Obits
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Rico L. Orton was born July 13, 1942. He was 71 when he passed away in his home.
Rico went peacefully in his sleep Friday, May 23, 2014, at 8:30 a.m.
He was the loving husband of Michele for 26 years. He was a devoted and loving father of his six children, including three sons, Richard, Gilbert and Joshua, and his three daughters, Charlotte, Julie and Nancy.
Rico was a proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves nieces and nephews, his father Don and two sisters, Judi and Diane. He will be greatly missed by Aunt Alene and Uncle Dick and loved by many, many friends. Rico will be missed so much!
Now, Sweet Heart, you hurt no more. You are now our angel at home with the Lord and your two children, Leo and Rosalie, your mother Marge, your brother Ken and Vera. We love you always.
A remembrance service will be held at at 6844 Hammond Ave. in Upper Lake on Saturday, June 7, at 1 p.m.
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In loving memory of
Ralph Wyndolyn Braun
May 26, 1932 – June 2, 2014
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Ralph passed away in St. Helena Hospital following a brief illness. He was 82.
Dedicated husband, loving father and wonderful friend to many.
His involvement and donations to his communities are too numerous to mention.
A US Navy veteran, serving on a aircraft carrier during the Korean Conflict, Ralph will be laid to rest in the Pacific Ocean.
Owner of R.W. Braun Lathing and Plastering Co. of Napa for 33 years.
Ralph was born in Topeka, Kansas, to Pete and Dorothy Braun. He was a faithful member of the Napa and Clearlake Catholic churches.
He moved to Lake County in 1994.
Ralph’s survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mary; their children, Debra and Charles Braun, Pamela West-Blohm and son, Thomas West, deceased; four grandchildren, Barbara and Steven Akers, Amber Walker and Chad Miles; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Regina Wallace of Brandon, Ore., and Catherine Applehans of San Diego; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to their local Catholic Church Memorial Fund.
Please sign Ralph’s online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com .

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Gary J. Lopez, 62, was born in Glendale, Calif., on Sept. 2, 1951, and died June 3, 2014, in Lakeport.
Gary grew up in Avenal, Calif., where he acquired the nickname “Red” (For obvious reasons). He was an outstanding athlete and even better friend.
After graduation from Avenal High in 1970 he attended West Hills College. After West Hills Gary moved to Bakersfield and began work in the oil fields. In the mid-1970s he started an overseas stint that would include work in Libya and the North Sea.
At his brother's wedding in 1978 he met Wanda Holson, whom he married in 1982. Their first son Phill was born in 1983, and shortly afterward they moved to Lakeport where Gary started work in the geothermal industry – a career that would last for 30 years. Life in Lakeport two more sons, Matt in 1984 and Tony in 1988.
Gary was a people person. He consciously maintained close relationships with friends over time and distance. He considered them family.
One of the highlights of each year was the PAR Chaser Classic Golf Tournament. For over 30 years he and a large number of friends would get together for golf, story telling, insults and laughter.
A few weeks before his death a large group of close friends came a long way to have their last party with him. He had the time of his life.
As he recently said to his sons: “Stay close, it's up to you. You either do it or you don't.”
Gary did it, and he did it well. His smiling face will be missed by all. Vaya con Dios!
Gary is survived by his wife, Wanda; sons, Phill, Matt and Tony; brother, Mark (Karen); uncle, Dave Lopez; and numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Evelyn and brother Robert.
Services will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport on Saturday, June 7, at 11 a.m.
For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .
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