Darlene working at PENPEX promoting the Stamps-R-Us program.
It is with a sad heart that we inform you that two Youth Area volunteers passed away recently. LeRoy Bertsch passed after a short illness on October 11, 2015. Darlene Hickok passed away on November 27, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Darlene founded the Stamps R Us program in 2002 with just a few kids.
She worked hard to have numerous projects for kids at PENPEX while developing the current Stamps R Us program that mails philatelic material to over 35 kids. Darlene served as PENPEX Co‐Chair in 2004 and 2005. She also served as Secretary for seven years between 2005 and 2012 while running the PENPEX Youth Area.
Darlene joined Sequoia Stamp Club in 2001 after winning the treasure chest raffle at PENPEX 2000. She became a regular SSC attendee and by 2003 was elected Secretary. She continued as Secretary until the middle of 2014 when her endurance was waning due to the cancer, but stamps were still her love.
LeRoy Bertsch, back right, with John Dusel and MaryGrace Bertsch, LeRoy’s wife, working the PENPEX 2010 snack bar.
Both Darlene and LeRoy will be missed by all. May they rest in peace.