June 14, 1935 – June 9, 2016

Carl Post

Last Thursday, June 9, 2016, our community lost one of its most beloved citizens. Carl Post, a Laguna Beach resident of nearly 45 years, passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Post was born in San Bernardino, on June 14, 1935. He was the second of five sons born to W.B. and Pearl Post. Known as “river bottom” kids, Post and his brothers didn’t have much, but made do with what they had – shooting marbles, throwing yo-yos and spinning tops.

After graduation from Colton High School, Post studied engineering while working full-time with a paving company. He married in 1956 and had two children, Mark and Lauren. From the time he was 23 years old, Post started and operated 10 plus companies, mostly in the paving, construction and development industries.

In 1978, he married Cheryl Lee Balsiger and informally adopted her son Brandon, raising him as his own.

Longtime philanthropists, Post and his wife Cheryl were devoted supporters for an extensive list of local charities, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Laguna Presbyterian Church, South Coast Medical Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the Susi Q Senior Center, and many others.

Perhaps their most poignant work, however, blossomed from unbearable tragedy, the 1991 death of their 21-year-old son, Brandon. “After Brandy died, we couldn’t breathe for six months. There was no pleasure to be had in life,” recounted Post in an interview. Post and his wife turned their grief into grassroots action, founding Brandy’s Friends, one of Laguna’s first out-patient treatment centers for adolescent drug and alcohol abuse. They also established an ongoing scholarship for Laguna Beach High School seniors committed to helping their peers resist the temptations of substance use.

In addition to focusing acutely on their community, the Posts have traveled the world, visiting more than 20 countries together.

Carlton Alfred Post is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cheryl; son Mark Post and daughter Lauren Benton, and their families; four brothers and one sister; mother-in-law Rose Conken; and sister-in-law Carol Richards and her family, all Laguna Beach residents.

A private family service will be held this week, and a public celebration of Post’s life is planned for next month. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation of your time or resources in the name of Carl Post to the Susi Q Senior Center in Laguna Beach, 949/497-2441.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill.

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James Emmi

June 23, 1916 – May 14, 2016

James Emmi, known to his family and friends as Jimmy, passed away on May 14, 2016, only 40 days before his 100 birthday, with his wife, Catherine, stepson Cameron, and his close friends by his side.

Emmi was an avid sailor, participating in well over 100 races. In 2007, he was awarded the commodore of the year and the Bahia Corinthian’s race committee boat is named Emmi, due to his generous contributions to the Bahia Sail Racing Association.

Emmi was a dedicated, hands-on board member with numerous community organizations. He was a 25-year member of the Pacific Symphony board and a founding board member of the MIND Research Institute.

The Emmis extensive philanthropic involvement has included education, healthcare, the arts and science organizations, both here in Orange County and beyond. Among them are more than a dozen major universities around the country that provide Emmi scholarships to deserving engineering students, the MIND Research Institute, Hoag Hospital, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, American Symphony Orchestra League, Pacific Symphony, Opera Pacific, the Newport Beach Public Library and the Orange County Museum of Art.

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Dr. Henry Dieter Schmitz

Our beloved Dr. Henry Dieter Schmitz entered the gates of heaven on Friday night, June 17, 2016.  He was ushered in to eternal peace as he was surrounded by his wife, Pamela Brown Schmitz, all six of his children, and his two adult grandchildren.

Henry was born on Dec. 6, 1936. He lived a full professional life in which he provided top quality audiological care to patients across the Inland Empire and Orange County.  He was one of the most highly recognized audiologists in the field and his patients traveled from far distances in order to be treated by him.

However, it was Schmitz’s notable attention and commitment to his family that truly defined him as a man. His family warmly cherishes the memories of annual Candlelight Christmas Eve services at the Laguna Methodist Church where he proudly sang in the choir, eating family dinners together, enjoying German cuisine, relaxing at sunset on the beach, enjoying good times fixing sprinkler parts and gardening, and spending special moments spent with his grandchildren.  Devotion, time and unconditional love were continually demonstrated by Schmitz, not only with his family but also with all those with whom he interacted.

