Category: Memorial post

These are the rolling memorial posts displayed in reverse chron by date of departure. they are linked to from the memorial pages by class year, alpha list and date of death

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Kevin David Desnoyers ~ Class of 1975

Kevin David Desnoyers ~ Class of 1975

Departed ~ 2/16/2022

Kevin Desnoyers
October 15, 1957 – February 16, 2022

Kevin D. Desnoyers, born in New Haven Connecticut, died of sudden cardiac failure in Fort Worth, Texas on February 16, 2022 at the young age of 64. His passing is mourned by his four children who were the light of his life. Jeremy (Magen) Desnoyers Mineral Wells, Texas. Danielle (Brandon) Blevins Wichita, Kansas. Kevin Desnoyers Jr. Fort Worth, Texas and John Desnoyers Fort Worth, Texas. Loving grandfather of Liam, Lucas, Malachi, Ellissa, and Iris. Loving brother of Linda (Steven) Mandel Las Cruces, New Mexico and Richard J. Desnoyers Shawano, Wisconsin. His parents Richard and Margaret (Powers) Desnoyers, brother Roland Desnoyers and Mr. Bean preceded him in death.

Kevin was a smiling, happy person growing up in Paris, Naples, Chicago and Bangkok. He graduated from Adlai Stevenson High School in 1975. He attended Western Illinois University. Upon moving to Dallas in 1985 with GTE he put down roots, enjoying the warmer weather, golfing and of course attending baseball games. He spent his later years frequenting the theatre to watch movies on the big screen. His kind heart brought smiles to others everyday, rain or shine from lightening someone’s work load at the post office, to playing catch with his kids ’till dark. Father, Son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend of many. You will be missed everyday.

Join us as we celebrate the life of Kevin Desnoyers at the Mineral Wells Women’s Club (old post office) 201 NE 2nd Street Mineral Wells Texas 76067 from 5-8 pm on Sunday March 6. This is a come-and-go event.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

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Philip Lee Fox ~ Class of 1974

Philip Fox ~ Class of 1974

Departed ~ 2/1/2022

Obituary

Philip Lee Fox of Rich Hill, MO, was born to Hubert and Ann Fox on April 14th, 1956 in Nevada, MO.

Phil went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

Phil spent his early years in Nevada, MO and Ballard, MO. At the age of 7, Phil traveled with his parents and sister to Thailand to join the mission field. After graduating high school, he attended Southwest Baptist University, where he received a Bachelor of the Arts in History, and met Cathy Coleman. Phil and Cathy married in November of 1978, and had three children—Lori, Eric, and Alicia.

Phil received his Masters of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988. His first pastorate was in Eufaula, OK. Over the course of his calling, he pastored churches in Pryor, OK and Adair, OK, eventually settling in Rich Hill, MO. While living in Rich Hill, he has served in the Ministerial Alliance, he has been active in the Community Choir, and performed multiple services in his community. Until his passing, he led the congregation at Faith Community Church of Prairie City. Sharing God’s love was his passion, and he took great pride in teaching others about Him.

Phil was preceded in death by beloved grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cathy Fox, and his children Lori Fox, Eric Fox and his wife Jessica Fox, and Alicia Fox. His parents, Hubert and Ann Fox, his sister Beth Gregory and her husband Charlie Gregory. His grandchildren, Gabriella Boley, Anthony Boley, Grace Garcia-Fox, Paul Fox, and Liam Fox, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm with visitation 1:00 pm until service time. Interment will be in the Reformed Cemetery, Rich Hill. Contributions are suggested to Rich Hill Memorial Library or Kern Center and may be sent in care of Heuser Funeral Home Box 42 Rich Hill, MO 64779.

Charlie Gregory Wrote:

Phillip Lee Fox
April 14, 1956 – February 1 2022

From the time I met Phil in 1973 I was impressed by his exceptional talent for quirky humor. I never knew him to be unkind or contemptuous. Phil’s humor brought joy and laughter. It also invited insight, transformation, healing. The power of humor is to turn grief, anger, despair or humiliation into hope and expectation.

The profound irony of the crucifixion of Jesus’ is that, by God’s power, the greatest horror took a hilarious twist and became the way of salvation.

I thank God that (ten years later) Phil became my brother as well as my friend. I thank God that Phil helped me understand how humor transforms all things together for good, for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. I thank God that Phil helped me learn to articulate that mystery of transformation.

May the grace of God that Phil translated abide and grow in us, who know and love him.

