Born: June 3rd, 1936
Passed: May 1st, 2017

Jim was born in Texas and moved as a child to Manhattan Beach. He and his wife, Carol, were married for 25 years and had 2 children, Amber (surviving) and Steve (deceased). He is survived by Jacque Abel Krembas, his partner of 23 years. He is also survived by 2 granddaughters, Siena and Margot.

Jim was class President at Mira Costa in 1954. He attended USC, joining the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was an avid off-road motorcycle rider and competed in several Enduro races. Jim was also interested in gold mining. He had numerous back country adventures searching for the famous Lost Dutchman’s gold mine and owned mining claims Northern California.

Jim served in the Marine Corps Reserves (1958-1962). He became a Real Estate Broker and worked in the beach cities for 30 years. He was a big football fan, with USC as his favorite team to root for. He and also was an active member of the American Legion post 184.

A private family service will be held to distribute his ashes into the ocean.







 

For us Valentine’s Day ended on a sad note as we learned of the passing of our fellow Comrade and Post Officer Darryl Staab. Darryl lost his battle with Lymphoma cancer Feb 14, 2017 at Torrance Memorial Hospital where he was receiving chemotherapy treatments.

He was born April 9, 1944 in Pittsburgh, PA where he continued to live through high school. He served 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard attaining the rank of E-6. He had tours of duty that included: rescuing ships in the Great Lakes, interdicting drug smugglers in the Caribbean, monitoring communications in the Turkey area and inserting SEAL and Marine teams for counterinsurgency operations up the Mekong River behind enemy lines.

Later he moved to Southern California working briefly at JPL then 25 years at TRW in the Assembly, Test and Launch of spacecraft. retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Elks and VFW. He was also a member American Legion Post 184 since 2000 and served two terms as Vice Commander and on the Executive Board since 2005.

After retiring in 1999 he divided his time between guitars, guns, Legion activities, Steeler football, Camaros, VFW and traveling. His absence from our ranks will be sorely missed.






 

Raymond D. Gerlock
1930 - 2015

Raymond D. Gerlock of Torrance passed away on Saturday April 18, 2015. He was born in Garfield Heights, Ohio on December 14, 1930. He was an avid sports fan; having played some semi-pro baseball after graduating from Dorsey High School, held season tickets to UCLA football for over 25 years, and attended the first basketball game ever played in UCLA's Pauley Pavilion.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the beginning of the Korean War where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After four years serving his country, Ray attended El Camino College, later transferred to UCLA where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Ray earned his CPA Credentials and became a partner in the accounting firm within two and one-half years.

During college, Ray worked for Parker Aircraft where he met Betty. They were married after graduation and have spent the last 55 ½ years together. Ray continued his CPA work after retirement, was a member of the American Legion Post 184 and a Life Member of the VFW.

He is survived by his wife Betty; step-son Dan Lefebvre (Trish); grandson Jason (Angie); brother Robert (Joyce); and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held at Rice Mortuary on Torrance Blvd. on Friday April 24 at 2:00pm. GO BRUINS !!!!!
 
Donald Krcmarik
Born: July 17, 1918,Lincoln NB
Passed: June 11, 2014
, Redondo Beach,CA

Donald Krcmarik, a longtime resident of Redondo Beach passed away suddenly on June 11, 2014 at the age of 95.

Donald was born July 17, 1918 in Lincoln NB and moved to Redondo Beach in 1946. Donald and his wife Elizabeth were married for 72 years. They had 2 sons, Ronald of Redondo Beach, CA and Gary with his wife Janet of Flagsataff, AZ. He is also survived by his brother David, adopted son Myron Wilson, a grandson, Jeff Johnson and 2 great grandsons, Tanner and Brody.

Donald served in the Army Air Force from 1943-1946 in India Burma. After serving his country, he worked for Chevron Oil for 32 years. He also worked part-time at UCLA for 42 years , and became an avid UCLA fan. Donald was a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and also was a very active member of the American Legion post 184.

Funeral services were held at Greenhills Memorial Park Chapel on Wednesday June 18, 2014 at 1:00 followed by a Celebration of Life at Post 184.



