Edward Herbert Howes

August 12, 1920 - January 7, 2012

Dad was born in Williamsburg, Iowa, and lived in Sacramento since 1950. He served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific during World War II. He had a passion for history, earning his BA from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and both his MA and PhD from UC Berkeley. Dad was a History Professor at CSUS for 35 years. He joined the faculty back when Sac State classes were still held at City College (while the J Street campus was being built). He continued his research and writing well into retirement.

No service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edward H. Howes may be made to 'The University Foundation at Sacramento State' and mailed to Friends of the Library, 2000 State University Drive East, Sacramento, CA 95819-6039.

Hugette Lucienne Bach

April 12, 1929 - February 13, 2012

Huguette Lucienne Bach passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at the age of 82. She was born in France on April 12, 1929, where she married Max Bach in 1947. They lived in Berkeley before settling in Davis in 1952.

After coming to Davis, Huguette initially owned her own hair salon, but after earning her bachelor of arts degree from UC Davis (1958 Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi) and her master of arts degree from Reed College (1963), teaching was officially her career. She began by teaching sixth grade and high school for Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento, and math and art at Esparto High School. In 1960 she turned to post-secondary education and began teaching mathematics at Sacramento State College where she became a professor in 1964. Huguette retired 28 years later in 1992. Following her retirement, Huguette lived on Kauai for several years before making her final home in Carmichael in 2008.

Huguette's creativity was reflected in many forms, including her beautiful gardens, great cooking, and art work. She loved music and travel. She simply loved and enjoyed life.

Huguette is survived by daughter, Nickie Bach and son-in-law Ray Stewart; and son, Marc Bach.
Donations in Huguette's memory may be made to the American Stroke Association , or a similar organization that conducts research into fighting strokes and/or heart disease.

Albert Lorenzo DeLisle

December 9, 1910 - March 10, 2012

'Al' was born December 7, 1910 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He passed away peacefully during the early morning of March 10 at the age of 101 in Sacramento where he lived for 57 years. Aided by scholarships, he enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and earned his graduate degrees in Botany at Harvard University. His lifetime teaching career began in 1939 at the College of William and Mary followed by the Notre Dame University. In 1955 he was invited to teach at the new campus of 'Sacramento State.' He retired in 1976 after more than 30 years of teaching botany and genetics. Dr. DeLisle also served as curator for the campus arboretum. This long career was interrupted by three years of military service with the rank of lieutenant in the Navy. He also received grants from the Fulbright Visiting Professorships Foundation that supported teaching assignments in Columbia and Honduras during two of his sabbatical years.

Retirement became a time for travel and continued research at his Garden Valley property. Airborne allergens, Jojoba, and native plant propagation were among his continuing interests. His stamina served him well until Alzheimer's Dementia altered his life.

Dr. DeLisle never married nor had children of his own. He is survived by a large family of nieces and nephews living mainly in Ohio, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Many of his former students continued life-long correspondence with him and praised his 'tenacious tutelage.'

Thanks go to the many very special people at Camelot Care Homes who provided all of his personal needs for more than 7 years.

No local services will be held and burial will be out of state. Contributions may be made to the DELISLE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP at California State University, Sacramento.

Charles Robert Necco

May 20, 1933 - March 4, 2012

Charles Robert Necco succumbed to pneumonia on March 4, 2012, in Port Angeles. His unexpected passing leaves a huge void in the lives of his family. A memorial will be held Friday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at the clubhouse in Pioneer Memorial Park, Sequim. Friends are invited to attend to remember and pay tribute to this wonderful man. Charlie was an unassuming man and not one to extol his attributes, so I will, at last, do it for him. Forgive me, Charlie. Charlie, as he preferred to be called, was born May 20, 1933, to Charles and Roberta (Emerson) Necco, in Gary, Indiana. He spent his early youth in Gary, where he graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1951.

From his earliest school years, he excelled academically, winning honors and recognition for his many achievements. During his high school years, he was sophomore class president, managing editor of the high school paper, president of the National Honors Society and valedictorian of his graduating class. A well-rounded youth, he ran cross-country, track and boxed for the CYA.

He was awarded an NROTC scholarship, which allowed him to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with high distinction in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering. Following military service, he returned to the University of Michigan, graduating first in his class with a Master of Business Administration in 1960. He was a member of Sigma Pi Epsilon fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma, Alpha of Michigan Chapter.

