If you know of a passing that should be posted here,
please Click on this link and email me and I will add it immediately.

 

Name

Month & Year

Services, etc…

H. Don Carper Jan 24
I was notified that past director, H. Don Carper passed away recently.  His Celebration of Life was on January 20th, 2024. I don’t have any additional details.
Nancy Wright Jan 2024
I was notified that Nancy Wright, who worked in Marine Region’s library and then on MR’s administrative staff in Long Beach, passed away on 10 January 2024.
She was 86 and lived with her husband in Westminster. I have no other details.
Phil Baker August 2023 Phillip H. Baker, a fisheries biologist, lover of the outdoors, little league baseball coach, wood worker, and gardener, has passed away at the age of 86.

On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Phil passed away in Redding CA. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dolores F. Baker.

A celebration of life will be held at the Baker home following the burial at Blue Lake Cemetery.

Jim Banks December 18, 2023 November 3, 1936 – December 18, 2023We have lost a well loved retired fish and gamer who was a pioneer in the field of science and law enforcement. Although Jim’s position was originally in the wildlife management program, his primary duties transitioned to primarily law enforcement as a wildlife forensics scientist. In 1993 he was the first in the nation to develop the use of DNA for wildlife investigations and subsequently became known on a national and international level as the leading expert on the subject, frequently testifying in court. His accomplishments were recognized in media all over the U.S. and he was well published in technical journals. Jim retired as a Senior Wildlife Forensics Specialist in 2008.

Jim’s Obituary.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to Sacramento Children’s home.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on February 24th at 11:00 A.M. at the Dante Club in Sacramento.

Dick Hansen September 2023 After working for several years as a water quality biologist for California Fish and Game in Redding, California, Dick became the Laboratory Director of the Fish and Game Water Pollution Control Laboratory in Rancho Cordova. He worked at the lab from 1972 until 1996, when he retired.
Anne Gerolomy September 2023 Anne retired from DFG in 2001 as a word processing tech. I knew and worked with Anne over many years in Sacramento and at Region 2.
Alan Grass May 2023 Alan Grass: Retired Fish Habitat Supervisor passed away. Alan’s Obit
Jack Parnell April 2023 Jack passed away at his ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was the Director for DFG between 1984 & 1987.  Here is his obit.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/jack-parnell-obituary?id=51860784

Don Weidlein April 2023 My dad (Walter “Don” Weidlein) worked as a Fisheries Biologist with DFG in Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, and Redding for over 40 yrs.  He passed away at the age of 87 on April 17th in Cedar Park, TX (natural causes). Our family will arrange a private memorial service in Redding this summer. Here is his Obit.
DFG friends are welcome to email his son Dan Weidlein at weidlein2@msn.com
Ed Smith April 2023 It is with deepest sympathy we inform you that Ed Smith, retired Wildlife Management Supervisor for Region 4 wildlife areas, Game Bird Heritage and Hill Bill programs, passed away recently.  Ed retired in 2003.

Services for Ed Smith will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, 4:30 pm at:
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1560 Hazel Street
Gridley, CA 95948

Following the services will be a catered dinner.  For those that plan to attend, please contact Dave Smith, Ed’s son, for dinner count and additional information, dave_w_smith@fws.gov.

Phil Pister January 2023 Phil Pister was a fishery biologist and a pioneer of desert pup fish conservation, and is credited with saving the Owens pupfish by transferring the entire remaining population into several buckets and transporting them to a safe location. He was born in Stockton, California and spent his entire career in Bishop, where he retired. He died on January 17, 2023, at the age of 94.
Rolf Mall November 2022 I just received word today from Tim Farley that retired biologist Rolf Mall passed away.

Prior to serving as the Chief of Marine Resources Division in Sacramento, he served all over the state. From Honey Lake WA, the Salton Sea, the Delta Study in Stockton, Grizzly Island WA and the  Marine Resources Region in Long Beach.  He retired in 1995.  His span of involvement was wide – from waterfowl to sea urchins.  He was a true people person…..with both staff and resource users.  Throughout his career he exemplified a balance between resource protection and resource use/enjoyment by users.

Rolf was a birdwatcher all of his life, so if anyone wants to make a memorial gift in his honor the Cornell Lab of Ornithology would be a good idea.

Doug Thayer 10/22/22 Doug  worked for more than 30 years for the California Department of Fish and Game as a wildlife biologist at various locations including a fish hatchery near Red Bluff, and the Honey Lake State Wildlife Area near Susanville.  Since 1967, much of his time was spent in Modoc County and Alturas where he oversaw the antelope and deer herds, raised his family, and retired in 1995.
Barry Collins July 2022 Barry’s career began in 1976 working as a biologist for California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on the East Walker River. But he shortly found himself in the California Delta working on the striped bass study tagging stripers, documenting harvest rates, and doing population estimates. He also supervised the fish facilities program and the fish salvage operations staff at the Skinner Delta Fish Protective Facility.

