Dear editor,

–My family and I have been a resident of Paso Robles for the past four years. Born and raised in San Francisco, I was delighted to discover Paso Robles nearly 27 years ago. For years, I took every opportunity to get away and come here on weekends to help out on an organic farm. I grew to love Paso Robles and knew that one day I would want to retire here. And we couldn’t wait…so my family and I moved out here earlier.

I currently own two vacation rentals (STRs) in Paso Robles, one of which was formerly our second home we purchased over ten years ago. I take pride in personally managing these investments and hire local Paso Robles residents for maintenance whether it be for housekeeping and/or licensed contractors for landscaping, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc. From day one, I have dutifully applied for business licenses and paid Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOTs) to the city.

There is a great misconception that STRs cause neighborhood problems and noise issues. Facts show that this is the rare exception, not the rule. According the Paso Robles Police, out of 40,000 police-related calls in the last two years, a large number of the 40,000 calls were noise nuisance related. Yet, only 33 calls were noise nuisance calls related to STRs. That’s much, much, much less than the total noise nuisance calls in all of Paso Robles. There are also inaccurate claims that STR guests are “constantly partying or publicly drunk.” This is blown way out of proportion and a rarity at best. Since operating 3 years ago, I have never had a police complaint filed on my STRs. Based on the factual data provided by the Paso Robles Police Department… I believe my experience speaks for the vast majority of STR owners in Paso Robles.

I have found that nearly all my guests who stay at my STRs have great respect for not only our properties but also of the surrounding neighborhoods. Paso Robles STRs have given families and friends the opportunity to gather together in a single home to share an unforgettable experience while staying in Paso Robles…something that can’t be duplicated when staying at a hotel. In this short time, these guests not only get together and stay and live like locals, they frequent the local shops, restaurants and wineries in great support of our community.

I have attended every Wednesday Short-Term Rental Task Force Meeting since the very beginning on March 6th, 2019 to the final meeting on April 17, 2019. With such a difficult task at hand, I commend the Task Force on the great job they’ve done. It was a stomach-turning weekly event for me, not knowing what to expect. But in the end, even if there would be new onerous rules and regulations for vacation rental owners in the draft ordinance, I was willing to accept this for the greater good of the community. And I took comfort to hear that the Task Force was in consensus to grandfather all existing STRs, regardless of district. The original draft by the Short-Term Rental Task Force gives us all a chance to see how this new ordinance would work moving forward…especially with the “3 year sunset” clause.

But now the Planning Commission is asking the City to “reconsider the grandfathering?”

As a Paso Robles resident, I support the need for a Short-Term Rental Ordinance for regulations to address neighborhood concerns – BUT, I completely reject the idea of a ban of Short-Term Rentals in the R-1 districts. From the very beginning of the Short-Term Task Force Meetings, it has been very clear to see that the voices of this small “special interest” group had one determined goal – and that’s to drive ALL short-term rentals out of the R-1 residential neighborhoods instead of supporting an ordinance to regulate them. Since Paso Robles has been collecting TOTs from STRs for many years, such an action serves as a precedent to the right for STRs to continue to exist in every district, regardless of R-1 residential.

STRs are not businesses like hotels with hundreds of rooms and guests. STRs are typically single family homes housing a group of related guests – whether it be family and/or friends. For guests to “live here like locals”, I strongly believe such use of Paso Robles STRs are within the zoning bylaws for the R-1 residential districts. After all, the guests who stay at the STRs are living like locals and subject to the same laws and ordinances as Paso Robles residents would be. This small special interest group has been clear from the beginning of the Task Force Meetings that they want to drive out STRs and prefer to live next door to long term residents. Well, that’s a preference and we all have our preferences. That doesn’t give them the right to force their preferences upon my rights as a resident, homeowner and property owner.

My family chose to move here because we have personally seen how Paso Robles has grown as a great community. It’s a great place to live…there’s a dynamic downtown, great neighborhoods and a vibrant wine industry. And I believe this is the result of how the City of Paso Robles embraces tourism. And Paso Robles tourists are made to feel so very welcome…even to the point that some like us have even decided to move and live out here.

