Obituary: During he early 2000s, John Fisher-Smith read short commentaries on JPR’s “Jefferson Daily” about place and value, called “Reflections.” He loved singing with the Peace Choir, and the group’s pilgrimage to Hiroshima, Japan, in 2006 was one of the highlights of his elderhood. A celebration of John’s life will take place at Temple Emek Shalom on April 6, welcoming all who wish to join at 1:45 p.m.

Obituary: Jean Alayne Francis of Ashland died on Dec. 30 at the age of 81. In July 1999, Jean and her husband Chick retired to Ashland, where they purchased a great house in the mountains with spectacular views from their wraparound deck. They lived happily there for 25 years.

Obituary: Caroline Kirkman, 95, died Nov. 12, 2024, almost 10 years to the day after her late husband of 62 years. Her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, 1615 Clark Ave. (at the corner of Walker Avenue and Siskiyou Boulevard).

Mark Freeman, a longtime Southern Oregon reporter who spent nearly four decades covering the region’s environmental and outdoors news, will be remembered for his quick wit, unbridled sense of humor and unwavering dedication to his craft. Freeman, a longtime Medford resident and former reporter for the Mail Tribune, died of cancer on Saturday, Dec. 21. He was 60.