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Post Members Submitted
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Robert C. (John) Goodman
Haggin Grant Post 521, Rio Linda
 GOODMAN, Robert C. (John), Entered into heaven on July 26, 2007. John was born in Mountain Home, Idaho on May 27, 1928.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth, his parents Cleo and Nellie, his brother Tom Goodman and his eldest son, Tommy Goodman. He is survived by his sister Genalice Bennett, daughters Patty Johnsgard (Gene), Genny Claxton (Ken), son J.B. Goodman; his grandchildren Lance Keller (Diane), Kristen Claxton, Kaci Large (Devin), Kenny Claxton, Julie Ernest, Kimberly Goodman, John T. Goodman; great-grandchildren Cassandra Keller, Jessica Keller, Kaitlyn Avara.
John was a Hi-Voltage Electrical Contractor/Cable Splicer in the Sacramento Region for over 50 years. He began his career as a PG&E Hi-Voltage Lineman in 1955. He was most proud to be a mentor to some of the regions most successful Electrical Contractors and Linemen. He was actively consulting up to the time of his death. He is remembered most for his quick witted humor and incredible work ethic. He was a Mason in good standing of Rio Linda Masonic Lodge #786, an active member of the American Legion Post #521, a VFW and FOE member. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and a great many friends.
A memorial service will be held on August 11, 2007 at 10:00 am at the Rio Linda American Legion Hall Post #521 located at 6700 8th Street, Rio Linda, CA 95673.
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Ramon Gil
William Bill Proud Post 211, Lompoc, CA
 Ramon Gil of Lompoc died peacefully at his granddaughter's home surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at the age of 82. Ray, as he was known, was born September 2, 1924 in Mesilla, New Mexico. After high school he joined the Conservation Corp. and was encamped in the Sequoia National Park. He joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII as a deep-sea diver. After the war he joined the US Army. He retired from military service in 1963 as a sergeant first class. He then worked for the Lompoc Unified School District as a gardener for several years.
A gifted athlete, Ray competed as a boxer during his military career. An avid runner he competed in marathons and triathlons around the state and was often seen running his favorite course around the La Purisima Mission. He was well known as a trainer to many young high school athletes in the Lompoc Valley.
He was a member of La Purisima Catholic Church, the American Legion Post 211 in Lompoc, the Elks Lodge #2274 in Lompoc and was loved and respected throughout the community.
Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hildred Gil of Lompoc; sons, John Wade Gil of Santa Barbara and Randall Boyd Gil of Lompoc; daughters, Sonseeah Rae Gil of Lompoc and Tonya Ann Gil of Santa Barbara; his sister, Delores Gallegos of New Mexico; his brother, Frank Gil of El Paso, TX; grandchildren, Sasha O'Toole, Gillian Esparza, Travis, Colton and Brock Gil; great grandchildren, Carter Gil, Harrison Ramon Esparza, and Travis Gil, Jr.; extended family and friends, Sharon Gil of Palm Desert, Karl Cox of Lompoc, Gary Sangenitto of Santa Barbara, Kim Gomez of Lompoc, Luis Esparza of Lompoc, Tom Lewis of Santa Barbara, Keith O'Toole of Long Beach, and Tom Blanco of Lompoc.
There will be a pot luck open house in Ray's honor on Sunday, July 22, 2007 from 2 to 6 p.m. at his granddaughter's home, 1724 Sheffield Drive in Lompoc. A gathering to celebrate Ray's life will be held at the La Purisima Mission at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 604 East Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, 93436.
| top | GREENE Sr., MAX E. Max E. Greene, Sr. passed on peacefully at his home on September 25, 2006. His loved ones were by his side as the song he loved to sing "It's a Wonderful World" played softly in the background. His wife Judi held his hand as his little dog snuggled quietly next to him. Even in Max's final days, his wonderful Hospice nurse, Jessica, was drawn in by his perpetual warmth, charm and pleasant demeanor. Max was loved and respected by everyone that had ever known him and most often referred to as "the nicest guy I've ever met." Max was born on July 20, 1936 in Huntington, PA where he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954. He continued to serve his country until he retired in 1974. Max and Judi began their wonderful life together in 1979 and resided in Boulevard, CA for 17 years before moving to Alpine. He was an active member of the Alpine VFW and served as their Quarter Master and Bar Manager for two years. His input and dedication to his position is greatly manifested in the wonderful post that it is today. Max leaves behind his wife Judi, children, Max E. Greene Jr., Eric Greene, Rick Condon, Sandi Takacs and six wonderful grandchildren. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. A "Celebration of Max's Life" will be held October 14th, 12:00 noon at the Alpine VFW located at 844 Tavern Road in Alpine, Ca. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Avalon Hospice Care, 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Suite #A226, San Diego, Ca. 92123 | top | Doris Green went to Post Everlasting in February 2007. She was a Legionnaire for 38 years, and a member of Huntington Beach Post 133.
