Submitted
Trevor Linton-Smith
August 22, 1927 – August 19, 2021
Trevor Linton-Smith, 94, of Vero Beach, FL and High Springs, FL, passed away peacefully in High Springs on August 19th with his wife, Irene, at his side.
Trevor was born in Sydney, Australia in 1927 to police officer Kenneth Smith and dental assistant, the former Bernadine Linton. While attending Randwick Boys High School and Sydney Technical College, Trevor worked in his uncle’s boatyard building sailboats and repairing minesweepers for the Australian Navy during World War II. He later emigrated to America in 1952 to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he studied aeronautical engineering under Professors Otto Koppen and Eugene Larrabee. Shortly after graduating in 1956, he secured a job at Helio Aircraft Corporation in suburban Boston where he designed light aircraft.
In 1960, Trevor married the former Irene Pohmursky, who was then a Russian and Spanish language teacher at Newton High School. The new couple welcomed 3 children during their time in Boston, before moving to Vero Beach, FL in 1968, where Trevor took a job with Piper Aircraft. Several years later, a fourth child was added to the family.
Across 40 years at Piper, Trevor took part in developing popular aircraft such as the Cherokee, Seminole, and Malibu – the latter becoming Piper’s most successful plane and current flagship series. Despite these high-flying successes, he counted his family and friends as his greatest endeavor. He gave generously of his time as a volunteer to St. Helen Catholic Church’s annual Harvest Festival, counselor with the Indian River County Crisis Center, and judge for local school science fairs.
Music and theater also featured prominently in Trevor’s life. He played the flute, served as choir director and cantor at St. Helen’s, and enjoyed attending live musical performances whenever he had the opportunity. He and his wife also acted and sang in various local stage productions with the Vero Beach Theatre Guild. His most memorable performance was that of Colonel Pickering in “My Fair Lady” – a role that earned him the Best Supporting Actor “Genie Award” from the Theatre Guild that year. In the weeks leading up to the production, neighbors reported with delight that they could hear him rehearsing his lines during his walks to and from work.
In his retirement years, Trevor returned to his first love – woodworking. He built various items for his children, including bookcases, china hutches, and end tables, but he also restored numerous items for friends and acquaintances.
Whether designing exquisite air foils, working with wood, or enjoying the company of others, Trevor always led with a positive spirit. He unfailingly radiated good cheer and embraced everyone with genuine love.
Trevor is survived by his wife of 61 years, Irene; children Peter, Christopher, Katherine, and Stephen; daughter-in-law Susan; son-in-law Andrew; daughter-in-law Lisa; grandchildren Spencer, Jacob, Sarah, Justin, and Anna; and dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins in Australia.
A funeral mass will be held on August 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Madeleine Catholic Church, 17155 NW US Highway 441, High Springs, FL.
The family would be grateful to those who would be willing to share their favorite stories about Trevor by emailing them to StoriesAboutTrevor@gmail.
James Lee Anderson, age 76, of Vero Beach, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021.
He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, settling in Vero Beach in 1985.
Jim was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp., serving in the Vietnam Conflict from 1968 – 1969, receiving a Bronze Star with Valor. He had also served in the Florida National Guard and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 2005.
Jim retired from Willis Insurance Co. as an insurance agent in Vero Beach, in 2006.
He was a member of First Church of God, Vero Beach.
Jim was an avid fisherman and golfer, as well as a readily available chauffer to his grandchildren, enjoying surfing, breakdancing, and volleyball.
He was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University in 1961 when he received his commission as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corp.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy K. Anderson; daughters, Jaime (Charlie) Coleman and Holly Vannoy; and three grandchildren, Zachary Vannoy, Tommy Coleman, and Katie Coleman.
Jim was predeceased by his parents and sisters.
A Celebration of Life – “Paddle Out” will take place at 11 a.m., on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Sebastian Inlet.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers, t2t.org in honor of James L. Anderson.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Kathy Coles, 82, Vero Beach
May 07, 1939 – August 20, 2021
Kathy Coles, age 82, passed away Friday, August 20, 2021.
She was born in Greece and moved to Vero Beach from Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1984.
Kathy was employed by Kountry Kitchen in Vero Beach as a waitress for 17 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy McClain and son-in-law, Wayne McClain; and grandchildren, Katherine and Nicole McClain.
Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Merl A. Coles Jr. in 2009.
The family will greet friends from 3 – 5 p.m., on Saturday, September 25th, 2021, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Leslie “Les” Robertson Owen, Jr., 80, Vero Beach
August 15, 1941 – August 27, 2021
Leslie “Les” Robertson Owen, Jr., 80, of Vero Beach passed away on August 27, 2021. A full obituary is forthcoming.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of LESLIE “LES” ROBERTSON OWEN, JR., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Eric Gene Kirkland, 62, Vero Beach
February 1, 1959 – August 27, 2021
Mr. Eric Gene Kirkland, 62, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Friday, August 27, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital.
Eric was born in Hollywood, Florida and lived as a lifelong resident of Vero Beach, FL.