Dr. Henry Schmitz is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pamela Brown Schmitz; his daughters Janelle Woodward of Riverside and her husband Andrew, Kristen Fiorentino of Boise, Idaho, and her husband Larry, and Heather Monahan of San Clemente and her husband, Barry; his sons Randall Henry Schmitz of Menlo Park and his wife Kelly, Craig Hammill of Van Nuys and his wife Martha, and Dieter Blair Schmitz of New York and his fiancé Isabella Hieble.  His grandchildren include Scott and Mitchell Woodward; Lorenzo Fiorentino; Sophia and Bella Schmitz; Finnegan, Samuel, and baby Henry Monahan, as well as his brother Rolf Schmitz and his wife, Anne.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in honor of Dr. Henry Schmitz on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Laguna Methodist Church.

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In Loving Memory

Kim Whitehead

Kim Richard Whitehead passed from his life on June 19, 2016, in Newport Beach.

Born in Santa Monica, he was the son of Peter and Marianne Whitehead. Kim was a sweet soul that had a huge love for people and passion for playing the drums. A local street artist, he enjoyed crafts created from throwaway materials and threads from old clothing.

Whitehead considered many people to be family, especially those amongst the homeless community in Laguna Beach. Whitehead touched many lives along the way with his story and generous giving, and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Whitehead is survived by his brother, Tom, and sisters, Jennifer and Brooke. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Peter Jr. and Clifford.

As per his wishes, Whitehead’s ashes will be laid to rest at sea. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food pantry.

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took me in.” Matthew 25:35

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Oct. 26, 1944-June 13, 2016

Sandra “Alexandra” Charbogne departed this life on June 13, 2016 at Solari Hospice in Las Vegas. She entered this life Oct. 26, 1944, in Portland, Ore.

Sandra grew up in Northern California and graduated from Arcata High School in 1963 where she won first place honors in debate and original oratory. Charbogne attended Oklahoma Baptist University and later transferred to the College of the Redwoods where she studied and mastered the art of psychology. In 1967, while in college, Charbogne was chosen as a contestant for Miss Humboldt County.

Charbogne was a beautiful soul, inside and out. Charbogne lived most of her life in Laguna Beach until 1998, when she moved to Las Vegas to take care of her parents. Charbogne was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Dorothy Scheffel.

Charbogne is survived by her sister, Janice Beach of Eureka. She also leaves behind one nephew, numerous cousins, among them, her beloved cousins Don and Carol Beamis of Blackfoot, Idaho.

Her adopted family, Sheila, Andre and Kayla Salehian, also survives Charbogne. “Aunt Sandra,” to Andre and Kayla, was always full of fun, wisdom, invaluable knowledge, and sound advice. Charbogne had a way with words, and could always be counted on to be a great listener, making everyone in her presence feel valued and loved.

Charbogne was extremely resourceful. At 11-years-old Sandra wrote to “Dear Abby” and received a hand written response from the columnist herself on how to deal with being called “stupid” by her older sibling. It was surely at that young age that Sandra knew she was destined to understand and apply the art of human psychology to her circle of family and friends.

She touched everyone that knew her in a very special way and certainly left her mark in this world. Charbogne had an entrepreneurial spirit that drove her to pursue many passions, dreams and business ventures over the past 30 years. She loved to travel; she declared France her second home. Her adopted family and friends have planned a celebration of life for Charbogne this fall.

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Oct. 31, 1939 – June 18, 2016

Carolyn Gibbs

Adopted in Kansas in 1939, Carolyn Gibbs grew up amongst the hallmarks of middle -America quaintness: town squares, sunflower fields and Sunday family dinners. In the early 1950s, the family moved to Santa Ana, where she enjoyed an equally idyllic “Happy Days” lifestyle complete with malt shops, hot rods, sock-hops, and poodle skirts.

It was at Santa Ana High School where a 15-year-old Carolyn met the love of her life, Dave Gibbs. They were engaged in a ‘40 Ford Coupe at the Quick-Snack drive-in burger joint they frequented, and married upon her graduation from high school.