Respectfully... Dennis Bauer, Adjutant | top |
Ken Gamblin
District 7 Commander 1956-57
Dept Vice Commander, Rep Area 2 1974-75
KEN GAMBLIN, District 7 Commander 1956-57, Second Area Commander 1974-75, went to Post Everlasting on February 21, 2007.
There will be a Memorial Service at "Fremont Chapel of Roses", 1940 Peralta, Fremont.
Address cards to: Ken Gamblin Family, 40845 Calido Place, Fremont, CA. 94539
Respectfully... Bob Dunlap, Santa Clara Post 419 | top | Jean Raymond Guilmette was born to Edward and Alice Guilmette in North Hampton, Massachusetts on October 16, 1929 and passed away in Merced, California on January 19, 2007 at the age of 77 years. Mr. Guilmette was a Merced resident for 39 years. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1975 and worked for Metro Security and the United States Air Force Commissary. He was a member of the Merced American Legion Post #83.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Guilmette of Merced; sons, Richard and wife Shirley Guilmette of Kingman, Arizona and Robert and wife Rosita Guilmette of Sanford, Maine and 10 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Merced District Cemetery. | top |
Roy Edward Gustavson
Edward HLorenson Post 121, Watsonville, CA
Dec. 22, 1915 - Jan. 8, 2007
Resident of Pittsburg Roy Gustavson, 91, passed away January 8, 2007. He was a native of Berkeley, CA, and a 12-year resident of Pittsburg. He was a supervisor for PG&E for 31 years before his retirement. Roy was in the U.S. D-Day Normandy invasion and a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran. He enjoyed gardening, reading and sports.
Roy is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Tiller; granddaughter, Tammy Martinez and husband, Rodrick Dent; two great-grandchildren, Latisha Martinez and Savannah Dent; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi Gustavson; brothers, Carl, Walter and Robert; and sisters, Lillian, Barbara and Margaret. He was the best father, grandfather and great-grandfather in the world.
Memorial services, Sat., Jan. 13, 2007, 1 p.m., at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. A private burial was held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Concord, CA.
Contributions can be made to the American Legion Post #121, or V.F.W. 91716, Watsonville, CA. Pittsburg Funeral Chapel (925) 432-2114 | top |  Passed away January 3, 2007. David was born March 7th, 1932 in Portsmouth, Ohio, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He is survived by former wife, Barbara Grady. Father of Lynne (Ivan) Wright, Kathi Hertzberg, Dan (Julie) Grady, Mary (David) Haugen, Mike (Rhonda) Grady and 10 grandchildren. Sisters Judy Schier, Karen Myers and Debbie Brock.
 While in Detroit, Michigan he entered the Air Force in 1951 as basic airman. Retiring from the Air Force in 1971 as a Major. He settled in Rancho Cordova, CA in 1972 and entered CSUS, graduating with a master's degree in English in 1975 where he joined the faculty of Cosumnes River College and taught until he retired in 1993. During his Air Force career, David flew over 350 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. Among his awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with 16 oakleaf clusters.
He held an airline transport pilot's license and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, the American Legion, the Loyal order of Moose, and the Mensa Society.
He requested no services, but a wake be held. His celebration of life will be held at Sharon's Lounge, 11050 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova on January 13th, from 1pm to 4pm. All friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, he also requested that any donations in his name be made to any charity that helps children. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
| top |  Edward P. Garcia, age 65, a longtime resident of Salinas, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Ed was born on July 3, 1941, in Fresno, California.
