Franklin Degrave 1954-2021 Franklin Degrave was born on Nov. 5, 1954 in Indonesia and passed away on Aug. 25 at the age of 66. Franklin married his wife, Dianna Degrave, on June 4, 1994. Franklin delivered mail to the Leisure World residents in Mutuals 2 and 3 for 23 years. His wife still delivers mail to Mutuals 10 and 11. Franklin retired four years ago, but was still fondly remembered by those he delivered the mail to each day. He was known for his overflowing love for both his customers and the Lord and had a contagious enthusiasm for life. He had a wide, engaging and infectious smile that everyone loved. Franklin passed away after a second stroke, the first being six years prior. He is survived by his wife. Franklin’s memorial will be officiated by Pastor Randy Craft of Saddleback Church. The memorial service will be held on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at 1901 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. The burial will be held on Nov. 6 at Good Shepherd Cemetery at 8301 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646.

Harry J. Crozier 1923-2021 Harry J. Crozier, age 95, passed away on Aug. 21. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at ASU. He had a long career in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a pilot with 36 missions flown in the European Theater of World War II. His 33 years in the Air Force also included work as an ROTC pilot instructor in Queens College (NY), a personnel officer in the Korean war and a transport pilot in the Vietnam war. He flew the last transport plane carrying out Vietnamese refugees at the end of the war, before retiring honorably in 1975 as a lieutenant colonel. Throughout his life, Harry loved reading at the library; watching/riding trains; and keeping interests in history, aviation and finance. He had a kind, calm and friendly demeanor with a persistent sense of humor that made him instantly likeable by all who met him. Harry was a loving and irreplaceable husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Mei; two children; three grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. He is forever loved and at peace. Services will be held at Los Angeles National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.

Editor’s Note: Rudy and Lita Fernando were inseperable and an active LW couple, well-known to many here. The following is an appreciation from his longtime friend, Rhonda Sandberg. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.’” —John 1:47, KJV A present-day Nathanael passed from our midst on Aug. 31, 2021 at 2:49 p.m. Rudy Fernando was a Nathanael in every way. Walt Trent, a fellow resident in Leisure World and friend of Rudy and myself, is the person who told me that he saw Rudy as a Nathanael, and he is exactly right. To be without guile is to be void of insidious cunning, deception and duplicity. Rudy’s character in word and in deed was graced with honor, pure motives, and an unceasing love for God and His Word. He truly was completely without guile. I met Rudy and his wonderful wife, Lita, at First Christian Church of Leisure World. Rudy greeted me with his beautiful, friendly smile and gave me a name tag, which he had made for every church member. I noticed during the service that he and his wife served Communion, so I assumed he was a leader or elder in the church by his actions and service. (Always being thoughtful of things that are needed in the church, Rudy recently purchased new member books for those who wanted to join the church.) When I began playing piano at First Christian, Rudy would approach me every Sunday after the service as he and Lita were cleaning up the Communion elements to tell me how much he enjoyed and appreciated my playing— he was ever the encourager. At our potlucks, Rudy was always present, helping to set up tables and to clean up afterward. His service to the church was continual and joyful at every turn. My late friend Anita Ragole told me to approach Lita and Rudy about joining my new gospel choir, the Good News Singers, so I did. Their membership in my choir became one of the biggest blessings of my life. Rudy served as vice president and often led the group in prayer and devotions. Lita offered to serve our audiences complete meals at every concert as a ministry. This was a HUGE undertaking since we usually fed between 300 and 500 people each time! Lita solicited help from Melinda Nicolet and some of her relatives and friends, and Rudy worked right alongside Lita before and after the concerts, clearing tables, doing dishes, cleaning up, and then packing up leftover food for shut-ins and Leisure World security personnel. After we cleaned up everything, Rudy always helped me to my car with all of my paraphernalia, which was usually a lot! Prior to the concerts, Rudy always asked me for the seating chart so he could make name tags for each seat so that the choir members would know where to sit. There is no doubt that the ministry of Lita and Rudy Fernando to the Good News Singers and to the attendees of our concerts was key to the success of the Good News Singers and a blessing to all who were present, particularly to me. As if this ministry to the Good News Singers was not enough, Rudy and Lita volunteered to expand their ministry to the Leisure World