In 1966, the Gibbs family, now including 1-year-old Chad, moved to the then sleepy seaside village of Laguna Beach where Dave was an avid surfer and Carolyn sunbathed under the “palapa” at Thalia Street that Dave helped build in the early 1970s. She became well known for her skill as a seamstress during this time, sewing board shorts for all the local surfers who came to her Mystic Hills home for custom fittings.

During her 50 years in Laguna, Gibbs was a regular at the canyon tennis courts, and the family spent nearly every Thursday night at La Paz restaurant until it closed in 1983. An avid cook herself, Gibbs could replicate the La Paz salsa, frequently making large batches to share with friends and family. She will also be remembered for her elaborate, but home-style Thanksgiving dinners, amazing lemon cake and delicious waffles.

Primarily focused on her role as a wife and mother, Gibbs also worked as a dental and personal assistant. She loved to meet friends for lunch to shop and peruse flea markets, where she loved discovering new treasures to add to her vast collections of all things dog related, Old West or native American. Many will remember Gibbs for her impressive collection of Navajo jewelry, scouted from many trips through the desert southwest. The part of the trip she most enjoyed was staying at La Posada in Arizona, where she loved to relax and watch freight trains head down the tracks.

Her beloved Dave preceded Carolyn in death in 2013. Many close friends and family including her only son, Chad Gibbs, his wife Jennifer, and her grandchildren Wyatt and Emma, will miss her. Per her desire, her final resting place is at Pacific View Memorial Park, 50 yards from the “Duke,” John Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation of your time or resources in Gibbs’ name to www.giftaspca.org or www.stlabre.org

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Dr, Henry Schmitz

Our beloved Dr. Henry Dieter Schmitz entered the gates of heaven on Friday night, June 17, 2016.  He was ushered in to eternal peace as he was surrounded by his wife, Pamela Brown Schmitz, all six of his children, and his two adult grandchildren.

Henry was born on Dec. 6, 1936. He lived a full professional life in which he provided top quality audiological care to patients across the Inland Empire and Orange County.  He was one of the most highly recognized audiologists in the field and his patients traveled from far distances in order to be treated by him.

However, it was Schmitz’s notable attention and commitment to his family that truly defined him as a man. His family warmly cherishes the memories of annual Candlelight Christmas Eve services at the Laguna Methodist Church where he proudly sang in the choir, eating family dinners together, enjoying German cuisine, relaxing at sunset on the beach, enjoying good times fixing sprinkler parts and gardening, and spending special moments  with his grandchildren.  Devotion, time and unconditional love were continually demonstrated by Schmitz, not only with his family but also with all those with whom he interacted.

Dr. Henry Schmitz is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pamela Brown Schmitz; his daughters Janelle Woodward of Riverside and her husband Andrew, Kristen Fiorentino of Boise, Idaho, and her husband Larry, and Heather Monahan of San Clemente and her husband, Barry; his sons Randall Henry Schmitz of Menlo Park and his wife Kelly, Craig Hammill of Van Nuys and his wife Martha, and Dieter Blair Schmitz of New York and his fiancé Isabella Hieble.  His grandchildren include Scott and Mitchell Woodward; Lorenzo Fiorentino; Sophia and Bella Schmitz; Finnegan, Samuel, and baby Henry Monahan, as well as his brother Rolf Schmitz and his wife, Anne.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in honor of Dr. Henry Schmitz on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Laguna Methodist Church.

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Charles E. (“Chuck”) Byron

Charles E. Byron (“Chuck”), a local resident for more than 60 years, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at his Laguna Beach home.

While Albert Finney starred in the charming 2003 film “Big Fish,” Byron was the actual consummate storyteller of our lives. From his tales of his pet bear in the Air Force, to the stories of hitching rides across country in Air Force transport planes, to learning of his POW escape in Korea, we always were amazed and sometimes skeptical of his wild adventures.

The last six months were punctuated by moments of great joy; in February when he celebrated his 86th birthday and requested lemon cake, and in June when an old friend visited and entertained him with stories of his trips to Santa Fe, N.M.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Byron, daughter Brandy Byron, daughter Kerry Byron Inaganti and son-in-law Gautam Inaganti, and granddaughter Anissa. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

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The Rev. Canon Barbara C. Mudge, a native of Laguna Beach, died May 24 in Monterey, Calif. She lived in Bandon, Ore., from 1996 until she moved to Pebble Beach in April 2016 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She was 85 years old and had been ill with cancer. She died from several strokes and seizures.

Reverend Mudge

Barbara Duffield Covington was born Sept. 27, 1930, in her parent’s cottage on Cypress Avenue in Laguna Beach, Calif. She was raised in South Pasadena and was a two-time Rose Parade princess on the South Pasadena float. She earned a bachelor of arts at Occidental College and married her high school sweetheart, John Mudge. They moved to Laguna in 1963 to raise their three children. She was a dedicated, revered, beloved, and award-winning teacher in the Laguna Beach Unified School District (at the now closed Aliso Elementary and Thurston Middle School) until she retired from teaching in 1980.

Heeding a longtime call to the priesthood, she entered seminary at Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, and received a masters of divinity. She spent a year at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, after which she was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 by Bishop George W. Barrett in the Diocese of Los Angeles. She was the first woman in Orange County to be ordained in the Episcopal Church, blazing a path for other women to follow.

She served as an assistant priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Laguna, where she and her family were longtime members of the congregation, and served as hospital chaplain at the former South Coast Medical Center. She officiated at the weddings of many of her former students as well as that of her own children, which gave her much joy. She was called to be vicar at St. Francis in Simi Valley (1984-1995), chaired the Simi Valley Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless and Needy, and was president of the Southern California Ecumenical Council from 1994 to 1995. She was named an honorary canon of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul (Los Angeles) in 1993.

Upon retirement from St. Francis in 1996, Barbara and John moved to Bandon, Ore. She was soon called to be the vicar at St. John’s Episcopal in Bandon. Mudge served in several capacities for the Diocese of Oregon and was recently priest-in-charge at St. Christopher’s in Port Orford, Ore. Known as “Rev. Mum,” both Barbara and John Mudge were instrumental in establishing St. John’s Preschool in 2000 and both continued to serve on the board of directors after it was renamed Bandon Community Preschool in 2008. She also helped establish the Everyone At Table weekly nutritional program in 2004 and was an active supporter of the Good Neighbors Food Bank.

She is survived by daughter, Suzanne Mudge (Rolf Donahower) of Pebble Beach; sons, James Mudge of San Luis Obispo and Steve Mudge (Delia) in Fort Worth, Texas; six grandchildren; brother Richard Covington (Claire) and sister Patricia Elliott (Craig); numerous nieces and nephews; her cat, Buttons; and a host of very dear friends and family from Laguna Beach, Simi Valley, Bandon, and Carmel.

Her husband of 61 years, John Leonard Mudge, died in 2012.

All are invited to attend a celebration of her remarkable life on Aug. 13, 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church, 428 Park Ave., in Laguna Beach. A reception will follow in the Guild Hall and Parish Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Carmel Bach Festival (P.O. Box 575, Carmel, CA 93921) or the Bandon Community Preschool (P.O. Box 1705, Bandon, OR 97411-1705).

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Calvin Lee Smith Jr.

Calvin Lee Smith, Jr., a talented designer, bon vivant, and 45-year resident of Laguna Beach, passed away June 24, 2016. The cause of death was lymphoma.

Cal was born in Los Angeles Oct. 10, 1949, to Evelyn Svendsen Smith and Calvin Lee Smith, Sr. He grew up in Pomona and attended California Polytechnic Pomona where he studied business. Smith worked throughout college for the university food service, rapidly advancing to supervisor level, having learned all phases of food preparation.

After graduation, he immediately moved to Laguna Beach and found work at Laguna Nursery. Self-taught in plant identification and garden design, Smith began work as an independent consultant for Laguna residents. His design instincts were extraordinary and soon his clients were asking for his help in interior as well as landscape design. Client demand led to the creation of his company, Calvin L. Smith and Associates, which has provided full service design for both commercial and residential clients.

