Coronado Common Sense

501(c)3 Relief Fund Established To Help The Families Of The Fallen Firefighters

 

Prescott, AZ Memorial for fallen firefighters. Photo by Susan Quihuis-Bell.

 

The Yarnell Fire is believed to have been started by a lightning strike on Friday, June 28, 2013.

 

It has been estimated that the fire has already destroyed 8,300 acres. It is currently 0 percent contained.

 

On Sunday, June 30, 2013, 19 fire fighters were killed in the line of duty while fighting the blaze.

 

The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, together with the Prescott Fire Fighters Charities, have established a 501(c)3 relief fund to help the families of the fallen at any Chase bank. Ask for the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association Account set up to benefit fire fighters killed in the Yarnell fire.

 

Every penny of your tax deductible contribution will go directly to the families.

 

Additionally, donations can be made through the 100 Club or the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

Colonel Olin W. Jones, Jr., USMC (Ret)—Celebrated Soldier, Legal Officer, Family Man

 

CORONADO – He served in three wars, was a respected law professor and a major contributor to his community. But for Olin Jones, his family was his greatest pride, his greatest accomplishment. He had lived in Coronado since 1962.

The beloved, 93-year-old retired Marine Colonel died March 15 at Paradise Valley Hospital, with his daughters at his side, holding his hands. The cause of death was pulmonary fibrosis.

Over nearly three decades, and as a member of the Greatest Generation, he served as a field artillery battery commander and executive officer on Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater, and later in Korea. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Marine Amphibious Forces in Vietnam.

Olin Welborn Jones Jr. was born April 9, 1919, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, one of the earliest European settlements, referred to on the maps as, “Indian Territory.” He was born to Olin W. Jones, Sr., and Anna Love Kimball. He lived through the oil boom of the Roaring Twenties, the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and the Great Depression. He graduated from Norman High School (1937) and earned a BA degree from the University of Oklahoma (1940).

He joined the Marine Corps in 1941, and received his LLB degree from George Washington University School of Law (1947).

During his long career, Jones’ assignments included being senior legal officer for a Marine division and Marine air wing, as well as duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, the Marine Corps Department of the Pacific (San Francisco), Headquarters of the Pacific Fleet Marine Force, and Headquarters of the U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, DC. He was also assigned to service in the office of the Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Navy.

 

Colonel Olin W. Jones, Jr.

His highest honor as a legal officer occurred in 1964 when the Marine Commandant recommended Jones to the Secretary of the Navy for appointment to the position of Judge Advocate General of the Navy. Although he wasn’t selected, the fact that he was one of the few interviewed was an extremely proud point in his career.

“Olin was a slice of history,” said good friend, LaGard Smith. “He came within a whisker’s breadth of being the top legal officer in the Navy, and was at the highest level of his profession nationally.”

Colonel Jones retired from military service in 1967 with 22 citations (including the Legion of Merit with Combat V). At that time he worked for a period as chief corporate counsel for Lance Alworth, the famed Chargers wide receiver, and Pro Football Hall of Famer, who owned a string of business franchises in San Diego.

 

 

Olin and Katherine Jones' wedding day

In the early 1970s, Colonel Jones became a full partner at the San Diego law firm of Klitgaard & Jones. He was appointed to the faculty of the Pepperdine University School of Law (Malibu) in 1974, where he taught contract law for 13 years before retiring in 1987.

“Behind Olin's scowling persona and growly voice was an inveterate softie who was loved by his students and everyone he met for his dry wit, practical wisdom, easy laughter, and urbane gentlemanliness,” said Smith, who was also his colleague on the Pepperdine law faculty.

“Although Olin was generally a by-the-book kind of guy, his genius was in knowing when to throw the book away in face of exceptional circumstances or a higher priority. Placing a high value on intellectual honestly and candor, Olin did not suffer foolish talk or actions gladly, but cut right through political correctness, double-talk, or party lines to tell it like it was. He was a straight talker and a straight walker . . . with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. That was Colonel Olin Jones,” said Smith.

 

Hawaiian vacation, 1958, from left, Olin Jones, daughters Deena and Noni, and wife Katherine.

In retirement, Colonel Jones was never idle. He served as a Senior Volunteer with the Coronado Police Department from 1998-2004, spent time on his sailboat, played golf, and loved traveling the world with his wife Katherine and their two daughters, Deena and Nona.

“Dad never missed a reunion of his 1941 USMC 5th ROC Class,” said daughter Nona. “He was active in coordinating their events as well. When he was 90, he flew to Quantico, VA, rented a van, and drove several classmates to Washington DC.” Jones’ class was honored that year in a parade through the nation’s capital. He has a brick at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in Quantico, VA.

Olin Jones was a founding member of the Coronado Cays Yacht Club and remained very active there. He was member of the board and past president of the Coronado Cays Homeowner’s Association. Olin Jones was also a major supporter at Coronado’s St. Paul’s Methodist Church. He served on their board of trustees and remained very active in the church for many years, serving as the church historian.

 

 

Katherine and Olin Jones

 

“As was true of so many in his can-do generation,” recalled LaGard Smith, “Olin was a practical ‘fixer,’ whether as an artillery commander, legal officer, concerned citizen, or even as a longsuffering Chargers and Padres fan who, in his mind, at least, could coach the teams far better than those on the field.”

An example of his can-do attitude occurred when Colonel Jones realized the city of Coronado didn’t have a list of disabled parking spaces, so he compiled one for them. Then, towards the end, he helped his retirement community (Paradise Village) devise new traffic patterns to ease parking lot congestion. His level head and easy-going nature won over everyone in his path, and made him a very popular and respected friend and member of that community.

“Olin was a raconteur extraordinaire,” said Smith, “who had a wealth of stories to tell. So many good stories, in fact, that a former Pepperdine colleague said he himself repeated them often enough that he should send Olin royalties.

“That most of Olin's stories were recollections of personal experiences only underlined what a colorful life he led as a Marine, attorney, law professor, and seasoned world traveler.”

 

 

The Jones family, clockwise from left, Mardeena Weber (Deena), Olin Jones, Wynona Nash (Noni) and Katherine Jones.

