Remembering Neva Laverne May May 24, 1923 - September 7, 2015

TOOTSIE ROLL - this was Neva May's drink:

1/2 ounce Kahlua
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce vodka

It was a shooter, but she'd sip it over ice for hours...

A widow, Neva was a past Senior Regent of the WS Moose Lodge,  active in the Eastern Star and she loved bowling. She loved to share stories about her heritage. Neva Laverne Brock May was born in Sweetwater TX, home of the Rattle Snake Roundup. Neva had one brother Don Brock who passed in 2014.

Neva loved to tell stories about her ancestry...Her aunts were Faith and Charity Cardwell and her mother was Hope, one of the oldest living triplets at the time...

Legend has it that the three girls were not named for six months. Finally, Mrs. Grover Cleveland, whose husband was the President of the United States at that time, heard of the birth of the triplets, without names. So, Mrs. Cleveland suggested that the girls be named Faith, Hope and Charity. At last, the triplets were named and have carried those names throughout their lives.

Remembering James Tackett, Jr

Jim was born in Sacramento, CA on December 9, 1955 and passed away on August 2, 2015 in Billings, Montana while on his way to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He was quite the athlete in high school, where he played football and basketball and ran track. He then went on to serve five years in the Army. After working with the Department of Defense at Mare Island base until its closure, Jim went back to school to get a degree in computer science. He retired from CalPERS in April 2015. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in West Sacramento for 35 years, and a lifelong fan of the Sacramento Kings and San Francisco 49ers. In recent years he discovered a love and passion for riding his motorcycle, kayaking, and enjoying time spent with friends. Jim has now joined his mother, Sally Tackett, who preceded him in death. He will be missed by his father, Jim Sr., his daughter, Jaimie, his beloved dog and best friend, Bubba, his lifelong "S-Brother", Calvin Moore, and many relatives and friends. A celebration of life party will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Loyal Order of the Moose located at 3240 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento.

Published in The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 23, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=james-tackett&pid=175562400#sthash.FF8FAWn6.dpuf

Remembering Bob Buck

A celebration of life is planned for Bob Buck on April 12, 2015, 2:00 pm at the West Sacramento Moose Lodge.

Remembering Edwin "Pinky" Calles

CALLES, Edwin "Pinky" Peacefully passed away February 4, 2015 in West Sacramento, CA at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Dorothy Calles and son James Calles. Loving father of Michael Calles, Sr., Charlene Cook (Ray), Rodney Calles (Karrie) and Dale Calles (Loriann). Dear brother of Pauline Martin. Devoted grand-father of Michael Jr., Emmily, Cheryl, Matthew, Kenneth, Kevin, Taylor, David, Dana, Julianna and great grandfather of Aspen, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Kyra, Justin, Cheyenne and McKenzie. Edwin dutifully served our country in the Seabees (Navy) and proudly retired from the West Sacramento Fire Department after twenty years of service. He will be remembered for many things, but mostly for the enjoyment he felt when hosting get-togethers with family and friends, where there was an audience for a joke or two and laughter was in abundance. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at River Cities Funeral Chapel, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento, CA, followed by a reception at the VFW across the street. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Ed's name, to the Firefighters Burn Institute, 3101 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820, www.ffburn.org. -
Published in the Sacramento Bee.


Pinky shares his award winning chili recipe at the WS Moose Chili Cookoff.

Remembering Jim Moore

MOORE, James 6/11/26 - 7/29/14

James Moore passed away in his sleep at home on July 29, 2014 at the age of 88 with his son at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters and his only grandson, Joshua. He is survived by his only son Kenneth (daughter-in-law Summer), three ex-wives, multiple step-children, step-grandchildren, brother, sister, and his domestic partner Millie. He was born in Arkansas on June 11, 1926. His family came to California in 1931 to pick cotton and harvest fruit trees from Bakersfield to Winters settling in Broderick. He attended one year of high school in Woodland. He was not able to graduate, having to take care of the family since his dad was a construction worker and gone for long periods of time. Jim worked at various auto dealers as a front-end mechanic. He was a long-term resident of West Sacramento and founding member of the Washington Outboard Club. He enjoyed water skiing, camping with friends and dancing. Later in life he enjoyed cruises with Millie and various family members. Watching western movies, listening to the Blues, Jerry Lee Lewis and sitting in the garage watching the neighborhood were also activities he liked. He would often say he was always busy "doing nothing" and "you can never retire too young." After surviving an aneurism and bladder cancer, he died from pancreatic cancer. A memorial is planned for Saturday, September 13th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the West Sacramento Moose Lodge, 3240 Jefferson Boulevard, with possible mud-wrestling between ex-wives and girlfriends if time allows. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the cancer charity of your choice Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?pid=172113538#storylink=cpy

