Friday, 29 March 2024

Obits

Charlotte “Mickey” Espinosa. Courtesy photo.

Charlotte Dorothy Espinosa
Jan. 5, 1938 — March 23, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In loving memory of Charlotte Dorothy Espinosa, AKA Mickey, 86 years old and proud of it, she was an elder member of Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo.

She was a hard worker at Ventura Pacific Lemon Association in Ventura, California, for 30 years.

Mickey is predeceased by her parents, Milford Francis John and Sybil Amelia Martin; son, Kenneth Fred Jr.; and brothers, Milford, Marstin, Godfrey, Walter and Harmon.

She leaves behind her beautiful daughter, Shirley Espinoza; grandchildren, Jose Jr. Espinoza, Eddie Espinoza, Vincent Fred, Michael Fred and Maryann Quitiquit; all of her great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and godson, Christopher Burrows Jr.

We will be bringing her home to Big Valley Rancheria Gymnasium at 1002 Osprey Ct Lakeport CA 95453 on Thursday, March 28, at 11 a.m. She will be there for two days for visitation with burial on Saturday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at St Mary’s Cemetery, 3295 Highway 175, Lakeport.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Donald Lange. Courtesy photo.

Donald Neil Lange
Dec. 15, 1936 – Feb. 29, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Longtime Lakeport resident Don Lange — born into a Lakeport legacy dating back to the turn of the 20th century — left to be with the Lord on the last day of February, after more than 87 years of an active, energetic life — filled with too many stories to tell.

Born in Upper Lake, Don spent all but a few years of his life in Lakeport. As a young child, Don lived some formative years in both Fort Bragg and Santa Rosa, by which time his parents Harry and Mildred and his sister Shirlee settled back in Lakeport in the 1940s, when Harry and his brother Ab started Lange Bros. Construction.

Don was active all through his youth — involved in athletics, playing his trumpet and pursuing his passions — hunting and fishing. His deer hunting stories are of legend — horse-backing up to four-mile and eight-mile glades at the top of Cow Mountain with his father and uncle — initially hanging onto the horsetail as he walked all the way up when he was too young to ride … or so the story goes.

One story, told too often to count, swears of a deadly 1,000-yard shot by his uncle Walt with his .25-.35 Krag rifle and his own 18-shot episode breaking all four deer legs before the buck finally went down.

Don’s legendary stories also reflected upon his high school years, where he graduated from Clear Lake Union High School in 1955, also where his father had graduated in 1933. He relished in extolling his era of playing football with no facemasks down at the fairgrounds and all his party-time escapades with too many friends to name.

Upon graduation, Don attended Santa Rosa Junior College for a year before living in San Francisco and graduating from Heald Business School in 1959, upon which time he joined the Army Reserve and served for four years.

Don stayed in the Bay Area through the early 60s, working as an engineer for the building of Stanford’s Linear Accelerator project, until a chance encounter with a young lady in a Sausalito bar also with the last name of Lange.

In less than three months, Don married Jeneane — better known as Jaye — in 1965 and both subsequently moved to Lakeport, when Don joined his father in management of Lange Bros. Construction, where he led the business for the next 30 years.

During his time with Lange Bros., Don was heavily involved in community activities and Lakeport events. He joined Lakeport Rotary in 1973 and was president in 1984, as well as a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow. He mentored many subsequent presidents and took part in many Rotary events supporting the community.

Don’s most legendary and entertaining stories undoubtedly stem from his 50-plus year membership in the Derby Hat Club, where he joined his fishing buddies twice a year for a long weekend of drinking, storytelling, fishing — and more drinking.

Don lived his life to the fullest — always optimistic, with a smile and never a complaint. His daily trip to Bruno’s lasted hours at times, stopping in the aisle regularly to visit with friends.

He will be deeply missed by family and friends alike. With his Lakeport roots running deep, Don was proud of his heritage and his lifelong community service.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jaye; sons, Brian and Kevin; daughter-in-law, Carrie; grandchildren, Brett, Travis, Julia, Rainey and Mariah; his sister, Shirlee, and her children, Rick, Mark and Traci.

A celebration of life will be held on July 13 at 4 p.m. at the home of Traci and Kevin Medina, 3272 Scott’s Valley Road, Lakeport.

Russell Dickinson. Courtesy photo.

Russell Ross Dickinson, age 30, has left this world.

Russell died from complications of an enlarged heart on Feb. 29, 2024, at 4:47 p.m. at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

Russell was born Aug. 7,1993, at 7:58 a.m. at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, California.

Russell leaves behind his mother, Helen Beach Dickinson; brothers, Ross and Randy Dickinson; sister, Trisha Dickinson; father, Bob Dickinson ; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers and friends.

Russell was raised in Lake County, California, and graduated from Upper Lake High School in 2011. He moved to Portland in September, 2022 to start a new life with his brother Ross and very significant other, Kylie Ellis.

His family, friends and coworkers all describe Russell as one-of-a-kind, smart, genuine, funny, a great worker and an even better friend. Being Russell's mom has been an honor, a privilege and an absolute blast! We ALL love Yyou Russell "Baby Bear" "Russy D" Dickinson! Life will never be the same without you in it! Until we meet again, My Beautiful Son!