From 1970-1972, he attended the business school at the University of Illinois, earning a doctorate. His course of study was management information systems.

His employment history included a management position for General Motors, specialist and manager in advisory services for Price Waterhouse and manager of a data processing center for Miehle-Goss-Dexter.

He was a professor in the business school at California State University, Sacramento, from 1973 until his retirement as professor emeritus in 1992. He was instrumental in establishing the management information systems master's degree program while at CSUS. He was a published author in business journals and provided consulting to the state of California.

Charlie was both an officer and a gentleman. He served his country as a first lieutenant both in the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserves. In his personal life, Charlie married twice. His first marriage to Carol Earlene Mullins ended with her death. Three children were born to the couple, Teresa, Scott and Kevin.

On November 25, 1970, he married Sandra Startup Curry, joining their two families to become one, adding daughters Kyle and Kathlyn. Charlie and Sandra celebrated their 41st anniversary on November 25, 2011. On his anniversary card to Sandra, he wrote, "Happy 41st and counting."

He was an avid sports fan, especially of the University of Michigan teams and his much-loved Chicago Cubs. He spent happy hours at Rose Bowl games and baseball spring training in Mesa, Arizona. In 2011, he returned after 55 years to the stadium of Michigan to attend a homecoming game.

He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, coins and stamps. He stayed fit by running and working out at the gym. He began hiking in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and continued after moving to Sequim in 1998. Charlie was a member of three hiking clubs, the Over the Hill Gang, Richard's Wednesday group and the Klahannes. When hiking became a challenge, he walked for miles and miles on a regular basis on the Olympic Discovery Trail.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Roberta; sister Barbara Steele; and first wife Carol Earlene Mullins Necco. Charlie will be remembered as a loyal friend and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. His survivors include Sandra, his loving wife of 41 years; sons Scott and Kevin; daughters Teresa, Kyle and Kathlyn; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother Edward Necco.

Gone but never forgotten, our loved one will live in our hearts and memories forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olympic Peninsula trails.

John D. McClure III

Died April 15, 2012

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John D. McClure, III on Sunday, April 15. John was a beloved brother and mentor to many. John had a passion for reading and continued to spend most of his time with book in hand until the end. His career was spent as a librarian at CSU Sacramento and was an expert in Napoleonic French era history. Mr. McClure promoted kindness, brotherhood, leadership and personal accountability. He will be missed greatly. A Celebration of Life will be May 19 at 1pm at CSUS Union Building in the Redwood Room.

Sam Ross

December 1, 1920 - May 17, 2012

Sam Ross was born on Dec. 1, 1920 in Bellaire, Ohio and died May 17, 2012 in Sacramento. His beloved wife Betty B. Simko Ross preceded him in death in 2005. Sam was a loving father to his daughters Barbara Maria Ross (Michael John Bassett) and Kathleen Ann Ross-Allee (John Nye Allee). His dear mother, Mary Perry and his loving brother Tee Ross, who he often joined in the Tee Ross Orchestra in Struthers, Ohio, also preceded Sam in death. He was very proud of all of his nieces, nephews and cousins and kept them close to his heart.

Dr. Ross was a Professor of History at CSU Sacramento from 1955 to 1990. In addition to his history courses, he was also particularly fond of two specially designed offerings titled 'Historical Fiction' and 'Detective Fiction'; both classes were very popular. Sam spent most of his 'free' time researching and studying Abraham Lincoln and was still researching in his final days. His love and passion of Lincoln was strong and is reflected in his bookshelves.

Sam attended public schools in Struthers and Youngstown, Ohio and attended Youngstown College where he met and became engaged to Betty. In February 1943 Betty and Sam were married at Camp Roberts in California where he was stationed. He served in the Field Artillery from October 1942 to December 1945 and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Star and the Victory Medal World War II.

After the war, Sam availed himself of the GI Bill and earned his M.A. at University of Cincinnati and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His dissertation, published as 'The Empty Sleeve' by the Wisconsin Civil War Centennial Commission, was well received by critics. It was dedicated to the memory of friend and mentor, William Best Hesseltine. Dr. Ross taught at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Wisconsin, Oswego State College and Kalamazoo College.

In 1954, the late Dr. Guy West interviewed Sam during a faculty recruitment tour of the Midwest. West was searching for talented professors to staff the recently expanded Sacramento State College, which had just moved to its new campus near the American River on J Street. Dr. Ross was enticed by the commitment of then Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Sr. to build a first class state college system and Betty was thrilled to come back to a part of Northern California that did not involve snowy winters.

