Mary Ann Addington Copping, BHS 1946

Mary Ann Addington Copping, BHS 1946

Mary Ann "Tex" Copping
March 01, 2011, Glendale News Press

There is another angel in Heaven. Mary Ann Copping passed on to heaven, Wednesday, February 16, 2011 after a long illness.

Mary Ann was born on August 22, 1929 in Rusk County, East Texas. She came to Burbank in 1944 and enrolled at Burbank High School where she met Al Copping, her future husband. After graduation, they were married on September 23, 1946.

She was active in the Irish Setter Club of America and the Irish Setter Club of Southern California. She bred, raised, and trained many of her lovely “red dogs”.
She will be truly missed by family and her many friends.

She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Matt Copping of Burbank. She is survived by husband, Al; two sons, Nick and Al Jr.; six granddaughters, one grandson and one great granddaughter.

Perry Bernell Cuddleback, BHS 1947

Perry Bernell Cuddleback, BHS 1947

Perry B. Cuddeback passed away peacefully on Thursday April 14, 2011 in Palm Desert, California. Perry was born on May 19th, 1928 in Indian Grove Township, Illinois to Pearl and George Cuddeback.

Perry is survived by his children, Jay, Jon and Kim Cuddeback, companion Margaret Dayton, daughters-in-law LeAnn and Stacy, 6 grandchildren and his sister, Norma Langley. Perry was preceded in death in 1999 by Dee, his loving wife of 41 years.

He graduated from Burbank High School and then enlisted in the Navy. Perry had a great love for golf, and his family. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration in his honor Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Mill Creek Country Club 15500 Country Club Drive, Mill Creek, WA 98012.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Published in The Seattle Times on April 23, 2011

Rowen D. Zipfel, BHS 1936

Rowen D. Zipfel
Burbank High Winter 1936
1917-2011

Rowen Zipfel passed away peacefully at his home in Burbank, after a long illness, May 23, 2011. His entire immediate family had gathered the day before to be with him.

Rowen was 93 years old and had been married to the love of his life, Bettie for 68 years.

Rowen was born August 15, 1917 in Bakersfield, California. When he was of Junior High age, he attended John Burroughs Jr. High and later, graduated from Burbank High in the winter of 1936, where he was active in football and other sports and activities.

Rowen was a journeyman plumber for well over 40 years. Even in his retirement, he was always busy. He was a talented artist and has produced many watercolor paintings. He did wonderful leather work and also could build or make just about anything out of wood. He was very mechanical and could fix “whatever needed fixing”…He loved music and was a wonderful dancer. In his younger years, he was also an avid horseman and loved to fish. He was a wonderful storyteller to his daughter and his grandchildren. He was his family’s hero. And…he absolutely LOVED Ice Cream and Apple Pie! (Apple Pie was his Birthday Cake of Choice for years!)

Rowen was pre-deceased by his Mother, Mabel Dunham, Father Joseph Dunham, brother Donald Zipfel BHS ‘33, brother, Robert Zipfel BHS Summer ‘36 and nephew, Daniel Zipfel.

Rowen is survived by his wife Bettie Zipfel, his daughter Pam Zipfel Kirkwood BHS ’64, Son-in-law Jon Kirkwood BHS ’64, Granddaughter Kirsten Kirkwood JBHS ’97, Grandson Kris Kirkwood JBHS ’97, Great-Grandsons Caleb Cook-Wickline, Kristian Rowen Kirkwood, Sister Patricia Goodman, 2 Nephews and 3 Nieces.

Rowen was loved and treasured by his family and friends and will be missed so very much. We were all so fortunate to have had him in our lives.

Submitted by Pam Zipfel Kirkwood

Jean E.Segner Dossen, BHS 1941

Jean E. Segner Dossen, BHS 1941

The Daily Breeze, March 22, 2011

Jean E.Dossen

Passed away March 19, 2011 in Palos Verdes Estates. Jean was born September 10, 1923 in Tujunga and was a prior 40 year resident of La Canada Flintridge. She is survived by her loving husband, Owen; son, Joseph S. Dossen, daughters, Susan J. Farmer, Jan M. Black and Judy E. Dossen; brother, Donald Segner; sister, Shirley Rasmussen; her 10 loving grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be private. Donations may be made in Jean’s name to the City of Hope.McNerney’s Mortuary 310 832-8351

Note: Jean was a Gold Star Wife losing her first husband a BHS graduate who was killed in World War II.