In 1991, Barry and his family decided to move from Stockton to Humboldt County where Barry continued his career at CDFW working on the natural stocks assessment project; he then moved into the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, which supported salmon and steelhead habitat restoration projects up and down the northern California coast. During these years on “take your daughter to work day” he brought his daughter, Alison Collins, out to count juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead in the local rotary screw traps. This sparked her interest in fisheries and led her to pursue a career as a fisheries biologist. Today she works in the California Delta on many of the same projects that her father worked on.

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2022/aug/31/obituary-barry-collins/

Cristobal Gonzales July 2022
Cristobal P. Gonzales 08-20-33 / 07-31-22. (Natural Causes)
Graduated from Brawley High School in 1952, where he played football on the 1951 CIF championship team. He was drafted into US Army in 1956 served two years and additional 5 years in Army Natural Guard.

He started working with the California Department of Fish & Game in 1959 as a Farm Hand and worked his way up to the Area Manager of the Wister Wildlife Area. At the age of 45, he obtained a BS degree in Social Sciences and AA degree in Biology from San Diego State University.

In 1996 he retired from Department of Fish and Game with 37 years of California state service. He spent all of his time around family and attending every sporting event his grandchildren participated in. Survived by wife of 60 years Beatrice Gonzales, and sons Cristobal Jr, Bobby and daughters Veronica Limon, Ann Marie Likos, Marie Ann Herderson. 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Services. Friday August 19th, 6 pm at Frye Chapel, Brawley, CA. Funeral Mass Saturday, August 20, 9 am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620  Ceasar  Chavez St., Brawley Ca. If you need to contact his wife, here is her info.

Mrs. Gonzales
660 N. Palm Ave
Brawley,  CA 92227
Eric Larsen August 2021 Dear all,  It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of Eric Larson’s unexpected, but peaceful, passing on Tuesday night. He was with his family at home in San Rafael at the time. Eric had a long and influential career as a scientist and champion for California’s fishery resources. He was also a trusted leader, advisor, and friend to many. He is already greatly missed. There will be a service on Sunday August 22nd in Cotati; all are welcome to attend. At this time we do not have details on when and where.

This is a shock to all of us and will be particularly difficult for those of you who were close to Eric. Please make sure to take care of your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Grief counseling services are being arranged for CDFW folks on Monday and Tuesday of next week. I’ll share those details when they are available. Please share this email with others who knew Eric. Take care,
Stacy
Andy Pauli April 2021 Andy Pauli, retired Associate Wildlife Biologist and the Desert Unit Manager, passed away unexpectedly on 8 April at his home in Apple Valley.  He was 68, and is survived by his wife Lori, son Brian, and daughter Andrea and her family.  Andy was a key player in the initiation of the bighorn sheep hunting season in California, and interacted with virtually every sheep hunter from that first season in 1986 through his retirement from CDFG in 2010.  He remained active as a retired annuitant for several additional years, and during his career validated tags and scored trophies for nearly 300 successful bighorn sheep hunters.  As per Andy’s request, no services will be held.
Doris Condos December 2020 Doris passed away on Christmas Day. I don’t have any other info at this time
Denyse Racine November 2020 Denyse passed away on November 26, 2020 after a long bout with cancer.  She spent most of her career as a wildlife biologist and later a Habitat Conservation supervisor at the Bishop office.  After retirement in 2010 she remained in Bishop and enjoyed outdoor activities and travel.  She is survived by her husband Mark Daniel.  A memorial service will be held post-Covid.

Tom Stone

April 2020 I received word that Tom Stone died on Friday evening, April 24th.

According to Don Koch, Tom recently had open heart surgery and was home recovering.  He had some complications on Friday and, after taking some fluid off his lungs at the hospital, he was back at home.  I guess he started having trouble breathing on Friday evening.  Gretchen called 911, but he had passed by the time they arrived.

Tom started his career with waterfowl staff out of Sacramento but spent the majority of his career in Region 1 working in the Environmental and Wildlife programs. He retired in 2000. He will be missed

Mary Anderson

February 2020

I received word yesterday that Mary Anderson, Retired Inland Fisheries Secretary, passed away on February 20th.  If you knew and worked with her, you may join family and friends at the Celebration of Life..
Jim St. Amant 2020 Retired DFG biologist, Region 5
Bob Vernoy 2020 Retired DFG biologist in Region 5

