Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Richard Stephen Altman was born on Oct. 27, 1942, in San Francisco to Ethel and Lee Altman.
He passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025, at Lakeport Post Acute after a long battle with cancer.
Richard was married to Linda Claire Jacobs for almost 44 years. While they had no children together, he is survived by his son, David Israel and his wife, Barbara (from a previous marriage) along with a grandson, Jacob Hal; and his brother, Barry Altman and his wife, Linda.
Richard shared a strong bond with Brian and Kimberlie Austin, his wife's son and daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Zachary and Lauren, whom he considered family as well.
His kindness, wisdom and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness will not be forgotten.
Richard started playing the accordion at a young age. This became a passion his entire life.
While in his late teens he started playing the piano and organ. After high-school he earned a bachelors and master’s degree in music from San Francisco State University. For several years he taught music in San Francisco’s public schools. While in college, he worked at the Sinaloa Cantina, playing the accordion, in San Francisco’s famed North Beach area.
A few years after moving to Clearlake in north central California, he started Beit Chavurah Synagogue in Lake County. As a lay Rabbi, Richard held regular services for the local Jewish community for more than 30 years. For over 50 years his music was heard in numerous Jewish services and weddings and well over a dozen synagogues in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Richard had a deep compassion for animals, especially those in need of a second chance. Over the years he welcomed numerous cats, dogs and birds into his home, providing them with love, care and a forever home, ensuring they knew comfort and companionship.
Funeral service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N High St., Lakeport, on Tuesday, March 4, at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Hartley Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Jewish National Fund by planting a tree in Richard’s honor. Contact the organization online or call 800-542-8733.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Mel Louis Goos lost his 22 year battle with Parkinson’s on Feb. 19, 2025.
Born in Denver, Colorado on July 29, 1946, to Louis and Katherine Goos, the second oldest of four kids. He graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1965, joined the Air Force the same year and served in Thailand as a jet mechanic.
Mel moved to Redwood City in 1969 where he met Lynn and they married in 1971. They had two girls, Teri and Lori.
Mel was an airline mechanic at TWA for 15 years, then moved on to work on the Bradley tanks as a mechanic for FMC for 15 years. He was a talented wood worker and mechanic. There wasn’t anything that he couldn't build, fix, create or modify, usually without a plan or instructions. He was very funny, witty and always had a good story to tell.
Mel is predeceased by his parents and oldest brother, Don. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Lynn; daughters, Teri (Dominque) Monbureau and Lori (Miles) Blair; his only beloved granddaughter, Danielle; brother, Bob; sister, Karen (Ernie); many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed dearly.
It’s break time now, Dad, until we meet again. Rest easy, fly high with the eagles. You are now pain free.
Memorial service will be held at United Christian Parish, 745 N. Brush St. in Lakeport on Thursday, March 6, at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Frank Houston
July 26, 1944 – Jan. 1, 2025
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Frank Houston, a longtime resident of Kelseyville and Lakeport, unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 1, 2025.
Born Francisco Mendez on July 26, 1944, he took the Houston surname from his stepfather, Glen Houston, when his mother remarried when Frank was just 2 years old.
Frank is survived by his three children, Frank Houston Jr. of South San Francisco, Dawne Camilleri of Granite Bay and Tim Houston of Los Altos, as well as six beloved grandchildren.
In 1978, Frank made the surprising decision to move his family to Kelseyville to take over as the owner and operator of Lake County Welders Supply.
With no prior experience in business or the welding industry, he built the company through determination, hard work and a knack for making lifelong friends.
He ran the business for over 28 years, steadfastly refusing to use a computer and continuing to send out handwritten invoices and bills until the day he retired.
Following his retirement, and prior to COVID, Frank found a new passion in his faith through his involvement with the Gideons. He became deeply committed to spreading their message,
sharing his faith at every opportunity.
Frank will be deeply missed but never forgotten — he was a true fixture in Lake County.
A service to honor Frank’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Grace Church, located at 6716 Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
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