Viewing a thread

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

At random: A submarine often navigates by sound when submerged. Sound can travel 3,000 nautical miles or more through water.

Thursday Obits Moderators: Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Forums-> Submarine Discussion	Message format

Coyote

Posted 2026-09-03 3:54 PM (#106248)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1528

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Thursday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/
https://ussvi.org/membership/eternal-patrol (USSVI members only)

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

Problem appears to have been my VPN.

CONKLIN .. .. .. Randy Maurice Conklin, 74, passed away peacefully of natural causes on August 27, 2026 at his home in Provo, Utah. Born on February 4, 1952, to Cloma Brittian and Bert Conklin in Provo, Utah. Randy was a man who valued the people in his life above all else. To him, family extended far beyond blood; many of his closest friends became family through the bonds, experiences, and memories they shared. Randy proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict aboard a submarine as a member of the Navy’s “Silent Service.” His service beneath the waves remained a source of great pride throughout his life, as did the brotherhood he shared with his fellow submariners. Randy later built a career with the United States Postal Service, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. His years with the USPS reflected the same commitment, dependability, and strong work ethic he carried throughout his life. On March 22, 1981, Randy married Collette Venice Brimhall. Together, they built a life centered around family, companionship, and the memories they created along the way. Randy is survived by his son, Randy (Eileene); his daughter, Kelly (Jake); five grandsons and two granddaughters; his great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Jino and Orlan Jay. He took great pride in his family, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life. Randy also had a lifelong love of motorcycles and the freedom of the open road. Riding brought him countless adventures, friendships, and memories that he cherished throughout his life. He rode with local clubs in support of worthy causes, but at heart, Randy was always a lone wolf—most at home with the freedom to choose his own road and ride it his own way. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Collette; his stepdaughter, Jennifer; his parents, Bert and Cloma; and his sister, Sandy. Randy’s family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Jimmy and the Walker family for the love, friendship, and kindness they showed Randy over the last several years. Their presence in his life meant more than words can express, and the family will always be grateful for the care, companionship, and love they gave him. Randy will be remembered for his devotion to family and friends, his pride in serving his country, his strong work ethic, his love of motorcycles, and a life lived on his own terms. His memory will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, extended family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have shared the road with him.