Jerry Morinaka

November 2019

Jerry passed away in November 2019. His services were on February 1st. Here is a link to his obit.
Chuck Fisher
November 2019
I received notification that Chuck Fisher passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer. No info on services yet.
Rus Calkins
September 2019
Russ Calkins died on Sept 19 2019. I believe it was cancer. He has been sick for a while. He worked for many years in the DFG hatcheries.
G. Ray Arnett
June 2019
Our past director, Ray Arnett, passed away peacefully in June. He had reached the ripe old age of 95.
Jim Ryan
March 2019
We just got a phone call from Virginia Ryan saying that Jim passed away at 11: o’clock this morning, November 3rd. He had been battling cancer for many years. Services to be private.
Gene Fleming
February 2019
Gene Fleming passed away per Connie (ex-wife). I have no details on any memorial services.
Don White November 2018 Donald Eugene White (77), beloved husband of Wilma Iness White, passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2018. An 8-year veteran of the US Air Force, Don later retired from years of service to the State of California at the Department of Fish and Game. Since retirement he and Wilma have resided in Rio Rancho and he will be missed by family and friends. Don is survived by his wife Wilma and their 3 children. A memorial service will be offered at Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane SE, Rio Rancho, NM on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 4:00. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches, PO Box 9, Belen, NM 87002 (TheRanches.org).
Art Haseltine
March 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce that underwater photographer, marine biologist, swimmer, fine art photographer and champion of the marine world, Art Haseltine, has died unexpectedly after contracting pneumonia.
Art was a marine biologist for DFG from 1969 until 1971. He died on March 3, shortly after returning from a diving trip off Mexico. http://wetpixel.com/articles/rip-art-haseltine
Bob Celentano
February 2018
I received the following note from Vern Bleich.

Well… some more sad news. There are not many of us around any more that worked with Bob in the desert, but I thought I would share this with those of you that had worked with him and for whom I had e-mail addresses. I hope you are all doing well… Things here in North Dakota are fine; very cold and ugly weather, but not too crowded. All the best, and please share this news as you see fit.

Robert “Bob” R. Celentano, 78, of North Bend, passed away Feb. 26, 2018 in North
Bend. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel

Howard Leach
February 2018
Just received an email telling of the passing of Howard Leach, long time and old timer CDFG.

There will be a Memorial Service at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery,
5810 Midway Road, in Dixon on February 26th 11:00 AM.

The Celebration of Life will continue at the Leach Family Home, 3828 French Ave Sacramento. Howard’s Obit

Ray Dunham
November 2017
Ray was a fisheries biologist in Region 2 in th late 50s and early 60s. Later, Ray became the Fisheries supervisor for the region. He did leave the Region later and worked for the Water Control Board for many years until his retirement. He was always popular and a real knowledgeable guy. He was in his early 90s.
Dick Daniel
November 2017
I received an email advising that Dick Daniel died while walking out to his duck blind. That’s all the information that I have at this point.
Jim Messersmith
November 2017
Jim worked for the Department as a biologist and as a Regional Manager before his retirement. He passed away from liver cancer.

Brian Hunter
October 2017
Brian was born in Berkeley, the son of Frederic and Arlien Hunter. His father died when Brian was only four months old, after which he was reared by his Norwegian maternal grandparents in Lincoln, CA. Brian graduated from McClatchy High School and CSU Sacramento where earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biology and Microbiology. Brian had an over 40-year career with the CA Dept. of Fish & Game, with over 20 years as a Regional Manager and one as Deputy Director. Post-retirement, he was very involved in CA Waterfowl Assoc., Suisun Marsh, Valley of the Moon Trap Club, NCDL and riding his Harley Davidsons.

Brian died from cancer days after being evacuated and losing his home during the Napa Atlas fire. Brian was predeceased by his second wife, Judi (Lawrence) Hunter, to whom he had been married for over 40 years. Brian is survived by his children from his first marriage to Donelle Franke; Eric (April) Hunter and Sherie (Rory) Lovell; his four grandsons, Hunter (Becca) Watkins, Alexander Watkins, Chase and Jack Hunter and his great-grandson Carter Watkins.

http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/brian-f-hunter/article_bd7e4a87-3828-5a99-9d97-7f9bad8c8dd8.html


Harold Harper
June 2017
Harold was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA where he attended Bakersfield High School and Junior College. Turning 20, two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Harold applied to serve as an aviation cadet. Upon acceptance, Harold attended Army Air Corps training at Minter Field where he became a P-38 pilot assigned to the 78th Fighter Group. In November 1942, his Group departed for Scotland on the Queen Mary and was then sent to North Africa with the 49th Squadron of the 14th Fighter Group with whom he competed a 50-mission combat tour in England, Italy, Sicily and throughout North Africa. He was awarded the Air Medal with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross for “resolute courage and selfless devotion to duty”. He was proud to have been a member of the 83rd and 49th Fighter Squadrons, the 14th and 78th Fighter Groups, and the Forked Tailed Devil group. After returning to Bakersfield, Harold married Elinor Pyles in April 1944. Their 72 years of marriage was full of love and adventure, beginning with a move to Oregon for Harold to attend Oregon State University to earn a degree in Biology. In December 1947, Harold began his career as a research biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. In 1950 Harold took a leave to serve for the Korean War as an Aviation Physiologist at Gunter AFB, then as a commanding officer of the Physiological Training Section at Mather AFB. Harold was honorably discharged from active duty in September 1953 and served in the reserves until 1968, when he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, USAF. Harold’s unyielding love for the outdoors and wildlife was evident throughout his career and continued beyond his retirement in 1984. Harold Harper is responsible for bringing the Wild Turkey back into California after trading the Ringed Necked Pheasant with Texas. He was passionate about playing tennis and golf with Elinor and his friends, was a dedicated father to his only daughter, Terrell, and he enjoyed spending time at his cabin in the foothills. Harold was so proud of and loved his granddaughter, Lindsay. His lasting influence remains in the many stories and fond memories his friends and family will always treasure. A Committal Ceremony will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, October 27, 2017, 11:30 am. A celebration of their lives will follow. Please join Harold and Elinor in their new flight. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to NOCC Sacramento Chapter (Elinonr was a founding member) and the SPCA Sacramento Chapter.