Smith was full of life and energy, and he pursued varied interests with his many friends. He was a world traveler and especially loved Paris and New York, which he visited often. At home, he supported the arts, especially live theater. He had a particular interest in art and architecture and was happy to attend all the latest openings in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

Smith was a wonderful cook. His parties were legendary. He loved and appreciated good food and wine and could quote entire menus from meals shared years before with fellow foodies. His generous spirit and impeccable taste resulted in meticulous preparation and artful presentation, whether entertaining for two or 200.

Smith is survived by his mother Evelyn; brother Phillip (Joann); sister Caroline; beloved cousin Janette Tovar (Gil); god children Sasha (Andy), Alex Tovar, Sebastian Tovar; nephews Joel Smith and Aaron Smith ( Nicky); grand nephew and niece Mason and Julia; and many other cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Calvin Lee Smith, Sr.

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May She Fly With the Angels 

March 3, 1966 – May 24, 2016

Amy Obrand

Amy Christine Higginbotham Obrand earned her angel wings on May 24, 2016, surrounded by her parents, Cindy and Michael Obrand.

Amy is survived by her brothers, Jesse and Edgar Obrand; her uncles, Sandy Obrand, David Crash Nelson, Jonathan Nelson; her aunts, Andi Miner, Carol Obrand and Barbara Nelson; and her first cousins, Kip Kernodle, Kelly Kernodle, Allie Obrand, Hilary Obrand and Samantha Scizak.

Obrand graduated from Laguna Beach High School with honors. She had a love of journalism and was editor of her high school newspaper.  She attended both UC Santa Cruz and UCLA. Obrand loved books and majored in women’s literature. Her very favorite books were the L. Frank Baum’s “Oz” series with W.W. Winslow’s beautiful illustrations. “Ozma of Oz” was her personal hero.

Obrand was an iconoclast in the punk movement and in her life. She was courageous and admired for her fierce intelligence and strong commitment to women’s rights and freedom of speech and expression.  She was a shooting star to her friends and family.

Obrand was a lifelong collector of vintage treasures and early cowgirl glam.  At a very young age, Amy and her mom combed through flea markets and garage sales for clothing, jewelry and furniture.

Obrand was a sixth generation Texan. Her deep roots in Texas appealed to her rockabilly heart. Her favorite place on earth was Austin, Texas, and the Hill Country. The music scene in Austin was her pride and joy.  She loved dancing with her friends and family at the Broken Spoke to the likes of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel.

The Obrand family is honoring their precious daughter, Amy, in a private memorial and tree planting. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward to someone in need in the name of Amy Christine Higginbotham Obrand. Thank you for your kindness.

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Nov. 5, 1926 – June 14, 2016

Bob McMenomy passed away peacefully June 14, 2016, in his home in Laguna Beach with his wife, Genevieve and his only child, Ann at his bedside.

Bob McMenomy

He had been in bed for eight years after a stroke and old leg and back wounds resulting from a severe auto accident in 1944 when he was hospitalized for two years. After his recovery, McMenomy was able to walk due to a special leg brace he and his father designed. His father was a graduate of the first chiropractic school in Los Angeles.

Standing out in his elementary school class with natural drawing skills, a strong ability to express his creativity freely and his love and respect for the creative process throughout his whole life, McMenomy was an artist from day one. He graduated with an associated arts degree form Long Beach City College and later a master’s degree in design and ceramics from UCLA in 1952.

McMenomy was a talented and much loved teacher at East L.A. Community College for a few years and then moved to Long Beach City College in the art department, teaching ceramics until he retired in 1989. Being an avid sailor in his youth, McMenomy and his wife Genevieve bought a Grand Banks trawler yacht and enjoyed three happy years going back and forth to Catalina Island with friends and family aboard.

From 1952 to 1972, during summer months, summer holidays, and many weekends, McMenomy assisted his family managing the Crystal Cove beach resort where they held the master lease with the Irvine Company.

In November of 1957 Bob married Genevieve Cote and they moved to Laguna Beach in 1970. Upon arriving in Laguna, McMenomy became active in Village Laguna, board of education politics and later Friendship Shelter. Despite the difficult things that McMenomy had been through, he had a very quick wit, a great sense of humor that always made people laugh and a strength that many people admired very much.

