Maureen Harriet Darvishian
May 10, 1933 – Dec. 9, 2014

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Maureen Darvishian died at home Dec. 9, 2014.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Harry Darvishian, deceased May 28, 2009.

Born in San Francisco, Calif., on May 10, 1933, to Daniel and Grace Tevis, Maureen was a child of the Great Depression and raised in the city. She remembered seeing the Golden Gate Bridge under construction and greeting her father, a laborer on the project, as he returned home from work.

But her life took a hard turn. By age 17, both her parents had died, leaving her alone and still in school. Her rescue was an invitation into a girlfriend’s family home, an act of generosity that allowed her to graduate from San Francisco Polytechnic High School.

She came to Lake County by way of Southern California, where she and Harry made their first home.

Maureen was famed for her kindness, even if she would have blushed at the notion of being kinder than anyone else. Still, she was mindful about acting kindly, and she worked to improve herself, although she was not incapable of expressing pique.

Sanctimonious, greedy or dishonest behavior always raised her hackles. So did misbehaving youngsters, especially early on. As a young mother, she marched more than one ruffian back to his own home, gripped firmly by the earlobe. She would later cringe when those tales were retold by family members or friends. Her incredulous grandchildren simply dismissed the stories as rank slander.

Maureen assumed the best in people but understood that no one is perfect. She was a loyal friend. She did not pry and she was not selfish.

After retiring from a long career as a nurse’s aid, Maureen volunteered as a mentor for girls with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

She loved a road trip and visited some of the farthest corners of the West Coast, as well as many of its most cosmopolitan cities, usually with her great friend, Lois Thompson, who survives her, wishing they could have had one more adventure. Our hearts go out to her and her family.

We also send our fondest condolences to Nancy Sullivan, Maureen’s longtime workmate and friend, and her family.

Maureen is also survived by her children, Dan Darvishian and Lorie Cole and their extended relations; grandson, Brandon Cole and his wife, Heather, and their sons, Jesse and Jacob; Brandon’s eldest son, Tanner, and his mother and step-father, Jennifer and Norm Taylor, Norm’s son, Gage, and their relations; grandson, Lucas Cole and his wife, Amber, their son, Devin, and Amber’s daughters, Kaliegh and Taylor, and their relations; nieces, Janice Ebert, Penny Foster and Patricia Skolfield and all their families; and by a large host of wonderful neighbors and friends.

All of those who survive her will miss Maureen’s sly humor, her snappy retorts, her laughter, her compassion and the acceptance she offered to everyone who gathered in her circle.

The sun seems dimmed by her passing, but the world was improved by her presence.

A memorial gathering is planned, but at a time when the weather improves and everyone can enjoy an outdoor potluck. Maureen would have liked that.

For more information, please e-mail the family at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Cynthia Kay Seely passed away suddenly Friday, Nov. 26, 2014, in Upper Lake at the age of 43.

She was born in Ventura, Calif., to John and Darlene Abel on April 8, 1971.

She is survived by her two sons, Justin 14, and Ryan 12; her mother, Darlene Austin; father, John Abel; sisters, Catherine Shewey, Carolyn Abel and Christy Brown; and partner, Jeffrey Seely.

Cindy was a loving mother and enjoyed working in her garden and sharing the fruits of it with everyone.

She was a very avid Facebook user and had friends all over the world. She will be very missed by all.

A small memorial service will be held at the Upper Lake Cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, with a light reception following for those who would like to attend.

Any condolences, flowers, etc. can be sent to 600 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake, CA 95489.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes, Lakeport.

LUCERNE, Calif. – After a five year battle with kidney cancer and other health complications, John Hancock went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at his home in Lucerne. He was 71 years old.

John was born in Long Beach, Calif., on March 5, 1943.

During the course of his childhood he lived in Southern California, McKinleyville, Calif., and Summer, Mont., and then finally in Fortuna, Calif.

He graduated from Fortuna High School in 1961. He then attended Trinity College in Chicago, Ill.