Remembering Tom Blazak 1923-2014

BLAZAK, Thomas "Grandpa" Born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 2, 1923. Passed away August 1, 2014. Preceded in death by his wife Mary Blazak. Survived by Dennis (Joann) Blazak, Alice Blazak, Mike (Cindy Carlin) Blazak, Ray (Sandy) Blazak, Deborah (John) Flores, John Blazak, 9 grandkids, 17 great-grandkids, 3 great-great-grand-kids. Rosary at River Cities Funeral Chapel Thursday August 21, 2014 at 6:00pm, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento, CA Mass Friday August 22, 2014 at Holy Cross Church at 10:00am 1321 Anna Street, West Sacramento, CA. Celebration of Life Following at the Bryte VFW, 1708 Lisbon Avenue, West Sacramento, CA. In stead of Flowers please donate to the 14155 Response Rd., Ste. 190, Sacramento, CA. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?pid=172177928#sthash.9qfPxyIi.dpuf Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?pid=172177928#storylink=cpy

All future Cajun Dances have been moved!

West Sacramento Cajun Dancers Note location change for May 18, 2014 -CZ & the Bon Vivants
Bryte Veterans of Foreign War Post 9498 1708 Lisbon Ave, Bryte, CA 95605-1705
To view map, click on the link below or copy and paste it to your browser: http://mapq.st/RJH9K5
Until further notice, we will not be having any Cajun dances at the West Sac Moose Lodge.  Check the new website for new location and more information: http://wscajundancers.blogspot.com/

RIP Bob Andrews

Bob Andrews passed away this week.  He was such a nice man. The Moosehoppers Camper Club has lost so many nice people.  I will always remember how kind Bob and Pat were to us when we first started camping with the group. 

ANDREWS, Robert 'Bob' 05/06/1939 - 04/02/2014 Bob passed away after a 3 year battle with lung cancer surrounded by his loving family. He retired from McClellan AFB after 34 years of service and was a resident of West Sacramento for 55 years. Bob enjoyed camping with family and friends especially at the ocean. On the way to Bodega Bay he would always stop at the bait shop in Petaluma so his granddaughters could buy 'hochies' (rubber fishing worms) to play with. He loved spoiling his girls. Bob was a manager and coach in Washington Little League for 15 years where he was admired and respected by his players and parents alike. He had many fond memories of his years in little league including managing the 1973 and 1974 all star teams where they were district six champions and earned the first two flags in Washington Little League history. In later years he always enjoyed seeing and hearing about his former players. Bob was also a member of the West Sacramento Moose Lodge #1762. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia, sons James (Felicia), Bob (Christine), grandchildren Stacie, Patricia (John), Morgan, Alicia, Robert and his two Old English Sheepdogs Poppy and Gunner. The family would like to thank the many friends who offered assistance during this difficult journey especially Jim Tackett and Roger Carter. At his request no services will be held. Cremation arrangements by River Cities Funeral Chapel. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=170539152#sthash.B4BR64yZ.dpuf Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=170539152#storylink=cpy

Remembering Junior and Della St Mary

"Junior" Arsene St. Mary passed away on November 6, 2013 less than 5 months after his wife Della.


Funeral Services for Jr. St. Mary: Friends are welcome for visitation Thursday, November 14, 2013, 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Chapel of the Chimes. And are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass immediately following at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1717 El Monte Ave, Sacramento, CA. Interment Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento, CA.

Loyal supporters of Cajun/Zydeco music, Della and Junior never missed a dance at the West Sacramento Moose Lodge.  We will miss your beautiful presence at those dances Junior and Della! From your good friends Barbara and Buddy Linker.