In 62 years together, Betty and Sam blended their careers: Hers in libraries and research and his in teaching and writing. Their life together always involved higher education, libraries and historical research first at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Oswego State College in New York, Kalamazoo College in Michigan and finally at CSU Sacramento. Many favorite vacations involved Civil War battlefields and research libraries and an occasional trip to Hawaii where they enjoyed the history and the people of the Islands.

In 1989, Sam retired from CSU Sacramento and Betty retired from the Sacramento County Public Library.

Sam's daughters will always remember his favorite pastimes including attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for many years, relaxing walks in Capitol Park to feed the squirrels, reading and prowling around in libraries and bookstores, listening to big band music, and playing golf at Bing Maloney and Haggin Oaks.

Sam was proud of his memberships in the ACLU, the CSU Emeritus & Retired Faculty Association, and his staunch union membership in the California State Employees Association and the California Faculty Association.

At his request, services were private. For those who wish to honor his memory, the family suggests remembrances to: California State University, Sacramento, Library, 2000 State University Drive East, Sacramento, CA 95819-6039. Condolences to: The Ross Family, 11809 American Bar Court, Gold River, CA 95670.

Russell K.H. Ching

Died May 25, 2012

Dr. Russell K.H. Ching passed away on May 25, 2012. His family, friends and colleagues will always remember him as a good man: loving, kind, intelligent, thoughtful and caring. As a member of the national and international academic community, his vision, and rigorous intellect will be sorely missed. Russell was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but it was in Sacramento where he found his life work in academia. He became a faculty member of the California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), College of Business Administration (CBA) in 1994. He served as Chair of the MIS Department from 2002 to 2005 and as the Associate Dean for the CBA Undergraduate Program since 2006. As Associate Dean, Russell was known for his tireless work to make improvements to the CBA undergraduate program. In addition, Russell was an internationally known scholar in the areas of information technology and information systems. However great his work and standing at the university and within the academic community, Russell always found time to be a family man. He lived by the motto, 'Family is number one.' He loved his life with Lisa, Christopher, Elizabeth, and little Sammy, and was always finding ways to bring new experiences into their lives. Relatives and friends will recall fond memories of gathering at his home to celebrate the holidays and life's important milestones. Russell is survived by his wife, Lisa, children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Samuel, sister, Carole Ching, and nephew, Keoni Dunn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and George Ching.

Jeffrey Lustig

Died June 14, 2012
By Pia Lopez, Sacramento Bee

Jeffrey Lustig described politics in 1988 as the "collective artistry of the future." By that he meant "the choices involved with the common shaping of a public life." A professor of politics at California State University, Sacramento, for 23 years when he retired in 2010, he sought to get beyond the dry study of clauses of the state constitution or the intricacies of the legislative process to promote California as a community and special place.

Lustig died on June 14 at age 69 of cancer. But he left something important behind. He was working on a book, "Bare Republic: California's Constitutional Crisis," playing on California as the "Bear Flag Republic."

During a lovely hike in 2010 with some of his colleagues at Tomales Point, the Pacific Ocean on one side and Tomales Bay on the other, I had a chance to talk with him about it.

He was building on themes he had developed in a collection of essays published in 2010, "Remaking California: Reclaiming the Public Good," which brought together journalists such as The Bee's Dan Walters, artists such as poet Gary Snyder, historians such as Kevin Starr, politicians such as Barry Keene and others. In that book, he stated his belief that private life is "inseparable from and crucially dependent on the condition of the public world."

Lustig had come to believe that the roots of California's decline were in the state's earliest days, its constitution in particular.

He thought our current dilemmas about private rights vs. the public trust and treatment of "outsiders" ("shadow California," he called it) were structurally deep – not fleeting. He pointed out to me a fact I did not know and still find shocking: California did not ratify the post-Civil War 15th Amendment of 1868, which gave blacks the right to vote, until 1962.

Why? Fear of Chinese immigrants.

Lustig made a case, better than anyone I know – and I'm a real skeptic on this front – for Californians to call a constitutional convention to "alter or reform" their government as the 1879 constitution allows, when "the public good may require." He was deep into the details of California's 1849 constitution, which he noted was superseded only a generation later by a second constitutional convention in 1879. While other states have managed to hold constitutional conventions – 63 times since 1900, he said – California has relied on incoherent, piecemeal initiatives to make changes. It is time for big change, he argued.

