In memoriam: Funeral notices, February 26, 2023

Reginald Earl Barr, 91, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023, to join his precious wife of 65 years, Sandra and grandson, Andre LeBlanc. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Gary LeBlanc, his sister and brother-in-law, Dana and Bill Baker, and great-niece, Sarah Quinones. Reginald was born in Brazil, Indiana, on December 12, 1931, to Gladys and Reginald Barr. His mother was a kindergarten teacher and his father a minister which explains Reginald's lifelong commitment to education and service. The Barr family lived in various towns throughout Ohio, the most memorable being Xenia, Ohio, where Reg's father was the minister at the Ohio Veteran's Children's Home (orphanage). As a minister's son, his childhood revolved around his father's pastoral responsibilities, but he also thrived as an athlete and student. At 14, due to a nearly fatal case of pneumonia, an Ohio physician urged his family to immediately send Reg out West to live with his aunt and uncle in Phoenix, Arizona; the rest of the family could join him at the end of the school year. So, Reg came out West. As a freshman in high school living without his immediate family close by, Reg enjoyed a level of independence and self-reliance that shaped the rest of his life. He had his own transportation: a bicycle. He had his own income: a newspaper route. And he had to be accountable to his aunt and uncle as well as friends, like John Tussey, and their families who looked out for his well-being. If there were obvious character traits of Reg Barr, it was his creative problem-solving and fierce independence. These character traits took root and blossomed when he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from Phoenix Union High School, Reginald served in the military and attended Phoenix College where he met and then married the love of his life, Sandra Barney. Reg and Sandra moved to Tucson, just far enough from the Phoenix clan to feel independent, yet close enough to visit often. He and Sandra continued their schooling at the University of Arizona. Becoming an educator was not Reg's original intention when he majored in history and political science; he was preparing for law school. However, times were tough for a young family and working full time at the post office while going to school was getting old, so Reginald decided to do as Sandra did--get a teaching certificate! In the early 60's to the early 70's, Reginald not only taught history in Tucson at Catalina and Palo Verde High Schools, but also distinguished himself with a Master's and a Doctorate in Education. His depth of knowledge and distinctive leadership style uniquely qualified him to administer, direct or consult for a wide variety of district and federal programs. In 1976, he returned to the classroom to enjoy the most rewarding teaching position of his career: Social Studies Department Chair for the newly created University High School, a "school within a school" catering to the needs and talents of gifted students. His philosophy of education (and life) crystalized more than ever after teaching at UHS: empower individuals through personalization and opportunities to succeed. In the 1980's Reg Barr's entrepreneurial spirit took flight. His first successful business was Hawaii EdVenture, a summer school opportunity for educators and high school students set in Hawaii. Family members and close friends served as drivers, caregivers, organizers, tour guides, instructors or whatever job was needed in exchange for three weeks in paradise. It was an easy trade-off. In 1992, after serving as President of the Arizona State Board of Education and retiring from TUSD, Reginald could not sit still; retirement, as it is usually envisioned, was not for him. When the charter school movement began, Reg was called yet again to combine what he knew about education and the business world. He and his wife, Sandy, created a system of charter schools, known as AmeriSchools, to enact his philosophy of empowering students and employees to be successful. The team that he assembled worked tirelessly to create a family atmosphere, resulting in many loyal employees and successful students. He was very proud of the many achievements of AmeriSchools. Reginald Barr loved to solve problems creatively; he cherished his freedom, independence, and self-reliance, but above all, he loved being the magic carpet under someone else's feet by supporting their professional and personal growth in any way he could. So, for those who he supported, he would say, "Continue to follow your compass and strive to make the world a better place." After a long life well-lived, we are confident that Reg is now home with his beloved wife, Sandy, and grandson, Andre. The LeBlanc family would like to thank "Dr. B's" wonderful caregivers and the gracious staff at Hospice of the Valley. Per his request, services will be simple and private, "like Mom's". Arrangements by WHITNEY & MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Phoenix, AZ.