Many STR owners in the R-1 residential districts are actually future retirees of Paso Robles. They have invested time, money and great effort to improve the community of Paso Robles where they want to eventually call “home.” Now, imagine how “unwelcome” they would feel if there were suddenly a ban for STRs in the R-1 residential districts. That’s exactly how I would feel. They would be forced to either sell or turn their home into a long term rental…neither of which appeals to them to retire in Paso Robles in the future. They’ve purchased their future homes and owning STRs offered them flexibility. One day, they will become our neighbors. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll need to turn your Paso Robles home into an STR.

While regulations for STRs are essential, a ban of STRs in the R-1 residential neighborhoods or anything short of at least grandfathering all existing STRs under a Short-Term Rental Ordinance will prove to be become a great negative impact to the community of Paso Robles. Tourists and future retirees of Paso Robles will no longer feel welcome and tourism dollars would ultimately go elsewhere. In Paso Robles residential R-1 districts, we have business licenses and permits to operate day cares, nursing homes and other home based businesses in R-1 residential neighborhoods. They all have a place in our residential neighborhoods… as do Paso Robles STRs.

Sincerely,

Edgar Chen
Resident & Homeowner of Paso Robles

Elinore May Diefenderfer.

–Elinore May Diefenderfer passed away peacefully on May 7, 2019. Elinore was born in April of 1923 to Frances Agnes (Giraud) and Elmer Raymond King. She was raised on the family ranch in the Carrisa Plains, attended the one-room Simmler School and graduated from Atascadero High School in 1940. In 1942, Elinore married Gerald R. Diefenderfer as he was leaving for U.S. Army military duty in Europe.

After the end of WWII, Elinore and Gerald moved to San Luis Obispo where they raised their two sons, Gerald “Jerry” and Douglas. Elinore was a devoted homemaker and her kitchen was always home to a steady stream of FFA students, football and baseball players, neighbors, and friends. She was active in a number of organizations, including PTA as the district president when her sons were in elementary school, Black and Gold Boosters, and her beloved Republican Women’s Club.

Elinore is survived by her two sons Jerry Diefenderfer (late wife Susan) of the Carrisa Plains; Doug Diefenderfer (wife Karen) of San Luis Obispo; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and three nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Col. Gerald R. Diefenderfer, and sisters Phyllis King and Kathleen Cooper. Elinore will be remembered by family and friends for her incredible kindness, grace and generosity. Her radiant smile and loving heart will be dearly missed by all. The family would like to thank the Lodges at Ada’s Vineyard for their kindness and excellent care during the final chapter of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County in memory of Elinore Diefenderfer or to your favorite charity. A private burial will be held at San Luis Cemetery.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notices for May 1-9, courtesy of Kuehl Nicolay Funeral Home in Paso Robles:

• Yvonne Elaine Wilde, 55, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 1.
• Donna Maye Kerr, 83, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 6.
• Shirley Jane Johnson, 101, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 9.
• Alta Marie Reichard, 99, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 5.

All arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay Funeral Home.

Patrick Krout.

–Patrick H. Krout, 85 died March 11, 2019 in Lewiston, Idaho. Born January 12, 1934 in Paso Robles, CA to Marion W. Krout and Marion F. Morris.

Married to N. Loraine Cloer (predeceased) and Ardyth Weishaar (surviving spouse). Honorably discharged from military service in 1962. Retired from Bank of America in 1989. 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite.

Surviving family members include daughters, Brenda J. Noakes (husband Dave) and Patricia K. Krout, granddaughter Jennifer L. Noakes, surviving spouse Artie Maltby and stepdaughter Patti Bangle (husband Mel).

Donations can be made to:
Scottish Rite of Santa Barbara Childhood Speech and Language Disorders or Al Malakiah Shrine Hospital.

