Honoring Loretta Detmer Tulacz

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Loretta Detmer Tulacz, a first generation Polish American, was born in 1921 and unlike the expectations for women of her day, Loretta embraced adventure. At age 21 she enlisted into the Women’s Army Corps during WWII, left her hometown of Poughkeepsie, NY, and traveled to Florida for basic training. Upon completion she boarded a Navy transport ship and sailed to Italy where she served with the 40th WAAC HQ and the 1847th WAC, reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant. She was stationed throughout Morocco, Italy, and Egypt, working as a stenographer, chaplain’s assistant, and chief clerk.

She became a jeep driver for a General officer and was promoted to classified courier for the American Embassy in Cairo. Loretta told numerous stories of her many exciting experiences overseas including being in active combat zones, living in bombed out buildings, and traveling with top secret documents handcuffed to her wrist. She was highly decorated and has her name included at the Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.

After the war she worked for IBM, got married, and had two children. She remained active through involvement with extended family and organizations such as the local bowling association, the Catholic Church, the American Legion, and the VFW.

Her hobbies included roller skating and she often competed in figure-skating and couples skate- dancing. She was an accomplished seamstress, making her own clothes and skating costumes.

Loretta and her husband Ed moved to Florida in 1979 and enjoyed an active retirement. Loretta loved to oil paint and regularly sold and donated her artwork. Having loved the warm Florida weather, she took up cycling and accumulated over 12,000 miles on her bicycle. She had a full long life passing away gracefully at the age of 95.

Honoring David Alan Graves, Jr. aka "Big Daddy"

David Alan, aka Big Daddy, loved life. He lost his life to a heart attack at the age of 34. He loved his 2 boys, Michael and Wesley, most. He would do anything for anyone. He loved to drive his race car and he loved to drive his semi trucks. He will forever and ever be loved and missed by all. He is now in heaven with his daddy and Dale Earnhardt whom he loved as well.

Honoring Raymond and Cecilia Rath

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Married for 71 years, Ray and Ceci had a fulfilling and adventurous life together. After 20 years in the Air Force and raising 6 great kids while living in MN :-), they set out on a 6 year sailing odyssey which took them half way around the world. Upon returning to dry land and becoming landlubbers once again, they took up residence in northern MN on 1200 acres of prime forest and farm land. Ray spent the next 30 (or so years) indulging in his second love of gardening, while Ceci spent her time preserving the fruits (and vegetables!) of his labors. Ray and Ceci (94 & 93 respectively) are missed very much by their 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Honoring Ray Rolston

Ray “Papa Ray” Rolston passed away on April 30, 2019, at his home in his beloved Key West, Florida. He was born in British Guyana on Sept. 29, 1947, to Dolly Kirton and Lancelot Rolston.

Growing up amid dense rainforest with an infinite tropical climate, trade winds and bright sunsets inspired him to be a naturalist. At an early age, he started painting the landscapes surrounding his hometown. The many waterfalls and rivers of the region became the subject of his works of art as a young adult. After migrating to the United States and spending more than two decades in New York City, he relocated to the Florida Keys. Ray called Key West his home for more than 20 years. The lush tropical scenery, colorful conch houses, landmark buildings and magnificent sunsets became his inspiration for Key West Colors. His signature artwork, which consists of vibrant hues coupled with breathtaking views, earned him the title of one of the premier artists of Key West.

Ray enjoyed traveling all around the world, painting, and taking photographs. He relished in the many trips to the Amazon region and the coral reefs of the Caribbean where he found unbridled inspiration for painting coral scenes and seascapes.

His coffee table book titled “The Art of Ray Rolston,” co-published by Vassi Cheragava, became a fan favorite. His vast body of artwork includes commissioned paintings, abstracts, portraits, and tributes to some of his favorite musicians. For the past 20 years, he has been a premier artist at the world-renowned Sunset Celebration at Mallory Pier.

