Chapel by the Sea

06/10/2026

06/02/2026

Jeannie Bailey (Osborn) of Fort Bragg, CA, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, at the age of 83.

Jeannie was born in Fresno, California. She graduated from Clovis High School and married Robert Bailey in 1961. The couple lived in San Jose before moving to Fort Bragg in 1971. After her marriage ended in the mid-1980s, Jeannie built a respected career as a real estate broker and tax preparer in the Fort Bragg community.

Devoted to her community, Jeannie was an active member in organizations that promoted integrity and strong family values. She found great joy in helping others, always offering a generous hand and a compassionate heart to those in need. A member of Trinity Lutheran, Jeannie loved the Lord and His promise of everlasting life. Her testimony of grace, kindness, and service continues to inspire everyone who knew her.

She was predeceased by her son Dale. Jeannie is survived by her sons Darrell (Mickie) and Dennis; her daughter Bonnie (Darryl); five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She now rests in the arms of our Savior, joyfully reunited with loved ones who preceded her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, if desired, be made to charities supporting those less fortunate.

05/29/2026

On May 23rd, Gary Klein, 86, of Manchester, California passed away suddenly and peacefully at his coastal home as he had expressly wished.

Gary was born in South Dakota. Gary’s parents were poor. His father rode rails during the dustbowl, worked for the CCC and finally ran a small grocery store. Gary worked on building railroad tracks in the summer season as a youth. Gary met his soulmate Elaine Johnson around age 12-14 when she invited him to a Sadie Hawkins dance. Following high school, Gary received a full scholarship to Stanford University in Palo Alto, where he was involved with the yearbook and photography. Gary graduated with a degree in Physics and married Elaine in 1962. After roughly a decade working as an Engineer, he decided he preferred self-employment and purchased the Manchester Beach KOA. Following retirement, he and Elaine enjoyed traveling, square-dancing, community events, and visiting with family and friends. He always wrote a humorous poem to celebrate the big trips.

Gary pursued wide-ranging interests from astrophysics to photography, painting, theatre, ballet, art, music, history, science, poetry and creative writing. He was a voracious reader and book collector, and supported the Point Arena Library. Gary enjoyed a vigorous debate, and was a strong believer in education. In Gary’s later years, he turned his interests to generously supporting valuable organizations including the Mendonoma Health Alliance, the food bank, Point Arena Lighthouse, BBryan Preserve, Point Arena Theatre, Fort Bragg Botanical Gardens, Square Peg Foundation, and more. He had quite a lively sense of humor, and is (in)famous for his creative and often outrageous Halloween costumes.

Gary is survived by his daughters Susan and Sandy (both graduates of Point Arena High School), his grandchildren Jillian and Derek, his brother Dennis, nephew Adam and niece Karen, and their spouses and children. He is predeceased by his parents Lee and Rosalyn, his wife Elaine, his son Tobin, and several beloved pets.

A Memorial Service is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Mendonoma Health Alliance.

05/27/2026

Charles Balassi III passed away on May 4, 2026, in Orangevale California.

Charles was the older son of Charles II and Helen Balassi. He graduated from Fort Bragg High School in 1970, and left Fort Bragg to attend Chico State University and train as a laboratory technician. Over the years, Charles held several positions and levels of responsibility in the medical field and spent much of his free time researching cancer. He had many and varied interests. His hobbies included studying the Bible, reading, cooking, and home improvement. Charles maintained many friendships in his hometown, Orangevale, and several locations throughout the state. He took these friendships seriously, as shown by the care he provided to a friend who fought cancer for many years. Just prior to his passing he was able to visit with two of his long-time friends, which made him very happy.

Charles is survived by his brother Ted Balassi, sisters Charla Treanor and Marina Balassi, his niece Jillian Beck and her husband Larry, and their children. In addition, Charles leaves behind many cousins and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the American Heart Association and The Cancer Society would be welcome. A mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church will be dedicated in Charles’ memory on May 31, 2026, at 8 a.m.

A memorial/celebration of life will be arranged in the future.

05/04/2026

Obituary For Erik Thorbecke
In Memory of Erik Thorbecke

A life well lived is not measured only by years, but by the depth of its impact—and the life of Erik Thorbecke was one of lasting influence, purpose, and meaningful contribution.

He was a man of intellect and dedication, someone who devoted his life to understanding the world and helping others make sense of it. As a respected economist, professor, and author, Erik Thorbecke’s work reached far beyond his own community. He contributed to economic development efforts across multiple countries, offering his insight and expertise to help shape policies, guide research, and support growth in places around the world. His work carried a global significance that continues to endure.