A constitutional convention, he believed, is the only way to come up with a government that can protect the liberties of the people against private encroachment.

I expressed skepticism that a constitutional convention would remedy the problems he so clearly sees – a government that caters to a minority of monied interests.

At a constitutional convention any and all items would have to be on the table, I said; it wouldn't be a true convention if the agenda were limited ahead of time. But, in my view, that would open a Pandora's box that might give us something much worse than we already have.

How would you prevent the special interests that have captured our politics, I asked, from hijacking a constitutional convention?

An assembly with face-to-face discussion of a multitude of issues would be a whole lot different than the initiative process, he believed.

He said you could select a constitutional convention the way that juries are chosen, by random selection, but he was against that. He said that would be a "representative sample," not a "representative assembly." He hadn't worked it out entirely on that spring 2010 hike, but he envisioned a process where the people would pick their own representatives, after some period of civic engagement and civic education. He was working on the details.

His friend and colleague, Douglas Lummis, who has read about half of Lustig's manuscript, says, "When I first heard that Jeff was writing a book arguing that California's troubles are rooted in its constitution, I worried that it could not be done."

But after reading it, Lummis believes Lustig had succeeded: "By retelling the history of California's first and second constitutions, and their consequences, he gives us a fresh image – a portrait – of what California was and is."

Lummis believes Lustig's book, which his colleagues hope to get published posthumously, will become a classic in California studies. I'm looking forward to it.

Lustig was such an optimist and he taught a generation of students to value California as a community and a place, and to be active citizens in it. We could use more like him in these times of pessimism and doubt.

Even though he has passed on, he is calling on us to see politics as the "collective artistry of the future."

John G. Ranlett

Died June 23, 2012

John G. Ranlett, a distinguished economist who was a longtime professor at California State University, Sacramento, died Saturday of health complications related to aging, his family said. He was 83. Mr. Ranlett taught for 45 years at Sacramento State, where he graduated in 1950. He joined the faculty in 1957 as one of the first economics alumni to earn a doctorate and return to the department as a professor. A renowned monetary policy theorist, he was widely consulted by government and industry officials and quoted in the press on economic issues. He presented papers at major banking conferences, including policy recommendations that were adopted by the Federal Reserve.

He wrote a textbook, "Money and Banking," which has been published in three editions and taught at top colleges and universities in the United States. In 1990, the Sacramento State Alumni Association honored him with the Order of the Hornet Award as a distinguished faculty member and alumnus.

Mr. Ranlett, who retired in 2002, left a legacy in his field that includes more than 100 former students who went on to earn doctorates in economics, including several who returned to teach at Sacramento State. In 2005, the university established and named an academic lecture series after him that draws top economists – including his former students – to speak on issues related to money and monetary policy.

"The thing that was most impressive about John is that he wasn't easy," said Craig Gallet, a 1986 Sacramento State economics graduate who returned as a professor in 2001. "He was a hard professor, and he expected a lot of his students. So it's not surprising that a lot of us went on to get Ph.D.s and now teach at universities around the world."

Born in 1928, John Grant Ranlett was a third-generation Sacramento native and only child of Frankie and Frank Ranlett. His father was a right-hand man to Joseph DiGiorgio, a major Central Valley grower who ran one of the biggest fruit-packing plants in the country.

Mr. Ranlett graduated from Sacramento High School in 1946 and Sacramento City College in 1948 with talent in math and athletics. A left-handed pitcher, he toured the state playing baseball at SCC and Sacramento State and with a semipro team. He earned a doctorate in economics at the University of Oregon.

Mr. Ranlett had four children with his wife of 47 years, Marion, who died in 2003. He lived in east Sacramento for more than 50 years and was active at Lutheran Church of the Cross as council president and longtime treasurer. He coached his young sons in east Sacramento Little League and reminisced about growing up with Pacific Coast League baseball. He enjoyed telling a story about taking a trolley alone as a young boy from his midtown home to watch the Sacramento Solons play on "kids free" days at Edmonds Field. "He used to hang around outside, watching for any couples who walked by," said his daughter Janey Sadler. "He'd go up and ask if he could walk in with them as their 'kid' so he could get in for free."

