Robert Earl Bowen, BHS 1946

Robert Earl Bowen (Bob) died peacefully in his San Diego home on October 29 2012 at the age of 84 with his loving family by his side. He is resting peacefully with his best friend and wife, Claire who predeceased him four years earlier.

Bob was born on June 9 1928 in Ogden Utah to Charles Mack Bowen and Mary Ann Hughes. The youngest of eight children he was raised in southern California. He had great admiration for his Mother who worked hard during his childhood to support her large family on her own.

Following his June 14 1946 graduation from Burbank High School he served in the Army PFC during World War 11 and served in Japan.

Bob spent years in San Bernardino, CA mastering his lathing skills. Bob married Wilma L. McMahan and had four children: Robin, Kim, Tonya and Marla. He moved his Family to Anchorage, Alaska where he became an accomplished carpenter.

He remarried in 1983 to his lovely Helen Claire Corcovelos. They moved from Anchorage back to San Diego CA. where Bob met Claire's seven children from her previous marriage: Tom, Angie, Jim, John, Theresa, Andy and Monica. He had no idea what he was getting into but with grace, dignity and love he earned the respect and love of the whole family. When Angie passed, Bob and Claire took her two young sons, Dominic and Dion in and raised them.

Bob was very grateful to Andy and Mariah for their special companionship and loving care.

When all said and done he had eleven children, twenty grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

We will forever miss his gentle demeanor, kindness, graciousness, patience, his willingness to help and most of all his wonderful sense of humor.

He has been cherished and will be missed by his loving family: Robin and Marcie Bowen, Ron and Kim Marie Hoyem, David and Tonya Piaskowski, Dan and Marla Brown, Tom and Marcia Corcovelos, Jim and Beth Corcovelos, John Corcovelos, Miles and Theresa Johnson, Andy and Renee`Corcovelos, Gary and Monica Hartman, and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Mary Afton and his best friend Lou Dionese.

He was preceded in death by loving wife, Claire, daughter Angie Mucciacito and grandson Christopher Corcovelos.

The family wishes to express its immense gratitude to San Diego Hospice for the dignity and care offered to Bob and his family.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to your favorite charity or the Braille Institute.

A memorial service will be held Saturday November 3, 2012 11:00 am at Merkley Mitchell Mortuary 3
3655 Fifth Avenue San Diego, Ca. 92103

Ronald Eugene Holden, BHS 1966

RONALD EUGENE HOLDEN
July 18, 1947 - July 21, 2011

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Ronald Eugene Holden Sr. he had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Ronald was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Ronald was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and...

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Ronald Eugene Holden Sr. he had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Ronald was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Ronald was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on July 18, 1947, Ronald showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Ronald came into this world at Kern General Hospital in Bakersfield, California. His parents were Angamae and Marshall Eugene Holden. Ronald was raised in Del Ano, California and Burbank, California.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Ronald promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with One sister and one brother. He had a sister Shelia and a brother Jr. Ronald was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Ronald interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Ronald had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. Ronald took part in baseball. He was a Boy Scouts and was on the Legislative Community of student body council. In his spare time he liked collected baseball cards and trains.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Ronald was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Burroughs High School in 1966. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Wood shop and Auto shop. Student Council.

Ronald's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn't particularly interest him. Ronald became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his 1 year masters college 0 degree. His favorite courses were Bible Theocracy.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Ronald was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Ronald, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Ronald enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of his best friends were David Thomas. Later in life, he became friends with Dave and Ruth Thomas.

Ronald was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Ronald was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Ronald was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Ronald was blessed with Three children, Warren oldest son, Daniel middle son and Ron Jr last son. They were also blessed with three grandchild Logan, Savanna and Austin

Ronald projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Ronald was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Ronald could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn't one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was General Electric Fabricator/overnight stock person at Walmart. He was employed for 27 years at GE and 13 years at Walmart.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Ronald was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Ronald took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were cars, woodwork and collecting old coins. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Ronald was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school, Ronald played baseball,. Ronald was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, football, golf and basketball.

Ronald's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for him. It was a philosophy that he carried into his community activities and service. Serving on committees for the Senior Circle/Spirit life prime timers.

Ronald was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member Spirit Life Foursquare for 11 years.

Ronald possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included San Antonio and Grand Canyon.