OGDEN .. .. .. Harry Hempstead Ogden was born March 10, 1940 in Hartford, CT. Harry was raised in New London, CT by his mother Rosel Ogden, grandmother Annie Galvin and grandfather Harry Hempstead where he attended school and church. Even at such an early stage in his life he was committed to being there for the ones he loved. His mother, who often referred to him as "my boy" was a source of love and support, his grandfather served as a part of the Navy as well as a father figure and role model to
Harry. While at sea and following his grandfather's passing, Harry took on a supportive role in his family with grace, taking care of his grandmother in her golden years while his mother worked to keep the family afloat. At age nine Harry would begin working before and after school, starting his own lawn cutting business, cleaning docks, shoveling snow, stacking newspapers, delivering groceries amongst countless other acts of love
and selflessness to contribute to his family.
Harry graduated from New London High School as a member of the class of 1958 marking this as one of his & his mothers proudest moments as pursuing one's education was always and continued to be a core value of theirs. After graduating and following in his grandfather's footsteps, Harry joined the Navy where he would be accepted into the submarine service. It was at this time he met the love of his life Sharon Konochik who was waitressing at the time at a local diner off of Montauk Ave in New London, just a few streets down from Harry's childhood home. After some convincing by loved ones, Sharon finally said "yes" and the two have been inseparable ever since. Harry and Sharon were married on July 8, 1961 and were married for 65 years. They had 3 beautiful children Chris Ogden (Denise), Phillip Ogden (Joy) and Linda Ogden as well as many grandchildren. Michael Sileno II, Peyton Ogden, Calvin Benjamin, Sydney Ogden, Karley Benjamin, Leland Hedding, Yisael Ogden & Yehudah Ogden. Harry's love for them all runs deep, true and is a testament to the kind of mark he left on this world, they are his legacy.
Harry concluded his service with the Navy upon getting married as military life was not the life Sharon wanted for the family. Harry, directly following the Navy, worked on ships as a crane operator during the day while fulfilling his commitment to his family by pursuing a college education at night which would have made his mother proud. Harry
went to work for Pratt & Whitney where he helped design the first JT9D jet engine during this time as well as working for New London High School where he would teach in the Industrial Arts Program to which he would eventually become the head of all while finishing his education. When school was out of session Harry founded a small business helping him keep both himself and local teachers employed during summer break. After 14 years Harry finally earned his degree from Central Connecticut State University being the first of three generations to graduate from the University. He then became a professor at Thames Valley State Technical College where he taught for over 20 years with a focus on robotics and sat as the head of his department as well as the schools advisor of the Society of Manufacturing.
When not working Harry found time and pleasure coaching football for the local youth. "The boy must come first, the team second and winning last. If you don't believe this in your heart, don't coach" was something Harry spoke of and wrote in his playbook as a reminder to himself and others of the significance values and priorities play in both sports, as well as in the building of a future generation. Harry also started a local concession stand in Niantic, which both contributed to the local community as well as
became a staple in Harry's endless pursuit to build memories and install valuable lessons for his children. As his children grew up, Harry found new ways to keep himself busy and his wife happy. Together they opened a local video rental store in Old Lyme where they operated for years under the name "Video Circuit". Harry continued to stay engaged in his community most notably at this time playing the part of "Santa Claus"
every Christmas on a vintage firetruck in the holiday festival for all of the local children.
Harry entered his golden years with optimism, ready to slow down and focus on his wife Sharon as well as his many grandchildren taking on the part of "Poppy". Harry and Sharon settled down in a distinctively stunning lake house in East Lyme, in the warmer months building a home where all is welcomed, and accepted. Harry, better known as "Poppy" spent much of his time here beautifying the world around him through his expert gardening and patient parenting. Avoiding harsher weather, Harry and Sharon spent cooler months in their beachside residence in Indian Rocks Beach, FL where they built bonds that have stood the test of time.
Harry died on September 2, 2026 in New London. He spent his final days surrounded by his loved ones making each and every moment count. He savored New England lobster, and orange pineapple ice cream from Michaels Dairy, both staples and sourced from his childhood neighborhood in New London as he met every visitor with a smile and the warmth only he could bring to any room he was in. He was grateful for the time
he spent on this earth, answering every thank you with an "No thank you" or "It's been my honor" and every "I love you" with a reciprocation. He is and always saw the best in us. His legacy lives on in each of us, guiding us, teaching us, being a voice in an ocean of love. Harry rests in all of us in perpetuity.

