In memoriam
We honor the lives of these men and thank them wholeheartedly for the advice, wisdom and encouragement they offered to their fellow participants in the Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Gregg Blandin, 1957 – 2023
William Chancellor, 1931 – 2017
Marcus E. Clark, 1934–2021
Charles K. Davis, 1944 – 2016
Johannes (Joseph) DeVries, 1936 – 2013
Peter Deane Hackett, 1959 – 2020
Elliot Harris, July 18, 1941 – February 4, 2011
George W. Hinkle, 1921 – 2016
Harold Honeyfield, 1930 – 2023
E. Lafe Kincaid, 1933 – 2018
Duncan A. McMartin, 1932 – 2017
Edward Lawrence "Larry" Parker, 1925 – 2018
Wendell Ashley Payne, 1935 – 2017
Clint Reynolds, died March 23, 2013
Ernie Roberts, died October 24, 2015
Karl Ronning, 1959 – 2020
Charles E. Tarleton, died January 11, 2022
Wayne Welsch, 1945 – 2015
Al Wilson, died in January 2015
John H. Wren, 1922 – 2016
Click linked names to read details below.
We honor the lives of these men and thank them wholeheartedly for the advice, wisdom and encouragement they offered to their fellow participants in the Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Gregg Blandin, 1957 – 2023
William Chancellor, 1931 – 2017
Marcus E. Clark, 1934–2021
Charles K. Davis, 1944 – 2016
Johannes (Joseph) DeVries, 1936 – 2013
Peter Deane Hackett, 1959 – 2020
Elliot Harris, July 18, 1941 – February 4, 2011
George W. Hinkle, 1921 – 2016
Harold Honeyfield, 1930 – 2023
E. Lafe Kincaid, 1933 – 2018
Duncan A. McMartin, 1932 – 2017
Edward Lawrence "Larry" Parker, 1925 – 2018
Wendell Ashley Payne, 1935 – 2017
Clint Reynolds, died March 23, 2013
Ernie Roberts, died October 24, 2015
Karl Ronning, 1959 – 2020
Charles E. Tarleton, died January 11, 2022
Wayne Welsch, 1945 – 2015
Al Wilson, died in January 2015
John H. Wren, 1922 – 2016
Click linked names to read details below.
Gregg S. Blandin
1957 – 2023
Gregg Stevenson Blandin, a medical imaging equipment technician who became a mentor to many of his fellow participants in the Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group, died at age 65 on April 23, 2023, after battling aggressive prostate cancer for six years. He was a gifted engineer and entrepreneur who founded and cofounded several successful companies. He also designed and built high-precision telescope platforms, fueled by his passion for astronomy.
Born on October 25, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut, Gregg enlisted in 1975 in the U.S. Navy, with which he served for six years. He and his wife Annette (née Gutfeldt), whom he had met while she was visiting relatives in Berkeley, were married in 1988, in Bern, Switzerland. The couple, who lived in Winters, had two children, Krista and Stefan. Gregg's family also includes his children-in-law, Joseph Bouton and Shahlo Blandin Teshaeva, and his granddaughter, Nyomi.
In his published obituary, his family wrote, “A man of exceptional integrity, he did not believe in cutting corners in any of his projects. With his intelligence, humor and conversation, he touched the lives of everyone he talked to, from close friends to complete strangers. He will be so missed.”
1957 – 2023
Gregg Stevenson Blandin, a medical imaging equipment technician who became a mentor to many of his fellow participants in the Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group, died at age 65 on April 23, 2023, after battling aggressive prostate cancer for six years. He was a gifted engineer and entrepreneur who founded and cofounded several successful companies. He also designed and built high-precision telescope platforms, fueled by his passion for astronomy.
Born on October 25, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut, Gregg enlisted in 1975 in the U.S. Navy, with which he served for six years. He and his wife Annette (née Gutfeldt), whom he had met while she was visiting relatives in Berkeley, were married in 1988, in Bern, Switzerland. The couple, who lived in Winters, had two children, Krista and Stefan. Gregg's family also includes his children-in-law, Joseph Bouton and Shahlo Blandin Teshaeva, and his granddaughter, Nyomi.
In his published obituary, his family wrote, “A man of exceptional integrity, he did not believe in cutting corners in any of his projects. With his intelligence, humor and conversation, he touched the lives of everyone he talked to, from close friends to complete strangers. He will be so missed.”
William J. Chancellor
1931 – 2017
Our friend and fellow support group member William Chancellor died February 16, 2017, at age 85. Bill was a longtime prostate cancer survivor who persevered by means of various treatments for about 25 years following his diagnosis. As the Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group programs coordinator for several years, Bill recruited and scheduled numerous speakers, and moderated lively and informative discussions.
He was a professor emeritus in the UC Davis Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, in which he established a distinguished academic career. Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced, but any information about that will be posted here.
Bill was born August 25, 1931, in Alexandria, Virginia, and during his youth lived on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, which inspired his interest in developing ways to ease laborious burdens for farmers and improve the efficiency of agricultural production. He earned dual B.S. degrees in agriculture and mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1954, a master’s degree in agricultural engineering from Cornell University in 1956, and a Ph.D. with an emphasis in agricultural engineering from Cornell University in 1957, the year in which he joined the UC Davis faculty. He held several patents in agricultural production techniques, and received numerous awards for distinguished service and contributions to the academic literature in agricultural engineering. His distinctions include election in 2005 to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the four National Academies.