Ronald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Ronald's favorites was Cocoa-Dog. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his dog Lady, Skeeter his bird and Tiger/Tigger his cats.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Ronald accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1997 from General Electric, and Ronald was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Bullhead City, Arizona. In retirement, he found new pleasure in tending his yard/lemon trees and yard working.

Ronald passed away on July 21, 2011 at Bullhead City, Arizona at home. Quick battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Linda, Sons Warren, Daniel,and Jr., daughter in laws Karen, Michelle and Fabrianne. Services were held at Spirit Life Foursquare. Ronald was laid to rest in cremated and laid to rest at home on the entertainment stand.

Though he could be a private person at times, Ronald was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Ronald carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive "teacher", Ronald Eugene Holden Sr. shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Ronald for the strength of his convictions.s Silver Bell Chapel, Bullhead City, AZ.

Ronald Eugene Holden, Sr.

Girard Charles Gilkison , BHS 1955

Girard Charles Gilkison , BHS 1955 

Girard "Jerry" Charles Gilkison Simi Valley, CA Girard "Jerry" Gilkison, 79, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 19, 2016.

 

He was known for his fun-loving personality, ability to "socialize" and his never-ending support of friends and family. He will be truly missed by everyone who was fortunate to know him. Jerry was born in Muncie, Indiana on May 6, 1937 to parents Durward and Dorothy Gilkison. He spent his childhood growing up in Muncie. He moved to Burbank with his parents in 1951. Graduated from Burbank High school.

 

Moved to Simi Valley in 1960. In 1962, at the age of 25 he married the love of his life Trudy until she went to be with the Lord in June of 2007.

 

He is survived by his son, Scott Gilkison, Daughter Sheila McKowan, son in law Sheldon McKowan, Daughter Faith Gilkison, Sister Cheryl Case, Granddaughters Lisa Stillman, Lara McKowan and Brittney Christian. And 4 Great Grandchildren. And numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Viewing is at Readon's Mortuary in Simi Valley on Thursday June 30 4-8 pm. Funeral, Oakwood Memorial Cemetery 22601 Lassen Street Chatsworth, CA on Friday July 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Donation can be made to Fire Family Foundation.

Ventura County Star (CA) - Thursday, June 30, 2016

Penny Irene Johnson Flanagan, BHS 1952?

Penny Irene Johnson Flanagan, BHS 1952?                 

Penny Irene (Johnson) Flanagan Thousand Oaks, CA

 

Penny 81, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2015 at home in Thousand Oaks after a lengthy illness of vertigo and aggressive lung cancer. Her husband, Bob, and the family and friends were with her as she went through the stages of both diseases. Special help was given Penny and Bob by her son Richard Jack, their granddaughter Cheri Enos, and her sister Frances Atkins.

 

Penny was born in Oroville, CA to Luther Cara Johnson and Marian Frances Johnson. The young family of three relocated to Burbank, CA. When Penny was two she found herself with two little sisters and the responsibility of being the 'big sister helper' to them. The sisters were Frances Karen and Wilma Maxine Johnson. Penny lived with her family in the Burbank area through her school years.

 

She was a trained singer and found joy in singing the lead parts in many school musical productions. After Penny graduated from Burbank High School she enlisted in the Air Force and trained as a Communication Center Specialist. She also sang in the canteens on base entertaining the serviceman and women wherever she was stationed. After the service Penny spent many years working in data entry and computer operations.

 

Penny was blessed with four children, a son, Richard and a daughter, Cheryl. Cheryl was adopted out but re-established contact after her 18th birthday. Penny married Bernard (Berney) Jack. A few years later they welcomed another son Kevin Patrick and a daughter Bridget Renae. Their marriage ended in divorce and the family kept going separately with Penny and Berney remaining friends.

 

While working at Bunker Ramo Corporation in Thousand Oaks, Penny met the 'Love of Her Life' Robert (Bob) Flanagan. They married in 1979 and found a home that was perfect for them, where they lived ever since. They were together forty-three wonderful and busy years. During those years, Penny earned a AA degree and also an AS in Laser Electro-Optic Technology from Moorpark College.

 

Penny had a love of gardening and plants and created the "Flanagan's Nursery" business which specialized in annual garden flowers. The couple took an interest in real estate. Penny got a real estate sales license and worked for Century Twenty-One. Over the years the happy couple enjoyed their many family members and friends and the adventures of traveling and with travel trailer camping. They went on cruises to Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Baltic and made six vacation trips to Hawaii. Penny's passions included pets (especially cats and chickens), sewing, and all manner of plants. But most of all was her love for Bob.

