her about her happiest moments (and saddest) for her 90th birthday scrapbook she said:  “August 1970 we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary… lots of friends and family. In August 1995 we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Julie’s home on Orange Ave.So many happy occasions! Birthdays, graduations, Christmases, summer get-togethers… Celebrating with family is so special to me!Of course there were Julie’s weddings, your wedding Kris, the birth of 4 grandkids… Melissa, Carrie, Stacey and Eric! And now 5 great grandchildren… Ryan, Holly, Noah, Matthew and William! God is so good!” “Mostly wonderful years… but into every life… sad times too. In 1980 my father (John Haringsma) died in August at the age of 91. My mother Jeanette died on Sept 27th, 1986 at the age of 93. They were both wonderful parents!  And of course the sadness of losing Julie, so young to cancer at 52. It was so hard on us, especially your dad. He said it wasn’t right for a parent to bury their first born child. Last of all, the loss of my Erv. (He died in 1999 of congestive heart failure) There aren’t words to express that loss. Life continues to change my life.  And yet now I have 5 great grandchildren to bring joy to my life. God continues to bless our family!”  Lois lived her […]

In loving memory of Roberto Gaia. Roberto was born on July 3, 1929 and passed away on February 14, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

In loving memory of Lindsay Duncan Browning. Lindsay was born on April 9, 1930 and passed away on February 2, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.

    Janet Ellen Felix Hopkins, 81, died of a heart attack February 10, 2021, in Newport Beach, California. She was born August 11, 1939, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Joe D. and Josephine Felix. Jan was raised in Sheridan, Story, Gillette, and Buffalo, Wyoming, graduating from Johnson County High School in Buffalo in 1956. She attended the University of Wyoming and later completed her bachelor’s degree at Cal State Fullerton. She earned master’s degrees from Cal State Long Beach and from Chapman University. In 1956 Jan married David L. Hopkins of Story, Wyoming. They lived in Texas, Connecticut, Colorado, and Wyoming before moving to southern California in 1964. They were later divorced. Jan taught special education students in the Garden Grove Unified School District, Garden Grove, California, for many years. She was an active member of the Garden Grove Education Association, the California Teachers Association, and the National Education Association, working especially in the areas of LGBTQ and civil rights. An avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, and knitter, Jan was also a lover of dogs and cats. She rarely missed Jeopardy and also enjoyed bowling. While living in Thailand for a year, she learned the Thai language and taught English to Thai students. Jan is survived by four children: Sheri Hopkins Oberbeck of Huntington Beach, California, Joe Hopkins (Valerie) of Novato, California, Carol Hopkins Abdallah of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Leon Hopkins (Zulma) of Canoga Park, California. She also leaves five grandchildren: Adam Oberbeck, Asante and Rashad Abdallah, David Hopkins, and Niki Champie, one great- grandchild Tyler Champie, and one sister Sara Felix Neyer (Tom) of Gillette, Wyoming. She was preceded in death by her parents. Donations in her memory may be directed to the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the U.S. No services will be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In loving memory of Ruth Ellen Jones. Ruth was born on March 7, 1930 and passed away on January 27, 2021. Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast, (800) 678-0669.