Following is the announcement that Bryan M. Jenkins, chair of the UC Davis Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, distributed to faculty members (thanks to Mike McCarthy for passing this along):
“Bill Chancellor joined the department in 1957 and he worked and taught on topics relating to soil mechanics, soil-machine relations, vehicle stability and traction, forage harvesting and handling, rice production and processing, economic optimization of farm equipment use, agricultural technology for developing nations, energy relations in agricultural production, and many others. He was a global authority on smallholder farm mechanization. Following on his early interests in information theory, he was one of the first to recognize the interconnection and substitutability of information and energy in developing more advanced, efficient and sustainable food production systems. With an encyclopedic knowledge of everything in the agricultural engineering field, and many other fields as well, he was also the author of a pioneering searchable database of articles and other information that earned him a Presidential Citation from the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE, now ASABE) in 1996.
“He held a deep concern for the needs and welfare of his students who have continued his work and influence around the world. Few would have realized when Bill retired in 1994 after 37 years with the University. He remained a notable presence in the department and on campus and if approached for advice or assistance, selflessly provided the benefit of his experience, insight, and wisdom. He was the recipient of numerous awards serving as testament to the wide recognition and significance of his work, including election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2005. In honor of his great service to the campus, he was recently informed he would be presented with the UC Davis Medal. Bill was a brilliant scholar, teacher, and mentor. His passing is a great loss for the department and the University. My condolences to his wife and daughter and the rest of his family and friends who have been steadfast in their support. Bill will be well remembered.”
Marcus E. Clark
1934–2021
Marcus Elwood Clark, a longtime participant in the Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group, died at age 86 on June 27, 2021. The son of George and Erma Clark, Marcus was born Nov. 4, 1934, in a tiny hospital above Potter’s Drug Store in Gothenburg, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska, where he majored in agricultural economics and international development.
He began his career as a county extension agent west of Lincoln in Seward County, Nebraska, where he met his first wife, Jo Ann Ahl. While helping to raise the couple's four children, Marcus earned two master’s degrees. He subsequently worked for the U.S. government exporting peaches in Uruguay, taught at the University of the Pacific and then worked for the state of California.
In 1982, Marcus married Margot Zehr. He loved listening to the Metropolitan Opera and singing tenor with the church choir. His interests included politics, reading, watching the PBS News Hour, bicycling and traveling, but his favorite activity was sailing in his sailboat, the “Ladd C.” — named in honor of his youngest son, who predeceased Marcus.
He is survived by his wife, Margot Franke-Clark; children Van Clark of Grass Valley, Brian Clark of Cathlamet, Washington, and Andrea Krause of Woodland; and grandchildren Jonathan and Natalie Guzman, Jessie Boom, Chantae and Scott Clark, and Robert and Jonathan Krause. His family welcomes memorials to Habitat for Humanity in tribute to Marcus.
Charles Kenneth Davis
1944 – 2016
Charles Kenneth Davis died at age 71 on September 5, 2016, after putting up a strong resistance against cancer. Charles, who had lived in Davis for 42 years, was born in Albuquerque, N.M., on November 24, 1944, to Odessa Smith Davis and Theodore Davis. In 1968 he was married to Vicki King Davis.
He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in the Albuquerque, Roswell and Santa Fe offices, serving in the New Mexico National Guard during this time. In 1974, Charles moved to the Davis office of SCS as a design engineer.
Charles remained in Davis becoming the USDA NRCS (formerly SCS) State Conservation Engineer. He was a registered Professional Engineer and was honored as Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1998. Charles retired in 2009 after 41 years of service.
Charles was a member of St. James Catholic Church, where he was a lector at mass until he became ill. He and Vicki led the parish marriage-preparation program, working with many engaged couples over the years. Charles was a third-degree black belt in the martial art of Tang Soo Do and was an instructor at Davis Arts Center for many years. He was a car enthusiast and had a special love for Nissan Z's. He loved being with his family, music, the ocean, good food, and following the Cowboys and Giants.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Theodore Jr. and Jonathan, and his sister Marian. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Vicki; sons Christopher and Michael (Cassandra); grandchildren Devin and Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. All who knew him will miss the welcoming smile of a good and gentle man.
1944 – 2016
Charles Kenneth Davis died at age 71 on September 5, 2016, after putting up a strong resistance against cancer. Charles, who had lived in Davis for 42 years, was born in Albuquerque, N.M., on November 24, 1944, to Odessa Smith Davis and Theodore Davis. In 1968 he was married to Vicki King Davis.
He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in the Albuquerque, Roswell and Santa Fe offices, serving in the New Mexico National Guard during this time. In 1974, Charles moved to the Davis office of SCS as a design engineer.
Charles remained in Davis becoming the USDA NRCS (formerly SCS) State Conservation Engineer. He was a registered Professional Engineer and was honored as Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1998. Charles retired in 2009 after 41 years of service.
