Lake County News,California

Obits

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 15 March 2023 01:30; 15 March 2023

Larry Andrew Pitts Sr.

Larry Andrew Pitts Sr. died unexpectedly on Feb. 22, 2023.

He was born Nov. 14, 1964, to Diane Butler and Donald Seck.

Larry was later adopted by his uncle and aunt, John and Ann Pitts.

He traveled the world as a military dependent and developed a love for traveling.

Larry explored many places in his 58 years of life. He was a nomad of sorts, but for whatever reason Clearlake, California always called him back.

A private visitation ceremony was performed in his honor, with his four children, and ex-wife Judy Pitts, before cremation.

There was a roadside memorial set up in his memory. Larry’s ashes will remain in Tennessee with future plans to spread a little in each place his children visit in his honor.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Pitts; children, Angela Lyon, 36, John Pitts, 34, Leann Pitts, 32, and Larry Pitts Jr., 30; and nine grandchildren.

Care entrusted to Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336, www.chapelofthelakes.com, 707-263-0357.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Friday, 10 March 2023 03:40; 10 March 2023

Gerald ‘Bruce’ Pachie

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Gerald Bruce Pachie passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the age of 79.

He was born and raised in Middletown, California.

Bruce was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He served in Vietnam for which he received multiple awards: two Purple Hearts, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with triple Bronze Star attachment, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Rifle Badge with rifle bar, and Parachutist Badge.

While training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Wander.

Following his years serving in the military, they returned to Middletown to raise their family.

Bruce began his 42-year career with PG&E as a lineman and eventually became a troubleman until his retirement.

Bruce loved the outdoors and hunting, a passion he shared with his two sons and his grandchildren.

A longtime hunter, Bruce enjoyed hunting out at Guenoc Ranch and out-of-state trips to Idaho and Wyoming. He loved packing into the mountains on his beloved horses. He also enjoyed his dogs and hunting pheasant.

Bruce loved high school sports and went to as many games and rodeos as he could, to watch his sons and grandchildren participate. He was a Founding Board Member for both the Middletown Colts Football Program, as well as the Middletown Cobb Little League.

He loved the small-town life of Middletown and was always ready to support local businesses, schools and anything that would benefit the kids.

He was an avid supporter of FFA, 4H and local horse clubs and made sure the lights at the Central Park Arena were ready for Middletown Days and summer riding.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Pachie; two sons, Louie Pachie (Patsy), Greg Pachie (Lisa); and his three grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott), Gracie and Tanner.

His pride and joy were his grandchildren, and he was elated to soon be welcoming his first great-grandchild.

He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (Tom McMahon); brothers, Larry Menzio (Martha) and Eric Nelson; and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following organizations that Bruce was a proud founder and supporter of:

• Middletown Cobb Little League;
• Middletown Colts Football Program;
• Middletown High School Football Program.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Tuesday, 07 March 2023 01:17; 07 March 2023

Kevin Waycik

Kevin Sean Waycik
Jan. 14, 1956 to Feb. 24, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Kevin Waycik unexpectedly passed away in February after a short but aggressive battle with cancer.

Born Jan. 14,1956, to Dan and Martha Waycik in Los Angeles, California, the family moved to Saratoga, California, when Kevin was a young boy.

In 1974, Kevin graduated from Prospect High School, Saratoga, where he played football and broke records on the swimming team.

Kevin spent all of his childhood summers vacationing on the shores of Clear Lake in Lucerne with his parents and two brothers, Ross and Dan. To this day many residents still refer to a section of shoreline on Clear Lake as “Kevin’s Beach.”

Kevin worked at Smith Kline Pharmaceutical in Sunnyvale for several years. In 1984, he accepted an offer of employment at Homestake McLaughlin Gold Mine in Lower Lake, California. He became an accomplished welder/fabricator at Homestake where he maintained employment for nearly 20 years until the mine’s closure.

Kevin’s last career was a tribal gaming security guard at Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino where he rose to the level of sergeant before retiring after serving for over 15 years.

Kevin was always passionate about water ski racing, and stock car racing. Kevin was a member of the NorCal Boat and Ski Racing Association, Region 1 and NCRA Lakeport Speedway. His passion in both sports is evident by an office room filled with trophies, memorabilia and everlasting photographs all on display.

