LAKEPORT, Calif. – A memorial celebration in honor of Leszek Forczek will take place on Wednesday, July 3.

The service will begin at 1 p.m. at Lakeport Community Church, 3500 Park Way (Hill Road and Park Street exit off of Highway 29).

All are welcome.

There will be an exhibition of his "Illuminism" paintings and other memories in the Fellowship Hall.

Meet both old and new friends (from near and far) while enjoying fine food and listening to good music.

Kindly R.S.V.P. (so we can plan the refreshments) to Casse Waldman Forczek at 707-349-4042 (call or text) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The family is holding a fundraiser to support his memorial costs, which can be found here.

Details

Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 09 June 2019

Benito Martinez Villalobos
July 11, 1938 to June 4, 2019

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Benito was born in La Estancia Zacatecas, Mexico, on July 11, 1938, to Refugio and Victoria, the third of four children. He grew up in Zacatecas and moved to the U.S when he was 19.

Benito passed on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at his home in Kelseyville.

Benito married Nicolasa in 1960. They moved to California in 1974 where Benito was a farm labor worker in the vineyards. He was loved by many and was a well-respected man throughout the community.

Benito and Nicolasa had eight children before moving their family to Kelseyville in 1977. They had another child in 1979, for a total of nine. They were immediately embraced by a group of amazing Kelseyville locals. The friendships that started then endured through all the years of his life. Benito helped the community at Saint Peter's and St Mary’s churches for years.

Benito was recognized as the Campesino Worker of the year on Nov. 2, 2008. The award was given to Benito at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts because of his hard work. He loved and enjoyed being a farm labor worker retiring in 2009 after 55 years.

Benito leaves behind his beloved wife, Nicolasa; son, Jesús, with grandchildren, Erik, Adan and Steven; daughter, Celia, with grandchildren, Maria, Jose, Hipolito Jr., Victor and Alma; daughter, Rosa, with grandchildren, Rosalia, Sallie and Salvador III; son, Roberto, with grandchildren, Brittany, Monica, Christian and Annabeth; son, Luis, with grandchildren, Sebastian, Adrian and Kasandra; daughter, Cecelia, with grandson, Samuel Jr.; son, Mario, with grandchildren, Preston and Zachary; daughter, Marta, with grandchildren, Jessica and Israel Jr.; son, Ricardo, with granddaughter, Autumn; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Monday, June 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 11, at 11 a.m. followed by his holy eternal rest at Kelseyville Cemetery.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

Details

Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 08 June 2019

LUCERNE, Calif. – Our big brother Michael George Hart passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Lucerne at the age of 73.

Michael will be lovingly remembered by his brothers Stephen (Barbara) and Daniel (Luana). He will also be fondly remembered by his six nieces and nephews, Alicia (Niloy) Chatterjee, Nathan (Nichole) Hart, Emily (Chris) Hornsby, David Hart, Damon Hart, Shane (Kathryn) Ross and all of their children, Preston, Kaylee, Gabrielle, Julia, Andrew, Clayton, Justice, Hallie and Kaia.

Michael was born April 2, 1946, in California to Dr. Winfield and Dorothy Hart. He lived most of his life in Sacramento where he attended Sacramento High School and then Sacramento City College.

He was always very athletic throughout his life, participating in many sports and activities like football, baseball, boxing, golf, swimming, whitewater rafting, snow skiing, and his passion for bike riding.

Michael had a great love of the outdoors and while in high school he earned the rank of an Eagle Scout. That passion of helping others and being in the outdoors transferred over to his many diverse occupations.

He worked as a fireman for the Arden Fire Department, he was a whitewater rafting guide on the American River, he was a member of the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol, a prospector, a taxi cab driver and dispatcher, and a bartender.

Michael's last 15 years of his life were spent in Lucerne. He loved the Clear Lake area, the people, and especially his family of friends at the Boathouse.

Throughout Michael's life his greatest love was his dogs. Michael was a devoted animal lover and could never pass up an animal in need.

Michael's celebration of life service will be private. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Michael to the SPCA of Lake County, 8025 Highway 29, Kelseyville, CA 95451 or any SPCA of your choice.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

Details

Written by: Elizabeth Larson

Published: 08 June 2019