Gordon David Fowler died at his Sonoma home on Sept. 3, 2008 after a long illness. Gordon was born to George and Marie Fowler on Sept. 18, 1936. He was raised in Kenwood and attended Santa Rosa schools. He was an original member of the Devil’s Darlin’s Sonoma car club. As a young man, he became a firefighter with the California Division of Forestry (CAL FIRE). Gordon’s 30-year career with CDF took him throughout the State. Much of that time was spent in Fallbrook, San Diego County, where he and his wife, JoAnn, raised their family. Upon retirement, Gordon and JoAnn returned home to Sonoma.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Gordon spent many enjoyable times in the outdoors with friends and family. He was an enthusiastic collector of American Indian arts including baskets, rugs and pottery.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 51 years, JoAnn, and their six children: MaryAnn and Rob Burgess, Tom and Linda Fowler, Kathy and Robert Powers, Dan and Jeannie Fowler, Margaret and Phil Leonelli and Patrick Fowler. He adored his 11 grandchildren: Gordon, Allie, P.J., Tim, Bethany, Patrick, Maggie, Jake, Andrew, Brigid and Tommy. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Jan. His brother Frank survives him.
Services will be held Friday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the California Division of Forestry Museum and Historical Society at 3800 Sierra Way, San Bernardino, CA 92405 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Avelina Farish passed away suddenly on August 27, 2008. She was 75. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Bill Farish. She was the cherished mother of Linda Garcia, Bill Farish and Sandra Farish Sloan. She is also survived by her loving granddaughters, Alexis, Angela, Laura, and Allison; and her loving son-in-law, Craig. She was the great-grandmother of Ava and the loving sister of Melita and Rafael. Recently, her life had been greatly enhanced by her dear friendship with Lee Thompson.
A native of San Francisco, Avelina spent many years in Red Bluff, and lived the last 10 years in Sonoma, where she enjoyed a full and rich life surrounded by family and friends. She loved music and gardening and was happiest preparing wonderful meals for her loving family and friends.
In keeping with Avelina’s wishes, there will be no services. Donations in her memory may be made to Meals on Wheels of Sonoma, PO Box 622, Sonoma, CA 95476, 707.935.9141, an organization she supported and loved. Private inurnment. Arrangements under the directions of Duggan’s Mission Chapel and Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476.
Ellis R. “Ollie” Norrbom, 92, member of a pioneer Sonoma Valley family, died on August 26, 2008 in Sonoma. A native of Sonoma, born July 8, 1916, to Ferdinand and Anna Norrbom, he was one of five children. His grandfather, Peter Gustaf Norrbom emigrated from Sweden and settled in Sonoma in 1849 and homesteaded on a ranch of 360 acres at the end of Norrbom Road. Peter married and raised a family of seven. Eventually he and his children hand-dug the Norrbom Road into the town of Sonoma. Ferdinand and Anna had five sons, Ollie was the third born. His twin brother, Louis, died a year later. Ollie worked for his Uncle Henry “HJ” “Pop” Norrbom at the Highway Garage in Sonoma. Dedicated to his work, he also drove for 50 years with his brother Allan at Norrbom’s Ambulance Service. No matter how hard he worked he always made time for the Saturday night dances. He loved to dance, he loved people and he never forgot a face. Ollie, as he was so fondly known, was a loyal friend and was a familiar face and fixture in the Valley he loved so much. He was a veteran of World War II, a brother, an uncle, a cousin and a dear friend to many. His favorite comment was, “You wouldn’t want it any nicer.”
He is survived by his niece, JoAnn Norrbom Tutor; nephew, Paul A. Norrbom and his wife Martie; great-nieces and nephew, Julia Shannon Chapman (Kelly), James Paul Tutor and Melissa Allyn Ann Norrbom; cousins, Robert Norrbom, Sr., Robert Norrbon, Jr., Beverly Marsh, Eric Norrbom, Peter Norrbon, John Norrbom and each of their families. He is also survived by numerous other extended family members. He is preceded in death by his loving parents; by his brothers, Walter, Elmer (“Omie”), Louis (his twin), and Allan Norrbom; and by his sister-in-law Aleta “Petie” Norrbom.
The family wishes to thank Agua Caliente Villa’s caregivers and residents who made Ollie feel at home. Thanks also to Rolf Olness, M.D., the staff of Sonoma Valley Hospital and to Hospice by the Bay. Thanks to the Depot Hotel. Special thanks to the staff and family at Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Donations may be made in his name to Hospice by the Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476 or to Agua Caliente Villa, 17250 Vailetti Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476. A graveside service was held at Mountain Cemetery on Sept. 10. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel/Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
Dorothy Matilda Remy, 100, of Sonoma, died June 12, 2008 in Sonoma. Dorothy was the wife of the late Lucian A. Remy and the daughter of the late Johannes and Mabel Hansen. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Florence Mirabella and Joseph Hansen. Dorothy was a dedicated homemaker for many years. She was a 29-year resident of Sonoma County and a native of San Francisco.
No formal services were held. A private inurnment has taken place at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, Calif. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel and Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