Charles Elton Osgood, BHS 1947

Charles Elton Osgood, BHS 1947

Big Bear Grizzly, Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Charles Elton Osgood
May 17, 1929 - August 5, 2009

Thank you everyone for all the flowers and cards. My heartfelt appreciation to the Burbank Police Dept., the American Legion Post #584, and the Fawnskin Moose Lodge #2085. A special dept of gratitude to the Big Bear Ciry Fire Department Paramedics for their quick response in my time of need when my husband was so very ill. A big hug and a thank you to Dr. Joan Bischoff at the VA Hospital who gave Charles such wonderful care. Charles served in the Korean Conflict and retired from the Burbank Police Department.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, his sister, Jean Johnson of Palm Desert, 3 sons; Mike Osgood of Anchorage, Alaska, John Osgood of Bozeman, Montanna, Danny Mirisola of La Canada, California, and 2 daughters; Teri Eckles of Lake Havasu, Nevada and Tina Decker of Sequin, Washington, plus 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Roseann Carter.

Betty Louise Hocking Irwin, BHS 1948

Betty Louise Hocking Irwin, BHS 1948

The Sacramento Bee, February 2009

Betty was born in Tacoma, Washington, on October 26, 1930, and died unexpectedly in Sacramento on February 11, 2009.

Betty was raised in Burbank, California. When she was twelve , her family moved to a new home, where she met Donald Irwin - the neighbor boy who would become the love of her life. Betty and Don married on June 10, 1950, and moved to Bakersfield, California, where their sons Michael and Mark were born. The family moved to Sacramento in 1960, where Betty continued to work as a secretary, and later as an office manager supporting the mental health community.

Betty was a bright, strong woman who had lots of wonderful ideas and opinions, and freely shared both. She was an avid reader and card player who loved to spend time at her little cabin in the woods at Lake Tahoe. Betty's family and friends were very important to her, as she was to them.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald Irwin, sons Michael (lesley Schroeder) of Sacramento and Mark (Tiffany) of Manton; and seven grandchildren, Cyrena Respini-Irwin (Adam Miller), Darius Respini- Irwin( Heather Sperger), and Cole, Alexandria, Mackenzie, Candace, and Mikayla Irwin. In addition she is survived by a nephew Brett Wells (Elsa) and a large circle of very dear friends.

A Celebration of Betty's life will be held at a later date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Shrinners Hospitals for children would be appreciated.

Carley Carpenter Smith, BHS 1954

Carley Carpenter Smith, BHS 1954

Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA
Saturday, May 15, 2004

Carley Carpenter Smith, age 67, of Walnut Creek, passed away May 1, 2004 after a short illness at John Muir Hospital.

Preceded in death by husband, Duane, and mother, Vivian Carpenter.

Survived by daughters, Cindy of Walnut Creek and Deon Lefave of Summerset, California, grandchildren, Alex and Justin, twin brother, Dan Carpenter, and several pets.

Born in Burbank, California, graduated from Burbank High School in 1954 and Stanford University in 1958. She enjoyed world wide travel, photography and playing the flute.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2004 ay 1 p.m. at Community Presp. Church of Danville, California, 222 West El Pintado. Memorial gifts to the Hospice of Contra Costa County.

Buddy J. Hunsinger, BHS 1959

Buddy J. Hunsinger, BHS 1959
November 22, 1940 - October 24, 2008

Buddy J. Hunsinger, 67, passed away peacefully at his home, October 24, 2008.

Born November 22, 1940 in Mount Vernon, Illinois, Buddy was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran with the rank od AT1. Buddy was an avid member of Desert Corvette Assoc., Scottsdale Vettes and Rods and Southwest Street Rods. He was a 1959 graduate of Burbank High School, Burbank, California, home of the Bulldogs.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Joan; his daughter Kelly Lynn Moore and her husband Derek; his son Eric and his wife Mary. Graveside service with full military honors were held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona. Messinger Indian School Mortuary handled the arrangements.