He had been a heavy equipment operator for 44 years. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Vero Beach, and loved to go fishing and hunting. But nothing was more important or memorable to him then time with his family.
Survivors include his wife Vickie Charlene Hewitt Kirkland of Vero Beach, daughters Erica Dawn Kirkland, and her fiancé Vinny Aurigemma of Roseland, Erin Nicole Williams of St. Cloud, sons Eric Gene Kleinschnitz, and his wife Cher of Malabar and Kenny Dean Kirkland of Vero Beach, five siblings, Louise, Clayton, Joy, Barbara, Vickie, and Frances. Along with nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Milton and Joan Kirkland, a daughter Dana Raulerson. And a sister Glenda Thornton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wabasso School for Special Needs Children, 8895 US 1, Sebastian, FL 32958.
The family will receive friends 10 – 11 AM, Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach. A funeral service celebrating his life will begin at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Winter Beach Cemetery in Winter Beach, Florida.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ERIC GENE KIRKLAND, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Robert A. Walden, 78, Sebastian
July 21, 1943 – August 27, 2021
Mr. Robert A Walden, 78, of Sebastian, FL passed away Friday, August 27, 2021 at his home.
Robert was born in Frink, Florida and moved to Sebastian in 1982 from West Palm Beach, FL.
He had worked at Hale Groves as the back of house manager prior to serving as a Juvenile Counselor at the Liberty Juvenile Corrections Facility.
An understanding man, Robert so loved the time he was able to be out with his son on a fishing adventure.
Survivors include his wife Renee Walden of Sebastian, children Ricky Walden of Vero Beach, Cheryl Walden of Vero Beach, James R. Walden of Blountstown, FL, Tina Marie Pryor of Vineland, NJ, and Brian A. Pryor of Sebastian daughter-in-law Jenn Comiskey of Sebastian, grandchildren Ricky Walden, Jr., Tyler Kay Walden, James Tibbetts, Ashlie Tibbetts, Adrian Pryor, Erik Rose, Harley Marie Hudman, great-granddaughters ViAnn Tibbetts, EliAna Tibbetts, and Madalynn, Mia and Makenna Hudman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
The family will receive friends 4-6 PM on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian. Interment will take place at Cypress Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Kinard, FL.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ROBERT A. WALDEN, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Christopher “Chris” Bryant Reese, 47, Sebastian
February 5, 1974 – August 25, 2021
Christopher “Chris” Bryant Reese, 47, of Sebastian, Florida passed away August 25, 2021 in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Chris was born in Charleston, South Carolina and had lived in Albany, Georgia before moving to Stuart in 1988 and eventually to Sebastian in 2008.
He had retired from Morgan and Eklund Land Surveyors in Vero Beach and had owned Reese Contractors, LLC.
Chris had a love and gift of woodworking which led to his keen eye of designing different features for homes.
Survivors include his wife Amanda Rene Reese of Sebastian, parents Grady and Barbara Reese of Okeechobee, maternal grandmother Melba Rowland of Green Cove Springs, Florida, a nephew, three sisters in law, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mental Health Association of Indian River County, 820 37th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Celebration of Life for Chris is planned for Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the Pelican Pub in Sebastian beginning at 1 PM.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of CHRISTOPHER BRYANT REESE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Walter Charles Hayden, 87, Vero Beach
February 11, 1934 – August 29, 2021
Walter Charles Hayden, 87 of Vero Beach, passed away on August 29th at home surrounded by his family. Walter was born on February 11, 1934 in Hackensack, NJ to Walter and Estelle Hayden. Walt served in the US Navy aboard the USS Antietam from 1952-1956. After he went on to work for Public Service Electric and Gas for 40 years in Hackensack, NJ until his retirement in 1999 when he and Reet relocated to Vero Beach.
Walt was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Vero beach and a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Maywood, NJ. He was also a member of the American Legion, Antietam Association and Brewers AC.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Reet (Pillau) Hayden; Christopher Hayden, son; Cynthia (Garett) Schiefer, daughter and son-in law; Tyler Hayden, grandson and Hayden Schiefer, grand-daughter; Helen Richard, sister; Henry Richard and Matthew Jonasch, nephews; Sharon (Robert) Brady, Susan (John) Frank, Denise (Dave) McAuliffe, Jennifer (Bryan) Moiles and Tina (Matthew) Shackelford, nieces.
The Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, September 1st at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 2nd at Grace Lutheran Church, 1150 41st Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Interment and Military Honors will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, September 8th at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions are suggested to National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458 or online at braintumor.org or American Cancer Society, Glioblastoma Research, PO Box 17127, Tampa, FL 33682
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Walter Charles Hayden, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Rosemary O., Brofos, 89, Vero Beach
March 13, 1932 – August 28, 2021
Rosemary O., Brofos, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away August 28, 2021.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Rosemary O. Brofos, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Marian R. Grass, 87, Sebastian
July 02, 1934 – August 19, 2021
Marian R. Grass, 87, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away on August 19, 2021.
Condolences can be made through Seawinds Funeral Home.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Marian Rebecca Grass, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
