Dennis "Doc" Croucher and his wife Chelli
Please send info/photos of VVA members who have passed so we can remember them. It was said that as long as a person's name is said they will live on forever. They are now with our brothers/sisters we lost in Vietnam and since, waiting for us all to be together again.
Dennis Orland "Doc" Croucher lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 8, 2013. He was born in Ventura on March 24, 1949, just a scant 63 years ago to Rita and Harley Croucher. He and his brother, Michael, were world travelers as children due to being Navy brats.
As an adult, after a stint in the Army, he worked in the music, publishing, and communications industries. He moved to Mariposa in 1979 where he met and married his wife Chelli, and they raised four children: Mindi, DJ, Tomi and Keena.
Doc was an avid reader who also enjoyed fishing, gardening, online poker and slots, playing his moldy oldies, shooting pool, hanging out with friends and family, cooking, yelling at the TV when his team was losing and helping people. When it snowed, he would make coffee and give it to the stranded travelers, then help them chain up and send them on their merry way.
He was the "Voice of the Grizzlies" for about 10 years. He emceed the Labor Day and Butterfly Day parades, the home show and various other community events. He was president of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and first vice president of the California State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
He was preceded in death by is parents, Rita and Harley Croucher.
He is survived by his wife, Chelli of Mariposa; his brother, Michael and wife Pati of Ohio; his children, Mindi and Curt Hibpshman, DJ Croucher, Tomi Croucher and Chris Allred and Keena and Bryan Johnson; grandchildren, Curtis and Nasheena Hibpshman, Christina and Luke Hughes, Melyssa, William, and Samuel Hibpshman, Emma Croucher, Kyra and Lily Johnson.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Dennis Croucher Family Fund at Yosemite Bank account #307015446. Memorial services will be on March 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. at McCay Hall in Cathey"s Valley.
Dennis "Doc" Croucher and his wife Chelli
A beloved local veteran was laid to rest, after losing a battle with cancer. Vernon Valenzuela was a huge advocate for veterans of wars past and present. Lonni Rivera has more on the funeral for a Bakersfield man whose commitment to his country and fellow veterans will be forever remembered.
They came by bike, by car, even by helicopter. All to say farewell to a well loved Vietnam Veteran, Vernon Valenzuela. Valenzuela's youngest daughter, Katie Valenzuela, "That helicopter was the same helicopter that medivaced my father out of Vietnam when he was severely injured."
Valenzuela's family with friends and fellow veterans gathered at the National Cemetery south of Bakersfield to say goodbye. "He did a lot for veterans," says Vietnam Veteran, Charlie Rodriguez. Perhaps one of his most notable achievements, the Bakersfield Vet Center. Valenzuela was the driving force behind the place where war vets and their families regroup, when a soldier returns home from combat. Vietnam Veteran, Louie Vega says," I think the community has suffered a major loss, from Vernon's passing cause he was a visionary, and not only a visionary but somebody who actually got things done."
With a Native American theme, in patriotic fashion, the group saluted a man who had a passion for community service. Katie Valenzuela says,"He just cared so much for this whole community if nobody else was going to do it, he was going to do it." Living life to the fullest, caring for others, while maintaining a commitment to his country. Vernon Valenzuela earned a Purple Heart from his military service in Vietnam. So it may seem fitting, the same chopper that came to the rescue during the Vietnam War also made an appearance at The National Cemetery. " Katie Valenzuela says," My dad never believed in coincidences and to have that here today is of special significance for us."
Gold State Highway in Bakersfield to honor Vernon P. Valenzuela
Mark Christian
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A local veteran who was known as the Godfather of veterans will be memorialized by a sign dedicated in his honor on Golden State Highway.
A portion of Golden State Highway, from F Street to Q Street will be dedicated as the Vernon P. Valenzuela Memorial Highway.
This section of the highway passes through the Bakersfield Vet Center that Valenzuela was instrumental in opening in 2009.
Valenzuela, who lived his life dedicated to other veterans, passed away in March 2012.
"This is a reminder to us veterans and the community that Vernon's legacy continues. He has helped so many people in our community," said Jenny Frank from the Bakersfield Vet Center.
Valenzuela was born and raised in Kern County. In 1967 he enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam where he received a Purple Heart.
Vernon returned to Kern County and trained to become a marriage and family therapist.
He dedicated his career to serving veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and was the first team leader for the Bakersfield Vet Center.
The public is invited to attend the highway dedication ceremony that will took place Saturday, December 14 at the Bakersfield Vet Center, 1110 Golden State Highway.