Russell was escorted back home by his Mom and brothers. Anyone wishing to say goodbye to this epic human is welcome to join us at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, March 22, for visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a procession to Upper Lake Cemetery for graveside services at 2 p.m.

There will be a get-together immediately after. All are welcome to come share stories, pictures and memories.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Raymond J. Mostin
1931-2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Raymond Julian Mostin, a beloved figure in Lake County, passed away on March 7, 2024.

Born on the Gunn Ranch next to Kelsey Creek in 1931, Raymond was a lifelong resident of the area, deeply rooted in its community and culture.

His journey began at Kelseyville Elementary School, where he laid the foundations of his education, culminating in his graduation from Clear Lake Union High School in 1949.

A talented athlete, Raymond had numerous opportunities in college football. Yet, he chose wrestling at the University of California, Berkeley, skills he used in later years as a wrestling referee for the North Coast. There, he distinguished himself as captain of the university wrestling team and as an alternate to the Olympic wrestling team.

In 1953, Raymond married Eleanor May Dias, his college sweetheart, in a garden wedding at the Mostin’s Hells Bend Ranch. Together, they embarked on a life filled with love, commitment and shared dreams.

Raymond graduated with a degree in petroleum geology, while Eleanor earned her degree in business administration in 1954. Despite job offers elsewhere, they returned to Lake County, where they acquired agricultural land in Big Valley and started farming pears.

Raymond's dedication to his family and community was unparalleled. He served in various leadership roles in the Lakeport Christian Parish and the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church.

As Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and Explorer Leader of the local Boys Scouts, he mentored countless young individuals.

He contributed to the Lake County Community Concerts, worked to conserve and restore the Kelsey Creek Schoolhouse, volunteered in 4-H and Junior Horsemen, as well as serving on the Lake County Board of Supervisors as the District 5 representative and the Resource Conservation District.

Raymond's commitment to agriculture led him to become deeply involved with the Farm Bureau, where he served on the local and state boards and eventually became the executive manager of the Lake County Farm Bureau. He was also a proud member of Early Lake Lions, embodying the spirit of service and community engagement throughout his life.

Even after Eleanor's passing in 2007, Raymond remained active in his church, singing in the choir, leading bible studies and lending his handyman skills wherever needed.

Later, he found love again with Carol Metzger, with whom he shared many joyful family moments, including the delight of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Raymond Julian Mostin is survived by his wife, Carol Mostin; his children, Michael (Tracy) Mostin, David (Cheryl) Mostin and Elin (Marc) Porter; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Bleasdale, who lives in Arizona.

Raymond's life will be celebrated on April 13, 2024, at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, beginning at 1 p.m.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the church, reflecting his enduring commitment to faith and community.

Raymond's legacy of kindness, service, and devotion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Kris Ridste. Courtesy photo.

Our dear Kris Ridste left this world last week. Kris was a hug in human form. She not only had a natural gift for making people feel seen and comfortable, but she also made a point to be the first to welcome others without judgment into the many families and communities to which she belonged. She had a knack for raising people up, and felt uplifted, herself, by doing so.

Kris lived in St. Helena, California, with her best friend and wife, Sandy Scott. After nearly 30 years together, they were recently married in a magical ceremony full of love, friends, and family in their home.

Though she called St. Helena home, Kris loved to travel with Sandy, going backpacking, taking road trips and going on cruises, and she especially treasured visits to see her dad.

It is no surprise to anyone who knew her that Kris made friends everywhere, as she had a huge heart and loved fiercely. She was part of many communities through her wealth of passions, from books to bocce ball to motorcycles.

She also used her passions to give back in so many ways. She was a part of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, she worked as a computer tech for the Sonoma County Superior Court, she and Sandy loved and supported the Cameo Cinema and ran kids’ backpacking and camping programs, she worked for many years at Copperfield’s Books, and she implemented a project that set up computer labs for a homeless shelter and for children in affordable housing.

Kris had a passion for creativity and imagination, and she loved learning new things. She not only earned a Bachelor of Science degree from USF, but she also was a perennial student of life. From jewelry-making and metal smithing, to drawing and painting, to sculpting and woodworking, to writing and sewing and cooking, if Kris wanted to do something, she ventured out and learned to do it well. She and Sandy loved to take classes together, hike together, sing together, and read together.

Kris was one of those rare and wonderful humans who could make you feel “braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” So many of us were lucky to count her as family and friend, and we will be gathering to celebrate Kris’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at the Native Sons Hall (1313 Spring Street) in St. Helena. All are welcome.

To those who feel so inclined, memorial contributions can be sent to the Cameo Cinema or the Sons and Daughters of Italy St. Helena Lodge Scholarship Fund.

Gilbert Moreno Amaya. Courtesy photo.

Gilbert Moreno Amaya
March 8, 1924 – March 8, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gilbert passed away on his 100th birthday.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, earning three Bronze Stars.

He was also a 32nd degree Mason and lifetime member of the Brotherhood Lodge in San Francisco.

Gilbert is survived by his son, Demetri Gilbert Amaya; grandchildren, Jennifer and James (Kimberly); and great-grandsons, Logan and Mateo.

Graveside funeral service will be held at Hartley Cemetery on Tuesday, March 19, at noon.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

Mini Calendar

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