John Thomas ("Jack") Boyer passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2023.   Jack was born on October 13, 1929 in Newcastle, Indiana, the fifth child of Walter Howard Boyer and Ruby Allen Boyer. Ruby and Howard had lost their first-born son Billy to polio before Jack's birth, and from early childhood Jack declared his intention to become a physician and to cure disease. At Denison University, Jack excelled at academics, served as fraternity president, and starred as a football running back. In 1951 he entered Harvard Medical School.   At Harvard Jack met his bride-to-be, medical classmate Georgiana Sykes of Tucson, Arizona. They graduated together in 1955 then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Jack studied Internal Medicine. His studies were interrupted by a call to US Army service in Korea. In 1958, Jack began fellowship training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia. While there, he acted in the role of submarine physician in the movie On The Beach. On return to Cleveland, Jack joined the faculty of Case Western Reserve University.   In 1969, the growing Boyer family moved to Tucson, where Jack joined the faculty of the University of Arizona's new College of Medicine. During his subsequent academic practice, Jack launched three divisions—geriatrics, hematology and rheumatology—in the Department of Medicine, co-founded the Center on Aging, and was a founding member of the Arthritis Center. After formal retirement in 1993, Jack continued to volunteer in geriatrics, first seeing patients and later as a patient himself. He received the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Geriatrics Society. He enjoyed tennis, photography, bicycling and traveling throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the South Pacific.   Jack is survived by his wife Georgiana Boyer, daughters Leslie Boyer, Diane Boyer (Steve Hayden) and Connie Choza (Gabriel), son Quentin Boyer, and grandchildren Maxwell Hassen, Ailem Hassen, Juliana Choza and Carmen Choza. He was preceded in death by his son Jim Boyer, in 1999. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be directed to the Jim Boyer Memorial Scholarship or to the Arizona Center on Aging, via uafoundation.org. A memorial service is expected in late March. Arrangements by Avenidas Cremation & Burial.

of Tucson, Arizona, died on February 16, 2023. Born in New Haven, CT to Harold and Edith (Stephson) Dinniman, James "Jim" Dinniman spent his childhood on the family's dairy farm in Woodbridge, CT. After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1960, he entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He would go on to serve multiple tours in Vietnam. During his time in the military, Jim was in the Infantry, Special Forces, and Military Intelligence and was stationed throughout Asia over the course of his 30-year career. By the time he retired as a Colonel in 1989, Jim had accumulated numerous medals, commendations, and awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, multiple Bronze Stars, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, and multiple Army Commendation Medals. In addition, he received the Combat Infantry badge, the Airborne badge, the Special Forces tab, the Army General Staff badge, and numerous other awards over his distinguished career. He is survived by the love of his life and spouse of nearly 58 years, Judith; a brother, Andrew (Margo); three sons, Michael (Anne), Mark (Georgette) and Matthew (Meredyth); along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A hero to both his country and his family, he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

Lanetta Lee Elliott (Gillenwater), 80 of Oro Valley, AZ, died Monday, December 26, 2022 surrounded by family, close friends, and a loving ICU team at Northwest Hospital.  Lee was born September 1, 1942 in Baltimore, MD to Palmer and Margie (Toney) Gillenwater.  Lee graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC and then worked on various research projects at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore. She was a known supporter of the Fine Arts at JHU.  After marriage, she moved to Fort Collins, CO where she continued her research work at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Economic considerations brought Lee and her husband to Oro Valley in 1984.  Lee changed careers and devoted herself to civic-minded volunteer activities.  Lee will be remembered for her service on various boards, committees, and commissions, from the Town of Oro Valley where she was mayor in the early 1990s, to the Arizona Transportation Enhancement Committee, to the UofA Fine Arts programs and Arthritis Center Friends.  Lee is survived by her husband Spencer, an extended family of many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 1, 2023, 11:00 am at Casas Adobes Congregational Church, UCC, 6801 N. Oracle Road and all are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Casas Adobes Scholarship Fund in her memory to honor Lee's passion for education.  Cremation arrangements by Smart Cremation.

