The Memorial Wall

As a young man growing up in England, he knew some hardships and much family love, but he was driven to craft his own best life. First becoming the youngest graduate of his medical school at Manchester University and then in WWII wartime service as a Royal Army Medic, Dr. Howarth went on to develop his practice as a nationally-known Neurosurgeon in the United States. He again chose to serve, this time in the U S Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel as a medical officer prior to relocating to help patients at the Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara. Teaming up with his wife, Peggy, a RN, Dr. Howarth also provided care and support to those most in need internationally through Doctors Without Borders, before retiring at the age of 75.

His passion for travel and adventure took him all around the world, and this year alone he zestfully enjoyed resorts in Anza Borrego, Scottsdale, and Temecula. Art, music, and literature were equally important interests alongside science and research, and his familiar advice of doing it right the first time was always supported with loving forgiveness and guidance.

Dr J. C. Howarth would no doubt recognize his most important contribution as the leader of our family: wife Peggy Hughes Howarth, daughters Barbara Howarth Hancey, Jayne Howarth, Emily Howarth, Jennifer Howarth, and sons Joseph C. Howarth, Jr. and John Howarth along with five grandchildren and extended family in Canada. His fierce spirit, sharp wit, brilliant mind, and true love for life will be missed wholeheartedly.

DR. JOSEPH C. HOWARTH CELEBRATES HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

It is with deep sadness that the ex-senator of the Philippines, Antonio Fuentes Trillanes IV, and his family announced the passing of their beloved mother, Mrs. Estelita Fuentes Trillanes. She died of complications due to her advanced Parkinson's condition. She was 87.
 

Richard T. “Dick” Farmer, 86, founder of Cintas Corporation, business leader, and philanthropist, died peacefully on August 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born on November 22, 1934.  He married the love of his life, Joyce Barnes, shortly after she graduated from Miami University in December of 1956.  After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1957, Dick joined the family business as a sales representative, working his way up to president of the company, while expanding product offerings to include uniform rental.  In 1968, Dick left the family business to test a new concept that involved unique fabrics and processing systems, which ultimately revolutionized the entire industry. Within two years, Dick’s new company, Satellite Corporation, was so successful that it acquired the original family business. By the mid-1970s, Satellite had become Cintas Corporation.  Dick took Cintas public in 1983 and led it as Chairman and CEO until 1995, surpassing $1 billion in sales for the first time. He remained as Chairman for the next 14 years, and in 2009, was elected Chairman Emeritus.

A recognized business leader, Dick received numerous awards.  Highlights include his induction into the Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame in 1996.  In 1995, Dick was honored as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year.  In 2010, Dick was honored by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as one of the Great Living Cincinnatians.  That same year, he was honored as a Distinguished Veteran by the USO.

Dick was always involved in improving the communities in which he and Joyce lived. Dear to his heart was the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida, where he served as Club Chairman. Because of the indelible mark he left on the club, he was inducted into the Ocean Reef Hall of Fame in 2018.

Similar to defining Cintas’ company culture, Dick and Joyce deliberately developed a family mission to transfer to succeeding generations the values and beliefs that had helped them prosper, including concern for the welfare of each family member and those less fortunate, a belief in the value of hard work, a commitment to honesty and integrity and a commitment to making their community and country a better place to live.  To further these values, in 1988, Dick and Joyce, along with their children, established the Farmer Family Foundation.  Since 2006, the Foundation has prioritized support for veterans, investments in education for at-risk populations, and programs that promote economic self-sufficiency and healthcare research. 

Dick, Joyce, and the Foundation were early supporters of veterans’ causes.  Dick served on the board of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.  The Foundation assisted with the construction of medical centers across the United States to treat injured military members with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.  Dick’s passion for veterans led the Foundation to establish and fund the Cincinnati VA Guest House as well as the donation of a VA Mobile Health Unit to provide healthcare outreach to veterans in remote areas of the community.

