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At random: ENS Sam Hunter, the first submarine casualty of WWII on Dec. 8, 1941. He was attached to Sea Dragon moored next to Sealion. He was killed by shrapnel from the first bomb hit on Sealion penetrating the conning tower of Sea Dragon. The second hit killed 4 men in Sealions Engineroom.

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Coyote

Posted 2026-09-12 3:30 PM (#106258)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1535

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Saturday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/
https://ussvi.org/membership/eternal-patrol (USSVI members only)

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

DOZIER .. .. .. James "Jim" C. Dozier, Jr peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 with his wife, Carol, and younger son, Evan, by his side.
Jim joined the U.S. Navy shortly after graduating from High School and proudly became a member of the original commissioning crew of the nuclear submarine, "The USS Henry Clay," which he referred to as "THE Nuclear Ballistic Sub." He was on the crew that launched the first Polaris ballistic missile while surfaced, previously, missiles were only launched while the ship was submerged. He also taught at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
After spending "8 years, 9 months and 10 days" in the service of our country, Jim attended Clemson University where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering.
He accepted a job in San Francisco at Standard Oil of California, now Chevron, and was employed there until his retirement.
Jim gracefully accepted the diagnosis of COPD several years ago and fought with valor. He laughed and joked with family and friends until the end.
Jim is survived by his wife, Carol Castellini, sons Steve Dozier (Carrie), Evan Dozier (Joanne); One brother, Keith Dozier, and one sister, Denise Dozier Tutas (Greg); Grandchildren; Rachel Lewis, Nathaniel Dozier, Riley Dozier, Emma Dozier, Matthew Ross and Megan Ross; Carol's 4 grandchildren, whom he loved like his own; nephews, Keith Dozier, Jr, Dr. Kristopher Dozier, Michael Dozier and nieces, Courtney Tutas and Kristen Tutas.

[Ed: This one is unique, from Britain. CTB = Crossed the Bar]
LESTER .. .. .. Royal Navy submariner Brian Lester dies on 14 August 2026
WO WEA(SM) Brian Lester, M965441X
It is with sadness, and with the family’s permission, that I am reporting that WOWEA(SM) Brian Lester CTB on 14 August 2026 in the USA. Brian served on HMS ASTUTE 1968–1969 and HMS OPPORTUNE 1973 -1974. In 1956, he joined the Royal Navy; with a thirty-year career, he served on aircraft carriers, diesel submarines, and as a Flag Officer on the Submarine Staff in Norwood during the Falklands War, and at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, where he retired in 1986.
Brian met his wife Linda Fetter while she was serving in the US Navy stationed in London. They were married on December 23, 1988, in Napoleon, Ohio. While working through the immigration process, Brian volunteered with the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department. On July 1, 1994, Brian became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States and retired in 2005 as a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer in the Virginia State Police.