Fred Meyer
July 2017
Frederick A. Meyer (1939 – 2017)Frederick A. Meyer (aka “Fisherman Fred”), 78, passed away suddenly from natural causes last week in his Fair Oaks home of fifty years. Fred was born in New York and graduated from Cornell University. He came to California to work for the Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game. Fred spent almost four decades working as a fisheries biologist on projects throughout the state. Fred met and married his wife, Mary, and they raised a family in Fair Oaks. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary later this month. Fred was an outdoor enthusiast – enjoying all kinds of hunting, fishing, bird watching and gardening. When not spending time with children, grandchildren, family and hunting/fishing partners, Fred and Mary took their retrievers on frequent walks along the American River. Fred is survived by his loving wife, Mary, his brother Don (Kathy), sons John (Paulette) and David (Caryn), daughter Christina, and grandkids; Brandon, Nikki, and Ayden.
Jan Riolo
July 2017
Jan’s daughter Patty called to let us know that Jan passed away last night. She went into the hospital Friday with a brain aneurysm, had surgery to assess damage but suffered a second aneurysm and there was nothing they could do. She was put on life support Saturday but family decided to take her off Sunday afternoon. She passed away late Sunday night.
John Grant
May 2017
I received notification that retired biologist John Grant passed away in Hawaii on May 15th. A Facebook post to his friends was forwarded to me to pass the info on to his friends in California DFG. I will post the info on his services as soon as I receive it. The original notice came by way of Dale Watkins and later by Gary Smith. I have received info about the services from John Turner.

Gary Vicory 1943-2017

Husband of our retired dispatcher, Bev Vicory

April 2017
Gary was born in Mercy Hospital on 11-26-43 and entered into rest on 4-19-17. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Marge Vicory and brother Terry. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Beverly, sons, Doug and Scott, sister Cathy, brother Bill, his Aunt Betty, four grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Gary proudly served three years in the US Army, and as he often said, jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. He began his career as a firefighter with Arden Fire Dept. in 1967 and retired as a Captain in Dec 1996 from what is now Sac Metro Fire Dept. He enjoyed many years of competitive softball and golf, but his big love was bass fishing. He traveled throughout several states fishing just for fun but also competed in many tournaments. He was a lifelong fan of the SF Giants and SF 49ers. He and Bev enjoyed many years of traveling, especially touring the U.S. in their motor home. We will all miss him very much, and the family would like to sincerely thank all the personnel at Kaiser who always took such wonderful care of him, especially most recently.

William “Bill” Dillinger

1924-2017

April 2017
William Clarke “Bill” Dillinger, local writer and environmentalist, died on April 19, 2017. He was 93. He retired in 1984 after serving 31 years with the State, rising from editorial assistant to chief of public information at the California Department of Fish and Game and then moving to the Department of Parks & Recreation in 1968 to serve there as chief of public information.

On December 28, 1947 he married Carol Ellen Renius of Manhattan Beach, CA, whom he had met at Stanford. They were married for 56 years, until her death in 2003. He is survived by four children: Ellen A. Dillinger and Carla C. Dillinger of Sacramento, Anne F. Lemieux of Galt, and William R. Dillinger of Great Falls, VA, and by six grandchildren: Tyson, Jessie, Ian, and Madeline Lemieux of Galt and Karl and Emily Dillinger of Great Falls.

Richard “Dick” Weaver
February 2017
Richard “Dick” Weaver January 8, 1926 – February 10, 2017

Anyone who worked at the Department of Fish and Game knows the name, Dick Weaver. He was the desert expert on Big Horn Sheep. He was also known for his work with creating watering sources in the desert called quail guzzlers. He worked over 40 years for the Department of Fish and Game as a wildlife biologist. He was raised in the Badlands, just east of Moreno Valley in Southern California.

Paul T Jensen
January 2017
Paul Thorwald Jensen, 82, passed away on January 13, 2017 at home in the company of his wife Naida Jensen. He graduated from Humboldt University with a degree in marine biology. He was a dedicated employee of the State of California Department of Fish and Game for 37 years. He began as a seasonal employee and retired as the deputy director.

He enjoyed golfing and traveling with his wife and friends. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast. He instilled an appreciation of the outdoors in his family, spending time camping, hunting and fishing. He was an active member of California Waterfowl Association. He is survived by wife Naida Jensen.

