Aaron Campbell passed away suddenly on Oct. 11, 2009. Courtesy photo.

Aaron Matthew Campbell, born Feb. 27, 1990, passed away suddenly on Oct. 11, 2009. Aaron leaves behind his father, Trent Matthew Campbell, and his sister, Angela Campbell (Ray Hopkins) and his niece and nephew, Amya and Elijah Hopkins. He was predeceased by his mother, Deana Jean Campbell, in July.

Also surviving him are his grandparents Robert and Genevieve Campbell, Wynema Sue Sloan and Gene William (Alice) Sloan.

In addition he leaves behind his aunts, Sandy Phillips (Steve Gonzales), Eileen Phillips, Krystal Campbell, Melody Sloan (Mark Britton), Tammy Sloan (Pal Rojoles) and Tonya Rodriguez (Sergio) and his uncle Doug Phillips (Diana Martin) and step uncles, Eric Langton (Danielle Garcia) and Nathan Langton (Mandi Vanoven) in addition to many numerous cousins.

Aaron was an outstanding athlete in high school and loved to play any sport. This was evident as a young child when he played for the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Activity League’s Junior Giants and the Laytonville Raiders Youth Football programs and was on traveling baseball and basketball teams. He also rode in the rodeo and BMX Racing.

Whatever sport Aaron chose to play he gave it his all and was exceptionally good at baseball, softball, basketball and football. While in high school he was on the football, track, wrestling, baseball and basketball teams, learned he had cancer and defeated it. After high school Aaron competed against other tribal teams in the Indian Softball Nationals and a variety of other traveling tournaments, making many friends along the way.

Aaron also loved to abalone dive and rock pick, surf fishing and hunting with his family and extended family members. Aaron was very proud of his Native American heritage, including Cahto, Pomo, Wylacki and Yurok. He participated in the annual Cahto Coast Walk for many years in honor of the difficult journey his ancestors had to make each year to gather their food for the winter months. He attended many California Indian Education conferences and participated in the bear dances on the Mendocino Coast.

The viewing will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at 102 Acorn Drive, Laytonville.

The services will be held at Harwood Hall in Laytonville on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at 1 p.m. The burial will take place at the Cahto Cemetery directly after the services.

Donations can be made to the Deana Jean Campbell Memorial Fund at the Bank of Willits in lieu of flowers.

Robert McAlear died Aug. 16, 2009, at age 71. Courtesy photo.

Robert Alan McAlear, also known as “Mr. Mac,” was born June 28, 1938 in Oakland.

After a courageous battle against cancer he passed Aug. 16, 2009, at his home in Nice with his family around him.

Robert attended schools in Berkeley. He received his BA from UC Berkeley and went on to do graduate work at University of Washington. He received his MRE at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in Mill Valley and earned his teaching credential at San Jose State.

In 1962 he married Debbie Perez and they moved to Lake County in 1965.

Robert taught in the Lakeport Unified School District for 35 years and taught part time for Mendocino College for 30 years.

Together Robert and Debbie owned Main Street Jewelers in Lakeport for 16 years. Robert also worked as a supervisor in the Players Club at Robinson Rancheria Casino up until his poor health forced his resignation.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Upper Lake and editor of “The Seeker Corner,” the Church newsletter.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie McAlear, with whom he recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary; son, John (Sonia) McAlear of Upper Lake; grandson, Stephen McAlear of Lakeport; sister, Vicki (John) Oberg of Oregon.

He also is survived by sisters-in-law, Naomi (Richard) McMurray of Kelseyville and Orpha (Larry) Gunn of Kelseyville; brother-in-law, Ike (Linda) Perez of Tennessee and numerous nieces and nephews.

Both parents and a brother predeceased him.

Robert was a life member of the Lake County Genealogical Society and one of the founding members of the Silver Circle Volkswagon Club, and also treasurer and editor of the club newsletter.

A memorial service was held at Clearlake High School Gym on Aug. 29.

A graveside service will take place at Lower Lake Cemetery, 9040 Lake St., at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31.

Arrangements by Jones and Lewis, 707-994-6417.

A celebration of life will be held at Kelseyville High School on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. in the Student Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thomas Shelley Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Kelseyville High School, 5480 Main St., Kelseyville, CA 95451.