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Promoted to glory
Lt. Colonel Charles M. McIntyre
Lt. Colonel Charles Miller McIntyre, 93, was promoted to Glory on June 23, 2006 from a hospital in Sonoma, California.
Chuck was born in 1912 and met the Army as a young boy when a Long Beach Citadel youth worker involved him in park ministries. He accepted an invitation to the corps and became a Salvationist, as did his mother. Later hearing the call, he was commissioned in 1938 with the Enthusiasts Session.
After a year at the training college, he was sent to corps work in Merced, Salinas, and Los Angeles Metropole (Harbor Light). As a captain he became manager of the Men’s Social Service center in 1941. He worked at the Army’s USO Center in King City, Calif. during World War II.
In 1943 he was transferred to the property department at THQ, where he remained for the rest of his career.
Chuck married Elnora Torgerson, whom he had met in Los Angeles, in 1947, and God blessed them with three boys. McIntyre was known for his faithful commitment to his God, his officership, and his family
Wherever they attended, the corps officer could always count on the tall Bb bass player being available. Readily seeing the outreach value of Salvation Army music, he endeared himself to many newcomers when he invited them to join band or songsters.
Through his responsibilities with property, he knew every building in the territory from its inner framework to its outer décor. In retirement years in Sonoma, these interests continued as he did consulting work in property matters, served faithfully in Santa Rosa Corps music groups, and traveled to many parts of the world.
In later years, when his health became fragile, he was grateful that many good friends came long distances to see him, or called and wrote to him. He was a genuine friend, as well as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years and three sons: Chuck Jr., Bill and Donald, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at the Santa Rosa Corps. Major Peter Clack, corps officer of the Tucson Temple Corps and longtime friend of the family, officiated, assisted by the corps officer, Captain Fred Rasmussen.
Major Salvador Gomez
Major Salvador Gomez, 89, was promoted to Glory on June 2, 2006 from his home in Quail Valley, California.
Sal was born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1917. He came to the U.S. at age 8 and later became a naturalized citizen. At age 19 he married Ida Martinez, who was 16. They spent their entire lives dedicated to the Lord and would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in August.
Always a lover of music, Sal received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Cal State Los Angeles. He later gave lessons and also played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and served as concert master.
Sal and Ida entered the School for Officer Training in San Francisco from the El Paso Southside Corps in Texas. Commissioned in 1945 as part of the Fearless Session, they were surprised to be appointed back to their home corps and remained there five years.
Other assignments included Phoenix Eastside, Los Angeles Spanish American Corps, Seattle Family Service Center, San Francisco Mission, Los Angeles Eastmont, Whittier and San Diego Temple Corps. Major’s last appointment before retiring in 1982 was the regional representative for Correctional Services for Southern California.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Ruth Cane, two sons, Bernard and James, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held at the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, with Major Luis Martinez leading and Lt. Colonel Herbert Wiseman bringing the message.
Nels Bramwell “Brownie” Johnson
Nels Bramwell “Brownie” Johnson, 89, a faithful soldier of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps, was promoted to Glory on July 1, 2006. He was born in 1916 to Nels and Lidia Johnson. His mother, who was born in Sweden, liked to call him Bramwell, but her thick Swedish accent made it sound like “Brownie,” and thus his nickname was born.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served in the Philippines and Guam. Among his duties was the arming of torpedoes and training of sailors in their proper use. In 1946 he was discharged from the service and awarded the Victory Medal.
Brownie met Evy Hultin in Seattle, Washington. They married in 1946 at The Salvation Army in St. Paul, Minn., Evy’s home corps. The Johnsons made their home in Southern California, and attended the Pasadena Corps. Brownie was a soldier for more than 70 years and served in many capacities, including Young People’s Sergeant Major, corps treasurer and head usher.
During his professional life, Brownie worked as a mechanic at the Monrovia Airport, a gas station owner and operator, parts manager for a Ford dealership, and for The Salvation Army in Burbank. He had many hobbies and interests, including travel, camp, race cars and attending sporting events. He loved being with family and friends and attending the corps where he was appreciated for his kindness, goodness and keen sense of humor.
Brownie is survived by Evy, his wife of more than 60 years; son, Gary Johnson; two sons-in-law, Major Moses Reyes and Phil Longden; four granddaughters and four great-grandchildren, as well as a sister, Florence Williams.
A celebration of life was held at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps with Captain Edward Hill officiating.