He attended Edison High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Japan. He returned to Fresno and graduated from Fresno State University in 1973. Ed married Bette (Uyeda) Durazo in 1973 and they moved to Salinas in 1975. He worked for the State of California as a Rehabilitation Counselor until his retirement in 2003. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, and American Legion Post #31, and was a regular tennis player at Central Park. He was an avid sports fan enjoying coverage of all sports, especially at the college level.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Milton Garcia and Margaret Gamboa; and his sisters, Carmen McAlpine and Josephine Garcia. He is survived by his wife Bette. He is also survived by five children, Roger Bonilla, Gina Peters, Peter Garcia, Jr., Chris Durazo and Kim Garcia; five siblings, Mary Garcia, Helen Felix, Elvera Ramos, Milton Jr. and Caroline Garcia; several grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA, on Monday, December 18, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vigil will be held at Struve and Laporte Mortuary Chapel on Monday, December 18, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22 Stone Street, Salinas, CA, on Tuesday, December 19, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. Burial will take place at the Pajaro Valley Memorial Park, 127 Hecker Pass Road, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or donor's favorite charity.
| top | Bob Gunkel passed away last night (9/23/2006) of cancer. A memorial service will be held at a later date (tentatively set for October 7, 2006 at Mission City Post 564)
Respectfully... Larry Turley, District 13 Finance Officer | top |  Born in San Francisco. Nov. 13, 1924. Howard Goddard grew up in Talmadge near Ukiah, California. He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1943 during Worid War II, and was drafted in the Amy to serve wtth the 81st Regimental Combat Team in the Pacific Theater on Angour, Peleliu and Leyte.
In 1950, he graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moranga, California, and continued graduate studies in California State University, San Jose, and California State University, Fresno.
Beginning in 1956, Mr. Goddard served as an English teacher with the Merced Union High School District completing over 26 years at Livingston High School and the final six years at Merced High School. He retired in 1989.
Mr. Goddardl belonged to the Winton V.F.W,, American Legion, N.R.A., Ducks Unlimited, the Sierra Club and the California Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Goddard enjoyed with hunting with his dogs, hunting pheasants, spending time with his wife, Carol, and visiting family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Goddard and Annie Goddard of Garaventa, and his first wife, Inez Goddard. He is survived by his wife, Carol of Merced, his sons and daughters in
law, Glen Goddard and his wife, Anna, of Folsom; Mark Goddard of Merced; and Kirk Goddard and his wife, Kathie, of Seattle; step-daughters Susan Gunn of Merced and Karen Anderson of Rocklin; and six grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6. 2005, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by a rosary from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stratfort Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St, Merced.
A Mass of Christen Burial will be held at St Patrick's Catholic Church of Merced at 11:00 am on Thursday July 7, 2005. Interment will follow at the Russian River Cemetery in Ukiah, CA on Friday, July 8, 2005 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to:
Annual Scholarship Fund, St Mary’s College of California, Development Office, P.O. Box 4300, Moraga, CA 94575-4300, or Alzheimer's Association, 2065 West Camino Real, Suite C, Mountain View. CA or the Merced County Animal Shelter at 2060 Grogan Ave., Merced, CA 95340
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William Howard Gray Jr
Konocti Post 437, Clearlake
William Howard Gray Jr., age 82, passed away July 17, 2006, in Clearlake.
He was born Aug. 24, 1923, in St. Louis, MO. He lived in Lake County for 47 years and was formerly from Los Angeles.
William served in the Navy and was a former employee of Oaks Corral Restaurant & Bar. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lions Club, American Legion, Elks Club and The Moose Lodge.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Julia Gray; son, Steve (Judy) Gray of Petaluma; daughter, Billie Jean (Stanley) Anderson of Lewiston, ID; daughter, Suzanne Gray of Redding; son, Tim Gray of Heber, UT; daughter, Nancy (Craig) Reiner of San Diego; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by grandson, James G. Malicoat.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake.
A celebration of life funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, with burial at Lower Lake Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Clearlake Oaks Senior Center and/or the Alzheimer's Association. | top |
Victor Gomes
James McDermott Post 172, Tracy
Oct. 16, 1918 — Feb. 27, 2006
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday for Tracy native Victor Gomes, 87, of Modesto, who died Feb. 27 at Memorial Hospital in Modesto.
Born in Tracy, Mr. Gomes moved to Modesto in 1947. He was a dairyman and farmer all of his life. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II, and served with the seventh division in the Pacific at ATTU, Kwajalein, Philippines and Okinawa. He was captain of the Westport Fire Department from 1962 to 1972.
He was Past Supreme President of U.P.E.C. in 1977, president of M.P.P.A. from 1970 to 1997 and Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine in 1989. He was a member of James McDermott Post 172 of the American Legion.
