In 1974 Wallie and Alby Kass bought the Riverlane Resort, right next to Johnson’s Beach, and over the years increasingly became beloved bedrocks of the community— in business, in culture, in environmental pursuits and as surrogate sister & brother, cousins, and eventually, aunt & uncle and grandparents to so many. In some ways, Alby and Wallie defined the best of Guerneville for decades– they cooked, hosted so many parties and dinners and events and became everyone’s best friends.
Their love of music and was one of the sustaining themes of their lives. They were founding members of the River Choir, famous for their participation in many musical productions, especially as Tevye and Golde or Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, and Alby was the vocalist with Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble. Wallie was known as the composer of scads of hilarious tribute songs to everyone she knew, beautiful choral pieces and humorous take-offs.
Avid lovers of the outdoors and the miracles of nature, they were strong supporters of Armstrong Woods and the Stewards through which Wallie served as a docent— so much so that their loving sons Larry and Jonathon celebrated their Bar Mitzvot in Armstrong Woods.
Their love of the river and forest led them to be lead plaintiffs in a class action against Santa Rosa for sewage dumping in Russian River— leading to the formation of the Russian River Community Trust.
Their activism also led them to be founding members of PATRIOTS (People Against Terrible Rates in Our Town) leading to formation of Sweetwater Springs Water District
They were also among the founders of the Russian River Jewish Community which revered them among the elders.
Both had been teachers and Wallie’s background in childhood education led her to becoming a teacher at Guerneville School as well as leading parent-infant workshops at Russian River Health Center. Her expertise in this area was so recognized that Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her to a committee on day-care.
And while rooted firmly in their community, the were avid travelers and relished experiencing other cultures and communities around the world.
Alby and Wallie lived generously and fully enjoyed life and the beauty and riches of this world while graciously and generously enriching our lives and community.
To honor them, celebrate them and keep vibrant their legacy, with your support Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and the Russian River Community Trust will dedicate the Kass Community Circle in the picnic area near the Volunteer Center in Armstrong Redwoods. Stewards will restore the picnic area, reopening it for public use and install two picnic tables with dedications to Wallie and Alby in a circle where friends can gather in their remembrance.
To donate and help create the Kass Community Circle, select “one-time” or “recurring” donation, choose your donation amount, then select the Wallie and Alby Kass Fund designation from the drop down menu.
