Friday, 29 March 2024

Obits

Michael Linnell. Courtesy photo.

Michael Douglass Linnell
Sept. 15, 1947 — Dec. 1, 2023

Mike was born in Santa Monica, California to Albert and Rosanne Linnell, the middle child of three boys: Warren, Mike and Brad, and spent most of his childhood being raised in Calistoga, California.

He played baseball, basketball and football through the years and had many great friends who had endless adventures and laughs to chat about right up to the end. He loved reminiscing about his childhood antics in small town Calistoga.

He graduated from Calistoga High School in 1965. Toward the end of high school he was taken in by Dr. Burton Hall and his wife Virginia and their children: Steve, Sue, Dick, Judy and Margie. He would consider these people his family from then on, and he appreciated their generosity of taking him in as one of their own.

As a young adult Mike married Joan Cardoza, also of Calistoga, and eventually settled in Kelseyville, California in the spring of 1979 with their two small children Jeremy and Lindsay.

He had two job offers at different newspaper companies, one in Lake County and one in Alaska. His sense of adventure wanted to take the family to Alaska, however Joan wasn’t on board, so Lake County it was!

He soon started his own business out of his garage in Kelseyville, Linnell Printing, and shortly after moved the business downtown where he ran it for over 37 years. He and Joan eventually parted ways but stayed in Kelseyville to raise their kids and live out their lives.

He was involved in many community events over the years while being part of the Big Valley Lions Club and Kelseyville Business Association.

Mike had a sense of adventure! He enjoyed taking his kids camping and doing anything outdoors. He eventually made it to Alaska on a cruise with his brother Warren and others. He loved racing his modified at Lakeport Speedway and coaching and attending any and all sporting events for his kids throughout the years. He loved to drive around and knew every back road in Lake County.

He is survived by his brothers, Warren (Kathe) Linnell of Idaho and Brad (Karen) Linnell of Oregon; his longtime partner, Barbara Green; his children, Jeremy (Mary) Linnell and Lindsay (Steve) Bushey, all of Kelseyville; his bonus children, Jake (Sara) Green of Middletown and Tyler Green of Sacramento; his grandchildren, Marissa, Rachael, Tyler, Olivia and Owen; and his bonus grandchildren, Dylan, Gavin, Abigail and Emma.

If you would like to come honor Mike and meet up with friends and family to reminisce and pay tribute, there will be a celebration of life on Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Kelseyville, 5005 Second St. All are welcome!

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

Michael Linnell. Courtesy photo.

Mary Carol Erquiaga. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Mary Carol Erquiaga passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 23, 2023. She is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Juan Erquiaga and great grandson, Carson.

A Southern California native, Carol graduated from nurses training and finished training at St. Vincent Hospital in Los Angeles in 1951 and by 1952 she was the head charge nurse at Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport where she would work until she retired in 1989.

In 1955 Carol married the love of her life, Juan Erquiaga. The happy couple’s first bundle of joy arrived in December of 1961, a bouncing baby boy, Mark Lynden, named after Carol's father. Mark enjoyed being the only child until the stork dropped off Mary Kate in June of 1967.

Together Carol and Juan worked and played and raised their family in Kelseyville.

Carol leaves behind her son, Mark L. (Jeanine) Erquiaga and daughter, Kate Erquiaga; grandchildren, Marcus and Ryan Erquiaga (fiancée, Sandra Martinez), Justin Newton (Misty), Johnathon Newton (fiancée, Dreamer) and Kenny Henninger; great-grandchildren, Justin, Sean, Nova, Conner and Carter on the way; and lots of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass will be held at St Peter's Catholic Church in Kelseyville on Dec. 15 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lake County Passion Play.

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

Jim Westman. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Jim Westman, 88, of Kelseyville passed away on Nov. 25, 2023.

He was born on April 9, 1935 in Shelton, Washington to Theodore and Wilma Westman.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Arlene and their children: Michael (Sara), Julia (Dave) and Gary (Donna). He was a loving grandfather to Lisa, Jeremiah, Andrew, Daniel, Michael, Alexa, Alex and Karley, and eight great-grandchildren.