Mary Della St. Mary passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013. She was 75 years old. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 54 years, Arsene St. Mary, Jr. She is survived by her loving children, Audrey Gradney, Debra Thomas, Arsene St. Mary, III and Troy St. Mary. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis LaTour and a host of Grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Friends are welcome for visitation Friday, June 21, 2013, 9:00am to 12:00 noon and are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass immediately following at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1717 El Monte Ave, Sacramento, CA. Interment Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento, CA.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=165424608#storylink=cpy

RIP Bob Froggat

Froggatt, Robert W. 12/26/1922 - 04/08/2013 Eternal Hills Mortuary

Old friends Bob Froggatt and Bob Buck at the Lodge
Anniversary Party December 2008.

Remembering Sally Tackett

TACKETT, Sally Anne
Born Aug. 14, 1938 in Sacramento, CA. Called to meet her maker on Apr. 15, 2013, at the age of 74, in Sacramento, CA. Sally is survived by the love of her life, Jim; loving son, Jim Jr.; and the light of her life, granddaughter, Jaimie Lynn. She was the beloved sister of Margaret Neely, Beverly Wescott, Hazel Jernigan, and Claire Case, aunt of many loving nieces and nephews, and FMIL to FDIL. Retired from the State of CA. Lived in West Sacramento for the last 35+ years. Member of the Women of the Moose, West Sacramento Chapter #1431. Charter member of the Moosehopper Campers Club. She adored cooking, traveling the United States in the RV with Jim, and spending time with loved ones. Family and friends are invited to attend memorial services on Apr. 24 at 10:00am at Sacramento Memorial Lawn, 6100 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA. Sally requested memorial donations be sent to Society for the Blind at 1238 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. Published in The Sacramento Bee on April 22, 2013 Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?
This photo of Sally and Jim was shot a few years ago..doing what she
loved most, holding Jim's hand, camping, cooking and socializing with her Moosehopper Camper Club friends.  The photo below was a Moosehopper gathering  in Los Molinos that year, and sadly quite a few of their members have now passed on.

Remembering Claude Raymond "Ray" Bledsoe 1926-2013

Today we joined Ray Bledsoe's family and Moose friends to say aloha to our old friend.  Ray was born in Johnston, South Carolina on July 27, 1926,  passed away on April 5, 2013, and was buried with Military Honors at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.  Ray was Governor of the West Sacramento Moose Lodge in 1995 and was honored with his Fellowship Degree soon after.  Ray always wore his blue coat with pride.  The Lodge has benefited greatly over the years from Ray's generous support and he was well known for his strict oversight of the Lodge finances. He will be missed by many and remembered as one of the last true gentlemen of our time. Ray leaves his widow Pat and many adopted kids who proudly called him Dad.
This video below was a celebration Ray's 79th Birthday.

Remembering Mark Werner

Mark D. Werner
Mark was active in the Moosehoppers Campers Club.

Mark D. Werner, age 55, died unexpectedly on March 19, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Bonnie Werner and his brother Michael. The youngest of six, Mark graduated from Highlands High School. Before his employment with CalPERS, Mark owned and operated a lawn service, Mother Nature's Son, in North Highlands, Calif. Mark is survived by his loving and beloved wife, Diane Werner, two sisters and two brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, Durda family in-laws, friends and Mark's 'kids' Rusty and Rosie. Mark loved being with Diane, our families, and going camping with the Moosehoppers of the W. Sac. Moose Lodge. Mark also loved being an Uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Mark's happy smile, personality and love of life will be remembered by those who loved him. A memorial will be held on April 5, 2013 at 1pm at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 4706 Arden Way, Carmichael, Calif. Guest Pastor Michael Guisande will officiate. Published in The Sacramento Bee on March 31, 2013 Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=163935721#storylink=cpy

Remembering Darlene Hillsman

Darlene Lynne Hillsman (1940 - 2013)

   Darlene was active in the Moosehoppers Camper Club.  

Darlene Lynne Hillsman
Oct 26, 1940-Mar 18, 2013
Resident of Sacramento
A loving wife, sister, mother, step-mother, grandmother, great grandmother & friend. She is survived by her husband, David C. Hillsman; siblings David & Dennis Conley; children Dorene Griffin, Colleen Knox, Curtis Romero, & Shelly Connors; step-children Barbara Dishon, April Estrada, & Jackie Knutson; 13 grandchildren, & 1 great grandchild. She was a graduate of Fremont High School in 1958. She also worked at Tandem Computers Inc. and retired from Compaq Computers. She will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to join us at a Memorial Service on March 27, 2013 at 1pm, at Heritage Park (Clubhouse), 2481 Heritage Park Lane, Sacramento, CA. 95835.

