Obituaries

 

 

JOHN METROVICH

John Edward Metrovich, who joined IBEW Local 1245 in 1961, died Sept. 23, 2011 at the age of 72. His son, Mike Metrovich, is a PG&E Troubleman in Stockton.

John was born on October 14, 1938 in Jamestown, CA to Mark and Thelma Metrovich and graduated from Stockton High School in 1956. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1960 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal after serving in the Pacific on the USS Philippine Sea.

John had a 42 year career at Pacific Gas & Electric as an Electric Crew Foreman. He was a dedicated and loyal member of the PG&E family and shared years of service to PG&E with his wife, Patricia and son, Michael E. Metrovich. He enjoyed many afternoons sharing drinks and conversation at the “Wall”. John’s passions were sharing time and stories with his family, a strong interest and love for military history, the love of an ice cold Hamm’s beer, trips to Reno with “the boys” and being a remarkable grandfather. John was a very generous and loving man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Thelma Metrovich and his beloved wife of 38 years, Patricia. He is survived by his son, Michael E. Metrovich (Tammy); grandchildren, LCpl Travis A. Metrovich USMC, Megan Elyce Metrovich, Mark E. Metrovich and Tim R. Smith; sister, Marlene Drew (Otis Kelley); nephew; Mark Drew all of Stockton; brother-in-law, Ron (Carole) Holzkamp and family of Medford, OR; sister-in-law, Debbie (Marv) Leach and family of McMinnville, OR. He is also survived by other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews as well as many loving friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to St. Joseph’s Foundation; Linear Accelerator Program, Hospice of San Joaquin or the charity of your choice.

 

WAYLAND BONBRIGHT III

Irving Wayland Bonbright III, the former head of PG&E Industrial Relations, died July 23. He was 84.

As lead executive negotiating on behalf of the company for 20 years, he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues on both sides of the bargaining table. Whatever our differences on matters under negotiation, the union always found Bonbright to be a worthy and honorable opponent.

Though this section of the IBEW 1245 website is normally reserved for members who have passed, the union chooses to honor Bonbright here for his contribution to fostering constructive labor-management relations at PG&E. And in fact, Bonbright qualifies as a union member: When he retired from PG&E in1988, we named him an honorary member of Local 1245.

The following is excerpted from an obituary that appeared in the Marin Independent Journal:

Wayland was an exemplary husband, father, friend and community leader. His community service revolved around activities about which he was passionate: personnel and labor relations; ice hockey; yachting; and travel. He served for 12 years (1969-1981) as a Member and four times Chair of the Marin County Personnel Commission. In addition to coaching his sons' ice hockey teams for many years, he served in various roles including Director, Secretary and President of the Northern California Amateur Hockey Association. In addition, he spent two years as Pacific District Registrar for the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States. Wayland had a talent for integrating two of his other passions: yachting and traveling. Upon arriving in San Francisco in 1950, he purchased a sailboat and became a member of the San Francisco Yacht Club and later the St. Francis Yacht club. He remained a member of the St. Francis Yacht club throughout his life. Wayland played a variety of leadership roles, including Commander, in the Marin Sail & Power Squadron, an affiliate of the U.S. Power Squadron. Avid travelers, Wayland and Shirley explored the globe, often with their children. Once retired, they sailed all over the world with friends. In 2009 they moved to Smith Ranch Homes in San Rafael. Wayland is survived and sorely missed by his wife, Shirley Vallerga Bonbright; his children: David Wayland Bonbright of London, England and his wife Elaine; Elizabeth Marie Bonbright of Tacoma, Washington; and Christopher Vallerga Bonbright and his wife Lisa of Beverly Hills, California. He is also survived by his sister Mary Birge Hendrian, of Topsham, Maine and six grandchildren: Paris McShane Bonbright and Eden Vallerga Bonbright of Beverly Hills; Megan Lucia Thompson and Heidi Victoria Thompson of Tacoma, Washington; and Lucia Thandi Proctor-Bonbright and Jacob Wayland Proctor-Bonbright of London, England. The family will observe a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayland's name may be made to Marin Hospice by the Bay.

ROBERT PARTRIDGE

Robert L. Partridge, 67, succumbed after a courageous battle against terminal illness on August 2, 2011.  He was hired on at PG&E in 1963 and proudly served as a Gas Mechanic and IBEW Local 1245 member  working out of the Santa Rosa Service Center until 2004.  He was greatly respected by family,  friends and coworkers. He will be truly missed.

Daughter Margaret C. Tourady, son Robert M. Partridge and son Brother Daniel T. Partridge are all deeply saddened by the loss of their loving father.  Brother Daniel, who honorably chose to follow his father’s lead  in service at PG&E, is a General Construction Lineman working out of the Airport Equipment Yard in Santa Rosa.

