In Memoriam of Past Members of Local 16
Roger W. Dodd November 21, 1950 - July 18, 2024 Roger Dodd, a highly skilled motion picture carpenter, passed away on July 18, 2024. Roger's exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to his work made a lasting impact in the film industry. Originally a member of Local 420, Roger joined Local 16 on March 1, 1982. Throughout his career, he was known not only for his talent but also for his unwavering commitment to his colleagues and his craft. Roger will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of working with him. His legacy will live on through the many films and projects that benefited from his expertise. Photo: R. Dodd (Middle), L. Beard (Left), J. Chapot (Right) Scott A. Houghton April 5, 1953 - April 14, 2024 Brother Scott Houghton passed away on April 14, 2024. Scott joined IATSE Local 16 in 1980 and quickly made a significant impact, working at the SF Opera House. He was elected to serve on the IATSE Local 16 Executive Board for an impressive 27 years, during which he also chaired the Board of Trustees and served as Local 16 treasurer for 18 years. His dedication to improving the lives of IATSE Local 16 members was unwavering. Brother Houghton was more than a colleague; he was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of our union. Michael Gilmore January 8, 1944 - February 25, 2024
Marc Kockinos April 29, 1962 - February 2, 2024 Marc Kockinos was often seen on the Trade Show floor, in the Breakout rooms, and the Keynote sessions. He was known for his compassion, deep booming voice, and expertise in nearly every facet of event production. He handled audio mixers as well as projectors; and was always happy to mentor newer folks in all the different skills that modern video and audio techs need these days. He was also very active in the SF and San Diego literary circles, as a poet and spoken-word performer. As well, he was a photographer, just an all-around lover of the arts.
Randall White June 17, 1953 - June 13, 2023 Randall was a union rep for NABET 51 in SF in the late 1980s. When NABET merged with IATSE, he became a union rep for International IATSE. Afterwards, he became a proud member of Local 16, working for more than 25 years. He’ll be missed by his family and the multitude of people who have communed with him over the years. David JayneFebruary 2, 1963 - May 24, 2023David Jayne passed away May 24, 2023, in San Francisco. He had been with Local 16 since 1996. He was a long-time Audio-Visual technician as well as a talented musician. September 13, 1982- March 1, 2023Joshua Cortez passed away on March 1, 2023 at the age of 40. A San Francisco native, Josh honed his craft initially at Somarts Gallery in the City before working with Local 16 for 17 years as a classically trained stagehand that specialized in rigging, stage carpentry, electrics, props, and film work. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his strength of character, love of family, humor, and kindness; his passing is felt by us all and he will be missed by all those lucky enough to have known him. David Badella July 14, 1952- December 20, 2022 It is with great sorrow and sadness to inform you of the passing of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s beloved stage manager, David Badella. Dave was so devoted to our orchestra musicians, crew and staff, keeping us all safe and sound, and he took the utmost care for all of the Symphony’s productions for many years. In addition, he was a 30-year employee of Luther Burbanks Center. He was a true friend and he shall be greatly missed. Theodore "Ted" Doke August 22, 1975 - November 15, 2022 Ted Doke passed away on November 15, 2022. He had been working with Local 16 since 2010. He was a skilled video technician. He will be missed. John Whittaker August 26, 1985 – November 6, 2022 Michael Thonus January 22, 1973 - June 7, 2022 Mike arrived in San Francisco in the 90’s and quickly established himself as a top rigger in the Bay Area. He was the Head Rigger at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for many years. His skill, work ethic and infectious sense of humor will be missed by many. Richard "Dick" Tipping May 3, 1941 - May 15, 2022 Richard Olague February 7, 1930 - January 7, 2022 He worked in the Theatres and did craft service for many feature films. He was a tireless advocate for Local 16 and often spoke eloquently at Union meetings on solidarity. Joe Carl Parsons January 5, 1943 - February 24, 2022 He started with Local 16 in 1974 as an apprentice with his longtime friend Steve Cardellini. Joe Carl work for