 

His wife of 67 years, Katherine Wheeler-Jones, and two daughters survive him - Wynona Nash (Jack) of Eureka, and Mardeena Weber of Coronado. Olin and Kaye had just celebrated 67 years of marriage, and he was on the eve of his 94th birthday.

Three grandchildren – Burleigh Wilson of Eureka, and Bretton and Justin Weber of Coronado, also survive him. A memorial service for the family was held March 19. A brief, and final interment at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is planned for 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, and friends are invited to attend.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the U.S. Marine Corps Museum of San Diego, “In Memory of Colonel Olin Jones.”

 

James (Jim) Darnell: January 18, 1918 – February 17, 2013

 

A self-made businessman, a beloved father and friend of many, James (Jim) Paul Darnell passed away on February 17, 2013, surrounded by his children. Jim celebrated his 95th birthday this year and until his last days he could be seen around Coronado in his hat on his scooter. Sharp to the end, he enjoyed a hearty breakfast, coffee downtown, a competitive game of chess with a friend or bridge at the Coronado Senior Center.

 

Born on January 18, 1918 in Chowchilla, California, Jim was one of four sons of Charles and Myrtle Darnell of El Cajon. He had a challenging childhood. His father died of a freak accident when Jimmy was five and his mother succumbed to tuberculosis when he was sixteen. Losing his parents and being out in the world on his own as a young teenager would determine his outlook on life and develop his strong and innovative work ethic. He developed the attributes of self- reliance, self-sufficiency and self-determination and truly lived the American dream. He once said, “After my mother died I had no money to speak of and if you’re ever hungry you never forget it. I could have gone to people and said I was hungry but I couldn’t do that. It taught me a lesson, never be hungry again.” And he never was.

 

In high school he played one year of football but needed to work to eat so he did. James graduated from Point Loma High School in the Class of 1937. He entered San Diego State University and stayed one semester but the hardship of supporting himself and studying was too difficult so he made life his classroom and experienced tremendous success.

 

He left school and went to work for Bert Bowling of Consolidated Aircraft for forty cents an hour. He started as a riveter and eventually went to night school and by the age of 21 passed all the requirements for an Aircraft and Engine license. He learned to fly and did take offs and landings from the right seat in a B-24.

 

Jim joined the California National Guard in an anti-aircraft unit. When war was declared they immediately assigned him to the Army. Three months later he was told, “Shorty wants to see you in the office.” Jim was a private first class and the Sergeant said, “Who in the hell do you know?” How could you get a discharge when you’re in the damn army?” Jim was referred back to the draft board and was given a classification of 2B. He served as a factory representative with War Department credentials and went on the road. First stop, Clovis Air Base in New Mexico representing the factory conducting crash reports.

 

In 1942, Jimmy married a beautiful lady he met a few months earlier on a fortuitous blind date, Barbara Iris Robertson, of El Centro, California. Jim and Barbara were married for over 67 years. They resided in the “Pink House” on A Avenue for over 40 years. They raised a family of three; he grew a successful business and served his community. In their later life Barbara and Jim enjoyed travel, good friends and watching their children raise their own families.

 

Jim was a prominent businessman and landowner in Coronado. Around the end of WWII, Barbara’s father-in-law Jno R. Robertson asked Jim to get involved with the family automobile business. Jim also purchased the land at the corner of Eighth and Orange, where Walgreens is in town and rented to the Coronado Furniture Store. The car dealership was at 155 Orange Avenue from the late 40’s until the 60’s when he sold the dealership but remained the landowner. In the 60’s he began purchasing property and building apartments. Despite his detractors, he took great pride in his success in his real estate holdings and up until his death was very active in business decisions.

 

Darnell was also a civic leader in the Coronado community. Councilmember Darnell was elected to the City Council in 1966 and served as Vice Mayor at the dedication of the Coronado Bay Bridge in 1969. Also, up until his passing he held the distinction of being the oldest member of Coronado Rotary having joined the group in 1954. Jim took great joy in delivering gifts to Coronado children as the Rotary Santa.

 

For years Jim and Barbara participated in a Monday evening Bridge group. They were generous hosts opening their home to many charitable organizations including the Mainstreet Garden Party, Coronado Historical Home Tours, Multiple Sclerosis Pink Parties, and the Coronado Republic Women Summer Gala.

 

He was pre-deceased by his oldest son John in 2001 and his wife Barbara in May of 2009. He often commented how very hard it was to lose a child and that he missed Barbara so very much. Jim leaves a strong Coronado legacy and is survived by son Jamie and daughter-in-law Susan; his daughter Mary Ann “Quita” Nass and son-in-law Ron; his daughter-in-law Rennie; four grandchildren - Scott and Michelle Darnell, and Jonathan and Jamie Nass. His grandson Scott and his wife Elise blessed him with his first great grandchild Alexandra born in 2011.

 

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Coronado Golf Course (2000 Visalia Row) on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim to the City of Coronado, Coronado Public Art Fund, 1825 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118.

Jack Ross: April 3, 1927 - January 13, 2013

 

Norman Jack Ross, of Scottsdale AZ, aka "Mr. Touchdown," an accomplished businessman, inventor, and philanthropist, passed away peacefully in Encinitas, California at the age of 85 from complications of Parkinson's disease.

 

Jack was the oldest of three children, born in Chicago, IL to parents Norman A. Ross M.D. and Edna "Hoops" Ross. When Jack was 2, his parents moved to Phoenix, where he attended Kenilworth Elementary and North High School.

 

Jack enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Stanford University, where he studied engineering and graduated from the Army's accelerated training program. He was deployed to the European Theatre where he served under General George Patton and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division or CID. Those who knew him would swear that his traits were that of George C. Scott's depiction of Patton in the movie. Upon his Honorable Discharge and return stateside, he attended and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California.

 

Jack was always active and engaged. He was a founding member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at USC. He partnered in an automobile service station from which he occasionally sold used cars. This led to his taking a position at the nearby Nash dealership in Beverly Hills, where he was a natural and outstanding in sales, all while still attending USC. Jack's ability quickly evolved into managing multiple franchises for Jack Fraim, a WWII  General who owned multiple dealerships in Dayton, Ohio and Los Angeles. He was then recruited to work for the Packard Motor Car Company and became their youngest marketing VP in 1952.