Charles was a member of St. James Catholic Church, where he was a lector at mass until he became ill. He and Vicki led the parish marriage-preparation program, working with many engaged couples over the years. Charles was a third-degree black belt in the martial art of Tang Soo Do and was an instructor at Davis Arts Center for many years. He was a car enthusiast and had a special love for Nissan Z's. He loved being with his family, music, the ocean, good food, and following the Cowboys and Giants.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Theodore Jr. and Jonathan, and his sister Marian. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Vicki; sons Christopher and Michael (Cassandra); grandchildren Devin and Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. All who knew him will miss the welcoming smile of a good and gentle man.
Johannes Joost (Joe) DeVries
1936 – 2013
Johannes (Joe) DeVries, a hydraulic engineer who worked for state and federal agencies and taught at UC Davis, died at home in Davis on December 8, 2013, after a 17-year battle with prostate cancer. Born in 1936 in Chicago to George and Georgia DeVries, he, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from both Calvin College and the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan. He began working for the California Department of Water Resources Aqueduct Design Branch in 1961. Seven years later Joe married Donna Hefner from Woodland, and the couple had two children: Jeffrey S. DeVries of New York City and Doney L. DeVries Biggs (Mark) of Woodland. Joe had two grandchildren: Ellora and Carson Biggs.
His engineering career spanned 50 years in the fields of hydraulic engineering, irrigation system analysis and hydrology. He was a registered civil engineer in California, a registered professional hydrologist with the American Institute of Hydrology and a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He began working at UC Davis in 1972 and served as a research engineer, engineer-in-charge of the J. Amorocho Hydraulics Laboratory, northern regional coordinator and associate director of the Water Resources Center and lecturer in the departments of civil and environmental engineering and land, air and water resources. He received a Ph.D. from UC Davis in 1978.From 1978 to 1981, he also had an engineering appointment with the federal Hydrologic Engineering Center in Davis. He retired from UC Davis in 1993 and became a consulting engineer working with various firms, state, federal and international agencies. From 2001 through 2012 he held the position of principal engineer with David Ford Consulting Engineers Inc. in Sacramento.
His consulting work included projects for the United Nations, the World Bank, the state of Gujarat in India; computer model applications in Japan and Canada; improvement of flood forecasting with the World Meteorological Organization, a U.S. AID irrigation project in Morocco and co-teaching a class in Taiwan. He assisted federal, county and city governmental agencies with training, review of hydrologic models, studies and floodplain analysis.
He received an award for Excellence in Teaching and Outstanding Service from UC Davis University Extension and an award from the California Extreme Precipitation Symposium in recognition of his “lifetime of service as a teacher, adviser and mentor to colleagues who work to minimize the adverse impacts of extreme precipitation in California.”
Joe had a real passion for the outdoors, and in his 20s was an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber. He had a lifelong love of music, and in the 1960s was a member of a folksinging group. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends with his guitar and singing. He also sang in church choirs and with the Davis International House choir. He was a member of the Sierra Club for more than 50 years.
Joe was an active member of Living Stones Christian Reformed Church in Sacramento and loved singing with the Praise Team. He is also survived by sisters Marie Van Antwerpen (Bert) of Lake City, Mich., and Sharon Pasma (Chuck) of Everett, Wash.
1936 – 2013
Johannes (Joe) DeVries, a hydraulic engineer who worked for state and federal agencies and taught at UC Davis, died at home in Davis on December 8, 2013, after a 17-year battle with prostate cancer. Born in 1936 in Chicago to George and Georgia DeVries, he, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from both Calvin College and the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan. He began working for the California Department of Water Resources Aqueduct Design Branch in 1961. Seven years later Joe married Donna Hefner from Woodland, and the couple had two children: Jeffrey S. DeVries of New York City and Doney L. DeVries Biggs (Mark) of Woodland. Joe had two grandchildren: Ellora and Carson Biggs.
His engineering career spanned 50 years in the fields of hydraulic engineering, irrigation system analysis and hydrology. He was a registered civil engineer in California, a registered professional hydrologist with the American Institute of Hydrology and a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He began working at UC Davis in 1972 and served as a research engineer, engineer-in-charge of the J. Amorocho Hydraulics Laboratory, northern regional coordinator and associate director of the Water Resources Center and lecturer in the departments of civil and environmental engineering and land, air and water resources. He received a Ph.D. from UC Davis in 1978.From 1978 to 1981, he also had an engineering appointment with the federal Hydrologic Engineering Center in Davis. He retired from UC Davis in 1993 and became a consulting engineer working with various firms, state, federal and international agencies. From 2001 through 2012 he held the position of principal engineer with David Ford Consulting Engineers Inc. in Sacramento.
His consulting work included projects for the United Nations, the World Bank, the state of Gujarat in India; computer model applications in Japan and Canada; improvement of flood forecasting with the World Meteorological Organization, a U.S. AID irrigation project in Morocco and co-teaching a class in Taiwan. He assisted federal, county and city governmental agencies with training, review of hydrologic models, studies and floodplain analysis.
He received an award for Excellence in Teaching and Outstanding Service from UC Davis University Extension and an award from the California Extreme Precipitation Symposium in recognition of his “lifetime of service as a teacher, adviser and mentor to colleagues who work to minimize the adverse impacts of extreme precipitation in California.”