COLE .. .. .. CHAMPION -- Jack Wilbur Cole passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Jack was born Sept. 8, 1938, in Warren, to Wilbur Leo Cole and Vivian D. Kale Cole. He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School with the class of 1956 and went on to live a life defined by service, hard work, family, curiosity and kindness. Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Perch submarine. After his military service, he devoted 38 years to Thomas Steel Strip Corporation, retiring in 2001. His years of work were a reflection of the dedication and determination he brought to everything he did. Jack was a man who enjoyed keeping his mind and his hands busy. He loved Sudoku and puzzles, Civil War history, following the stock market and caring for his properties. He enjoyed metal detecting and searching for something interesting beneath the surface. He especially enjoyed the 12 winters he and Donna spent in Arizona, where he could roam the desert on his quad and enjoy the freedom of exploring. Service and community were also important parts of Jack's life. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 2 through the Methodist Church and proudly worked toward becoming an Eagle Scout. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Warren, and was also a member of the NRA, Warren Gun Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Gold Prospectors of America. But of all the things Jack accomplished, perhaps none was more meaningful than the life he built with his wife, Donna Jean Kemp Cole. Jack and Donna shared 62 years of marriage. Together, they built not only a family but also their family home. They created that home together, with their own hands and hearts, making it a place where their family could grow and where countless memories would be made. That home became more than four walls and a roof--it became a lasting reflection of the life and love they built side by side. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his son, Lance Cole and Lance's wife, Laura; and his three grandchildren, Samuel, Aaron and Natalie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Vivian Cole; his sister, Sally Sue Lane; and his daughter, Ramona. He had made his wishes clear: Jack did not want services or calling hours. He simply wanted to be remembered as a good and kind man. So that is how we will remember him. Remember the sailor who served his country. Remember the husband who spent 62 years beside the woman he loved. Remember the man who helped build a home and a family. Remember the father and grandfather whose family was at the heart of his life. Remember the man wandering the Arizona desert on his quad, always curious about what he might discover. Remember his love of history, puzzles, exploration, hard work and the simple things that brought him happiness. Most of all, remember the goodness and kindness he brought into the lives of the people who knew him. A life does not have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes the greatest legacy a person can leave is simply this: He was a good man. He was a kind man. And he was loved. Jack Cole was all three. With love and remembrance, for Donna and the family who shared his life.