Sherwin Hackel "Hank" Nesel, BHS Teacher

Sherwin Hackel "Hank" Nesel, BHS Teacher

April 22, 2000, Burbank Leader

SHERWIN HACKEL 'HANK' NESEL

Sherwin Hackel "Hank" Nesel, 75, died April 16, 2000, in Bakersfield. Mr. Nesel was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and served four years in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He moved to Burbank in 1953 and taught an automotive repair class at Burbank High School for 25 years. Mr. Nesel was a key figure in the founding of the Burbank Federation of Teachers. With his son, Jon, he opened an automotive repair shop in Burbank in 1976.

He was also a transportation captain for the motion picture industry and was a member of Teamsters Union Local 399.

He is survived by his second wife, Mary Nesel; son, Jon; daughters, Nancy Nesel and Cathy Nesel-Inderbitzen; sisters, Dorothy Rickus and Carol Suttle; step sons, Michael, Sam and James Arnold; five nephews; two nieces; and five step grandchildren.

Elaine Y. Stahl, BHS 1964

Elaine Y. Stahl, BHS 1964

Longtime Alaskan and Seward resident Elaine Y. "Laine" Stahl, 65, died July 12, 2010, at Providence Seward Medical Center in Seward. Her ashes will be scattered in Resurrection Bay and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Laine was born May 27, 1945, in Los Angeles. She received her GED and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965. She was honorably discharged later that year. Laine moved to Alaska in 1989 and worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Anchorage. She also worked for the Holiday Inn Express in Seward. She retired from the Postal Service in 2006 and moved to Seward.

She was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Seward. Laine enjoyed fishing, camping, pets and motor-homing.LaNno, Laine's partner of 21 years, wishes to thank Di, Laine's oldest friend, for putting her life on hold in order to be here and assist in Laine's care. Also, a very special thanks to the nursing staff at Providence in Seward for the caring and respectful treatment they provided to Laine during her final days.

Laine was preceded in death by her brother, Mike Foley. She is survived by her sister, Christine Levine of Burbank, Calif.; her mother, Elaine Matthews of Yreka, Calif.; niece, Claire Levine-Dotson; nephew, Eitan Levine; and grand-nephews, Lucas and Garrett Dotson, all of Burbank; and her partner of 21 years, LaNno Settles of Seward.Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Published in Anchorage Daily News.com from July 16 to July 17, 2010

Cause of Death: Lung Cancer

Jean Ann McMurrin, BHS 1970

Jean Ann McMurrin, BHS 1970

Jean Ann McMurrin

1952 ~ 2004

Jean Ann McMurrin died February 25, 2004 in Salt Lake City. She was born in Los Angeles California on October 7, 1952 to Keith Moss McMurrin and Jean Shepherd McMurrin. Jean Ann was raised in Burbank California and educated in California and Utah. She held an AA degree from Los Angeles Valley College, a BA in History from the University of Utah, a Master of Library Science from the University of Southern California, and a Master of History from the University of Utah.

As a young girl she became skilled at the piano and became a ward pianist at the age of 14. Jean Ann developed many loves: music, books, history, ideas, but most of all, libraries. Jean Ann became a professional librarian and held various positions in the field of library science, working in private industry, research, and in public library settings. She was most at home in a library. At the time of her death she was working at the Salt Lake City Library in a position and a place that she loved.

She had an obsession with the history of the West, Utah ranching and sheep-an obsession she contracted from her father and uncles. That interest became the center of her studies. For decades of summers the McMurrin family has gathered at their cabins at Kolob, with aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and horses. Jean Ann was very much a part of those gatherings and will always remain a part of that place.

Survivors: brothers David McMurrin, William McMurrin and a sister Shelley McMurrin. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday March 2 at 10:00 a.m. in Salt Lake City at Larkin Mortuary 260 E. South Temple, Internment Hoytsville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Virgin River Land Preservation Association, P.O. Box 1804, St. George, UT 84771

Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 2/28/2004 - 2/29/2004.

