Rob Alexander
Robert Young Alexander III (79), passed away on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Born and raised in Wichita, Kan., Rob earned his degree from Wichita State University. After graduation he spent much of his life in Colorado working in the office furniture industry, eventually opening his own business, Office Options, for over 35 years. After splitting time between Colorado and Arizona, his final years were spent in Goodyear, Ariz., near family and friends, enjoying pickleball, golf, and extensive travel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Young Alexander Jr., and his mother Kathleen “Kay” Alexander. He is survived by his wife, Judy Alexander, to whom he was married for more than 33 years; son, Shawn (Molly) Alexander; daughter, Ashley Wijbrandts; stepchildren Steve (Kandi) Thompson and Chris (Chad) Blake; his grandchildren, Zachary (Alyssa), Brady, Camden, Colton, Brooklyn, and Maddie; great-grandson, Asher; and his sister, Susan Fritzemeyer.
A Memorial Service for Rob was held at The Church at Litchfield Park on Nov. 22, 2023. A memorial has been established in Rob’s name at the Sarcoma Foundation of America (curesarcoma.org > Support SFA > Tribute Giving).
Verne E. Duncan
Verne Everett Duncan was born to Thomas H. and Orpha (Abernethy) Duncan on Feb. 2, 1935 in Scottsbluff, Neb., and passed away after a long illness at the age of 88 on Nov. 7, 2023. He was raised and educated in Scottsbluff, where he excelled in sports and played varsity football for his four years at Scottsbluff High School. He worked with the Boy Scouts of America during summers and was installed in the Order of the Arrow and became an Eagle Scout. Upon graduating from high school during the Korean War he was drafted into the Navy. He spent five years in Atsugi, Japan, serving as Arms Bearer for the commander of the Far East. After receiving an honorable discharge he attended Colorado State College and worked at Martin Marietta Missal Base in Denver, Colo. In Denver he met his wife Sharon Hillman, and they were married on April 29, 1962. After completing college he worked for Arapahoe County, Colorado, for 20 years.
In 1981 he and Sharon moved to Washington state to be near family. There he worked for the Department of Defense at Puget Sound Navy Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash., until his retirement in 2000. His favorite pastime in Washington was salmon fishing with family. In 2003, he and Sharon retired to Goodyear, Ariz.
Verne enjoyed flying and held a private pilot’s license for several years. He loved to travel and was an avid reader of history and enjoyed playing golf and card games. During football season and NASCAR season you could find him in front of the TV.
He was a Past Master and a 55-year member of Englewood Masonic Lodge #166 A.F. & A.M. in Colorado, member of Rocky Mountain Consistory, and a Deacon emeritus of The Church at Litchfield Park.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a nephew, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon; his nephews, Jeff Otero and Kevin (Gina) Otero and family; and his loving cousins and friends.
Memorials may be made to The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Rd., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 or New Frontier Masonic Lodge #134 A.F. & A.M., 225 Acoma St. Denver, CO 80223. There will be no service at the request of the deceased. Inurnment will take place Dec. 4, 2023, at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colo.
Terry Fisher
Terry Fisher, a dedicated public servant and beloved family man, passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 78. His legacy is one of service, love, and a genuine passion for helping others.
Terry led a life marked by commitment, kindness, and a tireless work ethic. For 28 years, he served his community as a dedicated Carrier and Shop Steward for the United States Post Office. Terry’s dedication extended beyond the workplace; he was a fervent advocate for the rights and well-being of his colleagues, earning respect as a Shop Steward who tirelessly fought for justice and fairness.
In addition to his civilian service, Terry served his country honorably in the Army National Guard for 24 years. His commitment to duty and love for his country were evident throughout his military career, where he demonstrated leadership and dedication.
Terry’s heart was equally devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Renee, who stood beside him through thick and thin, sharing in the joys and challenges of life. Terry is also survived by his delightful children, Tara and Ryan.
Known for his selfless nature, Terry was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His acts of kindness touched the lives of many, leaving an enduring impact on the community he served. Terry’s commitment to others was not limited to humans; his cherished dog, Sophie, was a constant source of companionship and comfort, reflecting his deep love for animals.
In his leisure time, Terry found joy in various activities. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed golfing, pickleball, bowling, and volunteering with the Seattle Mariners at Spring Training.
As we bid farewell to Terry Fisher, let us remember him for the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy of compassion he leaves behind. May he rest in eternal peace.
Nancy A. Charron Graham
Nancy A. Charron Graham of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away Dec. 4, 2023, at the age of 85. She was born May 31, 1938, in Montague, Mass., to the late Joseph and Winifred (Moriarty) Charron. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward C Graham and stepson Patrick Graham.