McMenomy’s ashes will be scattered at sea on a Neptune Society boat with immediate family and friends.

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Carl Schwarz

Carl Schwarz, long time Laguna Beach Unified School District board member, University Professor and community advocate passed away peacefully  surrounded by his children on Monday, July 25. He had just celebrated his 80^th birthday the previous month. The community knew him as a father figure, a mentor and a friend advocating for causes such as Save Laguna Canyon, LagunAquatics and the Cross Cultural Committee. Originally from Fresno, California, Carl attended UC Berkley and UC Santa Barbara earning his Master’s Degree and PhD in Political Science. Honorably discharged from the US Army Reserves with the rank of Captain, he quickly transitioned into what would be his lifelong passion for teaching, and in the early 70s settled in Laguna Beach. Carl was a professor of Political Science at Fullerton College from 1962-1999 and served as Department Chair from 1994-1999. He began teaching at UC Irvine in 1989 until as recently as last spring of 2016. He also held teaching positions at California State University, Fullerton, UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara. He was passionate about the Latino community and being bilingual, taught at the University of Mexico as a visiting professor and earned the Profesor Distinguido award. Carl served as an elected trustee to the Laguna Beach Unified School District for three terms from 1981-1994, serving two of those terms as President. A long distance ocean swimmer and beach lover, he was often seen swimming along the coast from Anita Street to Main Beach or playing Frisbee with his family. His recent years were spent gallivanting between his children’s homes. He was a permanent fixture at his daughter Lisa’s for Saturday dinners, Monday Night Football was spent at his daughter Diana’s and monthly excursions to Palos Verdes to visit with his daughter Linda. He enjoyed visiting his son Steve in San Diego and meeting up with Eric at Woods Cove. He loved getting his two grandsons Mason and Stefen together at the beach for some “boy time,” and bouncing his grandchildren, Harper and Preston on his lap. He was a constant encouragement to his granddaughter Sophia who has Cerebral Palsy, and was her biggest supporter in helping her to achieve milestones that were never thought possible for her. He is survived by his six children, Lisa, Steve, Eric, Linda, Diana and Alex, six grandchildren, Mason, Sophia, Stefen, Harper, Preston, and granddaughter-to-be, due any day, and former spouses Jeanie Ranney and Maria Teresa. The local community is encouraged to join in the celebration of his life to be held on Saturday, August 20 at 10 a.m. at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach. In lieu of flowers, please donate to help Carl’s granddaughter Sophia who has Cerebral Palsy at: www.gofundme.com/sophiarobins

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Audrey Barbara Capobianco

Audrey Barbara Capobianco, a longtime resident of Laguna Beach, passed away July 12, 2016. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Audrey was born, Audrey Barbara Cotter, June 24, 1934, in Yonkers, N.Y. Having lost her father at a very young age, Audrey was an only child and was raised by her mother, Minerva.

Audrey moved to California in her early 20s and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Capobianco, on Feb. 25, 1961. They were married in Laguna Beach at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. Prior to having her children, Capobianco traveled the world as a stewardess for the highly regarded Pan American Airlines.

Joe and Audrey immersed themselves in the coastal culture spending many evenings at Woods Cove in the early 1960s when abalone and kelp forests were plentiful. Joe’s job took the family oversees, where they spent time in Liege, Belgium, and Milan, Italy. After several years abroad, the young family returned to the United States to their permanent home in Emerald Bay. While enjoying tennis in her spare time, Capobianco’s main devotion was to her sons and involvement in all of their school and sports activities. She will be remembered as a beautiful, loving mother and grandmother, “Grammy,” who was rooted in strong traditions that she instilled in her family.

Capobianco is survived by her three sons, Scott (Erin), Bill (Diane) and Rob (Stacie); and six grandchildren, Courtney, Lauren, Taylor, Lucas, Caden and Joey.

