Final Salute

AVERY, Herbert “Herb” – Passed away peacefully on March 16, 2008 at Oakmont Gardens in Santa Rosa, CA where he had lived the last four years. He was 86 years old. Herb was born in Seattle, WA on April 18, 1921 and lived most of his life in the bay area. Elizabeth (Bette) Hughes Avery, the love of his life, predeceased Herb on July 15, 2004. Bette and Herb married in a small Catholic church in Nevada on October 10, 1942. The following December, Herb enlisted in the Seabees, a branch of the Navy. Richmond, Virginia was Bette’s home while Herb served in Guam, returning three years later just in time for Christmas and a return to the bay area. In the 1950’s, Bette and Herb bought a home in Oakland and were blessed with two children, a son, Stephen W. Avery and daughter, Suzanne M. Avery. Their family was then complete. Herb worked in Superior Court as a court reporter for Contra Costa County for over 20 years. After he retired, he and Bette moved to St. Helena and later to Oakmont Village in Santa Rosa. They loved to travel, attended over a dozen elder hostels and enjoyed many trips to state and federal parks. One of their traveling highlights was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in England and Scotland. His family and friends know that Herb loved being Scottish. Herbert will be deeply missed by his daughter, Suzanne Halloran Miller and her husband, Mike Miller, his son Stephen Avery, and grandson, James Kevin Halloran. His cousin Lorraine Raffaelli, her husband, Al Raffaelli, their children and their families will always remember Herb smiling and telling jokes. He was a happy member of our family and well loved by all. In early March of this year, his family gathered for their annual Palm Sunday family reunion and celebrated his early 87th birthday. At his request no formal services will be held. Private inurnment, family plot at Cypress Lawn Cemetery, Colma, CA. Contributions can be made in Herbert’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 1451 Guerneville Road, Suite 220, Santa Rosa, CA. 95403. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 525-3730