Joe had a real passion for the outdoors, and in his 20s was an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber. He had a lifelong love of music, and in the 1960s was a member of a folksinging group. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends with his guitar and singing. He also sang in church choirs and with the Davis International House choir. He was a member of the Sierra Club for more than 50 years.
Joe was an active member of Living Stones Christian Reformed Church in Sacramento and loved singing with the Praise Team. He is also survived by sisters Marie Van Antwerpen (Bert) of Lake City, Mich., and Sharon Pasma (Chuck) of Everett, Wash.
Peter Deane Hackett
1959 – 2020
Peter Deane Hackett, a software engineer and devoted father, died of prostate cancer on June 6, 2020, at the age of 61.
Born in Woodland on February 27, 1959, Peter spent his childhood in Davis and Los Angeles. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1989 with a degree in computer engineering and worked as an engineer for several companies in the Silicon Valley. He married Karen Szybalski on September 17, 1994, and three years later the couple celebrated the birth of their son, Bryan.
Peter enjoyed building high-powered rockets, for which he earned a Level 3 certification. Peter and Bryan launched many of their rockets in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Peter was a music lover, and his extensive and eclectic music collection, encompassed everything from Haydn to Led Zeppelin.
Peter died in his childhood home, surrounded by people who loved him. He is survived by his son, Bryan Hackett; wife Karen Szybalski; parents Ida and Wesley Hackett; sisters Robin Madsen (Greg) and Heather Hackett (John Steiner); brother David Hackett (Donna); sister-in-law Annette Szybalski; a large, caring family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as many dear friends made over the years through school, work, rocketry, music, biking and hiking.
Peter would have appreciated donations to the Nature Conservancy in his memory. His family is planning a memorial in his honor to take place in the Black Rock Desert in September.
1959 – 2020
Peter Deane Hackett, a software engineer and devoted father, died of prostate cancer on June 6, 2020, at the age of 61.
Born in Woodland on February 27, 1959, Peter spent his childhood in Davis and Los Angeles. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1989 with a degree in computer engineering and worked as an engineer for several companies in the Silicon Valley. He married Karen Szybalski on September 17, 1994, and three years later the couple celebrated the birth of their son, Bryan.
Peter enjoyed building high-powered rockets, for which he earned a Level 3 certification. Peter and Bryan launched many of their rockets in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Peter was a music lover, and his extensive and eclectic music collection, encompassed everything from Haydn to Led Zeppelin.
Peter died in his childhood home, surrounded by people who loved him. He is survived by his son, Bryan Hackett; wife Karen Szybalski; parents Ida and Wesley Hackett; sisters Robin Madsen (Greg) and Heather Hackett (John Steiner); brother David Hackett (Donna); sister-in-law Annette Szybalski; a large, caring family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as many dear friends made over the years through school, work, rocketry, music, biking and hiking.
Peter would have appreciated donations to the Nature Conservancy in his memory. His family is planning a memorial in his honor to take place in the Black Rock Desert in September.
George W. Hinkle
1921 – 2016
Former high school teacher and principal George W. Hinkle passed away June 28, 2016, at the age of 95 in Woodland from natural causes. John, who was born in Patterson, California, graduated from Healdsburg High School and went to work as a barber in his father’s barber shop, then became a dock worker in Oakland before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. Trained as a medic, he was stationed with the Marines in Casablanca, North Africa, during World War II. After earning his master's degree at San Jose State College under the G.I. Bill, he had a productive, fulfilling 30-year career as an educator. Then George began a new career as a Realtor. He also took up tap dancing and ballroom dancing, which he continued doing throughout his later years.
A strong advocate of healthful nutrition and exercise, George also was passionate about his volunteer activities with Community Harvest of Davis, for which he helped harvest fruit that otherwise would have gone to waste. The organization donates food to people in need. George made a generous bequest to that organization.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Josephine Hinkle; his parents, John and Edith Hinkle; his sister, Frances, and brother, Edward. George was survived by his children, Richard, Karen and Janis; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and his brother Jack of Oregon.
1921 – 2016
Former high school teacher and principal George W. Hinkle passed away June 28, 2016, at the age of 95 in Woodland from natural causes. John, who was born in Patterson, California, graduated from Healdsburg High School and went to work as a barber in his father’s barber shop, then became a dock worker in Oakland before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. Trained as a medic, he was stationed with the Marines in Casablanca, North Africa, during World War II. After earning his master's degree at San Jose State College under the G.I. Bill, he had a productive, fulfilling 30-year career as an educator. Then George began a new career as a Realtor. He also took up tap dancing and ballroom dancing, which he continued doing throughout his later years.
A strong advocate of healthful nutrition and exercise, George also was passionate about his volunteer activities with Community Harvest of Davis, for which he helped harvest fruit that otherwise would have gone to waste. The organization donates food to people in need. George made a generous bequest to that organization.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Josephine Hinkle; his parents, John and Edith Hinkle; his sister, Frances, and brother, Edward. George was survived by his children, Richard, Karen and Janis; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and his brother Jack of Oregon.