The Foundation has been a donor to the Catholic Inner-City School Education Fund since 1989.  This commitment to ensuring at-risk students are receiving quality education led to the creation of Accelerate Great Schools, which provides funding to recruit, launch, create and/or replicate great kindergarten through 12th-grade schools in Cincinnati.

Dick, Joyce, and their family have a deep love and appreciation for their alma mater, Miami University.  In 1992, the Farmers provided the cornerstone gift to Miami’s business school, leading to the creation of the Farmer School of Business.  Subsequently, in 2005, a major gift of $25 million to the university helped finance the construction of new business school facilities.  In 2016, the Foundation provided an additional $40 million, the largest gift in the school’s history, toward a campaign to ensure the school remains a top-tier, distinguished business school.  The Farmer School of Business has earned high accolades, consistently ranking among the best undergraduate business schools in the country. 

Dick and the Foundation have provided help and support to many organizations in his beloved hometown of Cincinnati and later to his community at the Ocean Reef Club.  In response to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, Dick and the Foundation have made significant investments in research to hasten progress in the search for a cure and better care for all Parkinson’s patients. 

Dick was the happiest hunting, fishing, and golfing with his close friends and family. He and Joyce traveled the world over the years on many incredible adventures. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was an incredible man who made a lasting impact on numerous people’s lives and careers.  He was a compassionate gentleman, larger than life but always approachable for guidance, a chat, or sharing a good joke. Those who knew him best knew he was just a “regular guy.”

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce, his three children and their spouses, Brynne and Bob Coletti, Scott and Mary Farmer, and Amy and George Joseph, as well as grandchildren Kendell (Andrew) Mountain, Trent, Colin, and Quentin Coletti, Kailey Farmer, Sari (Alex) Diamond, and Zachary Farmer, Chase, Brennan (Bree) Joseph, and Claire Joseph, and great-grandchildren, William, Annabelle, and Mary Arden Mountain, and Beaudry and Scotlyn Diamond.  Dick is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  Dick was predeceased by his sister, Joan Gardner, and brother-in-law, Jim Gardner.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful and caring people who helped make Dick’s last several months comfortable. They are all remarkable people.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 17, 2021, at 10:00, am at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, located at 325 W 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. The Mass will adhere to COVID protocols as defined by the Cathedral, City of Cincinnati, and the State of Ohio.  Masks will be available for attendees at each entrance to the Cathedral and will either be optional or mandatory depending on guidance at the date of the Mass.

Shelby Collinsworth was born on May 22, 1927, in Artesia, California, to Esther Feguson Collinsworth and John Emory Collinsworth. He was a lifelong Southern California resident and dairyman. Shelby married the love of his life, Winnie Ferne Michael, and they spent 56 wonderful years together. He dairied with his father in Artesia and continued dairying in Ontario until he retired to Palm Springs in 2004. Shelby and his wife were active in their local church. In addition to church activities, he loved to travel, ride his bike, and spend time with his loved ones. He was philanthropic and was a supporter of several non-profit organizations. On August 4th, Shelby's battle with Parkinson's Disease ended. Shelby was predeceased by his wife, Ferne, his sister, Kelva, and both of his parents. He is survived by his three daughters, Shari, Lisa, and Leslie, his son-in-law, Mark, and his grandson, Westin. Shelby will be dearly missed by his loved ones.

JoAnn (Palmer) Roza, 56, of Bristol, RI, died Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

She was the wife of David Roza. Together they shared over 26 years of marriage.

JoAnn was born in Central Falls, RI, a daughter of the late James A. and Janet M. (Egan) Palmer, Sr.

She worked as a Medical Secretary for Coastal Medical for over 5 years, at General Kitchens as a Designer, and at Partylite as a Sales Representative.

She was a parishioner of the former St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket.