SIMONDS .. .. .. Stephen Paige Simonds passed away peacefully on September 3rd. He was 101 and lived every one of those years to the fullest. Steve didn't let age define him. He maintained a young mindset and had a positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life. He constantly sought adventure, including sailing and kayaking the coast of Maine, hiking the White Mountains of his childhood home, bicycling internationally with family, and skydiving with his granddaughter at the age of 91. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to travel and cherished their stories upon their return. He embraced every season with gusto, finding wonder and restoration
in the natural world.
Steve was born on November 25, 1924 in Franconia, New Hampshire. His parents were Stephen M Simonds, and Gertrude (Jesseman) Simonds. Later, the family moved into the home in Lisbon, NH that his grandfather built. Unheated bedrooms meant taking hot water bottles to bed.
Four years later, Steve's sister, Barbara was born. One year later, in 1929, Wall Street crashed. The Depression years follow. Steve's father took a big salary cut in his sales manager position at the local lumber company. For the many of the workforce who lost their jobs there was no
unemployment insurance. "Use it up, wear it out, make do, do without" was a commonly heard phrase during that time. Chipped beef on toast, salmon pea wiggle, crackers and milk became the typical cheap meals.
Steve attended school in Lisbon, NH. There were very few students in the single school building for all grades, (22-23 in his graduating class), so participating in sports was an option for everyone. For Steve it was basketball and golf. Skiing began in the 30's for him and as equipment improved, Cannon Mt. in Franconia became the Mecca for good skiers and for "fierce intercollegiate competition. We had to climb the mountain trails in pre-tramway days."
In 1943, Steve joined the US Navy during World War II and served as quartermaster on the submarine, The Caiman, patrolling the South Pacific. After the war, Steve earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Social Welfare from the University of New Hampshire. He married his wife, Judith Cole of Kennebunk ME in 1952, and they moved to
Chicago where Steve earned his master's degree in Social Welfare Administration in 1953. He was then awarded a Fulbright scholarship and brought his wife and young sons to Bristol England where he researched for the British welfare system. Upon returning to the US, the family moved to Connecticut where Steve worked for the Department of Health and Welfare in Hartford. In 1960 the family moved to Augusta Maine where Steve took the job of State Director of Social Welfare. His work often took him to distant towns of Fort Kent and Caribou. The birth of two daughters increased the family to six.
In 1967, with the endorsement of Senator Edmund Muskie, Steve was appointed assistant to a federal admin Washington DC. "Buildings in the District of Columbia were still smoldering from civil rights riots when I arrived with action continuing near my living quarters," he recalled.
In 1968 President Nixon was elected and the Vietnam War escalated. "As a Democrat, I was shifted to another administrative post to make room for a Republican. Anti-war demonstrations on the Mall in 1970. People were scared to enter the city. Our children, however, observed the activities with my daughter, Laura, on my shoulders took pictures. As a whole, the
demonstrations then were relatively peaceful, but a major threat to the administration."
"My meeting with a development group in the White House was cut short when Nixon staff discovered that Senator Muskie had sponsored my appointment to HEW. Muskie now the Democratic party's front runner in the Presidential primaries and a big threat to Nixon. By then some evidence that prior appointees like myself were having their phones bugged. To make private and secure calls, I used the public phones in the corridors."
In 1971, Steve and family moved back to Maine and was given the opportunity to create the Human Services Development Institute at the University of Southern Maine. The institute eventually became the Muskie School for Public Service. He exemplified dedication to his community by serving on the Cape Elizabeth Town Council, and was elected to two terms in the state legislature, beginning in 1990. Steve retired in 1994, but remained an active citizen of the world, participating as a member and president of the Partners of the America's chapter of Maine. He advocated for international exchange of ideas and facilitated experiences for
students from China and Brazil who became life-long friends. Owing to his approachable nature, he easily made acquaintances wherever he went and made loving friendships worldwide. He marveled at how rich with love and friendship his life was and frequently expressed gratitude.
Steve eagerly shared his joy at family members' accomplishments by celebrating, sending group messages, and printing photos to proudly display. (His refrigerator was completely covered with photographs). He wanted to be sure that everyone was not only civically aware but
was also actively participating in democracy. For holiday gifts, it was common for Steve to give books on the perils of bad government, or on exceptional political leaders, most often women.
("I looked for something lighter on your birthday but what's more important than fighting tyranny?!" – an entry from a book he gave to his granddaughter).
Like a Maine beacon, Steve was a guiding light, whether as a sailor teaching his children how to
navigate by dead-reckoning with charts, or as a mentor, guiding people to navigate life through all its complexities. He never judged but listened with compassion and empathy. His eternal radiance will continue its warm glow in many hearts.
He is survived by sons Scott Simonds, Mark Simonds, daughters Laura Simonds-Rumpf and husband Eric, Jane Laplante and husband Dan. He was a loving grandfather to nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Judy, and his sister,
Barbara Rothenburger.

GETCHELL .. .. .. Richard “Dick” Aron Getchell, lovingly known as RAGS, age 79, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, peacefully at OhioHealth Hospice House in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by his family.
Born June 20, 1947, in Portland, Oregon, he was the son of the late Alford "Al" Aaron and Ethel Edwina (Peets) Getchell.
Dick proudly served his country in the United States Navy, spending part of his service aboard a nuclear submarine during the Vietnam era. After completing his military service, he worked in nuclear power before transitioning into quality control for Motorola, where he remained until his retirement. He also served as a member of the Granbury Volunteer Fire Department for several years.
A devoted Harley-Davidson rider, Dick traveled across the United States on his beloved bike, Lucy, and participated in numerous Run for the Wall rides. His biker community affectionately gave him the name RAGS, a reflection of the deep friendships he formed on the road. His passion for honoring veterans and especially those who gave their lives in service to our country was a defining part of who he was.
Dick was a man of strong faith and a dedicated Christian. He served as a Chaplain and devoted himself to helping anyone in need, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. During the Christmas season, he found joy in volunteering as Santa at hospitals and churches, bringing smiles to countless children. He was a cherished member of Life Point Church in Portsmouth, Ohio, where his kindness and compassion touched many lives.
Dick is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife, Margaret “Megg” Getchell of Otway, Ohio; his son Shawn (Loretta) Getchell of Lipan, Texas; daughter-in-law Cindy Getchell of Lipan, Texas; daughters Brittany Gocus-Browning (Ross Barber) of Burleson, Texas, Kristen (Kevin) Wise of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Angel Kemper of Wiley, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Hunter Mills, Barrett Browning, Cameron Wise, Audrey Wise, and Gus May, as well as his godchildren Kameron Bryant and Savannah Garcia and numerous other family members and friends.

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