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52 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2016 | Herbert Madison Watson, Jr., age 92 and a Sun Lakes resident since 1992, left this earthly world peacefully on January 21, 2016. Herb excelled in both academics and athletics in high school. With the onset of World War II, Herb, being the embodiment of "the Greatest Generation" that he was, chose to enlist in the United States Army in 1942. Ultimately serving with the United States Army Air Corps on active and reserve duty and achieved the rank of Captain. He received multiple service decorations and flew as a bombardier/navigator on 76 missions in the China and Central Burma Air Offensive while stationed in India. Herb was highly respected as a fundraising executive throughout his career in Orange County, CA. The crowning achievement in his illustrious career was serving as the executive director of the Orange County Ronald McDonald House. Under Herb's leadership, the Orange County Ronald McDonald House was the first to open its doors without a mortgage. Herb had two children from his first marriage. In 1973, Herb married his best friend and partner for life, Patricia. Pat had three children from her previous marriage, and Herb was always quick to brag about the 40+ grandchildren and great grandchildren they were blessed to share through blended families. Herb and Pat enjoyed trout fishing, golfing, bowling and traveling. Herb was also an avid UCLA basketball fan. Herb was known widely as a Godly man, a kind man, a generous man, a quiet man, and a sincere man. He was always very proud of his personal priorities — God, Pat, family, and friends. Van Kelso Newman passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the age of 78. He was born in Wendall, Idaho on January 11, 1937. His early years were spent in Boise, Idaho where he developed a passion for nature, animals and sports and his love for these followed him throughout his life. As a teenager, he and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he attended East High School. Van graduated from the University of Utah in 1959 and married his college sweetheart, Pat Parkinson, in July of 1960. Together they gave birth to two daughters and a son. While raising their family and throughout his fulfilling career with US Steel, they transferred from Salt Lake City to Seattle, Washington in 1964 and then to Orange County, California in 1979. Van and Pat moved to Sun Lakes in 1998. You may have seen Van in his snazzy red scooter following Pat and their beloved dog, Hershey, on their daily walk enjoying the beautiful Sun Lakes community. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, daughters Liz Jurinek (Gerhard), Suzanne Behrmann (Toby), son Jim Newman (Kara), nine grandchildren, nephew Don Smith and niece Karen Litz. We will forever miss him and in our hearts he will be treasured for his deep love of family, his unwavering loyalty to his many friends and associates, and his marvelous sense of humor! A beautiful and memorable celebration of life followed by a reception was held at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano on Tuesday, December 29th. The memories, laughter, and tears shared by family and friends, along with a little "Johnny Cash" was a perfect way to say goodbye and Van, for sure, was looking down with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Friends we will miss We want to remember your loved ones in the "Friends We Will Miss" section, above, but we need your help. Please be sure to get us the information about their passing. Turn in any obituaries to the Main Clubhouse reception desk or send them electronically to SunLakesNews@yahoo.com