Celestial Summer Dove Cassman, 35, of Santa Cruz, Calif., died Thursday, September 1, 2011. Courtesy photo.

Celestial Summer Dove Cassman, 35, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, auntie, friend, colleague, artist and philanthropist, died unexpectedly while vacationing in Hawaii on the island of Maui on Sept. 1, 2011.

Celestial Summer Dove was born on June 15, 1976, into the loving arms of her parents in Nanakuli, Hawaii.

She spent her formative years growing up in Lake County, Calif. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1994 and attended UC Santa Cruz, graduating with honors in political science.

She took some time to travel after college, exploring a large portion of South America and then moved to Portland, Oregon, where she worked for a nonprofit affordable housing and community building organization.

She decided to become an attorney, studied hard to take entrance exams, and then selected the UC Davis law school.

During law school, Celestial completed a public interest fellowship where she assisted indigent clients with housing, benefits and employment issues. She also worked as a teaching assistant, and served as co-chair of a nonprofit legal foundation.

She graduated in the top 5 percent of her class and began her professional career at McDonough Holland & Allen law firm in Sacramento in 2004. She ultimately followed her dream to be near the coast and moved to Santa Cruz in 2007.

Until her tragic and untimely death, Celestial enjoyed life and her career in public law, working for the law firm Atchison, Barisone, Condotti and Kovacevich, as deputy city attorney for the coastal California cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola and Half Moon Bay.

Celestial served on the board of directors and volunteered many hours to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County, which supports abused and neglected children.

Celestial, or “Dove” as family call her, enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She appreciated the beauty of nature and especially loved the beach.

Some of her favorite pastimes included cooking, yoga, walking on the beach, riding her bike, learning to surf and paddle board, writing, drawing and creating art.

Dove especially enjoyed creating and making thoughtful, handmade gifts for loved ones.

She could often be seen pedaling her bicycle or riding her pink motor scooter to work, complete with high heels, business suit and a flower in her hair.

Dove was so very special, had a passion for life and was a joy to be around. She loved animals and cared sweetly for her two cats.

Celestial Summer Dove is survived by her mother, Deborah Bevington and Alex Newfield Sr. of Lake County, Calif.; and father, Ken Cassman and Susan Cassman of Oceanside, Calif.

She also is survived by her devoted sisters, Crystal, Charity, Shawnee, Jessica and Marissa, as well as her grandparents Mary Ellen and Alan Cassman of Los Angeles.

Additionally, she is survived by her aunts and uncles, Joan and Michael and Ted and Beth of the San Francisco Bay area; as well as her adoring nephews and niece, Jon, Josh and Ali; and her cousins; Jason, Cole, Julia, Tim, Danny and Jake. We will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, by the ocean she loved. A memorial Web page can be found at www.ilasting.com/celestialdovecassman.php.

Flowers may be delivered to the Surfing Museum at Lighthouse Point at 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 95060, on Sept. 24.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Celestial Dove Cassman’s name to CASA, 813 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville, CA 95076 or at www.casaofsantacruz.org .

A beautiful soul is never forgotten. Where there are happy memories, there will always be love. We will mourn the loss of such an amazing, bright, loving and generous human being. Her precious light will endure through the good she did in life and all who loved her.

We will never forget Dove.

Joyce Spanos died on September 3, 2011. Courtesy photo.

Joyce Cherie Spanos passed away on Sept. 3, 2011 in Clearlake, Calif.

Born in San Pablo, Calif., she was a longtime resident of Clearlake.

She leaves behind her children, Robert Spanos Jr. of Hidden Valley Lake and Jeana Weiper, and her husband, Jay, of Clearlake.

She also is survived by her grandchildren, Kyle, Ashley and her husband Daniel, and Jayme; a great-granddaughter, Aleena; sister, Jody Day, and her husband, Joe; and many extended family including nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Spanos Sr., and baby William.

Joyce will be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren.

Joyce also will be remembered for her wonderful cooking and baking that she always generously shared with family, friends and co-workers throughout the years.

Private family services are being held. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake.

Navy SEAL Jesse Pittman died in Afghanistan on Saturday, August 6, 2011. He was 27 years old. Courtesy photo.

