Obituaries

Gary F. Barbin passed away at the age of 66 years at his residence with his loving family at his side. Gary was a native of Schenectady, NY, moved to California with his parents as a young boy, and resided in LaSelva Beach while attending Watsonville High School. Upon graduation he moved to San Benito County and with his father and brother started and operated Barbin Plastering from 1960 until 1982 when he established Garys Auto Painting specializing in auto body work and auto painting until 1994. Gary loved the out of doors especially riding dirt bikes with his son and daughter---mostly in the Clear Creek Area and fishing at the Forebay and surrounding areas."He was very much a family person", said his spouse Linda. In addition to Linda, Gary is survived by his son Bill Barbin of Hollister; daughters Tracy Weisner (Ronnie) of TN, and Cindy Trayford (Dave) of Salinas; grandchildren Dawson Weisner, Cassie and Maci Grice, Miranda and Lindsey Trayford; his brothers David Barbin (Joanne) of Aptos and Danny Barbin of Medford, OR; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother Paul Barbin and sister Beverly Kinslow.

Donald Paquin, devoted father and granddad, passed away in the arms of his daughter in Salinas, CA after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, "Chickie", of 49 years in 2005. Don leaves behind his devoted daughter Debbie Thul; son-in-law Greg Thul; grandchildren, Donny Thul and Kari Thul; and nephew Patrick Hill. Don was born in Superior, WI , and he lived a very colorful life. Don joined the Merchant Marines in September of 1943 at the age of 16. When they found out how old he was, they gave him an honorable discharge. He loved baseball and was given a full ride scholarship to Penn State to play baseball but he gave it up to play AAA ball for the Kansas City Blues and then the New York Yankees. He played baseball with such greats as Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle. In 1962, he was the Bay Area Correspondent and Vice Chairman for Governor Pat Brown. Don was a pilot and received his pilot's license in 1966. He loved flying his single engine plane, especially to Lake Tahoe. Don was a self-made man and he owned his own First Aid Company for 35 years. He sold the company and retired at the age of 70, then stayed employed as a consultant for 5 more years. Don raced dirt bikes and he loved fishing and camping. He loved everything about nature. He loved to cook and also eat good food. Donald moved to Hollister to be with his daughter and family in 2005 after the death of his cherished wife. He was deeply devoted to his family. Don loved spending time with his grandchildren. Hel was very proud of them. Don loved Tres Pinos School, the staff and children. He spent what time he could in the staff lunchroom entertaining everyone with his stories and humor. His son-in-law Greg took very good care of him during the day while his daughter worked. Donald was adored by his daughter Debbie and grandchildren, Donny and Kari. He will be deeply missed.

Born and raised in San Jose, resident of Gilroy for many years, retired Gilroy HS teacher. Beloved husband of Sandi Nelson (Cumming, GA). Devoted father of Jeff Nelson (San Rafael) and Melanie Nelson (San Francisco). Cherished brother of Marcia Gregory and Joan Schuller (Larry) of San Jose. Dear uncle to Travis and Joelle Gregory and Amanda and Molly Schuller. Predeceased by parents, Lloyd and Ruth Nelson. A graduate of Willow Glen HS, he received a B.A. in Music and a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre Conducting from SJSU. He conducted many musicals at San Jose Civic Light Opera and is mourned by the local musical theatre community. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service on Sat., March 6th at 2:00 P.M. at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave., Gilroy. Donations to the Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085-2935

Angel Michael Acuna August 2, 1959 - April 5, 2012 Angel Michael Acuna passed away April 5th 2012, after a short battle with cancer at the young age of 52.