Obits
Wayne Ernest Halliday
Jan. 22, 1952 — Nov. 18, 2023
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Wayne was born at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, California to Ernest E. and Eleanor M. Halliday.
He passed away Nov. 18, 2023, from heart failure with his wife and favorite cat by his side.
Wayne grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Lake County in the 70s. He worked many jobs including General Motors, Homestake Mine, Airport Auto Brokers and Kendall Jackson Winery before starting his own business doing yard and building maintenance.
He continued to work until the last year or two of his life. He loved his old hot rods and his music, but not as much as his animals that he had adopted from the local shelters throughout the years.
Wayne leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Bonnie; sons, George Aldrich (Mari), Wayne Jr. and Robert; daughter, Leslie Aldrich Lorenson; sisters, Donna Stanley, Carol Preo and Linda Preo; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous cousins.
He also leaves behind his best friend of over 40 years, Doug (Sharon) Sessions and their family.
He will be missed by many but never forgotten. Right now he is probably having a spirited discussion about who is right or wrong, in typical Wayne fashion.
Any services will be announced at a later time.
Please make any donations in Wayne’s memory to the animal shelters wherever you are.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Lester Dale Hoskins Sr.
March 25, 1943 — Nov. 26, 2023
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lester was a husband for 62 years to his amazing wife, Judy.
They had four awesome sons, 12 grandkids and five great-grands. His best friend was his coffee buddy, Al.
Lester believed in living in the moment. He will be forever loved by his family.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
March 25, 1943 — Nov. 26, 2023
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lester was a husband for 62 years to his amazing wife, Judy.
They had four awesome sons, 12 grandkids and five great-grands. His best friend was his coffee buddy, Al.
Lester believed in living in the moment. He will be forever loved by his family.
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. — John Brookes came into this world on Dec. 14, 1930.
The son of Arthur and Barbara Hoare he was always described as a sweet, curious and “impish” child who loved to get into things before his mother had the chance to tell him not to.
His mother reported often that she would admonish him to stay out of the sewing box or other potential hazard only to have him grin up at her and say “Already did!”
Those who knew John know that he never truly lost that curiosity or impishness or his innate sweetness.
John channeled his curiosity into a Ph.D. in biology from USC, the impishness was used to woo his wife of nearly 69 years.
While students at Occidental College, Betty Barnes would meet up with John and another young man before heading into their first class of the day. Even though this young man and Betty were already dating, John boldly asked her out in front of him. Less than a year later, Betty Barnes became Betty Brookes.
The sweetness was there in his ready laugh, his eagerness to share a story and a compliment and the “I Love You”s he freely shared with family and friends.
Together John and Betty raised three children, Steven, Donald and Barbara, first in San Diego County where John achieved full professorship at San Diego State.
Ultimately the family moved to Lake County where he worked in vineyard development and management and while still keeping his toe in academia by teaching at community colleges and serving on the Mendocino Community College Board.
The one constant vocation in John’s life was the U.S. Navy. He was a Sea Scout in his teens, then served in the Korean War in his early 20s. Afterward he remained in the Navy Reserve until he retired with the rank of Captain in 1990 when he was 60 years old.
John was extremely proud of both his Naval service and his doctorate as well as the part he played in the early days of Konocti Winery and vineyard development in both Lake and Napa counties.
He enjoyed travel and did so as often as possible; taking trips with Betty to Alaska, England, New Zealand and more. While he and Betty were raising their kids they spent time making happy memories; sailing, camping, backpacking and snow skiing together.
John was predeceased by his father, Arthur; mother, Barbara; and brother, Haydn.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth (Betty); children, Steven Brookes (Lynn), Don Brookes (Diane), and Barbara O’Rourke (Tom); grandchildren, Jason Brookes (Andrea), Sarah Houchens (Kyle) Johnny Brookes, Erin O’Rourke, Kathleen O’Rourke, Rebecca Brookes, Ronan O’Rourke and Blair Smith (Jonathan); great-grandsons, Malakye, Kallias, Taylor and Koa.
In addition, he will be greatly missed by his dear friend and care provider, Carmen Gallegos, and while not biologically his brothers, his friendships with Harry Lyons and Bill Pease made them a part of his family as well.
A celebration of life for John will be held at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, 5340 Third St., on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. The Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County will provide military honors.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
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