Phyllis Gertrude Kelley Hennessey, BHS 1940

Phyllis Gertrude Kelley Hennessey, BHS 1940

1923 ~ 2011

Phyllis Gertrude Kelly Hennessey, our mom, grandma, and best friend, left this Earth to join her Hughie, on Monday, May 9, 2011. Indeed, Phyllis' body could no longer keep up with her lively and fiery spirit. She drew people to her with her grace and humor, and will leave many people missing her light.

Phyllis was born February 15, 1923, to Jack Elmer Kelly and Nellie Sell, in Yakima, Washington. Her brothers and sister were Jack, Lee, and Marion, all now deceased. The family made their way to Southern California, eventually settling in Burbank. Phyllis attended Burbank schools and graduated from Burbank High School in 1940.

She married Hugh Patrick Hennessey, as the war was ending, on March 25, 1945, and they made their home in Glendale. Hugh and Phyllis had four children, all surviving: Michael Patrick Hennessey (Susan), Gail Stacy Hennessey, David Hugh Hennessey (Diane), and Karen Lee Hennessey.

Phyllis was an artist in every way, and her home was both her canvas and her gallery. She raised her four children and two grandchildren at Norton, and they were fortunate to be her students of life.

Phyllis worked at Lockheed, started a successful medical transcribing business, and later was an Executive Secretary for the Imagineering division of Walt Disney Enterprises.

The magic of Phyllis was drawn to the magic of Disney. She moved to Provo, Utah in May, 2009. The family offers their deepest thanks to the caregivers and staff at Cove Point and Beehive Homes, and the caring professionals at 1st Choice Home Health and Hospice. You are all angels among us.

She now joins Hugh who has been waiting for her since Sept. 7, 1997. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sister, and nearly all of her many friends from Los Angeles. Phyllis currently has 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service has been scheduled for Friday, May 13, at 2pm at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center St., Provo, Utah. Condolences to the family may be emailed to info@bergmortuary.com.

Dailey Herald, Utah, Thursday, May 12, 2011

Ronald Fletcher Minnick, BHS 1962

Ronald Fletcher Minnick, BHS 1962 

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 

Longtime Burbank resident Ronald F. Minnick died May 1, 2011. He was 63. He is survived by his wife, Carol A. (Root) Minnick (BHS 1965); sons Eric Cox and Richard Minnick; daughter, Pamela Peterson, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California at 9 a.m. Friday. Visit his Find A Grave Memorial HERE

Steven Gordon Bailey, BHS 1971

Steven Gordon Bailey, BHS 1971

WINSTON-SALEM - Steven Gordon Bailey May 10 1953 - May 03, 2011

Steven lost his courageous battle due to complications from Leukemia on May 3, 2011 at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital surrounded by his Pastor and friend Kevin Conley, dear friend Shellie Veschio and life partner and soul mate Bob Taylor all of Winston-Salem.

He was predeceased by his father Charles Bailey, brother Greg Bailey and beloved cat Mighty Mutt. He leaves behind his mother Ora Bailey, his sister Beverly Henkel both of Ukiah, Calif., as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his "other mother" Emma Taylor of Tarzana, Calif., beloved friend Maloy Moore of Los Angeles and pets Lord William Wallace of Stirling and Miss Savannah.

We would like to thank Dr. Barry Seltzer of Winston-Salem Health Care and all of the staff and volunteers of Baptist Hospital for their friendship, love and compassion. A heartfelt thanks to all of his nurses and especially ICU nurse Debbie Smith for making Steven's transition from this earth a painless, seamless and beautiful one.

Steven will be missed by everyone he touchedhe always exuded love, love and more love.

Visitation hours are Sunday, May 8th from 4:00 to 9:00 at Salem Funeral Home Reynolda Chapel at 2599 Reynolda Road. Services will be held on Monday May 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 3627 Konnoak Drive, with Pastor Kevin Conley officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or Fur-Ever Friends of NC. Memorials may be made to Leukemia Research Fund; Attn: Development and Alumni Affairs Office, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021.

Published in Winston-Salem Journal from May 7 to May 8, 2011

James A. Bailey, BHS 1961

James A. Bailey, BHS 1961 

James A. Bailey, 57, died June 20, 2000. Mr. Bailey was born and raised in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School. 