Pinochle Birthday Honors..Circa 1993

Left to Right: Milo Housh, Jerry Samla, Carmen Smith, Gary Ruhlow, Barbara Laurenzi, Kate Borovansky, Lucille King.

Remembering Dick Gorman

Richard A. Gorman Born 9/15/28 Minneapolis, Minnesota, son of William E. and Harriet (Misner) Gorman. Entered into rest 9/21/12, at home in West Sacramento. Husband for 62 years of the late Bernadine 'Dee' Gorman, he is survived by his ten children: Richard (Alice); Sr. Jean-Marie, RSM; Michael (Shelly); Jenny Ritter; Kate Panos (Mike); Patricia; Tim; Fran Pezzuto (Don); John (Peaches); Bill (Marina). Brother of Gary (Alice) and Kate Mahoney; brother-in-law of Virginia Hall, Paul Lyle and Lillian Geoffrey. Beloved grandfather of 30 and great-grandfather of 10. Leader of a generation of Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, 'Skip' was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1967, Scouting's highest civilian honor, for Distinguished Service to Boyhood. Member of WS Kiwanis Club over 45 years, where he served two terms as President and as Lt. Governor. Longtime director of Kiwanis Kamp for Kids. Member of Our Lady of Grace Parish. Founder, with wife Dee, of Gorman's Stationery. Visitation at River Cities Funeral Home, 910 Soule St., on Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 4 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection to be offered Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, 911 Park Blvd, West Sacramento. A reception will follow the service. Private inurnment. Remembrances to Kiwanis Family House, 2875 50th St., Sacramento, CA 95817 or Sea Scout Ship Neptune, 1966 Park Bl., W. Sacramento, 95691. Published in The Sacramento Bee from September 25 to September 26, 2012.
 Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=richard-a-gorman&pid=160101966&fhid=8304#storylink=cpy

Sally Buchholz moving to Seattle

Sally has been a smiling face institution at our West Sacramento Moose Lodge for more than 20 years. I first met her when we were new members together in the old days. Sally has held many chapter chairs, was active on the ritual team, worked as a volunteer bar tender, and has washed too many dishes by hand to even count. Sally has retired to live in Washington to be near her family. We will sure miss our dear friend

RIP Laurie Albers

Laurie was one of the "old timer" Monday Night pinochle players at the West Sacramento Moose Lodge. Your friends and team mates will sure miss you Laurie!
ALBERS, Laurene 'Laurie'
Entered into rest September 6, 2012 in her West Sacramento home at the age of 77. Beloved wife of the late Robert Albers. Loving mother of Jeffery Albers (Chantell). Dear sister of Bonnie Poe (Jim), Charles Lowas (Barbara), Jim Lowas (Vickie) & Maryjean Cacci (Nick). Devoted grandmother of 18. Also survived by four step daughters and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by two brothers, Gary (Jane) and Cliff (Jan). Visitation hours will be Tuesday, September 11, 2012 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a 6:00 P.M. Vigil all at River Cities Funeral Chapel, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, September 12, at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Church, 1321 Anna St., West Sacramento. Entombment, Calvary Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the American Lung Assoc .
Published in The Sacramento Bee on September 9, 2012

Mortgage Burning Party 2005

Photos from the West Sacramento Moose Lodge Anniversary Party in December of 2005
when everyone participated in the ceremonial burning of the mortgage.

RIP Larry "Jesse" Mendoza

Jesse 'Larry' Mendoza entered into rest August 10, 2012 in Sacramento. Beloved husband of 46 years to Anna Mendoza. Loving father of Steven Mendoza (Renee) and Elizabeth Slape (Harry). Dear brother of Rosemary Romero (Jesus), Heliodoro Escamilla, Elias Escamilla (Lisa) and Adam Escamilla. Devoted grandfather of A.J. and Andrew Slape and great-grandfather of Gabriella Slape. Preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at River Cities Funeral Chapel, 910 Soule St., West Sacramento. Private inurnment.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on August 14,2012

The Taco Crew lost one of their team today. RIP Jesse.