 

John Hayes

January 2017
John Milburn Hayes passed away on Monday, January 2nd, at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born April 2nd, 1931 in Greenville, Tennessee to Jesse and Ella Hayes.

He studied at Humboldt State University and graduated with a Masters in biology 1960. In that same year John started in Sacramento for the State Department of Water Resources. 1966 Hayes was transferred to Dept. of Fish and Game in Red Bluff and eventually coming to DFG in Redding. For 35 years he fought to protect the fish in the wild rivers and nature of California. Throughout his career Hayes stood up to the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Water Resources to protect salmon and steelhead habitat from dams.

In the early 70s, Hayes would form the foundation for the Trinity River Task Force. As the DFG’s first regional Environmental Services Supervisor, Hayes was a driving force behind California’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Hayes convinced the Corps of Engineers that rip-rapping the Sacramento River would destroy too much riparian vegetation and salmon habitat.

He guided the Upper Sacramento River Salmon and Steelhead Advisory Committee in the 1980’s whose reports on the status on the river below Shasta dam helped pave the way for the listing of the winter-run King Salmon as an endangered species. He was always an ardent spokesman for fish and fishermen. It took great courage and dedication to accomplish what he did. His legacy as a dam buster for the salmon lives on in the free rivers of California.

John loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. He loved to sing with Barber Shop Quartets. He belonged to the Redding BPOE, Elks Club, and 49er Club. He was an avid 49er fan.

Royce Gunther
December 2016
Royce was living in Idaho when he passed away. Many of you remember him as the hatchery manager at Warm Springs Hatchery in Sonoma County prior to his retirement.
Charles E Fullerton
December 2016
Anyone who worked at the Department of Fish and Game knows the name, Charlie Fullerton. A Game Warden, Captain, Chief of Patrol and our Director. Charlie passed away at the age of 94.
Robert H Brueggemann
November 2016
Bob Brueggemann, a long time resident of Madera, CA, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016, of heart failure, at the age of 85. Upon his honorable discharge he started a 40 year career as a Biologist for the California State Department of Fish and Game. That career brought him to Madera in 1960. Bob enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Raymond Grant Schaffter

May 2016
Raymond Grant Schaffter, Jr passed away in Homestead Fl. He was born in Elmhurt, Il in 1943.

After completing his degree from the University of Florida, Ray relocated to California where he worked for the Department of Fish and Game as a Fisheries Biologist. While working with the State of California, he studied and published research related to the preservation of salmon, sturgeon and striped bass populations. He worked for Lee Miller/ Don Stevens on striped bass projects at Bay Delta.

Arlis Fisk

May 2016
Arlis Fisk: Arlis J. (Hookham) Fisk died Tuesday, May 3, 2016 in Santa Rosa, California. She was born in Alliance, Nebraska, on October 19, 1930.

She worked for the State of California in a number of departments, including the Department of Education, Department of Fish and Game, Employees’ Retirement System, Department of Water Resources, and Water Resources Control Board. In 1966 she married Robert Macklin who was with the Department of Fish and Game. Robert passed away unexpectedly in May 1970.

On May 28, 1971, she and Leonard Fisk, who was with the Department of Fish and Game, were married. She retired as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Officer of the State Water Resources Control Board in 1980. Her beloved husband of 36 years, Leonard, died December 28, 2007.

Steve Schultz
March 2016
Steve Schultz was a Fish & Game biologist and diver known to many wardens as well as biologists. He held positions at both Morro Bay and Fort Bragg during the 1970s.

John Sullivan

Former Chief Deputy Director

February 2016
John Sullivan has died. He was 73.

Sullivan, served the Department of Fish and Game as a Chief Deputy Director.

His survivors include his wife, Kathy, and two children, Megan Dill and Brendan.

 

Bob Reavis

February 2016
Robert Lee Reavis (April 24, 1942 – Feb. 15, 2016)

Retired DFG Fisheries Biologist Robert Lee Reavis died of natural causes at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. He was 73.


Dan Odenweller
October 2015
Dan Odenweller – March 24 1945 – October 6 2015  Dan Bowman Odenweller passed away peacefully and in accordance with his wishes, surrounded by his family, on the evening of October 6th.

He is survived by his wife Kim, and daughters Erin and Amy.


Herky H Urabe
January 2015
Herky H. Urabe 1924-1915 A long time retiree from Fresno passed on January 10th at the age of 90. Herky served the Department for 37 years and was well loved by all who knew her and worked with her over the years.

Harold “Pete” Chadwick
December 2014
Harold “Pete” Chadwick 1930-2014 Pete Chadwick, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. In lieu of flowers my mom would like to request that donations be made in his memory to his favorite charities, The Nature Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity, or the Unitarian Church.
Robert ‘Bob’ Menchen
November 2014
Bob Menchen 1925-2014 Bob went to be with the Lord on Nov. 3, 2014, at his home in Yountville, with his wife and family by his side. Bob was born in Petaluma, California, on June 30, 1925, to George and Elenor (Elfring) Menchen.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific at Guadalcanal, Layte, in the Philippines and Japan.

