Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, our beloved patriarch whose life was a testament to resilience, tireless work and profound love for his family and the earth, passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2025, in Kelseyville, California, surrounded by his loving family. He was just 11 days shy of his 98th birthday.

Gonzalo was born on Oct. 8, 1927, to Florentino Rico Mendoza and Nicolasa Ruiz Rodrigues in La Rinconada, Michoacán. 

Gonzalo grew up during a time when the echoes of the Mexican Revolution and the devastating Cristero War were still felt, and when the old systems of Hacendados (wealthy landowners) exploiting peasant and indigenous labor still persisted. As a young boy, Gonzalo and his father worked for one such Hacendado at the Hacienda de Irapeo, caring for sheep and learning the hard lessons of the land.

This lack of opportunity meant he never learned to read or write, yet these barriers never once stopped him from accomplishing all he did in his life. At the heart of his enduring life was his beloved wife, Maria de Jesus Hernandez Cazarez (“Chucha”), with whom he shared an extraordinary and unbreakable bond for 78 years.

In the early 1950s, Gonzalo sought a better future and came to the United States through the Bracero Program. He faced immense challenges being separated from his family and being so far from home, spending days toiling in the fields of the Imperial Valley, Indio, Southern California, and Salinas, harvesting cotton, lettuce, tomatoes and other crops. He endured the exploitation common to the program, spending countless hours using the now-banned, agonizing short-handled hoe.

His great triumph came in 1960. Through Mexico's land redistribution program (ejidos), Gonzalo became an ejidatario (landowner) in Pino Real, Michoacán. He moved his family there and built their home, spending the best years of his life in this quiet mountain village. It was here that he truly flourished, nurturing the land he fought for and raising his large family.

Gonzalo was a masterful farmer, cultivating maize, beans, garbanzos, wheat, squash, onions and avocados. He also harvested sap from the pine trees on his land to sell for use in cleaning, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and other products. As a devoted beekeeper, he managed colonies that produced the most delicious honey. 

Together with his wife, “Chuchita”, they owned and worked the village molino (mill), where every day in the early pre-dawn hours, the women of the village would bring their nixtamal to be turned into masa for their tortillas.

Despite his lack of formal schooling, Gonzalo was a passionate environmentalist and a dedicated civic leader. Serving as the Ejido Commissariat, he fiercely advocated and fought to minimize environmental impacts in Pino Real. He courageously resisted logging projects and the deforestation of his mountain village, driven by a profound desire to conserve the land, trees, and water for generations to come.

Gonzalo was a man of firm convictions and deep emotional reserves. He was known for his stubborn will and a loud, thunderous voice that commanded respect and attention. Growing up in a demanding era where emotions were rarely expressed with words like "I love you," his affection was instead demonstrated through tireless actions and unwavering provision. 

Every ear of corn he grew, every bag of masa he milled, and his land conservation efforts were all a tangible expression of his profound commitment to his family. His hard work was his devotion.

Gonzalo was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Maria de Jesus, and his son, Gonzalo.

His legacy of strength, devotion and hard work lives on through his nine surviving children: Jeronimo, Cruz, Carmelo, Guadalupe, Maria, Martin, Amalia, Rosa Maria and Mario. 

He was the proud grandfather to 33 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Gonzalo Rico Ruiz will be returned to his final resting place next to his wife, Maria de Jesus, in the earth he loved and protected in Pino Real, Michoacán. 

His life story is not just a family history; it is a powerful piece of Mexican and American history, a testament to what one man can achieve through sheer will and an unshakeable dedication to his family.

When John David Portner was a teenager in Ramsey, New Jersey, he spent many cherished weekends and vacations with his family at a cabin along a rambling fishing stream in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. It was there that his father taught John to fly fish and, along the way, to find joy in the beauty of nature.

At Ramsey High School, where he graduated in 1967, John was a solid student and a good athlete — winning the New Jersey state high school wrestling championship in his weight class. Later he graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. 

Yet, John was a teen of the ‘60s and the free-spirited adventure and social rebellion it promised. After a few semesters he decided to leave college and head west.

In 1972 he visited San Francisco, fell in love with the city and decided to make it his home. He found a job driving a taxi for the San Francisco Mass Transit Authority and moved into a small apartment. He found he enjoyed the job and the constant variety of the passengers passing through his cab. The pay was good and in his off-time he began learning to play the guitar, write some music and explore his interest in art. A job that once looked somewhat temporary became a 40-year career.

On vacations, John took trips north into California wine country and was drawn back to the love of nature planted inside him by those long-ago trips to the fishing cabin in the Catskill Mountains. 

