SULLIVAN

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, October 07, 2013 at 06:01:08 :

Independent Journal
Monday, March 23, 1959

Stinson Ranch Caretaker Found Dead

The 72-year-old caretaker of White Gate Ranch at Stinson Beach was found dead yesterday noon, lying in a pig feeding trough.

Coroner Frank Keaton said that Cornelius Sullivan, 72, apparently died of natural causes.

The man’s body was found by a passer-by, Sgt. Marvin Lee Miles of the 666th Aircraft Warning and Control Squadron of Mt. Tamalpais. Keaton said the airman, a resident of the ranch, had not seen Sullivan since Thursday and started a search. He spotted the man’s body while walking past the pig pens.

Keaton said Sullivan apparently had been dead for a day or two. A fence atop the trough kept the pigs away from the body.

Keaton said an autopsy has been performed but the results will not be known for several days.

The owner of the ranch reportedly is Joseph Fagundes of Lucas Valley.

The body was taken to Russell and Gooch funeral chapel of Mill Valley.