"Toolie" Palmer passed away at the age of 94 on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  He was born on April 16, 1915 in Fillmore, CA to George and Tulip Palmer.  He had one brother, Lawrence, who preceded him in death.  While attending U.C. Santa Barbara, he met, fell in love with and married Katherine Smith, his wife of 72 years.

     Toolie loved sports and wanted to be a coach and educator.  He attended Ventura College, University of San Francisco and U. C. Santa Barbara.  His first job after college was at the McKinley Home in Van Nuys where he was a counselor and recreation director.  Later he was a physical education instructor, counselor and coach for 32 years at Fillmore High School where he touched many students' lives.  He was inducted in the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.

     In retirement, Toolie got interested in Australian Bark Pictures.  He has sold and given away many pictures that hang in home in Fillmore as well as homes around the world.  Toolie and Kay traveled extensively and loved learning about new places and people.

     Toolie is survived by his wife, Kay; his son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Lois Palmer of Australia; his daughter, Paula of Fillmore; grandchildren; Randy and his wife, Lisa; Matt and his wife, Linda; Kym Peritore; great granchildren; Brina, Arin, Tate, Lauren, Christian, Thomas, William, Elizabeth and Madeline.

     A memorial celebration of his life will be held at Faith Community Church, 355 D Street in Fillmore on Saturday, May 1 at 11 a.m.