Chorale, performing the same amazing tasks that they did for the Good News Singers, serving full meals to the concert-goers and choir members. So, eight times each year, this precious couple “fed the 5,000” ( John 6:10-11 KJV) with grace, joy and dignity. Melinda Nicolet assisted each time, not only helping Lita with the concerts, but also serving beautiful potlucks for the Good News Singers’ rehearsals once every month! Even though Melinda and Lita headed up these marathon events, Rudy was always present and helping in every way. I cannot mention Rudy without Lita because these two worked and served together as one. I called them “salt and pepper shakers” because they were a perfectly matched set and just looked so cute together. And the salt and pepper analogy suits them very well because they “seasoned” people’s lives with joy and grace and help wherever they went. Rudy and Lita and I often ate with other friends at Madera’s Steak House for a time of fellowship or a celebration of birthdays and anniversaries. At every gathering, Rudy always led us in prayer and had a devotional Word to share. He also loved the cheesecake there, so he enjoyed every bite of it with vigor! When the pandemic began and so many were sheltered inside, Rudy and Lita became what I called “The Food Angels,” delivering food every day to many people in need. Although I was not in need, they still faithfully came to my home in Rossmoor every day, not only to bring Lita’s amazing home cooking, but also to share a Word of Scripture that Rudy had prepared. Because of these two, I was fed physically and Spiritually every day for over a year! Amazing! In 2020, Rudy and Lita celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, so we held a lovely renewal of vows ceremony at First Christian. I even got to be their flower girl! We played a recording of “O Promise Me,” and Rudy was overcome with emotion, looking at his beautiful bride with love and tenderness. It was a lovely, heartfelt and touching ceremony because of who Rudy and Lita are as people. To have been a part of this service was an honor I will never forget. Lita loved to go to the Seal Beach pier with Rudy every evening to enjoy the sunset, to walk on the beach and the pier. Lita would feed the seagulls, and Rudy enjoyed watching her intermingling with the birds and watching the fishermen. This was a daily regimen for these two, and the seagulls looked forward to their arrival if they got there before sundown. After sundown was when the birds went to sleep, and Lita was always disappointed if she missed them, giving the food she brought to the fish instead. When the church had to close down inside services for awhile, it was Rudy who I observed helping the pastor measure the outside area for a covering, for chairs, etc. His willingness to help in any way possible was always evident, and he served joyfully and faithfully with quiet humility, no matter the task. Rudy loved his library of books. An avid reader, Rudy was always sharing with anyone who would listen the latest books or articles or Scriptures he had read. The consistent desire to share his service, his joyful heart, his contributions, his knowledge and his help were all ever-present aspects of the character and demeanor of Rudy Fernando. After one of my visits to Los Alamitos and a lunch with Rudy and Lita at Madera’s, they offered to drive me home to Lake Elsinore. While they were here, I played a song on my keyboard that Rudy and Lita had introduced to me: “I Cast All My Cares Upon You,” by Kelly Willard. As I played, they sang, and I can still hear their lovely voices and their sincere hearts as they sang. I loved that song so much that I arranged it for our Good News Singers. And Lita told me that Rudy made it the theme song for his devotions with her every morning. A few months ago, Lita asked me to record it so she could dance the hula to it in church. So now, whenever I hear or play or sing that song, it is Rudy and Lita who come to mind. I thank God for the last time I saw Rudy and Lita for lunch at Madera’s, which was only about a month and a half ago. We enjoyed ourselves immensely as always, and I still have a wonderful vision of the two of them getting into their car in the parking lot and waving to me, Lita looking beautiful and vibrant as always, and Rudy smiling and looking about 45 years old instead of 90, his youthful look being one of the many blessed gifts God gave him. When I heard from Lita that Rudy was in the hospital ICU, I was praying for him, and God compelled me to go to my keyboard and play “I Cast All My Cares...” for Rudy, hoping and believing that he could somehow hear it in his Spirit. The words are very appropriate for his battle: I cast all my cares upon You I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet And any time I don’t know what to do I will cast all my cares upon You. Rudy Fernando left a legacy for all of us of humility, joy in the Lord, consistent faith in God, a sincere and winning smile, and a beautiful example of true servanthood. Beyond all of this, though, Rudy left us all with another legacy. He fought with every fiber of his being for his life in those last few weeks. While in the hospital, Rudy did everything in his power to try to beat his illness. According to the Bible, which says in