ROBERT LEE BOOTHE

1927 – 2021

Lived life to the fullest

Robert Lee Boothe—a man of unparalleled devotion to his wife and children who excelled in business, the military, dog breeding, flying, and fidelity to his Methodist faith—passed away of congestive heart failure at Eden Hill Communities in New Braunfels, TX, on March 20, 2021, his children and granddaughter at his side. He was 93.

It is no cliché to say that Bob, as most called him, lived life to the fullest. Whether it was clinching an oil-land deal, breeding his adored Beagles, learning aerobatics, or attending his children’s recitals, he did it with the same commitment and zeal he devoted to serving his country as a U.S. Army officer.

The first of two children, Bob was born August 6, 1927, in Shreveport, LA, to Smith Robinson, a housewife, and Robert E. Boothe, who worked at Halliburton, a multinational oil company, which required the family to move often.

Continue reading “ROBERT LEE BOOTHE” →

DR. FORREST ANDREW REED, JR.

1926 – 2021

A devilish sense of humor

Forrest Andrew Reed—a veterinarian with a devilish sense of humor who treasured animals almost more than people (his beloved wife and four sons excepted, of course)—passed away of a brain hematoma in Richfield, Ohio on Saturday, March 13, 2021, his remaining sons at his side. He was 94.

The first in a line of Eagle Scouts, Forrest helped son Gary and grandsons Forrest John and Justin achieve the same rank. But Marv Bortz, who grew up next door to the man he described as his best friend, claimed Forrest  “duped the Boy Scouts into making him an Eagle Scout” without having accomplished any of the required tasks.

Knowing Forrest’s humor and the way he joked around, Bortz’ assertion remains questionable.

Continue reading “DR. FORREST ANDREW REED, JR.” →

JOHN DREW CHIPMAN

1934 to 2021

A big teddy bear

[Editor’s Note: There is a magnificent PowerPoint presentation at the end of John’s tribute created by his son, Matt Chipman. Be sure to click on the John D. Chipman link.]

John Drew Chipman—a man of delectable humor and positivity who cherished his wife (shown left), children and grandchildren—passed away at Aegis Assisted Living on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, in Granada Hills. He was 86.

Less than five months earlier, John’s wife of 63 years, Marylee, died at Aegis where both resided. John, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, grasped the moment sufficiently enough to tell his beloved wife: “We will meet again.”

A big, teddy bear of a guy, John had a lighthearted approach to life, especially when it came to his wife. Where Marylee could be tempestuous on occasion, he fielded anything negative with the ease of a standup comedian brushing off a heckler with a witty one liner. In John’s presence, everyone felt safe, warm, in the company of a best friend. He drew smiles, laughter, good vibes—always.

Continue reading “JOHN DREW CHIPMAN” →

DAVE BENNETT HARRIS

1948 to 2021

A need for speed

Dave Bennett Harris—a man with a scholar’s mind, passion for motorcycles, and need for speed—passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston Salem, North Carolina, on Friday, February 19, 2021. His wife and two children were at his bedside throughout. He was 72.

A stay-at-home-dad for six years, Dave raised his son and daughter all during their toddler stages and had the distinction of being the first and only member of the Clemmons West Babysitting Co-op to have a profile written about him in the Clemmons Courier.

The only child of Dorothy (Brehmer) and Philip Allen Harris, a postal worker, Dave was born May 23, 1948 in Danville, VA. Raised in Springfield, he loved riding his 3-speed English racer, playing badminton and fishing with his dad. After graduating from Thomas Edison High School, he attended George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, majoring in economics.

Continue reading “DAVE BENNETT HARRIS” →

HELEN MARIE MORRIS

 1948 – 2021

A wonderful, quirky smile

Helen Marie Morris—loving sister of seven, whose wonderful, quirky smile was as indelible as her passion for the Vineland High School Football team and helping others—died at home after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Thursday, January 21, 2021. She was 72.

A lifelong resident of Vineland, New Jersey, Helen was a study in overcoming hardship with grace and optimism. Injured at birth due to anoxia (oxygen denied to her brain), she defied the diagnosis of the times, mental retardation (now known as intellectual disability), and grew into a joyful young woman who held down a job, loved to dance, and took an active role in assisting in her own health needs.

Cheerful, with the sweetest disposition, she was thoughtful, funny, kind and always eager to lend a helping hand to family. Because of her disabilities, it was Helen who united her many siblings, through good times and bad (no easy feat, they say), in the shared goal of concern and care for her.  For that, her family will always be grateful. She gave much more to them then they could possibly have ever given to her.

She thrived amidst siblings

Continue reading “HELEN MARIE MORRIS” →