Mr. Gomes is survived by his companion, Alice Bettencourt of Modesto; children, Bob Gomes of Hughson, Mary Lorraine Reynolds of Prunedale, Jim Gomes of Oakdale and Jerry Gomes of Modesto; brother, Joe Gomes of Modesto; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine Gomes; a son, Ron Gomes; three brothers; and two sisters.
Monday’s Mass will begin at 11 a.m.
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 709 J St., in Modesto, with a recital of a rosary to follow.
Contributions in Mr. Gomes’ name may be sent to:
Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica 90401. | top | George Gerdts passed away on Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Memorial Service: Friday, February 13 - 1:00 pm
Chula Vista Post 434
47 5th St., Chula Vista
Reception will follow at 2:00 pm
Respectfully..... Scott Varvel, District 22 Commander
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I am at a deep loss... receiving this report.
The best GRUNT I ever met ! George & (George Myself) worked endless hours at the VA Hospital La Jolla, as volunteers together on the American Legion Bingo Program, and had many good times together. George was a MENTOR holding many Legion offices, and in the American Legion and was well respected. Myself having served as District 22 E-Board member for 3 years, George was also there for me.
May he now rest in peace. God Bless his wife, Naomi. She was also a superb Auxillary member, always there for us. Respectfully,
George W. Dixon, Jr.
District 2 Service Officer | top | Bruno Gradek was born Nov. 6, 1921, in Mosinee, Wis., and he passed away Sept. 13, 2004, in Lakeport. Bruno and his wife Irene were married in Wisconsin on Sept. 9, 1943, and at the end of his Air Force tour of duty during World War II, they made their home in San Francisco. Bruno was a lithographer and owned his own business in San Francisco for 20 years.
Bruno and Irene purchased property in Witter Springs in 1960 and Bruno called it his "Paradise Valley." After 15 years of weekend farming, Bruno retired and they made Witter Springs their permanent home. He then continued his passion for farming and was well known in the area for his luscious kiwis.
Bruno was an RV enthusiast and an active member of the Lakeport Elks, Lucerne American Legion and board member of the Diamond Walnut Growers Association.
Survivors include his brother, Edward Gradek; several nephews from the Healdsburg area; wife, Irene; children, Bill Gradek of Witter Springs, James Gradek and Karen Rashleger of the Bay Area; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a very dear friend and companion Farel Wetherbee.
A viewing will be held from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport, 263-0357. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20 at the Upper Lake Cemetery, 780 Clover Valley Rd., Upper Lake. | top |  Frank P. Guida was what his daughter called "the adventurous type."
In World War II, he was a soldier who fought across North Africa, only to be captured by the Germans. He escaped when his POW train was strafed by Allied aircraft in northern Italy and hid out for half a year in an Italian village swarming with fascist and Nazi troops, before slipping away and reuniting with friendly forces.
Postwar life as the head of a Peninsula real estate agency and a founding coach in the Pop Warner football league, was, by comparison, pretty peaceful. Mr. Guida, who was 85, died Feb. 5 at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto.
Mr. Guida was born and raised in Cleveland, the son of a railroad conductor. He was so eager to get into World War II that in the summer of 1941, before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor drew the United States into the conflict, he joined the Canadian armed forces.
"He was the adventurous type," said his daughter, Carol (Caley) Guida. "He wanted to get out and see the world."
The Canadians sent him to England, but in 1942 he was discharged from their army and joined the U.S. Army on the Fourth of July. He was assigned to a cavalry reconnaissance troop in the 34th Infantry Division and dispatched to North Africa.
In March 1943, Mr. Guida was on a reconnaissance patrol in front of the division's main force when he ran into a German unit. Gunfire erupted and, in the melee, Mr. Guida was knocked unconscious.
"When he woke up," his daughter said, "there was a circle of Germans with their guns pointed at him." Mr. Guida, his left knee badly injured, was transferred to a prisoner-of- war camp in Italy. He tried to escape but was caught. The Germans, taking no chances, put him on a train headed for a special camp in Germany that was designed to hold POWs who had broken out of other camps, similar to the "escape-proof" camp depicted in the 1963 Steve McQueen movie "The Great Escape."
