STAYING COOL ON THE RUSSIAN RIVER

By Pierre Ratte

Virgil Junior “JR” Cowan

July 9, 1942 - June 29, 2023

Known as JR Cowan, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, passed away peacefully at home sitting on his back patio enjoying the view of his property. Work was JR’s middle name. He started at a young age working for Idaco, which became Boise Cascade and then RJW. After his daily job, he would cut and deliver firewood, which eventually developed into Cowans Healdsburg Tree Service. Cowan Healdsburg Tree Service was built on JR’s outgoing personality, respect for all people and his desire to help anyone in need. JR was so proud of his son Bill Chaney for taking over the business and continuing with the dedication and respect that JR had established. JR was known for being one of the most generous human beings and was always offering help to all. Jr was known by all for his wit and valued treasures that he collected from his tree jobs throughout the years. He had a love for hunting and spending time at his cabin up at the Geysers.

JR is survived by his wife of 43 years Patricia Cowan, daughters Charlene Wilson and Tami McPherson (Rob McPherson), son Bill Chaney, sister Emily Debenham (Dennis Debenham) and multiple nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023, 12:00pm at Johnson’s Alexander Valley Wines, 8333 HWY-128, Healdsburg, Ca.

Earl “Skip”

Eugene Butler Ozanwich

1944 - 2023

Earl “Skip” Eugene Butler Ozanwich (1944-2023), aged 78, passed away on June 27, 2023, following a six-month battle with lung cancer. He peacefully departed this world with his beloved wife, Sandy, by his side. It is with profound sadness that we also announce the passing of Skip’s loyal best friend, his 16-year-old dog, Dexter, who left us just an hour before.

Skip’s life revolved around his hometown, Healdsburg. He was a cherished figure known and loved by all. His wicked sense of humor, passion for Nascar, Ferndale Fair mule races, and unwavering support for the Oakland Raiders were legendary among those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Cicala Ozanwich, his son Lance and wife Carolyn, his three sisters: Beverly, Betty Jo, and Tina, as well as his stepdaughters Staci and Dina. Skip also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Kinsey, Andrew, Justin, and Kayla, along with his great-grandson, Danny. He will be deeply missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his high school sweetheart and first wife, Sandy Mitchell Hagan.

While Skip may no longer be physically present, his memory will forever reside in our hearts. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held on August 27, 2023, at Coyote Sonoma, 44 Mill St. Healdsburg, 2pm-5pm.

ROBERT “BOB” CHARLES PALMER

June 20, 1937 – July 4, 2023

Bob passed away at the age of 86. Born in Healdsburg he graduated from HHS in 1955. Bob drove trucks and was a mechanic for diesel trucks. He and his partner started P&S Truck Repair in 1980. His partner retired in 1982 and Bob ran the business until he retired in 2012. He moved to Oregon with Lindsey, his wife of 41 years. Bob is survived by his three children, several grandchildren as well as numerous great grandchildren. He loved fly fishing and hunting. May he rest in peace.

JON H. OLSON

July 30, 1941 – May 24, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jon H. Olson, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many. Jon was born on July 30, 1941, in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in the New York, Long Island, and New Jersey areas before eventually making his home in the San Francisco Bay area in the late 60’s. Over the years, he found joy and comfort in various places, calling San Francisco, Berkeley, Lake Tahoe, Palo Alto, Aptos, Healdsburg, Breckenridge, Colorado, and New York City his homes.

A man of extraordinary accomplishments, Jon left an indelible mark on the communities he served. He attended UC Berkeley’s Department of Landscape Architecture and dedicated much of his early career to shaping the natural world around him. His passion for the environment led him to be instrumental in the creation of the East Bay Regional Park District’s regional bike and hiking trails, and its 20 Year Master Plan (1973), a gift that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Jon’s dedication to preserving open space and making public lands more accessible was evident during his tenure as the first General Manager of the MidPeninsula Open Space District. He played a crucial role in founding California Land Management and was the visionary behind First Pacific Investments. His commitment to community development and environmental stewardship earned him widespread admiration and respect.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jon embraced a vibrant and adventurous life. He was a fervent road biker, competing in extreme road bike races and frequently competing in the SF Bay to Breakers. Jon’s love for nature extended to the water, where he fearlessly embarked on kayaking excursions, including kayaking the fjords of Greenland and Norway.