January 18, 1953 - February 18, 2023 Luis Mario Montano Felix was called to be with the Lord on February 18 at the age of 70. He fought his long battle with illness courageously and with grace, and passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.   Mario was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara medical school as a medical doctor and surgeon, but he found his calling working in the hospitality industry in the United States for the last four decades. Mario is lovingly remembered for his sharp wit, his infectious laugh, his stories of adventurous travel, his epicurean feasts, his love of the arts, especially classical music and Broadway musicals, and his passion for health and running. He competed in over ten marathons across the globe, and achieved his lofty goal of qualifying for and running in the Boston Marathon.   For all of Mario's accomplishments, the indelible legacy he leaves is the love, grace and generosity he bestowed on his mother, sisters and many nieces and nephews. He became a father to his nieces and nephews and supported them with fashionable dress, housing, and schooling. He introduced them to a world of possibilities. Most importantly, Tio Mario was a loving and wise mentor who supported his nieces and nephews to pursue their dreams and encouraged them to never lose faith, and, by his example, inspired them to love and give selflessly.   Our son, brother, uncle and father will be deeply missed, but his love and hilarious stories will be remembered with a warm smile for his family's generations to come.  He will be welcomed into God's arms in the company of his father Mario, brother Sergio and sister Marisa who preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Czarina Montano, his sisters, Czarina M. Lopez, Marisella Mireles, Elza Montano, and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.   A mass celebrating Mario's life will be held at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish, 4725 E. Pima St., Tucson, AZ, at 11 AM on Monday, February 27, 2023.

James Walworth (Wally) George died peacefully at home in Tucson, Arizona at the age of 94 on February 19th, 2023. Wally was born in Albany, Texas, on December 21, 1928, and was raised on the Rio Pecos where his father was a supervisor at the local power plant. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan, where he became enamored of eastern philosophy, an interest that would guide his life for the next 70 years. After the war he attended school at Sul Ross state teacher's college in Alpine, Texas, where he earned his teaching degree and met and married Lois Hastings. Together they had four children, John Weldon, David Walworth (Barbara), Donald Bruce, and Teresa Pat. Wally taught English and Oriental Literature at Catalina High School in Tucson from 1970 to 1982, where he also chaired the Karate Club. He was a favorite of his students, and for many years a trip to the grocery store inevitably led to an encounter with at least one former student. In 1982 he met Evelyn Berdel, the love of his life. They were married in 2000 in Santa Fe, NM, their special place. Back in Tucson they created a beautiful life together and their home was a special gathering place for their large, blended family. Wally's BBQ skills were legendary, and his sly humor animated many family dinners. Evelyn cared for him through his final days as his health declined, and his gratitude found new heights. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, all four of his children, his sister Pat, his three stepchildren Catherine (Paul), Bridger (Beth), and Herschel (Sharon), his seven grandchildren Benjamin George, Ryan Cummings, Sarah George, Zane Jones (Andrea), Jeremy Cummings, Brianna Berdel, and Cade Jones, and great-granddaughter Ellianna. Sadly, he was preceded by his younger brother Bruce, his stepson Airan, and his stepdaughter Diana. Memorial services will be held on May 13 at 5:30 P.M. at Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon, Tucson, AZ 85712. Please RSVP to david.george2264@gmail.com

