In Passing

John Bezy

Longtime resident of SaddleBrooke, John Bezy, 75, died on Sept. 5, 2020. Many residents of this community have fond memories of traveling with John throughout Mexico, Guatemala, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni Nations. His vast knowledge of these regions—their inhabitants, their art, and their history—made these trips pleasurable learning experiences. As a geologist, John explained the formation of the desert Southwest mountains and surrounding regions in a way easily understood by his fellow travelers. He wrote several books which invite further understanding. Over the past thirty years, John’s passion for the beautiful pottery of Mata Ortiz encouraged him to promote it throughout the country. Many SaddleBrooke residents learned of this artform through John and now share his passion. He was well-known and trusted by the artists and the galleries displaying this pottery. John’s friends will miss not only his intellectual prowess and constant quest to learn, but also his wonderful and wry sense of humor, his loyalty, his willingness to help when asked, and his on-going love of travel. His passing leaves a void among his friends that cannot be filled.

Janice Waller

Janice Waller passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, at her home in SaddleBrooke with her husband Marlin (and three dogs) at her side. Janice had battled ovarian cancer for nearly five years.

Janice is survived by her husband Marlin and her cousin Marc Derden who lives in the LA area. She was born in Santa Monica, Calif. and grew up in El Segundo, just south of LAX Airport. She attended community college for two years and then went to work for Western Airlines as a flight attendant for 13 years, headquartered in Minneapolis and San Francisco. After Western was purchased by Delta Airlines and closed the Minneapolis base, Janice went to work for Honeywell Corporation as a flight attendant/scheduler and traveled nearly everywhere in the world. When Marlin accepted a job in Washington, D.C. Janice resigned from Honeywell.

When Marlin retired, they moved to Durango, Colo. Then years later they bought a house in Oro Valley, Ariz. and eventually moved to SaddleBrooke in 2013. In SaddleBrooke, Janice found her true love in pottery and made many life-long friends. She loved teaching classes and showing off her work and participating in the Craft Fairs each year. Janice also loved throwing big parties and getting together with friends.

She will be sorely missed by her husband, the dogs, and her friends. A Celebration of Life party will be held when it’s permissible in this COVID-19 environment.