Michael Meese, a veteran law enforcement officer who played a key role in solving the Polly Klaas case, died Nov. 23, 2009, at the age of 55. Courtesy photo.

Mike Meese, April 25, 1954 - Nov. 23, 2009. Mike passed away peacefully at his home in Kelseyville on Nov. 23. Mike was born in Detroit and raised in Libertyville, Ill. At 17 he joined the Army to serve his country and to fulfill his ambition and dream to serve as a military policeman.

He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College in 1993 and the University of San Francisco in 1996 with his Masters Degree in Public Administration.

Mike began his career in law enforcement in 1981 with the Petaluma Police Department, working his way quickly up the ranks and being promoted to sergeant in just six short years. During that time he also served as SWAT Supervisor and Watch Commander. He also was the lead investigator on the Polly Klaas case, finding key evidence and using his influence to garner a confession from the perpetrator.

After 15 years and the conclusion of the Polly Klaas case, Mike left to join the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office staff as an investigator in 1996. Mike’s career led him next to take a position first as the Assistant Chief of the University of Nevada Reno Police Force and then eventually finishing his law enforcement career as Chief of the Hopland Rancheria of Public Safety in Mendocino County.

Mike joined the Santa Rosa Junior College faculty in 1987 and became a full time administration of justice instructor in 2006, receiving tenure in November.

Mike loved going fifth wheeling with his wife Michelle and other members of his family; he was passionate about cooking and reading anything that had to do with military ships, planes or tanks.

Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife and best friend, Michelle; his sisters, Mindy Beers and Marilyn Rasco; his devoted children, Todd and his wife Sheri Meese of Hidden Valley Lake, and Frank Meese of Reno, Nev.; his adoring grandchildren, Victoria Meese, who he and Michelle had been raising for most of her life, Jolon Cisneros, Tiyanna Meese, Ceceilia Meese and Kendra Meese.

Michelle’s love and dedication gave him the support and encouragement he needed to live life to the fullest, an inspiration to us all. His family, friends and community will miss him.

A celebration of Michael Meese’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, starting at 1 p.m. in Burbank Auditorium on the Santa Rosa Junior College Campus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to either the college fund for Victoria Meese or to the Debra D. Meese Scholarship Fund through the SRJC Foundation, 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95401.

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.

Jamie moved to Anderson Springs in 2008 to join his husband, Craig, and became very active as a local volunteer. He spent time assisting in the South Lake Fire Safe Council and was a board member of the Anderson Springs Home Owner Association. He and his husband were also active in their church, Galilee Lutheran Church in Kelseyville, and were married by the church's pastor at the Ferndale Resort in Kelseyville. Jamie and Craig greatly enjoyed traveling together, recently visiting the Caribbean, Alaska, Palm Springs and Yosemite.

He leaves behind his beloved family: husband, Craig Waters; mother and stepfather, Sherri and Ted Adams of Petaluma; father and stepmother, Larry and Tyler Ott of San Geronimo; brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim and Maria of Santa Rosa, and David and Joelle of San Anselmo; sister, Aneal of San Rafeal; grandmother, Phyllis Ostrander of San Anselmo; and his nieces, Amanda, Alyssa, and nephew, Parker.

Visiting hours will be held at Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, 16140 Main St. in Lower Lake, on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and again the next day, Thursday, Dec. 3, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A memorial service will be held for Jaime at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville. His family requests that any donations be made to Galilee Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, 707-994-6417, www.jonesandlewis.com .

Aaron Campbell passed away suddenly on Oct. 11, 2009. Courtesy photo.

Aaron Matthew Campbell, born Feb. 27, 1990, passed away suddenly on Oct. 11, 2009. Aaron leaves behind his father, Trent Matthew Campbell, and his sister, Angela Campbell (Ray Hopkins) and his niece and nephew, Amya and Elijah Hopkins. He was predeceased by his mother, Deana Jean Campbell, in July.

Also surviving him are his grandparents Robert and Genevieve Campbell, Wynema Sue Sloan and Gene William (Alice) Sloan.

In addition he leaves behind his aunts, Sandy Phillips (Steve Gonzales), Eileen Phillips, Krystal Campbell, Melody Sloan (Mark Britton), Tammy Sloan (Pal Rojoles) and Tonya Rodriguez (Sergio) and his uncle Doug Phillips (Diana Martin) and step uncles, Eric Langton (Danielle Garcia) and Nathan Langton (Mandi Vanoven) in addition to many numerous cousins.

Aaron was an outstanding athlete in high school and loved to play any sport. This was evident as a young child when he played for the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Activity League’s Junior Giants and the Laytonville Raiders Youth Football programs and was on traveling baseball and basketball teams. He also rode in the rodeo and BMX Racing.

Whatever sport Aaron chose to play he gave it his all and was exceptionally good at baseball, softball, basketball and football. While in high school he was on the football, track, wrestling, baseball and basketball teams, learned he had cancer and defeated it. After high school Aaron competed against other tribal teams in the Indian Softball Nationals and a variety of other traveling tournaments, making many friends along the way.

Aaron also loved to abalone dive and rock pick, surf fishing and hunting with his family and extended family members. Aaron was very proud of his Native American heritage, including Cahto, Pomo, Wylacki and Yurok. He participated in the annual Cahto Coast Walk for many years in honor of the difficult journey his ancestors had to make each year to gather their food for the winter months. He attended many California Indian Education conferences and participated in the bear dances on the Mendocino Coast.

The viewing will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at 102 Acorn Drive, Laytonville.

The services will be held at Harwood Hall in Laytonville on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at 1 p.m. The burial will take place at the Cahto Cemetery directly after the services.

Donations can be made to the Deana Jean Campbell Memorial Fund at the Bank of Willits in lieu of flowers.

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.