Point Reyes Light - November 26, 2003
Sonny Bellman, 90, an Inverness native
By Larken Bradley
Inverness native Eustace James Bellman, Sr., known as Sonny, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Napa, of complications from cancer. He was 90.
Mr. Bellman was born Sept. 22, 1913, on Vision Road in his family’s cabin, said to be a relic from a San Francisco world’s fair, where it had been used as an exhibition hall. His father was an Englishman and his mother was thought to be a full-blooded Coast Miwok Indian, "a heritage Sonny was very proud of," his family noted.
Lived at St. Vincent’s
After his mother’s death, young Sonny and his siblings were sent to live at St. Vincent’s in San Rafael, which began as a Gold Rush orphanage, and is now a residential treatment center for boys.
Mr. Bellman's first wife, Patti Mitchell Kemper, who grew up in Marshall, told The Light that Mr. Bellman and his siblings were grateful for the fine education they received at St. Vincent’s.
During World War II he joined the US Navy, serving at Pearl Harbor as a pipe- and steamfitter. Mr. Bellman later used the plumbing training he received in the service at the naval shipyard in Vallejo. He also applied his skills to oil refinery work, and was a tradesman with Lee Mar Plumbing in Rutherford.
Well-known in Napa
"Sonny was well-known in Napa," his family said, where during his retirement years worked as a grounds maintenance man at several Napa Valley shopping centers.
He was predeceased by his son, Eustace James Bellman, Jr.; his brothers, Lawrence Bellman; Raymond Bellman; and Clarence Bellman; sister, Marian Bellman; and a granddaughter, Wendy Gail Fernando.
Mr. Bellman is survived by his wife, Yvonne Bellman of Napa; sons, Robert S. Bellman of Peoria, Arizona; and Byron M. Bellman of Gilbert, Arizona; his first wife, Patti Kemper of Napa; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
The family has suggested that any memorial contributions be made to The American Cancer Society, 1031 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559; or to a favorite charity.