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Wayland Witten Obituary
WITTEN, Jr., Wayland Francis
''Stan''
Was born on March 7, 1937, in Meramec, Okla. He died October 17, 2008, in his West Sacramento home He is survived by his wife Judy, his son Wayland Witten III and his daughters Rhonda Mattschei and Debra Hoganson - all of Washington state. He leaves behind nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, his brothers Grady of Sacramento and Norman of Stockton, as well as his sisters Janet Swanson of Oroville and Sharon Fields of Vacaville. He was preceded in death by his parents Wayland and Olive. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He was also the first chief of police at Napa State Hospital. Later, he continued his career as Chief Investigator for the California State Department of Mental Health, eventually retiring in 1987 as Chief Special Investigator for the Controller's office. After his retirement from the State, Stan opened his own private investigation firm and was also busy as a notary public in West Sacramento, Calif. During his life, Stan enjoyed training dogs and his falcon. He earned a black belt in Judo and was an expert fly fisherman. Stan loved the river, even living aboard a houseboat for a time. He cherished his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him There will be two memorials: one on Nov. 15, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at 7461 Gerber Rd., Sacramento; the other at the Pre-Flite Lounge, 513 L St., Sacramento, on Friday, Nov. 14, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayland Witten
Bob and Stan
October 29, 2009
October 29, 2009
There is one thing in life NO one can take from us, the wonderful memories that we have to comfort us for always, I loved my brother very much and he will always be in my heart and mind.
Love and miss you Stan.....
Sharon
Sharon Fields
October 29, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
October 28, 2009
It has been a year since you left us and I miss you so much. I will always cherish and the memories you left behind. Love and miss you! Your sis, Janet
Annette R Smith
November 21, 2008
Celebrating a life well-lived. I will cherish the memories always.
Wayland Francis Witten III
November 18, 2008
Dad, I love you so very much and will miss you deeply. I will cherish the memories that we had, and think of them often. I know that we had a hard time expressing how we felt to each other but I know you loved me and that I loved you. I am honored and proud to have called you my father and will carry the name that you gave me with grace and dignity, as I know you did. This poem was left to me by my father and I would like to share it with everybody, I feel that it speaks to in the words that my father had a hard time saying. The name of the poem is "YOUR NAME" and the author is unknown.
You got it from your father
It was all he had to give
So it's yours to use and cherish
For as long as you may live.
If you lose the watch he gave you
It can always be replaced.
But a black mark on your name, son,
Can never be erased.
It was clean the day you took it
And a worthy name to bear
When he got it from his father,
There was no dishonor there.
So make sure you guard it wisely,
After all is said and done
You'll be glad the name is spotless
When you give it to your son.
HARMONY WITTEN
November 17, 2008
I wish I could see you when you were eleven but now your in hevan. Now that you passes away it still dosent matter case your my only grandfather that I EVER HAD p.s.love you so much
tina witten
November 17, 2008
If tears could build a stairway,And memories a lane,I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.Stan you will always be in my heart and my prayers. love you always .Tina Witten
lyric witten
November 17, 2008
I miss you alot and hope that we can still have family runions even though someone important will always be missing now.
harmony witten
November 17, 2008
this is harmony I miss you alot I know if you were still alive I could see you more and I could get to know you more but I LOVE YOU know matter what.
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
Young Stan
November 14, 2008
Linda Anderson
November 12, 2008
Stan was a great brother-in -law he will be greatly missed. We all love him.
James Shearer
November 12, 2008
Stan was a major influence in my life and I will always cherish the times we would talk, whether about work or family. I met him in 1977 when he held the position of Chief Investigator for the California Department of Mental Health. I was a new investigator at a state hospital and I could always rely on Stan to provide much needed direction and guidance. He was my mentor and quite frankly the smartest investigator I have ever known. His insight and investigation knowledge was so vast, that I learned something new each time we talked, and I attempted to emulate him through out my career. After he left state service I especially enjoyed our discussions at his office in West Sacramento. His kindness to me and my family will never be forgotten. He was truly a good friend.
Ken Swanson
November 11, 2008
My Dear Friend and Brother-in-Law. You are missed. I am grateful we had that last chat and renewed such loving and wonderful memories. You are not only my friend but were as a brother to me. I have always and will always hold you in my heart with great respect and loving thoughts. It has been my great privilege to know you. Your influences were many and my spirit soars for you. Rest well my brother.