A private family service was held on July 20 at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. Capobianco was laid to rest with her beloved husband, Joe, at Pacific View Cemetery in Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Audrey’s memory be made to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, Calif., 92651 (www.pacificmmc.org). Capobianco loved visiting the center with her grandchildren over the years.

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Dorothy Gaither

On Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, much loved mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, Dorothy Winger Gaither, passed away peacefully at her home in Laguna Beach.

Dorothy was born in Glendale, Calif., in 1920. Even as a child, Dorothy displayed a spirit of creativity and enthusiasm for life. Throughout high school, she avidly pursued her interests in art and drama. It was in a Los Angeles theater arts class that she met her husband of 36 years, John Logan Gaither.

For the next several years, Gaither devoted herself to being a wife and mother to two daughters, while continuing to pursue her love of acting in community theater as well as actively serving in the P.T.A. in leadership roles.

After the death of her husband in 1977, Gaither moved permanently from Los Angeles to the family summer home in Laguna Beach. She worked for 10 years at Robinsons-May in Fashion Island as assistant manager in designer fashion and then retired.

However, never one to remain inactive, Gaither, who was an enthusiastic yoga practitioner for many years, sought to share the benefits of this healthful practice with others by becoming a yoga teacher for seniors at the Laguna Beach Community Center. Gaither volunteered for many years at The Friends of the Library Bookshop in Laguna Beach and served with dedication as manager until her death.

Gaither was the inspiration and role model of courage for her family. Despite a debilitating jaw surgery in 1999 that limited her ability to communicate effectively with others, she continued to face each day with optimism and enthusiasm, a vibrant example of how to cherish life. She will be deeply missed by her family, but forever in their hearts.

She is survived by her daughters Pamela and Karen, her grandchildren David and Paula, their three children and one grandchild as well as her beloved niece Sharon, her children Toni and Jack and their five children. The family will celebrate her life on Sept. 7 aboard the Neptune Society’s boat The Orca in Newport Beach and will scatter her ashes at sea. The family requests that any memorial gifts be donated to The Friends of the Library Bookshop of Laguna Beach.

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By Howard Hills

Carol with husband Mark Moore.

Word of Mark Moore’s passing on July 10, 2016, stunned and deeply saddened his hometown of Laguna Beach, as it did friends and colleagues everywhere. He won the admiration and affection of all those whose lives he touched in both the work and play that he pursued with equal creative passion. His uplifting presence in our lives will be missed profoundly by all who were blessed to have known him.

Moore was a true pioneer in business who founded a market niche for his cutting-edge company, all through his love and unstoppable drive for making machines that carry people faster and safer. Moore was doing what he loved most at work and at play when he was taken from us at the age of 64, flying down an open highway in the state of Washington alongside his brother Dan (LBHS Class of 1971).  It was to be an epic journey on motorcycles from Laguna Beach to Alaska.

Mark Guy Moore graduated from Laguna Beach High School with the class of 1970.  He is remembered by LBHS classmates as a bright, good natured and friendly young man with what would prove to be a life-long unquenchable thirst for knowledge about practically everything.  After school he worked as a photographer, and print graphics technician for the local newspaper, and he was a founding member of a Laguna Beach search and rescue team, often ably helping people in need during natural disasters.

For his classmates at LBHS, no high school romance stands out more than Mark’s marriage to Carol Dugger, also class of 1970 (LBHS Gym is named after her father).  After the two first “noticed each other” at their 30th LBHS reunion in 2000, were “mutually attracted” again at the next LBHS reunion in 2010, “hit it off” at their all-class 60th birthday party in 2012, Mark and Carol “finally realized” it was love and got married in 2013.

By then Moore had long since become a success story pursing his life’s work bringing fun into the lives of others as a leader in the amusement park ride industry.  As the founder and president of the Uremet Corporation in Santa Ana, Moore revolutionized amusement-park technology, increasing the speed and safety of roller-coasters across the nation and around the world.

Having come of age during the infancy of skateboarding in his hometown, Moore witnessed the advent of polyurethane skate wheels.  Just as fellow Laguna Beach surfer Hobie Alter created the surfboard industry, Moore innovated wheel technology to produce the gold-standard for roller-coaster wheels. Moore also became a leader in modern amusement park ride safety standards and preservation, as well as roller-coaster history and heritage.

