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John Simon Lancaster
Dr. John Simon Lancaster, an optometrist who practiced in Half Moon Bay for more than 30 years, died April 13 at the Palisade Living Center in Palisade, Colo. He was 75.
Dr. Lancaster was born to William Walter and Barbara Ellen Lancaster on June 9, 1931, in Fruita, Colo. His family moved to Grand Junction, Colo. when he was 4, and he grew up there.
He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and Grand Junction High School, graduating in 1949. After graduation, he served in the Army from May 1951 through October 1956, including 18 months on the front lines during the Korean War, finishing his service as a lieutenant.
He settled in California and attended college, obtaining his degree in optometry through the University of California, Berkeley. Residing in San Francisco, he set up offices in the city and in Half Moon Bay, where he practiced for 32 years. He returned to Colorado in 2003.
During his years in California, Dr. Lancaster traveled frequently to Colorado to visit his large family. He also traveled abroad; he particularly loved Italy and also visited Germany, Russia and Czechoslovakia. He was also a gracious host to anyone visiting him in San Francisco.
"One of John's biggest things was his smile," said his sister, Mary Anne Romisch of Clifton, Colo. "He always had a smile, and he could always see the good side of everything."
Dr. Lancaster is preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Danny Ray, brothers George and Roy, brothers-in-law Johnny Harrison, Paul Romisch and Barton Porter, sister-in-law Bernice Lancaster, nephews Jerry Romisch, Bill, Michael and Allen Porter, and infant nieces Pauline Lancaster and Paula Anne Romisch.
He is survived by brothers Carl Lancaster of Florence, Colo., brother and sister-in-law Paul and Dianne Lancaster of Clifton, Colo., sisters Martha Porter of New Castle, Colo., Mary Anne Romisch of Clifton, Colo., and Loretta Harrison of Grand Junction, sister-in-law Irene Lancaster of Delta, Colo. and dear and close friend Hal Owen and family of Price, Utah.
He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews, and several cousins.
Memorial services are planned for a later date in Colorado.
Richard Brian Hazel
Richard Brian Hazel, a 17-year Coastside resident currently living in Carnelian Bay, Calif., died April 6 due to heart disease at the Tahoe Forest Hospital. He was 76.
Mr. Hazel was born in San Francisco and raised in San Mateo, where he graduated from San Mateo High School. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with a degree in psychology.
After college, he served for two years in the Army, and then pursued graduate studies in psychology at San Jose State University. In 1956 he married his wife, Peg, and they came to the Coastside in 1959.
"He was gregarious, extroverted, and he loved people," she said.
From 1957 to 1968 he worked in administration with the San Mateo County Juvenile Probation Department.
In the later 1960s he became a full-time painter of seascapes and creeks in Northern California, a profession he pursued for some 40 years.
While living and painting in Half Moon Bay he helped with launching the Pumpkin Festival. He also helped in the building of the Spanishtown complex of shops and galleries on Highway 92, where he showed his work.
After he left the Coastside in 1976 he continued to paint and show work in Sonoma, Mendocino and the Bay Area. He was a member of the San Francisco Artists' Guild.
Mr. Hazel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peg Hazel of Healdsburg, his son Peter Hazel of Carnelian Bay, daughters Cathy Hazel of Calistoga and Kristi Hazel Matsuda of San Francisco, and grandchildren Jimmy, Matt, Katie, Marc and Kimi.
He is also survived by brothers Kevin Hazel of Salinas, Pat Hazel of Oregon and John Hazel of Oregon, and sister Margaret Harris of New Brunswick, Canada.
A private family celebration of Mr. Hazel's life was to be held in Healdsburg.
George A. Gerhard
George A. Gerhard, a longtime Coastside resident, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Judy on December 1.
Born and raised in New York, George knew at a young age that art was his calling, but he spent time in the Navy aboard the USS Randolph as an Electrician Apprentice before attending Cooper Union Art College. George spent formative years sketching in Greenwich Village before moving to the Bay Area in the late seventies. When his sister Marilou Cotchett opened Princeton Inn, George came to the Coast to manage the bar and stayed, tending many of the bars on the Coast over the years, landing finally at Pasta Moon where he worked from 1998 until recently.
George is survived by his beloved wife Judith Gerhard, his daughter Patricia Gerhard, his stepson Aldo Parisi, his sister Jean D'Amico, her husband Thom and their children Matt and Lisa, and his sister Marilou Cotchett and her son Kevin, and legions of friends.