–Doris Hurd passed with peace and grace on May 3, 2019 at Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton, CA. Doris was born in 1931, in Alvin, TX the youngest of 7 children. She fell in love with Gordon and they married when she was 17. Gordon and Doris lived in 22 different states in their first few years of marriage as Gordon worked building radio towers. One night, leaving a drive-in movie, neither one of them could remember which way to turn to go home. They couldn’t remember which state they were in. They decided it was time to settle in one spot and moved to Southern California in 1954. While living in Covina and West Covina, Doris filled roles as wife, mother, waitress, and banking supervisor. She was a talented seamstress and loved making clothes for her 3 daughters. She and Gordon retired to Atascadero in 1987. Doris was a member of the Order of Eastern Star (for 58 years), the Paso Robles Republican Women Federated (20 years), and a registered member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT).

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Gordon in 2004 and daughter Diane Shaffer in 2015. She is survived by her brother Willis Harris of Murrieta, CA and sister-in-law Betty Kaylor of Euless, TX; daughters and sons-in-law: Madalyn and Jerry McDaniel; Kathleen and Steve Buckner; and Les Shaffer; grandchildren and their spouses: Irene McDaniel and Jeff Spiller; John and Lindsey McDaniel; Danielle Shaffer; Lucas and Hannah Shaffer; Denise Buckner, Teresa Buckner, Michael Buckner, and Asher Buckner; and great-grandchildren: Easton Spiller, Hailey McDaniel, Wyatt McDaniel, and Macee Batdorf.

Doris Hurd was buried next to her husband at Atascadero Cemetery on May 9th after a private, family, graveside service.

Doris will be remembered as a loving wife, mom, and granny with a gentle and generous heart. The family would like to thank the people at Atascadero Christian Home, paramedics, Twin Cities Hospital, Dr. Bourne and his staff for their help and loving care of Doris.

–Ronald Craig Newton “Ron” passed away on May 9, 2019 in Paso Robles, CA. Two weeks prior to his 92nd birthday.

Ron was born in South Gate, CA., May of 1927, to his parents Frank Lucius Newton and Grace Eloise Newton (Kempton). He was also welcomed to this world by his sister Alberta Mae.

Ron grew up in Los Angeles, CA. He often told stories of his youth including his first introduction to earthquakes. It was 1933 and he was busy riding his tricycle when all of a sudden, the ground shook violently, knocking him clean off his trike.

Ron graduated from Gardena High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from West Coast University, in Los Angeles. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1945, was trained in Aviation Electronics and proudly served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12 Seaplane Tender). After receiving an Honorable Discharge, in 1949, he chose to sign up for military reserves. So, when the Korean Conflict began heating up in 1950, he was ordered back to active duty. Assigned to a patrol bomber squadron on a PB4Y-2, the Navy’s version of the Army’s B-24 bomber. In 1953, he was once again Honorably Discharged

Ron then began a career at Hughes Aircraft Company in Culver City, CA., that lasted 35 years. He was active in sports car rallies and owned a few classics including a 1953 MG TD and a 1956 Porsche Speedster. He belonged to the Four Cylinder Club of America, the Porsche Owners club and the Hughes Sports Car Club. Ron also had a passion for photography. Winning many awards for his photo entries.

It was at Hughes Aircraft where Ron met the love of his life, Marion Patricia Kennedy “Mimi.” They married on Aug. 18, 1956. Ron and Mimi lived in Westchester, CA. with their three children Jean, James and Edward. They moved to La Habra, CA. in 1957, to be closer to the new Hughes Aircraft Facility in Fullerton, CA. Soon two additional children were added to their family; Linda and Jeff. Ron and Mimi both had a love for the outdoors. This love took them to camp grounds (coastal, deserts and mountains) all over the western states. Each site provided them with special family memories, but Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park became their favorite. Ron retired from Hughes in 1987. Soon after he and Mimi traveled across the U.S. in their “Mini Winnie.” They moved to Paso Robles, CA. in 1997.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Marion Patricia Newton, father Frank Newton, mother Grace Newton, sister Alberta Mae Friedrich and son James Kennedy (Charlotte). He is survived by daughter Jean Herring (Al), son Edward Kennedy, daughter Linda Gonzalez (Joe), son Jeff Newton, granddaughter Victoria Kennedy (Manual), grandson Michael Herring (Margaret), grandson Mark Herring, grandson John Kennedy, granddaughter Lauren Kennedy, granddaughter Shannon Gonzalez, daughter in law Charlotte Kennedy, nephew James Landers and nephew Ray Friedrich (Mary).

