Archived Obituaries

Ronald T. Nishita born in Hollister,CA to Frank and Betty Nishita, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 10, 2008 in Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his devoted wife of 22 years, Elaine; his father; his brother, Steve (Leanne); nieces; nephews; many cousins; and numerous loving and close friends. His loyalty to friends, family and his country was the quality most evident in his life by those who knew and loved him.

Albert G. Rowe passed away, Monday morning, at Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula. Born in San Leandro having lived in Hollister for over 60 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Al owned and operated the Rowe Upholstery business in Hollister for 50 years, retiring in 1990. He was an avid golfer and a member of Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, member of Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos and the Hollister Elk's Lodge. Al is survived by his spouse, Margaret Hooper, his children, Stasia Arnerich, husband, Jack, Raina DeWitt, husband, Joe, Al Rowe,III, Laurel Carlan Rowe all of Hollister, and the late Julie O'Connor and step-children, Judy Goularte of Hollister and Donna Hooper of Palmdale. Grandfather of Julian and Joseph Sanchez, Jaclyn O'Connor, Rachelle, Ashley and Megan Arnerich, Nathan, Taran, A.J. and Tori Rowe, Ali Intravia and Lance Goularte. Great-grandfather of Aiden and Tristan Sanchez, and Olivia Intravia. Uncle of Joe Sanchez, wife, Debbie of Walnut Grove.

John Pershing Skinner was born June 3, 1919 in Nampa, Idaho. He died after suffering with Parkinson's disease on July 16, 2008, surrounded by his family. John is survived by his wife, Helen and their two children, Margaret of Oakland and John Jr. of Palo Alto. He was the proud grandfather of three grandchildren: Kailyn McCord, Nathaniel Skinner and John McCord.

Bill Hansen died peacefully at home in Hollister. Future memorial services are pending.

Fernando Leon passed away Thursday evening in Hollister, at the age of 39. Born in Ventura County, California. Member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Fernando is survived by his father, Victor Leon of Hollister and predeceased by his mother, Bertha Alicia Leon who died in 1993. Brother of Blanca Sanchez of Colorado, Yolanda Correa, Victor Leon, Jr. Elvira Bustillos, Veronica Torres, Abraham Leon and Elizabeth Leon all of Hollister. Also survived by a step-mother, Adela Leon of Hollister and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 22nd, from 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the Rosary to be offered at 7:00 P.M. The funeral services will begin Wednesday morning at 9:30 A.M. from the funeral home and proceeding to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for a funeral Mass commencing at 10:00 A.M. Cremation to follow with private inurnment.

James Edwards Fitzharris, known as "Fitz" by his friends, passed away at his home in Hollister on Monday July 14, 2008 at the age of 63. He was surrounded by family and the animals that he loved so much. He was preceded in death by his mother Mildred Marie Weferling Fitzharris and his father Edward James Fitzharris.

JACK PATE, 77, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Santa Teresa Hospital, San Jose of cardiac failure following an illness.

Arrangements are pending at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home.

A visitation was held Thursday, July 17th, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home with arrangements for cremation to follow.

Private cremation with interment in El Tepeguage, Tamaulipas, Mexico.