James Phillip Goodman died at home on February 2, 2023, of natural causes. Jim was born in Tucson on March 10, 1956. He graduated from Catalina High School in 1974. He learned carpentry skills from his father. These skills, along with three years studying architecture at the University of Arizona, formed the basis for his lifelong career in construction. He would be the first to notice if a measurement was slightly off. Our Jim was a perfectionist who worked for friends and family throughout Arizona. Jim enjoyed his time working in the Catalina Mountains. He was an avid sports fan, especially following the St. Louis Cardinals, the Green Bay Packers, the hometown Tucson Toros, and the University of Arizona sports teams. He enjoyed fishing in the White Mountains and had a superb green thumb—with some of his plants now dated at more than thirty years old. He had a number of pets, with a special fondness for Great Pyrenees dogs and cats. His current Great Pyrenees, Miyah, and his cat, Dude, were inseparable from him. Jim was a lifelong resident of Tucson and a Third-Generation Tucsonan. His mother's family arrived in the city in 1870. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amalia Terrazas Goodman, and James Olton Goodman. Jim is survived by his loving companion, Elizabeth "Liz" Hightower; sisters, Beth McCauslin (husband Mark) and Jan Quinlan (husband Kevin) and brother, Gerald Goodman (wife Susan). Additionally, he is survived by six nephews and nieces, a large extended family, and many friends. Jim will be missed by many. A Blessing of the Ashes will be held on March 10, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. A Celebration of Life will be held on the same date from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Danny's Baboquivari Restaurant and Lounge at 2910 E. Ft. Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85716. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jim to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or to the UA Foundation benefitting Arizona Athletics.

Pat died peacefully on February 11, 2023. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Marcus. Pat is survived by her sister, Cissy of Fort Myers, FL; her children, Jordan of Pine Top, AZ and Jennifer (Doug) of Miamisburg, OH; her grandson, Sam and several nephews and nieces. Pat is also survived by her grand dogs, grand cats, and grand bearded dragon, with whom she would have daily video chats. Pat was born in Cortland, NY to Elliott G. Barrow and Densia Barrow. She was raised in Granville, NY and was a graduate of Granville High School. She was a graduate of Green Mountain College in Vermont. After graduating college, Pat moved to New York City to work as assistant for a radio station. She then moved to Texas to set up a radio station for a short period before moving to Tucson, AZ, where she met the love of her life, Samuel. They were married on October 2, 1960, and shortly after moved to Nogales, AZ. There they ran their successful department store and raised their two children, Jordan and Jennifer. Pat and Sam spent many years traveling the world together, making new friends, and enjoying their love for the arts and culture. The family wishes everyone to know that Pat was a very loving and caring matriarch of the family. The family would like to thank "Team Pat" for all the help and care they gave Pat. Thank you Sarah, Nicole, Natalie, and Amy. The family would also like to thank Pat's long-time caregiver, Laurie, who was a loyal and loving care giver to the very end. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Autism Speaks or to your local animal shelter. You can reach out to the family by email at MarcusfamilyJJ@outlook.com.

On January 31st, 2023, David Martin of Tucson passed away at the age of 74. David was born to Richard and Sara (Puterbaugh) Martin in 1948, graduated high school in 1967 and went on to serve in the Air Force for 22 years, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring, he worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections for 24 years. In July of 1971, he married Nancy (DuVall) Martin, and together raised 3 children. David loved being around his family, working in the yard, and cheering on his Arizona Wildcats. Known for working hard and napping harder, fixing things around the house, and his love of music. David is preceded in death by his father, Richard, his mother, Sara, and his brothers Joe, Steven, and Michael. Survived by his wife, Nancy, 3 children, Christopher (Heather), Daniel (Elizabeth), and Kaylie, his second mother, Norma (Puterbaugh) Tomlin, brother Tom, 7 grandchildren, numerous siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A public committal service will be held at 1:00 PM on March 3rd, 2023 at the Marana Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Celebration of Life to follow at Daniel and Liz Martin's house. In lieu of flowers, donate in David's name to HOPE animal shelter www.hopeanimalshelter.net Arrangements by Bring's Broadway Chapel

Darlene Minnie Jean (Thompson) Reyes, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on February 14th, 2023 with loved ones at her side.  She was born and raised in Globe, AZ, and graduated from Globe High School in 1960.  Darlene lived in Tucson since 1970, and was married to her beloved Ruben of 41 years before he passed away in 2004.  We will all dearly miss our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. " God bless you".