After the war, Bob graduated from Humboldt College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked for the California Department of Fish and Game for 30 years. After retiring in 1982, he continued commercial fishing at Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay area, some days coming home with 30-plus salmon. His wife, Piret, loved to fish with him for halibut.

In his earlier years, Bob loved to hike and hunt in the rugged hills of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and California. In his later years, he turned his love for outdoors into gardening, always sharing his knowledge and harvest with neighbors.

Mas Yamashita
October 2014
Mas Yamashita, a long-time employee of California hatcheries, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 17. Mas started his career with the Department in 1969 at Hot Creek Hatchery. He promoted to different positions at Central Valleys, Trinity River and American River hatcheries before spending the last 12+ years as a Hatchery Manager II in the Inland Fisheries Division at the Sacramento headquarters office where he was in charge of all purchasing for the statewide hatchery system. He retired in 2002, spending his retirement years doing what he loved the most – hunting and fishing with his Labrador retrievers.
Ian Drury
August 2014
Ian passed away suddenly on August 29th. He worked as a fish biologist on the Yuba River.
Jack Hiehle
April 2014
Jack Hiehle: 1914-2014 Jack Hiehle spent the first half of his 36 year career as a biologist with the Department of Fish and Game, starting in 1948 before transferring to the Department of Parks and Recreation. He retired in 1984.
Robert Toth
March 2014
Robert Toth: 1932-2014 Robert Joseph Toth, 81, resident of Bishop for 51 years, born in Bridgeport, CT on September 5, 1932, passed away on March 28, 2014 at his residence in Bishop. Bob began his 32 year professional career with the Department of Fish & Game in 1960 as an associate fish pathologist and moved to Bishop shortly thereafter. He enjoyed all aspects of the Owens Valley and was an avid fly fisherman, hunter, trapper, bird watcher and golfer.
Frank Fisher
March 2014
I recently got word of the passing of retired DFG fisheries biologist Frank Fisher. Frank began his career in 1974 at the Bay Delta Division where he worked on striped bass and Chinook salmon growth and survival studies. He moved north in 1982 to study salmon and steelhead abundance and survival in the Sacramento River. Frank was a salmon historian and data keeper. In the course of his career he authored or coauthored more the 20 papers on distribution, abundance, status, and history of Chinook salmon.
Paul Wild March 2014 Paul was a Senior Biologist that worked for the department for many years and retired in the late 1990’s.
Les Edgerton February 24, 2014 The California Fish and Game Family lost another legend with the passing of Les Edgerton. Les Edgerton passed away on February 24, 2014 at the age of 92.

He had a long history with DFG, from his start at the Mt. Whitney hatchery to working as a warden, captain and finally as the Executive Secretary to the Fish and Game Commission. Les retired from the state in 1979 with over 38 years of service to the wildlife resources of California, but he wasn’t finished yet. Les went to work as the Western Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited and gave another 10 years in service to the future of wildlife resources for us and our children.

I know that he loved to fish as I saw him regularly on the American River when I was the local warden in that area.

Doyle Gates January 2014 Doyle passed away January 22,2014 in San Antonio, Texas. He started as a Junior Fisheries Biologist and worked his way up to Manager Marine Fisheries Branch. Retiring after 20 years service.
Eric Gerstung December 10 , 2013 The California Fish and Game Family lost another legend this month. Eric Gerstung passed away on December 10th from complications of Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease. Eric was 77 years old and he had spent almost half of his life with DFG, retiring after 35 years of dedicated service.
Bill Clark December 9, 2013 With great sadness, I am writing to let you know that Bill passed away suddenly on Monday late afternoon.

Bill didn’t wish to have a funeral service. His family may organize a celebration of life in the future.

Those of you who remember Bill, know that he managed the Wildlife Investigations Lab before his retirement. Bill was was a very special person to all who knew him.

Karen Madrigal November 19, 2013 I received an email regarding Karen Madrigal’s obit in the Sacramento Bee today. Karen passed away on November 19th after a sudden and short illness.

Karen retired after working for DFG with 35 years of service. Most of us remember her dedication to the Big Game Program a the License and Revenue Branch.

Phyllis Miller September 23, 2013 Phyllis, who retired in the early 1980’s, worked for Harold Harper and Jack Slosson in Wildlife Management.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring doctors and staff at Kaiser South and the kindness and care provided her at Mercy McMahon Terrace in her final months.

