Big Bear Lake, CA, August 14, 2012, 12:45pm – Popular, Long-Time Big Bear Valley resident Ron Seymour, known as Round Town Ron, passed away at his home early this morning. Ron was born in 1929, and recently he was receiving hospice care at his home. Ron Seymour started Big Bear News before selling it to KBHR, and he was a local entrepreneur in the restaurant business. No other details have been released, but we’ll provide additional information as it becomes available.

Big Bear Lake, CA. September 4, 2012 – Newspaper columnist John Grandi passed away at Bear Valley Hospital on Monday, September 3, 2012. John was a legend in Big Bear Valley. More details will be released as they become available.

Big Bear Lake, CA, September 6, 2012 - John Grandi (1924-2012) passed away Monday, September 3, 2012. Grandi was born on July 27, 1924, the son of Italian immigrants in Corning, NY. The actor was a columnist and community activist. John passed away peacefully at Bear Valley Community Hospital. His wife, Julie, other family members, friends and Holly, the family dog were at his side. John was a well known actor in the Community Arts Theater Society (C.A.T.S). John Grandi also acted outside of Big Bear Valley and traveled with many national companies. He was involved with the Big Bear Lake Rotary Club, the Old Miner’s Association and the Doo Dah Parade in Fawnskin. A Celebration of Life for John Grandi is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29th at 2pm at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center.

September 30, 2012, Big Bear Lake, CA — John Grandi received a fitting sendoff at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center yesterday, with his friends and family presenting four hours of music and heartfelt stories about Mr. Big Bear. To honor this well-loved performer, columnist and community activist, KBHR will air a 2009 interview with John, in which he talks about his love for acting, his mountain home and his leading lady. Tune in at the bottom of the noon hour today for six minutes of audio being broadcast for the first time.

Big Bear Lake, CA, November 5, 1012 – After a two and a half year battle with cancer, Debby Dokter passed yesterday afternoon at her home in Big Bear Lake.  She was 57 years old.  Debby and her husband, Garry, own the two Elevation Day Spa locations in Big Bear and have called Big Bear home for many years.  The family will hold a celebration of Debby’s life in the future with details to follow when they become available.

Big Bear Lake, CA, February 4, 2013 – A longtime employee of Interiors on Fox Farm Road passed away suddenly on January 29, 2013. Born April 9, 1959 in Santa Monica, Richard Smith moved to Big Bear 15 years ago and worked at The Emerald Forest for several years before continuing his love for design at Interiors.

Richard was an avid gardener and will be remembered for the touching smile that was always on his face.

At Richard’s request, there will be no service, but a celebration of his life will be held during his favorite time of year, spring.

Richard is survived by his life partner Paul Nuck, his son Kenny Smith and his granddaughter Raelyn Sue – who was due to be born shortly after Richard’s passing.

The Interiors staff said in a statement, “We will always remember Richard’s infectious laugh, sense of humor and his kindness. We are grateful that he shared his creativity, talent — and most of all, his friendship — with us for the past nine years. We love you, Richard!”

Big Bear, CA, January 31, 2013 – UPDATE: February 6, 2013 – Long time Big Bear resident, Nancy Kennedy, passed away on January 30th in a hospital in Murrieta surrounded by family and close friends.   A memorial services for Nancy Kennedy will be held this Friday, February 8th at 2pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on North Shore Drive in Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Lake, CA, February 17, 2013 – The City of Yucaipa and its Police Department will conduct a candlelight vigil in memory of Sheriff’s Detective Jeremiah MacKay.  The vigil will be held in front of Yucaipa City Hall at 34272 Yucaipa Blvd. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 6pm.  The memorial is open to the public.

His funeral is scheduled for Thursday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m., at the San Manuel Amphitheatre located at 2575 Glen Helen Parkway in San Bernardino.

Detective MacKay — who leaves behind a wife and two young children — was assigned to the Big Bear Station in January of 2011 and transferred to the Yucaipa station in August of 2011. On February 12, he was fatally shot in Seven Oaks by Christopher Dorner, the ex-LAPD officer at the center of one of the largest manhunts in California history.

Big Bear Lake, CA, March 1, 2013 - Community members are invited to memorialize and celebrate the lives of the eight fatal victims & survivors who were involved in the tragic Highway 38 bus accident on February 3rd near Yucaipa. A Vigil will be held at 1pm Sunday, March 3, 2013 at First Baptist Church Of Big Bear Valley, 41960 Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear Lake across the street from CitiBank. Refreshments will be served. To show condolences for the bus crash victims, the community of Big Bear Valley is accepting donations at the Little Green House Florist in Big Bear Lake to go towards a mountain inspired themed wreath which will be displayed on Sunday at the Memorial Vigil, and then transported down to the Ranger Station.

Big Bear Lake, CA, April 9, 2013 - Services for Janie Wormsbecker will take place on Saturday April 13th, 2013 at noon at Big Bear Community Church with Pastor Jeff Tunnell.