Liliane Rufenacht Selby, 90, born in Paris, France on December 18, 1932 to Alice and Rodolphe Rufenacht, died peacefully at home in Tucson, Arizona on January 26, 2023. She will be remembered for her independent spirit, love of family, artistic talent, strong faith, and fortitude. Liliane came to the U.S. in 1939 from France and grew up in Riverdale, New York, graduating high school in 1950 from Chatham Hall in Virginia. After briefly attending Wellesley College, Liliane returned to Europe where she lived for the next several years. She subsequently moved to Tucson and married Howard W. Selby (Selby Motors Lincoln Mercury) in 1958 with whom she shared nearly 50 years of an active and happy life. They possessed a love of adventure, taking trips to all corners of the U.S. and the world. Their favorite travels were spent exploring the California coastline and Baja Peninsula as well as the Hawaiian and Tahitian islands on their sailboat, La Serena, and taking their camper to remote locations in the West and Mexico. Liliane also became a licensed airplane pilot to fly their small Piper Tri-Pacer. On weekends they enjoyed horseback riding and life on their ranch (Umpire Ranch) in Canelo, Arizona. In later years, they were active hiking, skiing and playing tennis while spending time at their vacation home in Pinetop, Arizona. Liliane was a true renaissance woman with keen intellectual curiosity and exceptional artistic talent. She trained as a professional violinist and joined the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and later played in two string quartets for many years. Liliane also excelled in pottery, weaving, and painting. Her business, Selby Studios, was a testament to her creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit. She successfully sold her individually designed handwoven and knit creations to luxury stores throughout the country, and her work was once featured in the home section of the New York Times Magazine. Her dinner parties for family and friends were most memorable for their imaginative, gourmet delicacies served on artfully arranged platters and plates. Liliane remained an active octogenarian, and even rode her two wheeled bicycle in her Tucson neighborhood until August 2022. Liliane was a member of several clubs and organizations, including the Tucson Country Club, Mountain Oyster Club, Silver and Turquoise Board of Hostesses, and Assistance League. Her volunteer services over the years included the Arizona Heart Association, United Way Campaign, Odyssey Hospice, and the Stephen Ministries. She is survived by her two daughters, Lydia S. Eitel (Jerry) and Isabelle M. Selby; stepsons, Howard W. Selby III (Linda), William T. Selby (Suzy), Jeffrey B. Selby (Sandi) and Robert E. Selby (Kris); sister, Suzanne Dworsky of Cambridge Massachusetts, nephew, Kenneth Hughes, nieces, Sandra Hughes and Alisa Dworsky; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church on March 18 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of choice.

Paul Suedkamp, a lifelong resident of Tucson was born on January 25, 1956 and passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 in Tucson. His parents Mark Suedkamp and Suzanne Berning Suedkamp Duffey preceded him in death.  He is survived by his sister, Kate Ballenger (Ken) of Tucson, brothers, Mark Suedkamp of Ohio, and Robert Suedkamp (Nancy), of Tucson and many nieces and nephews and other relatives scattered throughout the country. Paul attended the U of A and ASU and eventually graduated from Chaparral College in 2000 with a B.S in Business Administration. He would joke that he was on the twenty five year plan. As an advocate for people who have developmental disabilities, Paul served on the State of Arizona Human Rights Committee, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, and other advisory councils. He also participated in training for participants at the Public Safety Academy about the needs of handicapped people. Paul also worked on inventions for a specialized glove for handicapped computer users and a wheelchair computer table. For the majority of his adult life, Paul lived with the assistance of caregivers from United Cerebral Palsy and oversight from the Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities. Paul loved his freedom and managing his own affairs and could often be seen motoring around town in his wheelchair.  The Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Cyril's Church on March 10th at 10:00 a.m. with a celebration of life immediately following in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul's name to United Cerebral Palsy at UCPSA, 630 N. Craycroft Rd., Tucson, 85711.