JoAnn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Her energy and love for life were infectious. She was always the life of the party. She enjoyed boating on the Kickemuit River as a member of the B.A.I.A in Bristol was also a member of Save the Bay and spent much time advocating for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. While battling Parkinson’s herself, JoAnn completed an 800-mile bicycle ride from Pawtucket to Detroit to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. Most of all, her favorite activity was spending time with her large family and enjoying laughs with the kids.

Besides her husband she is survived by her children Brandy Ethier of Rumford, Joshua Roza of Seekonk, MA., and Dylan Roza of East Providence; siblings James A. Palmer, Jr. of Providence, Barbara H. Smith of Riverside, and John S. Palmer of Pawtucket; grandchildren Alexandrea, Kiya, Matthew and Jayce; and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 8:30 am from the Rebello Funeral Home, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Family shared with KY3 the passing of former Arkansas Razorbacks football star and Missouri State Bears handball coach Tommy Burnett.

Burnett suffered from Parkinson’s.

The Smackover, Ark. native became a star on the 1964 Arkansas Razorbacks National Championship football team. Burnett played wide receiver for the legendary Coach Frank Broyles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Burnett out of college. A few years later, he won a Super Bowl with the New York Jets in 1969. He returned to school after professional football, earning his Ph.D.

Burnett spent more than four decades as a member of the Missouri State University faculty. He started the school’s handball program in 1987. He won 32 combined national collegiate titles leading the club sports team.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 2008.

Australian media personality John Cornell has died, aged 80, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Kalgoorlie in 1941, Cornell quickly rose through the journalism ranks at the Daily News in Perth, becoming London editor at the age of 26. He later turned his talents to broadcast journalism as the original producer of "A Current Affair". While working on this program, he met Australian actor, Paul Hogan, and the two formed a popular comedy duo, Cornell playing the much-loved character, "Strop". Cornell went on to co-write and produce The Paul Hogan Show before the hugely successful "Crocodile Dundee" film franchise hit cinemas across the globe. He also worked with Kerry Packer to establish World Series Cricket, which revolutionized the game.

In a statement issued by the family, Cornell was remembered as "one of Australia’s leading lights". He died on Friday morning at his Byron Bay home, on the NSW North Coast.

"After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2001, John concentrated his efforts on philanthropy, supporting his community and worthy environmental, sporting, and medical causes," the statement said. 

"A classic Australian character, John Cornell made the lives he touched much richer, not only through donations but also through his generosity of spirit, humour, humility and honour.

"A true egalitarian, John sought equity and equality, and fought for a fair go."

Byron Bay Cricket Club president Greg Daniels said the man locals knew as "Corney" was renowned for his generosity. 

"He was one of the more decent human beings I've ever met in my life and his influence in this town, most of it [was] behind the scenes," he said.

"He was a very quiet guy, didn't want publicity. That's how he operated. Yeah, it's really sad mate."

Cornell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Delvene Delaney, and three daughters, Melissa, Allira, and Liana.

Rosalee P Sass passed away peacefully with her husband and daughter by her side on July 21st, 2021 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. Born December 2nd, 1947, she was a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, grew up in Tujunga, and attended UCLA for her Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

For more than 30 years, Rosalee was the Director of Development at UCLA's School of Theater, Film & TV. She is survived by her husband Zohar Sorek, daughter Aimee Sorek, brother Marshall Sass and extended family + friends. Services will be held Sunday, July 25th at 1 pm at Eden Memorial Park - 11500 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills CA 91345. Donations may be made to The Rosalee Sass Scholarship via the UCLA Foundation.

Tom O’Connor, the stand-up comedian, and host of television quiz shows including Name That Tune and Crosswits has died at the age of 81.

O’Connor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 14 years ago, his daughter-in-law, the former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, said. He died in hospital on Sunday.

He was born in Bootle and was always seen as a proud son of Liverpool. The city council tweeted its respects: “Sad news breaking about the death of veteran Liverpool comedian Tom O’Connor. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Thanks for the laughs, Tom.”