Nancy is survived by her brother Joseph (Marie) R Charron, III of Greenfield, Mass.; nephew Jeffrey Charron of Greenfield, Mass.; niece Suzanne Hale of Natick, Mass.; stepson Kevin (Lisa) Graham of Goodyear, Ariz.; stepson Edward (Maureen) of Metuchen, N.J. and her stepgrandchildren Sarah and Jessica of Arizona and Erin, Deirdre, Joseph great-stepgrandson James of the northeast, Jake Hale of Leyden, Mass., Sawyer Hale of Northfield, Mass., Allie Charron Campos of Plymouth, Mass., and Lindsey Charron of Littleton, N.H. She also leaves behind many cousins and her many friends in Massachusetts, Georgia, and Arizona.
Nancy was born and raised in Greenfield, Mass. She attended Holy Trinity School and graduated in 1956 from Greenfield High School. She attended Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., and then attended and graduated from the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. Nancy worked as an RN at Farren Memorial Hospital in Montague City, Mass., but spent most of her nursing career in the operating room. She worked at Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Mass., Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Mass., and Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, Ga.
Nancy married Ed Graham in Northampton, Mass., on Nov. 15, 1980. They lived in Millis and Medfield, Mass., and Lilburn, Ga. They moved to Goodyear, Ariz., in 2004. Nancy enjoyed watching the New England Patriots play and game shows (especially Jeopardy and Family Feud). She also enjoyed playing cards, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite music was anything she could dance cheek-to-cheek to with Ed. Nancy and Ed enjoyed traveling and went on cruises around the world. She was a sweet soul whose proudest achievements were her family and being a nurse. She was a member of the American Association of Registered Nurses. She was also very social within PebbleCreek, actively participating in bridge groups, Hand & Foot, and golf groups.
Nancy had a kind heart and everybody who knew her loved her in return. She was known to be exceptionally organized, which helped her in her nursing career. Her passing leaves her family broken-hearted, but we know she is together with Ed, dancing cheek-to-cheek again.
Nancy requested there be no flowers for her service. Instead, she would like donations to be made to Infinity Hospice Care, First Tee (because of her love of golf and the help they give underprivileged children), the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Association.
Nancy’s funeral service, which includes calling hours (9:45 a.m.) and the Funeral Mass (10:30 a.m.) will be Monday, Dec. 18 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Her repast will immediately follow at PebbleCreek Tuscany Falls Clubhouse (Chianti Room) 16222 Clubhouse Drive Goodyear 85395.
The burial will take place in Greenfield, Mass.
James (Jim) Le Quesne
James (Jim) Le Quesne of Litchfield Park passed away on Oct. 30, 2023, after a brief illness.
Jim was born on Aug. 13, 1929, to Earl and Jessie Marion (Sangster) Le Quesne in Quebec, Canada. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1930.
Jim got a job in a food market and at age 14 became a cashier and a union member. He was able to save enough in two years to buy a 1928 Chevrolet and kept a photo of that his whole life.
Jim had completed his second year at Cal State Northridge when the Korean War began. He served in the Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954 and was discharged with the rank of Staff Sgt. Later he returned to Cal State and graduated with a B.S. in Business. Jim started his career as a CPA but later became a developer of small office buildings, condos, and small retail outlets. In the 1980s, he invested and worked in the Wind Turbine Business in Palm Springs, Calif.
In 1995, Jim retired and moved to PebbleCreek. Jim traveled extensively and especially enjoyed visiting China and Thailand and filled his home with Asian furniture and art. He loved the Phoenix Symphony Pops, PebbleCreek productions, and was active in the PC Singles Club and bocce team.
In September 2022 Jim moved to Independent Living at La Loma Village in Litchfield Park where he was captain of his bocce team.
Jim is survived by his sons James (Diana) of Washington, John of Utah, and Jeff of California; his grandchildren, Nick and Madison of California and Samantha of Florida; his nieces Cathy (Rick) Williams of Washington and Pat Fluhrer of Arizona; and his significant other of 16 years, Lianne Kimball.
Jim is predeceased by his sister, Eileen, his brother, George, and his wife of 20 years, Jean—mother of their three sons.
Funeral services were held on Nov. 13, 2023, and Jim was laid to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona beside his wife of 30 years, Marguerite (Margie).
Charles McKay
Charles McKay of Goodyear, Ariz., passed away on Dec. 1 after a short illness. Chuck was born Dec. 22, 1936, in Baltimore, M.D. Chuck moved into PebbleCreek in 1999 with his wife Jean. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Steve Hannes and Brenda and Mike Connolly; three grandchildren, Kelly and husband Sam Stahl, Ryan and wife Allie Connolly, and Laurel and husband Conor Reilly, and two great-grandchildren, Wesley Stahl and Reese Reilly. Chuck will be interred in the Prescott Veterans Cemetery, Prescott, Ariz.