William Claude Brooks
Jan. 8, 1947 - July 1, 2014

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – William Brooks shed this mortal coil on July 1, 2014.

His passing was sudden and unexpected. Willie will be sorely missed by those who deeply loved him.

Willie moved to Lake County 17 years ago at the urging of his friend and neighbor, Tom Carter.

Willie cherished the solitude of his mountain, which he shared with his loves, Pat Cichowicz and daughter, Sascha Cichowicz. He was a mentor and partner to Gerrad Cichowicz.

He is missed by his faithful companions, Chewie and Butterbean. Willie left behind his dear, dear friends, Shannon and Denny Marble of Kentucky.

Willie had many interests in life. He would master any project tackled. While life may have held many bumps, Willie faced all with his face to the wind.

He was a musician who played by ear and, at the age of 16, Willie left home and played piano (after lying about his age) in a bar in Winnemuca, Nev.

Music became a lifelong passion. He held a special affinity for the blues, bluegrass, folk, The Beatles, Dylan, Nat King Cole and The Eagles but all genres were held close to his heart.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Willie was a hot musician playing keyboards in Bay Area rock bands – most notably, MotherGoose and KingFish. His enhanced memory of song lyrics served him well during this period. His talent as a songwriter was well known among his peers.

He was a carpenter, home restorer, sculptor, artist, poet, historian, philosopher and recluse. Stained glass artisan and co-founder of MoonLight Madness Stained Glass, he imparted a unique, whimsical aspect to a multitude of stained glass artworks.

Never idle, never boring, an intellectual wit with an everlasting quizzical nature, who sought the truth at every turn.

All of Willie’s multiple accomplishments paled in comparison to his 40-year study of the word of Jesus Christ and Bible prophecy. To all, who were within earshot, Willie would try to enlighten. More often than not his message fell on seemingly deaf ears but none could walk away without having knowledge.

Author of “The Mystery of God,” his quest never ceased. He was called by God, as he edited his
final chapter.

Following is one of Willie’s favorite verses:

“Behold, I show you a MYSTERY;
We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye:
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed ...”
– I Corinthians 15:51

“Good times, still settle nice and easy on my mind
Old times, now are gone but not so far behind
The years keep stealing memories of a past that I once knew
but when I think of good times, I’ll remember you ...”
– wc brooks

À bientôt, Willie – until we meet again.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With his wife by his side and friends close at hand, David Russell Burnett ceased his courageous battle with prostate cancer on June 28, 2014.  

Everyone who knew Dave enjoyed his sense of humor, his patient way and his love for life.

His cherished wife, Jullie Calkins, mourns his passing and celebrates their wonderful life together.  

Dave was exceedingly proud of his two sons, Vincent Burnett and Matthew Burnett.

Known for his accepting and nonjudgmental attitude, Dave enjoyed a diverse network of support from friends young and old and from every walk of like.

Dave will be greatly missed by all.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Milton Loy “Bud” Boyce peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at his home in Lower Lake.

Born in Kelseyville, Calif., on Aug. 5, 1924, to Russell and Enid Boyce, Bud spent his youth working and playing along the shores of Clearlake Oaks.

A 1942 graduate of Lower Lake High School, Bud enlisted in the United State Navy and served as a Fighting Seabee in the South Pacific during World War II.

Upon his return home in 1946, Bud went to work for his father’s new business, Clear Lake Machine Shop.

Bud spent the next 65 years fabricating everything from trailers to fire engines, and repairing anything that came through the doors.

Along with his father, Bud was a founding member of the Lower Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Dedicating over 50 years, he served every position including fire captain, chief, and later commissioner.

When he wasn’t welding or serving his community, Bud enjoyed the outdoors. An avid sportsman, Bud could be found fishing Eagle Lake with friends, deer hunting his beloved Morgan Valley ranch with family, and even abalone diving to the age of 87.

Bud was preceded in death in 2005 by Barbara, his wife of 31 years. He is survived by his sons Michael Boyce and Richard Boyce, and daughter Lynn Anderson; along with step-children Laura Hutchinson, Robert Davis, Debbie Davis and Sherry Hawk. Bud was adored by his 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In every facet of his life Bud was a cornerstone of the community.

On Friday, July 11, a private family funeral procession will take him through Lower Lake, past Clear Lake Machine Shop and his home.

The public is invited to a memorial gathering at the Lower Lake Brick Hall on Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m.

The family requests that donations be made to the Lower Lake High School Football Fundraising Association, P.O. Box 97, Lower Lake, CA 95457.

Bud was loved and admired by everyone whose life he touched. His family will be forever grateful for his love and inspiration.

His bright eyes and smile will always be etched in our hearts, the words “Hi kid!” echoing in our ears.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – James Errol Winsby, born Aug. 4, 1945, in Ukiah, Calif., passed away July 8, 2014, at the age of 68.

James was a longtime resident of Lake County.  

He served in the Navy and was a driller in the oil fields.

At his request no services will be held.

Cremation arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary FD1336.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A memorial gathering for Milton "Bud" Boyce will be held at the Brick Hall in Lower Lake at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11.

Donations in Bud's memory can be made to the Lower Lake High School Football Fundraising Association, P.O. Box 97, Lower Lake CA 95457.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport California business man Michael Theodore Gossett – aka “Gossett” – died at his home on June 18, 2014. He was 61.

Michael was born on March 16, 1953, in Anchorage, Alaska to Robert (Ted) and Lenora J. (Savelle) Gossett while they were stationed at Anchorage Air Force Base.

He grew up in Leavittsburg, Ohio and was a 1971 graduate of LaBrae High School.

As a youngster, he was an accomplished athlete in football, baseball, and basketball. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked to hike and explore in the mountains of Northern California.

After a brief stint in the military, Michael discovered his innate ability for salesmanship. The family joke was that “he could sell ice cubes to Eskimos.”

He sold a number of things including cookware, vacuum cleaners and life insurance before finally found his niche in the security industry.

After he moved to California, he worked for a company where he progressed from salesman to manager, and eventually started his own company, Gossett Alarm, in Lakeport in 1982. He also co-owned Lake County Answering Service with his sister and mother for 10 years.

Mike was a skilled electrician, carpenter and craftsman, and enjoyed building or repairing almost anything that needed his attention.

He loved his dogs, especially his “darling” Dobermans Heidi, Greta and Sophie.

He was a generous community supporter and contributed financial support to the causes he held dear.

He is survived by the true love of his life, Barbara Jean Gossett; his mother, Lenora; sister, Gail (Larry) Nader; brother, Robert (Jo) Gossett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Having had no biological children of his own he embraced the role of father and grandfather to Barbara’s children Jennifer (Brian) Castro, Erika (Eddie) Endres, Jessica (Allise) Borrayo, Brantley Lopez and Michael Lopez, grandchildren Lovita Castro and Miles Endres.

He also will be missed by his canine best friend Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Ted) Gossett

Michael T. Gossett was the epitome of a self-made man. His presence filled whatever room he entered and his neighbors often said they could hear his booming laughter resonate throughout the neighborhood.

He was a diehard Cleveland Browns fan as well as a very patriotic American.

Michael will be remembered as a great listener, master electrician, good friend who inspired those around him and a wonderful storyteller who cared deeply about the community in which he lived.

For all that knew and loved Gossett, you are invited to a celebration of his life this Saturday, July 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Rancho de la Fuente, 2290 Soda Bay Rd., Lakeport. A tri-tip dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Gossett asks that you take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.