With a degree in engineering, he went to work at Forest Lawn Memorial Park as an apprentice plumber. Mr. Bailey later used his design engineering skills at Mel Bilow Company of Burbank and then M.B.&A., where he was employed for the past 15 years. He was a consultant to the Rosarian Club of Southern California and a member of Burbank Elks Lodge No. 1497 for 11 years, serving as esquire and chaplain.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Robert; and daughter, Serena. Services were held Monday at Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Burbank Leader, July 01, 2000

Patrick Alan Reynish, BHS 1968

Patrick Alan Reynish, BHS 1968

From Karen Kunert Walker. Pat Reynish passed away Friday, April 29, 2011.

A Memorial Service

In Loving Memory of Patrick Alan Reynish will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 10:00 am at Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary Chapel on the Hill, 23287 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.

During the service there will be a time to share your favorite memory or reflection if you would like. All guests are invited to join the family for lunch following the service at the Valencia Hills Club House, 24060 Oak Vale Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toMake A Wish Foundationhttp://wish.org/

Thomas Fredrick Pittman, BHS 1970

Thomas Fredrick Pittman, BHS 1970

Tom Pittman, BHS Class of 1970 passed away on May 5, 2011 at Los Angeles County Hospital from Melanoma.

Received the following emails from his classmates:

TOM FREDRICK PITTMANOctober 7, 1952 - May 5, 2011Below is a message that I received last night, May 5, from our 1970 classmate, Merle Bobzien:

"Alan,Once again, we lose another 1970 BHS graduate. This afternoon, Tom F. Pittman died at County USC Hospital. Three years ago, Tom had a melanoma removed from his back, and was apparently cleared of the problem. Last Thursday he was admitted to the hospital with a breathing and coughing condition, which turned out to be an aggressive and complete invasion of his lungs. As this was an inoperable and quickly terminal condition, the best that could be done for him was to make him comfortable.

He went on ventilation support two days ago, but sank very quickly, which is common in these situations. This morning the family made the decision to take him off of life support, and Tom died quietly and without a struggle and without pain at 1:43 this afternoon.

Tom was a top photographer and shot innumerable air shows. Tom was a top recording engineer and was the official one for the Santa Monica Symphony. Tom was a contract graphic designer for several publication houses. The void he now leaves affects many.

He is survived by his mother, Mary, of Burbank, and his younger sister, Jayne, also of Burbank, and a 1973 BHS graduate. Tom will be cremated, and arrangements for a memorial service are pending. Right now, the shock of Tom's sudden and unexpected loss is too great for all of his family and loved ones. Merle Bobzien"mbobzien@earthlink.net

Tom Fredrick Pittman grew up in the 2800 N. block of Brighton St. in Burbank. He attended Horace Mann Elementary all the way through. He attended John Muir Jr. High for the 7th grade with many of us. Tom went to a private school, Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach, for 8th and 9th grades. He then returned to public school in Burbank in 1967 and went all the way through 10th, 11th, and 12th grades at BHS with all of us.

Tom lived in Westwood for a number of years now. He was 58 at the time of his passing yesterday. A recent photo of Tom Pittman is included. Our sympathy goes to his family and friends. Thanks to Merle Bobzien for informing us, even though the news is sad.

Alan Landros, BHS 1970

Florence C. Nelson, BHS 1943?

Florence C. Nelson, BHS 1943?

Florence C. Nelson (1925-2011)

Florence C. Nelson was born in Elmwood, Ill., in 1925.
Her family traveled to California in 1926, eventually residing in Burbank. Florence attended school there and graduated from Burbank High School.

She enrolled in the U.S. Cadet Nursing program, and attended the University of Southern California and Los Angeles School of Nursing. Her final six months of nursing school were spent on affiliation with the Indian Service at the Pine Ridge Indian Hospital in South Dakota. She completed her training and graduated in 1947, going on to pass her California State Boards to become a Registered Nurse the same year.

At the age of 23, she came to Klamath Falls to assume full charge of surgery in the old Hillside Hospital. She married Dr. Arthur M. Compton and eventually quit nursing to stay at home and raise her four wonderful children.

