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Susan Warburton
Susan Warburton
Susan Warburton passed away on April 26, 2023, following a brief illness. She was mom to Jennifer (Doug) in England, sister of Phyllis in Maine, and friend to many. Whether you knew her for 50 years or 50 days, you had to love her.
Born in Greenfield, Mass., in 1944, Susan graduated from Greenfield High School and Framingham State College, where she earned her degree in education. She was a much-loved teacher in Greenfield and then Sacramento, Calif., where she moved with her husband, Warren, in 1990. They retired to Quail Creek in 2007. Warren, a World War II bomber pilot, died in 2011.
It is a testament to Susan’s capacity for love and friendship that she remained close to so many people from her past while gathering many more friends along the way.
Until health problems interfered, she could often be found on the golf course. She was Handicap Chairperson of the Quail Creek Ladies Golf Association (QCLGA) and member of the Greens and Golf Course committees. She claimed the club championship at least once. She was also co-chair of the QC Library Board and loved playing mah jongg.
Besides family and friends, the only things she loved more than golf were her dogs. She’d had several over the years, but her beloved shih tzus, Brandy and SuzyQ, were the last. She lost them both in 2022.
Susan leaves a big hole in the hearts of all her long-time friends from both coasts, along with those from golf, book clubs, the library, her neighbors, and countless others. She especially loved her neighbor and friend, Zillah Symonds.
Services are unplanned at this time, but please think of Susan when you drive past a school, hear the crack of a golf ball driven off the tee, or bend to pet a small dog.
Lorenz “Larry” Steer
With profound sadness for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Lorenz “Larry” Steer on Feb. 14, surrounded by his loved ones. Born Jan. 7, 1939, Larry was known for his quick wit, his larger than life laugh, and his strong presence, whether writing, directing, or acting in community theater or his passionate pursuit of any cause near and dear to his heart.
An entrepreneur from early on, he parlayed his skills into the plastics industry, where he pioneered a successful engineering company. Upon retirement, he continued in sales and ultimately became a “kind, kick butt” personal fitness trainer until the age of 80.
Larry took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Mentoring them in a style only “Papa” or “Pops” could pull off. He loved traveling, whether to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, or most recently, to his bucket list, Panama Canal. Also on that love list were his many summers spent entertaining at the family’s cabin in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., as well as his dedication to his grandchildren’s baseball travels around the country.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sue; his children Robyn (Jeff) Hamilton of Newport Beach, Calif., Darla (Vince) Irizarry of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Chris (Dana) Steer of Long Beach, Calif.; and his grandchildren, Marlena, Jeffrey and Sara Hamilton and Connor (Cassie), Tyler (Shannon), Spencer, and Trevor Steer.
A private memorial service will be held in Buckeye, Ariz. Friends may sign the memorial guest book at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.
Celebrate Larry’s life by donating to The Animal League of Green Valley, The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona: Green Valley, St. Mary’s Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.
Phyllis McShane
Phyllis McShane
Phyllis McShane, a longtime Quail Creek resident, passed away recently after the death of her husband, Tom. Phyllis was born in South Dakota and lived in California and Washington state before retiring with Tom to Quail Creek. She volunteered for many years at the Tubac Arts Center. She is missed by her many friends here and leaves behind sons Thomas (Erika) and Christopher.
Thomas E. McShane
Thomas E. McShane
Thomas E. McShane, a resident of Quail Creek, recently passed away. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif., he lived in Edmonds, Wash.; Castro Valley, Calif.; Arcadia, Calif., and back to Edmonds, Wash., before retiring to Green Valley. A loving husband, father, and wonderful friend to many, he also was an avid golfer and supporter of the arts, including the Tubac Arts Center. His love of life, people, and his great sense of humor are missed. He leaves behind his wife, Phyllis, and sons Thomas (Erika) and Christopher.
Buzz and Joyce Walton
Joyce Walton passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. She had been under hospice care and 24 hours home care for 2 months. Her nephew and niece, Tom and Jean Schmied, were with her when she passed. She is survived by an older sister, Beth, nephew Tom and Jean, and niece Melissa. Memorial arrangements are being made for Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church. Her husband Harold (Buzz) Walton passed at home, Jan. 31, 2022, following a bout with COVID. They were the last of the original 10 residents who first built in Quail Creek in 1990. Buzz retired from Canon and Joyce retired from Delta as an international flight attendant.
Joyce was a founding member of QC Lady Putters, Lady Niners golfers, The Women of Quail Creek, and QC Performing Arts Guild.
Buzz was an avid golfer and helped start the Tennis Club. He loved riding his bike through the neighborhoods socializing with all he met.
They will be greatly missed by all who knew them.
Dr. Anthony Edward Castro, Ph.D., DVM
Dr. Anthony Edward Castro, Ph.D., DVM
Dr. Anthony (Tony) Edward Castro, of the Quail Creek community in Green Valley, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Tony’s wife of 55 years, Marlene, was by his side.
Born March 4, 1935, in New York City, Tony was one of four children. He grew up in the Bronx; a second-generation Puerto Rican, with a dedication to academics. He achieved his B.A. degree in 1955 and M.S. degree in 1962 from NYU. Tony served as Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1961. His love of science advanced his interest in veterinary diagnostic virology. He met his wife Marlene in Indiana. They were married in 1967 and had two children.
Tony earned his Ph.D. in virology from Purdue University in 1971 and DVM from the University of Minnesota in 1978. His career included work at diagnostic laboratories at OSU-Stillwater, UC-Davis, and Penn State. Tony was an author/co-author of 85-plus publications, 10 book chapters, and co-author of a book on diagnostic veterinary virology. Tony assisted colleagues in related virology fields and with specific conditions in cattle and pheasants. He received $9 million plus in grants during his career.
Outside of work, Tony enjoyed family time, nature, and fostered a continual curiosity about the universe. He collected Native American art, embraced culture, was a fan of car racing and NASCAR, and will be remembered for his dance moves, ear for music, love of movies, dry and witty sense of humor, and for his chili and chicken curry.
Tony is survived by his wife Marlene, children Catherine (Jason) and Christopher (Kathryn), grandchildren, Izabella, Sofiah, Alexia, and Alicia, and brother Raymond (Marilee). A service is planned for Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Titzer Family Funeral Home—Simpson Chapel in Newburgh, Ind.