Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Heather Lynn Brode Clericuzio, BHS 1992

Heather Lynn Brode Clericuzio, BHS 1992



September 11, 1974 - February 7, 2012


Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, Newhall, CA.

No other details at this time.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

James Earl Swafford, BHS 1949

James Earl Swafford
March 13, 1931-July 18, 2012

Of Burbank, passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, he was 81.


Jim was born on March 13, 1931 in Topeka, Kansas to Fred and Hazel Swafford. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1949. He worked at Martino's Bakery for 35 years. Jim was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by nephews, Randy Vinson of Phoenix, AZ, Gary Vinson of Granada Hills, CA, and Thomas Vinson of Whittier, CA; and his niece, Victoria Vinson of Granada Hills, CA.

Services will be held at Valley Funeral Home in Burbank on Saturday, July 28, 2012, 5:00 p.m.

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on July 26, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Daniel Ray Deuel, BHS 1964

Daniel Ray Deuel, BHS 1964


World, The (Coos Bay, OR) - December 26, 2006

Dan Deuel: Family confirms death of Free Flight founder

BANDON - Dan Deuel, founder of Free Flight Bird and Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Ltd., whose quiet, gentle manner with birds and marine animals earned him the unofficial title of Bandon's "bird man," has died at the age of 60.

According to his stepdaughter, Chrystine Deuel, Deuel died Dec. 18 at the Veteran's Affairs hospital in Portland, where he had been for about three weeks because of health complications. The cause of death has not been determined, she said. His wife, MeriJane Deuel, was by his side when he died, Chrystine said.


Free Flight, a nonprofit wildlife clinic, was established in 1976 when Deuel sought to "take care of a few oiled birds." It celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Since its inception, the wildlife hospital has cared for thousands of animals, from raptors to bear cubs, run entirely by volunteers, including Deuel. Free Flight always has focused on returning releasable animals to their natural habitat. There currently are 25 volunteers.


Free Flight also provided information through outreach about the natural history of the South Coast's abundant wildlife. Deuel often brought some of the center's birds to local schools to teach the children about them.


Deuel, a Vietnam veteran, was seriously injured at age 24 when he was hit while on a bicycle by a drunk driver after he returned to the states following his service. He suffered from health problems related to the accident the remainder of his life.

MeriJane Deuel emphasized it was Dan's wish and plan that Free Flight would continue after his death.  "Free Flight will continue to run," Deuel said. "There may be a delay in call-backs for the next week or two, but there are directions on the answering machine for what to do if there are injured wildlife."

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Free Flight. The time will be announced after the holidays.


The center's volunteers were upset by the news of Deuel's death. "He absolutely, positively made a difference during his life," said Mickey Dupuis, a volunteer for the past 12 years.

Deuel is survived by his wife, MeriJane; his stepdaughter, Chrystine; grandson, Dakota Deuel; sisters Golda Johnson and Shari Nichols; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family requests memorial donations to Free Flight, 1185 Portland Ave., Bandon, OR 97411.

For more information on Dan Deuel and Free Flight click HERE

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Steven Frederick Stromsoe, BHS 1969

Steven Frederick Stromsoe, BHS 1969


Ventura County Star (CA) - March 24, 2005


Stromsoe, Steven Frederick, 53, Oxnard, real estate agent, died March 13, 2005. Arrangements by Garcia Mortuary, Oxnard.

Monday, July 23, 2012

James Carter, BHS 1943

James Carter, BHS 1943

James Carter, 74, died July 10, 1999 at his Hollywood Hills residence.
Mr. Carter was born in Burbank and was a longtime Burbank resident. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1943. He joined the Navy Seabees during World War II, serving 21 months in North Africa and Italy.

He established Jim Carter's Automotive, Jim and Doris Carter's Automotive, Jim and Doug Carter's VSP Parking and Carter's Self Storage.


He is survived by his wife, Doris; son, Douglas of Burbank; daughters, Candace Bartolomew and Connie Mangas; grandchildren, Dee Dee Berger, Derek, Doug and Erica Sweet and Regan Mangan and great - grandchildren, Ryan, Dylan and Abby.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Carter's name to the Burbank Historical Society, 1015 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91506. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. todayat Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills is in charge of arrangements.

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, July 14, 1999

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Ralph Kemp, Jr., BHS 1983

Ralph Kemp, Jr., BHS 1983


Ralph Kemp, Jr, 34, died July 9, 1999. He was born in Littlerock. He was a longtime Burbank resident. He attended Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, John Muir Middle School and Burbank High School, graduating in 1983. He worked as a theater projectionist.

He is survived by his daughter, Amber; sister, Michele; and grandfather. A memorial gathering was held July 24 in Palmdale.

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, August 4, 1999

Friday, July 20, 2012

Mary Lee Lynch Hand, BHS 1938

Mary Lee Lynch Hand, BHS 1938

Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) - Wednesday, February 8, 2012

October 15, 1920 - January 31, 2012

Mary Lee was a loving, caring, and encouraging mother, friend and neighbor. She impacted and lifted up others through her hospitality and giving. She gave her children and grandchildren unconditional love and encouraged them to pursue their passions. Mary Lee and Ralph traveled the world together. Mary Lee was a unique lady of strength, beauty, and class that will be greatly missed by all.