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Honoring Jeffrey M Fuller

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Jeffery M. Fuller was born in Tampa, Florida on April 14, 1959, and passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017. He was born to Josephine and Millard Fuller and attended elementary school at St. Lawrence. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1977, then received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida. Jeff went on to successfully practice law in Tampa until his recent retirement in 2016. Jeff enjoyed many hobbies such as coaching team sports, golf, and fishing whenever he could. He is survived by Dianne, a special and cherished woman in his life, and by Dexter, his loyal companion. He was also survived by three children whom he loved dearly, Andrew Fuller, Katherine Bender, and Caroline Sutton; his brother, Gene Fuller; and sister, Nancy Vail; plus, many nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved relatives and many dear and faithful friends.  Jeff loved being involved as a coach, mentor, or just being a “Dad” for his children.

Jeff had a quick wit and loved playing practical jokes on his many long-time friends. Jeff had many friends, which he had known since a young age, and remained friends until his unexpected early passing. Some of the long-time friends were his fellow classmates from Jesuit High School and those boys had been known to pull some crazy antics. One of his close friends was Joe Crehan of Key West and Jeff always enjoyed the craziness of the Keys during his visits. In recent years, he enjoyed his time spent at his place in Steinhatchee, Florida, where he, Dianne, and Dexter could just roam about the laid-back area or enjoy their time on the water. Jeff had a unique relationship with Dianne and they enjoyed each other’s company tremendously, traveling, and their time together even though it was unexpectedly cut too short. Jeff was highly respected in the Tampa legal community and always had his clients’ best interest at heart. The law profession does not produce lawyers like those of Jeff’s integrity and character any more.  While Jeff is missed every day, he still remains in the hearts of those he loved and shared such good times.

Honoring Linda Patchett

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LINDA PATCHETT

AUGUST 1945-JANUARY 2019


OPTICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

THE OP-SHOPS IN MIAMI AND KEY WEST.  

CONCH KIDS COMMUTE - TRANSPORTING THE KIDS OF KEY WEST.

EYE-EYE-EYE  -  MAKING WEARING GLASSES A THING OF BEAUTY.

MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT FRIEND, GREAT HUMAN BEING.

LOVED MUSIC, LOVED JAZZ, LOVED NEW ORLEANS. 

LOVED ANIMALS. LOVED LIFE.

ANOTHER KEY WEST "EYECON" PASSING THROUGH.

LONG LIVE LINDA PATCHETT.



Honoring Janee Hull Swift

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Janee Hull-Swift was born on February 5, 1958 in Winter Haven, Florida, and lost her life tragically on November 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. She was an actress and director, held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from University of Southern California and a Master of Arts degree with Honors in Theatre from California State University, Northridge. Beyond her acting, she taught both English and Drama at middle and high school levels as well as worked her way up from Script and Continuity Supervisor to Production Coordinator at Walt Disney and Casting Coordinator at NBC Universal. In her acting career, Janee played iconic and beloved roles, including Alice in “You Can’t Take It with You,” Stella in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Fruma Sarah in “Fiddler on the Roof,” and most recently as The Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” for which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by Broadway World Theatre Awards. We at The Canyon Theatre Guild were privileged to come to know and love her just last spring, when she was cast in the leading role of Ida in “The Cemetery Club,” and then nominated for a Goldie Award for Best Leading Actress in a Play. Aside from the theatre, she loved riding her wing backed Harley Davidson, scuba diving and dog-sledding! She is survived by her husband Bruce J. Swift of 9 years, (although they had a friendship that spanned decades), her 25 year old daughter Samantha Page, and countless friends from throughout her life from theatre and her work in the entertainment industry. Everyone who knew Janee was touched by her love and light. She truly lit up a room with her great laugh and infectious smile. She was always willing to help anyone, which is a testament of her kind and giving heart as both a person and an artist.

Honoring Janet Egan Kelley

Janet Egan Kelley
1953 - 2017
Janet Egan Kelley, age 64, passed away on November 15, 2017 at home in Orlando, FL. Born in Newark, OH on May 26, 1953 and raised in Gahanna, OH, Janet graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School class of 1972. After graduation, she pursued a career in Insurance. First in Columbus, OH and then in Orlando, FL. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Marcia and J. Parnell Egan. She is survived by her daughter, Allison Kelley, Columbus, OH.; brothers, J. Parnell Egan, Lakewood, OH., Kevin Egan, Orlando, FL.; sisters, Sally Vernon, Columbus, OH., Lucy Shaw, Alexandria, OH