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 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.

Deana also leaves behind her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Genevieve and Robert Campbell; brother-in-law Doug Phillips (Diana Martin); and sister-in-laws Sandy Phillips (Steve Gonzalez), Eileen Phillips and Krystal Campbell (Galdino Guevera). She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many aunts and uncles too numerous to mention by name, but she loved them all and could tell you a special story about each of them.

One would consider Deana a Native American youth advocate because of her positions with the Cahto Tribe as the education director and CIMC’s Youth Services, but she was a strong advocate for all children. Deana was one of a few who were instrumental in bringing the Junior Giants and the Raiders Youth Football programs to the north county. In addition, Deana served on the Indian Education Advisory Council for Laytonville Unified School District, was actively involved with Healthy Start and their summer youth program and was a dedicated Brownie/Girl Scout Leader.

Two of her greatest achievements were being selected by State of California Indian Education as Parent of the Year and serving as a liaison between the Cahto Tribe and Laytonville Unified School District to organize and developed the annual Cahto Coast Walk as a local cultural event.

Deana loved learning new things and being involved in community events. She loved abalone diving and rock picking, camping and fishing, traveling and watching and coaching youth sports. She loved playing softball herself and she and Trent were making plans to have their own family softball team next year.

In keeping with her cultural spirit which was developed when she was a young native dancer, she later learned and loved basket weaving. She loved helping others and fought for Individual Indians Civil Rights, but most importantly of all she loved her family, her life and the people in her life. She had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed.

Viewing will be held at the family home 102 Acorn St., Cahto Rancheria, Laytonville. Services will be at Harwood Hall, 44400 Willis Avenue, Laytonville.

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.

Delbert Montoure died Aug. 8, 2009. Courtesy photo.

Delbert Edwin Montoure passed Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, in Lakeport, with his family by his side, due to complications from a seven-year battle with mesothelioma.

Del is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Delma Garrison Montoure as well as life-long friend and brother-in-law, Forrest Grigg.

He is survived by his devoted sister-in-law, Delfa Grigg; son, Dennis (Candy); grandsons, Donald (Toby) and Robert; great-grandchildren Emilie and Ryan; niece, Tana Keyworth (Kenny); nephew, Garry Grigg (Doreen); and great-nephew, Sean McGuire.

Del was most proud of his service to this great country during World War II. As a member of the Army Infantry, he was decorated with the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal.

After the War, Del began his career as an apprentice with the Sheet Metal Workers Union. He started his own successful heating and cooling business, Empire Sheet Metal, in Santa Rosa.

He retired at the age of 50 to travel with his wife. They enjoyed many years of travel throughout the Western United States. Del was an avid golfer and enjoyed the fact that his son and grandson loved the game as much as he did.

Del was devastated by the loss of his childhood sweetheart in January of 2000. He chose to spend the rest of his life in Lake County with his loving sister-in-law, Delfa, who was also his caregiver during his illness. He was so grateful to her for the countless hours she devoted to him.

Del was a kind and gentle soul who cared deeply for all of his family and friends. To have known and loved him is an honor.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at Lower Lake Cemetery, 9040 Lake Street, Lower Lake.

Family wishes donations to Lower Lake High School Golf Team, P.O. Box 799, Lower Lake, CA 95457.

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

Viola Mae Jones died July 10, 2009, at the age of 87. Courtesy photo.

Viola Mae Jones, age 87, received her angel wings on July 10, 2009, when she passed away at her home.

Viola was born Sept. 23, 1921, in Franklin County, Okla., to parents Hugh and Bessie Johnson. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.

In 1947, she married the love of her life Elwin (Jim) Jones. They made their home in Concord, Calif., for 30 years with their three children. After Elwin’s retirement they moved to Lake County in 1973, where they lived until Elwin’s death in June 1991. There they both enjoyed boating and fishing out on cache creek.

Once Elwin passed away, Viola moved to Napa, Calif., for six years to be closer to daughter Shirley, later moving to Pittsburg, Calif., to spend her final nine years with daughter Linda, son-in-law Robert and granddaughter Gabrielle.

Viola is preceded in death by husband of 44 years, Elwin (Jim) Jones; brothers, A.C. Smith and Harley Thomas Johnson; sisters, Lorene Itaten and Ruby Vinci; and grandson, Floyd (Dinger) Huckaby.

She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Jones Cole (Robert), Shirley Jackson (David); son, Floyd Huckaby Sr (Julie); grandchildren, Gabrielle Cole, Mark Jackson, Tasha Jackson-Williams (Jason), Mark Huckaby (Paula); and great-granddaughter, Amelia Williams.

A memorial to celebrate Viola’s life will be held Aug. 1, 2009, at Heather Farm Walnut Creek, Calif. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of East Bay, “Bruns House,” in Alamo, Calif.