 

There was a gathering of family and friends on December 19, 2015 at Bob and Penny's home to celebrate Penny's life. They looked back fondly of her life with a slide show of many special pictures and told wonderful stories of our Penny. She is survived by her husband Bob Flanagan, her children Richard, Kevin, and Bridget, her many grandchildren, and her two sisters Frances Atkins and Wilma Johnson. Per her request, Penny's final resting place will be in a special spot in Hawaii.

Ventura County Star (CA) - Sunday, January 10, 2016

Robert “Rob” John Hordzwick, BHS 1974

Robert “Rob” John Hordzwick, 60, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016.

Rob was born July 21, 1956 in Glendale, California, to Edward and Maryanna Hordzwick. He grew up in Burbank, California, graduating from Burbank High School where he later went to Pierce Community College in 1975. This is where he met the love of his life, Kristin Leann Hein, and they married in 1977. They have been happily married for 39 years. Together they had two daughters, Tara and Kristina.

Throughout Rob’s childhood, his parents took him and his sisters on camping trips in Lake Tahoe. This is where his true love for Tahoe began and continued as him and Kristi, both Cali natives, ventured for a new life and home in Lake Tahoe in 1987. They continued to live in the area for the following 30 years.

Rob loved what he did, as a real estate agent for almost 40 years in Southern California and the Northern Nevada area. Some of his happiest moments were spent on the golf course with his family and friends.

Rob is survived by his loving wife, Kristi, daughters Tara Deming and Kristina Hordzwick, and his beautiful granddaughter Dylan Grace. He is also survived by his Mother, Maryanna Hordzwick, and his sisters, Kathy Varlotta and Carol Nagy, as well

as his many nieces and nephews. Rob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

A celebration of life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 18 at Lake Tahoe Golf Course, 2500 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.

 

Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, September, 2016

Barbara M. Means, BHS 1961

Barbara M. Means, BHS 1961

Burbank Review, October 1964

Barbara Means Dead at 21

Barbara M. Means, 1045 Lamer Street, died Friday at her home. She was 21.

Miss Means was born in Glendale, California. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Linton D. Means; and her sister, Mrs. Virginia Means Gilbert.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. today in the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.

Andrew Avazian, BHS 1991

Andrew Avazian

It is with great sadness to report the sudden death of Andrew Avazian who passed away in his sleep on September 6, 2016. He graduated from Burbank High School with the class of 1991. He was a big Oakland Raiders fan. He wants to be buried next to his mother and the family is trying to raise the money. They have set up a Go Fund Me page for his funeral expenses. No other details at this time.

 

Catherine Hunter Nicholls, BHS 1938

Catherine Nicholls 1920-2015 and John Nicholls 1915-2007
"Together Again"

Catherine "Katie" Nicholls (95) passed away peacefully in Burbank on December 15, 2015, surrounded by her family. Catherine was an active member of the Burbank Community where she lived for over 83 years.

Catherine was born in Glasgow, Scotland in January 1920 to George and Jeannie Hunter. Her family emigrated, through Ellis Island, to Schenectady, New York when she was just 3 years old. When she was 7, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan and then on to Burbank, California when she was 12 years old. Catherine graduated from Burbank High School in the Winter class of 1938. She always loved to dance and spent many summers dancing away with the many popular Big Bands of Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman, at the Avalon Casino on Catalina Island.

She met the love of her life, John "Johnny" Nicholls, when her parents were running a Boarding House. Johnny was born in Mineral, Washington, December 1915, and had come down from Malone, Washington to attend Aeronautical School, which, during World War II, offered him a position at Lockheed Aircraft supervising the production of the P38 Lightning Aircraft. John and Catherine were married on June 26, 1942. Together, while owning and operating a Motel and Upholstery Shop, they raised five children. They joined the First Lutheran Church and enjoyed being in a Square Dancing Club while the children attended the Church and School.
 
In 1961, they moved into one of the First Electric Medallion Houses in Burbank. Johnny had taken the entire summer off to build the home on a lot that Catherine found, with only a pool on the property. They lived there 13 years while John worked many years for Axvall Instruments, as a Tool and Die Maker and Catherine worked for the Burbank Central Library, as a Library Clerk. John became a 32nd Degree Mason and together they worked as Realtor's and became members of the Burbank Historical Society. Catherine also volunteered with the State Elections for over a decade. After their five children were raised and married, they enjoyed boating in their 35 foot Chris Craft and then traveling and camping in their 30 foot motor home. They spent many summers visiting John's family in Washington; along with many trips with the Burbank Elks Lodge's Roving Antlers; as well as, many boating trips to Catalina with Catherine's cousins: Jean Sparks & Rena Stumbo Ryde.

