Jay Crane’s Passing

Jay Crane
Jay Crane

It is with sadness that VCCCDRA has learned of the recent passing of Jay Crane, long time part-time instructor of chemistry at Oxnard College.

Per Dr. Luanne Crocket, retired Oxnard College chemistry professor, “Jay taught chemistry labs for us for about 15 years.  He was a great guy, a very talented person.  He will be missed.”

To read Jay’s obituary in the Ventura County Star, please use this link.

Chiiho Terada’s Passing

Chiiho Terada
Chiiho Terada

With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Chiiho Terada, a long time part-time instructor at Ventura College.  Chiiho, passed away on January 28, 2021 from cancer.

Chiiho graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design.  For more than 35 years, Chiico was a part-time instructor in drafting and mechanical drawing at Ventura College.  Hundreds of his students found employment throughout Ventura County and beyond, contributing to the region’s strength as a high tech manufacturing hub.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Chiiho on Saturday, February 27 at 10 a.m. at the Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo.

To read his obituary,  please use this link.

Bona Dillon Press’ Passing

Bona Dillon Press
Bona Dillon Press

It is with sadness that VCCCDRA learned of the passing of Bona Dillon Press, retired professor of journalism at Moorpark College.  Bona passed away on February 6, 2021 of cancer.  Her death came one year to the day of the passing of her husband, Larry Press.

“A small private graveyard service took place this week. But please mark your calendars for Aug. 6, 2021, when we will have a party and celebration at the Ventura Harbor in honor of this remarkable woman’s life. Stay tuned for info. And as Bona would frequently say in parting, “Take good care of yourself. Cheers.” ”

To read her obituary, please use this link.

Nick Ioannidis’ Passing

Nikolaos
Nick Ioannidis

Today, VCCCDRA learned of the recent passing of Nikolaso “Nick” Ioannidis on January 24, 2021, after a short illness with cancer.  Harry Culotta, past VCCCDRA President, remembers  “Nick not only ran his own HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) company, but he also taught for many years in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program at Oxnard College, under the lead instructor Bob Chatenever.  His obituary in the Ventura County Star, does not mention his teaching, although it should because he worked diligently to train students in the program.”

Per the family’s wishes, the services will be private.

Please use this link to read his obituary in the VC Star.

The Monitor — Winter 2021 (VCCCDRA Newsletter)

The electronic version of the VCCCDRA newsletter, “The Monitor – Winter 2021”, can be accessed by clicking here.
In it you will find
    • an important article by Lyn MacConnaire on the “Status of the VCCCDRA Lawsuit Against the VCCCD”,
    • announcement of the upcoming Zoom VCCCDRA Annual General Meeting on March 17 featuring VCCCDRA attorney Erica Deutsch as Keynote Speaker,
    • an introduction to the first recipient of the VCCCDRA Sponsored Don B. Medley Scholarship
    • our second appeal for contributions to the Legal Fund
    • and an important message from Membership Chair, Joy Kobayashi
A hard copy of “The Monitor – Winter 2021” is being mailed this week to all retirees. However, this emailed edition reflects some late updates that could not be included in the print version as it already had been sent to the printer. The updates involve Lyn MacConnaire’s article on the lawsuit and Joy Kobayashi’s message in her Membership Report.
I look forward to “seeing” you on Zoom at our Annual General Meeting on March 17, the first meeting of the association that will permit the participation of retirees from all over the states and out of the country. Mark your calendars!
The link and telephone numbers for joining the Annual General Meeting will be sent out a week before March 17.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible then!
Rene G. Rodriguez, President
VCCCDRA