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Harold “Babe” Hoppe – A passionate sports
fan
Harold “Babe” Hoppe peacefully passed away at home in
Healdsburg, Tuesday September 23, 2008 at the age of 83. Babe was
born the son of an immigrant German carpenter in Portland Oregon;
the youngest of 6 children. He loved baseball and hence received
his nickname from the great Babe Ruth. A proud Navy veteran of
WWII, he served in the Pacific Theater.  After the war, he took a
job with Hyster Co. and married Joyce. Their family included two
sons and Babe took great pride in coaching them in sports. He was a
Little League coach for many years and was particularly pleased
with his undefeated 1964 team. He moved the family to Hawaii that
year and in 1966 he moved his family to Santa Rosa where he and his
brother-in-law Reuben Hohnstein began Pacific Sanitary Disposal,
which he operated for 25 years. An avid sports fan, he loved to
spend his time watching his sons and grandchildren participate in
baseball, basketball and equestrian events. He was preceded in
death by Joyce, his wife of 47 years, and survived by sons Gary
(Lori) Hoppe and Randy (Susie) Hoppe. He was a devoted grandfather
of Garret, Jerrod & Kristin Hoppe. As a lover of animals, Babe
also enjoyed his visits from the four legged kids too.
At his request a private service will be held. Inurnment will be
private at Oakmound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made in his honor to the Heartland Hospice, 2455 Bennett Valley Rd.
#B 214, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
John Harry Muir – Civil Engineer, Innkeeper
John passed away September 17, 2008 at Kaiser Hospital  Santa
Rosa, California at age 79. His declining health was complicated by
pulmonary distress.
He was born September 15,1929 in Los Angeles, California He
lived for a time in Panama and then his family settled in Red
Bluff, CA growing walnuts and almonds. John attended Red Bluff High
School where he met and later married Carol Joan Todd on Sept. 8,
1952. Together they attended Chico State college.
John’s studies included architecture and engineering. Their
first son, Robs, was born during this time and two years later
their daughter, Denice. John received a Bachelors degree in civil
engineering and transferred to Stanford University, earning his
Master’s degree. Their second son, Todd, was born in 1956. The
youngest son, Mark, was born in1958.
John’s career involved him in hydro-electric specialization. He
was justifiably proud of his contributions to major civil
engineering projects, including the Feather River Dam, the Tri-
River Project and the Glen Canyon Dam. The family relocated
frequently from California to Arizona, Oregon, Nebraska, Southern
California and eventually to Walnut Creek. John became a Senior
Estimator for Bechtel Corporation, commuting daily to San
Francisco. One of their most interesting stints was a two-year
commitment to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. John was working on the world’s
largest civil airport.
His career opened the doors to 67 different countries, expanding
his passion for travel and fascination with cooking and world
cuisine.
When they returned to the U.S. they bought and restored the
Paxton mansion in Healdsburg, now known as Madrona Manor, a
California historical landmark. This was his most rewarding
achievement. John managed the 21-room inn with Carol for 18 years
and retired in 1999 to Oakmont in Santa Rosa, Calif. John was a
member of the Rotary and a member of S.I.R.S. Seniors in Retired
Service.
John Muir is survived by his wife of 56 years Carol Joan Todd of
Oakmont, Calif., his son Robs and daughter-in-law Candi
Johnson-Muir of Claremont, Calif., his daughter Denice and
son-in-law Tom Richards of Petaluma, Calif., his son Todd and
daughter-in-law Terri Muir of Healdsburg, Calif., his son Mark and
daughter-in-law Diane Muir of Cloverdale, Calif., his grandchildren
Christine, Ryan Muir, Mike and Galen Muir, Andrea, Matthew and
Katie Fitzgerald, Jennifer and Stephanie Muir, and his great
grandson James Muir.
A family memorial was held on September 20, 2008 at the family
home. Remembrances may be sent to: Carol Muir, 135 Oak Shadow Dr.,
Santa Rosa, CA. 95409. Memorial donations in the name of John Muir
may be sent to: Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Petaluma, CA 94952,
778-6242.
Betty Lewis Foote – A worldwide traveler
Betty Lewis Foote born October 4, 1920, passed away at her home
on September 27, 2008, at the age of 87. Betty was preceded in
death by her parents Jack Charles and Roberta Mirth Lewis, her
brother Robert Frank Lewis, and her husband Richard Harold Foote,
diplomat W.M.O. United Nations, Switzerland.
She is survived by her brother Jack Charles Lewis and Clara,
sons Richard Lewis Foote and Julie, John David Foote and Dixie, all
of Oregon. She leaves behind four grandchildren, Richard, Lara,
Chandra, and Jeremy. She also leaves behind four
great-grandchildren, Chloe, Patricia, Jack and William.
