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David Bromige – Former Poet Laureate
David Bromige died on June 3 at home in Sebastopol at the age of
75.
Bromige was a retired Sonoma State University professor and
former Sonoma County Poet Laureate who won multiple literary honors
and the respect of readers around the world. Hewill be remembered
by those who knew and loved him for his wit and support of other
writers.
Bromige was born in London, and was a childhood survivor of The
Blitz of World War II. He attended agricultural college and worked
on a farm in Sweden before settling into a teaching program at the
University of British Columbia. He also won prizes and a graduate
scholarship to UC Berkeley through his poetry and his plays.
Bromige became involved in the emergence of historic poetic
movements, and joined in with the poets known as the San Francisco
Renaissance, and was also adopted by young writers practicing what
came to be known as language poetry.
During his years at Sonoma State he helped launch and maintain
the university’s literary magazines and brought a host of
internationally known writers to campus.
His numerous honors include the Western States Book Award, the
Pushcart Prize for poetry, the Canada Council award and the
Gertrude Stein Award for Innovative Writing. In 1994 the Luther
Burbank Center for the Arts named him a Sonoma County Living
Treasure.
Bromige had fought his way back from a heart attack and stroke
in 2001, going on to serve as Poet Laureate of Sonoma County,
writing, mentoring other writers and giving readings. But a
lifetime struggle with the effects of diabetes finally caught up
with him.
Last month, he gave his last reading in a gathering by the
Healdsburg Literary Society of 16 poet laureates from around the
state.
The author of more than 40 books of prose and poetry, Bromige
was working on a memoir, “Til There Was You,” at the time of his
death. He also was collaborating with Reality Street press in
England to publish a complete collection of his poetry.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cecelia Belle, son
Christopher Bromige, of Vancouver, B.C., daughter Margaret Belle
Bromise, of Sebastopol, two grandchildren and numerous in-laws,
nieces and nephews.
Bromige will be buried at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park in
Sebastopol. A public celebration of his life is being planned for
sometime in July.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Sonoma County
Book Fair, socobookfest.org/donate.shtml.
Richard Mathew Denmark – Completed second Ironman at age
62
Richard M. Denmark passed away suddenly at the age of 64 on May
16, 2009. Rick was born in Palo Alto, Calif. on Jan. 2, 1945 to
Grant Denmark and Barbara Towne McClain. He served two tours in
Vietnam after enlisting voluntarily as a Bolson mate in the Navy,
protecting our country for six years and earning various medals and
decorations for his service.
Rick met the love of his life Susan while working in Lake Tahoe,
and they were married on April 8, 1973. He soon after graduated
from UC Berkeley and they moved abroad and spent time living in
both the Philippines and Indonesia before returning to California.
They moved to Washington and Rick went on to spend most of his
adult life as a CFO gaining the respect of both friends and
colleagues with his hard work and dedication.
Rick was an avid fisherman, car racer, and fervent athlete. He
ran marathons in the Philippines, Indonesia, Hawaii, California,
and Washington. And on June 25, 2006 completed his first Ironman in
Coer D’ Alene Idaho. He went on to complete his second Ironman the
following year at the age of 62.
Rick was not only filled with adventure and humor, he was
steadfast in his dedication to his work and his triathlon teams and
with his love for his wife and children. Rick and Susan spent 36
committed years together.  Rick’s love for his wife was
unparalleled, and he loved her till the day he died. He is survived
by his children Jordan and Brooke, his beloved stepmother Bonnie
Denmark, his brothers Grant and Dick, his three sisters Drew, Dana,
and Katie and many more loved family and friends.
Rick was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was admired for
not only his hard work, but for the way he lived his life, and the
passion in which he loved his family. Richard ran his life like a
marathon, he was steady and true in the way he lived and loved, and
was smiling all the way to the finish line. He will be deeply
missed and more importantly always remembered.
Estela Lujan Gamino – Healdsburg resident
Estela Lujan Gamino entered into rest at home surrounded by her
loving family in Healdsburg on May 23, 2009. Wife of the late
Ciraco (Laco) Gamino and mother of the late son Jimmy L. Gamino.
Beloved mother of Fernando V. Gonsalez, Linda E. Dillon, Gary L.
Gamino and Ron Gamino. Devoted grandmother of Robert Dillon, Jarrod
Dillon, Gary Gamino Jr., Nicole Gamino and great-grandmother of
Trevor Dillon. Dear sister of Mary Ramirez and the late Andres
Lujan, Lily Estrada, Anita Martinez, Licha Martinez, Tenche
Jacquez, and Oscar Lujan. Loving aunt of numerous nieces and
nephews.
Friends were invited to attend vigil services at 7 p.m.,
Thursday, May 28, at Lima Family Erickson Funeral Home, 710 Willow
St., San Jose, Calif. Funeral services were held Friday, May 29, at
10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 4848 Pearl Ave., San Jose. Interment
followed at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Morse E. “Shorty” Lownes – 67-year member of Healdsburg
Lodge #64
Morse E. “Shorty” Lownes passed way in Santa Rosa, Calif. He was
the dearly beloved husband of 54 years of the late Monona J. Lownes
and his second wife Mavis Lownes; beloved father of Linda Jenkins,
Vern, Laura DeGaugh (David), daughter in law, Marti Lownes and the
late Larry G. Lownes; stepfather of Lynn Wetherington, dear brother
of Manuel Lownes, dear brother in law of Leila “Lee” Lownes, Frank
Atkinson, Bill Atkinson, Jim (Linda) Atkinson and the late Elvie
Smith and Phillip Atkinson; adored grandfather of Ronda, Dana,
Scott, Danelle and Lee; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces
and nephews also survive him. Shorty was born and raised in
Healdsburg and was the head waste-water plant operator for 36
years. He served as a Healdsburg volunteer firefighter for 30 years
and was a 67-year member of the Healdsburg Lodge #64, I.O.O.F.
Friends were invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, June
9, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Eggen & Lance Chapel, 1540 Mendocino
Ave., Santa Rosa. Pastor Tim Maloney officiated. A visitation was
held Monday, June 8, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial at Oakmound
Cemetery in Healdsburg. Contributions may be made to the Sutter VNA
Hospice.
William Robert “Bob” Plum – Local cattle rancher and
grape rancher
William Robert “Bob” Plum went home to his Lord and Savior on
June 8, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Born Dec. 16, 1918, he died
peacefully at home with his family by his side at the age of 90. He
is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Vera Plum, his adored
daughters Celeste (Jeff) Yparraguirre, Leanne (Bill) Sackett, and
Valerie (Kevin) Buehner, his three cherished grandchildren, Brian,
Kelcie and Julie all of Healdsburg, his dear sister Lorraine
Dickey, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents William Lorin Plum and
Cora Alexina Poe, his dear brothers Roy Plum and Edward Plum. He is
a great-great grandson of Healdsburg pioneers Mr. and Mrs. William
H. Plum of Tucker Street, as well as West Side Road, as early as
1872.
He was a cattle rancher for many years on the Plum Ranch on the
Rincon Grade and a grape rancher in Alexander Valley. He served
honorably in the Army Air Corp in WWII, Army Air Corp Reserve, and
US Airforce during the Korean Conflict. He served on the Advisory
Council for 34 years with the Salvation Army and the Lions Club
among others. Bob was active for many years as a developer and
builder in his own business.
Arrangements made by Romero Mortuary in Windsor. Private
services will be held at his request. Memorial contributions may be
made to: Arthritis Foundation, Northern California Chapter, 657
Mission Street, Suite 603, San Francisco, CA  94105.