Bob Garrison July 21, 2013 I know that many of you have already heard as well as read the news stories of the tragic death of Bob Garrison, formerly an employee of the Department, from an auto accident on Sunday the 21st. If you have not read the story, there is a link below. Bob’s wife Lisa is at her son’s side in the hospital because he, Sean, was hospitalized with serious injuries as a result of the accident.
Bill Wingfield April 28, 2013 Retired Fish Virologist passed away unexpectedly on June 28th.
Norman Delarm April 28, 2013 Norman Delarm passed away in the hospital in Jackson around 8:00 PM on April 28, 2013.
Norman started to work for the DFG at Central Valleys Hatchery in Elk Grove in the early ’60’s. He later worked at Kern River Hatchery and Moccasin Creek Hatchery. After leaving DFG he worked in commercial trout hatcheries at Lake Amador.
Jim Lindsay March 22, 2013 Jim Lindsay passed away Friday morning of a heart attack. Jim worked at American River Hatchery, as a Fish Culturist at Blackrock Hatchery, promoted to Fish Hatchery Manager I at Mt. Whitney Hatchery and retired as a Fish Hatchery Manager II at San Joaquin Hatchery. Jim leaves behind two twin daughters and wife, Michelle.
Ted VandeSande March 2013 Ted passed away on March 5th, 2013.
Spike Naylor January 2013 Albert “Spike” E. Naylor worked for the California Department of Fish and Game for about 40 years and was the Assistant Director of External Affairs in Northern California when he retired. He passed away at age 87 on January 16, 2013. According to his daughter, Candy, they not had a service yet. They are doing a family picnic in Denver this summer to celebrate his life (he loved picnics).
Ed Littrell January 2013 Ed retired after working for the Department for 31 years. He died of cancer on January 23rd at the age of 68. Way too young to go. Ed was a kind and gentle man. Those of us who were lucky enough to have known him and worked with him were very lucky people indeed. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family. His wife Marsha is planning a Celebration of Life for later this spring. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society(www.cancer.org), or the American River Natural History Association (www.arnha.org/), organizations that were very important to Ed.
Manley Inlay January 2013 Manley Inlay, Associate Wildlife Biologist for Region 3, died recently. He retired on June 28, 1985 from Region 3. He also worked as a retired annuitant for Region 2 until 1992.

Manley had been living at the Home for a number of years after his wife Mary passed away. He was about 94 years old. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Italy.