Moore knew the satisfaction of reflecting on a life of purpose, knowing he had found a way to make a living that brought happiness to millions of people.  He also found a separate peace for himself flying his vintage model Stearman open cockpit bi-wing airplane and greater joy in his new life with his wife, Carol, who joined him in his pursuit of an intense natural curiosity about people and our world.

No one who knew Moore was surprised when he teamed up with the North American Eagle Project in the on-going endeavor to break the world land speed record in a supersonic wheeled vehicle, and contributing to innovative enhancements for the Eagle’s wheels and braking systems.  He also was known to show up at the hangar with a pot of his world famous chili for the project team. When the North American Eagle ultimately breaks both the sound barrier and the current 763 m.p.h. record, Moore will be out there on the desert flats among the crew watching it streak past a new milestone in the history of human invention.

Moore is survived by his wife Carol Dugger Moore, brother Dan Moore, sister Laura Moore, son Brett and daughter Brooke.  To honor his spirit of compassion lend a hand to someone who needs it, as he did so often, or, in his memory please send donations in his name to the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation (Attention: Dugger Scholarship), P.O. Box 1569, Laguna Beach CA 92652.

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Sunny

On Saturday, Aug. 27, Sunny, a longtime resident of South Laguna and Laguna Beach, passed away peacefully at her home on Brooks Street surrounded by her family. She was just about 16 years old.

Sunny was a special dog, with an intelligent, yet sweet disposition. Although she strongly disliked the water, Sunny enjoyed Laguna’s hiking trails, restaurants, sandy beaches, and parks.

In her youth, she was well known for long daily walks from South Laguna to town and back. In her later years, she became intimately familiar and friendly with the local businesses providing cookies, treats, and water. Sunny’s many friends included dogs, cats, birds, and even a few tourists.

Sunny will be missed by all that knew her.

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Ann Crowell

Ann Hult Crowell, a longtime resident of Laguna Beach, died on July 4.

Crowell served on city Art Commission, in the vestry of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and with St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, in the National Charity League and Habitat for Humanity.

Crowell is the author of “Wrap it Up, the Guy’s Guide to Giving & Gifts.” She owned Crowell & Associates Advertising and Public Relations.

Crowell is survived by her daughter, Catherine.

A celebration of life service in her honor is planned at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave., at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17.

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Dawn Mariko Spurlock, born and raised in Laguna Beach, died peacefully at the age of 56 on Sept. 8, 2016, after a four-month battle against cancer.

She is survived by her partner of many years, Asia Salet, her mother Marcia French, her brothers Jeff and Mark Spurlock, and extended family.

Friends and family will remember Spurlock as a truly kind, gentle, and generous person, but also as someone who was fiercely loyal and hard-working.

Spurlock was an exceptional student and athlete during her school years, before turning her talents to artistic expression as a respected glass artist, exhibiting in many arts shows, including the famous Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. Always quick with a laugh and a story, Spurlock’s humor and good nature will be missed by many.

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May 2, 1938 – Aug. 13, 2016

Joe Cyr

Born and raised in Spokane, Wash., Joe Cyr is the son of Joe and Monnie Cyr.

Cyr is survived by his daughter Cindy Cavignac, of San Diego, and sons, Jeff, of Newport Beach, and Chad, of Louisville, Ky.; brother Jim Cyr, of Seattle, Wash.; and eight grandchildren.

A graduate of North Central high school, Cyr Joe also attended Easter Washington University, in Cheney, Wash., and Whitworth University, in Spokane, Wash.

Cyr was friendly and outgoing.

He had a very successful career in sales with Swift & Company, Hallmark Cards, Grub & Ellis, Shapell Industries and other commercial real estate firms.

He raised his family in Spokane, then moved to San Diego. For the past 23 years he lived in Laguna Beach, a place he dearly loved.

His interests included sailing, classic cars and politics.

Memorial services were held in Laguna Beach Sept. 20, 2016.

He was loved by his friends and family. He will be missed.

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