Wilma Krebs

November 20, 1920 - July 10, 2012
By Robert Davila, Sacramento Bee

Wilma Krebs, a pioneering Sacramento State economics professor who was an outspoken advocate for university faculty and retirees, died July 10 of Alzheimer's disease, her family said. She was 91. There were few women teaching at California State University, Sacramento, when Dr. Krebs joined the economics faculty in 1959 as a part-time teacher. She became a full-time professor in 1966 and helped develop courses in public finance and fiscal policy.

She formally retired in 1983 but continued teaching part time until 1990. Many of her students went on to key positions in state government, including the Legislative Analyst's Office and the Department of Finance.

Dr. Krebs also was active in California State University faculty organizations before and after retirement. She was president of a women's group at CSUS during the 1960s and represented professors in grievance proceedings. As vice president and legislative committee chairwoman, she represented the CSU Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association at the state Capitol for almost 20 years until 2006.

"She was always interested in fairness and justice and women's rights," said her husband, Robert. "But she could get along with anyone. She always said that cooperation between various factions is the way to get things done."

Dr. Krebs became an expert on Medicare and senior issues during retirement. She led an advisory committee on long-term care insurance for the California Public Employees' Retirement System. She assisted seniors on Medicare issues as a volunteer for the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program.

A Canadian native, the former Wilma Smith was a high achiever who was chosen to represent her school at the 1937 coronation of British King George VI, her family said. Born in 1920 in New Westminster, British Columbia, she played field hockey growing up with three elder brothers and did well in math.

She earned a full scholarship to study economics and graduated from University of British Columbia. She received a teaching fellowship at UC Berkeley, where she later earned a doctorate in economics, and taught for several years at University of California, Los Angeles, before moving to Sacramento.

She had two children during a marriage to Richard Mayers that ended in divorce. She traveled to many countries with her husband of 40 years, Robert, including a 1977 trip they took to India as Fulbright scholars. She lived in an assisted living home in Santa Rosa since 2009.

She is survived by husband, Robert Krebs of Sacramento; son, David Mayers of Aptos; daughter, Susan Raymond of Santa Rosa; stepsons, Ronald Krebs of Placerville, Gary Krebs of Citrus Heights, and Robert K. Krebs of Spencer, Iowa; and three grandchildren.

Dr. Krebs was a former president of the Sacramento chapter of the League of Woman Voters. She was an intellectually independent woman who joined a book club and took up photography in later years. She was active in politics and practiced yoga and attended plays and other events with a group of close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any scholarship fund at California State University, Sacramento, or to any charity.

"She was the type of person who was interested in many different fields," said a friend, Jo Lonan. "She had a broad view of the world and life in general."
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Comments from Dr. Bill Crist, Economics Professor Emeritus, CSU Stanislaus, and Organizing President of the California Faculty Association:
"Faculty leaders within the CSU worked hard and long during the 1970's and 80's in the effort to improve faculty rights, pay and job protections through lobbying and collective bargaining. Dr. Wilma Krebs was central to that effort from the early 1970's through our first contract in 1983. Her patience, knowledge and determination to advocate for university faculty and university students was truly indispensable during the formative years. She was always a great teacher, counselor and academic freedom advocate on the Sacramento State campus, but her value to the CSU faculty throughout California will never be forgotten by those of us who were privileged to work with her."

Receiving CFA award and With original CFA Board

Deanna Balentac

February 23, 1937 - July 28, 2012

Born on February 23, 1937 in Stockton, California and passed away on July 28, 2012 at the age of 75. Preceded in death by her parents, Rosairo and Paula Daclan, and her sister, Belen. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Moreno, four children: Marguerite, Denise (Emilito), David (Jodi), and Matthew (Janene), as well as 12 grandchildren. Deanna and Moreno have made Rancho Cordova their home for over 50 years. After retiring as a nursing professor from CSUS, Deanna continued to be involved in numerous organizations and became a world traveler. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. A rosary service will be held August 9th at 7PM and Mass will be held on August 10th at 10AM at St. John Vianney Church, 10497 Coloma Rd., Rancho Cordova. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sacramento State University School of Nursing Faculty/Student Emergency Fund, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816-6096. Attn: Kathy Jarvis