Harold R. Honeyfield
1930 – 2023
Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group founder Harold R. Honeyfield died at age 92 on November 24, 2023. From the time of the group's establishment in March 2006 until his passing, Harold attended nearly every monthly meeting of the club. During those 17 years he helped and inspired hundreds of men, both through personal interactions and through his informative 60-page guide, Prostate Cancer — An Informative Guide for the Patient: You, which he compiled and distributed free of charge (and which is available from our “Downloads” section).
Harold was born December 28, 1930, on his family's homestead on Johnson Mesa, on rural Johnson Mesa,19 miles east of Raton, New Mexico, in the same house in which his father had been born. After three and a half years of service in the US Navy, he obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering from New Mexico State University and a master's degree from Purdue University. He spent 31 years as an engineer with the USDA Soil Conservation Service, with administrative positions in Albuquerque, Afghanistan, Portland, Oregon, and Davis, California.
He was an avid genealogist, about which he published seven books. Harold left behind his wife, Valma (nee Thompson) and three sons: Holin (Rose) of Spokane, Washington; Keith (Joann) of Davis; and Jason of Phoenix, Arizona; along with one sister-in-law, Wanda Honeyfield of Raton, New Mexico, three nephews (Mark, Scott, and Eric), and several grand nephews, nieces and several cousins.
1930 – 2023
Yolo Prostate Cancer Support Group founder Harold R. Honeyfield died at age 92 on November 24, 2023. From the time of the group's establishment in March 2006 until his passing, Harold attended nearly every monthly meeting of the club. During those 17 years he helped and inspired hundreds of men, both through personal interactions and through his informative 60-page guide, Prostate Cancer — An Informative Guide for the Patient: You, which he compiled and distributed free of charge (and which is available from our “Downloads” section).
Harold was born December 28, 1930, on his family's homestead on Johnson Mesa, on rural Johnson Mesa,19 miles east of Raton, New Mexico, in the same house in which his father had been born. After three and a half years of service in the US Navy, he obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering from New Mexico State University and a master's degree from Purdue University. He spent 31 years as an engineer with the USDA Soil Conservation Service, with administrative positions in Albuquerque, Afghanistan, Portland, Oregon, and Davis, California.
He was an avid genealogist, about which he published seven books. Harold left behind his wife, Valma (nee Thompson) and three sons: Holin (Rose) of Spokane, Washington; Keith (Joann) of Davis; and Jason of Phoenix, Arizona; along with one sister-in-law, Wanda Honeyfield of Raton, New Mexico, three nephews (Mark, Scott, and Eric), and several grand nephews, nieces and several cousins.
E. Lafe Kincaid
1933 – 2018
E. Lafe Kincaid, who devoted his life to teaching and volunteer activities with agricultural youth leadership organizations, died November 19, 2018. Lafe and his six siblings grew up in Longview, Texas, where he was born in 1933. Lafe was a Korean War veteran who, after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at age 17, was stationed in Okinawa before reassignment to a base in Arizona. While on leave he met Lorena June Bosworth, whom he married in 1954. After attending Chico State University and obtaining his teaching credential from UC Davis, Lafe began his teaching career in Los Banos, then was hired in 1965 as an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Woodland High School, where he remained until his retirement in 1988.
Lafe and Lorena each generously volunteered their time with FFA and 4-H Club youth activities and other community organizations. Lafe also served in many leadership capacities with the California Agricultural Teachers Association, and he was a member of the Woodland Masonic Lodge. Lorena, who also was born in 1933, died on January 13, 2019 — only seven weeks after Lafe’s passing. The couple was survived by their five children, 14 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. A Lafe and Lorena Kincaid Memorial Scholarship, established through the Yolo County Fair Heritage Foundation, will be awarded annually to a Yolo County Fair FFA exhibitor for college or trade school attendance.
Duncan McMartin
1932 – 2017
Duncan Alexander McMartin, BVMS, Ph.D. passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2017, from complications following routine surgery. He was 84 years of age. Duncan was a Cooperative Extension specialist in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He had expertise in poultry and other birds, and he focused on the impact of diseases on large and small commercial flocks of layers and broilers. Duncan helped farmers, practicing veterinarians, and poultry companies throughout California apply the latest scientific research. His research and leadership contributions to avian health and food safety were recognized both nationally and internationally with numerous invitations to speak at professional conferences. State and federal regulatory agencies also relied upon his expertise. He retired from UC Davis in 1993.
Duncan was born on March 30, 1932, at Loch Rannoch, Scotland, where he enjoyed country life as a child. After two years of military service in Great Britain, he enrolled at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, from which he earned a degree in veterinary medicine in 1957, He continued advanced studies at UC Davis, from which he received his doctorate in comparative pathology in 1961. During these years in Davis he met and married his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Hyla Tinklepaugh (who passed away in 2007).
Duncan brought Hyla to Scotland where he worked for the British Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Laboratory at Lasswade (near Edinburgh), for which he became head of microbiology. For his outstanding work on eradication of M. gallisepticum from commercial poultry in Britain, he was awarded the Hall Gold Medal by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, in 1969.
Duncan and Hyla raised four children — Christina, Duncan, John and Shona — at their home in the small village of Edgehead, Midlothian. The couple returned to Davis in 1980, when he joined UC Cooperative Extension.
