Merwin Eugene Soyster

Merwin Eugene Soyster January 18, 1926 – July 3, 2011 Merwin Soyster, 85, died July 3 at St. John’s Regional Medical Center after a long illness. Better known as Gene, he was born January 18, 1926 in Los Angeles, California to Merwin Hammond and Helen Wright Soyster. He graduated from Los Angeles High and went into the U.S. Marines, serving at the end of WWII and as a reservist during the Korean War. After the war he married Diane Fordell, graduated from Cal State L.A., and went into teaching. In 1954 the family moved to the San Fernando Valley where his three sons were raised. Gene joined the faculty of San Fernando Valley State College (later CSUN) where he taught until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 1991. In 1978 he married Doris Arlene Dahlquist and together explored life and enjoyed life. They presided over many memorable gatherings in their home and not a few people were guests in the “Soyquist Motel.” Gene was the General Manager of Arlene’s piano studio, printing practice charts, recital programs and generally keeping things organized. He was also actively involved in the Music Teachers Association of California, S.F. West Valley and Palo Alto Branches. During his life Gene was an avid (sometimes professional) photographer, Boy Scout and YMCA leader and volunteer librarian. He was a lover: of people, of language (especially palindromes), of trains and streetcars and classical music. He was one who always appreciated a good joke (and had stacks of joke books by his chair to prove it). Gene is survived by his wife of almost 33 years, Arlene Dahlquist Soyster; his children, John (Leslie), Paul (Nancy) and Alan (Sheila), Cathy Dahlquist and David Dahlquist; his grandchildren: Chris (Lani), Jesper, Erin (Randy), Melanie (Matthew), Ellen (Jeremy), Jason (Sarah), Gregory, Rachel, Craig and Whitney; great-grandchildren: Hayleigh, Ethan, Taylor, Alea and William. He was preceded in death by his sister Julia Eleanor Morris and brother Charles Hammond Soyster. Visitation will take place Friday, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Perez Family Funeral Chapel, 1347 Del Norte Road in Camarillo (805-983-3457). The memorial service and reception will take place on Saturday morning, July 9 at 11 a.m. at Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 102 Camino Esplendido in Camarillo (805-482-3847). Burial will take place in northern California at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Gene’s name to the Union Rescue Mission, 545 S San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 www.urm.org