Ron will additionally be missed by his extended family grandchildren and great grandchildren; Manual, Miguel, Joanna, Dominic, Sophia, Christian, Ethan, Regina, Lance, James, Jack, Jodi, John, Jake, Johnny, Cynthia, Joe, Jeremy, Lucas, Leila and Ayden.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 31, 2pm at Mission San Miguel, in San Miguel, CA.

Patricia “Pat” Ennes

–On May 20, 2019, Patricia “Pat” Ennes, of Paso Robles, CA went to be with her Lord at age 76. She battled cancer the same way she approached everything in life, with determination, grace, joy, and humor. When her hair fell out during chemo, she wore a red tricolor wig from a mermaid costume for special occasions and she made it work!

Pat was born to James and Helen Ellingson and grew up in Oregon. She married her beloved husband of 55 years, Richard Ennes, and left her mark on the world while he served in the Air Force. They made homes in 3 countries and 8 states. She lived her passion for fitness and health. She created community and lived generously through all of her activities, particularly through her faith and church.

The last 30 years were also her dancing years, including liturgical dancing and community jazz ensembles. Her last dance was entertaining Paso Robles’ seniors at Christmas.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Richard, daughters Nikol and Kjirsten, four grandchildren, sisters Carol and Louise, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on June 8, 2019 at Hope Lutheran Church in Atascadero, CA.

Donations can be made to these charities or one of your choice in Pat’s honor:

Hope Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 8005 San Gabriel RD, Atascadero, CA 93422

Cancer Support Community, 1051 Las Tablas RD, Templeton, CA 93465

Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E Tropicana Av, Las Vegas, NV 89121 Designate for “Live Streaming Ministry”

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notices for May 8-27, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Mildred Josephine Barclay, 98, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 26.
• Teresa Ann Holmes, 68, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 27.
• Margaret Ruth Moore, 90, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 25.
• David Kaplan, 56, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 8.
• Jason Wayne Trueblood, 47, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 20.
• Eugene Matthew Bray, 84, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 20.
• Henry Bud Martin Jr., 83, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 18.
• Lonnie McCoy Davis, 63, of San Miguel, passed away on May 19.
• Raymond Eugene Green, 86, of Bradley, passed away on May 14.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

William Allan Lehnhoff (Bill).

–William Allan Lehnhoff (Bill) died on May 29, 2019 with his wife and dog Sammie by his side. Bill was born in Templeton and was a lifelong resident of the North County.

Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Lehnhoff, step children Pamela Smith and Ted Martin, 6 step grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren. Thanks to many of Bill’s old school friends who have expressed their concern.

The Paso Robles Daily News runs obituaries free of charge. To submit, click here. 

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–For May 29-June 3, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Ronald Eugene Pellett, 89, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 3.
• Christopher Wilson, 23, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 1.
• Deann Johnson, 63, of Paso Robles, passed away on May 29.
• Frances Bridges Lewis, 93, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 1.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

Photo of Don Hughes at the Pine Street Saloon by Alberto Reyes of Paso Robles.

A celebration of life potluck will be held Saturday to honor ‘Radiator Don’ Donald Frank Hughes, who was found dead May 17 on the railroad tracks at Pine and Sixth streets in Paso Robles.

Hughes, who died at age 70, was the long-time operator of Claassen’s Radiator Shop at 1534 Spring Street, Paso Robles. He was a local fixture in town, often seen riding his bike or having a beer and dancing.

