Tuesday Obituaries

11/22/05

MERLO, Mario Peter

August 9, 1919 to November 18, 2005

Passed away in peace, as was his wish, Friday the 18 of November. He had lived in love and peace for most of his 86 years.

Born in Santa Barbara, he attended Santa Barbara High School and then served his country during WWII as an officer in the Merchant Marine. He was awarded the Pacific War Zone Bar, the Atlantic War Zone Bar and the Merchant Marine Combat Bar for active service in a ship which was engaged in direct enemy action.

He returned to Santa Barbara in 1958, married Marguerite Heller (his life long soul mate) and with the help of her son, Steve, built the home where they lived for the next 42 years.

He worked for over 30 years at Applied Magnetics where he became the chief toolmaker for the company-a position he would probably have done for free. A loving and inventive man, Mario also enjoyed rowing tomatoes in a greenhouse he built himself and constructing furniture and toys for those he loved. He had been Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to his granddaughter, Katherine. He also holds a patent for a nifty little device, once hit a hole in one and took an eight point buck. At age 50 he decided to learn to ride a motorcycle which he did for the next 20 years.

His son, Steve, his ex-daughter-in-law, Linda and his granddaughter Katherine were with him all during his last weeks and days which allowed him to remain in the home he so loved-trying to give back some of the tremendous love he had given them for decades. Mario is also survived by his brother's children, Steve and Debbie Merlo with whom he maintained a long and loving relationship.

Viewing at Welch-Ryce Tuesday from 12 to 8pm, rosary at 7pm and mass at St. Raphel's Wednesday morning at 10am followed by burial services at Calvary Cemetery.

PIKE, Sheryl D.

1945-2005

Sheryl D. Pike lost her year long battle with cancer November 20, 2005. The world was a better place for so many of us during the time she was here. All too young, Sheryl celebrated her 60th birthday with loved ones in August. Sheryl was the first born to proud parents Dee and Zane Browning of Carpinteria on August 8, 1945. She was followed into the world by Rod and then Peg Browning. Sheryl graduated from Carpinteria High in 1963. She married her lifelong soul mate, Carl (Butch, Uncle Buck) Pike 38 years ago in January. They were married at the home of her loving friend Judi (Brower) Billey in Carmel. They retired to Sedona, Arizona in 2002; however, Sheryl always missed her beloved Santa Barbara and was destined to return. She was a California girl through and through. They bought a motor home with the intention of seeing this wonderful country she so loved but she was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in January. They sold their home in Sedona and returned to the Santa Barbara area in June to be with family.

Sheryl touched so many lives through her humanitarian efforts. She was a care giver all of her adult life. Sheryl, like her mother Dee loved entertaining family and friends. There was always something cooking at the Pike's and everyone was welcome. After Dee and Zane moved to Plymouth, California, their home became the family center. She was born with a positive attitude and never lost it. Even through her struggle with this cruel disease she remained positive for those around her. Doctors, nurses and hospital personnel fell in love with Sheryl during the three months she spent in the hospital in Phoenix. What she called "My A Team" gave us an extra six months to love her and get her back home. She broke many hearts in Sedona when she said goodbye. Sheryl was a board member of Chamber Music Sedona and Sedona Jazz on the Rocks where she is deeply missed. She was also a member of Dames That Make A Difference and a Sedona Garden Club.

During her many years in Santa Barbara Sheryl was involved with Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women's Board, Santa Barbara Council, Navy League of the United States, John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts, Santa Barbara Symphony League, Assistance League of Santa Barbara, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Old Mission, St. Francis Hospital Guild, Central Coast Venture Forum, Dyslexic Awareness & Resource Center, and United Way Campaign. Where did she find the time? Sheryl, like her sister Peg, could never say no. Carl said many times, "you have got to learn to sit on your hands."

Sheryl and Carl never had any children but she was the favorite aunt of her nieces and nephews and adopted nieces and nephews whom she was so very, very proud of.

Sheryl is survived by her husband Carl and their beloved four legged companion Barclay Pike; brother Rodney and wife Carola, and their son Chris Browning; sister Peg, Bret and Blaire Suding; Rodney, Ann, Lucian and Tristan Browning/Cravens and three Pike brothers, their wives, nieces and nephews who love her from Colorado.

Sheryl did not want a funeral but has helped plan a "Celebration of my Life" party. Her ashes will be mixed with wildflower seeds and spread in a special place chosen by Bret and Blaire as she so wished. In lieu of flowers a contribution to any of her favorite charities would be greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Judi, Bobbie, Mac, Vicki, Rosh, Carole, Marilyn, Jane, Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care, and Dr. Donna Walker for caring so much. I couldn't have made it without each and every one of you. Also, thank you to all of you who wanted to help Sheryl through this journey but didn't get the chance. My heart is broken, we love you Aunt Jerry.

THOMPSON, Carolyn Ann (Cally)

Loving wife, mother, friend, and associate passed away November 18, 2005 with her husband of 45 years, Edward, by her side. Cally was born August 4, 1942 to Paul and Viola Benson in Brockton, Massachusetts. It was in the small town of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts; she grew up and met her husband, Edward, some 48 years ago. After her high school graduation in 1960, she moved to California to join her fiancee, Edward. They were married June 19, 1960. The two of them moved to Santa Barbara where they have lived for the past 45 years.

In her professional life, she was employed, as an account assistant with the brokerage firm, Morgan Stanley during the past 35 years. She loved being active and continued to work even when she was diagnosed with Cancer.

She is survived by her husband Edward, daughters Lynn Clark and Tracey Thompson, grandchildren Tracy Ward and Jacob Thompson of Santa Barbara. Her brother Robert Benson of Milford, Massachusetts, sisters Pricilla Cavic of Agawam, Massachusetts and Babe De Chambeau of Kingston, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins all around the country.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday November 23, 2005 at 11:00 am at Santa Barbara Cemetery 901 Channel Dr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breast Cancer Research.

Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider.