Wilson Robinson Locke was born April 3, 1935, in Albany, Calif., and passed away Oct. 1, 2006, at home in Middletown, after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time. Wilson and his family have been property owners in Lake County since 1938 and vacationed here every summer. He and his wife, Mona, became year-round residents in Middletown in 2003.
Wilson was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was a retired newspaper editor who began his career as a stringer for the Mendocino Beacon, while still in high school. He played basketball and other sports in high school as a member of the Mendocino Cardinals. Wilson attended Contra Costa Community College and Stanford University. Starting out as a copy boy at the Oakland Tribune in 1956, he left the Tribune for the Los Angeles Times in 1973 where he helped to usher in the computerized newsroom. Wilson retired from the LA Times in 1991. An avid outdoorsman and author, Wilson enjoyed photography and was considered a crack-shot hunter.
A friend to all, Wilson is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mona Locke of Middletown, and their children, Devra Dallman and son-in-law Mark of Belmont, Janice Locke-Sumstine and son-in-law Don of Roseburg, Ore., Alan Locke of Stockton, Matthew Locke and daughter-in-law Serena of Central Point, Ore., and Wilson R. Locke II of Goleta. He is survived by his five grandchildren, Richard Amos of Roseburg, Ore., Ellie and Carrie Dallman of Belmont, Taylor Locke of Goleta, and Jackson Locke of Central Point, Ore. He is also survived by his mother, LuCelia Robinson of Littleriver; brother, William A. Locke; and half-sister, Janice Penberthy of Vallejo.
Wilson was preceded in death by his father, Judge C. Wilson Locke of El Sobrante.
At Wilson”s request no public service will be held.
For those who desire to do so, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Please sign the guest book at www.record-bee.com, click on obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee Friday, Oct. 14, 2006)