Jim was known for his kind and gentle nature. He had a passion for music and was a talented musician performing in many community music groups, as well as for all impromptu family gatherings. If he walked into a room that had a piano, he would sit down and start playing a jazzy tune.

He dedicated his career to teaching and inspiring others through music, serving as a music teacher, director, and performer for 33 years in Humboldt County. Jim also worked as an adult education counselor helping individuals achieve their educational goals.

Jim graduated from Eureka High School and went on to earn a master’s degree in music at Humboldt State University. He proudly served his country in the Navy and Coast Guard Reserves. His military service exemplified his dedication and commitment to his country.

Jim had a passion for sailing, enjoying both racing and cruising. He was past commodore for Humboldt Yacht Club and Kelseyville Sailing Club. He explored a variety of waterways cruising with family and friends over the years, creating many cherished memories.

A celebration of life will be at Buckingham Golf Course Clubhouse in Kelseyville on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. His kindness, musical talent, and love for sailing will be remembered and cherished forever.

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

Emalee Jean Schmitt. Courtesy photo.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Emalee Jean Schmitt on Nov. 26, 2023, at the age of 75.

Emalee was born on Feb. 6, 1948, to Wilfred and Lynda Morrison in Lakeport, California.

She attended Upper Lake High school (class of 1966) and Sacramento State University, where she pursued a career in library science. She worked at the Sacramento State University Library until 2000.

She then moved to Port Angeles, Washington to enjoy retired life with her husband Bill, where she lived happily until her passing.

Emalee is survived by her husband of 55 years, William (Bill) R. Schmitt; her children, William M. Schmitt and Melanie Maciel; and her six grandchildren, Kevin Schmitt, Sara Schmitt, Nicole Schmitt, Isabella Maciel, Justin Maciel and Connor Schmitt.

She leaves behind her lifelong best friend and sister, Willynda Freitas; brother-in-law, Fred Freitas; sister-in-law, Marilynne Luke; and her many nieces and nephews.

Emalee was loved dearly by everyone.

Emalee loved traveling, reading, swimming, and spending time attending concerts and events with her many friends. She found joy in helping with local nonprofit foundations and giving back to the community.

Emalee will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, and for her dedication to being a loyal and loving friend to all. She could lift your spirits just with her smile.

The family appreciates the love and support during this difficult time. Celebrations of life will be held in Port Angeles, Washington and in Northern California.

Patricia Sylva. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — It is with deep sadness that we announce that on the morning of Nov. 16, 2023, Patricia Lee Sylva passed peacefully in the comfort of her home.

She was born on Dec. 10, 1939, to Cedric and Regina Shipley and lived into young adulthood with her brothers Oscar and James in Eureka, California.

She had two children William and Candace and later gained two more when she met her late husband Frank Sylva who had two sons James and Kenneth.

On Oct. 10, 1971, Frank and Patricia wed and they raised their family in Lakeport, California.

Patricia leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth. She only needed to lay eyes on you once and you would become a member of the family. She radiated a love for all things, sometimes it was a tough love, but always love.

Pat was always a hard worker both away and at home, from her sewing and horseback riding to her garden. She spent the later part of her years as a full-time grandmother, to many children and grandchildren, from the ones her children brought her to those in need of a loving family.

Her house was always full as her family grew, a place where the walls echoed with the giggles and footsteps of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her.

The love Pat was able to share throughout the years has forever permeated the confines of her home and can still be felt there.

We will be memorializing Patricia on Dec. 10, 2023. Her home will be open to friends and family from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Per her wishes, this will be a short and sweet, non-formal event. Please come by to share a story, have a snack and say your farewell to a wonderful woman.

Paul Spangler Sr. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — It is with great sorrow that we are announcing the passing of our Dad, Paul Spangler.

Paul was born on May 11, 1940, and left us on Nov. 24, 2023.

He will always be remembered by his sense of humor, his stories and the generosity he has shown to so many people.

Paul leaves behind three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, many family and friends and his partner of many years, Cheryl Johnson, and of course his dog, Monkee.

Please come and share your stories of Paul at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.

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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