George was devoted to his family and friends, and he was loved and admired by all who knew him. A charming and gracious gentleman, he uplifted those around him with a quiet dignity. George was a very good listener, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was quite an entertaining storyteller. His knowledge knew no bounds and he was happy to discuss history, art, civil rights and the state of the world while making the best cocktails around. Modest about the sketching he continued to do over the years, he enjoyed perusing art magazines and walking on the beach with Judy in his leisure time. George had a fine life lived quietly among friends.
George asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to Coastside Land Trust, P.O. Box 3205, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
Bradley Royer
Nov. 29, 1982 - Aug. 29, 2008
Following a brave and courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with melanoma, Brad died at Seton Medical Center on August 29, 2008, with his parents by his side.
Born on November 29, 1982, in San Francisco, Brad grew up in Moss Beach. He graduated from Half Moon Bay High School and attended the University of Arizona. He was a sports enthusiast and participated in a wide-range of sporting activities through the years including swimming on the Cougar swim team. In addition, he enjoyed weight training, lifeguarding and teaching swim classes at Cougar Pool and was a spirited fan of collegiate football and basketball. Cooking was also one of his great pleasures and sushi was his specialty. Other interests included party poker, math and chemistry. A Bradley Royer Memorial Math and Science Scholarship has been established at the high school to assist students who are interested in pursuing careers in these disciplines.
Brad was the beloved son of Michael and Susan Royer and cherished grandson of Louise Lucas, nephew of Linda Taylor and Jody Barth and cousin of Rick and Libby Barth, Sarah, Alec and James Dressel, and Melissa Jacobs. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald Lucas, Elinor Lucas, John and Margaret Royer and his uncle, Frederick DeFrancisco.
We have such a wonderful family and many dear friends both near and far, and we are so very grateful for the many caring thoughts, prayers, notes, calls and love they have extended to the three of us through these difficult years. Their support has meant everything and we will never be able to adequately show our appreciation. We would also like to thank the many medical professionals who so lovingly cared for Brad, especially Dr. Leslie Moretti and his staff and Natalie Waechtler.
In keeping with Brad’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Donations in his memory may be made to No Strings Attached, P.O. Box 370963, Montara, CA 94037, the American Skin Association, 346 Park Avenue South, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10010 or to a charity of your choice.
Time will never fill the empty space that was created when you left us “Bradley Bear.” We were so blessed to have you and we treasured every moment we shared. You were a fine son, a loyal friend, a shy, gentle spirit and a wonderful human being. You will always be loved and sorely missed.
Alfred G. Cavanaugh
Alfred G. Cavanaugh, of the San Francisco Bay Area, passed away peacefully on February 29 at the age of 79. A graduate of Rutgers University, Al was a proud Navy veteran who served honorably for 25 years and retired from active duty at the rank of Commander. Al was a fearless and visionary entrepreneur. Whether it was managing his furniture and art galleries, piloting hot air balloons, or avidly writing, his keen intellect and endless optimism allowed him to lead a life unimpeded by obstacles. Though fortunes were won and lost, he never wavered in his love for his family. Al also loved to travel and considered Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, his second home. Preceded in death by his loving mother Wilhelmina, he is survived by daughters Alison Barnhil and Amy Cavanaugh-Volk and their loving mother Mary Stewart, his sister Barbara Schrager, son-in-laws Robert and Barry, nieces Laura and Anne, nephew Eric, beloved grandchildren Christian, Robbie and Hannah and longtime friend Janis Snarr.
Friends may visit Tuesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and are welcome to join us in a celebration of his life on Wednesday March 5 at 1 p.m. at Duggan's Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City. Burial will take place at the Union Cemetery
in Frenchtown, New Jersey.
Stanley "Stash" Rutter
Sept. 12, 1936 - Sept. 7, 2008
Stanley passed away peacefully with Carmen and their daughters at his bedside. Stanley battled his illness the way he lived his life, with dignity, never losing hope. He possessed a real zest for life, living each day to the fullest. Sharing adventures with the friends he loved gave Stanley the greatest pleasure. Stash loved everyone in his life, always caring for others and helping all those who crossed his path. This is his legacy.
Everyone who knew him understood his greatest passion was nurturing our two- and four-legged “furry” friends. This is a testament to the kindness, gentleness, and devotion to all creatures sharing our universe.
Stanley we love you. Rest in peace until we meet again.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life and birthday, Friday, September 12 at 2 p.m. Pillar Point Harbor, Princeton. Meet in the Half Moon Bay Brewery parking lot. Reception following.
Donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 877-272-6226.
