Archived Obituaries

John Kerkvliet was born July 2, 1921 in Big Sandy, Montana. He died in Hollister, California on September 1, 2008. Dorothy, his loving wife of 66 years, his children Ben and his wife, Melinda, Joe and his wife, Cassandra, Becky and her husband Rich Kaiser, and Dale, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, survives him.

Taura Bea Louise Watts, a.k.a. Tybet, passed away at her home in San Martin from cancer at the age of 65. Her father and brother, Maurice Sr. and Jr., preceded her in death. Her mother, Mazie Peterson, and brothers Dave Watts and Gregg Peterson survive her. She was a technical secretary for 20 years, but devoted her life to helping others, loving her animals, and enjoying her friends. A memorial service was held at Gavilan Hills Church in San Martin on June 28th.

Gloria Santos passed away at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital at the age of 65. She died from complications of heart surgery. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 36 years, Ricardo G. Santos. She was born in Dallas, TX and lived briefly in San Antonio and then moved to California. At the time of her passing she was a resident of Hollister.

Richard Curtis Montoya, age 60, passed away at his home in Hollister, CA. Better known as "Dickie" to his friends and family, was born on January 19, 1948 in Watsonville, CA. He attended local elementary schools and graduated from Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville. After graduation, he attended Bethany Bible College, Santa Cruz, CA and Trinity Bible Institute in South Dakota. He then joined the US Navy and spent his entire tour of duty in Japan and Subic Bay during the Vietnam War. When his tour was completed, he met and married his wife of 37 years, Mary Lou. They made their home in Hollister raising their three children, Richard C. Montoya Jr (Michelle) of Hollister, Stephanie Suarez (Lester) of Hollister and Anthony Montoya of San Jose. Dickie worked ten years with Coor Distributor in Gilroy before retiring afer 27 years at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles in Salinas. He received many commendations from the DMV for his quality customer service which were initiated by the customers themselves. Dickie rededicated his life to the Lord in August 2005 and attended his family's home church, Sunnyslope Christian Center. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, two grandchildren, Julia R. Montoya and Nicolas C. Montoya and his brother, Samuel "Sammy" Montoya of Hollister and several nieces and grandnieces.

Norman L. Currie, long time cornerstone of the Hollister medical community passed away at Stanford Hospital on August 27th at the age of 86 years after a brief illness. Norm, as he was affectionately known to his friends and remembered by his patients was a graduate of Syracuse University Medical School. Norm grew up in the Great Depression, attended medical school after serving several years in the U. S. Army infantry during WWII and established a practice in a rural section of Colorado. He was recalled into the service during the Korean War where he served as a Captain and flight surgeon in the Airforce. After the war while serving as chief surgeon at Castle Airforce Base Norm established a practice in Gilroy for a year before moving to Hollister in 1956. Norm's successful practice at 7th & Monterey Streets allowed him to be instrumental in his community, giving untold hours of service and financial help to those in need. In recognition of his many years of service, Norm received plaques, awards, and commendations from: President Clinton; the United States Congress; State Medical Board; Syracuse University; and the Hollister City Council. Those who knew Norm, knew of his memberships, accolades and achievements. "One of the best parts of practicing medicine in Hollister all those years, he once said, was being able to treat the children and grandchildren of my original patients." Norm was a native of New Castle, PA and the son of the late Harold and Ruth Currie. He was predeceased by his sister Bette Deemer and his son Todd Rubio. Surviving are his wife Sharyl Currie of Hollister; children Sharon Willy, husband Ed of Oakhurst, Norman Currie, wife Shirley of Gilroy, Debra Currie of North Carolina, and Mashawn Werthmann, husband Paul of San Jose; 4 grandchildren, 5 great- grandchildren---with 3 more on the way; his brother Howard Currie, spouse Jane of Indiana; sisters June Servick, husband John of New Castle, Winifred Boots, husband Don of Aubrey, TX, Geraldine Garing, husband Don of Evans City, PA, and Louise Burr, husband Jerry of Zelienople, PA.; nieces and nephews.

Passed away at his Hollister home at the age of 60. Funeral services are pending at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. Friends can call the funeral home at 637-3793 or go to www.blackcoopersander.com for service information. A full obituary will appear in Tuesday's newspaper.

Visitation on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 from 3:00-8:00 P.M. Vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Internment will take place on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.

Passed away in Red Bluff, CA. Private cremation.

Clarence Fenton Thomas, AKA "Bink" died on August 23, 2008 at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. He was 82 years old.

Born in Detroit, Michigan he was a longtime Gilroy resident. Preceded in death by his parents Baldassaie and Caterina, his infant brother Michael, sister Mary Gigante, loving first wife Ella and son Richard.