Kimm Wormsbecker said “Janie was a artist in many ways.. From doll making to a beautiful drawings.. Mostly of  dogs.. She belong to a golden club..loved her golden friend dearly.. Husband Larry Wormsbecker,  Son Billy  Wormsbecker (Kimm). Daughters Cindy Wormsbecker, Tammi Wormsbecker..Grandsons Nolan, Trey and Gerrith Wormsbecker..Granddaughter Tashia Wormsbecker”.

Big Bear City, CA, May 21, 2013 - Longtime Bear Valley resident Robert Colven has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Colven moved with his wife Kim from Palm Springs to Big Bear City in 1987, after having vacationed in the mountains here since 1967. He served on the Governing Board for the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA) for ten years ending in 2005. During that time, he acted as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and member of numerous committees. Most notable of these were perhaps the Waste to Energy and Water Reclamation committees.

Prior to his positions on the BBARWA Board, he began a 17-year stint on the Big Bear City Community Services District Board in 1991. He also served on a host of other boards and organizations, including the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District Board, the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission, the County Solid Waste Task Force and the Big Bear Valley Human Services Committee.

His career in law enforcement comprised the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Palm Springs Police Dept. Reserves and the California Highway Patrol.

In addition to many years as a public servant, Colven was a member of the United States Air Force.

Big Bear, CA, June 7, 2013 - One of Big Bear’s beloved residents, Julie Rodgers, passed away on Friday, May 31st at her home in Big Bear surrounded by her family including husband, Dave, and their six children. Julie fought a hard battle with breast cancer for six and a half years.  A celebration of Julie’s life will be held for family and friends this Saturday, June 8th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 400 East North Shore Drive in Big Bear City beginning with a viewing at 9:30am followed by the funeral service at 11am and reception at 1pm.  Beginning at 8:30am on Monday, June 10th, a procession will begin at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Redlands for the grave site service at 10am.  In lieu of flowers and gifts, the Julie Rodgers Memorial Fund has been established to help with medical and funeral expenses after her very lengthy battle with cancer.  To donate, visit the on-line website at giveforward.com.

Big Bear City, CA August 10, 2013, updated:  Marge McDonald of Sugarloaf passed away on Friday August 9, 2013.

The Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, August 18th at 4:00 PM at Summit Christian Fellowship located at 41965 Garstin Dr. in Big Bear Lake, across from the DWP office.

Marge McDonald served the public as an elected official on the Big Bear City Community Services District. Marge was a staple in the Big Bear community where you could expect to see her at any number of events which could be political in nature or at a public meeting where she openly gave her opinion. She had an endless passion for Big Bear. Marge was also known for her cake baking business and the love of her family.  She would have been 93 years old on August 18th.

Marge McDonald, who served as Big Bear City Community Services District President

Sean & Suzie Jacques

Big Bear Lake, CA, October 24, 2013 – A Celebration of Life for Sean Jacques is scheduled for Saturday, November 2 at Bear Mountain Resort at 4:30 p.m. Sean passed away October 16 and is survived by his wife, Suzie, his son Anthony and daughter Alexandra as well as his parents, sister, nieces and nephew. Following his wishes, his organs were donated to those in need.

Sean Anthony Jacques was born in Sacramento on April 28, 1967 and moved to Big Bear Lake when he was seven years old. He attended Big Bear Elementary, Big Bear Middle School and Big Bear High School as the class of 1985. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy for six years as an FC2 (Fire Controlman). Sean then returned to Big Bear Lake to work for Big Bear Mountain Resorts, where he served for 15 years.

In loving memory, his wife dedicates his favorite poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.”

Big Bear Lake, CA, October 25, 2013 – Services have been scheduled for Linda Marie Enger (5/17/72 – 10/21/13) on Sunday, November 10th at The Community Church by the Lake at 3:00 p.m. Linda succumbed to cancer October 21st, and leaves behind her husband of 19 years, Danny Enger, and their 15-year-old son Brady.

Linda was born in Rancho Cucamonga, and was set up on a blind date with Danny by his aunt and uncle on New Year’s Eve, 1990. Danny said about his wife, “Linda was always a caring person with a funny sense of humor and had a smile who could light up any room. Anyone who knew her pretty much instantly liked her. She had a great relationship with all of Brady’s friends, as well as all of my friends from Big Bear High School. She was instantly accepted into the Big Bear Lake group of friends. None of my friends ever said, ‘We’re going to Danny’s house, but Danny and Linda’s'”.

www.bigbearsceneryandsunsets.com

Big Bear Lake, CA, November 10, 2013 – The Community Church by the Lake will host a Celebration of Life for Linda Marie Enger today at  3:00 p.m.

Linda passed away October 21st at the age of 41, after being diagnosed with cancer this summer. She is survived by her husband Danny Enger; their 16-year-old son Brady; her father Ron Millet; brothers Bob Millet, Kevin Millet and Brian Millet; and stepmother Donna Millet.