Jesse D. Pittman was born April 20, 1984, in Arcata, Calif. A Navy SEAL, he died Aug. 6, 2011, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

He moved with his family to Willits in June 1984. Jesse attended school in Willits and Redwood Valley graduating from Willits High in 2002.

Jesse held various jobs while in high school. In 2003 he went to work for Cal Fire as a seasonal firefighter. Firefighting was not challenging enough for Jesse so he took a year to pre-train prior to joining the Navy. His goal was to become a Navy SEAL.

Jesse was the type of person who, even at a young age, had an insatiable drive to accomplish what he wanted to do. He succeeded in everything he made up his mind to do.

Jesse had a good sense of humor which was appreciated by all. He was also a very honest, dedicated person.

He will be remembered by the Pittman family, and everyone that knew him, as a hero and a wonderful person. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fellow Navy SEALs.

He is survived by his parents, J. Terry and Ida Pittman; and two brothers, J. Terry and Corey S. Pittman.

He also is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. His Uncle Mike was especially close to Jesse and his family.

May Jesse be a good example for all of us. He accomplished more in his 27 years than many of us will accomplish in our lifetime. He loved his country and died a hero.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Navy SEAL Foundation.

A memorial honoring Jesse will be held at the Ukiah Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at 11 a.m.

The memorial service will be held at the Ukiah Fairgrounds Saturday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m.

Pittman was one of 30 U.S. servicemen killed Aug. 6 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, when their Chinook helicopter was shot down by insurgents.

Pittman was a 2002 Willits High School graduate. He worked as a seasonal firefighter for Cal Fire in 2003 and 2004 before he joined the Navy in March 2005 to pursue his goal of becoming a Navy SEAL.

Pittman attained his goal and in April 2007 reported to the West Coast-based SEAL team.

He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fellow Navy SEALs. He loved his country and died a hero.

If anyone would like to make a donation to help with this memorial honoring Pittman, please send your donation to Agape Bible Church, c/o Jesse Pittman Fund, 290 S. Lenore, Willits, CA 95490.

He leaves behind his sister Anita Bays and a son, Isaiah Mckenzie-Bays.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Don Bays of San Jose.

Jeff shared his time between Clearlake and San Jose. He worked as a tree-trimmer for 20 years.

Jeff belonged to a "hot rod" family, and was in the process of restoring his Ranchero.

He was an accomplished fabricator and was known for the great work he did on cars.

Every Sunday he enjoyed watching NASCAR. Jeff also enjoyed heavy metal music, and you could always hear him as he drove down the street.

Jeff was everyone's friend and never was unkind. Although his looks were intimidating, he was a "big brother" to many and had a great big heart.

A memorial service will be held for Jeff at the American Legion Hall, Jeff's favorite place to spend time in Clearlake. Services will be on September 24 at 2 p.m. with a potluck to follow at the hall.

Arrangements by Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, Lower Lake, telephone 707-994-6417.

Tyler James Lee of Lake County, Calif., died on Saturday, July 16, 2011. Courtesy photo.

Tyler James Lee, a 40-year Lake County resident, passed peacefully in his own home on Saturday, July 16.

A lifetime health problem took him, but he was filled with energy and love and humor right up to the moment he slipped away. A light went out, and he will be grievously missed.

Tyler is survived by daughter, Maya (Tim) Hadjes, and children Ben and McKaela of Meridian, Idaho. He is also survived by his wife, Donna, and his stepchildren, Kathleen Craig Terdiman (Daniel) of Sausalito and Mike Craig and children Ashley and Matt of Sunnyvale.

Tyler and Donna bought their homestead on Bartlett Mountain in 1976, home schooling their children and commuting to work in the Barnes Yard. Tyler later worked for Vittel's Bartlett Springs plant and then became the Nice Water master.

In 1996 they retired to the mountain, developing their solar system and organic garden.

Tyler earned his bachelor of arts degree at Sacramento State and his master's degree at San Francisco State.

Learning was his lifelong passion, and contributions in his memory to KPFZ (88.1FM) community radio, 149 N. Main St., Ste 220, Lakeport CA 95453, where his voice was often heard or to Friends of the Lake County Library would honor him.

The date for a celebration of his life will be announced.

For further information contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611.