–Charlie Gregory

As reported by Jane Reed Wilson ’74

Very sad to report that one of our classmates, Philip Fox ‘74, passed away late this afternoon. His wife posted earlier that he was ill and in ICU. Please keep his wife Cathy and their children  and grandchildren in your prayers. His younger sister is Beth Fox Gregory, another ISBer.  I knew them both as Phil and I graduated together.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com

 

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Mark Mendenhall ~ Class of 1970

Mark Mendenhall ~ Class of 1970

Departed ~ 11/30/21

As posted by Sandy Mendenhall Davis Class of 1972

My dearest brother, Mark Mendenhall, passed away tonight. My heart is aching. He was kind to everyone and he believed in being inclusive. Many ISBers remember him from ISB. He was in the class of 1970.

Mark Allen Mendenhall, age 69, of Santa Clara, California passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Mark was born May 7, 1952.

A visitation for Mark will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A visitation will occur Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA 95125. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oakhillfuneral.com for the MENDENHALL family.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com

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Bette Dianne Tabor Plant ~ Class of 1968

Bette Dianne Tabor ~ Class of 1968

Departed ~ 11/13/21

Bette Tabor Plant

1950-2021
Bette Tabor Plant, beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister and friend, left us on November 13th, 2021. She had fought illness for some time and finally surrendered to rest. Her loving family and friends will miss her, but take solace in knowing she is at deserved peace. We will always know of her love for us and the joys of this world. We are grateful for her life and love. She leaves behind Miriam and Michael, her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Tobi and Nancy, her two sisters, and her nephews and their extended families.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com

 

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Sabrina Christine Allen – Sloan ~ Class of 1987

Sabrina Allen ~ Class of 1987

Arrived ~ February 7, 1970

Departed ~ August 8, 2021

Sabrina’s husband James wrote:

I regret to inform you that Sabrina Christine Allen Sloan passed away on August 5, 2021 due to complications related to acute viral pneumonia. . 

James Sloan

Christine’s husband of 32 years.

Obituary
Sabrina Christine Allen Sloan, 51, passed away suddenly after a valiant battle with acute pneumonia and other complications. Born February 7, 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts the daughter of Clair La Var Allen and Margaret Ann McDonald Allen. Christine loved life, had an infectious laugh, and a ready wit. She loved and served unconditionally. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren whom she taught to call her Tutz. She loved that. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. She worked at nCino as the Office Goddess.

Survivors include: her husband, James, children Derek (Bethany) Sloan, Alise (Scott) Homer, AnneMarie (Hunter) Jenkins, Danielle (Daniel) McGowan, and 10 grandchildren, her parents Clair and Margaret, siblings David Allen, Elizabeth Hughes, Rachael Porter, and Kathryn Allen.

Funeral services will be held Thursday August 12, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Thanksgiving Village Ward, (3155 Garden Drive, Lehi, Utah). There will be a viewing on Thursday at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Burial in the Lehi City cemetery. Please share a memory or condolence at andersonmortuary.com

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

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Jack Kurtz ~ Class of 1975

8th grade at ISB

Jack Kurtz ~ Class of 1975

Departed ~ 10/19/21

Jane Reed Wilson ‘74 wrote:

David,

I just heard from a friend that Jack Kurtz has died. She knew he went to ISB and wanted to be sure friends from ISB knew about it.  I did not know Jack personally and I am not sure when he was at ISB, may have been mid-70s. He was at Nairobi International School with my friend prior to Bangkok. (I was not in Nairobi, only Bangkok). I had posted about Jack’s struggle with cancer in the network FB page about a month ago.

He sounds like he made an incredible contribution to the world as a photojournalist. Below is a copy of my friend’s text to me. Kap kun ka, Jane Reed Wilson ‘74

From Laura Schlesinger Minor:

Here’s what Cathy Kurtz posted.

I’ll also share the Youth Journalism International tribute.  Jack and Cathy lived in Bangkok for a number of years and Cathy taught there. I introduced Jack to Steve and Jackie who started YJI here in Bristol with a group of local youth (my daughter included).  It has become an amazing international organization with hundreds of kids writing for them globally. Jack became an advisor and a judge for their annual contest.

From his wife Cathy Kurtz:

The end… John, better known as JACK Kurtz: May 21, 1957 to October 19, 2021
 Photographers know that the perfect picture may take time to develop. Patience for the right moment. Things can’t be rushed. The last couple weeks have felt like that, with the nurses convinced he was ready to go and he was ready but the perfect time was still to come.  I sit in the recliner next to his bed, in the dark, late at night, holding his hand, I image the perfect words to wrap up a life. They aren’t coming. I will only mention that in our 40 years of life together, he was the trailblazer and always went on to a new place first, set things up and I came and joined him. We did it in Fergus Falls, Florida, New York, El Paso, Phoenix and Bangkok. Now he is going on first and I will join him in a few years.


