Friday, November 30, 2012

Remembering John Ohlson June 21, 1915 - November 23, 2012

OHLSON, John Algoth June 21, 1915 - November 23, 2012 John Algoth Ohlson, 97, died peacefully in his West Sacramento home on November 23, 2012. John was an active community member in the Sacramento area for six decades, was loved by many for his generous heart and community spirit, and he will be missed. John was born in New Haven, Connecticut and at the age of three moved to North Park, Illinois. At the age of ten John began what would be a life-long love of the creative arts, by taking classes in printmaking. John began making yearly linoleum block greeting cards of great beauty. He continued sending friends and family these cards well into his nineties. Another life-long love was his love of books and movable-type printing. He was a member of the Sacramento Book Collector's Club for several decades. John printed announcements, invitations, letterhead and posters for the club and for numerous organizations, with his movable-type presses. John pursued his college education at North Park College for two years, transferring to Northwestern University and graduating with a degree in Psychology. He continued his studies with graduate work at Stanford University. While at Stanford, he became interested in the Society of Friends and became a Quaker. He served as a firefighter during World War II for his alternate service. Then he was sent to Duke University in North Carolina to continue his alternate service as a psychiatric orderly. In 1938 John met Grace Kneedler. Their courtship continued through the world war and they were married in 1945. The one event that brought John sadness in his later years was losing Grace in 2000. John and Grace lived in Durham, North Carolina, where John became a Psychologist on the staff at Duke University. Their daughter, Mary Britta, was born there in 1947, and their son Nils, was born in 1950. When John got a job at California's state mental hygiene clinic, the family moved back to California. In the 1950's John became involved in local politics. He was elected to the Yolo county Democratic Central Committee, a position he held for over 50 years. John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and loved times spent with family. He loved hiking and camping in the Sierras, and did so yearly until age 96. John is survived by daughter Mary B. Ohlson of El Cerrito, son Nils Ohlson of Alameda, grandchildren Isabel Malonzo, Daniel Ohlson Sundheim, and Jackson Crowe Sundheim, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2pm at West Sacramento's City Hall, 1110 W. Capital, West Sacramento. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 30, 2012 Read more here

The West Sacramento Historical Society has published a wonderful memoir honoring long time West Sacramentan John Ohlson. Read more about his life in this article by Louisa R. Vessell on their website.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Feed West Sacramento

Whitey's Jolly Kone graciously hosted a 'Drive Thru' Canned Food Drive benefiting Yolo County Children's Alliance, Out of the Box Ministries, and the Christmas Basket Project on Sunday. Thank you to all folks who stopped by with donations of canned and boxed foods, toys and clothing for the Holiday "Drive Thru" Community Food Drive!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Mother Nature prepares her holiday dressing


Carolyn sent us this great photo of some very festive Madrona trees she saw yesterday...Thanks C...they do remind me the holidays are coming soon! Trivia:  The Salinan, Miwok, Pomo, and other California tribes have long used the berries of Pacific madrone for food and to make cider and the berries were strung to make necklaces. Bark tea was drunk to treat colds and sore throats and Pomo women used an infusion of the bark as an astringent beauty wash to close the pores and soften the skin on their faces.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

RIP Richard Finley

Baseball has always played a big part of the social life of kids who grew up in West Sacramento.  Any of my friends who played or hung around with those who played Little League, Babe Ruth and Legion Base Ball will remember Dick Finley.

Richard Finley went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 30, 2012. Richard was born on February 7, 1926 to Claude E. and Irma Finley. He graduated from Grant Union High School in 1943 and joined the Navy during World War II. After being discharged from the Navy, Richard worked at the railroad for 15 years. God opened doors for Richard to work at the West Sacramento Fire Department for 23 years. There he became a loyal employee and moved up the ladder to become Fire Marshall. Richard enjoyed RVing and fishing with friends and family. He coached Babe Ruth and Little League for 15 years and loved every minute of the game and kids. During his coaching career, Richard helped 3 young people become Major League Players. His true hobby and passion was gardening for others. He would grow produce and distribute it amongst his family, friends and his church. Everyone knew that Richard grew the best cantaloupe in West Sacramento and maybe the country. He is survived by and remains in the hearts of his beloved wife Ruth E. Finley, brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Sandy Finley. His children, Bruce (Linda) Finley, Brook (Rodney) Egbert, Bridget (Wayne) Lukins. Also 7 step-children Debbie Raines, Cindy Sasser, Judy Weller, Patty Little, Jenny Corder, Barbara Haugan and Jerry Fevold. He had 5 grandsons and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at Tyler St. Church of Christ at 10:00 A.M. November 10, 2012, 5029 Tyler St. Sacramento, CA near Highway 80 and Madison Ave. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 9, 2012 at 11:00 A.M at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery 5810 Midway Rd. Dixon, CA 95620. River Cities Funeral Chapel Published in The Sacramento Bee on November 6, 2012 Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=richard-finley&pid=160897714#storylink=cpy