Then in 2012, as retirement approached, he discovered Clearlake and purchased a home there. He loved the town and the surrounding mountains as well as his many friends in the community. 

He would live there for the next 13 years, until his death from metastatic skin cancer on Aug, 19, 2025 at a treatment center in Roseville, California.

John loved living in Clearlake, taking part in community activities and civic committees and serving as a substitute teacher in local schools. Inspired by the beauty of Lake County, he created hundreds of landscape paintings. He also wrote many songs and played music with fellow musicians. In 2023 he recorded a CD of original songs for friends and family, on which he played guitar and sang.

John was born in Aurora, Illinois, in 1949, the third of five children of Robert E. Portner and Marjorie (Stolp) Portner. When he was in elementary school, the family moved to Iowa then in 1963 to Ramsey. 

John is survived by three siblings: Christifer F. Portner (Patricia), Allentown, Pennsylvania; Mary C. Hobbs, Franklin, Indiana; and Nancy E. Budai (Doug), Grosse Pointe, Missouri; along with eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a first-born brother, Robert E. Porter, Jr., who died at the age of three.

John was cremated, as per his wishes, and will be laid to rest in a private family burial in Aurora, Illinois at a later time.

Timothy Edward Gonsalves was called home on Sept. 22, 2025, at the age of 68. He passed peacefully at his home in Winters, California, surrounded by his family. 

He was born in Woodland, California, on Oct. 14, 1956, to Rudolph Gonsalves and Margie Gonsalves, who have both preceded him in death. 

Timothy was a motivated man always looking to improve anything he could. Eventually starting Performance Glass in Santa Rosa, California, where he was able to mentor many young people, giving them the tools to have their own successful careers in the glazing industry. 

He was a very active man throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking and even had his pilot’s license. He logged many hours flying his Mooney airplane taking trips alongside his father who was also a pilot. It is his family’s hope that they are flying high together once more and fishing in the most beautiful waterways that the afterlife has to offer. 

Timothy has been preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Randy, Bill and Stormy; his sister, Marie; and his Best Friend, Don Stranathan. 

He leaves behind his three children, Justin Gonsalves, Sheridan Gonsalves and Aimee Gonsalves; his five grandchildren, Bailey, Haydon, Maliya, Garrett and Adelynn; his brother, Mark Gonsalves; his sister, Delorace Falk; his daughter-in-law, Brenda Gonsalves; his son-in-law, John Chavez; as well as countless friends and extended family members. 

A celebration of life is being held at the Saralee Barn at 1996 Linwood Ave., Santa Rosa, on Oct. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. This event is open to all friends and family. 

“The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.”

In Loving Memory:
Patricia Frances Devine Van Horn

Born July 18, 1944, Pat passed into the arms of our Lord on July 2, 2025. 

Patricia (Pat) was born in San Francisco, California to her parents, Patricia (Kelly) Devine and Frank Devine. 

Pat spent her childhood growing up with her brother Larry Passmore who preceded Pat in passing. Pat adored her brother and she hoped to see him again in what lies beyond this world. 

On July 28, 1964, Pat married her husband Raymond Van Horn (Van), with whom she had five sons. Pat was married to Van, until his passing in 2005.

Pat leaves behind her sons, Douglas, Craig, Todd, Eric and Jason Van Horn. She also leaves behind her granddaughters, Kayla, Katelyn, Lexie, Ashley and her grandson Daniel, all of whom she loved dearly. 

Of course, she had a special place in her heart for her great-grandbabies, Dyani, Kaezlee, Scarlett and Jaxyn with whom she delighted in spending precious time.

Pat also held a special place in her heart for her nephew, Larry Jr., with whom she had long talks on the phone and her niece, Kelly, with whom she shared a birthday and many long talks about life’s concerns. 

Pat loved her fur babies and would foster any animal that came along; she treated people the same way, she always saw the good in everyone. 

Pat served people her whole life and literally fed people in need right out of her kitchen. Pat was a hard-working woman and an excellent mother, at times having worked three jobs to make ends meet. 

She had an excellent sense of humor and had many crazy life experiences-material for colorful stories that she would tell during family gatherings. 

She loved Motown and the Blues, she enjoyed going to Reno to spend time at the Nugget where she would watch a show and gamble a bit. 

Pat loved camping and often took the family off to Fort Bragg to escape the summer heat in Lake County. 

The last few days Pat was here, with a knowing and gentle strength, accepting that she would soon be leaving this place, she prepared for her departure. She was met by a dear friend, a local physician, who sat with her and prayed, readying her soul for its next phase of being. 

Larry and Kelly sat with her and talked about times past, as did her dear friends Bobbie, Librada and Anna, each showing their love to a great friend.

