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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2020 | 67 Friends we will miss ROBERT HOWARD MORCK (Bob), 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 after a long illness. He was born on August 31, 1934 in Stamford, Conn. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Florence Davis Morck, daughter Cheryl Hill (Steve), son Rob Morck (Jenny) three brothers, 2 sisters, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons. He is predeceased by son Chris Morck. In 1962, he moved his family to Downey, CA and partnered with his father in a café/bar. He later joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Dept. and was a young deputy during the L.A. riots. His career led him to the Homicide Bureau where he served for 26 years. Bob had two cases which were published in Detective Magazine. He received a prestigious award from the Chief Postal Inspector for excellence in administration of justice. Detective Sergeant Morck had a colorful career. He retired in 1990 and had a home in Stallion Springs, Tehachapi built in the Horsethief Country Club. After working in the Pro Shop of the golf course and enjoying the golf, people and beautiful surroundings for 12 years, the Morcks moved to Sun Lakes and continued golfing and social activities. Bob had a great sense of humor and loved having a good time. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. The Morcks traveled all over the world until illness prevented it. Bob was a great husband, good father and grandfather and treasured his friends. He will be missed by all whose life he touched. EUGENE "GENE" STEVENS died peacefully at his home here in Sun Lakes on his 91st birthday, January 5, 2020. He completed his brave eight-year journey with Dementia. Gene and his wife of 40 years, Judy, retired and moved to Sun Lakes in 2012 from Lompoc, CA, where he lived for 54 years. He grew up in Wilmington, NC. He served in the Air Force from 1948 to 1962 and was last assigned to Vanderberg AFB in Lompoc in 1958 along with the first 600 personnel, as the development of the defense missile program was taking place on the west coast during the Cold War era. He worked in the Public Affairs Office there and edited the first base newspaper. After separating from the Air Force he was hired by the local newspaper, Lompoc Record, as a reporter, then news editor, and managing editor for seven years. In 1969, he accepted an administrative position at Allan Hancock Community College in Santa Maria as the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services for the next 20 years. In 1970, he ran for Lompoc City Council, serving for several terms for a total of 15 years, several times as the mayor. This gave him the opportunity to be part of significant decisions related to the tremendous growth and development of the community as Vandenberg AFB was gearing up to become the west coast base for space launches. Gene was an active member of many local community organizations, including Rotary International. After retiring from the council and the college position in 1989, he was hired part-time by the Lompoc Chamber of Commerce as Director of Marketing where he worked for 23 years. He felt that Lompoc was a wonderful community that needed promoting to develop more tourism to benefit the local economy. He learned about the success of the Murals Program in the community of Chemainus, B.C., which was the inspiration for the development of the Mural Society of Lompoc. For over 25 years he served as the Administrator/Director, along with a dedicated team of artists and volunteers to illustrate Lompoc's history on the walls of businesses downtown. It worked, as many bus tours came to Lompoc to see over 50 large murals, the beautiful flower fields, and La Purisima Mission. He said it was the greatest privilege of his life to represent the city and contribute his time to make the community a wonderful place to raise a family. In January 2000, he was honored as Lompoc's "Man of the Century" for his over 50 years of dedication to the city. He was generous with his time, someone who inspired others, was a very supportive and encouraging person. Though he received many awards for his community service, he knew it takes the combined efforts of many to accomplish community goals. Sadly, the effects of Dementia robbed this energetic and creative man of his memory in the last years, but through it all he remained a kind, patient, loveable man. It was while a resident of Sun Lakes that he traveled, rested, and recalled his most interesting life. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Lisa Stevens, MDs, and beloved granddaughter Cathryn, one brother, Ray Stevens, sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews. He will be buried with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff of Prestigious Hospice, and his caregiver Chito Santos, for their loving care the last six months of his life.

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