Nancy Marie Cain

Joseph Crawford Brown (Joe)

Our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Jan. 17, 2012.

He was born Nov. 27, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest child of Robert W. and Eleanor Brown. The family moved to California when he was 7 weeks old, and Joe then lived in California for the rest of his life. His many years in this area began when the family moved to Herlong when he was 10 years old.

Joe attended high school at both Lassen and Herlong High, graduating from Herlong in 1955. He then attended Lassen College, Chico State and San Jose State University, majoring in Industrial Arts.

While attending college, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Biester, Nov. 28, 1959. They had two daughters together, Tonya Jean and Patricia Ann.

In 1960, he returned to the Susanville/Herlong area and began a long-term career with the federal government — first with a Lassen National Forest Fire Crew and then for 34 years at Sierra Army Depot. He retired in 1993 from the position of Deputy Director of Special Weapons at the Depot. During his tenure with the government, he received many achievement awards.

Joe was a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge in Susanville, he served on the Board of Trustees for the Herlong Elementary School District, was a Charter and founding member of Sierra Central Credit Union, a past Commissioner for the Susan River Fire District and a past Vice President of the local chapter of the National Association for Active and Retired Federal Employees. He was also instrumental in the original organization of the Richmond School Community Association.

Joe was a master carpenter, avid woodworker, fisherman and RV enthusiast. His most favorite times were those spent with his family and friends. Joe and Val had fun trips with the Nataqua RV Club and spent many winters enjoying the warm Arizona sun in their RV. He also enjoyed his travels around the U.S. and Canada, and especially the trips to Europe with Bob and Ellen.

Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Valerie; daughters Tonya (Steve) McFadden, of Ventura, Calif. and Patty (Clayton) Gunderson, of Susanville; grandchildren, Gabriel Camacho (Nicole), of Reno, Nev., Michael and Shannon McFadden, of Ventura, and Keegan and Kirsten Gunderson, of Susanville; great-grandsons, Colin Camacho and Beau Gunderson; sisters, Doris Alf, of Walnut Creek, Calif., Ruth Wessel, of Omaha, Neb. and Marilyn Spalding (Bill), of Oroville, Calif.; brother, Robert W. Brown (Ellen), of Danville, Calif.; one brother-in-law, several sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eleanor and Robert Brown.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Davainis, Dr. Shields, Dr. Reganti, Dr. Schiff, JoAnne Gould and the nurses and support staff at the Renown oncology unit for their wonderful care, support and compassion.

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Waltons Chapel with burial at Diamond Crest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Camp Okizu, 16 Digital Drive, Suite 130, Novato, CA 94949; or to Honey Lake Hospice, P.O. Box 1166, Susanville, CA 96130.

Nancy Marie Cain was born Dec. 9, 1943 in Bakersfield, Calif. and passed away Jan. 11, 2012 in Reno, Nev. She and her husband, Gene Cain, moved to Doyle, Calif. in 1976.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thurman E. Cain, of Doyle; son Douglas E. Cain, of Standish; daughters, Cynthia A. Beauchman (Bushman), of Standish, Calif., Christine M. Fletcher, of Susanville, Calif.; Carrie L. Yancey, of Reno, Connie L. Barnwell, of Herlong, Pamela J. Cole, of Reno; brother Marvin L. Wiggins, of Winnemucca, Nev.; 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Also, all of her adopted and foster children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that knew her as Grandma Nancy.

Services celebrating the life of Nancy M. Cain will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 28, at the Sierra Army Depot Chapel in Herlong.

Charlie Victor Melander was born Aug. 16, 1954, in Cloquett, Minn. to Victor Melander and Martha Jane Davis Melander. Growing up he lived in Omak, Wash., Redding, Calif. and Susanville, Calif. He graduated from Lassen High School and was a member of the band and ski team.

Charlie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, Jan. 13, 1975 and served his country for four years until his honorable discharge Jan. 12, 1979. While serving, he earned a Rifle Expert badge.

Returning to Susanville, he was employed at Herlong Army Depot, Deal and Davie, and later the Lassen County Office of Education.

In December 1988 he married Donna and they were blessed with two sons, Victor and James. When the boys were very young Charlie was a stay-at-home dad and devoted himself to the care of Victor and James.

When family friends visited, Charlie always took the youngsters on one of his “Night Walks” around the cabin at Eagle Lake or the brush behind the home on Diane Drive. The kids loved this nighttime adventure with the extra sound effects added by Charlie.

As the boys grew and became involved in showing cattle, Charlie took the job of staying home and caring for the rest of the animals and watering the garden allowing Donna to travel with Victor and James.

Charlie passed away Jan. 17, 2012.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Donna S. Melander, and sons, Victor L. Melander and James W. Melander.

He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Melander; mother, Martha Jane (Pat) Melander Nelson and step-father James Nelson.

Graveside military services were held at Diamond Crest Cemetery, Jan. 20, 2012.