A.J. Travis, age 37
Americo Joseph Travis passed away unexpectedly on March 30. He was 37 years old.
A.J. was born in Mobile, Ala., and moved to Sonoma with his mother when he was eight months old. They lived on Warm Springs Road in Kenwood in the late 1970s. A.J. was enthusiastic about sharing colorful stories with his friends and family. His friend affectionately called him “Bean,” and they named the creek across the street from where he lived when he was growing up “Bean’s Beach.”
A.J. was knowledgeable in carpentry, gardening and cooking. He was an entrepreneur and was in the process of selling homemade pizzas and organic vegetables in Seiad Valley where he lived for nine years. He loved being in the wilderness and shared his time with family and friends at the family cabin near Lake Tahoe, swimming and hiking.
A.J. was passionate about Reggae music, drumming, barbecuing with friends and his beloved dog, Kenya, and camping. He enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and New Zealand and wrote in his personal journal about his life experiences. He was gregarious and would meet people wherever he went. He will be remembered for his willingness to help others, his kindness and his generosity.
A.J. is survived by his mother, Kit Chelini; sisters Lillian Travis and Iris Travis; grandmother June Chelini; father, Michael Travis; uncle and aunt, Michael and Kathy Chelini; cousins Misha, Missy and Rico, their families; and his close friends. He is preceded in death by his stepfather, Tom Caraher and grandfather Emil Chelini.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of A.J. by bringing their favorite dish or beverage to share on Saturday, May 5, starting at 11 a.m. at the Depot Park in Sonoma.
