03-01-02obituaries

Vaun J. Pickett, 81, of Ojai, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at his residence of natural causes. He was born Aug. 10, 1920, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and lived in Ojai for 30 years, coming from Glendale, Calif.
Mr. Pickett was the owner of Robert's Shoes from 1977 to 1986. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Pickett Forrest, of San Fransciso; son Robert Vaun Pickett of La Jolla; brother Theron J. Pickett of Oxnard; sister Metta Pieper of Rexburg, Idaho; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Pickett.
Graveside services were held Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. at Santa Barbara Cemetery, with Bishop Peter Banks officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.

Edward James Smith Sr.

Edward James Smith Sr., 84, of Ojai, died Friday, Feb. 22, 2002. He was born Nov. 9, 1917, in Wayne, Neb., and had lived in Ojai for 10 years, coming from Los Angeles.
Mr. Smith was a service station owner and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His interests included sports and raising miniature horses.
He is survived by his son, Jim Smith; daughters Judy Melrose and Kathy Duncan; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice.
Memorial Mass was held Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, with Father Michael McFadden, O.S.A., officiating.
Private interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.

Harry Lee Vanier

Harry Lee Vanier, 97, of Ojai, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, at Ojai Valley Community Hospital following a heart condition. He was born in 1904 in Nebraska, and had lived in Ojai since 1963, coming from York, Neb.
Mr. Vanier was self-employed. He was a member of the Ojai Valley Retired Professional and Businessmen's Club and the Ojai Rotary Club. He was also a Little House volunteer.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine Vanier, of Ojai; son Bill Vanier of Oxnard, Calif.; daughter Jane Poulos of Upland, Calif.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Vanier Kilbourne, and granddaughter Leigh Ann Kilbourne.
Private family services were held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little House of Ojai.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.

Gloria J. Boyer

Gloria J. Boyer, 75, of Ojai, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, of complications from diabetes. She was born Feb. 20, 1927, in Ellensburg, Wash., and had lived in Ojai for the past 10 years, coming from Ventura.
She is survived by her daughters, Dena Owens of Ventura, and Mari Welcher and Dori Boyer, both of Ojai; son Wade Boyer of Menifee; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Boyer.
Private family services will be held March 10, 2002, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Church of the Living Christ Building Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Neptune Society and the family.

Michael D. Petroff

Michael D. Petroff, 74, of Ojai, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2002, in Ojai. He was born April 3, 1927, and had lived in Ojai for seven years, coming from Fullterton in Orange County.
Mr. Petroff was a physicist and worked for 45 years in the aerospace industry.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Petroff, of Ojai; daughters Catherine of Seattle, Wash., and Helen of West Hills, Calif; brother Serge P. Petroff of Mill Valley, Calif.; and five grandchildren.
Private family services will be held.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.