Above all, family was one of the most important part of Catherine and Johnny's life. They attended, as well as hosted, many family gatherings where John always told his family how proud he was of each and every one of them. The most famous was the Nicholls Family Christmas party held annually. After Johnny's death on February 9, 2007, Catherine continued on with the tradition of hosting the Annual Family Christmas party each year. She also hosted St. Patrick's Day parties and Thanksgiving Dinner each year.

Catherine will always be remembered for her ageless beauty and boundless energy. She was always ready to go at a moment's notice. She continued dancing away for many years, (well into her early 90's), at the Joslyn Senior Center in Burbank.
After singing and gently swaying to her Grandson Steve Dempsey's piano playing, she suffered a massive stroke. She is now dancing her heart out in Heaven, with her beloved, Johnny.

Catherine leaves behind five children: Joan (Don) Dempsey; Richard Nicholls; George (Christie) Nicholls; Carol (Wayne) Lebrecht; and Cathy (John) Coyle; 17 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great, grandchild.

Catherine was laid to rest on December 22, 2015, after a beautiful Service at the Old North Church in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills. A Scottish mist loomed as a backdrop while a lone bagpiper's song filled the air as she was placed in her final resting place, next to her beloved husband.

Wayne Culler, BHS 1940?

Wayne Culler, BHS 1940? 

Durham CA United States

WAYNE CULLER 5/20/1922-8/13/2015

 

Born 93 years ago in Eureka, Kansas, Wayne "Barney " Culler followed his older brother "Short" to Burbank, California, where he completed high school. Following high school graduation, Barney joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Radio Man in WWII. Barney often reminisced about his experiences in the war and was featured in an article for the Enterprise record giving his account of serving in WWII. Following honorable service to his country, Barney returned to Burbank, CA. where he began a 45 year long career as a Lineman for Pacbell.

 

Barney was later transferred to Placer County, and then to Butte County, where he resided until his peaceful death, at home in Durham, CA. Throughout his life, Barney especially enjoyed football, his garden and his pipe- and for the past 20 years, rarely missed Thursday morning breakfast with his old work friends.

 

Barney was preceded in death by his son Jack Culler. Barney is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Culler, his daughter Sandy Braden, stepchildren- Jillian Strawn, Matt Strawn, and Kit Strawn and grandchildren: Charles Merritt, Shari Staley, Dennis Culler and Jacob Strawn, as well as several great grandchildren.

 

In memory of Barney, charitable donations to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated. A date for a memorial has not yet been set. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home and online condolences can be sent to the family at Brusie Funeral Home.a

Chico Enterprise-Record (Chico, CA) - Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Kathleen Marie Potorski Stratton, BHS 1966

Kathleen Marie Stratton, 1947-2016

Kathleen Marie Stratton was called to her eternal home by God on July 28, 2016. She was 68. Born Dec. 2, 1947, to Stanley and Eve Potorski in Burbank, she graduated from Burbank High School and later from medical assistant school. She worked the majority of her career in the health care field, helping countless patients and families.

The last 10 years of her professional life were spent working in the Kern County school district. She loved working with the special education children/teens and found much joy in helping them better their reading, writing, math skills and organizing field trips. She also spent much of her off time working with the youngsters in her apartment complex, doing puzzles, reading books and playing numbers games. She gave them a great head start when they started and/or continued in elementary school.

Kathleen was passionate about helping people and organizations. Truly a generous soul, she loved to support environmental, animal and veterans causes. One of her favorite activities was to take long walks and enjoy the miracle of creation.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Eve Potorski; her sisters, Judy and Linda; her brother-in-law, Howard; and her nephew, Bill.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kimberley and Karen; and by her two grandchildren, Madison and Elle. We will miss her so very much. Her legacy we carry on in us.

If desired, donations in remembrance may be made to one of her favorite charities: Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Defenders of Wildlife or Natural Resources Defense Council.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care. For condolences, please visit woodmortuary.net.

TehachapiNews.com, Aug 26, 2016