 



Wilbur Marvin Gregory
Born: Dec-12-1932, Gary, Indiana
Passed: Jun-29-2013, Redondo Beach, California

Sadness enveloped the members of Post 184 upon learning of the passing of Bill last Saturday. Affectionately know as "Wild Bill" because of his soft voice, low key demur & fastidious dress. Bill was a sharp dresser- don't ever remember seeing him without a hat! He will be missed by the lucky Comrades that came to know him over the last year or two. Especially missed will be his marathon parking efforts that sometimes spurred impromptu bets on how long it would take him to persuade his big Caddy into his favorite parking spot.

Bill was born in Madison, IL, on Dec-12-1932 & raised in Gary Indiana . He joined Navy at 17 and went to Boot Camp - Great Lakes in 1949. He attended Class A Electronics Tech School at NAS Memphis [Millington], TN. and the transferred to Electronics A School at NAS Jax, Jacksonville, FL.

In May of 1950 Bill then transferred to VC-35 NAS NORIS, San Diego, CA where he became a Plank Owner in the newly formed squadron. He flew in the carrier based AD-4nl with the duties of radar and ECM/ASW operator.

After passing a rigorous hearing test he went to HS-4 NAS NORIS, San Diego, CA in June of 1952 and became yet another Plank Owner in the newly formed Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 (HS-4). He flew in the carrier based Sikorsky HO4S-3 with the duties of Sonar operator.

After being discharge from the Navy, a week before his 21st birthday, Bill went back to Gary and worked odd jobs for about a year before starting 4 years at Purdue University culminating in a Degree in Electronic Engineering in 1957.

Bill was hired by The Army Corp of Engineers, Chicago and worked on Nike bases. He then Moved to California in 1961 and was hired by Conair at Vandaburg AFB. He was then hired by NorthAmerican Rockwell, which was later purchased Boeing. Bill retired from Boeing.

Bill was a veteran of the Korean Was & received a Good Conduct and National Defense Medal.







 



Celebration of Life
is scheduled for
Saturday July 24th at 2 p.m.







Bob passed away on July 10, 2010 after a short illness. He was born at home in Brooklyn, New York to Anthony and Monica Gatto and lived on 99 th street near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn.

Bob served in the Marine Corps from 1947 to 1951. Following his discharge from the military, Bob and his buddy Bob Clarity, heard that North American Aviation was hiring out in California and they decided to take a cross-country road trip in 1952 to California and had less than $50 between them in their pockets. Once they got to California, Bob slammed on the brakes and decided to stay. Warm weather, sunny skies, palm trees and the Pacific Ocean kept him here in California, never to move back to New York. He said “No more ice and snow to shovel!!”

Bob met his beautiful wife- to- be Verna Olson on a blind date at a beach party. They married on July 31, 1954, had 2 girls, Lisa & Darryn and resided in Torrance California for over 52 years.

Bob was employed by North American Aviation / Rockwell International as a Manufacturing Engineer for 33 years and immediately retired at the age of 55 because he could. He was proud to work on the Sabreliner and the B-1 Programs in El Segundo, California.

After he retired, Bob decided to tag along on a movie shoot with a friend and wound up becoming an extra in television, movies and commercials. He had a wonderful time working in this second career for 20 years. He was a stand-in double for George Peppard on the A-Team, and worked on Cagney & Lacey. He also was photo double for Leslie Nielson and John Forsythe. Bob appeared in movies, television shows and commercials, too numerous to mention. He enjoyed his many Caribbean cruises, trips to New York and Florida to visit his brothers, Joe and Dennis.

Bob served as the Post 194 Sergeant at Arms for many years He made sure the meetings ran smoothly and could always be counted on to attend and participate in Post events. His charm, sense fo humor and ,mostly believable, amusing Hollywood stories are going to be missed.

Semper Fi ....