Betty was a past member of the Retired Officers Wives, TROA, the
Santa Rosa Symphony League, the Saturday Afternoon Book Club, and
PEO. She was a worldwide traveler accompanying her husband to the
Aleutians, Japan, Spain, China, Russia, and Switzerland to name a
few, always making every effort to learn the language and customs
wherever she went. She was Chairwoman of numerous social,
charitable and service organizations. 
Betty is remembered to many as Aunt Honey. Her family was always
first in her heart, and although we all feel a deep loss, in being
left behind, we are comforted in our belief that she is safely 
reunited with her beloved husband and family.
Funeral Services were held Wednesday, October 1 at 9:30 a.m. at
Fred Young Funeral Home 428 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Cloverdale.
Interment was at Oakmound Cemetery in Healdsburg at 11:30 a.m.
Ramiro A. Gonzalez – Loved being out of
doors
Ramiro A. “ Boom Boom” Gonzalez died Sept. 23, 2008 at home in
Occidental with his family by his side. 
He was a past member of the Sebastopol Jay-Cee organization and
he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, black powder shooting and
gardening. 
Gonzalez was preceded in death by his son Ramiro Gonzalez,
Jr. 
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Yolanda; son, Bob
(Michele); daughter, Rose; seven grandchildren, Danielle (Shawn),
Bobby, Derek, Nicole, Jake, Sandra and Veronica; three
great-grandchildren, Jarrod, Karmin and Jayden; and extended family
members and friends. 
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 30, 2008 at St. Philip the
Apostle in Occidental. 
Eila Jeanne Van Ogle – Operated a children’s day
care
Eila Jeanne (Rossetti) Van Ogle died in Sebastopol Sept. 24,
2008. She was 65 and was born in Santa Rosa.
She was the  wife of the late Stephen “Pete” Van Ogle and 
mother of Stephanie Van Ogle of Placerville and Stephen Van Ogle of
Galt.
She is survived by five grandchildren: Breann, Victoria, Andrew,
Alexandria and Ryan.
 She is also survived by sister Teri Cieslewicz and brothers
Mike Rossetti, Ron Rossetti, Don Rossetti, Joe Rossetti, Bob
Rossetti, Jim Rossetti, Tom Rossetti, Paul Rossetti, Tim Rossetti,
and Rich Rossetti.
She is also remembered by a dear companion, Itchy Loundagin.
Van Ogle is also survived and remembered by many “little people”
she cared for at her Van Ogle Day Care in Sebastopol.
Michael E. Vail – Noted Viticulturist
Renowned viticulturist Michael E. Vail, age 45, passed away
September 19, 2008 in his beloved wine country at his Windsor, CA
home. He is survived by his mother, Kitty Belle Vail, his wife Rosa
and adored daughter Gabi “D”, his step-son David Quezada, as well
as his beloved pet cat and friend Chester. He will be missed by his
Great-Aunts Rosella and Inetta, his godfather Duffy, and his uncle
Maynard and many family members in Indiana.
Inheriting his love of plants and gardening from his
grandmother, the late Rosetta Soukup, Mike went on to pursue a
career in the agricultural field of viticulture. Graduating from
high school at 16, his passion led him to Purdue University where
he joined the Delta Triton Chapter of the Phi Sigma Kappa
fraternity and earned a Bachelors of Science in Agronomy in 1986.
From there the native Hoosier moved to California and furthered his
knowledge by completing a Masters of Science in Plant Pathology at
the University of California at Davis in 1990.
Having completed his education, Mike went on to spend the next
18 years holding progressively responsible positions in the
viticulture field. As his knowledge and expertise grew he shared
what he learned as a member of the American Phytopathological
Society, the American Society of Agronomy, and the American Society
for Enology and Viticulture where he was currently serving on the
Board. He was also involved in the American Vineyard Foundation,
the Lake County Winegrape Commission, and the Lodi-Woodbridge
Winegrape Commission and served as a Licensed Pest Control Advisor.
As a member of these groups Mike was called upon to share his
talents as an educator and facilitator. He chaired committees and
helped plan many seminars and workshops. Mike addressed groups in
France, Germany, Australia, Spain, Austria, Italy, Holland, Chile,
and New Zealand. In addition he co-authored and had published
numerous articles that were the result of his research on grapevine
wood decay fungi including Botrytis and other diseases.
As well as being remembered for his work in the viticulture
field, Mike will be remembered for his winning smile and great
Thanksgiving turkeys. Those fortunate enough to experience his
gourmet adventures will miss his advice on wine pairing. His
willingness to help the novice wine enthusiast was much appreciated
as he approached his subject with humor and honesty.
Respecting Mike’s passion and strong work ethics a celebration
of his life will be held after the grape harvest at the First
Baptist Church of Windsor located at 10285 Starr Road, Windsor, CA
95492 on October 25, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A trust has been set for Mike’s daughter, Gabi and the family
request that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to:
Michael Vail Memorial Fund
c/o The Tremont Group, P.O. Box 1818, Woodland, CA 95776