Ephesians 6:13 “having done all, to stand,” he chose to use all medical means to help him to fight the virus, which was not an easy decision for him. But out of love for his family, Rudy became a warrior and fought his final battle valiantly. His bravery reminds me of an excerpt from one of my favorite poems by Dylan Thomas, which he wrote as his father fought his final battle. I utilized it at my own father’s memorial service because he fought his final battle with valour as well. These words speak of the hero in battle that Rudy Fernando displayed in his final days here on Earth: Do not go gentle into that good night... But rage, rage against the dying of the light... Rudy raged like the good Christian soldier he is as he fought hard against the attack on his body. And then, when God began to call him Home, Rudy rested and trusted in the Lord as he gently transitioned in peace to His Heavenly abode. What a great example for his wife, his children and his grandchildren. They can be so proud of him for “fighting the good fight of faith” ( 1 Timothy 6:12 KJV) in his last days. Dearest Rudy, I can already see you setting up your bookcases in your new Heavenly abode, putting your many beloved books in their places on the shelves. And I can also see you looking over the edge of Heaven as one among the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1 KJV), looking out for your wonderful Lita and your beautiful family. I also have a feeling you will continue to sing “I Cast All My Cares” with Lita, surrounding her with the presence of your faithful Spiritual service to her and your family each morning, reminding her of the devotions that meant so much to both of you. From myself, Rudy, I thank you for your beautiful, smiling, encouraging Spirit and your perfect example of servanthood. Jesus said, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27 KJV). Rudy, you were “chief ” among all of us who knew and loved you. Thank you for being our present-day Nathanael. Your humbleness and meekness will last forever in my memory of you. —paid obituary/memoriam Rodolfo "Rudy" Fernando Lita and Rudy Fernando

IN MEMORIAM Editor’s note: Margaret Humes, a well-known and active leader in Leisure World, died Aug. 25, 2021. She touched many lives through her participation in the Golden Age Foundation, the Y Service Club, various dance clubs, Wa-Rite, the Good News Singers and at First Christian Church, where her husband, Bruce, is the pastor. She will be greatly missed by many. This tribute to Margaret was submitted by her dear friend, Rhonda Sandberg. SHINE ON, MARGARET! The Bright Light of Leisure World went out on August 25th, 2021, certainly the brightest light I have personally ever known. That light is Margaret Humes, my friend and sister in Christ, my Spiritual mentor by example, and one of the greatest joys of my life. I met Miss Margaret at First Christian Church of Leisure World when I began attending there. My first encounter with Margaret was when the pastor at the time asked me to dance a Jewish dance with her to a song he was singing. She and I practiced outside before the service, and I quickly learned then that she was a wonderful, vibrant person and a great dancer! A few months later, I was hired as a pianist at the church, and that was when my Spiritual friendship with Margaret began. Margaret led worship every Sunday, and I played piano as she led. We connected musically and Spiritually on a level that was so astounding that I think it surprised us both in a delightful way. When I started the Good News Singers, I immediately knew that she had to become my first assistant director at the time as well as my Scripture reader for our concerts because her Spirit was so strong and edifying for our choir members as well as our audiences. She was a blessing in every way. Not only was Margaret a strong leader, but she also had a servant’s heart. She led worship in church, then turned around and cleaned the church, the bathrooms, planted flowers, decorated for holidays—doing it all for the Lord with great dignity, grace, skill, and joy. Margaret reminds me of the Centurion in Matthew 8 in the Bible who knew how to be in authority and under authority. I could ask her to lead songs in our Good News Singers and explain to her basically what I wanted, to which she always complied; and then she would step up and lead the group with great authority and skill. I had fun reversing these authority roles when I worked under her leadership at church. The Spiritual bond we shared was unspoken, yet with a knowing in our hearts that we understood exactly what the other person felt and wanted at the time. It was a bond that was deep, lovely, and God-ordained—unforgettable to me and, I believe, to her as well. One month before my sister Karen’s passing in 2016, she and I attended the Filipino Luau where we enjoyed trying to do a line dance. We were struggling to learn it, so Margaret came by and danced in front of us so we could follow her and not continue to make complete fools of ourselves. She had much more flare than we did, but she succeeded in getting us to do the steps correctly. That was Margaret! Whatever the need, big or small, she would help anyone with anything wherever she went. At one of our rehearsals, one of our members fell down. We all