 


Born in 1927 in Meadville, Pennsylvania and passed away on May 19, 2010 in Torrance, California, at the age of 82. Ed lived an accomplished life in every regard and was known by all who knew him as an extremely generous and caring man

Ed was raised in Meadville and moved to California at age 20 in pursuit of the American Dream. Soon thereafter he met Shirley D. Jackson, the love of his life who would be his wife and companion for 62 years. Ed went on to serve in the Army Air Corps in Germany during the final months of World War II. Following the war, he came to California to work in various capacities, including careers at a potash and chemical company in Trona, California and a refinery in Wilmington, California. Ever the entrepreneur, Ed co-founded and was later the sole owner and president of Instrument Specialists Company in Long Beach, California and later purchased Western Integrated Materials, a door and window frame manufacturer also based in Long Beach.

Ed had deep roots in the Torrance community. Along with his wife, Shirley, he raised his family in Torrance and their five children remain in the South Bay today. Ed was an active member of many social organizations, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, ROORAG, the Binnacle Club, E. Clampus Vitus, the Petroleum Club of Long Beach, the Elks and several others.

 
John Brabson

11/03/32 - April 20, 2010

The Celebration of Life will be Noon,Tuesday May 4 at

King Harbor Yacht Club,
280 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach

 


7/20/1940 - 3/29/2010

Jim was an Air Force veteran and a member of the SAL Squadron 184. for over 21 years. During his 21 year membership he was the Commander for 5 years and served as Finance Officer for 15. He was instrumental in the Annual SAL fish fry that was one of the major fundraising events of the year.

For many years Jim worked in the Canteen as bartender and also supported Post 184 as the Building Manager when no one else would step-up.

Stepping Up for the Legion was one of Jim's qualities that will be hard to replace. He could always be counted on for any Legion project from pouring concrete, digging postholes, building sheds, keeping the floors & lighting maintained and countless other small "odd jobs' that no one else wanted to do.

Jim was a Charter member of the SAL's "Friday Nite Coffee Club" and his huge smile & booming laugh will be truly missed.

Please join us the Sunday, in the canteen from 1 to 5 pm [the 11th], for a Celebration of Jim's Life. It is a potluck event so bring you favorite dish to share.
 

9/10/1934 - 2/7/2010
Eugene was born September 10, 1934 in San Diego, California to parents Anna Marie Keyser and Eugenio Farinas. Anna passed while Gene was a baby and Eugenio was enlisted in the Navy. Gene was raised by foster parents along with sister, Dorie, and half brother, Bill, in the San Diego area.

Gene enlisted in the Navy after high school and served for 20 years. The ships in which he worked include USS Wasp, USS Oriskany, USS Ozborne, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Edson. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Gene married Nancy on January 17, 1957. They raised four children, Terri, Glen, Gary and Toni. Today, they have twelve grandchildren.

He loved life which was exhibited through his many activities. Gene loved bowling and golfing. He was active in the American Legion in Redondo Beach. Gene could be found walking everyday and would know every person, pet and house in the neighborhood.

His family will remember the little things such as him watching TV with his eyes shut (asleep!), doing yard work while smoking his cigar, getting up at 4 or 5 a.m. to go walking, roller skating with broom in hand to clear debris, walking briskly ahead of his family, his forgetful nature like misplacing his keys or turning on his hearing aid (alas he could hear!), etc. All of those little things in Gene’s life will forever place a smile on our faces and in our hearts.

Most of all, we will miss his kindness, big heart and smile.

 

Celebration of Life

Rodney (BLUE) Fox

Friday January 22

6:00 PM

Potluck

Join “Blue's” Friends

BLUE'S CREW CELEBRATE HIS RETURN..Clik

 
Mallory 'BUD' Browning

Bud passed on December 27th, Services will be at the Rice Mortuary, on Torrance Blvd. on Jan 3rd from 2 - 5 pm.

A pot-luck Wake will be held at the Redondo Beach Eagles Club later from 5:30 to 7:30.









   

'WID'
6/18/1946 - 10/16/2009


Gary Dean Widmer Requiem

 





Former Post Adjutant Gary Widmer suddenly passed away on Oct 16th.

Gary was a 1st Lt in the Air force and flew C-130s & C-141s in Vietnam. He was a civilian working for the Air Force as a procurement officer for several of the satellite programs there until his retirement a few years ago.

Gary was an 'afternoon frequent flyer' at the Post Canteen. He was a kind and gently soul with a sharply refined sense of humor. His daily stops were looked forward to by many of his comrades and his absence from the 'discussions' that erupted will be sorely missed.