Divorcing in 1964, she reactivated her nursing license and resumed nursing in the emergency room at Klamath Valley Hospital. When the new Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital opened (now renamed Sky Lakes Medical Center), she transferred along with all personnel from the old hospital and continued working in surgery.

In 1969, she married Raymond G. Nelson, the purchasing manager and acting administrator of the medical center. Together, Florence and Ray shared in raising her four children and his five. Eventually, Florence was employed by Dr. Gerald Nicholson as his office nurse until he moved to Grants Pass. Subsequently, Florence was employed by Dr. E.E. Howard for 11 years until her retirement in 1985.

The Nelsons then spent many joyous times traveling in their fifth wheel in the U.S. and Canada. From 1986 to 2002, they alternated between their cabin at Rocky Point and their residence in Brookings, where they enjoyed fishing off the Oregon Coast. They also continued traveling, visiting much of the East Coast and the Southwest until Ray's health began to fail. Florence was able to keep Ray with her until his passing on May 23, 2008. God gave them the blessing of a happy marriage of almost 40 years.

Florence passed away on April 13, 2011. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray as well as her parents and her brother and sister.Florence is survived by her children and a multitude of friends, who loved her dearly. Please no flowers; remembrances may be sent to the Klamath Animal Shelter.

Published in Herald News on April 15, 2011

Oscar Torres, BHS 2005

Oscar Torres, BHS 2005

December 03, 2005, Tania Chatila, Burbank Leader

Eighteen-year-old Oscar Torres died on Thanksgiving Day from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident.

BURBANK -- Oscar Torres left his Burbank home on Nov. 19, 2005 with a promise to his mother to return soon.

He went to drop off his girlfriend, like he always did. But Martha Torres had a bad feeling.
"I told him to come back quick because it was late," she said. "He hugged me really tight and said, 'I'm going to be back, Mommy. I promise. And I never make a promise I don't keep.'"
About 20 minutes later, Martha Torres received a call from her son's girlfriend who was in hysterics -- Oscar Torres, 18, had been in an accident.

The Nissan 240SX he was in with a 17-year-old friend from Burbank, was hit from behind as it sat parked on Columbus Avenue, near Riverdale Drive.

Andranik Manukovich Atshemyan, 23, of Glendale, was allegedly traveling 70 to 80 mph on a 25-mph street when he hit the Nissan, crushing it.

When Martha Torres and her family arrived at Glendale Memorial Hospital, where her son was taken, doctors were pessimistic about her son's condition.

He had stopped breathing for 10 minutes, and the doctors feared he would not make it, she said.
Martha Torres immediately recalled the promise her son had made to her.
"I grabbed him and I said, 'Oscar! Oscar! You promised me! You promised me you were going to come back, remember?'" she said.

At that moment, Oscar Torres sustained a heart beat.
The 18-year-old held on until Thanksgiving Day.

"I was hoping he was going to recover," his father, Juan Torres, said. "I told God to give me a miracle. But I think he was dead the first day he got impacted by the car." Juan Torres is confident his son is in Heaven. "God always takes the good ones," he said. And he was a good one, Martha Torres said.

"He was the kind of son that was all checking in and out," she said. "And he could have any friend. It could be a little baby, or a teenager, or a senior."

Oscar Torres went to Burbank High School his freshmen, sophomore and junior years, and moved to Monterey High School his senior year. He graduated in June. He was enrolled in Glendale Community College and was taking classes to be an insurance agent, which were paid for by his employer, Steven Segal Insurance. "We had him just around here for a short period of time, but he would have been the type of person we would have loved to have around here for years," Steven Segal said. "He was just a good kid, a good human being. His presence is missed here."

It has been difficult for the Torres family, including his three brothers, who are 10, 13 and 21, respectively. But friends and family have supported them since the accident, visiting the home everyday. "His room in the hospital was full," Martha Torres said, of the time her son spent at Glendale Memorial Hospital and then Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City.

Now, a vigil has been set up at the curb where the accident happened that emphasizes the impact Oscar Torres' death has had on those who knew him.

Since his death, Atshemyan, who allegedly fled the accident scene, has been found.
He faces one count of murder and one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident.

Note: If Oscar had stayed at BHS he would of graduated with the class of 2005.