I will just throw together some thoughts. We met at college and travelled the world. It was a great ride. He would say that while he worked with many great reporters, words get too much play and you should let the photos tell the story so here are his websites. His photographer buddies will know that he did more than just “F8 and be there” he gave his all on every story or assignment.

Our desire is for everyone to find one of his photo galleries and explore the world. Be challenged and inspired. https://kurtzjack.photoshelter.com/archive     And     www.jackkurtzphotography.com/index

Now, we could conclude with the famous AP   -30-  (journalists know this means the end) but it isn’t. His photos will continue to be marketed by ZUMA Press, his photo agency for the last 20+ years. One of Jack’s last acts was making arrangements for his ongoing royalties to be donated to help future international journalists. A firm believer in freedom of the press he will continue to support this with his royalties going to:

Reporters without Borders: www.RSF.org


If you are so inspired, feel free to support the future in his honor: https://donate.rsf.org/us/donate/~my-donation.   Make sure you look for the English translation button in upper right, unless you prefer French!

Sidebar to Jack’s story: Every day, week, month and year, millions of men, women, daughters and sons, sit beside loved ones during their last days, hours and minutes as they transition to the next life. In that respect I am nothing special. I was honored to be by his side in life during adventure for 40+ years and it was privilege to be with him as he had made the transition to the next. Life goes on, just in a different format. Thank you all for your continued love and I will post about a “Celebration of Jack’s life” online and in person in the future.

About YJI:

From YJI. https://youthjournalism.org/weve-lost-a-world-class-photojournalist-and-good-friend/

We’ve lost a world class photojournalist and good friend

October 19, 2021 By Youth Journalism International

Photojournalist Jack Kurtz got his start in high school.

(Photo thanks to Laura Schlesinger Minor.)

With deep sadness, we learned today that a valued friend and supporter of Youth Journalism International, the acclaimed photojournalist Jack Kurtz, died today in Iowa at the age of 64 after a long fight with cancer.

Jack spent more than 40 years traveling the world in search of photographs that captured much more than just the news. They put humanity on display, from the Mexican border to Ground Zero to Thailand to the presidential campaigns in Iowa.

Jack Kurtz

Jack didn’t settle for the ordinary, the humdrum. He always found ways to make photographs that reached deeper, creating art that will be his legacy forever. He did more than live through a turbulent, interesting time. He captured images that preserve what he saw so that untold numbers of people will see them, too, for generations to come. That’s his gift to all of us.

Jack came to YJI’s attention because he went to high school in Kenya with the mother of one of our early students and she connected us. A relationship blossomed because he shared YJI’s vision for young people entering journalism and embraced their zeal and idealism fully – because he’d never lost his.

Jack met up with one our students traveling through Thailand. He served as a judge in the YJI contest for years. He gave an online photography workshop for YJI during the coronavirus pandemic that had students riveted.

We’ll be showing a recording of that presentation to students for a long time to come. Jack supported and helped this little charity in many ways, large and small, and we are grateful.

A couple of years ago, YJI’s co-founders, Jackie Majerus and Steve Collins, met up with Jack and his wife Cathy Kurtz for the first time. In Des Moines, Iowa, we got a chance to have a meal, look around a little and hear firsthand about their remarkable life. We enjoyed every moment, not knowing we wouldn’t have another chance.

Our hearts go out to Cathy and to Jack’s many friends and families. There are so many us grieving today. The only salve is that we know Jack’s work will live on.

We urge you to take some time to explore the world through Jack’s incredible eye. Here are two of his photo collections:

 https://kurtzjack.photoshelter.com/archive and www.jackkurtzphotography.com/index.

Jack and Cathy Kurtz, left, at a restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, with YJI co-founders Jackie Majerus and Steve Collins.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com

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Donna Lou Rochlen Obdyke ~ Class of 1970

Donna Lou Rochlen ~ Class of 1970

Departed ~ 4/21/2021

Helen Stokes Fabricant I am in shock. I have her yearbook ‘69 yearbook (someone has mine) and just a few days ago, I messaged her that I would be glad to send it to her. Oh! This is terrible and sad. If her family wants it, I will be glad to send it. I don’t have any contact information now.  My empathy is with her family. How hard! What a loss.

    Obituary for Donna Lou Obdyke

    Donna Lou Obdyke, of California, was born on February 3rd 1952 in California, and passed away on April 23rd 2021 in California. She is survived by her loving family.

     

    Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com