Wendell H. "Joe" Amidon, CLU, passed away July 6, 2013. Joe was born October 31, 1915 to Ralph and Mae Amidon in Dedham, Mass. He began his extensive working career delivering groceries for the local A&P during high school and moved on to caddying at a golf course and unloading banana boats at United Fruit Company where he was promoted to delivery truck driver. When Hitler invaded Poland, he enlisted in the navy and served as a radioman aboard aircraft carriers and escort convoys. He also served in the Korean War. He retired a highly decorated Lieutenant Commander. Before his discharge he was diagnosed with jaundice and while in the hospital was cared for by a beautiful navy Lieutenant j.g. nurse named Jean who later became his wife. Following the end of WWII they lived in Venice, Coronado, Calif., Bremerton, Wash. and Monrovia, Calif. He began working for Shues, Young and Brown Electronics during the day and went to night school to study the Life Insurance business. After passing his exams, he worked for Equitable Life, Guardian Life and United American Insurance. In 1954, the family moved to Whittier, Calif., where he was involved with the East Whittier Kiwanis Club, East Whittier Little League, Toastmaster's International and The Navy League. After moving to Palm Desert, Calif. he volunteered at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital. Joe was a loving and devoted husband and father. He had many long time friends and always said that friends were one of life's greatest blessings. He lived a very long, full life and will be missed by all who knew and loved him so dearly. He was preceded in death by: his parents, wife of 43 years Jean Therese (Liquori), son Joseph, brothers Ralph, Fred, sister-in-law Mildred Amidon, and dear friend Evie Parducci of Ukiah, Calif. He is survived by: daughter Donna, sons David (Susan) and Charles (Mari); grandsons Eric(Paige) and Bryan (Kate) Johnston, granddaughter Kendra Amidon, and great grandson's Sammy, Jack and Cole Johnston, numerous nieces and nephews and beloved companion Dottie Bickerdike. Special thanks to the staff at Vista Cove in Rancho Mirage, Calif. especially Jack, Dianne, Rebecca, Adrianna and Josie as well as Tammy and the staff at Rose Mortuary.