Monday, October 29, 2012

Lowell C. Horwedel, Sr., BHS 1950

Lowell C. Horwedel, Sr., BHS 1950

Lowell C. Horwedel, Sr., 79, of Otterbein, died, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus. He was born November 27, 1932, in Cleveland, OH, to the late Albert & Mildred (Hackel) Horwedel. He married Dorothy Anne Deupree, June 21, 1958, in North Hollywood, CA & she survives. He graduated Burbank High School in 1950 & completed University of California at Los Angeles Graduate School of Management majoring in Chemistry. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, where he served, as a Medic & with the Battalion Headquarters for Transportation.

He had worked at Electrofilm, Inc, in North Hollywood, CA from 1956 until 1971, serving as Vice President/General Manager of the Lubricants Division from 1969 until 1971. He then went on to work at Microseal Corporation (now E/M Corporation) a subsidiary of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, as Vice President of Operations. Within a year, he was promoted to President of Microseal & appointed to the Board of Directors. From 1984 until 1997, he served as Vice President of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, West Lafayette, IN, retiring with the sale of E/M Corporation. From 1996 until 1997, he also served as Vice Chairman of E/M Corporation. Upon retiring, he worked part-time, for a year, as Vice Chairman of E/M Corporation (now wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Crucible, plc, Windsor, England in charge of International acquisitions, looking for & negotiating purchases of companies worldwide to make E/M Corporation more global). He also, worked part-time as Executive Vice President & CEO of International Lubrication & Fuel Consultants. Starting in 2001, he served as Chairman of the Board of International Lubrication & Fuel Consultants, Rio Rancho, NM.

He was active in the Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers, holding all administrative offices & chairing several technical committees; the Professional Currency Dealers Association, retired President & currently serving on the Board of Governors; for the past 12 years he served on & was President of 5 years, of the Foundation Board of the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette; he served on or worked with the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette Board of Directors for the past 27 years; for the past 8 years he has served on the Otterbein Town Council & was currently the President. He was also active in the Community Cancer Network & was currently on their Board of Directors. He was also a Distinguished Kentucky Colonel. In 2006, he was the recipient of the State of Indiana Distinguished Hoosier Award from the Office of Governor Mitch Daniels. Tippecanoe County State Representative Shelia Klinker presented this award, one of the highest tributes given by the state to individuals of great honor amongst the citizenry, at the occasion of the Annual Meeting of the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette.

Surviving with his Wife, Dorothy Anne Horwedel, Otterbein, are 2 Daughters, Nancy Willard, Husband Jerry, Burbank, CA; Mary Fultz, Husband Mike, Otterbein; Son Charlie Horwedel, Wife Sheri, Otterbein; 8 Grandchildren, Brandon, Wife Lori, & Sierra Fultz, Kayse & Kameron Willard & Samantha, Tyler, Garrett & Shyann Horwedel; 2 Great-Grandchildren, Reagan & Hunter Fultz & Brother, Jerry Horwedel, Wife Carol, Keene CA.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 25, 2012, from 5-8 PM, with Rosary at 5 pm, at Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein. Funeral Mass will be, at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 26, 2012, at St. Charles Catholic Church, Otterbein, with Father Robert Klemme officiating. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, West Lafayette. Memorial Contributions, may be made, to the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette or Community Cancer Network.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Lyle David Cascadden, BHS 1960

Lyle David Cascadden, BHS 1960


Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Sunday, December 4, 1988

Cascadden , Lyle D., 47, of Sunland, letter carrier. Private services. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service. No other detals. Note: Buried in Grand View Memorial Park, Glendale, California.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Frederick Dustin "Dusty" Worthen, BHS 1942

Frederick Dustin "Dusty" Worthen, BHS 1942

FREDERICK DUSTIN "DUSTY" WORTHEN Age 82, of Burbank, California, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at St. Joseph's Hospital, in Burbank. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 25, 1923, the second son of Kenneth B. Worthen, an architect of renown in St. Paul and Southern California, and of Frances Smith Worthen, former industrial detail designer and interior decorator/designer.

Dusty is survived by his wife of 60 years, Connie Woolley Worthen; their two daughters, Janet Worthen Moon, and Jill Worthen; two grandchildren, Eric and Deana Moon; a sister, Dorothy Ann McLean; and two brothers, Kenneth and Ronald Worthen.