several years between the SF Opera and SF Ballet before transferring over to motion pictures where he was a Best Boy on many productions. In recent years he was living in Arizona, but always enjoyed returning home to attend the retiree luncheon where he could catch up with old friends. Keith Gabriel May 8, 1950 - February 7, 2022 Keith was a longtime member of IATSE Local 16. He was primarily an electrician and worked for many years at the Warfield Theatre. Katsuhiko Okada January 4, 1946 - January 4, 2022 Katsu Okada, a longtime member of Local 16 since 1993 passed away on January 4th, 2022. He was an extraordinary craftsman whose talent and skill contributed to many Film, Opera, Ballet and Commercial sets in the Bay Area. He enjoyed salmon fishing and would often share his “catch” with crew members. He will be deeply missed. Kandi Blomquist - Mc Cann March 12, 1966 - January 9, 2022 A member since 1992. Kandi excelled as a master electrician and lighting designer. Kandi was a mentor and advocate for women in the industry. She lit numerous events, specializing in lighting for charitable causes. She was active in Habitat For Humanity building homes as well as Walk For Life raising funds to fight cancer and support survivers. With her rescue dog Atlas she spent many hours at local food banks. Her tattoo “I chose love” says it all. Maurice Beasley August 1, 1944 - December 9, 2021 Brother Maurice Beasley passed away at home in Reno, Nevada on December 13 of heart and lung complications. Maurice was a long time Journeyman of Local 16 and worked in many capacities including as the Master Carpenter at the Geary Theatre for the American Conservatory Theatre. He was a loyal and steadfast friend to those he loved and always responded when asked to help. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him well. Russet in peace my brother. Steve Rammer July 26, 1967 - October 24, 2021 Originally from Wisconsin Steve was with Local 16 since 2000. He worked in a various array of venues including Moscone, Concerts and the Theatres. May he rest in peace. John Seau November 14, 1969 - September 24, 2021 John was a True Brother in All Aspects of Life. Union, Family & Friendship. RIP Brother John! Bill Beck August 25, 1937 - September 19, 2021 Bill was a terrific man, hands down. Bill drew the model drawing we used to build our FX model props on many of our ILM model projects. He was 83. Bill will be missed by all those who worked with him. Doug Elliott March 10, 1942 - September 10, 2021 Doug Elliott has been a members of Local 16 since 1970. He worked extensively on films, in the theatres but was most at home in the shops around the Bay Area, the last of which was Island Creative. He had a strong work ethic and will be missed by many. John Maynier April 3, 1952 - August 13, 2021 John Maynier was a long time member of IATSE Local 16. He was a skilled builder and stage carpenter. He served our country honorably in the Vietnam war. May he rest in eternal peace. Peter Stolz September 23, 1945 - August 7, 2021 Peter worked at Industrial Light and Magic beginning in 1979 primarily as a special effects and pyro technician and his film credits for the more than 30 films included Return of the Jedi, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Nash Bridges, and Milk. He worked extensively for he SF Opera, SF Ballet, and SF Symphony. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Cecil Forbes March 22, 1927 - July 11, 2021 Cecil Forbes was born in 1927 and was longtime member of Local 16. He worked extensively at the San Francisco Opera House as well as on several motion pictures. He was a gracious gentleman and he lived his 94 years well. May he Rest in Peace. Charles "Cubby" Sedgwick June 24, 1957 - June 5, 2021 Charles “Cubby" Sedgwick was a long time member of IATSE Local 16. He started his career in music and perfected his craft as a premier audio technician. In addition he was an Assistant Business Agent with Local 16 for several years and was elected as Sargent at Arms. He will was beloved by many and will be deeply missed. Ira Keeler July 22, 1940 - April 15, 2021 Ira worked at ILM as a model maker for nearly two decades and contributed to dozens of projects during that time. From Return of the Jedi and the Back to the Future films to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Star Trek First Contact, and Jurassic Park. Ira was an invaluable member of the team. He was a truly gifted artist, and craftsperson, and was always very kind. John Souza June 1,1976 - March 23, 2021 John Souza has been a part of Local 16 since 2006. John has