Jon’s diverse interests knew no bounds, and he found joy in exploring cultures and landscapes around the world. He crisscrossed the globe, backpacking through the stunning terrains of Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and traveled the storied Silk Road. His passion for travel took him to every continent, leaving no corner of the Earth unexplored. Jon’s love for history led him to become an avid student of the Civil War and WWII. As a vigneron, he savored the art of winemaking.

Art and collecting were close to Jon’s heart, with a preference for contemporary Bay Area artists. He cherished the beauty of creativity and appreciated art from all corners of the world. Dogs were Jon’s passion, beginning with Lyndon and Hubert, the bassets, followed by Heather, a springer spaniel, and later in his life, doodles. He had a soft spot for restaurants that allowed dogs, making every outing a delightful experience.

Above all else, Jon’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and compassion. He touched countless lives with his warm spirit and genuine concern for the well-being of others. Jon’s commitment to environmental stewardship and his adventurous nature inspired those around him to live life to the fullest.

Jon is survived by his loving sons, Ian Olson and wife Denise and Sean Olson and wife Vi. He was a cherished grandfather to Oliver, Kate, Thaila, Damian. He is also survived by his loving cousin Patrick Fitzgerald and his wife Angela, and his former wife Pamella Olson.

Currently, there are no plans for a memorial service. In honor of Jon’s lifelong commitment to protecting the planet, the family kindly suggest donations be made to an environmental charity of your choice. May Jon’s adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to the environment continue to inspire us all.

In closing, as we remember Jon Olson and his extraordinary life, it is fitting to reflect on the metaphorical significance of Norman Rockwell’s “The Art Connoisseur” hanging above his breakfast table. This whimsical painting of a well-dressed man closely examining a chaotic Jackson Pollock-inspired artwork encapsulates Jon’s own journey of contrast and extremes. Like the well-dressed gentleman in the painting, Jon embraced a life of diverse experiences and passions.

From his upbringing on the East Coast to his eventual relocation to the West Coast, Jon thrived amidst contrasting environments. He embraced both the urban vibrancy of San Francisco and the tranquil beauty of Healdsburg, much like the way the artwork contrasts with Rockwell’s style.

May Jon’s memory inspire us to embrace life’s contrasts, celebrate diversity, and cherish the artistry of our own unique journeys. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his legacy will continue through the positive impact he had on the environment and the lives he touched.

Russian River water temperatures are about 70 degrees Fahrenheit now, much cooler than recent air temperatures trending above 100 degrees. Besides enjoying cooler temperatures on the river, some of the coolness of floating derives from slowing down. With only a few paddles and a short drift, it seems the body’s nervous system regulates to the current’s lazy tempo. Body and brain relax.

Compared to driving, where landscapes zip by with barely a notice, floating allows long, meditative looks. Long looks seem to initiate slower brain waves.

Funny that the slowest brain waves are called “delta waves,” brain waves associated with meditation, healing and reduced stress. It doesn’t take long while floating downriver to see wildlife. Look, there’s a turtle! Oh, wait, that is a stick. Oh darn. And just then, a squawking ruckus occurs.

Looking up from the stick turtle, a number of great blue herons are having a breakfast conversation in their pine tree rookery. Then, a little green heron along the shore becomes noticeable through a slight movement. The acorn woodpecker—with white mask and red beanie—appears, as if on leave from the Vatican. Then the mergansers, then Mr. and Mrs. Mallard. And so it goes.

Fun facts: Great blue heron rookies, or heronries, can house up to 50 birds. They return year after year to their same nests. Nests are big and mostly flat, made of sticks often with mossy linings.

Green herons nest near the water, too, but their nests can be found at ground level as well as in trees. They generally build solitary and unlined nests.

To float down the river and get a free croakie, contact River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe, at riversedgekayakandcanoe.com.