LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – We are very saddened by the loss of a most wonderful man who took the steps up the stairway to Heaven on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2017, after a very long illness.
Bobby was the loving husband of Anita McKee for 22 years. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Robyn Bruggeman, Dan Bruggeman and two grandchildren, Justin and Gavin; Allison Bursinger, her son Synjin and husband Gerry; and Bruce Robinson his wife Michelle and their daughter Emily.
Bobby came into this world on Dec. 10, 1945, and spent his younger years in Dr. Barnardo’s Children’s Home in the East End of London. From there he lived a colorful life.
Bobby started out as a male model in Carnegie Street, London and worked as a radio technician. He was an accomplished musician who worked intermittently with Elton John, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton.
He traveled the world with his band the Hootchie Cootchie Men and got two Gold Records. The band later became the Long John Baldry Band when they were joined by Long John Baldry. He eventually had his own radio show in Melbourne, Australia.
Bobby was very charismatic and used magic, voices and accents, and his charm to make friends wherever he went.
Bobby loved children and he went to the local schools auditioning would-be musicians for the Battle of the Bands competition held in Kelseyville. The prize was a signed guitar he received from his friend, Joe Cocker. He also initiated becoming a foster parent for several children over the years.
Many may have met Bobby at the blackjack tables at Konocti Vista Casino and Robinson's Casino where he worked for a time.
There will be a private celebration of life for Bobby to be held at a later date.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Douglas Dean Ashmore, age 85, died on Oct. 23, 2017, at his home in Clearlake Oaks.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Ashmore; his six children; 10 grandchildren; and his three brothers and two sisters.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Estelle Ashmore of Fresno, Calif., and his two younger brothers, Wayne and Calvin Ashmore of Fresno.
Doug was born on Aug. 25, 1932, in Pushmataha, Oklahoma to parents Clifford and Estelle. He was the second born of eight children and has always held family close to his heart.
He graduated from Sanger High School in 1949 and then joined the Army at the age of 18. While serving his country he spent time abroad in Japan.
Doug was a great family man and a loving father. He married Delores Rhyne in 1955 and the couple had two children together. He then remarried to Sylvia Jauregui (Ware) in 1979, raising four step-children together. He enjoyed time with his 10 grandchildren and taught them how to fish and enjoy nature.
He lived most of his working life in Camarillo, Calif. He was an electrical engineer for 3M and worked there for 45 years. He and Sylvia then moved to Clearlake Oaks to spend their retirement years.
Doug was a social, active man who was an outdoors person. He was an avid fisherman. He preferred fishing in lakes for bass. He also enjoyed spending time gardening and time with family.
He had a big heart and would always help those in need. He had a special place in his heart for dogs and cats and would adopt strays. He also enjoyed making fishing lures and participating in bass fishing tournaments.
His family and friends will always remember him as a loving, gentle man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He will be greatly missed by us all.
His memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 24 at noon at Mike and Vicki Ashmore’s, 488 N. Armstrong Ave. Clovis 93611. All are welcome to attend Doug’s memorial.
The family would like to thank the Clearlake Police Department for help in his funeral arrangements (Victim’s Unit).
In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Doug to Lake County Animal Care and Control by calling 707-263-0278; the SPCA of Lake County: SPCA of Lake County P.O. Box 784 Clearlake, CA 95422 or http://www.spcaoflakecounty.com.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.