Bill Griffith December 2012 Bill Griffith, died at 85, of cardiac arrest while napping at home after a routine morning of paddling on the American River. Bill spent 40 years as a biologist for the California Department of Fish and Game. He worked in Central Valley field offices and was a manager and supervisor in regional and headquarters offices in Sacramento. He retired in 1990 as coordinator of the Department’s wildlife and pesticides program. Bill was famous for his love of kayaking & canoeing. He competed in 37 consecutive Eppie’s Great Races.
Dan Miller December 2012 I received a report from Tom Jow that he had attended a celebration of life for retired marine biologist Dan Miller who passed away at 87.
Ernie Hodson December 2012 Ernie Hodson, Game Manager and Biologist, Passed away on Sat. Dec 22. This information was submitted by Onelda Hodson, Ernie’s wife.
Espie Cervantes September 2012 Espie Cervantes worked as support staff in MRD and other DFG offices. She retired after 27 years of state service.
Jim Rollin April 2012 No info on services.
Leon Woods April 2012 Leon worked with Oscar Bernetti in the Wildlife Investigations Lab many years ago, prior to his retirement.
Cheryl Mitchell March 19, 2012 Cheryl Mitchell passed away on March 19, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Cheryl retired from DFG’s OSPR office. Prior to moving to OSPR she worked in FASB.
Joe Sheehan
December 2011 Joe retired from DFG’s Conservation Education Office. Joe Sheehan died from emphysema.
Diane Raglen Linch
December 2011 She retired from DFG in 2000, with 33 years of service, moving to Reno with her new husband, Raymond Linch. She passed peacefully at her home in West Sacramento on the 30th of December. She will be missed by all her friends and family. 
Jack Baxter
October 2011 We just got word that Retired Marine Biologist, Regional Manager, etc… passed away last October.
Earl Lauppe
September 2011 I just got word that Retired Region 5 Biologist, Earl Lauppe, passed away last September.
Art Bischoff
June 15, 2011 Art was retired from the California Department of Fish and Game after a career spanning 35 years. His early work was directed on wildlife disease investigation and research involving deer and waterfowl. He then focused on the relationships between pesticide and wildlife. With E.G. (Red) Hunt, he co-authored a report which became a milestone in pesticide research, in that it demonstrated for the first time food chain accumulations of persistent pesticides. Hunt and Bischoff’s research was cited by Rachel Carson in her book, “Silent Spring”.
Jerry Wise
February 25, 2011 We just got word that Retired Fish Habitat Supervisor, Jerry Wise, passed away last month. I have no information on services. He suffered a stroke a couple of months earlier and never recovered. He was 83. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arline.
Ed Kammerer
February, 2011 We just got word from the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge that Ed Kammerer passed away and there will be a graveside service on Monday Feb. 28 in the town of Sutter at 11:00am. He worked as a Fish and Game Biologist for many years and operated the Sutter Wildlife Refuge for many years before retiring.
Frank Harris
Late 2010 Frank Harris, who retired from the American River Hatchery, died the end of 2010.
Wallace “Wally” MacGregor
October 18, 2010 Wally, who left his position as the Big Game Coordinator to work for the British Columbia Wildlife Ministry, passed away on October 18, 2010.
Richard Nitsos
June 2010 Dick passed away in June 2010. He retired from the Dept. of Fish and Game in about 1997. He will be remembered for being an integral member of the planning group that designed and implemented the Batiquitos Lagoon restoration project, co-developer of the Southern California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy, and work that contributed to the ultimate restoration of the Bolsa Chica wetlands. Services were on June 10th.
Norman Morgan
April 2010 Norman passed away the first weekend of April of an apparent heart attack. Norman supervised the water pollution control lab from 1969-1991.
January 2010 Bob cast his last fishing line on earth and passed on to the best fishing you can imagine on January 11th, 2010.
Cliff Carrington
October 09 I just found out that we lost Cliff Carrington, 60 yrs, to an inoperable brain tumor. He was with fisheries, Trinity River Fish Hatchery, Lewiston, retiring in 2005. He lived in Weaverville with his wife Karen.
9/24/09 Bill Schafer passed away at 81 years of age. He is survived by his loving wife, five children and nine grandchildren. He was a graduate of UC Berkeley and retired from the CA Dept. of Fish & Game. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing Tues., Sept. 29, 2009 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and are welcome to attend the funeral service, Wed., Sept. 30, 2009 at 10:00 am, both will be held at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd., Sacramento, CA. Interment Sunset Lawn Memorial Park. Bill retired from DFG’s fisheries program branch.
September 09 Bill Bailey passed away at 84 yrs of age. Bill retired from DFG with 38 years of service in fisheries.
Dave “D/O” Smith
September 09 Dave Smith, Biologist in Region 1 passed in September. I don’t have any additional info at this time.
Chet Hart
7/18/09
Chet Hart passed away at 89 yrs, on July 18, no formal services. Chet worked 34 years with F&G, retiring as Executive Officer of WCB in 82. No services will be held.
George Wurst
Summer 09
George Wurst, a former Unit Manager for Wildlife Management, stationed at Truckee died in the summer of 2009 at his home on his son’s cattle ranch in Auburn. George graduated from Humboldt State College and was a classmate of many now retired DFG employees. George lived at Donner Lake for many years where he operated a horse pack and riding stable after he left DFG. George died of heart failure and was 80 years old.
Carl Gzyms
6/1/09 Carl worked for the state for 25 years, retiring in 1986 to spend more time playing golf and enjoying time with his family. Carl is survived by his wife, Marylyn, a DFG Retiree, along with several other children and grand children.
Bonnar Blong
2/18/09 Bonnar was a wildlife biologist for the Department for 32 years. He retired from DFG in 1984 at Idyllwild.
Vince Vandre
2/24/09 Vince was a PIO for the Department for nearly 40 years. He retired from DFG in 1985.
Rob Collins
2/14/09 Rob was a marine biologist for DFG. A computer expert as well that helped bring computerization, not only to the marine region, but to the rest of the department.
John Mackenzie
12/24/08 Long time retired fish and game employee John Mackenzie was diagnosed with acute leukemia in late November 2008 and failed rapidly. John passed away on Christmas morning. No info on services.
Ed Armstrong
11/7/08 Ed retired from the Department of Fish and Game after 44 years of state service in 2001. He is survived by his wife Natalie Armstrong, 1051 Rogers Lane, Fresno, CA 93727.
Dave Dick
October 2008 Dave Dick, Mr. Outdoor California for many years, passed away suddenly. No info on memorial services.
John Cowan
October 17, 2008 John, aka Mr. Gray Lodge, passed away at age 92. He was the manager of the Department’s Gray Lodge Wildlife Area from 1948 until his retirement in 1980.
Georgia Stubblefield
April 2008 Services are set for Thursday, April 24th at 1:00 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church at 600 Alhambra Blvd. in Sacramento, CA 95816
Leonard Fisk December 2007
Robert “Bob” Perry
April 26, 2007 Robert “Bob” Peery passed away Saturday, April 26, 2007 in Red Bluff. He was 72. Bob was married to his wife Ann for 53 years. He was employed with California Department of Fish & Game for 41 years, including serving as a Game Warden several of those years. At the time of his passing he was employed with the State Water Resources Board, and was also a Hunter Safety Instructor. Bob treasured many friends and never met a stranger. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Greg Laret March 28, 2007 If you wish to send a card to his wife & family, Kathy’s address is:
Kathy Laret, 5142 Dredger Way, Orangevale, CA., 95662
Larry K Puckett April 10, 2002 Larry passed away in April 2002. He retired after 39 years as an Environmental Services Supervisor with the California Department of Fish and Game. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, fine speaking skills and his work on fish and wildlife studies throughout the state

 

If you prefer to call, call me at 916-240-9302