Former Hill resident Norma Hansen died June 11, 1999, in Portland, Ore., at the age of 83 following a stroke. Many will remember her fondly as “The Cake Lady,” creator of those delectable masterpieces she prepared for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. She learned cakemaking at Mrs. Gates’ School of Decorating, cramming a six-month…

Grizzled, handsome, locally esteemed and internationally recognizable Camel and Marlboro man Bob Beck died at home Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, after a difficult battle with cancer. Soft-spoken, gentle-souled Beck, so different in persona from the rough-hewn Indiana-Jones type character that would and often did “walk a mile for a Camel” through the most harrowing elemental…

Tracy Claus died Sunday evening, Feb. 22, 2004, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. He was surrounded by his wife of 25 years, Jane, his son, Stephen, his future daughter-in-law, Melinda, and a loving family. His passing was peaceful after a painful fight with lung cancer. Most of his family was able to spend time…

G. Andrew Barker, 63, of Palm Springs and Idyllwild, died Thursday, April 26, 2007, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was born Sept. 19, 1943, to William H. Barker Jr. and Betty E. Barker in Hollywood. Andrew was an architect with the firm Interactive Design Corporation in Palm Springs….