Our deepest sympathy and sincerest thoughts go out to the family in this time of sorrow.

 

KATHY HUGHES

Long-time union activist Kathleen "Kathy" Hughes, 56, died July 5, 2011 after a brief illness.

Sister Hughes, a Senior Operating Clerk for PG&E, was a 35-year member of Local 1245.

She began her career at PG&E in General Office and had most recently been working at the Sacramento RMC. She was known for her strong support of Local 1245 and for union principles in general.

"She took her role as a steward very seriously and worked as hard, sometimes harder, in that role as  she did in her role as a PG&E employee and was outstanding in both," said Business Rep. Debbie Mazzanti. "To say that Kathy will be missed is truly is an understatement."

Sister Hughes had been working in the final phases of a UC Davis Conflict Resolution class, obtaining further skills which she would no doubt have put to good use in her role as union steward. She also had won praise for her interest in recruiting and training younger members to take on leadership roles in the union.

Local 1245 extends it condolences to the friends, family and co-workers of Sister Kathy Hughes. 

MIKE WIGT

Mike Wigt, a top step apprentice at Turlock Irrigation District, died on June 14, 2011 while working in an electrical panel at his house. 

Mike was born in Modesto on Jan. 12, 1987 and after high school attended Northwest Lineman College. Along with his brother John, Mike pursued a career as a lineman. He also served as a third generation fire fighter with the Westport Fire Department.

He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding quads and motorcycles. He entered his truck in pulling contests and won many awards.

Local 1245 joins the line department at TID in mourning the loss of this young and active IBEW member.

HOWARD ALLEN LANDIS

August 22, 1950 – December 3, 2010

The following remembrance of Howard Allen Landis was provided to Local 1245 by his wife of 30 years, Kathy Jo. She recently wrote to the union:

"Howard was such a strong, stubborn man and he loved eing a lineman/troubleman so much. He loved his livelihood. I will always remember that and love him for that."

Howard Allen Landis, longtime Carson City resident, lost his extremely courageous battle with cancer on Dec. 3, 2010.

Howard was born on Aug. 22, 1950, in Roseburg, Ore., to Richard and Virginia Landis.

Howard graduated from Valencia High School in Placentia, Calif., in 1968. He joined the Army in 1969, serving in Vietnam and in Germany. He married his wife Kathy on June 28, 1980.

After Howard was honorably discharged from the Army he began his career as an electrical apprentice, working for the federal government at El Toro Marine Base in Southern California and then transferring to China Lake in Ridgecrest, Calif. In December of 1979 Howard continued his career as a high-voltage lineman for what is now NVEnergy, serving as an apprentice instructor for many years, retiring as a troubleman in January of 2009.

Howard was an avid sportsman. He loved fishing, hunting, shooting and especially camping in his RV with family and friends.

Howard is survived by his wife Kathy Jo; sons Sam and his wife Tara, and Joe Landis; the “light of his life” granddaughter Brooke and a grandchild due to be born in July, which he was so excited for. He is also survived by his father, Richard Landis; step-mother Betty Landis; sister Louise Hafferkamp and brother-in-law Ed Hafferkamp; brother-in-law Robert Hagemann and sister-in-law Linda Hagemann; four nephews and one niece and many wonderful friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Landis.

Services were held Dec. 9, 2010, at Walton's Funeral Home in Carson City, followed by a Celebration of Life at Red's Old 395.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Mary's Hospice in Reno, the American Cancer Society, or the Nevada Wildlife Foundation.

 

MIKE DYKSTRA

John "Mike" Dykstra, passed away on November 3, 2010, after battling sarcoma, a form of cancer, for more than 4 years.

Although born in South Dakota to Ferne and Jack Dykstra in 1942, Mike had called Spring Creek, Elko home since 1981. He was a journeyman lineman for more than 40 years until his retirement from Sierra Pacific Power Company (NV Energy) as an electrical inspector in 2002. He was a proud member at various times of IBEW Locals 57, 126, 245, 540, 688 and 1245.

During his early years as a father of three and husband to Kathy, he enjoyed cross country desert motorcycle racing, with his family as his pit crew, camping, hunting, fishing and taking the family boat to Lake Powell. After moving to Spring Creek, the motorcycles were slowly replaced with golf clubs and cart, a few more guns, lots more fishing poles, a couple of boats, and annual goose hunting trips to South Dakota.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Jack Dykstra. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy, son Todd (Toni)-Salt Lake City, son Troy (Kathleen)-Boise, and daughter Spring(Levi)-Elko, his mother Ferne-South Dakota, brother Dennis-California, brother Brent-South Dakota, sister Cheryl-Nebraska and sister Melanie-Georgia. He is also survived by his granddaughter Briana-Salt Lake City, grandson Tanner Marvel-Spring Creek, and grandsons Michael and Alex-Boise.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held on November 18, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of life and luncheon in Mater Dei Hall at St. Joseph's. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

 

LEE ARVIG

Lee Arvig, retired PG&E GC lineman and foreman passed away  on October 1, 2010. Some of you may also know Lee's son, Ben. Ben is a PG&E GC Subforeman A out of Lakeville.  From what I have been told, Lee actually worked  as a Hiring Hall truck driver on Ben's crew for a while after retirement. The Arvig  family is doing well and per Lee's wishes, there will be no services.  We offer his family our deepest sympathy.

