themed dinners and a host of other fanfare, in 2012. Mary Greytak, 101, of Mutual 6, remembers that June day in 2012. She and her late husband, Gary, had set up a booth for their Cribbage Club, and it was a busy day with a lot of moving parts for her, Gary, Tom and Mary Jean. “After it was all over, we were just exhausted,” Mary recalled, “and we went to a little restaurant and sat outside under a full moon. There was a breeze, and we had one little drink to celebrate that it was all over, and it went so well. It’s just one of so many good memories.” Barrett is perhaps best remembered here for his unflappable leadership during turbulent years when Leisure World was at a legal crossroads: Was the community a nonprofit corporation, as was its designation since the 1960s, or a common interest development subject to the transparency and accountability provisions of the Davis-Sterling Act? Davis Sterling requires that certain association records be made available to residents. For four years ending in 2008, the GRF was embroiled in a lawsuit seeking to redefine LW. The suit was filed by seven LW residents. The GRF contended that Leisure World was structured differently from most private communities, such as gated subdivisions and condominiums that are ruled by homeowners’ associations, and that the laws for these associations did not apply. Some residents disagreed, saying LW was a homeowner’s association, and financial and management records should be open. The California Fourth District Appellate Court ultimately ruled in favor of the residents in a countersuit that the Golden Rain filed against them. The decision reaffirmed a lower court ruling that the GRF is indeed a common interest development so it must follow state rules governing homeowner’s associations. The results of the closely watched case redefined how retirement communities like Leisure World are governed. The lawsuit ultimately became case law for California. It was a time of conflict, drastic change and high emotion on all sides of the issue, but through it all, Barratt persevered with a unifying influence. “Through his leadership and educational columns in the weekly paper, Tom tried hard to keep the shareholders informed about the ramifications of having GRF declared a HOA,” said Mary Milhone of Mutual 2. “I also have fond memories of his many efforts to set up the computer lab in Clubhouse 5 for shareholder use and to have computer lit classes. I was employed as an adult ed teacher for Garden Grove Unified School District at the time, and he allowed me to teach the very first class! He also taught at the lab for many years.” Barratt also served as president of the Golden Age Foundation, Leisure World’s philanthropic self-help organization. Joan Shramek remembers his service and how Barratt encouraged her to accept the GAF presidency, which she held for three “wonderful years. I could not have done it without him,” she said. “I have lost a dear friend. He and (Shramek’s husband) Frank are chatting like old times in heaven now.” Barratt was born on April 6, 1938, in Pasadena, California. He grew up in Southern California and enjoyed surfing, tennis and sailing. He met and married his wife, Mary Jean, in 1965. He earned a history degree from California State University, Los Angles. History remained a lifelong interest. He spent a lot of time helping to collect and curate Leisure World’s history as a member of the LW Historical Society, a group that thrives today under the leadership of Margaret Gillon. Barratt also graduated from the Air War College, beginning a 37-year career of military service. He enlisted in the California National Guard serving part time as second lieutenant. He became a full time California National Guardsman a few years after he and Mary Jean married, commuting to Santa Monica and then to Los Alamitos, where the couple relocated when his guard unit moved there. He eventually joined the United States Army Reserve in Los Alamitos, and from there, he was promoted to colonel and given a new assignment in Forest Park, Illinois. When this four-year assignment ended, he retired from the U.S. Army. The Barratts returned to California, choosing Seal Beach Leisure World as their home for the next 20 years. After 48 years of southern California living, Tom and Mary Jean moved to Duluth in 2013. He served for nine years as treasurer for their senior cooperative in Duluth, a port city on Lake Superior. The couple enjoyed life there, with its ever-changing seasons, the Duluth Playhouse and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Throughout their marriage, the Barratts traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, Australia and China, and enjoyed lives as adventurous diners. “He believed in treating all humanity with kindness and fairness,” said Mary Jean. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Jean Barratt of Duluth, Minnesota; sister Sally Van Sittert of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held July 6 at St. Lawrence Church in Duluth. Former GRF President Thomas Barratt

