Obituaries

Walnut Creek Death Notices

Some of the people with ties to Walnut Creek who have passed away recently

Barbara Chambers, a resident of Walnut Creek, was born in Mountain View. She was a member of the California Gardens Club, the Eastern Star and numerous bowling leagues. Chambers died on Nov. 17 at the age of 83.

Charles Clarke, a resident of Walnut Creek, was the youngest of seven children. He taught at Albany High School for 37 years. He also coached football, basketball and track. He was also an avid golfer. Clarke died on Nov. 11 at the age of 84.

Richard Hartley Fairclough Jr., a resident of Walnut Creek, was born in Illinois. As a youth, he was an excellent speed skater. The family relocated to California after doctors recommended the move due to Fairclough's asthma. He was an Eagle Scout as well as a basketball and track star. He served in the Army during World War II. Afterward, he graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a master's degree in physical education. He taught and coached football and track at Mt. Diablo High. He was also commissioner of the Diablo Valley Athletic League from 1972 to 1986. Fairclough died Nov. 11 at the age of 89.

Harold Eugene Knowlton, a resident of Walnut Creek, was born in Ohio. He earned a doctorate from Ohio State and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Knowlton worked as an engineer for Chevron as well as Brown & Caldwell Consultants. Knowlton died on Oct. 27 at the age of 94.

Morris Knox, a resident of Walnut Creek, was born in Oakland. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School and attended San Francisco State. He and his father Knox Television and Radio in Oakland's Rockridge district. He also was a sales representative for several Bay Area companies. Knox died Nov. 21 at the age of 80.

California Peake Rueger, a resident of Walnut Creek, was born in Sacramento. She graduated from San Jose Teaching College in 1927. She and another teacher were hired to start a one-room school for children with disabilities in Sacramento. She later taught at Santa Cruz area schools. Rueger died on Oct. 24 at the age of 107.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here