Carl Edward Zander

Carl Edward Zander, Jr. was born in San Bernardino on August 7, 1922, the only child of Carl Edward Zander, Sr. and Daisy Elizabeth Stead Zander. He died at home in Eureka on January 28, 2012. He grew up in Southern California and had fond memories of sailings to Catalina Island aboard the boat he built with his Dad. His father was a Boy Scout Executive and they shared many adventures at the Scout Camp in the mountains.

He attended UCLA majoring in Engineering, but after 2 years, World War II began and he enlisted in the service. Because of his interest in boats, he joined the Navy and requested shipboard duty, but because of his engineering background he became a radar man on B-24 Navy bombers. His squadron, VPB-117, named the "Blue Raiders" by Tokyo Rose, compiled the best composite combat record of all U.S. Navy squadrons in WWII and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces. He has been attending his Squadron reunions for the past 15 years.

Following the war, Carl moved to the Bay Area. He made frequent trips to Eureka courting the girl he had been corresponding with while overseas. In 1948, Carl and Martha South were married. After a short stay in Berkeley, they moved permanently to Eureka, where they raised 3 daughters. Carl first worked at his father-in-law's stores, Matthews Music and the C.O. Lincoln Company. In 1957 he found his calling with the California Division of Highways and worked there for 29 years.

In his retirement, he found a variety of ways to keep himself busy. Having always been fascinated with science and new technology, he was active in a computer club. Because of his love for books, Carl spent many hours volunteering at the library sorting books, working in the Humboldt Room, making signs and cards, helping at book sales, and serving as a Friends of the Redwoods Library Director. He kept himself active by meeting friends daily for early morning "mall walks", talks, and coffee. Also he played tennis regularly from high school until recent years.

Anyone who has spent time with Carl knows what a great storyteller he was. Carl has enjoyed travelling in recent years, especially with his family. He was privileged to have had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. last May with the North Coast Honor Flight. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Martha, his daughter Christina Lynn Zander, and his parents.

He is survived by his daughter Belinda Gail Zander; his daughter Melissa Ann Nicholson; his son-in-law Ken Nicholson; and his grandchildren, Alex and Jenny Nicholson. He is also survived by his cousins Lynne, Carl, and Hannah Marker; and Larry and Ann Roberts.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church, 15th and H Streets, on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 11 a.m. The Very Rev. Ron W. Griffin, Rector will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Mortuary Chapel, Eureka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Redwoods Library, P.O. Box 188, Eureka 95502, or the North Coast Honor Flight, 710 E Street, Ste 100, Eureka 95501.

Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, CA.