LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Chris Mallock was a traveler both literal and allegorical so it was fitting that his next voyage was begun during the fireworks of Independence Day.

He faced his cancer with courage, and lived four years longer than predicted.

Well before his stint in the Navy, he had started adventuring away from his family's Maryland home.

He traveled widely, frequenting New York, New Orleans, San Francisco and Mexico, as well as Chile and further.

Throughout, he was an avid reader and compelling storyteller, writing a series of sci-fi books that weave historical fiction into family-friendly fantasy.

In the mid-70s, his travels brought him to the Clearlake area, where he settled down with Lenore Monk and their son, Will, and opened a restaurant called the Juice Bar.

Later Chris invested in our community in some other unique ways. He was a regular at his beloved writers group and Yoga studio.

For more than a decade he tended bar at Konocti Harbor Inn, and for nearly 30 years he was one of the only local flight instructors.

But he was most proud of being one of the founding members of Lake County's Community Radio, KPFZ. He remained a dedicated member and organizer up until the end, and donations may be made to the station, in his name.

His spirit will be long remembered.

Many will miss him, including his son, William Monk of Arcata; his two sisters, Lou Witherite of Vermont and Jane Barss of Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews; his local network of extended family and friends; and of course his sweetheart, BarbaraJo Bloomquist.

Friends and family will gather for a celebration of his life on Aug. 8. It was his wish that it would be a fun party, and his radio station friends have been instrumental in making this happen.

For more details about the event, please call 707-279-4272.