Chapel by the Sea

08/26/2026

Photographs from the historic Headlands Trail pioneer cemetery, showcasing the recently restored monuments that were salvaged from the cliffside through the diligent efforts of community stakeholders, including Volunteer Glass Beach Caretaker Retired Ranger- Ron White, Rose Memorial Park Owner- Pastor Kris Strickland, Fort Bragg City Councilmember- Marcia Rafanan, and numerous others.

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

Sylvia Stanley
June 1, 1945- July 31, 2026

08/19/2026

Please contact:
[email protected]

08/17/2026

Ronald Lee Burns
November 25th 1953-July 8th 2026

Ronald Lee Burns, a beloved member of the Fort Bragg Community, passed away on July 8th, 2026. Born November 25th 1953 in Fort Bragg California, Ron lived a life devoted to service, love and laughter.

He is survived by his brothers Bobby Burns and Richard Burns, sister in law Paula Burns, niece Isabell Burns and all his other extended family members.

Ron graduated from Fort Bragg High School and decided that he wanted to jump into the world of work. He dedicated 46 years of his career as a custodian at Dana Gray Elementary School. His commitment to the school and its community was unwavering, and he left a lasting impact on generations of children and coworkers who kindly remember his warm smile and gentle spirit. After retiring from the school district his relentless energy and enthusiasm for work led him to a new job at Rossi’s Building Materials, where he continued to spread joy among his coworkers.

A man of many talents and interests, Ron found true joy in woodworking, trains, the San Francisco Giants, and family outings. He loved Country Music, especially Reba McEntire, and he loved camo-gear, enjoying the outdoors and camping. His hands were always crafting, fixing things or building something new. Ron had a gift for making kids, family and coworkers laugh. His sense of humor was infectious, lighting up every room that he entered.

Ron was deeply committed to his faith and the act of serving and giving. He was a man who truly lived to serve others. He donated to organizations like St. Jude, Children’s Miracle Network, Feed the Children, Samaritan's Purse, Wounded Warriors Project, the American Cancer Society and many other local organizations.

Ron’s warmth and compassion were the cornerstone of his character. His ability to connect with others through kindness and humor will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His devotion to helping others was evident in all aspects of his life. Ron’s legacy of love, service, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Ron’s Life will be held on Saturday August 22nd at 11:00AM at Coast Christian Center on the corner of Chestnut and Minnesota Avenue. The Family invites all who knew Ron to join them in honoring his life and legacy.

08/14/2026

We see the difference Hospice makes in the lives of families.

08/12/2026

Sometimes the kindest thing you can give to someone grieving is quiet presence.

08/03/2026

Richard Lynn O’Connor

Emmy Award winning producer, studio executive, and long-time resident of the Mendocino Coast died in Palm Desert, California on July 22, 2026.

Dick was born in San Francisco with his twin brother Don on January 7, 1930. Their parents, Doris and Lester O’Connor, introduced them to the Mendocino Coast at the age of 10. Their mother had accepted a teaching position on Navarro Ridge in Albion, California. Their home was also the local schoolhouse with a wall separating the classroom from the modest living quarters. The building is now the local Grange. Their father remained in Richmond where he worked for Standard Oil Company but drove up for weekend visits. During this period, the twins served as altar boys at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk.

After two years, they returned to Richmond where Mrs. O’Connor continued to teach. After graduating from high school, the brothers served together in the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War from 1950-1951. After college, Don became a successful attorney in Sacramento, while Dick pursued a career in Hollywood. Starting in the mail room at CBS Television City, he eventually became an Emmy Award winning producer and studio executive. His diversified feature and TV movie credits were: “On Golden Pond,” starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Jane Fonda; “Wild Texas Wind,” starring Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson; “The Muppet Movie;” Movie, Movie;” “Tom Clancy’s Op Center;” and “Amerika,” among others.

His parents, upon retirement, moved to Caspar. Upon Dick’s retirement, he and his late wife, Molly, bought a home near the Botanical Gardens where he lived for over 20 years. He was an active member of St. Anthony’s and a former Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus.

Dick is survived by his wife, Brona, daughters Kathleen (Kael) Triglia (Bob), Karen O’Connor, step-daughter Kate Cabrera, step-sons Marc Lessen, Matt Mangan, granddaughters Rachael Haikus (Chris), Kayleigh Valdez, grandson Seth Fisher (Lorena), Joshua Devenger, great granddaughter Jessica Koehler, great grandson Carter Mogannam, great great granddaughter Bayleigh Maughs, sister-in-law Page O’Connor, nieces Chris O’Connor, Kelly Creeden (Mike), Erin Jacobs (Scott), great niece Samantha, and great nephew Dillon Jacobs, niece Lynn Von Tempsky (Kim), cousins Tony Schaeffer (Nona), Mike Schaeffer (Judy), and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Allan and Harriet Friedman.

He is preceded by his parents, brother Don, wives Molly Mangan, Marion Bullard, Margaret White, grandmother Odde, Aunt Suze, Cousin Jim Mangan, best friends Joe Greenway, Neil Maffeo, Ray Marsh, Don Dubbins, Walter Coblenz, and beloved canine son Bingo.

The carved statues of Saint Joseph, Madonna and Child; Stations of the Cross; and the relief of Saint Anthony were selected in Europe by Father John Martin and Dick to adorn St. Anthony’s Church.

Service Arrangements. Visitation will be at Chapel by the Sea on Friday August 7, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:30 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Saturday August 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM followed by internment at Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to some of Dick’s favorite causes: The Motion Picture and Television Fund (https://mptf.com) or the Marine Corps League Foundation (https://www.mclfoundation.org).