Mildred Louise Davis Bachich, BHS 1936?

Mildred Louise Davis Bachich, BHS 1936?
Oct. 13, 1918 — April 7, 2011

Mildred Louise Bachich, 92, passed away at home Thursday with her daughter by her side.
She was born at home on the family farm in Lyle, Minn., the second youngest of seven children born to Ralph Garfield Davis, and Nellie Viola (Siberling) Davis.

At the age of 6, her family moved west. They settled in Burbank, Calif., where she graduated from Burbank High School.

During WWII, she was among the cadre of women famously referred to as Rosie the Riveter. She worked at the Lockheed Boeing plant in California, where she wired Bombardier doors. During these years she married Robert Price, and gave birth to a daughter, her only child. They divorced after a couple of years.

In 1946 she married Fred Bachich, her lifelong companion. He was a mining supervisor and leased mines throughout the west. With her adventuresome spirit she loved her new life living in many remote areas in California, Nevada and Idaho.

With her sense of creativity and decorating, she was the consummate homemaker. She was an accomplished seamstress, making everything from drapes and upholstering furniture, down to wardrobes for the smallest storybook dolls. She also enjoyed needlework and excelled at knitting and crocheting, all of which she did throughout her life. She was a lifelong, avid reader, and always challenged herself with the hardest of crossword puzzles.

She loved their retirement years, back in the wilderness of Idaho, where they started their married life. They lived in the small town of Yellow Pine for almost 20 years, before moving to be closer to their daughter in Oregon. During those years she was known as the Hedda Hopper of Yellow Pine, writing articles for the Yellow Pine Gazette, a monthly newsletter of happenings in the surrounding area.

She thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor activities her life offered. She loved fishing, and was proficient in the art of fly-fishing, and even made her own flies. She made picnics of wood cutting expeditions, laying in their winter supply. Yearly vegetable gardens and fresh eggs from her chickens were a treat in the remote backcountry.

During her years in Oregon, she particularly enjoyed her gardening, and was known for her beautiful roses. She loved spending time with her family, especially summer trips back into Yellow Pine, and to Gold Beach, on the southern Oregon coast where her granddaughter and great-grandchildren lived. Always a cat lover, her current companion was a beautiful rag doll named Tazi.

She was proud to be a member of DAR (Daughters of the Revolution), which she joined along with her daughter and granddaughter.

Millie is survived by her daughter, Beverly Wilson of Salem; grandchildren Kristin Nyeland of Gold Beach and Erik Nyeland of Salem; and great-grandchildren Garrett and Raef Williams of Gold Beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Leslie, Loren and Norman Davis; three sisters Alice Schroeder, Irma Sinclair and Audrey Trout; and husband Fred Bachich.
She was well loved; much admired and will be missed forever.

A memorial celebration will be held in Yellow Pine, Idaho, at a later date this summer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Hospice in her name, for their wonderful caring support during the last few months. Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangementsWednesday, April 13, 2011

Richard Henry Broders, BHS 1952

Richard Henry Broders, BHS 1952

Richard Broders (Dick)

Richard Broders, 76 passed away from bacterial infection while in a hospital from a broken hip on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Richard will be dearly missed and remembered by his family and friends.

Richard was born on August 21, 1934, in Sheridan, Iowa near Malcol. He had grown up on the farm and went to grade school in Iowa. His family moved to California in 1948 and settled in the Burbank area. While attending Burbank High School he was known as silent Sam. After graduation he enlisted in the Army and was sent to a base in Germany. He married Joyce Osborne and worked and lived in the Los Angeles area for twenty years.

In 1980 Richard and his family moved up to Atascadero, and worked for CAL Trans until he retired in 2005. He was known as family man and his family was his priority in life. He was interested anything that was mechanical in nature by attending car shows and air shows. Richard enjoyed taking long rides on his motorcycle.

There will be no service at the request of the departed. Cremation performed at the Chapel of the Roses at 3450 El Camino, in Atascadero. Richard is survived by his ex-wife Joyce and three sons Brian, Dennis and Ricky. He was preceded in death by his parents Ellard and Mae Broders, and his brother Paul, died at age 10.