 

In 1955 he returned to Arizona and opened Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury with his wife and co-promoter of the business, Acquanetta, a former model and movie actress with RKO and Universal Studios. After 50 years of operation the franchise was sold to the Earnhardt Auto Centers. Longtime residents of Phoenix will remember Jack and Acqua's "Movie of the Week" sponsorship on Channel 5, their support for many causes and their innovative use of early television to promote cultural groups and charities including: Mesa Lutheran Hospital, the Heard Museum, Phoenix Indian School, The Stagebrush Theater, Phoenix Symphony, and valley disadvantaged youth.

 

Jack was brilliant and used his talents to make a difference in the lives of many because he cared deeply about people and the community. Some of the accomplishments for which Jack was responsible, but never sought public recognition include his work as the Founder and First President of the Mesa Lutheran Hospital, serving on the Advisory Board of Surgicenter, Inc. (an innovative concept in out-patient health services), intervention to save the Mesa Municipal Airport, now known as Falcon Field, upon its virtual abandonment in the 1950s and runways being encroached upon and turned into agricultural fields, and support for public health facilities at Sky Harbor Airport.

 

Jack donated 200 acres of land to the Hopi Indian Community, brought the BVD (a garment manufacturing company) to northern Arizona, donated the entire site of the Oro Belle ghost and mining town to the Arizona Historical Society, co-authored the Code of Ethics for the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association, subsequently used as a model for the National Association form, and was instrumental in bringing Motorola to Mesa when he headed the Roslon Development Company. Along with his wife, he maintained a deep commitment to the Arizona Native American population by helping to foster beneficial relationships between Hopi and Navajo leadership and sponsored numerous state youth programs and college scholarships.

 

He served as President of the Arizona Auto Dealers Association, and twice ran for Governor of the State of Arizona. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Among his many accolades he was honored as Time Magazines "Dealer of the Year".

 

He was a man of high moral standards, ethical dealings, and fair play. He loved the automobile business, antique cars and museums. He was an avid reader, as well as an accomplished helicopter and multi-engine airplane pilot. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, playing the piano and organ, his daily walks and big band music, especially Glen Miller and Benny Goodman. He was partial to ice cream, chocolate, and Wild Turkey Whiskey.

 

He is survived by his wife Christina, sister Barbra Ann Parsons, brother Thomas H. Ross M.D, sons: Robert Foy, Lance Ross, Tom Ross, Jack Jr. (Kimberly) Ross, and Rex (Sylvia) Ross, grandchildren: Nicholas, Alison, Scott, Greg, Kelley, Jackson, Charlyn, Max and Katharine. Jack was loved and will be missed. A private memorial service will be held. For memorial contributions, the family asks that you consider donating to Parkinson's Research.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Jack Ross was a fine man and very well known in Arizona. I went to ASU with his son Lance Ross and his beautiful wife Christina is a Coronado resident. My deepest sympathies to the Ross family.

Letter to the Editor: Farewell To Ralph Held

 

Message From Coronado To Ralph Held:

 

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Jerry Toci

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ralph Held, Coronado resident and avid amateur radio operator, passed away on Friday, January 11th at the Villa in Coronado. He loved to rapidly tap out morse code messages to his friends, using his ring and just the table before him. Ralph was 95, with a birthday coming up on February 9th. His memorial was held this past Saturdatt at Christ Episcopal Church at Ninth and C Streets. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

 

Morse Code Translation

Maxine Free: 1913 - 2012

 

 

 

CORONADO – Maxine Free, a 67-year resident of Coronado, founder of Free Bros Market and the much-loved matriarch of the Free family, passed in the comfort of her own home Dec. 30 of natural causes. She was 99 and would have celebrated her centennial birthday June 20.

Maxine Sawyer was born in Roseburg, Oregon as the younger of two sisters to C. Al Sawyer and Anna Horn. She grew up in Calexico, California before moving to Coronado.

 

Maxine came to Coronado after World War II when her husband Charles returned from the war. He had served with the US Army and survived the bloody D-Day landing at Omaha Beach before being captured by the Germans. He served out the duration of WWII as a prisoner of war.

Charles and Maxine started Free Bros Market in 1945 at the intersection of Tenth Street, Isabella and Orange Avenue (now the Chase Building). The store was a Coronado institution for three decades.

 

 

In this illustration by Eileen Kennedy, Free Bros Market can be seen at the corner of Tenth Street, Isabella and Orange Avenue. Across the street is Walt Shortt's Shell Station, another popular landmark of the time.

 

 

Just a couple of blocks from the beach, Free Bros Market was popular with locals and visitors alike. Even today people remember the large pickle jar on the counter, the ten-cent hotdogs, crates of sweet navel oranges, and the large sign in the window proclaiming, “ICE COLD ICE CUBES, FROZEN FRESH.”

 

In the pre-cash register years, grocery clerks at Free Bros Market would write the prices of your food items on the side of a paper bag, while in the back, Charles Free, Sr., could often be heard singing with the customers. He loved music, and in particular he loved to sing opera.

 

 

 

Free Bros Market, a wonderful memory today, but once a cherished institution along Coronado's main street.

The last 32 years of her life, Maxine Free lived in her condo at The Commodore, surrounded by a very caring and supportive community of friends and neighbors who continued to aid and support her and be a part of her life right up until the very end.

During her life, friends of Maxine Free grew accustomed to seeing her at the front door with a pot of homemade chicken soup whenever one of their family members was down with a cold or the flu. This was Maxine’s nature. She loved her friends and cherished her long relationships with them.

 

During the last three years of her life Maxine Free was cared for by what her family describes as, “The most wonderful group of people we could have ever brought into her life. They allowed her to live out the remainder of her years in dignity, comfort and security. Our family is eternally grateful to them.”

 

 

 

A very young Maxine. This photo was taken in August 1927.

 

 

Raised during the Great Depression, Maxine attended business school and worked as a dental assistant. During WWII she proudly served as a Red Cross volunteer before joining her husband at Free Bros Market as the store manager.