The celebration will be held on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown City Park. An open invitation from organizers Yvette Jones and Mary Booker says: Help us come together to celebrate our friend Don Hughes. We’ll be having a potluck in the park at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Please bring a dish and horseshoes if you have them. We look forward to seeing you all there as we remember our wonderful friend.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune recently featured Hughes in a tribute.

Lloyd Plymate.

–Former Paso Robles resident Lloyd Plymate was born in Nebraska in 1924 and moved to Oregon in 1936. He went to school in Oregon City and graduated from Oregon City High School in 1943. He was drafted into the Navy in January of 1943, though he was allowed to finish high school first.

After receiving his diploma, he was sent to Port Townsend, Washington; due to all the boot camps being full, his platoon had to do all their training in and around town. His first assignment in the Navy was at Fort Worden, Washington, where he learned Morse Code.

He was then sent to Virginia to become proficient in bookkeeping. In 1945, he was transferred to Okinawa Island, Japan. On his way there, it was declared that WWII was over. He remained stationed in Okinawa for over a year regardless. In 1947, after being discharged from the Navy, he travelled to Chicago to attend television repair school.

After he graduated, he moved to Southern California- there he worked as a radio and television technician, which he did until he retired. Lloyd- being the ambitious man that he was- also owned and managed three apartment buildings in Burbank, Glendale, and Paso Robles, all in California.

On June 26, 1961, in Paso Robles, he met the love of his life, “Sissie.” Lloyd later married her on June 26, 1986, in secret. They celebrated 52 years together before “Sissie” died in 2013.

In 2017 Lloyd moved to Bend to be cared for by his niece Kelly, where he lived out the rest of his days. He will be greatly missed.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

Death notices for June 7-10, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Clema Jo Sallee, 86, of Templeton, passed away on June 7.
• John William Danner, 97, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 8.
• Betty Dee Anderson, 85, of Shandon, passed away on June 10.
• Gerald Francis Burke, 98, of Atascadero, passed away on June 10.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notices for June 10-17, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Betty Dee Anderson, 85, of Shandon, passed away June 10.
• Mr. Connie Louie Jarvis, 87, of San Miguel, passed away June 17.
• Ruth Ann Alva, 82, of Morro Bay, passed away on June 17.
• Cheryl Ann Pritchard, 61, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 13.
• Jane Leila Beckett, 85, of Templeton, passed away on June 15.
• Muriel Ann Winslow, 78, passed away on June 17.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notice for June 18, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Bernard Neil Olsen (83) a Paso Robles resident passed away on June 18, 2019.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

The Paso Robles Daily News runs death notices and obituaries free of charge. To submit, click here.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notices for June 19-23, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• John Bruce Ratekin, 96, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 19.
• Lauretta Pray, 96, of Paso Robles, passed away on June 23.
• Harold Fairbanks Hennion Jr., 63, of Templeton, passed away on June 21.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

Bernard Neil Olsen.

–Bernard Neil Olsen, known to his family and friends as Neil, died June 18, 2019 at French Hospital. He passed away unexpectedly from complications encountered during a routine heart procedure just one day shy of his 54th wedding anniversary. He was 83 and had resided in Paso Robles over 60 years.

Born in 1936 to Oscar and Theresa (Kelley) Olsen, Neil was their youngest child and only surviving son. His grandparents, Nils and Ellen Olsen, emigrated from Norway in 1886 and were one of five pioneer families in the Norwegian Colony in Thousand Oaks, CA. Despite the Depression, his childhood was filled with adventure and excitement. He was surrounded by his large, extended (Conejo) Borchard family and Kelley clan, where almost everyone he knew was a cousin. Farming and ranching were the way of life. Neil enjoyed farming from a very young age and always had a flock of sheep to tend. They also grew apricots and raised grain on present day Olsen Road. Neil showed an affinity for machinery and engineering from an early age. He attended grammar school in a two-room schoolhouse and was always called upon by his teachers at Santa Rosa Valley School in Moorpark to run the mimeograph machine and film projector. At the age of four, his grandfather Nils died, and Neil inherited a rental property in Moorpark. Thus began a lifelong appreciation for real estate.