She was born in Banning, graduated from Burbank High School , and Santa Barbara State College, credentialed to teach Home Economics- Secondary by the California State Board of Education. Throughout her life she was active in: Ebell Jr.; P.T.A Board member and room mother; Camp Fire Girl Leader; taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school; coordinated weddings; Delta Zeta alumna; Pan-Hellenic Representative; Assistance League of Long Beach life member; P.E.O. - Chapter DU - President; Rotary Anns - President; worked at Stretch & Sew; loved to travel, sew and garden; was a gourmet cook.

She was predeceased by beloved husband, Ralph G. Hand; sons, Bradley (Mary) Hand; Robert (Lizbeth) Hand; daughters, Constance (William Filbey) Hand; Christine (Gordon) Engh; grandchildren, Jason (Bridget Sisemore) Engh, Cameron (Nichole) Hand, Carolyn (Mark) Hand, Daniel (Kathryn) Hand, Dylan Hand, Nathan Hand, Rachel (Jennings) McClarty. Memorial Services: Saturday, February 11, 11:00 AM, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 5633 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach. Contributions may be made in Mary Lee's name to the Assistance League of Long Beach, 6220 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Jo Ann Fitzhugh Mumby, BHS 1966

Jo Ann Fitzhugh Mumby, BHS 1966


FAIRHOPE, AL Jo Ann Mumby January 14, 1948 - July 7, 2012, Beloved wife and mother, Jo Ann Mumby passed away July 7, 2012 in Fairhope, Alabama. Born in Burbank, California, she grew up as Jo Ann Fitzhugh and went to Burbank High School.

Jo Ann enjoyed reading, traveling, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with her family and many friends. Jo Ann is survived by husband Jay Mumby, son Doug McKnight, and brother Carl Carlson and extended family.

A viewing will be held at Wolfe-Bayview in Fairhope on Monday July 9th, from 5-7pm. Graveside services will be held at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Los Angeles. Memorial donations may be made to the Southern Cancer Institute.
Published in the Press-Register from July 8 to July 9, 2012

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Roy Robert "Bob" Bartlett, BHS 1948

Roy Robert "Bob" Bartlett, BHS 1948


Bob Bartlett was born in Lynwood, California on September 27, 1930, to Roy and Leona Bartlett. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1948. Bob went into the U.S. Army in 1951. Bob was a barber for eight and a half years and a claim adjuster for a few years. Bob Bartlett was appointed to the California Highway Patrol Academy on April 1, 1958, and graduated from the academy on June 13, 1958. Bob was assigned to the West Los Angeles Office on June 20, 1958, to the Newhall Office on October 1, 1960, and to the Visalia Office on November 15, 1963. Bob was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Los Banos office on December 1, 1967. Bob was assigned to the Central Division Office as Training Coordinator on June 1, 1983, and reassigned to the Los Banos office in May 1985,

Bob retired on September 27, 1985, he was Field Supervisor in the Los Banos office a total of 16 years and a dedicated public servant with the California Highway Patrol for twenty-seven years, six months. After retiring from the California Highway Patrol Bob went to Floral Design School in Los Angeles and opened Cottage Flowers & Gifts in Firebaugh, Ca. for 24 years. Bob was on the Telefloral Board and served two terms as President of the Northern California Nevada Unit of Telefloral.

Bob is survived by Sally Ramos Bartlett, his wife of 33 years; his sister, Penny Reed and her husband Dwight from Arizona; and a host of loving relatives CHP family and friends. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Chapel in Dos Palos, Ca. on Thursday June 28, 2012, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church in Firebaugh, Ca. on Friday, June 29, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemtery in Santa Nell, Ca. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at 10:30 a.m.


Published in the Fresno Bee on June 27, 2012

Friday, July 6, 2012

Marith Helen Insley Peach, BHS 1959

Marith Helen Insley Peach, BHS 1959



7 Mar 1941 - June 26, 2012

Good Wednesday evening Linda....I just received the news today that Marith (Insley)Peach ( class of '59) passed away peacefully at 7:15 p.m., last night, June 26, 2012.........if you would add her to our class list....thank you.......Linda Lee Durkee Johnson, BHS 59.  No other details at this time.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Walter Les Fields, BHS 1967

Walter Les Fields, BHS 1967

1949-2012

I received word of the passing of my fellow classmate, Walter Fields.

His sister, Sue (Fields) Templeton BHS '65, emailed a fellow classmate of mine saying that her brother Walter passed away on his 63rd Birthday, June 29th, 2012 from a brain tumor. Walter was born on June 29, 1949 in Los Angeles, California. Our last address for him was in Littlerock, California.


My prayers go out to the Fields Family.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

John Anthony Skirius, BHS 1965

John Anthony Skirius, BHS 1965

John Anthony Skirius, 62, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at his home in Los Angeles, with his family at his side. John was born on April 2, 1948 to Anthony and Bernice Skirius in California. He pursued an education over the span of many years to earn his PHD, and was a professor of Spanish/American Literature at UCLA for over 30 years. He was fluent in English, Spanish, and Lithuanian and authored many scholarly books. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.