In Memoriam
Remembering friends and past members of the MSA LA/OC Chapter.
In Memory of William M. Lewis
BILL LEWIS - SERVICES
Monday, August 22, 2016
Services for our friend Bill will be held at "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" located at 22851 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo on Monday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon immediately following the services.
Burial will follow the luncheon at "Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary"
in Santa Ana, CA.
Michelle Jolly is available to answer questions at (909) 660-2211.
March 31, 1928 – August 10, 2016
Early on August 10th, 88 year-old William M. Lewis (better known as ‘Uncle Bill’), departed from his earthly existence after a long battle with cancer. Mind you, that battle did not keep him from consulting for PMI or attending Past President’s Council meetings for the Los Angeles Orange Area chapter of the MSA until the very end. Bill who was working at Huntington Beach (18 years), along with the late Phil Studebaker, Marty Pruitt and several other city and county superintendents, founded the Street Superintendents and Maintenance Association (now the MSA) in April 1962.
Continue reading article, press "Read More"
He was later elected President (1969) and served on what was then called the ‘State Board’. Bill worked for the City of Anaheim for an additional 17 years, retiring in April 1984 from the Public Sector. He then served another 25 years in the private sector (Payne Whitney and Petrochem Manufacturing Inc.), never losing his dedication to the Maintenance Superintendence Association. Even as a vendor, he felt it was his duty to help his clientele to understand all facets of road maintenance, whether it profited him or not. Many that are superintendents now, remember him as an instructor at Citrus College in the 1980s.
Bill was a primary figure of the founding of the Central Valley and San Diego chapters and assisted in the startup of several others including the Inland Empire/Desert chapter.
The Los Angeles Orange Area chapter nominated him for the Peter Walsh Award in 2013.
On a personal note, he was a Scout Master for 25 years. He and his family loved their church, water-skiing on their boat and camping in the National Parks. He lost his beloved wife, Gwyneth, last year and is survived by their three children; David, Darryl and Sheri Lyn. He had grandchildren and great grandchildren. He proudly announced that he has a great-grandson on the way at a recent breakfast meeting. Most importantly, he spent over 50 years of his life as one of the most dedicated members of our association.
Thank you and Godspeed, Bill.
Doug Linder - Pacific Products & Services, Inc
Douglas M. Linder passed away on July 6th, 2016.
He was one of a kind, bigger than life and a true gentleman. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather,
Brother, Uncle, mentor and friend. Doug had a kind soul that touched many lives. His integrity, generosity and respect for everyone he met made an impression. Doug looked for the best in everyone. He was passionate about his business and he treated every customer as if they were the only one. He had a great sense of humor and a laugh that would light up the room. His love for his family knew no bounds. It was an honor to know him.
Alex G. Casillas Jr. - City of Arcata, CA
Past President 1991
Alex passed away peacefully after a courageous fight with liver cancer on January 1, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. He was surrounded by his loving wife Lynn, son Christopher and daughter Melanie. He was born in Santa Monica, CA in May of 1942 where he grew up as the oldest of three children. He worked for the City of Santa Monica, from where he retired. Alex moved his family to Humboldt County in 1993 for a better place to raise his two young children. He enjoyed spending time and traveling, with his family. He coached baseball and basketball and was an official for local youth and high school football. He loved to watch all sports on TV but especially UCLA and 49er football. He encouraged and mentored his children in everything they did. He is survived by his wife Lynn of Arcata, son Christopher of Ohio, daughter Melanie of Arcata. Also by his first wife Jesse Casillas and daughter Josie of Bell Gardens, CA, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He also leaves behind his sisters Martha (Paul) and Rosa of Santa Monica. He was preceded in death by his father and eldest son. He was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, with an extremely large heart.
Albert Gonzales - City of Fullerton, CA
Albert was a Street Maintenance Supervisor when he retired in 2002 after more than thirty years with Fullerton. When you spoke with him, he made it very clear that his life centered on his family and that he enjoyed life with his beloved wife Magdalena, or, just Maggie as she is better known. Albert and Maggie were happily married for 42 years and were blessed with a daughter Lydia and two sons, Albert and Jamie. Albert felt that their little flock was completed with the birth of their five loving granddaughters. Albert was an avid fisherman and loved boating.
Albert passed away April 18, 2013. Those of us who were blessed to have known Albert well will forever have found memories of this wonderful man. May Albert rest in God's peace.
Gary Givens of Roadline Products Inc., USA
Gary was born and grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas and moved to California in the mid 1960's. He started working in the sign and road markings industry in the late 1960's with Hawkins Sign Company and eventually made a move to Bauer’s Paint Company. In 1987 he proudly started his own business, Roadline Products, Inc., USA.
Gary and Patricia were married for 52 years and had three children, Brenda, Ann, and Scott. Gary and Patricia were blessed with 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Gary’s entire life was about family and his business Roadline Products. When he did get away, he loved the water and owned a few boats and did some family vacations at the lake and river.
Gary was among the founding members of the Maintenance Superintendents Association and from our Chapter's early beginnings he was a strong and enthusiastic supporter.
Gary passed away on June 13, 2013 and left us with many found memories. God bless you Gary and rest in peace.