In Memory of
David Emerson Buxton
1940-2023

We are saddened by the loss of David Emerson Buxton who passed away on October 7, 2023. All who knew David will miss his energy, his ability to share knowledge, and his generosity of time spent with you. We here at H.E.L.P. experienced this first-hand. David loved to learn through formal schooling and varied work experiences, and he passed this legacy on when he and his wife, Ann, facilitated the creation of H.E.L.P.’s John & Dorothy Bohannon Community Education Program in support of our continuing education programs and services.

Work was central to David’s life, to the point that he said, “I never worked a day in my life.” Part of the pleasure he took in work was the opportunity to work with and mentor his partners, associates, and tenants. In addition to his love of family he enjoyed traveling the world. He had eclectic taste in the arts, supporting classical music and opera performances while enjoying country music, and was active in a wide range of organizations, including the South Bay Lincoln Club, the Military Officers Association of America, and the South Coast Botanic Garden. David also supported local and national political candidates.

David Emerson Buxton was truly one of a kind.

In Memory of
John and Dorothy Bohannon

H.E.L.P. dedicates this memorial page to the Bohannons for their life of service to others. We are grateful for the generous bequest received from the Bohannan Trust in support of H.E.L.P.’s  programs and services for older adults, facilitated by their lifelong friends and Trustees, Ann and David Buxton.  John passed away January 10, 2021 at the age of 95. Dorothy was 93 when she died on April 20, 2020. They both led long and fruitful lives in which concern for the welfare of others and our environment was uppermost on their life agenda.

The Bohannons should be remembered as caregivers to their beloved community. In addition to H.E.L.P., they gave generously to the South Coast Botanic Gardens, The Neighborhood Church, and The Palos Verdes Senior Center,  along with several others.

Both Dorothy and John worked at the South Coast Botanic Gardens as faithful volunteers for over 40 years;  Dorothy with her hands in the soil, John on the Board of Directors and as President of the Foundation. They were both active in and dedicated to the Neighborhood Church, where Dorothy gave many hours as a member of the Flower Guild and worked on their very popular holiday Homes Tour.

In addition to their volunteer service, John worked for Mobil Oil for over 30 years and Dorothy worked as a secretary for several companies.  They were a very interesting couple who shared an appreciation for lifelong learning and adventure.  They traveled to Europe together many times, where they enjoyed collecting Wedgwood, which filled their lovely home in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Through their generous bequest, H.E.L.P. will be able to carry out the Bohannon’s intent that other seniors will receive the assistance they need in confronting aging issues and benefit from continued learning through the Bohannon Community Education Program.

The Bohannons will be remembered by H.E.L.P. and all who knew them as
VERY GOOD AND GENEROUS People!

MEMORY WALL

This memorial wall is dedicated to Rod Burkley, former H.E.L.P. Board Chair, who will be greatly missed by all.  His strong leadership and longtime support of H.E.L.P. were vital in sustaining our important programs and services to seniors and their families.

Rod Burkley was born in Wildwood, New Jersey, and grew up in York, Pennsylvania.  He attended Dartmouth College, where he majored i n English, receiving  his BA degree in  1959.  Rod served in the United States Army, attending  Officer Candidate  School, serving  as a  First Lieutenant in the artillery in South Korea.  He then matriculated at Harvard  Law School, receiving his J D in 1964.

After moving to Los Angeles, Rod initially worked for the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office.  In the late 1970s, Rod was the managing partner of Barrett, Stearns, Collins, Gleason & Kinney. During the 1980s, Rod was a founder and managing partner of Burkley, Moore,   Greenberg  & Lyman. He was a Founder of, and most recently practiced with Burkley, Brandlin, Swatik & Keesey in Torrance, CA.

Rod is survived by his wife, Lauren Phan, son Alex Cronkite, and his four children from a previous marriage, Walt Burkley, Eva Harmon, Catharina Farber and Marianne Cook. He is also survived by eight grandchildren , Walter Burkley, IV, Henrietta and George Burkley, Carl Pontus Harmon, Felix and Mathilda Farber, Carolina and Axel Cook, and also by his brother, Lloyd Burkley.

Rod was a walking encyclopedia, a lifelong baseball fan and an avid skier.  He loved fine wine, spirited conversation and a good read.  Los Angeles, Paris and New Orleans were three of his favorite cities.  A dynamic storyteller,  he was loved by many and will be remembered for his sweet kindness and quick wit.  Above all, Rod loved his family and the rule of law.

We remember Rod in past days:

Rod Burkley and his wife, Lauren Phan, at the 2017 H.E.L.P. annual fundraiser gala at Palos Verdes Golf Club.

 

Rod Burkley and Lauren with Britt Huff, H.E.L.P. Executive Director, at the 2017 gala.

 

 

Rod requested that any donations in his memory be directed to H.E.L.P. and we are grateful for this kind remembrance and support.

Below are those friends and relatives who have remembered Rod with a gift to H.E.L.P.  We thank you for your support

Mr. & Mrs. Walter R.  Burkley III
Ms. Atsuko Fukunaga
Grace Enterprises, LLC
Mrs. Suzanne H. Gulcher
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. John Hellow
Ms. Kathy Seuthe
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Klaus
Mrs. Dawn Kraft
Ms. Anne Monteverde
Mr. Christopher Moore
Mr. Timothy O’Connor
Ms. Carol Raimondo
Ms. Sibylle Grebe, Conover & Grebe
Ms. Kimberly Northrup Brooke