 

 

 

 

Charles Sr. and Maxine, seen in two chapters from their lives.

 

 

While Maxine and Charles Free supported nearly every cause and charity in Coronado (and in particular Little League) she was personally very active in the Coronado Women’s Club and with her church – Coronado’s Graham Memorial Presbyterian. Of all the causes she supported, Maxine was particularly supportive of the Disabled American Veterans.

 

 

Lee Mather, 94, has known the Frees since they came to Coronado. Lee’s son Steven was born in 1949. “The first thing I did when I left the hospital was to go to Charles and Maxine’s home to tell them I had a son,” said Mather. “Maxine is quite simply one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever known and both she and Charles have been the dearest of friends for many, many years. She will be sorely missed.”

 

 

 

The Free family. Charles Free Sr. sitting, Charles Jr. top left, Maxine, and Paul Free.

 

 

Maxine and her boys, from left, Charles Jr. and Paul.

 

 

The Rev. Steven Mather, Lee’s son, will preside over Maxine Free’s memorial service, which will be held at Coronado’s Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. A reception at the church will follow.

 

 

 

This is how most will remember Maxine Free, smiling and eager to hear about your family and your day. At 99 she would often say, "I honestly don't know why God had allowed me to live so long." Those who knew her are grateful for every one of those days and years.

 

Maxine Free is survived by two sons, Charles and Paul. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends honor Maxine’s dedication to the Disabled American Veterans with a donation in her memory.

 

 

A relic from the past.

 

 

 

Happy New Year's Eve!

 

Coronado Common Sense wishes you all a fantastic New Year's Eve! Have fun and be safe!

Kevin R. Ebbert, Special Warfare Operator First Class

 

[Click on image to enlarge]

Friends and family,

As most of you know a memorial service was held Thursday morning at the Naval Base in Little Creek Virginia for my nephew Kevin Ebbert.

Kevin was killed in action on 24 November 2012 while supporting combat operations as a combat corpman/medic in Southern Afghanistan. Kevin was attached to SEAL Team Four. The Naval base at Little Creek is the home to SEAL Teams Two, Four and Ten.

The service for Kevin was held at the base chapel and was extremely well attended. Estimates were that up to 1,000 people may have attended.

The chapel seats 750 people and the place was overflowing with standing room only. I would estimate that at least 250 to 300 people were standing along the back, sides and front of the chapel. It was very moving to see and also to attend.

Following are notes I used as a guide when it was my turn to speak. Several of Kevin's teammates and childhood friends got up to speak too.

It was a long day for all, but in the end I'm proud he was a part of such a special community . . . truly a band of brothers.

On a final note I'd like to mention The Navy SEAL Foundation based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. I cannot put into mere words what this fine organization does every day for our warrior's anf their families.

I would highly urge all of you to contribute to their meaningful cause by donating to the foundation in the name of SO1 Kevin Richard Ebbert at:

1619 D Street, Bldg. 5326

Virginia Beach, VA 23459

navySEALfoundation.org

(757) 363-7490

 

Best regards to all,

Jim Ebbert

• • • • • • • • • •

 

Two days ago I received a text from Kevin's step father Mark Ritz asking if I would be able to get up and speak at this memorial service. I texted back that I would try. Within a few minutes I texted back to Mark saying that it would be my honor and privilege to do so. So here I am today, standing before you, and in doing so I am very honored and privileged to be here to talk a little bit about Kevin.

 
Surprisingly when I received Mark's text I was reading probably one of the greatest, if not the greatest and most eloquent eulogies ever written. It was written by Pat Conroy for his father Don Conroy AKA "The Great Santini", a World War II Marine fighter pilot. If you are not aware of this eulogy from son to father, then I urge you to Google it.

 
That eulogy is about a man, a father, a husband, and a warrior that lived a complete and full life . . . but did not perish in battle. The Great Santini tells his son how successful he was in battle, and his son asks, "How do you know you were successful." and his father says, "Because I could see from the air that the enemy was running". His father pauses for a moment and adds, . . . "and because they were on fire". This eulogy was written for a warrior that lived a long and full life, but did not die in battle.

 
Unlike The Great Santini, Kevin was a warrior that did die in battle. Kevin was living a full life that was unfortunately cut short, never completed, and sadly . . . we will never know what the end of Kevin's story would have been. This we can only hypothesize.

 
So today I will briefly talk about Kevin Ebbert, my nephew. The son of a former SEAL, the nephew of a former SEAL, and a warrior and SEAL in his own right. He is also a husband, a son, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a very special human being, a friend to many, and last but not least . . .  a warrior.   A warrior well and thoroughly trained to go into battle, to go into harms way, and do harm to others if necessary. As much as we may not like to think of it this way . . . this is the job of a SEAL, especially in time of war.

 
I'll tell you first about Kevin Ebbert the non-warrior.

 

Something many of you may not know is that Kevin was an extremely accomplished musician. Kevin could read, write and often composed music. The music you are listening to today was composed and played by Kevin for a college recital. He seemed to be as comfortable with the piano as he was the guitar, but his true love was the guitar.

 

Kevin would play for his family at many family gatherings. Normally urged & prodded to do so by his Aunt Mary. Most memorable for me though was when he played for his grandmother Pat, my mother. She loved Kevin so much you could see the pride bursting out of every pore she had.

 

Kevin loved classical music and light jazz. He would listen to it and play it often. He received bis bachelors degree in music from UC Santa Cruz prior to joining the Navy.

 

 
Kevin was also an accomplished artist. At our home in Scottsdale I noticed that if there was a piece of paper, and a pen or pencil laying around, Kevin would be doodling or sketching. What . . . I don't specifically recall, but I wish I had a few of those doodles now. He also always took time to draw with his younger cousin Georgia who now is just 6 years old, going on 7.

