Anita Smart 1923-2024 Friend and neighbor Anita Smart turned 100 years old on Nov. 5, 2023 and died of congestive heart failure on Feb. 24, 2024. She was born in Los Angeles and went to Benjamin Franklin high school in Highland Park. She had three brothers and outlived them all. Anita met her husband, Bob, at a meeting when she was 16 years old, and they were married on Sept. 7, 1943. Bob was enlisted in the Army and went to UCLA after being released. He graduated and then went to work for Mobil Oil as a petroleum geologist. Bob and Anita moved around a lot because of Bob’s job.They lived in several states, including Connecticut, Utah, Texas and Colorado, ending up in California. Their son Michael was born in 1950 and their daughter Ann was born in 1952. During those years, Anita was a busy wife and mother, involved in the children’s lives. She was room mother for the Parent Teachers Association and served as PTA president twice. When the kids were grown, Bob and Anita moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and Anita went to work as a receptionist in a law firm. They eventually moved to San Clemente, California. Bob and Anita were happily married for 67 years. After Bob died of kidney failure in 2010, Anita sold their beautiful home in San Clemente and moved to Leisure World in 2012 to be closer to her daughter and son -in-law, who live in Rossmoor Estates. Anita belonged to the Cribbage Club and the Canasta Club, and made many friends in Leisure World. She enjoyed amazingly good health, as well as her nightly cocktail. She played crossword puzzles daily and walked around Leisure World often, even a few days before her death. Anita is survived by her two children, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lloyd D. Haynes 1938-2024 Lloyd D. Haynes served in the Air Force from 19551959, where he did a tour in South Korea. After the war, he was an aircraft mechanic. Lloyd had been a resident of Leisure World, Seal Beach, since 2013. He enjoyed football, reading books about WWII history, and keeping up with current events. He also took pride in keeping his front garden in nice order. He was a private person, but was very warm if you got to know him as many of his neighbors did. In his younger years, his big passion was riding and working on his Ducati motorcycle. He also enjoyed taking his family on camping trips around California. Before retirement, he was a graphic designer for several big magazines included AARP. Lloyd is survived by his three children Matthew, Aaron, and Sara.

James Albert Kaspar 1924-2023 James (Jim) Kaspar was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, WWII combat veteran, and a lifelong believer in the Catholic faith. Jim had been a resident of Leisure World, Seal Beach, for more than 30 years. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in Long Beach, California, on Oct. 3, 2023. The family had been looking forward to having his 100th birthday celebration in March 2024. In honor of his amazing life, the family has decided to celebrate his life at multiple events during the weekend of March 9-11 in Seal Beach and Long Beach. James is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret L. Kaspar and his four children Margaret (Peggy) Kaspar, James William Kaspar, Michael Joseph Kaspar, David Patrick Kaspar. All who knew him had their lives blessed by him and will miss him dearly. With Jim’s passing, as well as the recent passing of his youngest brother Frank X. Kaspar, the world is saying farewell to the Greatest Generation that has ever lived. Jim and his four brothers all served this country with honor and distinction in WWII and Korean Wars. They all loved and honored their respective families. If we have to explain to you what a wonderful man Jim was, you clearly didn’t know him. Daddy, Rest In Peace.

Carl Hatheway Carl Hatheway passed away on Feb. 11 at his home in Leisure World, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 92 years old. He had lived in Leisure World for 16 years, and developed his beloved Velvetones during this time. He was born in Oakland, California, and lived there until he was about 12. His parents then moved back to their roots in Denver, Colorado. After he graduated from West High School, he went to work for Western Electric. There, he met Jonie Niles from East High School. They were married two years later and soon after moved to Phoenix, Arizona. They eventually had two sons and three daughters. After about 10 years they moved to beautiful Santa Barbara, California. He was always involved in music; mostly in church. In Santa Barbara he developed a graded chord program that led to him working for churches full time in the Bay Area for about five years. He eventually went back to secular work. The family then moved to Southern California, settling in West Covina where he worked for GTE and created his 40 Something Band. He moved to Leisure World in 2009. He started his Velvetones Band a few years later and had a wonderful time serving the community. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, five children, 10 grandchildren, and 18 greatgrandchildren. He will be greatly missed. As a family, we have hope of glory, we will all be together again.

Kathleen Croghan 1926 –2024 Kathleen Croghan was born on a farm in Iowa on July 7, 1926. After she graduated from nurses training, she went into a convent from 1953 to 1962. Its mission was to serve the poor on the streets in France. After she left the convent, she earned degrees in English and nursing. Kathleen later moved to Leisure World and lived there for 11 years. She then moved to Rossmoor, California where she passed away on Jan. 5, 2024.

Chin Hsin Tsai 1947-2023 Chin Tsai, a devoted Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully at 76. Guided by unwavering faith, he drew strength from his father’s lessons, a beacon in times of life’s challenges. In his formative years, his teacher, who became a lifelong friend, instilled the importance of education—a legacy passed down to the success of his children. Leaving Taiwan for the U.S. at 32, he navigated a 36-year business journey managing resorts and motels in Texas and Louisiana. Despite challenges, his unwavering devotion provided for his family even in difficult times. In Louisiana, a fire devastating more than half his business led to an unexpected turning point, and he found solace in breeding exotic birds, a venture facilitated by a retiring friend from the bird business. Retiring to Leisure World seven years ago, Chin continued to share his love for family, contribute to church, tend to his garden and play Mahjong. He is survived by his supportive wife, Christy, and children Karen Jenny, David and Derek; two grandsons Conner and Rhys; and his four sisters Sophia, Shelia, Christin and Margaret. Chin’s strength, generosity, and family focus defined him. A lifelong gardener, he shared the fruits of his labor for anyone to enjoy. Chin’s enduring commitment and unwavering generosity leaves a lasting legacy. Whether tending his garden, playing Mahjong, or offering a smile and advice, he found fulfillment in spreading happiness. A Good Samaritan, Chin’s compassion and wisdom benefited many. As we bid farewell, may he rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and strong family values. More memories, photos, and tributes are available at https://www.patreon.com/ posts/96244575. •••