Dusty was a graduate of Burbank High School, and for many years a most revered member of the Burbank Historical Society and the Veteran's Council. He designed the Historical Museum in Burbank. World War II interrupted his college career, when he joined the Air Force. He was a Lead Bombardier/Navigator in a B-24 Liberator crew in the 8th USAAF, 2nd Air Division, 20th Combat Wing. On their 24th mission their B-24 was disabled and crashed. The crew bailed out, but landing in German-held territory, they were confined in several prisoner-of-war camps throughout Germany until liberated on April 29, 1945.

He received the Purple Heart and after the War joined the Air Force Reserves from which he retired in 1983 with the rank of Major. Following the War, his career included design and engineering work with his architect father, then as an architectural designer with the firm of Carpenter/Smallwood, and then as a commercial development Project Manager.

In retirement Dusty wrote two books, "Against All Odds -- Surviving World War II" concerning the combined and separate war experiences of his flight crew; and "Monty's Folly -- Operation Market Garden".

Graveside Services will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on Monday, March 27, 2006, 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dusty may be made to the Burbank Historical Society, at 1015 West Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91506.

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on March 24, 2006

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Flora May Pomeroy Hanger, BHS 1940

Flora May Pomeroy Hanger, BHS 1940

FLORA MAY POMEROY HANGER Age 83, passed away February 26, 2006. She was born in Burbank on June 22, 1922 to Charles and May Pomeroy. Flora May attended Burbank Schools and was a 1940 Burbank High School graduate. She attended Santa Barbara State College and continued her education at the University of Southern California in occupational therapy.

In 1944 she served in the military as a occupational therapist in New Orleans. Following WWII, she married Arthur Hanger and in 1950 began a 24 year career as a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. After her husband passed away in 1970, Flora May continued living the rest of her life in Orange County.

She is survived by her adopted son, Steven Hanger; brother, Charles H. Pomeroy III; and sister, Mildred Dean. No Services. Care entrusted to DOUGLASS & ZOOK MORTUARY Monrovia (626) 358-3244

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on March 11, 2006

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Linda Marie Suthann, BHS 1995

Linda Marie Suthann, BHS 1995

Suthann, Linda Marie, 21, of Burbank, student. Pierce Bros. Valhalla, North Hollywood.

Los Angeles Times, January 9, 1999
No other details at this time.

Friday, October 12, 2012

John A. Heisman, BHS 1956

John A. Heisman, BHS 1956

John was born December 15, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. Passed away June 7, 2002 at the age of 64. He attended Emerson Elementary School, John Muir Junior High, Burbank High School (Class 1956), Glendale Junior College of Mortuary Science (Class of 1958).

He began his career in early 1958 at The Max M. Eckerman Funeral Service with Grace and Max Eckerman. In 1967, he bought the firm which became known as Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service. John and his sister, Jean, have worked side-by-side since 1961. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service eventually became Burbank's only family owned and operated funeral service. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service was voted "Best Mortuary 2000".

John was a member of the California Funeral Directors Association, a member of Burbank's first Junior Achievement, a member of Burbank High Boosters, a long-time member of Burbank Kiwanis, past President of Key Club, joined the Burbank YMCA and Leaders High Y, was one of the first leaders of "Gray Y" for elementary school students, served on Advisory Board of Burbank YMCA, was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, and served as a member on the Board of Directors for Business Homes Inc., formerly Wesley Homes (provides 521 apartments for seniors in Burbank).

John was a firm believer in and supporter of youth and youth activities. His great love of animals led him to Paul Owens' "Pets with Paws" and author of "The Dog Whisperer" who uses John's parking lot for dog training. His lifelong involvement with horses contributed to tremendous pride in his San Luis Obispo county ranch.

John was predeceased by his parents, Beth and Arnold Heisman; and his sister, Betzy Sue Soseman. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Don Siegel; one niece, Donna Jean Siegel; and one nephew, John D. Siegel, all of Burbank.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2002, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service. On Wednesday, June 12, 2002, there will be Visitation at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Service will be at 11:00 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 136 N. Sunset Canyon Rd., Burbank, CA. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to: The People-Animal Connection, UCLA Medical Center, 17-116 CHS, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Mail Code: 715916, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7159. ECKERMAN-HEISMAN FUNERAL SERVICE Directors (818) 846-2131

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on June 11, 2002

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Alton “Longbow” Safford, BHS 1932?

Alton “Longbow” Safford, BHS 1932?


WWII Veteran, Educator, Outdoorsman

1914 - 2011

Alton “Longbow” Safford, long-time Wrightwood Resident, died peacefully in his home on December 21, 2011, having just turned 97. He was known throughout the West as an expert in Indian craft, primitive archery, flint-knapping and tanning in particular. He was also an expert marksman, fly-fisherman and a tireless hiker of the High Sierras.

Alton was born where his father, Lee Ashton Safford, worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the Toppenish Reservation near Yakima, Washington, on December 6, 1914. His mother, Alice Agnes Lugton, was born in Magdalena, U.S. Territory of New Mexico. As a child he learned to make Indian bows and arrows and to brain-tan deer hides, lessons he never forgot. Indians from all over the west lived there; Sioux, Arapaho, Utes and Cheyenne. He watched Indian women brain-tan buckskin and men make their small plains-style flat bows. They taught him to shoot when he was six and he made his first bow, of willow, when he was eight. He learned to make his own moccasins and baskets.

Alton’s parents were told by a doctor that Alton and his brother, Lee, were not thriving as they should be because of the damp climate, so the family moved to Greater Los Angeles. Alton joined the local Boy Scouts and attained Eagle Scout rank. While in high school in Burbank he and his brother sneaked off to Catalina Island and shot a buffalo with their handmade bows and arrows. They were eventually caught and paid a penalty.

Alston graduated from high school during the Great Depression and among other jobs, he cleared trails in the Civilian Conservation Corps (Roosevelt’s CCC), worked in a junk yard, as a “grease monkey” in a garage, on oil rigs, in mines, and for the railroad. One job that stands out was his co-ownership of an archery shop in Hollywood, where he became well-acquainted with all the great Southern California archers of the time, such as Howard Hill, Captain Jack Hoefer, Frank Garske, and his close friends Hugh Rich, Howard Mathisen and Fred Bear. He recalled great camaraderie with this group, as they hunted deer in the California foothills with their self-made 100-pound bows and broadheads. Also, because he had a tuxedo and could work as an usher in theaters, symphony halls, and other venues for live performances, his life became enriched by this education in drama and all kinds of music.

In 1937, influenced by his reading of Ernest Hemingway, Alton traveled to Spain in support of the Loyalist democracy against Franco’s fascist opposition. He drilled troops with wooden machine guns, expecting a shipment of arms to arrive from the Soviet Union. The arms never came. When Barcelona fell, he and others hiked over the Pyrenees to France, where he was arrested and deported back to the United States.

Having taken some machine shop courses in high school, he was able to get a job with Lockheed as the country geared up for World War II, working on Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. At that time he met and married his first wife, Margaret Blankenship. He was promoted to Senior Machine Parts Inspector. In 1943 he was drafted even though he was then 29 years old and working in the defense industry.

In the Army Alton was first posted to England with the 9th Air Corps but in June,1944 went ashore at Omaha Beach, Normandy, landing on D-Day + 17. As the best shot in his outfit, for a time the Army made him a sniper. He once said it was a strange duty because he always felt that when he was aiming, the enemy sniper was probably sighting him. He worked across France preparing advance air field bases, was in Paris for its liberation, was witness to de Gaulle’s triumphant return, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he ushered at the Nuremburg Trials before coming home.

Back in California, Alton returned to work at Lockheed and became the father of two children, John and Jeanne Safford. Laid off for lack of production, he decided to use his G.I. Bill to get a higher education at nearby Occidental College. He earned a B.A. degree in education and taught 5th grade for about 8 years while working on his M.A. degree.

Divorced, Alton met his second wife, Juliana Brailovsky in Eagle Rock. They lived and taught in Ojai briefly before returning to Los Angeles where he administered academic tests for the Palos Verdes school district. Alton entered the doctoral program at USC and earned his degree in Education in 1965 at age 51. From his second marriage he now had three more children, Monique, Kimberly and Tony Safford. For the rest of his career he worked for the County of Santa Barbara as head of its Special Education department. Always an unusually good listener, he also used his skills and education as a practicing educational psychologist. Divorced, he met his third wife, Miriam Sacks Coker, a local Santa Barbara educator. They remained together for the rest of his life.

Since his father had died of a stroke at age 54, Alton decided to retire at age 63. He and Miriam moved to Wrightwood in 1977 where he continued with a limited practice for a few years. It was here for the next 34 years that he flourished, passing on the old ways of bow- and arrow-making, bone work, tanning, and hunting to whoever would listen and work with him. Alton found a group of wonderful friends and students at the annual Wrightwood Flintknapping Rendezvous, which drew Indian-lore aficionados from all over the West. Alton attended the first California Flintknapping Rendezvous in 1983 set up by Ray Harwood at California State University at Northridge. Subsequent Wrightwood Flintknapping Rendezvous were held at Jackson Lake, Camp Guffey, and Indian Hills Ranch. He participated in archer shoots across the state and particularly enjoyed the annual Mountain Men Rendezvous in the southern Rockies. He was known as “Longbow” among flintknapping friends and collected a room full of rare and significant Indian artifacts.

Alton was active until the very end, continuing to hike and camp and even renewing his driver’s license for two more years late in 2011. He had many circles of friends, including the Saturday and Monday Hiking Groups, the flintknapping friends, the Thursday Breakfast Group, the First Friday Reading Group (where his wide knowledge and expansive reading were particularly appreciated), ex-students and clients, and hundreds of people with whom he corresponded. A memorial was held for him on Wednesday, December 28, at the home of Ed and Phyllis Gallagher. Half of Alton’s ashes were interred at the Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors on January 13, 2011. His friends and family plan a spring flintknapping memorial and will also scatter his remaining ashes in the High Sierras as soon as weather allows.

Alton is survived by his wife, Miriam; his son and daughter from his first marriage, John and Jeanne Safford; and former wife Juliana and his children from that marriage; Monique, Kimberly and Tony Safford. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Joseph David Safford, Janet Arlene Safford, Miles Jameson Safford, Sophia Rose Mindas, Benjamin Jacob Safford and one great-grandchild, Benjamin David Safford.

Alton Safford–, one of a kind.

Mountaineer Progress Newspaper, December 2011

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Michael Johnson, BHS 1955

Michael Johnson, BHS 1955

Michael Johnson August 3, 1937 - Sept. 17, 2012

Glendale News - Press, October 02, 2012

Michael was a long time resident of Burbank, California for 73 years. He was retired from the County of Los Angeles, where he worked for 42 years as a Supervising Engineering Geologist. Michael had been retired for 13 years.

He passed away September 17, 2012 peacefully in his sleep at his home in Bermuda Dunes, CA. Michael will be sorely missed by all who loved him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. It breaks our hearts to lose you but God blessed us with the time we had with you

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Jacqueline Lee Hickman McKenzie, BHS 1959

Jacqueline Lee Hickman McKenzie, BHS 1959

Burbank Review, Wednesday, August 13, 1969

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday for Mrs. Jacqueline McKenzie, who died Sunday at the age of 27. Mrs. McKenzie, who made her home at 541 N. Sparks, had been a Burbank resident for 20 years.

A 1959 graduate of Burbank High School, Mrs. McKenzie also graduated from San Fernando Valley State College. She had been employed as a teacher for the Ventura School District in Newbury Park. She was a member of the Emanuel Evangelical Free Church.

Surviving are her husband, Steven; two daughters, Heather Anne and Holly Lynne; and parents, Mr. And Mrs. Lee Hickman of Burbank.

The Rev. Carroll A. Nelson will conduct the funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Emanuel Evangelical Free Church, 438 E. Harvard. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. The Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Services, 333 E. Magnolia, is in charge of arrangements.

The Valley News, Tuesday, August 12, 1969

Identify Woman 27 Killed by Truck; Apparent Suicide

A woman who threw herself in front of a gasoline tank truck on the Golden state Freeway near Los Feliz Blvd. on Sunday was identified yesterday as Jackie McKenzie, 27, of 541 Sparks St., Burbank.

The driver of the truck, Max Goshert, 60, told police that the victim ran into the right lane of the southbound freeway and was struck by the right fender of his tanker.

Police asked for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

According to reports, the woman, in apparent suicide attempts, repeatedly dashed in front of cars in the freeway before the truck hit her. Other motorists were able to avoid her, officials said. Goshert reportedly told police the woman appeared to run into the path of his truck when he swerved to avoid her.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Euna Emerson Weber Crosby, BHS 1923

Euna Emerson Weber Crosby, BHS 1923

Una Emerson Weber Crosby, (April 19, 1906- October 28, 2002). Born in Searchlight, Nevada, her family moved to Burbank in 1918, where she attended Immaculate Heart Convent and graduated from Burbank High School.

In 1924 she married Fred Warren Weber, and became a loving mother to two sons, Warren and Richard. Una served countless hours as a Grey Lady at the Long Beach Naval Hospital during WWII. She attended USC as a returning student in 1949.

She was actively involved in many charitable groups including the International Committee for the LA Philharmonic, Downey Assistance League, LA World Affairs Council, Women's Auxiliary of Huntington Memorial Hospital, and the Women's Committee of the Pasadena Symphony. She was a member of the Annandale Country Club and Pasadena Women's City Club.