The following obituary was published on-line by the Press Democrat:

September 21, 1939 - October 1, 2010. Lee was born in Princeton, MN to Lee Sr. and Pauline Arvig. He lived most of his life and raised his family in Guerneville. Survived by mother, Pauline Arvig, Windsor; son Ben (Kathy) Arvig; daughter Stacy (Devon) Parmeter; son Ryan Arvig; daughter April (Tony) Lombardo; brother Wesley Arvig, sister Cheryl (Bob) Johansen; seven grand children; his nieces and nephews. Thanks to Jeff Hemphill for his loving care. Lee graduated from Chester High School and joined the Navy in 1957. He was a well respected lineman and foreman for PG&E for 21 years. A founding member of the Russian River Rodeo Assn and RR Rods & Coupes. An avid fisherman and hunter. Lee was a known credit to the "River Community". Per his request, no services will be held.

Janval "JV" Macor, IBEW Local 1245 North Bay Business Rep.

 

WILLIAM "WILD BILL" ROBERT PHIBBS

Bill Phibbs, 89, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on September 16, 2010.
He died at home, in Cottonwood, after living a long, fulfilled life.

He was born October 3, 1920 in Rupert, Idaho. He moved to California when he was thirteen and served in the United States Army from January 1942 to December 1945.
He was a D-Day survivor.

Bill married the love of his life, Nadean Jones, on January 9, 1946. Bill worked for PG&E for almost forty years and spent the next twenty-eight years sharing the love of Christ with others, and being a constant companion to Nadean, his children, and his grandchildren. Bill was a volunteer for Brown Bag, the Senior Center, and the Blood Center. He was a member of Redding Christian Fellowship and formerly a member of Cottonwood First Baptist Church for fifty years. Bill was a dedicated Prayer Warrior and interceded on behalf of so many people he met, who asked for his prayer.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, six sisters, and four brothers.

He is survived by his eight children; Nancy Van Sambeek, Robert Phibbs (Sherida), Ann North (Harley), Randy Phibbs (Sharon), Carolyn Simons (Richard), Pamela Karch (Patrick), Janice Klopfenstein (Lee), and Christine Olsen (David). Bill and Nadean were blessed with fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held on his 90th birthday, October 3, 2010, at Redding Christian Fellowship, 2157 Victor Avenue, Redding, CA at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mercy Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com

 

GRANT SALYERS

Local 1245 Troubleman Grant Salyers died Aug. 4 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Brother Salyers worked for PG&E as a Foreman in Taft and a Troubleman in Bakersfield. He was a 35-year member of the union. His son, Scott, is a PG&E lineman and 6-year union member. Local 1245 extends its condolences to the friends, family and former co-workers of union brother Skip Harris. The following obituary was published on legacy.com.

Grant gently went away to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Wednesday at 9:32 p.m. Graveside burial services will be held in celebration of Grant's life 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at the Westside District Cemetery in Taft (440 E. Cedar St.). A reception will immediately follow at the First Baptist Church, where Grant and Christie were married thirty-two years ago (220 North St.). Christie and their two children, son Scott, and daughter Karis survive Grant. Scott is married to Stephanie and they have two sons, Christian and Cameron. Karis is married to David Sumner. Grant's parents, Wilburn (Bill) and Lois Salyers of Taft survive Grant along with his brother, Dan and wife Cathy; brother, Steve and wife Kathy; and numerous nieces and nephews. His sister, Kay Healy preceded him in death. Grant married Christie, his high school sweetheart on June 17, 1978. He worked as a lineman and trouble-man for P G and E for over thirty-five years officially retiring on August 1st. He was a soft spoken, gentle, and courageous man. He had three passions in life, the Lord, family, and mountain biking. His life was truly a reflection of the lordship of Christ in his life. You couldn't know Grant without recognizing the thumbprint of Christ. He deeply loved his wife, and they were devoted to each other. His greatest pride was in his son, daughter, and grandchildren. He was well known for his professional motorcycle racing success, but after his family came along he switched his passion to mountain bike racing, winning an expert level California State downhill racing title in 1999. His greatest biking reward was just riding with his son. He will be deeply missed by a great multitude of friends and relatives and will always be remembered as a man after God's own heart.