Obits
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Ray was born on Sept. 6, 1934, in San Francisco to Swedish parents Roy Uno and Edit Tisell.
Ray passed away suddenly in Lakeport, California, on Jan. 17, 2024.
In 1946, Ray’s family moved to Nice, building a mini “resort” of three cabins on the lake.
Ray attended Upper Lake High School and then went on to graduate from Mission High School in San Francisco. Ray’s father was a longshoreman and as work picked up on the waterfront, they spent time in both places.
While living in Lake County, he hunted and had a trap line in the hills behind Nice, but his main passion was learning how things worked, a trait that followed him throughout his life. While in high school he and his buddy Orin were always on the lookout for old or abandoned cars they could take apart and rebuild.
Ray worked many jobs as a young man. Though underaged at 15 ½ , he hired on with a convict crew to fight a massive ongoing fire behind Nice. He bought his first car (a Nash Ambassador) with his earnings.
In the Bay Area, he drove a poultry delivery truck delivering fresh chickens to San Francisco restaurants. He worked at the Pacific Railroad Co. on Market Street where he developed a love for skiing through company snow trips.
He was hired as a seaman on a Swedish ship. Sailing took him to Europe where he bought a motorcycle and took time exploring Scandinavia, visited family and learned Swedish. Once returning to San Francisco, he continued sailing as a merchant marine while studying for his marine engineers license.
Ray bought his first walnut orchard in Kelseyville at the age of 22. Walnuts became an ever-growing part of his life, and harvest season a family centered event.
In 1960, he married his first wife, Berit Eriksen. Rather than being out at sea while raising a family, Ray began his career in construction. He became a carpenter, a contractor and then a spec home builder. They lived in homes Ray built in Daly City with their children Diana and Steve. They were very socially active in the Scandinavian community.
Then in 1989, he married his second wife of 35 years, Irene Willumsen. They started a family and lived in the home Ray built in Hillsborough. Ray and Irene had three children, Leif, Ingrid and Lars.
Ray had two brothers, Roy and Nils. Throughout their lives, summering in Lake County was a given to the Tisell brothers and their families. They made their own water skis, and spent weekends skiing and boating — before it was a popular sport! In the fall the family gathered for walnut harvest.
Early in 2001, Ray came across a property that caught his eye whose history he knew. Plans developed and Ray, Irene and their children made the move to Lake County.
Ray was a multi-faceted man with many talents and interests: water and snow skiing, painting, photography, music, landscaping, absorbing information (reading). He was an entrepreneur with an inquisitive mind and was always learning — as he always said, “You learn something new on every job.”
He had working man’s hands but could do precision work. You name it, he could do it.
He had an uncanny perception of people and a soft spot for animals. Ray loved and was loved. He will be fondly remembered for his practical outlook and experience, many stories and sage advice. Ray was truly a one-of-a-kind person who will be sorely missed.
Ray is survived by his wife, Irene; children, Diana, Steve, Leif, Ingrid and Lars; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m., to be followed by a luncheon.
Bring a memory of Ray to share!
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Javier Batres, 82, of Lakeport passed away on April 16, 2024.
He was born on April 9, 1942, in Zacatecas, Mexico.
He leaves behind four daughters and two sons. He was a great dad.
Javier also is survived by five granddaughters, five grandsons and three great-granddaughters.
The viewing will be held at Chapel of the Lakes, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport on May 2, from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the rosary at 6 p.m.
The mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lakeport on May 3, at noon.
After mass he will be escorted to St. Mary's Cemetery on Highway 175.
Chapel of the Lakes is assisting with the funeral arrangements.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Herb Colt, a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and pillar of his community, passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 87 years old, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, service and kindness.
Born on March 5, 1937, Herb devoted his life to enriching the minds of countless students as a devoted math and science teacher for many years. He also taught art and many other subjects as needed.
He first taught at Livermore High School where he taught for five years. He then taught at Hopland High School for five years before coming to teach at Kelseyville High School where he taught for over 40 years. He also taught at Mendocino Community College for 25 years.
His passion for education went beyond just academics; he also taught the values of perseverance, integrity, and curiosity. He taught with compassion and humor, always encouraging his students to work hard and do their best.
As a track and cross country coach, Herb inspired his athletes to reach for greatness, instilling in them the values of hard work, determination, and sportsmanship.
When not in the classroom, Herb could be found at the Kelseyville Fire District as a volunteer firefighter and EMT during the school year and an employee during the summer for 44 years. He later served as a fire chaplain for a short while. Herb’s commitment to helping others extended to teaching CPR, empowering countless individuals with life-saving skills and knowledge.
In addition to his professional and volunteer endeavors, Herb served faithfully in various leadership roles within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as a bishop. His unwavering faith, compassion and dedication to serving others were a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew him.
Herb’s memory will forever be cherished by his loving family, friends, generations of students, and community members whose lives he touched with his kindness, generosity and leadership.
A celebration of Herb’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 600 16th St. in Lakeport. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with light refreshments to follow.
While Herb may have left this earthly journey, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.
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