 

 
I think what I may remember most about Kevin though is that he was an avid reader, and most importantly a thinker. He never spoke before thinking about what he was going to say. One evening at our home I walked into Kevin's room to say good night. He was staying with us on the weekends while he was training in Marana Arizona, about an hour south of our home. I noticed 3 books on his bedside table. One was written by Voltaire, one by Chaucer and one was poetry. As I walked in he took his I-Pod ear plugs out and I could make out the sound of classical music. If I recall correctly, I think it was Vivaldi playing. That's the Kevin I will always remember.

 

 
Another thing that I will always remember about Kevin is that . . . man that kid could eat! Not just eat . . . but eat like it was nobody's business! I kid you not, I referred to Kevin as my lean, mean, eating machine. It was like an art form watching him eat. I learned to always throw lots of extra food on if Kevin was coming to eat. One night Kevin was at our home and I threw extra steaks on the grill. My wife Stacy came outside, saw all the meat cooking and asked if other people were coming over to eat. I said no, Just she and I, Kevin and our little girl. She gave me a puzzled, quizzical look, and then said . . . oh yea, right, Kevin.

 

 
Many of you know Kevin was married to his beautiful bride Ursula not too long before he deployed. There was a large (should I say HUGE) amount of family at this celebration. Kevin was swamped with family and friends and quite frankly I think more over whelmed by it all than what he may have anticipated. But Kevin being who he was just quietly got through the clamor and chaos of the Irish Catholic and Italian family members. Thank God for Ursula's side of the family. Calm . . . Norwegian I believe.

 

 
At their wedding I was fortunate enough to actually have a couple of minutes next to Kevin at a family photo event. I said to Kevin, " Ursula looks beautiful today doesn't she?" Kevin responded, "Jim she looks beautiful every day but you would be correct if you also said that she looks exceptionally beautiful today. Not only that, she looks extremely happy too." He then gave me that calm, intelligent smile of his that was his trademark. Kevin then turned and looked at Ursula and smiled even more. I could see he was truly in love and very proud to be marrying this beautiful woman.

 

What many of you may not know is that on Thanksgiving day many in our family were fortunate in that we got to speak with Kevin via FaceTime. We all heard the news that evening that Kevin had been accepted into medical school. Kevin then informed us that he would be released from the Navy early so he could start school on time. It appeared that Kevin was on his way to much bigger and better things that would help not only himself and his family, but many more people that he would come into contact with in the future as medical patients. 

In this building are many of you that loved and knew Kevin the most, and those that cared about him the most; his wife Ursula, his mother Charlie, his sister Samantha, his step father Mark and many other family members . . .me included. And what I do know is that Kevin was many things to many people, kind, gentle, quiet, never obtrusive, never over bearing, never sarcastic, always polite,and always a gentleman to anyone that he knew, loved, cared about, or came in contact with on a day to day basis.

 
Kevin was not a big man in stature, as most SEALS are not while on active duty. We usually get that way after we leave The Teams and transition from our lean, trim and hardened active duty SEAL days to our old and overweight walrus days. I'm in those days now. So Kevin was lean and strong without an ounce of body fat on him. He was as physically and mentally prepared as any SEAL can be for the job he was assigned to do. "Jim—I stay in shape not just for me, but for others that may depend on me."

 

With that being said . . . he was also a warrior. A well trained, thoroughly invested killer of men if need be. It's not easy for some of us to speak or think of Kevin in this way, but it's the truth. He is and was a warrior . . . among many other things. He was as well trained and prepared for battle as any soldier on this planet can be, and so are the men he went into battle with. I can assure you that as well trained as Kevin and his platoon mates are . . . Kevin did not give his life for his country, it was taken from him.

 

 

It is the job of Kevin and his platoon mates to make the enemy lose on the battlefield for their cause and it's a SEAL's job to ensure that the enemy loses in a rapid manner. I believe General Patton said something similar to this in a much more colorful manner of which I will not repeat here today. Unfortunately men that go into battle don't always come home to those that love them so dearly. Often times this is the unfortunate cost of war. Approximately 8,500 families have, and are going through the grieving process, just as we are all doing today. Unfortunately there will undoubtably be others, and I grieve for those that will follow.

 

In ending let me read what I received in recent e-mails from family members and friends.

 
Kevin's uncle, Joel Rice, in Sacramento California said, "I pray for a world where there is no need for war, as it is so damaging and the damages are so far reaching. It goes without saying that we are all forever in Kevin's debt, but I for one will look forward to the day when such sacrifice will not be be necessary".

 
My friend, Scott Knauer, in Phoenix Arizona said, "Make no mistake Kevin was a warrior, and as a Navy SEAL, distinguished himself in battle, but Kevin's real dream was not to take lives, but to save them. This is exemplified in his duties as a corpsman and his acceptance into medical school at Old Dominion University just one day before his passing. This was to be his last deployment. Unfortunately his life was taken before he could pursue his true passion . . . healing others. My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Ursula, Charlie, Samantha, Mark and the rest of your family and friends."

 

I would ask that each of you remember that every statistic, every young man and woman killed in action, is someone's husband, son, grandson, brother, sister, niece, nephew, cousin, neighbor and friend. The world is a better place because Kevin lived, and it is a lessor place with him gone. Kevin loved his country and his family, and he was loved by all who knew him, he will be sorely missed and live in my, and others. hearts forever."

 
And finally, another friend of mine, John Seger, of Phoenix Arizona, a combat wounded Army veteran of the Vietnam war, had this to say, "Let me ask that tomorrow all of us take a minute out of our day and ask that Kevin be welcomed into a place where there will be no more war or death, or tears, or pain, and where Kevin will be welcomed as the selfless hero that he is. We are free because of men like Kevin."

 

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Ebbert is a former SEAL who raised his family in Coronado. He used to run the frame shop next to what is now Boney's and he later sold homes. A few years ago he moved to Scottsdale, Arizona with his new wife Stacy and their daughter Georgia.

 

This article stands alone in today's Coronado Common Sense. You don't need to read anything else. Please take a moment to remember all of those who have sacrificed so much so that we can be safe here in the US and enjoy our freedoms. They fight and die for you.

 

Joseph P. Rizza "Friend of all the World" 1915—2012

 

 

Coronado's first "Citizen of the Year," Joe Rizza. Photo by Joe Ditler.

