Obituaries 8-25-16

James “Jim” Robert Gray
Jim Gray, age 93, a resident of Cloverdale for the past 32 years, died on Friday, Aug. 12, just a week shy of his 94th birthday. He died at home with his wife Marge and daughter Susan by his bedside. Jim leaves behind his wife of almost 68 years, Marge, two daughters, Syma and Susan; grandsons Dwayne and Dwight (Nichol) and great grandchildren Nixon and Jonni. Susan’s husband, Calvin predeceased Jim by five years.
Jim and Marge’s relationship started at the Minneapolis School of Art, where they met and enjoyed a lifetime love of art. Jim’s passions were sculptures carved from wood and made from clay, writing haiku,  gardening and cultivating bonsais, all done with a sense of humor, according to his wife. “He had a wonderful sense of humor that was evident in his human sculptures and masks,” said Marge.
After graduation in June, 1948 and their marriage the following September, Jim earned a scholarship to study with Yugoslavian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic in Syracuse, New York, where he studied for a year and Marge taught grade school. From New York, the couple went to Ketchikan, Alaska and then traveled south along the Pacific Coast heading for New Mexico. They stopped in Escondido, where an uncle of Jim’s lived and they stayed there for 34 years, owning an art gallery and raising their family. Jim completed many large commissioned sculptures there.
They left Escondido and their gallery in the care of their daughter, Syma and in 1984 Jim and Marge came to Cloverdale, where they became immersed in the community. One of Jim’s many legacies is the garden at the Cloverdale Historical Society. He could be seen planting, weeding and caretaking the garden there for years. He and Marge did many art shows together with Jim showcasing his sculptures and Marge her paintings and quilting. Jim also donated pieces in support of many local fundraisers.
Jim’s last written haiku in his 51st book of haikus in May, 2016 gives his family and friends a glimpse of his insight.
“Always bear in mind
Not all strength comes from without
Much comes from within.”
There will be no memorial service at Jim’s request. The Gray family would like to thank North County Hospice for their compassionate care during Jim’s final days. Memorial donations in Jim’s name can be made to the Cloverdale Historical Society, 215 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, CA 95425 or North County Hospice, 205 East St., Healdsburg, CA 95448.
Thomas A. Love
Thomas A. Love Jr. died on Aug. 22 with his family by his side at the age of 86. Tom, as he was known by friends and family, is survived by his beloved wife Joanne of 62 years, sons Thomas III (Lisa), John and Robert (Lori), daughter Susan and granddaughters Joanna (Leon), Melody, Caroline, Kimberly (Martin), Whitney (Zack) and Corinne. After serving as 1st Lt. in the Army, Tom earned a BA in Music and an MA in Social Studies from University of Akron, Ohio.
Tom dedicated his professional life to educating students of all ages in Ohio and across California, including 26 years in the Lompoc Unified School District as a school administrator. A passionate musician, Tom sang with the Healdsburg Chorus and Healdsburg Community Church Choir for many years before his death. His favorite pastimes included golfing, gardening, and spending time with his family. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University St., Healdsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Healdsburg Chorus (PO Box 1792, Healdsburg) or the Healdsburg Community Church Choir Fund.