Duncan was an accomplished fiddle player and Gaelic speaker, and brought joy to people as he shared his love of Scottish music and culture. He was a longtime member of the Caledonian Club of San Francisco and a founding member of the Dixon Scottish Cultural Association, with which he participated in many activities.
Duncan is survived by his sons Duncan and John; daughters Shona and Christina; sister Betty; grandchildren Laura, Andrew, Lex and Jake; and will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends. Duncan and Hyla were buried in Rannoch, Scotland.
1932 – 2017
Duncan Alexander McMartin, BVMS, Ph.D. passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2017, from complications following routine surgery. He was 84 years of age. Duncan was a Cooperative Extension specialist in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He had expertise in poultry and other birds, and he focused on the impact of diseases on large and small commercial flocks of layers and broilers. Duncan helped farmers, practicing veterinarians, and poultry companies throughout California apply the latest scientific research. His research and leadership contributions to avian health and food safety were recognized both nationally and internationally with numerous invitations to speak at professional conferences. State and federal regulatory agencies also relied upon his expertise. He retired from UC Davis in 1993.
Duncan was born on March 30, 1932, at Loch Rannoch, Scotland, where he enjoyed country life as a child. After two years of military service in Great Britain, he enrolled at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, from which he earned a degree in veterinary medicine in 1957, He continued advanced studies at UC Davis, from which he received his doctorate in comparative pathology in 1961. During these years in Davis he met and married his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Hyla Tinklepaugh (who passed away in 2007).
Duncan brought Hyla to Scotland where he worked for the British Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Laboratory at Lasswade (near Edinburgh), for which he became head of microbiology. For his outstanding work on eradication of M. gallisepticum from commercial poultry in Britain, he was awarded the Hall Gold Medal by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, in 1969.
Duncan and Hyla raised four children — Christina, Duncan, John and Shona — at their home in the small village of Edgehead, Midlothian. The couple returned to Davis in 1980, when he joined UC Cooperative Extension.
Duncan was an accomplished fiddle player and Gaelic speaker, and brought joy to people as he shared his love of Scottish music and culture. He was a longtime member of the Caledonian Club of San Francisco and a founding member of the Dixon Scottish Cultural Association, with which he participated in many activities.
Duncan is survived by his sons Duncan and John; daughters Shona and Christina; sister Betty; grandchildren Laura, Andrew, Lex and Jake; and will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends. Duncan and Hyla were buried in Rannoch, Scotland.
Edward Lawrence "Larry" Parker
1925 – 2018
With family members by his side, Edward Lawrence "Larry" Parker died at age 92 on February 19, 2018, due to a brief illness. Born in Los Angeles on November 22, 1925, Larry studied the violin as a youngster and performed with the Los Angeles All-City Orchestra. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine, then obtained his B.S. degree from the UC Davis College of Agriculture (which evolved into UC Davis).
He was a sea captain for more than 30 years, and he enjoyed performing with the UC Davis Symphony. Larry was a Mason, and a Shriner. He loved to travel, garden and sail the oceans of the world. He was survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret "Peggy" Parker; children, William (Diane) and Kathy Rae Parker; grandchildren Ryan and Tyler; and great grandchildren Harrison, Emerson, Phoenix and Frances.
1925 – 2018
With family members by his side, Edward Lawrence "Larry" Parker died at age 92 on February 19, 2018, due to a brief illness. Born in Los Angeles on November 22, 1925, Larry studied the violin as a youngster and performed with the Los Angeles All-City Orchestra. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine, then obtained his B.S. degree from the UC Davis College of Agriculture (which evolved into UC Davis).
He was a sea captain for more than 30 years, and he enjoyed performing with the UC Davis Symphony. Larry was a Mason, and a Shriner. He loved to travel, garden and sail the oceans of the world. He was survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret "Peggy" Parker; children, William (Diane) and Kathy Rae Parker; grandchildren Ryan and Tyler; and great grandchildren Harrison, Emerson, Phoenix and Frances.
Wendell Ashley Payne
1935 – 2017
Wendell Ashley Payne died of cardiac arrest in Woodland on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at age 82. Ashley, who was born in Oakland on June 29, 1935, to Elizabeth and Wendell Payne, was a descendant of the pioneering Chapman family of Winters. His grandfather P. N. Ashley, a civil engineer and schoolteacher who came from Tennessee, had surveyed most of Yolo County.
Ashley graduated from Woodland High School in 1953 and earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business from UC Berkeley in 1957. Following college, he served in the Navy before beginning his lifelong agricultural career. He started with partner Howard Wilder prior to farming on his own and, eventually, partnering with his sons, Bill and Bob. Ashley served on numerous boards, including the California Tomato Association, Pacific Coast Producers and Sutter Mutual Water Company. He was a member of the Yolo Polo Club, Yolo Investors and Yolo Fliers Club. An avid sportsman, Ashley loved fishing, duck hunting, playing polo and flying his airplane. Ashley enjoyed traveling, and spent some of his favorite vacations fishing and scuba diving with family members in Punta Pescadero, bicycling in Europe with his wife, Kathy, and relaxing in Hawaii on the island of Lanai.