Richard James O’Brien 1924-2023 After living an extraordinary l i fe, Richard “Dick” O’Brien passed peacefully on June 19, 2023, at the age of 98. His children surrounded him with love in his final days. His home was filled with many reminders of his happy life, including pictures of family, relatives and friends. Dick’s military service was one of the highlights of his life. He spent much of his time sharing his WWII experiences with others. He shared the stories of WWII with high school students at Orange Lutheran and Corona Del Mar High Schools. His popular presentations were illustrated with slides and, of course, Dick proudly wearing his WWII Army uniform. Dick and his wife, Pat, moved to Leisure World, Seal Beach, in 2012. They were blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends who were so kind to them. Dick enjoyed the Veterans Day celebrations and later the biweekly dances with the 40’s band The Velvetones. He enjoyed excellent health until recently. During his last days, Dick had loving family and caregivers who sat with him, sharing stories about his amazing life. His eight children and five grandchildren are grateful for the love and support Dick received at this time. He was also “Great Papa” to Quinn, Zoe and Jack O’Brien. Many thanks to everyone who loved our Dad so much. Family funeral services were held on July 1 at Holy Family Catholic Church. A celebration of life memorial for family and friends will be held in a few months. See more stories and photos on the Luyben Mortuary website: https://www.luybendilday.com/ obituary/richard-obrien.

Glenna Faye Hoff 1932 - 2023 Loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Glenna Hoff of Mutual 6 passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023. Glenna was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on Aug. 1, 1932, to Josephine Slama. She was the eldest of four children, including one half-sister, Sharon, and two half-brothers, Dennis and Robert “Bobby”. After graduating high school in Nebraska, she moved to Sierra Madre, California, where she was selected as “Miss Industry.” In this role, she promoted local businesses and presided over grand openings of new companies. She fell in love with Leroy Hoff and they married in 1960 and settled in Westchester, California. Their son Brian was born in 1963 and their daughter LeAnna was born three years later. When her children were young, she enjoyed being a mother and homemaker and was involved in many community activities. Once her children were older, she was employed at Loyola Marymount University in Westchester, California, and then for a classified defense unit at Hughes Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California. Leroy and Glenna retired to Prescott, Arizona. In Prescott she volunteered at Sharlot Hall, the local historical society, where she dressed in period correct costume and served as a docent. She was also active in many church projects. In 2009, they moved to Leisure World in Seal Beach, California, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Glenna was a member of various Leisure World clubs including the Leisure World Leggers, competing in many 5K runs/walks, the Garden Club, the Rolling Thunder Golf Cart Club, the Traveling Tigers, and the Y’s Men International. Glenna’s husband passed away in 2017. She is survived by her son Brian Hoff of Playa del Rey, California; her daughter LeAnna Rivera of Long Beach, California; her sister Sharon of Wichita, Kansas; her brother Dennis of Omaha, Nebraska; her grandson Hunter Hoff; her granddaughter Marlena Rivera, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held on July 8 at 11 a.m. at Grace Community Church located at 138 Eighth Street Seal Beach, California, with a luncheon to follow.

Charles “Charlie” Batton Charles “Charlie” Batton, 91, recent resident of Leisure World, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2023, in North Carolina, where he went to live with his daughters after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was predeceased by his daughter Cindy Batton, and is survived by daughters Linda Hilger and Karen Batton, and his companion of 29 years, Marilyn Austin. Charlie was a Korean War veteran and enjoyed a successful career with Olympic Fasteners as a regional sales manager. An avid boater and longtime member of the Marina Yacht Club of Long Beach, he will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, good humor and charismatic personality. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Reginald Johnson 1938 - 2023 Reginald Johnson was born in Grant Parish, in the town of Colfax, Louisiana on Aug. 22, 1938. He passed away peaceful ly at his home on Monday, June 5, 2023, in the company of his wife, at the age of 84. He is survived by his lovely wife of 59 years, Ruby M. Johnson in Mutual 17. He was the father of Cheryl, Maria and Champ. Reggie was a devoted family man who loved football, western movies and golf. He is leaving behind a legacy of hard work, the determination to succeed and his love for his family and friends. He was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend.