NC USBC | Memoriams

2024

Del Showels - It is with a heavy heart that I pass along news that I have just recieved. Delipet (Del) Shoals, a long time association bowler, passed away last night - August 1, 2025 - after an extended illness. We miss him and send our sincere condolances out to his family.
I will update this notice when I receive more information.

Kevin Ketchum - I received word that Kevin Ketcham, oldest son of Karen Ketcham and husband of Tiffany Ketcham has passed away at age 45 on 9/1/24. He leaves behind his wife of 25 years - Tiffany, and 4 children - Tristen, Kyrin, Trae & Kolton. We send our sincere condolances out to the entire Ketcham family. There is a Go Fund Me account set up at https://gofund.me/b58a0c54 to assist the family as well as a direct Venmo account at @Tiffany-Ketcham. Details as to the service are still being established. However, those wishing to send a card and/or flowers at this time can send them to 73 Oakwood Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054

Robert (Bob) Mayer - For those of you who have been with the association for a bit, you will remember the name Bob Mayer. While he has not bowled league for a bit, he is fondly remembered. I received word that he passed away on August 27, 2024. We miss him and send our sincere condolances out to his family.
Services will be held on September 21st from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Escondido Elks Lodge, 2430 S. Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA.

Connie Castro - Unfortunately, we have lost another member of our bowling family. Ms. Connie Castro passed away on August 18th. Connie bowled in the Lousy Bowlers league at Bowlero San Marcos. We will certainly miss her and send our sincere condolances out to her family.
At this time, I do not have information on service arrangements.

Phyllis Bourque - It is a VERY sad day. I received word that Phyllis Bourque, a NC USBC Hall of Fame member and LIFETIME member of USBC, passed away on March 27, 2024. Her contributions to this association and GENERATIONS of bowlers in it can not be overstated. Services will be held April 26th at Eternal Hills, Oceanside.

Sam Toro - Sadly, I have received word that Sam Toro, a recent NC USBC Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on February 7, 2024.

2022

Rima Malinoski - Sadly, I have received word that Rima Malinoski passed away on January 15, 2022. We miss you Rima. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. It will be at Skyline Church, Lakeside Campus, 9455 Los Coches Rd. The notice is HERE.

Barb Thiessa - Sadly, I have received word that long time association bowler Barb Thiessa passed away on January 13, 2022. She will be sincerely missed.

2021

Jerry L Cooper - For those of you who have been with the association for a bit, you may remember Mr. Cooper. While he has not bowled for several years, he is fondly remembered. I received word that he passed away on December 30, 2021. We miss him and send our sincere condolances out to his family.

2020

Chuck Hedrick Jr. - Master Gunnery Sergeant Charles Preston Hedrick Jr., USMC, retired - Passed away December 7, 2020. A Marine with over 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he was also a loving husband to his wife Matilda for over 40 years, father of children, grandfather of 4 and great-grandfather of 5.

Thomas Williamson - Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas L. Williamson, USMC, retired, passed away September 14, 2020. A Marine and a patriot, he served 25 year in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a loving husband to his wife Anna, and their 5 children. A lover of Harley Davidson motorcycles, he was also an accomplished bowler and a friend to numerous bowlers. With a high average of 211, his many bowling accomplishments included two (2) 300 games. He also bowled a 299 in the 2000 ABC Bowling Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was loved and will be missed.

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Lillian "Lee" Maye Tusa - Corporal, USMC - passed away May 31, 2020 in Long Beach CA. Born August 28, 1933 in West Virginia, Lee is a former Marine who served with honor and distinction. She was a Korean War Veteran and a member of Women Marines Association CA-7. She was once quoted as saying "I'm proud to have served in our beloved Corps; In my heart, I am and always shall be a MARINE." The pictures here are of her in uniform early in her career, and as she laid a wreath at the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. after taking one of the San Diego Honor Flights a couple years ago. Among her many accomplishments: She studied Naval Justice and Stenography which led to employment at Palomar College, as Superior a Court Clerk for San Diego County, and (following retirement) she volunteered in the Vista Office of San Diego County's District Attorney for 19 years. An avid bowler, she was a friend to countless bowlers of whom I am proud to say I was one. Among her many bowling accomplishments was an honor score in the 2000 Association Championship Tounament. Her infectious smile, and joyous attitude were always on display. EVERY time she would see me, she would wait until I saw her and stand there with her arms open and a smile on her face that said "WELL... don't keep me waiting... get your rear over here and give me a hug and a kiss." I will always remember and miss that.
A loving wife and mother, Lee had 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Those that knew her will always remember her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, CWO Joe N. Tusa - United States Marine Corps Retired, POW, Wake Island.
She is loved and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, it is request that donations be made to The Honor Flight, San Diego or the local WMA Chapter Scholarship fund.
Semper Fi Lee

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Jim Schuck - A loving Husband, father and friend to all, Jim passed away on February 14, 2020. Jim was a past President of the Palomar Bowling Association. He was inducted into our Hall of Fame, in 1990, for Meritorious Service. Jim will be missed by all.

2018

Tina Griffin - A loving mother and friend to all, Tina passed away 10/17/18. A member of the North County USBC Board of Directors, her smile and positive attitude were always inviting. Her professionalism and work ethic were reflected in all that she did. Tina will be missed both personally and professionally.

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Justin J. Phillips Sr. - A loving husband and father, Justin passed away September 13, 2018. He was a Director on the North County USBC Board of Directors and a fierce competitor on the lanes and always a contender as witnessed by his recent victory at the 2018 Adult Royal (Masters Division). In addition to his 12 300 games and 3 800 series (among many other accomplishments) he also shot a 300 at the SOCAL JBT Doubles Tournament with his son JJ Jr. on November 17, 2017 as recorded on Youtube (Here). As a bowling proprietor in Ohio, Justin brought a vast knowledge of the game and center operations with him to California. He was loved and he is truly missed.

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Conrad M. Beadle - 1st Lieutenant Conrad M. Beadle, USMC, retired, passed away August 21, 2018 in Carlsbad CA. of natural causes. A Marine and a patriot, he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a loving husband of 61 years to his wife Nancy, and father of four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was also a friend to numerous bowling buddies, of which I am proud to say I was one. Among his many bowling accomplishments was a 2nd place finish in the 1958 Wisconsin State Tournament. Those that knew him will always remember his FIRM handshakes. He was loved and will be missed.

2017

Betsy S. Young - Beloved by ALL who knew her, Betsy passed away November 22, 2017 in Oceanside CA. She is survived by her children, Joseph C. Young, Charlene Young, Roger Young, Brian Young, and Gwen Holm. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1929, I enjoyed my talks with her about the Old Hawaii. The simple life before it became a state. An avid bowler, Betsy was inducted into the North County USBC Hall of Fame in 2014. She was loved and will be dearly missed.