Ashley, who had participated in a clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a prostate cancer treatment drug, was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Barbara Best Payne. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kathy Payne; daughter, Brenda Cooley; sons, Bill (Julie) and Bob (Sally) Payne; grandchildren, Bridget and Sean Cooley, Ryan, Taylor, Lauren and Tommy Payne; stepdaughters, Jennifer (Tim) Madden and Stephanie (Neil) Ramos, and grandchildren, Collette and John Madden and Owen and Kate Ramos. He also was survived by brother, William Payne; two nieces, Carol (John) Hallissy and Allison (Randy) Smith, as well as loyal companion Dolly, his fox red English Lab. Ashley was buried in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Woodland, sharing a plot with his parents and grandparents, P.N. and Mamie Ashley.
1935 – 2017
Wendell Ashley Payne died of cardiac arrest in Woodland on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at age 82. Ashley, who was born in Oakland on June 29, 1935, to Elizabeth and Wendell Payne, was a descendant of the pioneering Chapman family of Winters. His grandfather P. N. Ashley, a civil engineer and schoolteacher who came from Tennessee, had surveyed most of Yolo County.
Ashley graduated from Woodland High School in 1953 and earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business from UC Berkeley in 1957. Following college, he served in the Navy before beginning his lifelong agricultural career. He started with partner Howard Wilder prior to farming on his own and, eventually, partnering with his sons, Bill and Bob. Ashley served on numerous boards, including the California Tomato Association, Pacific Coast Producers and Sutter Mutual Water Company. He was a member of the Yolo Polo Club, Yolo Investors and Yolo Fliers Club. An avid sportsman, Ashley loved fishing, duck hunting, playing polo and flying his airplane. Ashley enjoyed traveling, and spent some of his favorite vacations fishing and scuba diving with family members in Punta Pescadero, bicycling in Europe with his wife, Kathy, and relaxing in Hawaii on the island of Lanai.
Ashley, who had participated in a clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a prostate cancer treatment drug, was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Barbara Best Payne. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kathy Payne; daughter, Brenda Cooley; sons, Bill (Julie) and Bob (Sally) Payne; grandchildren, Bridget and Sean Cooley, Ryan, Taylor, Lauren and Tommy Payne; stepdaughters, Jennifer (Tim) Madden and Stephanie (Neil) Ramos, and grandchildren, Collette and John Madden and Owen and Kate Ramos. He also was survived by brother, William Payne; two nieces, Carol (John) Hallissy and Allison (Randy) Smith, as well as loyal companion Dolly, his fox red English Lab. Ashley was buried in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Woodland, sharing a plot with his parents and grandparents, P.N. and Mamie Ashley.
Karl Ronning
1959 – 2020
Longtime Davis High School boys' golf coach and teacher Karl Ronning died at age 60 on February 26, 2020, after a prolonged battle with metastatic prostate cancer. A 1977 Davis High graduate and member of the golf team, Ronning returned to his alma mater in 1995, teaching math until illness forced his retirement in 2018.
Ronning first became involved in coaching at Davis High in 1995, when he served as the assistant junior varsity football coach before moving to golf as head coach in 2000. Ronning then proved instrumental in expanding a program that historically featured low turnout. Only eight players participated on the 1999 squad, a number that jumped to 13 in Ronning’s first year. These days, the team roster usually includes about two dozen participants.
“People were really surprised that we had that many kids that first year,” Ronning says. “It was about really competing for your spots — they weren’t given to you. A couple of players were surprised about that because they didn’t think they had much chance of being on the team. I think that was sort of the start of everything.”
That “everything” included 15 league titles and three Masters championships in 19 years, in addition to the multitude of golfers that Ronning helped progress to both the collegiate and professional levels. Ronning was one of the longest-tenured coaches in the history of Davis High at the time of his retirement.
He is survived by his wife, Heather Allen, and his daughters Kaity and Kristen.
1959 – 2020
Longtime Davis High School boys' golf coach and teacher Karl Ronning died at age 60 on February 26, 2020, after a prolonged battle with metastatic prostate cancer. A 1977 Davis High graduate and member of the golf team, Ronning returned to his alma mater in 1995, teaching math until illness forced his retirement in 2018.
Ronning first became involved in coaching at Davis High in 1995, when he served as the assistant junior varsity football coach before moving to golf as head coach in 2000. Ronning then proved instrumental in expanding a program that historically featured low turnout. Only eight players participated on the 1999 squad, a number that jumped to 13 in Ronning’s first year. These days, the team roster usually includes about two dozen participants.
“People were really surprised that we had that many kids that first year,” Ronning says. “It was about really competing for your spots — they weren’t given to you. A couple of players were surprised about that because they didn’t think they had much chance of being on the team. I think that was sort of the start of everything.”
That “everything” included 15 league titles and three Masters championships in 19 years, in addition to the multitude of golfers that Ronning helped progress to both the collegiate and professional levels. Ronning was one of the longest-tenured coaches in the history of Davis High at the time of his retirement.
He is survived by his wife, Heather Allen, and his daughters Kaity and Kristen.
Wayne R. Welsch
1945 – 2015
Wayne Robert Welsch, a generous fellow who loved travel and music, died at age 69 on January 3, 2015, at his home in Davis, with his wife and sons by his side. Wayne had several occupations during his lifetime, but the longest and most satisfying was as a structured settlement broker with EPS Settlements Group. He was not only a successful consultant on the production side, but was also involved in training and in an advisory capacity. He made a mark in the industry and with everyone he came into contact with for his integrity, professionalism, fair-dealing and straightforward approach.
