Obits
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Sept. 5, 2017, Larry Mark Simon passed peacefully in his sleep in Deer Park (St. Helena).
He was born on Nov. 19, 1951, in Deer Park to Luke and Dorothy Simon. He was the younger brother of Marcel Simon (predeceased).
Larry was a tribal elder of the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California, also known as the Lake Miwok Nation. He was Lake Miwok and Wintun, and served his tribe as a tribal chairman and had the foresight to create the Twin Pine Casino for the betterment of his people.
He also served on the first Middletown Rancheria Business Council, to develop the second phase of the Twin Pine Casino, as well as negotiated gaming contracts. He created the first Elder Gathering at Middletown Rancheria and personally invited neighboring tribal elders to attend.
He was an entrepreneur with native products in California and throughout the United States, with the origination of his business, Two Feather. Before he served his tribe, the Middletown Rancheria, Larry was a heavy equipment operator for 30 years.
For several years he served as a mentor in guidance for members of the tribal council. In recent years, he served as a member of the Tribal Elder Committee for the Tribal Historic Preservation Department and provided integral insight into the history of the ancestral lands of the Lake Miwok.
He was very knowledgeable of the land, history, culture and people, and although he loved to hunt he also provided for his family when food was scarce. He was a traditional spear-fisher and excellent hunter.
He enjoyed challenging others to grow, visiting friends and family throughout California, sharing his stories of old times, he loved to watch football and westerns, spending time with family, coming up with new ideas for business ventures for himself and others, trap shooting and gambling.
Larry was a father, grandfather, uncle and cousin and a friend to many.
He is survived by daughter, Leslie Keenan; son Jeffery Keenan; granddaughter, Autumn Keenan; grandson, Jaid Keenan; grandson, Revel Keenan; nephew, Landon Simon; niece, Ericka Gartner; cousins, Jose Simon Jr., Mildred Simon and Robert Simon.
He was preceded in death by father Luke Simon; mother, Dorothy Simon; brother, Marcel Simon; and sister, Esther Silvas.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Joe A. Rodriguez died on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at the age of 68 in Clearlake.
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- Written by: Editor
Dexter Allen Serpa Sr.
April 4, 1945 - Aug. 29, 2017
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Dexter Allen Serpa Sr., known as Big Dex and Senior, passed away peacefully in his Clearlake home on Aug. 29, 2017.
Born in Cloverdale, Calif., to Manuel and Ora Serpa, he graduated from Lower Lake High School in 1964.
In 1969, he met his wife, Darlene Serpa, in Lake County, where they soon wed and had two children.
Father to Dexter Serpa Jr. and Deana Clausen, he built a life in Lake County centered on his family.
While a longtime resident of Clearlake, Dexter Sr. will most be remembered for his love of cars, racing and family.
As a self-taught mechanic, he owned and operated two auto shops, including D&D’s Foreign Automotive and Dexter’s Auto Barn in Clearlake.
He spent decades leading the crew of his son’s number 97 racing team at Lakeport Speedway and at tracks across the West Coast.
Dexter is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Ora. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Darlene Serpa; sister, Roberta (Marvin) Cavallero; son, Dexter (Tammy) Serpa Jr; daughter, Deana (Craig) Clausen; and grandchildren, Bailey Serpa, Madison Serpa and Hunter Clausen; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Dexter will be laid to rest at Lower Lake Cemetery. Please join us for a graveside memorial service to honor his life and memory on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take the time to enjoy an event at your closest small town race track or make a donation to a local race team.
“Racing IS Life. Anything before or after is just waiting.” ~ Steve McQueen
Arrangements are under the care of Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
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- Written by: Editor
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