GOODNATURE .. .. .. I was born November 28, 1945, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. I left behind my beloved Cate, as well as the family and friends I held so dear, on August 29, 2026. Our family settled in Austin where I went to school and grew up. My parents, Dave and Eileen Goodnature, were amazing people and role models in every way possible. They were both influenced by the “Great Depression” and “World War II”.
I was the second of four boys; I was generally a happy kid growing up. As a little boy I often announced I was running away from home, and my mom always packed me a lunch and kissed me goodbye. By late afternoon I always made my way back home for supper.
I grew up near Woodson School until about 6th grade and then we moved to a new home near Neveln School. Both locations provided kids with loads of friends, adventures, fishing, building forts, engaging in practical jokes, and doing stuff we were not supposed to be doing. I distinctly remember my friend and I riding our sock horses to the neighborhood market and tying them up to the store railing. We walked into the store in full cowboy outfits creating considerable laughter among those seeing the ordeal.
After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the military. I was 17 and one of thousands entering service during the Vietnam War. I served aboard the Ballistic Missile Submarine Stonewall Jackson. Our missions were in the Pacific Ocean, the consequences of which are still classified as top secret to this day. I spent an entire year under the ocean over the course of four separate missions. Service in the military stayed with me as a strong point of personal pride throughout my life, along with an ample number of nightmares.
I left the military in the late 1960s and was hired by the Mower County Sheriff’s Department in 1969. I worked as a jailer and then as a patrol officer. In 1979 and in my early 30s I was elected Sheriff. I was one of the younger sheriffs in Minnesota at the time. During my career I completed a four-year college degree majoring in criminal justice. I graduated from the FBI Academy in 1986, an incredible honor for me and our community. I helped organize the Southeastern Drug Task Force which went on to help curtail drug trafficking in southeastern Minnesota. I was Sheriff during the Hormel P-9 strike and also led several complicated murder investigations during my 16-year tenure as Sheriff. It was a great honor to have served as Mower County’s elected Sheriff.
There were four boys born into our family, Steven, Greg, James, and me. My oldest brother Steven died in an accidental electrocution shortly after he retired from 20 years in the Air Force. Greg and Jim both enjoyed lengthy and successful careers in the telecommunications industry. We all remained great friends throughout our lives, never once uttering a harsh word to one another, a feat requiring some considerable restraint as Jim and Greg were always diehard Republicans, me not so much! I loved them both and could not have asked for better siblings.
I had a colorful personal life marrying four times total. Although my chosen mates were exceptional women, I was not able to get things right until I met Catherine Earl whom I married and was madly in love with from the moment we met until my life was over. There is no way that I could find the adequate words to describe how wonderful it was to have had her as my wife and partner in life. The key was that I never gave up looking for the right person. I was so blessed to have finally found her.
I had two biological children and three adopted children. My oldest daughter, Susan, took her own life in 2013, a tragedy I struggled with daily.
My youngest daughter, Heidi, whom I love dearly, provided me with a life of laughter that kept me and many others interested in her every move. She too immersed herself in a military carrier that somehow she was able to turn into her own SNL (Saturday Night Live) performance. She served honorably in an active combat zone during the Iraq War as a Combat Medic. Her daughter, Kennedy, also completed a very honorable military career of her own as a Military Police Officer and spending just short of a year at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. I do not know if they were following me, but I am going to take some credit anyway. If her daughter, my great-granddaughter Myra, chooses to serve, I will take credit for that one too.
Catherine and I raised our granddaughter from the age of nine. I saw her as my own daughter and loved her with all my heart. I have the highest of hopes for her and endless pride in who she is becoming.
Late in my life I published my first book, a memoir covering the majority of my life. This book was a very special accomplishment that helped my aging go a little smoother. I am currently editing my second book which I intend to be a part fiction part nonfiction thriller.
Throughout my life many things became critically important to me. But in the end, it was my life with Catherine that mattered the most. We never once said, “I wish we would have.” We were both moved by adventure and adventure we did. When I became older and eventually disabled, she kept me going on endless escapades making memories as we went. I cannot describe in words what it was like to love her and to know that she loved me too. It was the relationship I always dreamed of.
“Wayne, you not only love me in the way I always wanted, but you love me in the ways I never knew I needed. Good night, Sweetie! Love, Cate”
“My dad will forever be missed by those of us who truly knew and loved him. He was the kindest, gentlest person who loved all of his girls so deeply. He had an adventurous spirit and was always down for anything and everything. A couple years ago, as we drove from Austin to San Diego with our only real plan being to see the Redwoods, we were masters at “Just Winging It.” He often suggested that we should climb one mountain or another, to which Catherine and I always let him know that we would wait for him at the bottom because we had a very strict no-hiking policy.
My dad and Cate raised their granddaughter Finn, whom I affectionately refer to as my little sister. All of us traveled together when we could. Having been my father’s daughter, it was a unique perspective to watch him raise Finn from the outside looking in. His gentleness, kindness, undying loyalty, and fierce protection of her were exactly the qualities of the dad he had always been to me. Finn is on a path that will set her up for greatness, and I know that my dad, her Ganka, is so proud of her and the woman she has become.
A couple weeks ago, when he was hospitalized, we were chatting about his love for Cate and how he could never be able to put into words how much he loved her. I told him that he didn’t need to, because she has always known. I told him that it was important for me, as his daughter, to tell him that I have never doubted for one second the love that she has for him. They had a relationship that most people only dream of.
I will end with this. My papa and I communicated sometimes on an almost daily basis using Facebook Messenger. We thought we were both the most hilarious people we had ever known. Our messaging thread would probably get us banished. In the condolences today, my cousin Michelle summed it up perfectly when she said that I am amazing, kind, and unapologetically wonderful, and that is because of my dad. I couldn’t agree more.
My dad is survived by all of the people who showed up for him.
I Love You Papa! Heidi”

Friends and family will hold a celebration of Wayne Goodnature’s life as a Sheriff, Navy Veteran, family legend, and serial traveler. Since Wayne was never big on being fussed over, we’re gathering to do what he’d wanted: tell the best stories, laugh, and toast to a legendary life well-lived. This celebration will be held at a later date.
Wayne lived a life full of big service, bigger adventures, and enough wild stories to make a room full of deputies question their line of work. He wore many hats - husband, dad, grandfather, lawman, submariner - and usually wore them while planning his next grand escape with Cate.

Edited by Coyote 2026-09-03 3:55 PM

Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]

Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread
Jump to forum :

(Delete all cookies set by this site)
Running MegaBBS ASP Forum Software v2.0 © 2003 PD9 Software