 

CORONADO – In the wake of WWII and at the height of the Cold War, Joe Rizza ended a brilliant career at sea in the Merchant Marine and US Navy that few, if any, could lay claim. And yet, he wasn’t done. He went on to build another sterling career for himself as a major player in US foreign policy ashore, and as an educator with far-reaching results. As an expert in international political military policies, Joe played a dominant role in US foreign policy as advisor to the highest office in the land, the President of the United States.

 

Rear Admiral Rizza had a reputation worldwide for his unbiased and objective work, and the integrity, honesty, and credibility he consistently brought to the table. During his wartime service he was the epitome of leadership, ethical comportment, and complete grace under fire.

 

 

From the balcony of his Coronado Shores condo, Joe spent many hours gazing out over the Pacific, the only real home he ever knew during his long career as a Merchant Marine officer and a US Naval officer. Photo by Joe Ditler.

 

Joe Rizza died October 5th, at Coronado Hospital, from congestive heart failure. He was 97. Until the end, Joe remained an active presence at both Coronado Roundtable and Coronado Rotary - two organizations he was very proud of.

 

Admiral Rizza retired in 1983 after 50 years of a distinguished professional life encompassing three related careers – US Merchant Marine officer (1934-42), US Naval Officer (1942-72), and President and champion of the California Maritime Academy (1972-83) in Vallejo, California. He left the service at the rank of Rear Admiral, U.S. Maritime Service (Ret.); and Captain U.S. Navy (Ret.).

 

Joseph P. Rizza was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on January 30, 1915. As one of two sons and a daughter of Italian emigrants, the Rizza boys had to work hard to get their shot at education and a career. At 18 Joe worked six days a week in steel mills for long hours and little pay, while awaiting acceptance to the Pennsylvania Maritime Academy (1934-36).

 

 

The Pennsylvania Maritime Academy training vessel - the 1897 Spanish-American War gunboat, USS Annapolis. Joe Rizza was scared to death of heights. When it became obvious he must either conquer his fear or be dropped from the Academy, he would sneak out at night, and under cover of darkness he slowly conquered his demons, one ratline at a time, until he became proficient enough to skylark aloft. That lone effort served to stiffen his resolve  throughout war and life, no matter how steep the challenge or how dangerous the situation.

 

Joe graduated with distinction from the Academy, and later the University of Washington, where he was selected Phi Beta Kappa and was graduated cum laude in Political Science (1951). He earned a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the Boston University Graduate School in 1958 while pulling double duty in the evenings and on weekends on the faculty at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

 

After graduating from the Maritime Academy Joe sailed with the U.S. Lines Steam Ship Company out of New York, rotating between the Trans-Atlantic passenger liners and around-the-world flag cargo liners for six years. He rose to become the youngest Coast Guard-licensed Master Mariner in the company.

 

 

This small booklet remained in Joe Rizza's possession his entire life. In it are the details of his early Merchant Marine life - departing port, destination, captain's name, dates of departure and return, and ship name. During this time (1937-1942) Joe was a spectator to the twilight years of Colonial Rule throughout Asia and Europe. Photo by Joe Ditler.

 

 

Hong Kong, 1934, where Joe Rizza visited aboard the cadet training ship, USS Annapolis. Photo by Joe Rizza.

 

 

In Rangoon, in 1936, Joe's ship was greeted in the harbor by Chinese junks that offloaded cargo alongside. Photo by Joe Rizza.

 

At the onset of WWII Joe was called to active duty in the United States Navy and participated in major amphibious assaults of the Pacific Theatre. For the next 31 years he made the Navy his life and his career.

 

After a brief assignment as a nautical scientist with the Naval Hydrographic office in Washington DC, Joe served in the newly commissioned USS Leedstown, a 500-foot attack transport as navigator and operations officer. From this commission Joe participated in major amphibious assaults in the Marshall and Solomon Islands Campaigns.

 

 

A young Joe Rizza in 1936, aboard the West Cusseta, posing at the rail and proudly wearing his brother Sal's West Point jacket.

 

In 1944, Joe found himself executive officer of another new commission, the attack transport USS Banner. Here he partook in additional, crucial amphibious assaults throughout New Guinea, the Philippines, and Okinawa. A narrow miss by a Kamikazi attack haunted his dreams and plagued Joe with severe back pains for the rest of his life.

 

He later served as executive officer on the destroyers USS O’Brien and the USS Lloyd Thomas, and commanded the destroyer escort USS Spangler in the Pacific Fleet’s ASW Force. Captain Rizza commanded the destroyer USS Gregory as well, participating in two, six-month deployments with the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific.

 

 

The USS Banner was nearly destroyed by a Japanese Kamikaze plane near Okinawa. The captain wasn't well and Joe Rizza, the executive officer, took over. Through his binoculars he could see the pilot's face. Joe kept yelling, "Keep those guns firing." At the last possible second the wing was blown off the plane by the Banner's gun crew and it dipped into the ocean sparing many lives. 

 

Captain Rizza served on the faculty of the Naval War College as an instructor and Chairman of the Strategy and Tactics Department before returning to sea in command of Destroyer Escort Squadron Three, an Anti-Submarine Warfare squadron in the Pacific Fleet.

 

In 1960 he served in Seoul, Korea where he assumed command of the U.S. Naval Advisory Group, Republic of Korea Navy for three years, and played a central role in building that country’s Navy.

 

Following Korea, Rizza assumed command of the attack transport USS Mountrail in the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Force, where his ship was commended for winning the Battle Efficiency Competition and excellence awards in all departments. Most of his ship commands were singled out for similar honors.

 

 

Joe and his first wife and love of his life, silent film star, Marie Antoinette Follin (stage name Dona Clara), at the Casbah in 1947.

 

From 1964-66 Captain Rizza served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a Far East Politico-Military Planner in the Plans and Policy Directorate. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for outstanding performance in this assignment.

 

During this period, and based on his vast experience in dealing with other countries and their leaders, Joe wrote five classified foreign policy papers for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which played no small role in influencing foreign policy and Presidential decisions.