Carolyn Jane Salls

July 27, 1930 - July 30, 2012

Our beautiful Mom, Nana, companion & friend is now in the presence of the Lord. On Monday, July 30, 2012, Carolyn J. Salls died at the age of 82 years young. She was born in Hallsville, MO on July 27, 1930, the youngest of 4 girls to Ralph and Bertie Bryan. She was a graduate of Stephens College and George Washington University. She worked for the CIA for a brief time and at CSUS for 23 years as an Admissions Counselor. She volunteered tirelessly for the American Cancer Society , Sacramento Jazz Society, Giants Booster Club, and her church. She was a member of Chapter BL of the PEO Sisterhood since 1996 and served as President from 2004-2006, and again in 2007-2008. She traveled the world and was prepared to go anywhere at any time.
She was a widow to Cal Salls after 30 cherished years together, a devoted mother to Deborah Krieger and Bob Reynolds Jr. (from her first marriage to Bob Reynolds Sr.), a loving companion to Chuck Krieger for 2-1/2 years, a mother-in-law to Robert, Nana to four precious grandchildren, Brittany, Mikayla, Jacob & Isabella, and many family members & friends whom she treasured. She will be deeply missed, but her imprint on our lives will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church at 2:00 P.M. on August 19, 2012. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society or St Michael's Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Ave., Carmichael.

Malcom A. White

July 18, 1925 - August 6, 2012

Malcolm A. (Mac) White died on August 6, 2012 at age 87. He was born July 18, 1925 in State College, PA, and grew up there. After serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, he returned to State College and earned a bachelor's and later a master's degree from the Pennsylvania State University. He began his career in advertising at the Armstrong Cork Company in Harrisburg, PA. He earned a Ph.D from Indiana University and started his teaching career at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. He joined the marketing faculty of the College of Business Administration at CSU, Sacramento in 1969 and retired in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Ann Harriman, his children Ellen White (Portland, OR), Steve White (Tempe, AZ), Scott White (Issaqua, WA), step-sons Paul Harriman, Dan Harriman, Steve Harriman (Sacramento, CA), and Tom Harriman (San Francisco, CA) and numerous grandchildren. Services will be private.

Robert E. Stadler

March 20, 1924 - August 4, 2012

Robert E. Stadler, born in Sacramento, CA, March 20, 1924, passed away peacefully August 14, 2012. Robert was the head electrician at Sacramento State College for 23 years. He was well known for his sunny disposition and referred to as the singing electrician. He enjoyed a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready to help anyone who asked him. He is survived by Pearl E. Stadler, his wife of 65 years, his three children, Susie Wade, Sandy Davis, and Bob Stadler, four grandchildren, Jennifer Wade, Carrie (Ben) Morrasy, Autumn (Sam) Meadows-Millard, Quinn Meadows, and five great-grandchildren Bret, Wes, Sparrow, Carson and Mavis Mae. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at South East Lawn Elk Grove on Friday, August 24 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rebuilding Together, Sacramento.

Nick Trujillo

December 14, 1955 - October 29, 2012

Nick Trujillo, a popular communications professor and leading scholar on culture, sports and media at California State University, Sacramento, has died at 56. Friends believe Dr. Trujillo probably died Oct. 29 of a heart attack. He complained of chest pains a few days earlier and sought medical treatment. After failing to show up for a class Oct. 30, he was found the next morning by a colleague who went to his Sacramento home. The Sacramento County Coroner's Office "seemed satisfied that it was a heart attack" and did not investigate, said his mother, Claudia Trujillo. Word of his death saddened students and friends at Sacramento State, where Dr. Trujillo taught communications courses for more than 20 years. He consistently scored highly in online student surveys as a rigorous but supportive teacher. "It's a real loss," communications studies Chairman Steve Buss said. "He was a great teacher. He had a lot of energy."

Dr. Trujillo was an expert on the influence of sports and media in society. Besides writing books and academic articles, he was quoted often by The Bee in stories about the Sacramento Kings, the behavior of sports fans, reality TV shows and other topics. Sacramento State honored him as scholar of the year in 2000.

Outside the classroom, he was a singer-songwriter, guitarist and music producer. He performed as an alter ego, Gory Bateson – the quirky lead singer of a mythical band, The Ethnogs – in music videos on YouTube. He also recorded vocal and instrumental tracks for TV, film and advertising productions. "Nick was very prolific in a lot of different ways," Sacramento State professor Gerri Smith said. "He was a very creative guy who put a lot of energy into his pursuits."