Neil left the Norwegian Colony in 1954 to study Mechanized Agriculture at Cal Poly SLO. He was the first person in his family to attend college. Around that time, his parents decided to escape the encroaching sprawl of Los Angeles and retire to a new ranch in Paso Robles. Upon graduating in 1959, he was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he spent the next two years. Upon returning to Paso Robles he began farming with his father on the east side where he remained for 60 years. Together they raised various crops and Neil leased additional ground to grow sugar beets, oat hay, barley and livestock. Farmers being natural risk takers, he even owned one of the first dryland vineyards in the Oak Flat area where he and Gisela later worked side by side tending the vines. He started playing cards with other entrepreneuring young men from Paso Robles while they served in the Army Reserves. Monday Night Card Party with good friends remained a staple in his life right up to the end.

He met his beloved Gisela in 1964 at a Christmas dinner party in Paso Robles while she was visiting family. They married six months later – the first couple to be married in the new Saint Rose Catholic Church. They settled into a new house on the Paso Robles Golf Course where they welcomed three beautiful children and built a life together. Neil was a wonderful, patient father who taught his children everything important to live a fulfilling life. In 1978, they built their dream home on the ranch. In the years that followed, they enjoyed entertaining friends and spoiling their grandkids. Neil and Gisela traveled the world together. His favorite trip was to his ancestral homeland, where they visited with relatives who still own and farm their family land in the fjords of Norway.

Neil got his real estate license in 1976 and worked until his retirement in 2000. He also managed ranch and vineyard properties for his real estate clients. He had a hand in the establishment of numerous ranches and vineyards of the area. Never one to stay still, he

enjoyed raising and training Border Collies for his flock of sheep. He taught his grandchildren to be good stewards of the land and caretakers of animals. He could fix anything with a little baling wire and was an inventor in his own right. He loved working in his vegetable garden and keeping chickens right up to the day he died. He always whistled while he worked.

Neil’s children and grandchildren learned the importance of civic involvement within the community by his example. He was a true pillar in the community. He was a lifelong, active member of numerous organizations including Paso Robles Rotary (Past President), SLO County Farm Bureau (Past President), PR Trail Ride, and PR Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he served on the PR Board of Realtors, PR Cemetery Board, Sheriff’s Advisory Committee, and County Grand Jury. He was a proud member and supporter of the Saint Rose Church Community, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scout Troop 60, and JayCees.

He is survived by his loving wife Gisela, sister Mary Olsen Rydberg of Oxnard, children Bernard (Jeannie), Ingrid McRoberts (Kirk), and Eric, and grandchildren Nicholas, Katelyn, Matthew, Emily, Andrew, Fallon, and Turner Olsen, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Theresa Olsen, sisters Arthelia Honerkamp and Jean Thompson, an infant brother, and far too many poker buddies.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place Monday, July 1, 7 p.m., at Saint Rose Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 2, 10 a.m., at Saint Rose Catholic Church, 820 Creston Road, followed by burial at Paso Robles District Cemetery. Luncheon reception at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom immediately following burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paso Robles Scout House Foundation at P.O. Box 3828, Paso Robles, CA 93447 (EIN#81-3274738)

Grandpa, we are heartbroken at your sudden passing and know our lives can never be the same. You are forever in our hearts and we will always remember your humor and wisdom.

Rhonda Sue Galyardt.

–Rhonda Sue Galyardt, 60, of Paso Robles Ca. was called home by our Father in Heaven on Monday, June 17, 2019. Rhonda was born in Knob Noster, Mo, Whiteman Air Force Base, on August 21, 1958, where her “Daddy” was stationed.

She made SLO County home when her family moved here from Idaho in 1976, after her graduation from high school in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Rhonda gave birth to her son, Jeremy Joyce on November 21, 1985. He was here pride and joy. She always said, “I just love that boy!” This didn’t mean that she was easy on him. Rhonda stuck by Jeremy’s side Throughout his various surgeries and complications that he had to deal with.