Joyce Brown
November 11, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Marchelle DeClue
November 11, 2008
For my second Mom, Judy...with huge hugs and great sadness I send my thoughts, prayers and happy memories in hope that you will find comfort in these difficult days ahead. I will always cherish the happiness of yours and Stan's wedding day and I will always be here for you! I love you!
jason alexander
November 9, 2008
i am going to miss my uncle stan very much . i will never forget the time we shared when i was a child and he had me work on his ranch and after work we would fish in his pond. i will miss him dearly
Janet Swanson
November 9, 2008
My dear brother, Stan,
Though you have transcended and your physical presence is gone, you are very close in my heart and forever and always on my mind. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the kids (far too much to mention). You are and will be missed, but I will cherish your memory forever.
I love you,
Janet
Rae Ellen Fields
November 8, 2008
To All the Wittens...
I'm sorry for the loss of Stan. I knew him best many years ago when we were younger and "crazier". There were long conversations about anything that was happening at the time.
I'll remember him as a colorful guy who enjoyed life.
Rae Ellen Fields
Susan Reamer(Witten)
November 6, 2008
Family and Friends,
My Uncle Stan was a wonderful person. It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to him. I can only imagine what his wife and kids are going through. Our hearts and prayers go out to them. Keep the memories in your heart and Uncle Stan will live on in your life. Love you all, take care.
Randy, Sue and Brianna Reamer
Keith Witten
November 6, 2008
I have not seen or spoken to my Uncle Stan for quite some time and for this I am very sorry as it troubles me tremendously. All I have of him are a few memories. It is these memories that tend bring me some comfort. That is why I chose the following poem to share with Stan's family and friends in hopes that it will help them find some comfort in a time of sorrow, loneliness and emptiness.
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Pauli Ayres
November 3, 2008
Dear Stan's Family-
Am so sorry to read about Stan's passing. I knew him at Four Seasons Marina when we both had houseboats there and he was just the sweetest guy. We all tried hard to keep his secret about being an investigator but he still wouldn't tell us anything he was working on. He was one of the favorites at the marina and stood out as an educated professional as well as a fine river rat. My condolences to all of you.
Richard Callahan
November 2, 2008
Good morning Judy,
I am sorry to read about your and the families loss of Stan. God Bless all.
Rich Callahan
Robet Anderson
November 2, 2008
Stan was a much bigger influence on me than my father was and this hurts worse than when he died. I still think of him chewing on his "Kool" and driving that damn Morgan with the top down. Or teaching me how to fish up at Burney. The camping trip that he and I took up to the Russian River and the funky little bar with the band that we had never heard of called Credence Clear Water Revival. Being stuck in Weed for 3 days when the wheel came off the car taking the kids back to Brewster.The times I hurt and he was there. The times I was happy and he was there. I am sure over time I will remember even more. Stan Witten, Father, Brother, Best Friend, I will miss him.
Carolyn Fields
November 1, 2008
My uncle Stan was a good man. I loved his smile. He was such a nurturing force in my mother's life; I can't help but think he had a major role in shaping her own loving and giving nature. I know he is at peace.
Randy & Sandy Pitzner
October 31, 2008
Stan was such a dear friend to both of us. We have only wonderful memories and love in our heart for this one of a kind man. He taught us so much about life and friendship and love. We are forever grateful to have had him in our life as a friend. Stan will always be in our heart and he shall live on and on. God bless his family and friends that must endure this heartbreaking time saying farewell to this wonderful man. Our heart is breaking but because we knew him we are better people. Forever friends
Barbara Burr
October 31, 2008
I knew Stan from many years of our mutual membership in the California Association of Licensed Investigators. On occasion we worked in collaboration when he provided on-site Notary services needed on a case. He was always a gentleman and an interesting conversationalist. It was my pleasure to know him and exchange many pleasant professional moments in his company. His work ethic and skills were outstanding. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family in their loss.
Brian Pratt
October 31, 2008
Stan was a great PI and one of the true leaders in our profession.
Our prayers are with you and with Stan but I'm sure he's up there now, helping to investigate who gets in and who doesn't...
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