Gary is survived by his 86 year old mother Rose of Walnut Creek, to which he was devoted. His friends loved the annual nut shipment from the family farm he provided every year and Gary would gladly offer them up willingly.

Few details of his passing are currently available. More information will be posted here when they become available. The original 1982 photo courtesy of Lana Ashford from Stunthanger.com

 

 

Born: December 27, 1924 in Los Angeles, California
Passed: May 24, 2009 in Durham, North Carolina
Jim Weber was a native of Los Angeles, CA before moving with his parents, older brother and younger sister to Manhattan Beach on Columbus Day of 1936 where he began attending Center Street School. In 1942, Jim was chosen to attend Boys State while attending Redondo Union High School prior to his graduation in 1943.

He then enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II. He participated in the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France and two weeks later was wounded and taken Prisoner of War. He received the following medals for military service: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War, European Campaign, WWII Victory, and Army Good Conduct.

He was a member of American Legion Post #184, Redondo Beach, for over 65 years serving as Adjutant in 1951 and Post Commander in 1953. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Redondo Beach, where he married Mary Ann McGee of Hermosa Beach in 1948. After 27 years of marriage Mary Ann preceded him in death in 1976. Jim, along with his father F.C. and brother Bob, operated Manhattan Bakery beginning in 1936 and Weber Bros. Bakery in Manhattan Beach from 1946 to 1954. Jim and Mary Ann built a home in Manhattan Beach in 1949 and became very active in American Martyrs Catholic Church, Manhattan Beach. He joined Queen of Martyrs Council #4567 of the Knights of Columbus in Manhattan Beach in 1954. He has served as Grand Knight, District Deputy, Faithful Navigator and is an Honorary Life Member of the Fourth Degree of this Catholic men's organization. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1945, Jim earned his Bachelor's Degree in BusinessAdministration from Woodbury Business College and completed Masters courses at USC. In 1955 Jim began working for the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and El Segundo in various positions beginning as a Payroll Clerk for the Manhattan Beach Finance Department and City Services Officer for the City of Hermosa Beach. He ultimately rose to the level of Finance Director and Assistant City Manager in Hermosa Beach and Director of Finance for the City of El Segundo.

He retired in 1980, but continued for over 17 years to provide consulting services for numerous cities in Southern California such as Lomita, Santa Paula, Rolling Hills Estates, Lynwood, Palos Verdes Estates, Chino, and Carlsbad as Interim Finance Director. He also established the Finance Department for the cities of Malibu and Yucca Valley upon their incorporation. Jim was an active member and president of numerous other organizations such as the Toastmaster's Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rotary Club, and California Society of Municipal Finance Officers. He also was very proud of the part he played in helping to organize the Centinela-South Bay Credit Union, which had its beginnings in a small office in the garage of his residence. Jim served onthe credit union's Board of Directors for many years and was instrumental in the building of its present, two-story location on Artesia Blvd., in Redondo Beach.

In 1977, Jim married Beatrice Butters of Hermosa Beach. They built a home in Joshua Tree in 1989 and in 2001, to be closer to his daughter and son, Jim and Bea moved to Croasdaile Village, a retirement community, in Durham, NC. Mr. Weber is predeceased by his parents, Francis C. and Donna R. (Habermann) Weber; his first wife, Mary Ann (McGee) Weber; and one brother, Robert J. Weber. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Beatrice of Durham, NC; one daughter, Mary Frances Serraino and her husband, Michael of Roanoke Rapids, NC; one son, James F. Weber, Jr. and his wife, Sharon Green of Pittsburgh, PA. Also surviving are one sister, Mary Ellen Etherington of Valencia, CA; one sister-in-law, Barbara Weber of Chula Vista, CA; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Carmen McGee of Torrance, CA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as special cousins in Ohio.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 7:30pm on Friday, June 5, at American Martyrs Catholic Church, Manhattan Beach. Private graveside services will be on Saturday, June 6, at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City CA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Duke HomeCare & Hospice,4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704, or to your favorite charity.