 

These papers were: “The Future of the Ryukyus,” which caused great worldly concern regarding the future of Japan and Okinawa; “The Future of the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands,” which became U.S. Policy for island nations creating the option of joining the United States or seeking sovereignty in Post WWII; “A Multilateral Organization for the Far East;” “U.S. Politico-Military Position Papers on the Republic of Korea;” and “The Status of Forces Agreement” for the Republic of Korea and GRC (Government of the Republic of China).”

 

Captain Rizza commanded Destroyer Squadron 24 from 1966-68. During this tour he served two deployments as Screen Commander in the Sixth Fleet and the Mediterranean attack carrier striking force, which consisted of 12 destroyers.

 

 

Joe Rizza and his wife Marie entertain an old Hollywood friend of Marie's, Lana Turner.

 

At this time Joe was invited to attend a gathering hosted by Princess Grace of Monaco. Joe had been on intense operations for three days and nights, but wasn’t about to miss a chance to meet the former actress and member of European Royalty. They became fast friends and the Princess put her personal limosene at Joe’s service during his stay in Monoco.

 

Such celebrity/political encounters were not uncommon in his position. Before World War II he met a powerful German politician named Adolf Hitler. Rizza dined with King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia in his desert palace. He interviewed General Franco, President of Spain, broke bread with Mobuto, ruler of Zaire in the Congo, studied under Henry Kissinger, lunched with Africa’s Idi Amin, and interacted with most of the Presidents of the United States during his professional career.

 

In 1968 Joe Rizza was hand-selected by Admiral Zumwalt to be his Chief of Staff, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam/Chief, Naval Advisory Group, MACV, overseeing all allied navies participating in the Vietnam War.

 

 

Captain Joe Rizza, while serving as Chief of Staff for Admiral Elmo Zumwalt in Vietnam (1968). Joe was in charge of overseeing all allied navies during the war, and participated in the planning of numerous offenses against the enemy.

 

 

Joe Rizza, left, and Admiral Zumwalt tour the War College together.

 

For Joe, the Merchant Marine and the US Navy provided him with opportunities no other field could come close to. His career took him to almost every country in the world, taught him to speak French, Russian, and Italian, and found him in meetings and social surroundings with the great Heads of State and foremost political leaders of his era.

 

Admiral Rizza accepted an invitation by then-Governor Ronald Reagan in 1972 to take over as President of the beleaguered California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California. While there he achieved a complete reformation and permutation of the Academy into the 21st Century. Always on the cutting edge, Rizza opened the school’s doors to women and saw the first female applicants graduate from the Academy.

 

 

Governor Ronald Reagan enlisted Joe Rizza to restore credibility and bring leadership to a struggling California Maritime Museum. President Ronald Reagan praised his success and leadership years later for making Cal Maritime an educational institution respected worldwide.

 

The three-year course of study at the Academy was expanded to four years, and the California Maritime Academy became an accredited institution of higher education, subsequently joining the prestigious California State University System.

 

When he retired in 1984 the auditorium at the California Maritime Academy was named the “Joseph P. Rizza Auditorium,” with a large painting of him placed on the wall in the foyer, presented by the Class of 1983-84 Student Council. For his role at the Academy, Elizabeth Dole, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, presented Joe Rizza with the highest civilian award in government, “for exceptional public service.”

 

Over his long career Joe belonged to numerous organizations: Council of American Master Mariners; Rotary International (President Vallejo Club 81-82); Vallejo Chamber of Commerce (Director 80-83); Propeller Club of the US (Golden Gate, President Emeritus - San Diego); Navy League San Diego County (Director); Coronado Roundtable (President Emeritus); World Affairs Council-San Diego (Director); San Diego Civil Service Commission (President ’85-‘91); and Propellor Club Port of San Diego (President Emeritus).

 

 

Joe’s biography was published a year before his death, “The Life & Times of Joe Rizza: Friend of All the World.” The book is available to read online, free, at www.blurb.com/books/2471487.

 

Joe Rizza was married to actress, the late Marie Antoinette Follin (stage name “Dona Clara”). Upon his marriage to Dona Clara, Joe adopted her daughter Barbara, and subsequently raised their two grandchildren as his own. Joe is survived by his current wife, Fran Rizza of Coronado, grandchildren Phillip Monroe (Aimee) of San Diego, and Michael Monroe (Lisa) of Moraga, CA, and six great grandchildren.

 

 

Joe Rizza would often kid that if he were only 60 years younger, he would take up the sport of surfing. Here he poses with a friend's surfboard in front of his condo at the Coronado Shores. Photo by Joe Ditler.

 

Services will be held at the Resurrection Lutheran Church of Coronado (1111 Fifth Street/at Orange Avenue) at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, with a reception to follow. His remains will be interred at Fort Rosecrans Dec. 7, at 11:30 a.m.

 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made “In Memory of Admiral Joe Rizza” to the Coronado Rotary and Coronado Roundtable.

 

This final tribute was prepared by LivingObituary.com. For information on capturing your loved ones' stories, contact 619.435.0767 or josephditler@san.rr.com.

Marilyn Hanson Foster—Community Activist and “Island Jewel”

 

 

CORONADO - During the Vietnam War, Marilyn Foster, as wife of the commanding officer of her husband’s squadron, had the unenviable job of informing other Navy wives when their husbands had been shot down, and either killed or declared missing in action. Marilyn didn’t enjoy this odious responsibility, but she handled it with great grace, dignity and compassion.

 

Marilyn was a loyal and conscientious Navy wife. Her husband, Wynn Foster, was frequently away on six-to-nine-month deployments. Like so many other Navy wives, she stayed home to raise the children and keep home life as normal as possible. Later on, she became a pillar in her community of Coronado, well loved and admired as a woman who generously volunteered her time for a multitude of causes and passions.

 

Marilyn Hanson Foster died July 10 of complications from congestive heart disease. She passed in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by loving family in her final hours. She was 83.

 

   

First birthday. February 8, 1930, Minneapolis, MN

 

Marilyn Hanson at 19 in 1948

 

Marilyn was born February 8, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the third of four children to Ida and Carl Hanson. Her father supported his family throughout the Great Depression as a barber. Her mother was largely responsible for the Minneapolis Public Schools’ first biology program.

 

After a couple years of college, Marilyn married Wynn Foster, a young ensign in the US Navy. Wynn's orders took them around the country for 20 years. Duty stations included Pensacola, FL; Corpus Christi, TX; St. Simons Island, GA; Monterey, CA; Norfolk, VA; Memphis, TN; Lemoore, CA; and Coronado, CA.

 

 March 19, 1949

Wynn and Marilyn cut their wedding cake

 

 

Commander Foster, once a wingman to Admiral James B. Stockdale, was shot down over the Tonkin Gulf in 1967. He lost his right arm in the incident, and the family spent the following year in Washington DC as he waged a successful battle to remain in the Navy. He was subsequently promoted, and became known to many as “Captain Hook”.

 

The story of how he battled to stay in the Navy, and was eventually declared fit to return to active duty, has become legend. He captured the story in his book, “Captain Hook: A Pilot’s Tragedy and Triumph in the Vietnam War.”

 

In 1968 the couple transferred to Coronado, which would be Captain Foster's final duty station. Like so many other Navy families, the Fosters quickly recognized Coronado as a paradise, and happily settled in with their three children.

 

Former wingmen unite.

L-R: Marilyn and Wynn Foster, Sybil and Jim Stockdale

 

Marilyn had a lifelong thirst for knowledge. She viewed life as a long series of possible new and entertaining activities. If she didn't like a particular experience, such as when she and a friend spent the day picking cotton in Memphis (just so she'd know what it was like), Marilyn would simply say, "Well, checked off that box," and she would move on.

 

Fearless and insatiable in her search for new experiences, Marilyn took classes or taught herself to do a wide variety of arts and crafts—sewing, tailoring, knitting, embroidery, tole painting, ceramics, jewelry making. She loved trying new activities, and demonstrated great aptitude at most of them.

 

She loved to read, and her taste was eclectic—from fiction to history and everything in between. Just a few months prior to her death she went to the Coronado Friends of the Library’s Book Sale and came home with a large bag full of fresh reading material—an annual adventure she always looked forward to.

 

 

The Foster family in 2012

L-R: Amy, Scott, Marilyn, Wynn and Cori

 

 

Marilyn loved keeping busy, and her calendar was continually jam-packed. The word “no” didn’t seem to be in her vocabulary. As a result, her agenda remained consistently filled with copious activities.

 

Among her many community involvements, Marilyn was an active member of the Coronado Women's Club (40 years), twice serving as its president, and in other years chairing most of the club's numerous sections.

 

Most recently, she worked to establish the "Night Section” of the Coronado Women’s Club, which encouraged younger women with daytime careers to become active by joining, and attending evening meetings of the Coronado Women’s Club.

 

For many years she acted as liaison to the Coronado Junior Women’s Club. Marilyn’s peers touted her as a role model for younger women in the community. In 2010, the Coronado Junior Women’s Club honored her service by setting up the Marilyn Foster Scholarship for Coronado High School students.

 

"I feel fortunate to have known Marilyn as a friend, said Ann Knoche. "I thought many times how nice it would have been to have her for an older sister. She was a role model, a confidant, an advisor, an energizer and a leader."

 

 

Daughter Cori (left), Marilyn, and a dolphin friend in 2003

 

 

The community of Coronado gave her strength, and Marilyn seemed to have no limits to what she was willing to give back in return. She was actively involved in the Coronado Hospital Foundation as a board member for many years, and volunteered in numerous other capacities at the hospital as well.

 

A long-time member of the Coronado Bridge and Bay Garden Club and Coronado Floral Association, Marilyn held the role of president and chaired numerous committees within the group.

 

She was an avid gardener, taking great pride in her orchid house, succulents, birds of paradise, and other floral wonders in her own yard. She was particularly pleased that her large, tropical plumeria was judged "Best in Show" for potted plants for two years running.

 

An active supporter of the San Diego Zoological Society for many years, Marilyn took great pleasure in escorting visitors to the Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and loved to go on behind-the-scenes tours to learn more about animals and zoo operations.

 

The 2007 Foster Family Reunion for Wynn's 80th birthday. Everyone wore a shirt that said, "Captain Hook Is 80." Everyone, that is, except Wynn. His shirt said, "I'm Captain Hook."

Anyone who knew Marilyn was well aware of her huge collection of hippopotami. The genesis of her love for that enormous beast came from a 1978 event when a 4,000-pound hippo named Bubbles won national attention by escaping from an Orange County wild animal park and eluding capture for 19 days.

 

Marilyn saw the hippo as a cross between a symbol of the liberated lady and comic relief from the day-to-day world crises. Over the years, friends and family delighted in adding to her collection of hippos of all shapes and sizes on gift-giving occasions.

 

Most mornings you'd find Marilyn at the table in her breakfast room with a cup of coffee, her well-worn dictionary, almanacs, and most recently her electronic friend Google, working on crossword puzzles. She especially loved the challenging New York Times puzzles.

 

Beneath her gentle exterior was a spine of steel, but friends knew Marilyn as gentile and unfailingly gracious. She always had a smile and kind words for people she knew and met, which prompted at least one of her friends to exclaim upon hearing of Marilyn’s passing, “The Island’s crown has lost one of its jewels.”

 

Marilyn Foster is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, her husband Wynn Foster, children Cori Walker (Norm Gordon) of Ann Arbor, MI; Scott Foster of Prescott, AZ; and Amy Beaupre (Russ) of Prescott, AZ. Her granddaughters Holly and Annie Beaupre of Prescott, AZ, and her brother Carl Raymond Hanson of Minneapolis, MN also survive her.

 

Marilyn as a flamingo

during the July 4th,1999 Independence Day Parade

In accordance with Marilyn's wishes, there will be no memorial service. Instead, the family invites her many friends to attend a "Celebration of Marilyn's Life" on Thursday, September 13th, from 4-8 pm, in the Nautilus Room at the Coronado Community Center.

 

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Coronado Junior Women’s Club’s “Marilyn Foster Scholarship Fund”.

[This article is reprinted with permission from the Coronado Eagle/Journal Newspaper]