Lucerne Valley, CA, April 4, 2014 – A memorial gathering is scheduled this weekend for longtime Big Bear Valley resident, Anne Rosemier. Anne passed away peacefully on March 19 at the age of 87.

Anne was retired from teaching, but she continued to do research on Big Bear history–something that had fascinated her since her first visit to the valley in 1951. Realizing that the “old-timers” stories would die with them if not recorded for posterity, she interviewed the last surviving members of such families as the Talmadges, Shays and Erwins. In the 1960s, she wrote a column in the Grizzly called “Profiles of Old-Timers”. She also wrote several children’s stories, which were first published in the old Big Bear Preview newspaper.

She and her husband, W.J. “Rip” Rosemier, began summering here in 1951, in a rustic cabin with no electricity. In 1962, the Rosemiers made Big Bear their permanent home, and she threw herself into mountain life: tending a cow for Bob’s Stables, competing in the Loggers’ Jubilee, and participating in the Big Bear Ski Club. After her husband’s death in 1971, she earned her Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Eastern New Mexico University.

Anne is survived by three sisters, four children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Her life will be celebrated this Saturday, April 5th at the Lucerne Valley home of her daughter. Anyone wishing to share memories of Anne or to offer condolences to her family is welcome to attend. Requests for directions can be directed to Blake Kero at hillbillycavewoman@yahoo.com. Refreshments will be served and flowers gratefully accepted.

Big Bear Lake, Ca May 7, 2014 – After his battle with cancer Skip Suhay, business owner and local political leader passes away on May 4th, 2014.

This statement was released from the Big Bear Lake Municipal Water District:
“It is said that the measure of a great Board member is the value and effectiveness of the policies he or she develops over the course of their tenure. Skip’s contribution is reflected in the guidance the MWD relies on while managing operations on the Lake. From the use of private docks to weed management to conditions for special events his influence has been invaluable time and time again. After serving the District for nearly 16 years his contributions to Lake Management will be sorely missed by the Board and especially the Staff.  His humor even in difficult times was appreciated and enjoyed by everyone in the club. All of us will miss him greatly.  Skip’s Rotary “Service Above Self” was exemplified by his passion in annually ensuring that the July 4th fireworks show was always something the entire valley could proudly brag about. The Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake counted on his leadership by electing him Club President twice.”

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Big Bear at 11 am, Saturday May 10, 2014, followed by his celebration of life at the East Boat Launch Ramp.  All in attendance are beings asked not to wear black but to honor Skips life with Hawaiian Shirts, fireworks or Oktoberfest wear.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Skip’s name to Big Bear Lake Rotary, P.O. Box 615, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315; Hospice, C/O Visiting Nurse Association, 12421 Hesperia Road, Suite 11, Victorville, CA 92396, or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Big Bear Lake, CA, October 2, 2014 - The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the remains of the dead body found on September 13, 2014 in the forested area East of Hamilton Ranch as those of Tommy Kim from Chino Hills. Kim was reported missing on August 27, 2014.

On August 27th, 2014, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station requested assistance from the public to be on the lookout for voluntary missing person Tommy Kim. Kim has been reported as a missing person since August 23 out of Chino Hills. They reported that he was last seen on Tuesday, August 26, near Onyx Summit, and he was on foot, and may have been headed towards the Big Bear area. Further they described Mr. Kim as an Asian male, 6’0” tall, 165 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes, carrying a small pack and an unknown color sleeping bag. 

Big Bear Lake, CA 11/26/14 – Last night, Cheri Haggerty Lawrence, Big Bear Lake City Clerk and wife of City Public Works Director David Lawrence, and her newborn son’s life ended tragically.  Events began on Tuesday evening just after 5pm, when Cheri collapsed in her office at City Hall.  Emergency CPR was performed almost immediately followed by transport by Big Bear Fire Department paramedics to the emergency room at the Bear Valley Community Hospital.  Jeff Mathieu, City Manager, with deep sorrow, expressed that fellow City employees, friends and family along with her husband David, agonized as emergency measures were taken to save both mother and child who was delivered by emergency c-section at the ER.  Neither Cheri or baby Declan survived.  “This is a shock to the entire City of Big Bear Lake family” said Jeff Mathieu, “it is impossible right now to comprehend that Cheri and her baby are gone.  In so many ways she represented the future of this City.  The loss of someone so young at the peak of life is not easy to comprehend.  The shock of this has left our small tightly knit community stunned”.

 Cheri was the highly visible face of the City workforce serving as Public Information Officer, Intergovernmental Relations Manager, webmaster and City Clerk. She usually had a hand in every major community event, including the upcoming annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. She was very active in the community for fund raisers, School District educational projects, and youth ski team events. For pleasure she could be seen her riding a bicycle, enjoying team activities at the Bowling Barn or traveling with David to Las Vegas. She completed his undergraduate work at Cal State Fullerton and Masters Degree from Chapman University.

 Jeff Mathieu added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Cheri’s daughter Kaelee, son Aiden, husband David, parents Bob & Peggy Frost and their family members at this sorrowful time”.