Dr. Trujillo shared many interests with his late wife of 19 years, Leah Vande Berg, a communications studies professor at Sacramento State. Besides co-authoring a book on how popular TV shows depict jobs and industries, they wrote an unflinching self-portrait about two people in love who must deal with the impending death of one of them. Their story, "Cancer and Death: A Love Story in Two Voices," was published after Vande Berg died of ovarian cancer in 2004.

"We are communications professors, and we believe that people in this culture do not talk about death or cancer or grief as much as they should," Dr. Trujillo told The Bee in 2008. "The intent was to narrate the experience from diagnosis to death and through grief, to give people a real sense of what it's like."

Born in 1955 in Altadena, Nicholas Lee Trujillo moved with his family to Las Vegas in 1960. His father, Bill Trujillo, was a tenor saxophonist who traveled with Frank Sinatra and was featured in bands led by Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and Charlie Barnet.

Dr. Trujillo played baseball and studied communications at the University of Southern California. He earned a master's degree from San Diego State University and a doctorate from the University of Utah. He began teaching at Purdue University in 1982 and was an assistant professor at Michigan State University and Southern Methodist University. He moved to Sacramento in 1990.

Friends recalled him as a caring and fun person who loved teaching. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed hiking and playing golf. He traveled to many countries and recorded videos of his performances as Gory Bateson on the road. "Nick was very unassuming," Sacramento State professor Kimo Ah Yun said. "He wore T-shirts and shorts all the time. You never would have guessed that he was an academic."

John "Jack" Stockman

August 30, 1941 - November 22, 2012

Dr. John W. Stockman passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012, surrounded by his beloved wife, daughters and son. Known more fondly and commonly as 'Jack,' he was a well-recognized professor of Organizational Behavior and Management at the College of Business, California State University of Sacramento. He also served as the Director of the Center for Management Services and was Department Chair of the Organizational and Behavioral Environment Department at the College of Business. He received the University's Outstanding Teaching Award during his tenure of 34 years. Jack taught his students with a dedication to all. They loved his vast knowledge, his focus on people, and his amazing sense of humor and wit. He was a pioneer of distance learning, especially well known for his televised classes on cable access. Jack's students referred to him as "a star."

A native of Springfield, Illinois, Jack earned his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Southern Illinois. He received his Doctorate in Organizational Theory with Distinction at the University of Washington and was a lifelong devoted fan of the university's sports teams. 'Go Huskies!'

Jack was well known throughout Sacramento for his community service as well as for his management consulting business, Stockman & Associates. Many private companies as well as state and local government and non-profit organizations relied on Jack's talent and skills. Among those he advised were Hewlett-Packard, Campbell Soup, Genesis Electronics, Nippon Electronics, Sacramento Regional Transit, IBM, California State Personnel Board, GTE Data Services, Mobil Chemical, and Western Contract where he served for several years as President of the Board. He conducted training seminars for the Police Officers Standards Association for many years.

Jack's service to our community is also well recognized by many charitable organizations. He was instrumental in working to establish the first Boys & Girls Club in Sacramento and served as its President. He also served as Chairman of the Sacramento Community Services Planning Council, President of the Board and Founder of the Child Abuse Prevention Council, Board President of the Sacramento City Education Foundation, and Pride Industries, to name a few. He received many honors, including the Founders Award for the Child Abuse Prevention Council. Jack was a member of the Rotary Club of Sacramento for the past 22 years. And, he was a recent member on the Board of First Tee of Sacramento.

Shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, Jack was invited to assist Russia with their transition to a market economy. He spent time conducting management training in Moscow, Zagorsk, and Novosibirsk for the Institute of Technology and Economics, Moscow. He was invited to return by the U.S. government to assist two more former USSR countries, Latvia & Turkmenistan, who he also guided in transition to a market economy. Jack made numerous trips to these countries to assist them. Jack also consulted on employee owned organizations in China. His international experience also included teaching at the EPSC College of Business in Paris, France and at Cambridge University in England. He was a delegate to the International Conference on Management for the 21st Century held in Paris, France, representing the American Associations of International Collegiate Schools and Colleges of Business.

In between advising organizations in our community, as well as after retirement, Jack traveled extensively and pursued his passion for skiing and golf. He was a longtime member and Past President of the Sacramento Kandahar Ski Club. Jack was also a member of Del Paso Country Club where you'd often find him causing laughter on the fairways and greens. His organizational and management skills helped Del Paso through its transition to developing their new golf course. He served on many committees and was President of the Del Paso Foundation. Jack also loved attending his grandchildren's' sporting events; rooting them on to victory. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending Sacramento Kings and River Cats games with his family.