To those who knew him, he was a steady and consistent presence. His life reflected discipline, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to his work and to those around him. He believed in the value of knowledge, in the importance of contribution, and in leaving things better than he found them.

To his family, he was a foundational figure—someone whose life helped shape the path forward for future generations. His influence is seen not only in what he accomplished, but in the values he carried and passed on.

The legacy of Erik Thorbecke is one of impact, intellect, and contribution. His work, his ideas, and his presence leave a lasting imprint—one that continues in the lives he touched and the world he helped shape.

Though he is no longer with us, his legacy remains. And in that, there is both gratitude and peace.

04/29/2026

Rick Sacks January 24,1948 - April 16, 2026

Our beloved Rick Sacks went to be with the Lord unexpectedly Thursday April 16th. He left this world peacefully surrounded by family, friends, and community members. He was at a local Chamber of Commerce social gathering, telling one of his iconic stories while sitting and watching the sunset at a local establishment, when he shut his eyes and went to heaven.

Rick had so many passions. He was well known by most as the Mendocino and Fort Bragg Coast “Sign Guy.” There isn’t a corner or street on the coast that doesn’t display one of his amazing creations. Together with his wife, Megan, they blessed the coast with their extraordinary signs for almost 50 years.

Rick was born in Boston but considered the Mendocino Coast home. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Megan; his son Jake and his wife, Nikki, and their children, Wesley, Owen, and Gracie; his daughter Annie and her sons, Landon and Noah; his sister, Ronnie; his niece, Joslyn; and his nephews, Kali and Michael.

Rick has left an everlasting impact on this coastal community. He was often found working on a sign, lettering a building, or enjoying an espresso. He always had time to pour into friends and neighbors. He loved being out in the community—working, chatting, and welcoming newcomers. A favorite pastime was grilling fresh salmon on Grill 1 at the 4th of July Salmon BBQ.

Rick was known for his innate ability to talk to anyone and everyone. His love for Jesus and passion for his work showed in every aspect of his life. He loved creating things and working with his hands. He was truly one of a kind. To know him was to be blessed, and the world is a little dimmer without him in it. But we know he is in Heaven, painting a new Welcome Sign.

Celebration of life will be May 2 @ the Salmon BBQ location

04/27/2026

It all started with two young, Italian pregnant ladies in the Italian neighborhood of San Francisco, one was Frank’s mother. Frank was inside his mother, he’d turned around towards the other mother and he’d seen a beautiful baby girl inside the mother and said, “When I get out of here, I’m going to get her”. It was love at first in-sight.

Jackie was a beautiful person. She was well cherished by everyone that she ever met. She was a devoted mother raising her three children while Frank was out fishing at sea.

She’d told Frank plenty of times that he was lucky because she allowed him to be a fisherman, and a good one too. He knew it to be true too, to have someone like Jackie was the greatest catch he ever had. Frank carries that appreciation with him today, knowing how grateful he is to have shared his life with such an incredible woman. She is deeply missed and forever loved. “Jackie, I really, really, really miss you. You’ll be in my heart forever.” -Frank

04/26/2026

Rachel Torres, Age 103, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 in Fort Bragg, California. Rachel was widowed three times, preceding her are husbands, Jose Acosta, John Farrow, and James Torres. Rachel's children preceded her, her son Joseph Acosta and daughter, Yvonne Levy. She is survived by her grandsons, Scott Howell, Matthew Levy and Christopher Levy. She is survived by many great grandchildren and many more nieces and nephews. Rachel grew up with 14 siblings, born, Rachel Serrano, in Bisbee, Arizona in 1923. Her first job in Los Angeles, California was drilling flaps on the Lockheed P-38 Lightning war plane during World War II; where she met her first husband, Jose Acosta, a veteran of World War II. She raised a family with two Children, Jerry & Yvonne, in Los Angeles, California. She was a hairdresser/beautician for her career during the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. She met her second husband in the 1950's, John Farrow, a World War II veteran. She met her third husband James Torres in the 1970's. She raised two children, was a homemaker and beloved sister to 14 brothers and sisters. Her mother, Carmen Lopez, was born in Arizona. Her father, Jesus Serrano, was born in Mexico. Rachel moved to beautiful Fort Bragg, California in 2021, where she ended her journey on April 19, 2026