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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Paul Bassham passed away on Aug. 6, 2023.
He was born on Dec. 18, 1929, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to parents Vernon and Lucille.
He formerly lived in Napa, but made Lake County his home for the last 45 years.
Paul joined the Air Force at a young age, but found truck driving to be his career choice.
Paul is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; daughters, Pamela, Peggy and Perrie; sons, Bob and Don; along with 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was so loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Patricia Jean Novotny, 73, passed away on Aug. 4, 2023, after suffering a stroke at her home in Noyo Harbor, California.
Pat was born on Sept. 6, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Stella and Frank Novotny.
She attended Collinwood High School where she was instrumental in welcoming the African American students who were integrating her high school.
After graduation, demonstrating her independent spirit, she traveled through Europe by herself and returned to attend Ohio University where she earned a degree in English.
After teaching three years in Connecticut, she and her life partner Terry Casey, made the decision to move to California where they fulfilled their dream of starting a landscaping business.
They opened Highland Nursery and Landscaping in Clearlake where they happily remained until their retirement. Sadly Terry passed soon after. They had been together for 40 years.
Pat survived the 2015 Valley Fire but lost her house and all her belongings where she lived in Hidden Valley Lake. She was able to escape the fire and stayed with a dear friend until she made the decision to spend winters in Florida and summers in California. In both areas she lived near the water, enjoyed the wildlife and took long walks in the natural environment she loved.
Pat’s two passions were birding and traveling, two activities she often combined. She traveled to Europe, Mexico, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Canada and throughout the United States. She shared many of these trips with friends who meant so much to her.
Pat was a great friend and companion. She was full of laughter, keen insight and a sense of adventure that made these trips memorable.
Pat is survived by her brother, Bill (Gail); two nephews; and their four children. They include David (Kerry) and their sons Benjamin and William, and Matthew and his daughter Petra and son Nicholas.
We will miss her dearly.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Karen Arlene Wright
Nov. 18, 1943 - July 22, 2023
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Saturday July 22, 2023, Karen Arlene Wright passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 79.
She was born in Alameda, California, on Nov. 18, 1943, to William J. and Arlene M. Talkin.
In the 1950s her family moved to Lake County, where she worked for the family business, the Baywood Beach Resort, throughout her high school years.
She attended Upper Lake High School where she met the love of her life, James L. Wright. They went on to get married in 1961 and had three children, Christine, Laura and Daniel.
As a young mother, Karen often worked in the orchards, quite literally "with a baby on her back" as she often took all three children with her.
In the late 1970s, she opened her own plant boutique in Nice, California, where she also taught macrame.
Once the children started school, she worked as a teachers aide at Upper Lake Elementary School for many years.
In the early 1990s, Karen and her daughter, Laura, opened up their own family business, The Wright Look Hair and Nail Salon, where Karen worked as a manicurist.
Karen loved her family dearly. Christmas was her favorite time of year, it was an “all month” event for her. Karen and Jim were well known for their annual Christmas parties.
Karen is survived by her daughters, Christine (Rex) and Laura; son, Daniel (Nancy); her eight grandchildren, Cody, Tyler, Bryan, Miranda, Jared, Rob, Dylan and Hailey; and four great-grandchildren, Josiah, Lennon, Desmond and Rozlyn.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Wright.
A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m.
A celebration of life will follow at Jim and Karen's home in Upper Lake.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.