worked many music events as well as conventions and theater productions. Clark Higgins August 3,1950 - March 16, 2021 Dan Freundl November 29, 1963 - March 3, 2021 Dan Freundl has been a member of Local 16 for over twenty years. In addition to working many events at Moscone he was a skilled scenic artist and painter. Bill Garbe October 20, 1947 - February 9, 2021 Bill “Hippy Bill” Garbe was longtime stagehand and roadie and work extensively at the Warfield Theater. He was famously known as the flag waiver at Rat Dog concerts. He was beloved by the many musicians and crew members he worked with. Mike Kane June 5, 1935 - January 28, 2021 Mike was a member of Local 16 for 58 years. He was the master carpenter of the San Francisco Opera House. He was a great mentor and friend to many at Local 16. Those who worked with him will always be eternally grateful for his leadership and dedication. Gary Roloff June 29, 1953 - December 28, 2020 Greg Cox June 27, 1962 - December 4, 2020 Scott Green April 9, 1970 - November 2, 2020 Scott Green was with Local 16 since the late 1990’s. He was a gifted Audio Engineer who worked extensively at various venues with Local 16. He was a friend to many and well respected by his colleagues. Paul Puppo March 14, 1963 - August 30, 2020 Paul was an 18 year member of Local 16, he was a talented electrician who creativity and ingenuity was realized in many productions done by the SF Opera. Jonathan Michael Davis April 4, 1963 - July 11, 2020 Mickey D was a longtime member of Local 16, he worked in many capacities, from set dresser to stage carpenter to being a House Head at the Cow Palace which was home to many productions in the Bay Area. John Jacobs October 29, 1948 - June 12, 2020 John was a 30 plus year member of Local 16. He was a longtime crew member at the Marin Center for the Performing Arts. Michael Hayes July 14, 1954 - June 15, 2020 Michael was a sound technician with Local 16 and toured with many bands during his career. Hugh Byrne Jr June 8,1952 – April 24, 2020 Hugh was a member of Local 16 for 45 years. He was an exceptionally talented stagehand who worked in all facets of stagecraft but really excelled in the Motion Picture and Commercial industry with his many different camera rigs and camera car. Brother Hugh Byrne was not only a talented stagehand but an exceptional person. Brien Burroughs January 23, 1970 - March 16, 2020 Brien was a journeyman with Local 16 for over 20 years. Apart from being an experienced rigger, he was also a filmmaker. John Kilpack February 17,1962 - March 21, 2020 Brother John will be greatly missed. He was with Local 16 for over 25 years, and he was a premier follow spot operator and a beloved crew member to all. Robert "Baba" Carman May 27, 1941 - January 11, 2020 Robert was a long-time journeyman with Local 16 starting his career in the 1960’s. He was a stage carpenter who eventually became the house flyman at the Curran Theater in San Francisco. Ryan Snyder March 17, 1971 - July 15, 2019 Ryan worked through Local 16 for 18 years. He was a talented sound engineer who worked on many corporate and theatrical productions. Bennett Steinmuller August 10, 1967 - July 3, 2019 Bennett worked through Local 16 for 20 years. Originally hailing from New York he worked in many capacities with Local 16. Benny Te'o December 8, 1955 - May 16, 2019 Benny worked through Local 16 for over 20 years, primarily as an electrician and rigger. He worked at the SF Opera and for many touring theatrical productions. John Maucieri November 7, 1952 - April 17, 2019 John Maucieri passed away unexpectedly at age 66. John spent a large part of his career as a theatre electrician at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Masonic, Curran, Golden Gate and Orpheum Theaters. He was known as a premier follow spot operator and took great pride in this. He will be deeply missed by his Local 16 family. Ted Moehnke January 22, 1937 – January 29, 2019 Ted was a member of Local 16 for 54 years, receiving his gold status in 2015. Ted started out working Ice Follies in 1961 where he met Eddie Powell at Winterland. They spent a number of years working in the theaters and the Local 16 office together. Ted also worked on a variety of films including George Lucas’s first film THX1138 and a great many others with Lucas’s production company: Industrial Light and Magic. He was not just a prominent stagehand but an exceptional person. Ernest E. WrightJuly 2, 1965 - January 9, 2019Ernest "Ernie" Wright passed away January 9, 2019 in Alameda, CA, at the age of 53.
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