Wayne was born September 10, 1945, in Madison, Wisconsin. He traveled the United States from one end to the other, and everywhere in between; he journeyed to Africa, and made several trips to Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Music was an integral part of Wayne’s life. He loved nothing more than to go to concerts and Broadway musicals, and he always had music playing in his office while at work. Wayne’s biggest priority in life, however, was his family and, in particular, his blended family.
Wayne and his wife, JoEllen, were in their 10th year of marriage and lived in Davis the entire time. They enjoyed a life filled with love, laughter, friends, travel and music. His family described him as a big-hearted and generous soul, with a quick wit, sense of humor and warmth.
1945 – 2015
Wayne Robert Welsch, a generous fellow who loved travel and music, died at age 69 on January 3, 2015, at his home in Davis, with his wife and sons by his side. Wayne had several occupations during his lifetime, but the longest and most satisfying was as a structured settlement broker with EPS Settlements Group. He was not only a successful consultant on the production side, but was also involved in training and in an advisory capacity. He made a mark in the industry and with everyone he came into contact with for his integrity, professionalism, fair-dealing and straightforward approach.
Wayne was born September 10, 1945, in Madison, Wisconsin. He traveled the United States from one end to the other, and everywhere in between; he journeyed to Africa, and made several trips to Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Music was an integral part of Wayne’s life. He loved nothing more than to go to concerts and Broadway musicals, and he always had music playing in his office while at work. Wayne’s biggest priority in life, however, was his family and, in particular, his blended family.
Wayne and his wife, JoEllen, were in their 10th year of marriage and lived in Davis the entire time. They enjoyed a life filled with love, laughter, friends, travel and music. His family described him as a big-hearted and generous soul, with a quick wit, sense of humor and warmth.
John Wren
1922 – 2016
John Howard Wren passed away at age 93 on March 3, 2016, at University Retirement Community Health Care Center, surrounded by his family. John was born July 17, 1922, in Payette, Idaho, the third of seven children. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and then attended college at the University of Idaho in Moscow. There, he met Geraldine Shortridge, whom he married in 1945. They raised five children, four of whom they adopted, and celebrated 61 years of marriage together.
Employed in the field of social work, ultimately as a federal probation officer for the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, he retired in 1984 and started a handyman business. John loved woodworking, and enjoyed spending many hours in his shop, making furniture and chess boards for all of his children. He did all of his own home-improvement work, the biggest of which was adding two bedrooms onto the family home, doing all of the work himself except for laying the carpet.
John loved to ski and was an avid cyclist. His lobbying helped influence authorization to build the bike path along the Yolo Causeway. Weather permitting, he bicycled to work from Davis into Sacramento. John also enjoyed gardening, music, singing and playing the harmonica, and was a voracious reader. He loved birds and watching them come to the many feeders he built.
During recent years he performed volunteer work for various organizations, including the Yolo Food Bank, and was active in the Woodland Senior Center and the Hearing Loss Association of America, Woodland/Davis Chapter.
John was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine; brothers Spencer, George, Gilbert and Lyle; and sister, Hazel. John was survived by sister Dorothy Weppler of Issaquah, Wash., and his five children: Carl (Pat) of Spartanburg, S.C., Donna Wren Sullivan and Judy (Bob) Mustard of Davis, Susan (Tom) Watkins of Esparto and William (Lisa) Wren of Corvallis, Ore.; 20 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
1922 – 2016
John Howard Wren passed away at age 93 on March 3, 2016, at University Retirement Community Health Care Center, surrounded by his family. John was born July 17, 1922, in Payette, Idaho, the third of seven children. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and then attended college at the University of Idaho in Moscow. There, he met Geraldine Shortridge, whom he married in 1945. They raised five children, four of whom they adopted, and celebrated 61 years of marriage together.
Employed in the field of social work, ultimately as a federal probation officer for the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, he retired in 1984 and started a handyman business. John loved woodworking, and enjoyed spending many hours in his shop, making furniture and chess boards for all of his children. He did all of his own home-improvement work, the biggest of which was adding two bedrooms onto the family home, doing all of the work himself except for laying the carpet.
John loved to ski and was an avid cyclist. His lobbying helped influence authorization to build the bike path along the Yolo Causeway. Weather permitting, he bicycled to work from Davis into Sacramento. John also enjoyed gardening, music, singing and playing the harmonica, and was a voracious reader. He loved birds and watching them come to the many feeders he built.
During recent years he performed volunteer work for various organizations, including the Yolo Food Bank, and was active in the Woodland Senior Center and the Hearing Loss Association of America, Woodland/Davis Chapter.
John was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine; brothers Spencer, George, Gilbert and Lyle; and sister, Hazel. John was survived by sister Dorothy Weppler of Issaquah, Wash., and his five children: Carl (Pat) of Spartanburg, S.C., Donna Wren Sullivan and Judy (Bob) Mustard of Davis, Susan (Tom) Watkins of Esparto and William (Lisa) Wren of Corvallis, Ore.; 20 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.