When the train was near Milan, in northern Italy, Allied aircraft zoomed in on a strafing run. In the confusion, Mr. Guida and another prisoner escaped from their boxcar. Mr. Guida, who spoke fluent Italian, and his buddy made their way nearly 300 miles south to a village near the town of Ascoli Piceno, not far from the Adriatic Sea. Mr. Guida was taken in by a sympathetic Italian farm family and "when the fascists would come to the village, they would hide him in the hay," said Mr. Guida's former wife, Marjorie Marchant.
Mr. Guida's friend, who was not injured, soon left the village to make his way back to safety. But Mr. Guida had to stay six months, waiting for his knee to heal. When he could finally travel, the family loaned him a bicycle and, dressed in Italian clothes, he made his way to British forces. He was flown back to the United States and released from the service in late 1944, his family said.
After the war, Mr. Guida returned to Redwood City and soon opened Guida Realty. In 1950, while on their honeymoon, Mr. Guida and his bride, Marjorie, went to Italy, took a train to Ascoli Piceno, then rented a car and drove back to the village where Mr. Guida had hidden out. As word got around that "Franco," as he was known during the war, was back, people poured into the street and shouted, in the dialect of that area, "Frank is back! Frank is here!" Marchant said. Many of them gathered with Mr. Guida and his wife in the living room of the home where people had taken care of the escaped POW.
In California, Mr. Guida was widely known for his activities with Little League, the Cub Scouts, Police Youth Club, The American Legion and other organizations. He was president of the Pop Warner football program in Redwood City and helped found the Pop Warner Junior 49ers program in 1962, coaching in the program for more than 30 years.
In addition to his daughter, Carol Guida of Mill Valley, Mr. Guida is survived by two sisters, Luisa Bogart of Chula Vista (San Diego County), and Maria Ryskiewicz of Boulder, Colo.; three sons, Ed Guida of Livermore, Bob Guida of Placerville and Jim Guida of Sacramento; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A private family service was held Friday. A celebration of Mr. Guida's life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City.
The family suggests donations in Mr. Guida's name to Mid County Youth Football, c/o Marianne Pignati, P.O. Box 3541, Redwood City, CA 94064; or to St. Anthony's Padua Dining Room, 3500 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
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Many of you knew Frank “Franco” Guida of Redwood City, CA. As many of us of WW2 vintage, time takes its toll.
When we originally moved to warmer climes on the Peninsula leaving San Francisco behind. Franco was our real estate salesman and convinced that CLIMATE BEST BY GOVERNMENT TEST in Redwood City was the place to live and raise a family.
He sold us an affordable home up on Compton. Once we settled in, he returned and signed me up with American Legion Post 105 where I was a member until we moved to Hawaii. Each year he would come to my home and collect the dues for another year.
He was quite a guy. We miss you “Franco”.
My Hand Salute always.
Carlo Flores
Commander, Post 472
District 26th.
...until we meet again!!!
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Wilbur J. "Gerk" Gehrke
Theodore Roosevelt Post 21, Santa Rosa
Wilbur J. "Gerk" Gehrke passed away June 5, 2005, in Santa Rosa.
Beloved father of Wayne Gehrke and his wife Pam of Burlingame, Robert Gehrke of San Diego, Arlis and her husband Brant Minetti of Santa Rosa. Grandfather of Paul and Jane Gehrke. Uncle of Rick, Marna and Reed Gehrke, and Iralene Holbrook. His good friend and caregiver of 18 months, George Kwong. Born on October 19, 1917 in Crosby, ND, he later graduated from the University of North Dakota.
During World War II he served in the Marine Corp, where he was highly decorated with medals including 3 Purple Hearts and the Navy Cross. During his duty, he met a fellow Marine who became his wife, Thelma (now deceased). In 1955 he moved his family to Santa Rosa and opened his office Gehrke Realty where he worked up until his death.
Over the years he was very active in the community with groups as the Boy Scouts, director of the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, president of the Board of Realtors, Realtor of the Year as well as military groups: Legion of Valor, Marine Corps League, 6th Marine Division, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Those who knew him are invited to attend the Memorial Service, Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 3:30 p.m. at the Scottish Rite, Masonic Hall, 600 Acacia Lane, Santa Rosa.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Luke's Hospital, P.O. Box 10, Crosby, ND 58730 or Santa Rosa Senior Center, 704 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, CA, 95404 or the University of North Dakota, P.O. Box 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202, for the Athletic Dept. or School of Business Administration or the Alumni Assoc. | top |
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