 

Kenneth "Peachy" Powelson
December 9, 1926 - May 2, 2009


 
Mildred Garvey
April 9th, 1922 - March 15th, 2009

Mildred joined our Post in 1973. Since that fortunate day she has worked as tireless advocate for Post 184 & The American Legion. Conventions, Area & District meetings always found Mildred in the ranks representing Post 184. Mildred left a definate mark at the Post and her dedication and often sage input cannot be replaced.

Mildred was a dual member as her enthusiam and energy served the 184 Womans Auxillary. Both our organizations will be the lesser due to her passing.

Services will be Wednesday @ 11:00 a.m. at the Green Hills Chapel. A Celebration Of Life will follow at the Post.

 

Bill Manda

January 11, 1944 - January 21, 2008


Bill was Finance Office and Canteen Manager from 1997 to 2002. He along with Cdr. Craig Edman were credited with rescuing Post 184 from financial disaster. Their decisions and fudicary competence assured the viability of the Post as a continuing assest to all veterans in the South Bay.

Bill's Marine Corp. personality and Draconian measures got the job done and his contributions to the Post cannot be overstated.

He was the right man at the right time.

 

JacK M..Hargrave

July 11, 1927 - November 27, 2008

Jack had just transfered to Post 184 in July-08. Althought his membership in our Post was too brief Jack won many friends with his infectious smile and sage recollections of life. He will be missed.



Please join faimily and friends at 4:30 on Saturday 12/6/08 to raise a glass and remember his life.
 


"ROLLO"

Ron Gillett, known as "Rollo" to his many friends, died Thursday, November 7, 2008, after an 18-month struggle with cancer. Born in Alhambra, CA on August 8, 1942, Rollo was a printer and member of CWA Local 14904. He was a 38-year employee of the Daily Breeze composing room when he retired.

A life-long sports enthusiast, Rollo liked nothing better than to spend his free time watching football and socializing with friends at a number of South Bay "watering holes." He was a member of a number of area service organizations, including the Torrance Moose, the Redondo Beach Eagles and American Legion Post 184 in Redondo Beach.

He leaves behind his son, Teddy; daughter, Darcy; sister, Susie; and five grandchildren; a niece, nephews and longtime companion, Annie and her extended family..

 

 
Samuel "Sammy" Best
1927 - 2008

Sam Best was born on August 23, 1927 in Glasgow, Scotland. He and his family moved to the United States in 1968 and he resided in Redondo Beach until his passing on Thursday, September 18, 2008. Sam is survived by his brother Bill in Scotland and will be dearly missed by his wife of 58 years, Josephine, his children, Gerard, Charlotte, Jim, and Chris, and his seven grandchildren. A Rosary and viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 from 6:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd. in Torrance. A Mass will be held in his honor on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 320 Massey St., Hermosa Beach. There will be a reception immediately following the Mass at the American Legion in Redondo Beach.
 
Gail Duane Anderson
1930 - 2008

Anderson, Gail Duane was born on June 10, 1930 in Manlius, IL. Gail grew up with four older brothers in New Bedford, IL. As a young man, he skipped many days of high school during WWII to drive cattle trucks from the country into the Chicago stockyards, aiding the war effort. After graduating high school, he continued his efforts to support his country and joined the US Army, where he spent two tours in Korea with a MASH unit. Before finishing in Korea, Gail married Charlene Gallentine in 1950. Their first son, Gail, was born in 1951. After returning home from Korea in late 1951, they decided to move the family to Taft, CA. While working in the oil fields, he attended Taft Jr. College and excelled at track & field throwing the discus. The family moved to Los Angeles where second son, Mark, was born in 1955. Gail drove gas trucks at night while attending classes at UCLA; he graduated in 1957 with a degree in political science. After graduation in 1959, he moved the family to West Covina, CA. During the 60's, worked for Los Angeles County, sold insurance and then moved on to be a mortgage loan consultant at Home Savings & Loan. In 1975 Gail moved to Torrance, CA where he resided to and after retirement. In life, Gail loved his family, enjoyed golf, traveling and was always a true UCLA Bruin supporter.
Gail is survived by his son Gail and wife Kathy; son Mark and wife Leslie; grandchildren Shonna, Scott and Katie; brother William and long-time companion Nancy Kelly.

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