Ken Beattie passed away at is home in Pleasant Hill on Tuesday January 2, 2012. His loving children survive him: Cynthia, Colin, and Keith. Grand Children: Tyler, Ian, and Claire. Great Grand Child: James. A celebration of life gathering will be held at 1pm Saturday, January 28, at his home.

Maurice Edward (Mitch) Mitchell born Nov. 6, 1932. Resident of Concord Mitch passed away on July 26, 2011 after a valiant battle with cancer. He touched many lives with his true honesty.

Mitch was born in Yakima, Washington. He graduated High School from Auburn Academy in Auburn, Washington and earned a degree in Civil Engineering at Walla Walla University in College Place, Washington. Mitch volunteered for the Army and was trained to be an Orthopedic Specialist. He received his training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. After a year, he transferred to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he signed on with the 508 Airborne Regimental Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. The entire 4,000 man 508 was flown to Beppu, Kyushu, Japan.

Upon return to the U.S., Mitch worked for the Corps of Engineers in Anchorage, Alaska, before moving to California and starting a 35 year career with the Contra Costa County Public Works Department. He began as a Junior Civil Engineer and advanced to the position of Deputy Public Works Director when he retired.

Mitch was an avid sports fan. He loved the 49ers and Giants. He was a season ticket holder with the 49ers for 40 years. He attended their first Super Bowl in Detroit, Michigan and also the one in Palo Alto. He was an avid golfer and bowler. In 1964, he and few of his softball team members formed a golf club called 'The Diablo Divots' which is active to this day.Mitch was also a long time member of Branch 146 of the 'Sons in Retirement' (SIRS) and participated in their golf, bowling, walking and singing activities.

Mitch was predeceased by his parents, Nellie and Russell Mitchell and sister Verdelle Thomas, all of Yakima Washington. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ann, their son Michael (Natalie) of Concord, their daughter Catherine of Everett, Washington, grandchildren Matthew and Sarah Mitchell of Concord, a sister Beverly Oleson of Clayton, and several nieces and nephews.

Mitch was a strong leader of our family and will be truly missed! Especially for his humor and strength.

Frank was a founding member of Branch 146 joining in March of 1989. He was sponsored by Ray Nordstrom. Born October 10th, 1917 Frank grew up in Los Angeles graduating from Roosevelt High School in east LA. With his great basketball skills he was recruited to attend Oregon State University by their legendary coach Slats Gill. He played one year of freshman ball and three years of varsity ball. He served as team captain for two years and received All Coast Honors his senior year. Frank married his college sweetheart Shirley in Corvallis Oregon and moved to Hood River Oregon to become their High School Basketball and Football coach. As World War II heated up he became a Naval Officer specializing in Athletics with service in the states of Washington, Texas and California. Desiring a more active role in the War he applied for sea duty and was assigned to an Amphibian ship as their Boat Group Commander serving in the Western Pacific.

Jess joined SIR 146 in September of 2005. Although born in Texas, Jess was a long time resident of California having been raised in Paso Robles. He served in the Navy as a radar man on aircraft carriers and was a graduate of Cal Poly with an engineering degree. For many years Jess worked for the Nuclear Regulatory Agency. He passed away on August 17, 2010 at the age of 80.

Art joined SIR 146 in October of 1996 and was an active participant in our Veterans group, serving as committee chairman in 2000, 2001 and 2003. Art was an Air Force Officer and retired as a full Colonel and also served as Secretary of the California Air Force Association. Art was a native of San Francisco and attended Cal-Berkeley where he played football under the legendary Pappy Waldorf. Art passed away on May 18, 2010 at the age of 84.