Reesce Dooley, 82, died Nov, 21, 2004 in Napa, Calif., of complications from kidney failure, with his family at his side.  Reesce was born in Hollister, Calif., to Ora and Leiden Dooley and spent most of his life there.  He and his wife, Aimee, had lived for the past year in Sonoma after having spent 10 happy years of retirement in Oak Harbor.

Reesce was a graduate of San Benito County High School.  He worked with his parents in the Dooley family  restaurant and candy store.  He served as a gunner’s mate in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement.  He was proud throughout his life to have served his country, and his Navy comrades remained lifelong friends.  After the war he returned to Hollister and joined his father in running a turkey business.  He retired from the turkey business in the mid-1970s and became a local real estate agent.  He and Aimee were members of the Hollister and Whidbey Island Presbyterian churches.

Reesce had a sharp mind, was a  great storyteller, laughed easily and loved a good joke.  He was a man of passionate convictions and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He will be remembered by his family and many friends for his gentle and generous nature.

 He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Aimee, and their three children, Liz and husband Bruce, Kip and partner Peter, Tom and wife Wendy; his son Roland and wife Barbara; and grandchildren Benjamin and Sarah, his stepdaughter Maurine and husband Charles and granddaughter Kate.

Memorial service will be held in Hollister, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2066 Cienega Road.  The services will be followed by a luncheon reception in the church hall.  Rev. Rick Pennington will officiate at the services. Private inurnment will take place at a later date in the IOOF Cemetery in Hollister where Mr. Dooley will be placed with his father and mother. Donations are preferred to Friends in Sonoma Helping (F.I.S.H.), PO Box 507, Sonoma, CA 95476.