Obituaries
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John Roger Cartan, 85, died Dec. 9, 2015, following a heart attack at his home in Alameda.
He was born in Corvallis, Ore., the second of three children to Frederick Roger Cartan and Bertha Irene (Hogue) Cartan. His parents and siblings pre-deceased him.
He earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War.
John attended UC Berkeley under the G.I. Bill, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked at PG&E as an instrument engineer for 27 years, retiring in 1987. During this time, he worked on the Feather River hydroelectric projects and other power plants.
A lifelong Democrat, John became increasingly concerned about the growing inequality between rich and poor.
Among his extended family, “Uncle Roger” was known for unconventional projects: culinary experiments such as Pepsi bread, efforts to create an artificial language and a life-long fascination with computers. As a young man, he backpacked with his brother and nephew in the mountains of Idaho and Wyoming. Shy but always friendly, he loved to walk and listen.
John was a member of Toastmasters and Archipelago, a pre-Internet computer-based discussion group. He was active at Alameda’s Mastick Senior Center, engaging in painting and world-affairs discussion classes.
While living in Berkeley, he met his life’s love, Rose Anne White, who survives. They moved to Alameda in 1977. They had no children.
Other survivors include nephew John F. Cartan, (Betsy Brazy) and daughter Sarah Cartan of Alameda; niece Joan Cartan-Hansen, (Jim Hansen) and daughter Samantha Hansen of Boise and son, Harrison Hansen of Bozeman, Mont.; nephew David Getzinger (Claire Chen of Hong Kong); and niece Kari Getzinger of DeSmet, S.D.; his sister-in-law, Gloria Cartan of Canyon Creek, Mont.; and brother-in-law Richard Getzinger of Gaithersburg, Md.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, OxFam America or Doctors Without Borders.
For further information contact Harry W. Greer, funeral director (FDR-745), or visit www.alameda
funeral.org.
Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services FD-2139
1415 Oak St. Alameda 522-6020
July 26, 1944 – Dec. 17, 2015
Resident of Alameda
Maxine was a wife, mother, sister, entertainer, stage manager, actress, stained glass artist and much more. She was a fun loving, creative, adventurous, silly, boisterous and gregarious woman. She could turn any situation into an art project, a theatrical performance, a song or a rhyming poem.
She lived a full life, making new friends with every step she took — literally on the street, in stores, at her physical therapy exercise classes, on her walks by the ocean or in her neighborhood. Maxine was a woman people noticed not only for physical beauty as an actress in her younger years (she even performed on stage at the local Alterena Theater), but for her bright, loving, compassionate, strong spirit. Like a flowering plant that provides beauty throughout the year, she touched so many people’s hearts, and left lasting impressions on all the people who spent any amount of time with her.
Maxine organized and planned many adventures for her husband Manny and daughter Miriam and introduced those two to new foods, new sites, new cultures and new ways of seeing the world. She was the communicator, the connector, the planner, the visionary who made things happen. She had an extraordinary ability to turn her visions into reality no matter how many obstacles stood in her way. Maxine also had the amazing ability to turn empty outdoor spaces into little heavens filled with colorful blooming plants. She truly was a designer of beauty.
Maxine loved family and children. She could soothe any child and intuit what was going on physically, psychologically or emotionally. Maxine had a keen ability to know what was happening at the depths of situations. She was a soulful person who cared deeply about righting injustices in our world and helping others in need. Maxine welcomed all into her home and treated everyone like family.
Maxine, you will be missed by many. May your spirit rise to highest heavens and your heart be filled with pure peace and love so grand you transform all. May you see how much love you sowed on earth and how much you helped heal. May you grow in light and leap to new dimensions of compassion and gratitude. May you be cleansed by a waterfall of golden light always. Amen.
Interment will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, Calif. For further information contact Harry W. Greer, funeral director (FDR-745), or visit www.alamedafuneral.org.
Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services FD-2139
1415 Oak St. Alameda 522-6020
Feb. 19, 1929 – Dec. 15, 2015
Resident of Alameda
Beloved resident of Alameda, Sofian Qutob (aka Uncle Sam), passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Dec. 15, 2015.
Born Feb. 19, 1929, in Amman, Jordan, Sam made the brave trip to the United States in 1954 seeking the American Dream. His first stop was Alameda, and it served as his hometown for the remainder of his life.
When telling stories about his journey to the states he would often say he was the Qutob Christopher Columbus, being the first one in his family to discover the United States. Sam’s pursuit of happiness and the American Dream was unyielding. Sam was a gifted entrepreneur who created several businesses throughout his career, most notably Q’s Clothing, a men’s clothing store in Oakland.
Widely loved and known to his younger clientele as “Pops.” He was also loved by local law enforcement and City Council members. Starting from virtually nothing, Sam created an admirable amount of wealth which he generously used to support and raise family, extended family and friends.
Sam is survived by his son Affan (Mike) Qutob, his daughter Majida Qutob, and their spouses Gina and Monem respectively. He is also survived by his grandchildren Rachelle, Sarra, Hani, Omar, and Sami. Sam also leaves behind brothers David and Richard Qutob, and sisters: Naheel, Daad, Hala, and Maha. The list of loving survivors spans multiple generations that will always remember his legacy. Sam was the family patriarch, father to all, highly respected and loved by many.
Much like Christopher Columbus, Sam has chartered new territories. He traveled before us to make preparations for our eventual arrival. If his previous life was any indication, we will all be safe up there.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.greermortuary.com.
Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services FD 1408
greermortuary.com 865-3755