She was with family at the time of her passing, the anxiety of her many struggles gone from her face, she is at peace.

Pat’s journey was facilitated by Hospice of Lake County; without them Pat’s journey would have been much more difficult. 

Until we meet again, Mom …  

A celebration of life commencing at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, will be held at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Ray was born in Oakland, California to Emily and Manuel Benevedes, Ray Benevedes was proud of his Portuguese heritage.

When World War II took his eldest brother Elmo, he joined the Marines. He was only 17, but told the enlisting officer he was 18.

After boot camp he boarded a train headed to the front line, but the war was over before he got there. He spent the remainder of his service on a ship as a Merchant Marine, doing a tour of Japan.

Once back home to the San Francisco Bay Area, he met his future wife, Twyla, at a dance. She was a professional model and a beauty queen. He often was asked to model with her. His years of working out with Jack LaLanne had paid off. They married in 1950 and had three children.
 
A favorite memory of his as a 10-year-old-child was seeing Amelia Earhart take off on her around-the-world flight attempt from the Oakland Airport in 1937.
 
Ray was well known in his beloved Lake County, mostly from his years in law enforcement — first with the city police, and then the sheriff's department. 

He continued to climb the ranks until he was elected as sheriff in 1982. He served two terms as sheriff until 1990. During his law enforcement career, Ray also trained at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Originally Ray drove a truck and trailer for Safeway. His route was from Oakland to Crescent City with stops in Lakeport to deliver to the old Safeway store on Main Street across from the Creamery, a coffee shop. After unloading he would cross the street for a cup of coffee; he met many locals that he became life-long friends with. One of those friends convinced him to buy a house next to him sight unseen!  He moved his family from San Leandro to Lakeport in the summer of 1959 to 20 acres of walnuts, with room for horses and other livestock . 

Ray was a man of many talents. In high school he excelled in basketball and track. Later in life his friend talked him into snow skiing and he could water ski as well. After retirement he took up tennis and loved to put so much spin on the ball that the ball would go over the net and bounce back onto his side before his opponent could hit it. He thought that was so funny.

He enjoyed his Model T and drove it in many parades. As the head of the Sheriff’s Posse, Ray always rode in the Stoneyford Rodeo parade. He was also a member of the Senior Horsemen's Association.

He and Twyla loved to RV and travelled many places to square dance. He was a member of the Elks and Rotary.
 
In retirement he loved coffee with his retired cop friends and playing poker. He was a familiar face at all the local casinos.
 
He was lucky to retain his good memory throughout his whole life, and was often asked to speak on the history of Lake County. He had a great sense of humor and was a friend to many.

Ray lived for a short while in Ukiah to be near his grandbabies but Lakeport was always dearest to his heart.

One of his proudest accomplishments was getting the new jail built during his term as sheriff.

Last year he was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Lake County Rodeo Association. He passed away exactly a year later on Rodeo weekend.
 
Ray was pre-deceased by his wife of 70 years, Twyla and their son, Randy. 

He is survived by his brother, Ken of Valley Springs; daughter, Tami (Fred) of Tucson, Arizona; daughter, Stacy (Dana) of Hopland; grandchildren, Ryan ( Colleen) of Bend, Madison of Sacramento, Michelle of Texas; plus five great-grandchildren in Bend and Texas.

A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 11 at Medina's Watering Hole in Scotts Valley at 4 p.m. featuring his favorite cowboy music. Wear your boots or what he often wore, a Hawaiian shirt!

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

Chester Martin "Marty" Hinman
Oct. 23, 1928 – Sept. 3, 2025

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Chester Martin Hinman, lovingly known as “Marty” to all who knew him, passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 3, 2025.

He was born in Alhambra, California, and moved to Upper Lake as a young boy, where he would grow to become a beloved member of the community.

Marty now joins his beautiful wife, Pam, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage. Their love and partnership were a guiding light to all who knew them.

He is survived by his children: Scott Hinman (Irenessa), David Cutts (Pam), Tim Cutts and Susan Peters. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, grandchildren and his first great-grandchild.

Marty proudly served in the United States Navy and later worked as a title officer, retiring after a dedicated career. In his retirement, he continued to enjoy his passions — writing, singing Barbershop harmony and traveling with Pam. Together, they explored the country, attended Barbershop conventions, and created a lifetime of memories with family and friends.

Known for his gentle nature and warm smile that could light up any room, Marty had a gift for helping others see things from a new perspective. His deep love for his family and unwavering commitment to them were the cornerstones of his character.

Marty will be forever missed and never forgotten. We hold his memory close in our hearts, comforted by the knowledge that he is at peace and reunited with the love of his life.

A private service will be held for the family.

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