Jack was always ready to give a helping hand to those who called upon him, and many did. His legacy and dedication to our community he loved so well will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. Those who knew him will miss his wonderful humor, contagious laughter, and broad smile. He leaves his loving wife of 27 years, Nancy, daughters Stacey Young and Jill Steinberg, son Spencer Bohaty, grandchildren Nicholas and Nathan Young, Jacob (Jake) and Jack Steinberg, sons-in-law Bruce Young and Daniel Steinberg. Jack is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Lou Del Gaudio, his nieces Rachel Luhrsen (James) and Emily Margolis (David).

Rene Mondine

September 1, 1939 - November 26, 2012

Rene was born September 1, 1939 to Helen and Rene Mondine. Rene understood sacrifice. He worked through courage and compassion to help others. He loved and adored his wife Susan J. Mondine, who preceded him in passing. A Sacramento native, Rene spent most of his life in various aspects of golf. He turned pro at 24. He'd won many junior and amateur tournaments including the Sacramento City Amateur. Rene attended PGA Tour qualifying school. Later he was named LPGA Tournament Director. He directed all LPGA tournaments for 3 ½ years, including three LPGA Championships and three Nabisco Dinah Shore Championships. He directed the first LPGA events in Japan, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. Rene won numerous Senior Amateur tournaments, including the Sacramento County Senior Championship. He was named Head Men's Golf Coach at Sacramento State University in 1986. In 1996 he began a women's golf program. He retired in 2004. During his tenure, he was twice named Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. He was talented and dynamic; his passion for teaching became an extension of his success. Humble, yet feisty, Rene will be remembered for his loyalty, his compassion, his generosity and his love. Leukemia took his life, but his spirit lives on through all those he touched.

Paula Eldot

May 8, 1927 - December 20, 2012

Retired CSUS professor Paula Eldot passed away on December 20, 2012 in Sacramento after a brief illness at the age of 85. Born on May 8, 1927, in Brooklyn, NY, she was the only child of Herman Eldot, a jeweler who had served in the Army during WWI, and Bertha Westreich Eldot, who had a long career as an elementary school teacher.

Paula followed in her mother's footsteps by becoming an educator. She received her B.A. Degree from Smith College, graduating with highest honors Phi Beta Kappa. She then earned an M.A. and Ph. D. in history from Yale University, where her level of academic achievement was unusual for women at the time.

She first taught at Hunter College High School, Brooklyn College, City College of NY, and the University of Michigan, Dearborn campus. Moving to Sacramento in 1968, she focused on teaching American and urban history at California State University, Sacramento, for 29 years until her retirement in 1997. During her career she enjoyed participating in professional conferences and doing research around the country. She also enjoyed attending theatrical performances both locally and at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. After retirement she served as a docent for the Crocker Art Museum.

While not one to stand on a soapbox to make her views known, Paula was progressive in her beliefs and donated generously to causes and politicians who helped poor and working-class citizens. She was known for her warm and generous spirit and will be missed by her family and many friends.

Dr. Eldot is survived by several cousins including Dr. Gilbert Westreich (Minneapolis), Susan England (Dallas), Daniel Westreich (Los Angeles), Geraldine Kaplan (NJ), Dr. George Levy (NY), and Melvin Westreich (NJ). Her local family members include her cousin Gerald "Budd" Westreich, his wife Alice, and their children Eric, Barry, and Jules.

Paula has been a longtime member of Congregation B'Nai Israel. Services will be held at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 6200 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, at 12:00 noon on Sunday, December 23. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sacramento Food Bank, River City Food Bank, or Loaves and Fishes.

Michael Wilson

Died December 25, 2012

Dr. Michael Wilson passed away on December 25, 2012, at the age of 68. He was a devoted husband to wife, Marty Wilson, for 30 years, and a loving father to his daughters, Georgia Powers of Vancouver, WA and Sara Wilson of Sacramento. He is survived by his sisters Sharon Hall and Laura Wilson; brothers Larry Wilson, Ned Wilson, David Wilson, John Grover and faithful friend Leland Pemberton. He was preceded in death by his mother Renee Grover, father Howard and brother Johnny. Michael was a dedicated educator, having taught economics for over 20 years at Sacramento State, Northland College, and Seattle University. He was also a skilled craftsman, master model builder and mechanic. He will be deeply missed.