stood a bit stunned, but Margaret ran immediately to his side, knelt down, prayed for him, and then instructed someone to call his wife and 911. What a woman! When I heard that Margaret was in the hospital, I managed, with God’s help, to contact her in CCU through her nurse. We talked a bit and then sang together a song about faith in God that she had directed in our choir. Then, the day before she passed, she took a selfie, smiling in spite of her mask and her condition, and then called me! We chatted about a lot of different things, and then I asked her how she was doing, and in a strong voice, she said, “I am resting. The battle is the Lord’s.” That’s my dear Margaret: Ever faithful, even through her own personal adversity. After I heard of Margaret’s transition to Heaven, I told my pastor/friend about it, and he gave me some verses of Scripture in Thessalonians 5. To my mind, they speak of Margaret perfectly: “Ye are the children of Light and the children of the Day...Know them which labor among you...esteem them highly in love for their work’s sake.” My friend also gave me Psalm 116:5, which reads: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Not only is Margaret precious in God’s sight, but as she used to say with the exuberant confidence of a child who knows she is loved by her father, “I'm one of His favorites!” And I believe she’s right, which reminds me of some excerpts from a poem by Henry Van Dyke that, to my mind, depicts what happened when this Bright Light of Leisure World began her journey to her new address: I stood upon the seashore A ship at my side Spreads her white sails To the moving breeze She is an object of beauty and strength I stand and watch her Until she becomes a speck of white cloud Just where the sea and sky come To mingle with each other Then, someone sadly says: “There she goes. There she goes.” But just at that moment On the other side That speck of white cloud Grows larger and larger There are other eyes Excitedly watching her coming And their glad shouts of joy Grow louder and louder As they happily exclaim “Here she comes! Here she comes!” I know that God and all of Heaven are rejoicing at your arrival, Dear Margaret. When I get there, I expect to visit you in your treehouse that God made ready for you at your request! Thank you for lighting up my life, Dear sister. You’re the top in my book! Shine on, Margaret! With love in Jesus,Rhonda Sandberg —paid obituary/memorial

John “Sean” Homan 1921-2021 John “Sean” Homan was b o r n in Dublin, Ireland, nearly 100 years ago on Dec. 7, 1921. He passed away on Aug. 20, surrounded by his family and local priest who was also from Ireland. His journey has been remarkable and filled with many adventures, unwavering faith, and surprising twists and turns. John was the middle child of five boys and one girl. He grew up playing soccer and loving all things physical. Throughout his life, his mantra was “keep moving.” He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and became a meat cutter. When Sean met Maureen at a dance at the Crystal Ballroom in Dublin, it was love at first sight. As a young married couple with a family, times were tough in Ireland and Sean got the opportunity to emigrate to America. As Dad often said about California, “The streets were paved with gold!” And were they ever! The family arrived in California in 1960, the perfect time to take advantage of all the opportunities in the Golden State. John worked as a butcher for Safeway for many years. He later became a state meat inspector, eventually moving on to be a USDA Federal meat inspector. A man of vision with a good head for business, he purchased several rental properties to ensure a comfortable retirement. Dad taught us the value of money: give first to God, second to yourself by saving, and use the rest carefully. He always had a special savings account for travel, which he considered a necessity. While growing up, if we wanted to buy something extra, we would save half the money and then he would match it. True to his Irish heritage, John never met a stranger and was loved by all who crossed his path. He had a kind word and a smile for everyone. On occasion, John would find himself in a dicey situation, but the way he treated people ensured that things always ended well and he had made a new friend. Mom and Dad loved to travel and have been all over the world. They loved cruising and spending time in Hawaii, having visited the islands over 20 times. Dad returned to Ireland often and several of his brothers and other family members regularly visited us in California. After retiring, John took up lawn bowling at Long Beach Recreation Park. With his athletic ability, he quickly became a favorite and won many trophies and championships. His picture is on the wall of fame at the Long Beach Bowling Club. Dad’s charmed life included remarkably great health for well over 98 years, and he outlived all his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maureen, his son and daughter-in-law Barry and Anne Homan; daughter and son-in-law Gerri and Gary Mansdorfer; grandchildren Barry and Lisa Homan and Tori Overby; and great-grandchildren Tyler and Grace Homan. Oh, how we loved our dad and grandfather, and we will miss him immensely. Godspeed and enjoy your reward! - paid obituary