It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William “Sonny” Otto Weber, Jr. (also known as Web) who passed away on July 11, 2023, in Yuba City, California at the age of 93.
Born June 10, 1930, to William and Florence Weber, he attended Colusa schools and graduated from Colusa High School in 1948. After attending Sacramento City College, he joined the United States Navy as a Boatsman on board the U.S.S. George Clymer serving during the Korean War. In 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Nellie Ann Highstreet and upon Sonny’s honorable discharge from the service they returned to Colusa to put down roots and start their family. Together, they shared four children.
In 1969, Sonny married Helen Concannon and they had two children together. They enjoyed water and snow sports alike owning a vacation home in Tahoe spending time snow skiing and boating.
Sonny had a tremendous circle of friends and blessed with many lifelong friendships. He was most notably known for running Colusa’s iconic Weber’s Market for decades, a neighborhood meet and greet established by his parents. Anyone growing up in Colusa in the 60’s and 70’s has a memory of Weber’s Market; the coldest beer, the penny candy, pickled pigs feet on the counter, a slice of bologna cut to order, the fuel pumps and the best ice in town but most of all, the kindness and friendship that could be found there. For many, it was a fabric of their childhood holding fond sentiments of wholesome and simpler times. He sold the store in the late 1970’s going to work for Simplot and ultimately retiring from the U. S. D. A.
He was a long time member of the Colusa County Rural Fire Department, retiring as Captain. That was a great time for him and he was proud to serve his community in that capacity. His kids recall that growing up they thought it was normal to jump in a car and chase after a fire when hearing the siren go off. Participating with the VFW Post 2441 over the years was an honor for him. He so enjoyed the activities offered and the comradery of fellow veterans. Secretly, Sonny always wished he would have made the Navy his career choice
Sonny enjoyed hunting and fishing. In fact, many may remember the famous Moose head hanging in the old Sportsman Club. It landed there only after Helen refused to have a rather large dead animal head consuming space in her family room out on Princeton Road.
He loved to ring the cowbell at the Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox games and was able to throw the opening pitch on his 80th birthday while all his kids were in the stands. He was also a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants. Actually, his apartment at Sutter Estates was considered an “unofficial dugout” for any residents wanting to watch a Giants game on television. Anyone who knew him and familiar with the Giants schedule knew better than to call him during game time.
Sonny was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Flo, his 2 sons Mitchell and Christopher and former spouse Helen. He is survived by his four children, Greg (Lynne), Mark (Lisa), Michele Shain (Michael) and Kevin (Tina) as well as 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. We would be remiss to not mention the numerous childhood friends that went before him. So few are blessed to have had so many lifelong and meaningful friendships.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM at McNary-Moore Funeral Services followed by a Rosary at 6 PM. A Catholic service is scheduled on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 10 AM followed by a graveside tribute at the Catholic cemetery. The reception fittingly will be held at the Colusa Rural Fire Department after the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request a donation to the Colusa VFW Post 2441 or a favorite charity of your choice. ■
PUBLISHED 07/20/2023 • COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2023-0459