Upon retirement, Kevin purchased a new truck and RV and began his latest passion of camping with his family and beloved pooch, Lotus. Kevin spent the past year traveling to destinations all over California.

Kevin served civic duties with pride and honor on the Northshore of Clear Lake. Kevin tirelessly led the Lucerne Neighborhood Watch and held countless meetings to improve the community.

Most recently, Kevin served as a council member of the Lucerne Area Town Hall where he continued to strive for community improvement and development.

Kevin was predeceased by his parents Dan and Martha Waycik and his brothers Dan and Ross Waycik.

Kevin leaves behind many heartbroken friends and family.

Memorial services will be held in Kevin’s honor at Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino banquet hall in Nice on April 1 at 11 a.m. Please refer to and confirm attendance on Kevin’s Facebook Page.

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

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Sunday, 12 March 2023 01:38; 12 March 2023

Sam F. Malta

SPARKS, Nevada — I am heartbroken to announce the passing of my loving father and best friend, Sam Frank Malta, age 80, of Sparks, Nevada on Feb. 23, 2023.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Tammy (Chris) Rieken of Reno; sister, Linda Milligan; brother-in-law, Ken Phillips; sister-in-law, Lola Malta; three grandchildren, Brandon, Alyson and Shane Rieken; and many nieces and nephews.

Sam was a professional meat cutter and business owner and proudly served as a petty officer in the United States Navy from 1960-1964. He enjoyed retirement the last 30 years.

Sam’s passions included fishing, golf, San Francisco Giants and 49ers. His daughter Tammy shares his love of baseball and she is grateful to him that she is not an LA Dodgers fan!

Sam is remembered and loved by many friends, neighbors and family for his smile, kind heart, mentorship, attitude of gratitude, generosity and dedication to all who he cared about.

Lastly, Sam was a gardener and his tomatoes and sweet peas will surely be missed!

Sam will be reunited with his beloved wife Victoria Marie of 60 years who passed seven years ago. He will join Victoria in eternal rest on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be announced at a later date.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 09 March 2023 02:13; 09 March 2023

Services for Surber planned for April 8

Betty Lou Surber
Nov. 21, 1931 – Jan. 22, 2023

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The family of Betty Lou Surber will be hosting a gathering to celebrate her life on Saturday, April 8, at 2 p.m. in the banquet room at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Lakeport.

All those who knew her are invited to attend.

For more information, contact Pam Klier 707-400-8380 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Donations in Betty Lou’s memory may be made to:

• The Lake County Arts Council/Spring Dance Festival, P.O. Box 247, Lakeport, CA 95453; or

• Lakeport Senior Center/Meals on Wheels, 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport, CA 95453.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 04 March 2023 02:21; 04 March 2023

Ralph ‘Larry’ Porter Jr.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Feb. 20, 2023, Larry went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Born Jan. 15, 1931, to Ralph and Winnie Porter Sr. in Kennett, Missouri, the family lived there until moving to Phoenix, Arizona when Larry was a young boy.

At age 17 he joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in July 1952.

In June of 1953 Larry married Yvonne Macfarland and began their family having four children. They moved their family to Lake County in 1976 and he continued to work for Cal Motor Express in·Oakland until his retirement in 1986. They were married until her passing in March of 1994.

In August of 1995, Larry married Marcia Lee and started a new chapter, helping her to raise her three children. He started working for Royal Automotive and retired a second time at age 84.

Larry enjoyed fishing, bowling, cards, boating and riding his motorcycle as well as get-togethers with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; his children, Ralph "Butch" Porter Ill, Sheila Porter, Selena Weaver and Catherine Picton; his stepchildren, Lisa (Trevor) Honeywell, Raymond (Shae) Winkler and Melori Lee; 15 grandchildren; 18 great children; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at the Kelseyville Cemetery 3375 Bell Hill Rd. Kelseyville.

A celebration of life will be held following services at the Kelseyville Lions Club, 4335 Sylar Lane.

Obits

Larry Andrew Pitts Sr.

Gerald ‘Bruce’ Pachie

Kevin Waycik

Sam F. Malta

Services for Surber planned for April 8

Ralph ‘Larry’ Porter Jr.

Upcoming Calendar

Mini Calendar

LCNews

Newsletter

Search