Michael John Greene,
Deputy Coroner (ret)
1939-2011
Secretary, NCPOA
December 22, 2011
Mike passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 2011 at the age of 72 after a brief illness. He was born in Utica, New York (1939) and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He came to California via service in the Air Force in 1961. After his service he was employed by McDonnell Douglas, until its closing. He then joined the Sacramento County Coroner's office retiring as Senior Investigator with 23 years of service. After his retirement he worked part time for the IRS and State Board of Equalization. He became involved with several law enforcement organizations throughout the area keeping in touch with many he admired throughout his career at the Coroner's office. He belonged to Roseville Elks, Carmichael SIRS, SVPOA, and 711 Club and served as both past president, officer and secretary for NCPOA which he was very proud. Preceded in death by his father Lawrence Greene and mother Nora (McCormack) Greene both from Ireland. Survived by his wife of 47 years Dottie (Dorothea Walker), son Michael of Harrisburg, PA, daughter Tracey (Keith) Raynor of Katy, Texas, daughter Kerry (Jason) Davis of Citrus Heights, grandchildren Nicholas Greene, Talia and Reagan Raynor, Mia and Zachary Davis; brother-in-law Richard (Mary) Walker, Robert (Suzanne) Walker and sister-in-law Robin (Lonnie) and many nieces and nephews; cousins Jack (Natalie) son John McCormack and Jim (Jane) McCormack. At his request no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or NCPOA Scholarship Foundation (ncpoa.net) in his name. The family will have a celebration of life at a future date. Our family thanks Mercy hospice for their caring help.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 29, 2011
.In Memorium IV
C. STANLEY GILLIAM
LIFE MEMBER NCPOA
SACRAMENTO BEE
Stan died December 18, 2011, at the age of 87, in Carmichael, California.
Stan was born in Sacramento to Flora (GG) Rippon Gilliam and Charles Bilby Gilliam on April 29, 1924, and descended from Sacramento/Franklin pioneering families Rippon, Kuechler, Gilliam, Woodard and Bilby. On July 29, 1950, Stan married Joan (pronounced Joanne) Cecilia Jonen. They remained happily married for 57 years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan in January 2008. The couple had three children and six grandchildren.
Prior to his retirement from the Bee in 1989, Stan penned the daily column 'Stan's Sacramento' for 11 years. For the preceding 12 years, he entertained and educated Sacramento's restaurant goers with his weekly column 'Eating Out.' In all, Stan was with the Bee for 28 years, starting out as a part-time copy editor.
The newspaper business was Stan's second career, the first being teaching. He spent 17 years in education, first at Grant Union High School/Grant Technical College and then at Sacramento High School, where he touched many lives. He also spent 20 years as a seasonal timekeeper and night office manager at Del Monte Corporation in Sacramento.
Not wishing to languish in retirement, he continued writing 'Stan's Sacramento' for the weekly Senior Spectrum until his final column in 2007.
Stan attended David Lubin Grammar School and Kit Carson Jr. High School. He attended Christian Brothers High school, graduating in 1941. He then matriculated at Saint Mary's College of California where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In the mid-1950s he was conferred a Masters Degree in English/Journalism from California State University, Sacramento (then known as Sacramento State College).
Stan held distinguished service awards from Saint Mary's College and California State University, Sacramento, and was recognized as Alumni of the Year at both Saint Mary's College and Christian Brothers High School in 2003.
Stan was a 66-year member of Elks Lodges No. 6 in Sacramento and No. 2103 in Carmichael. He was also an honorary life member of the Northern California Peace Officers Association and the alumni associations of Christian Brothers High School, Saint Mary's College, CSUS and Grant Union High School. Over the years, Stan was active in numerous clubs and organizations and up until his death still attended gatherings as late as October of 2011.
Stan is survived by sons John Anthony (Tony) of Challis, Idaho (spouse, Gynivell) and Stuart Charles of Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa County (spouse Rhonda Hughes), daughter Ann Dolora (Anndee) of Laramie, Wyoming (spouse Nicholas Zakis); and six grandchildren: Patrick Banks, Rose Banks, Jonathan Gilliam, Michael Gilliam, Amanda Gilliam and Timothy Gilliam.
The family requests no flowers. Any remembrances may be sent to The Stan Gilliam Journalism Endowment Fund at Saint Mary's College of California, Moraga, CA 94575; Sacramento Food Bank, 3333 3rd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817; or the memorial funds of Christian Brothers High School, 4315 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Sacramento 95820.
The family wishes to acknowledge Stan's caregiver and good friend, Doreen (Rina) Muzzi, who provided assistance to Stan subsequent to the death of his wife, Joan. Her assistance allowed him to maintain his vibrant involvement in the community he so loved.
Published in The Sacramento Bee from December 30 to December 31, 2011
Parker, Van R. Col. USAF (ret)
Life Member NCPOA
December 11, 1915-April 25, 2010 in Carmichael, Ca.
Colonel Van R. Parker passed away peacefully at his Carmichael home on April 25, 2010 at the age of 94. He was a decorated combat pilot with over 1,000 hours of flight time in missions from WWII to Korea and Viet Nam. He held numerous medals and commendations but said one of his greatest moments was leading the Show of Force fly over of Tokyo Bay following the signing of the surrender aboard the USS Missouri. He was a past wing commander of the 320th B52 Bomber Wing at Mather AFB. He is the author of his book on WWII "Dear Folks" and was given mention in Tom Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation." He is survived by his wife, Naomi French Parker.