In 1964 he joined the Army and was assigned to the ASA. John was stationed in the Philippines, traveled to and from Vietnam while in the Philippines, and ended his service at Ft. Huachuca located in Arizona.

After marrying his wife Kay in 1970, he attended San Jose Bible College, transferring to Simpson College in San Francisco to graduate with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in th Bible.

John worked as an environmental consultant both independently and for various Native American tribes. He was a strong advocate for Native American water rights both on a state and federal level.

He was known to be strong at networking by putting people with similar needs together.

John wanted others to know about his Lord and would often communicate that to others.

He had a passion for the outdoors, including fishing, hunting and camping. John passed this passion along to his son and grandchildren. He would go fishing every chance he had, and loved to pass on the enjoyment of fishing to children in the community.

John enjoyed traveling with his wife Kay and spending time with his grandchildren.

He served on the Mendocino College Board and was a longtime board member for what was then the Lucerne Fire Department. In years past, he had also served Lake County Fair Board. John was also involved with the Vietnam Veteran's Association.

He was very community minded, helping wherever and whenever possible until severely limited by his illness.

John is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Aaron (Bethany) of Wilton; two grandchildren, Lillian and Luke; his brother, Terry (Rita) of Twin Falls, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews throughout the Northwest.

He was known as a “unique” individual with a big heart. John leaves behind a void in many hearts.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Lucerne Community Church, 5870 E. Highway 20, Lucerne.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Gordon Grant Barber passed from this world Dec. 1, 2014, peacefully in his favorite chair two days after his 87th birthday.

Gordon was born Nov. 29, 1927, to Carl and Nina Barber in McGill, Nev., the third of five children. The family moved to Mill Valley, Calif., when he was 15.

In 1944, at the age of 17, he entered into World War II and served on the USS Wisconsin.

Gordon married Dorothy Rometti on May 2, 1954. They were married 54 years. She passed March 6, 2009, two months before their 55th anniversary.

Gordon worked in waste water treatment from 1962, working his way up to management, until he retired in 1989 from the county of Lake.

He is survived by his four children, Debbie (John) O'Bryan, Steve (Linda) Barber, Albert Barber and Justin (Jen) Barber; former daughter-in-law, Maureen Barber; brother, Richard (Maia) Barber; sister, Nina Miller; 11 grandchildren, Patrick Barber, John (Michaela) O'Bryan Jr., Christopher (Angie) O'Bryan, William Barber, Jessica Barber, Brain (Molly) Barber, Gordon Barber, Joshua (Shirley) Barber, Jeremy Barber, Jacob Barber and Jade Barber; three great-grandchildren, Lilly, Thaila and Evan; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at his home at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Gerald (Gerry) Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Dec. 4, 2014.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities.

He worked in the telecommunications industry for 35 years.

The family prefers donations be made to the Kelseyville Fire Department.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes, Lakeport.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Margaret Thomas Connor peacefully went home to our Lord Dec. 4, 2014, while in the loving care of the angels at Orchard Park Assisted Living in Clearlake.

She was born in Canon City, Colorado, on April 19, 1922, and moved to Southern California at the age of 2.

She met and married her husband of 52 years, Charles Connor, while working at Pacific Aeromotive as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. They started a family and raised two daughters and settled in Glendora, Calif.

The Connors started spending their summers at Clear Lake in Northern California in 1952 and retired there in 1974.

Margaret was a very active member of the Lake County Historical Society, and the co-founder of the Lake County Redbud Audubon Society, which she started in her living room.

She was an accomplished organist and was active, not only in her organ club, but also in the Sweet Adeline's singing group.

She loved to fish, camp, tend her yard and enjoyed wood working and the outdoors. She started painting in the 1970s and did so for many years.

Margaret is survived by her two loving daughters, Charlotte Connor of Glendora and Peg McCown and her husband Don McCown of Lakeport.

Memorial services will be announced.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.