Before his showbiz career, O’Connor taught math and music and once said the only way he could get through to his pupils was by telling jokes: “It worked a treat … and that’s really how the comedy all started.”

He taught by day and performed stand-up in clubs at night, getting his early television break on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, which he won three weeks running. Soon came The Comedians, a 1970s ITV show that made stars of comics including Frank Carson, Stan Boardman, and Jim Bowen.

O’Connor had gentle, inoffensive humor and a relatable act. His easygoing manner made him the perfect quiz show host, beginning with the massively popular Name That Tune, where contestants could win £1,200 cash, a car, or even “a superb four-band radio including double cassette stereo tape recorder to give you hours of greater music enjoyment”.

Later, there were the cozy crossword-themed Crosswits, made by ITV Tyne Tees, which O’Connor presented for a decade until 1998. “And remember, if there’s ever a crossword in your house, make sure that it’s written and not spoken, just for me, all right,” he would tell audiences. The BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker revealed he was a Crosswits fan, tweeting: “How sad. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom O’Connor, and he was kind, funny, and a true gent. I loved watching him on telly – Crosswits was great. My sympathies are with his family and friends.”

Other shows included I’ve Got a Secret, The Zodiac Show, Gambit, and the snooker-based Pick Pockets. O’Connor became a regular in dictionary corner on Countdown and had occasional work as an actor, playing a Catholic priest, Father Tom, on the daytime soap Doctors. In more recent years, he was a winner of Celebrity Come Dine With Me and Pointless Celebrities with Lewis.

O’Connor leaves behind a wife and four children.

On 15 July 2021 at Tawa, Wellington. Dearly loved husband of Valerie. Cherished father and father-in-law of Amanda (dec), Russell, Diane (dec), Belinda & Andrew, and Jon & Lorna. Legendary grandad to Eden, Thomas, Harry, and Freddie. Forever in our hearts.

Former All Black's first five-eighth Bruce Watt has passed away at the age of 82.

Watt played 29 times for the All Blacks between 1962 and 1964, scoring two tries on debut against Australia, and went on to become a leading figure in South Island rugby during the 1970s.

The early 1960s produced a talented crop of playmakers, all competing for the All Black No 10 jersey and Watt's test comrades included the likes of Steve Nesbit, Adrian Clarke, Tony Davies, Neil Wolfe, Mack Herewini, Peter Murdoch, and Earle Kirton.

A highlight of Watt's career was the 1963/64 tour of Britain and France where he appeared in 20 of the 36 matches, including tests against England, Scotland, and Wales, dropping a goal in the latter game.

His All Black career came to an end in the first test against the 1964 Wallabies, though Watt continued to feature in South Island and All Black trials until 1967 and was considered unlucky not to be selected for the 1967 tour of Britain, Canada, and France. In all, Watt appeared in 197 first-class games, 117 of them for Canterbury.

After hanging up the boots, Watt went on to serve as a South Island under 18 selector from 1972-75 and as co-coach for Marlborough (1976) and Nelson Bays (1978-79).

Watt suffered from Parkinson's disease later in life, an ailment his family suspected was linked to a rugby career riddled with head-knocks.

"He had concussion many times and I'm told was often the 'target' of bigger guys as he was a bit lippy," his daughter, Belinda, told the Herald in 2016.

"He remembers one time being badly concussed in an All Blacks game and because there were no other players left, he was asked to go back on the field. He did not remember the whole second half. I guess it's impossible to tell but we also believe there might be a link between the head hits and Parkinson's, not just dementia."

Watt's biography on the All Blacks official website also recalls his love of marathon running, a hobby he took to the extreme while playing for Canterbury.

"During his rugby career, Bruce Watt ran a number of marathons. On Canterbury's Queen's Birthday trips to play Buller and the West Coast Watt would strip down and, when given the nod by the bus driver, would run on the spot in the aisle. He would pound away until the bus driver told him they had traveled 26 miles and 385 yards."