Rhonda married Brian Galyardt on October 3, 1998. Rhonda and Brian’s first date was on the golf course and she loved to tell the story that the reason Brian married her was because he couldn’t beat her at golf, therefor making her his golf partner for life. Rhonda and Brian were married 1 year exactly from that first date. From there, they spent weekends and vacations playing golf all over the country, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada. Rhonda also loved to play golf with her many girlfriends at Chalk Mountain, Paso Golf Club and various traveling teams. Her trophy case is full to prove how good she was. She had 3 holes in one, two of them were 8 days apart. Rhonda was also an excellent Restaurant and Bar Manager. She did this for many years until she was diagnosed with her lung disease “IPF.” This started her battle with this horrible disease, to which she gave a valiant fight. It certainly didn’t slow her down much. She still managed to play golf 2 to 3 times a week over the last 5 plus years. Rhonda had a special gift of compassion and wit that made all who met her, love her. Rhonda’s other passion was cooking, and she was excellent at it. She loved hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas for her family. She also loved having her mom over for dinner many times every week.

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Brian Galyardt, son Jeremy Joyce and mom, Denice Wharton of Paso Robles. She also leaves sisters, Deborah Wharton of SLO, Diana Kudla (Paul) of Paso Robles, brother Rodney Wharton (Deb) of Idaho and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her “Daddy” Micheal Wharton (2007) who was the owner of Rainbow Auto Repair in Atascadero.

Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

–Death notices for June 13-24, courtesy of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.

• Carol Joan Weiss, 84, a Paso Robles resident, passed away on June 13.
• Richard Glen Lantrip, 84, a Paso Robles resident, passed away on June 24.
• Jane Estelle Peck, 95, a Shandon resident, passed away on June 20.

All arrangements under the direction of Kuehl Nicolay.

Obbie Ted Atkinson.

–Obbie Ted Atkinson, M.D. passed away on June 30 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at his home in Richland, OR.

Obbie Ted was born in 1945 to Doris and Obbie Sr. Atkinson in Mt. Vernon, IL. Like his father, a WWII pilot, Obbie was fascinated with flight, and after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1967 he served as a jet pilot flying the C-141 and C-123 in Vietnam. In 1970 he was awarded the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for “extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.” One of the C-123 aircraft he piloted, which the crew nicknamed “Patches,” was hit more than 500 times by ground fire. It is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Obbie entered medical school at the age of 29 and became a general practice M.D. in Paso Robles, CA, where he had three children with his first wife Dinah Lundbeck. He served thousands of patients of all ages during his 35 years in practice, and was immensely loved by the community. He was a doctor of extraordinary compassion and presence, and it was a running joke among his staff that some patients – particularly community elders – came to his office simply for a dose of his attention and love.

Obbie was both a healer and a builder: he was a skilled carpenter who built large and small homes, furniture, model ships & airplanes. He loved to sail, and retained a lifelong hobby of flying light aircraft. His boots took him into the high Sierras many times on backcountry excursions, and he felt a special kinship with John Muir in his exploration and love of that remote wilderness.

In 2000, Obbie married Connie Minshull/Lambie. That year began a two-decade romance with the open road and with each other, as the couple logged hundreds of thousands of miles road-tripping to visit friends, family, and remote places. In 2005 Obbie and Connie bought a 120+ year-old farm house in Richland, OR, which they meticulously converted into their own piece of heaven.

Hard working and accomplished as he was, Obbie was humble and modest. Adventurous as he could be, Obbie was most content with the simple things in life, the quiet beauty of the outdoors, companionship, and the sharing of stories.

Obbie is survived by his wife, Connie; mother Doris; children Amanda, Jennifer, and Jacob; stepdaughter Sarah; siblings Sue Lynn, Joe, and David; grandchildren Contessa, Isis, Trace, Walker, Charlie, Lucca, and Daisy; and countless other loving family and friends.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, August 4 at 3 p.m. at the Borradori Garage, 455 N. Ocean Blvd. in Cayucos, CA.