Predeceased by husbands, Fred Weber and Joseph J. Crosby, and son, Richard E. Weber. Survived by son, Warren (Vanessa); daughter-in-law, Sue Weber Tetzlaff; grandchildren, Leslie (Bill) Orsburn of Arcadia, Gretchen Weber, Lake Tahoe, Fred Weber, Colorado, Mary Weber (John) Ratliff, Colorado, Douglas Weber (Adrienne), Santa Ana, and Kate Weber of Thermal, CA; great grand-children, Adrienne, Will and Alex Orsburn, Zack and Jake Weber; sister, Louis Eberle of Walnut Creek; nieces, Betty Hudson and Lolita Keating.

Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Downey, Friday, Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a favorite charity.

Published in Pasadena Star-News from October 31 to November 1, 2002



Sunday, October 7, 2012

Freadus "Buzz" Seal, BHS 1940

Freadus "Buzz" Seal, BHS 1940

Freadus "Buzz" Seal passed away on Monday, July 23, 2012 of congestive heart failure.

Buzz attended schools in Burbank, CA and graduated from Burbank High School in 1940. He played the tuba in the High School Marching Band. He served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during WWII as an electrician. He and a friend owned a TV Repair Shop in Burbank for many years.

He was a resident of Sepulveda, Palmdale, Camarillo, and Canyon Country. Buzz was married twice and both are now deceased. His son, Mike, is also deceased. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Lee of TN; four grandchildren; and his sister, Betty Campbell of Camarillo, CA.

His final four years were spent with his companion, Georgia Newton George (who also graduated from Burbank High School in 1940) in her home in Sand Canyon, Canyon Country, CA. Georgia lovingly took care of Buzz in his final years of illness and he will be dearly missed.

Published in Santa Clarita Valley Signal on September 30, 2012

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Paul Eugene Estes, BHS 1935

Paul Eugene Estes, BHS 1935

Passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, in Camarillo, California. He was born December 5, 1916 in Bellingham, Washington, and moved with his family to Burbank, California, in 1926. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1935, where at the age of 14 he organized the school's first hiking club. Paul then attended Glendale Junior College where he majored in Journalism and in 1938 he was employed by the Los Angeles Times as a sports reporter. Paul graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors degree in Geology and a Masters degree in Geography and he was always an avid UCLA Bruins fan.

During WWII Paul joined the United States Army and trained in Colorado. He was then based with the 10th Mountain Division in Ak. Where they specialized in combat on skis. Paul also served a tour of duty in the South Pacific as a S/SGT. Where he was a Scout during the Philippine liberation. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal.


Paul was a lifetime Sierra Club member and throughout his life he enjoyed snow skiing, hiking, mountain climbing and camping. With these outdoor skills, he climbed the highest point in each state of the continental United States, and was one of the first to reach Mt. Whitney's peak on skis. He appeared in a role as a mountain rescuer in the 1950 Patricia Neal movie Three Secrets.


In 1951 Paul married Claire Germain, whom he met at a Sierra Club dance. While raising their family in Burbank, California, they enjoyed square dancing and camping in many of the National Parks in both the United States and Canada. Paul also enjoyed working in his yard, tending to his fruit trees and vegetable garden. Pau l was employed by the County of Los Angeles as a regional planner for 33 years. After his retirement, Paul and Claire enjoyed traveling worldwide and continued their passion of square dancing. In 2002, they moved to Leisure Village in Camarillo, California.


He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Claire Estes of Camarillo; his five children: son, Bob Estes of Burbank, daughter, Cathy Estes of Eugene, Oregon, daughter, Marilyn Buchanan of Palmdale, California, daughter, Janet Gibbs of Burbank, and daughter, Betty Estes of Burbank; grandchildren, Mike Buck, Sean Estes, Rhahn Gibbs and Justin Gibbs; and great-grandchildren; Holly Marie Buck, Ashley Mayer and Morgan Mayer. A Mass will be dedicated in his name at Padre Serra Church in Camarillo, on Sunday, March 5, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. Graveside services will be on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006, 1:00 p.m., at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.


Published in Los Angeles Daily News on February 22, 2006


Friday, October 5, 2012

Phyllis Pauline Benoit Owens, BHS 1974

Phyllis Pauline Benoit Owens, BHS 1974

August 14, 1956 - August 30, 2004

Mrs. Phyllis Pauline (Benoit) Owens, 48, of Burbank, California, died August 30, 2004 at 12:56 p.m., in the Oklahoma University Medical Center, Oklahoma after a long illness. Phyllis was born August 14, 1956 at St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood, California. She is the youngest child of the late Joseph-Eugene Ernest Benoit (Rhode Island) and Marie-Marguerite Delia Duhamel Benoit (Burbank, California).

Phyllis is the widow of Jack Vestil and is survived by her husband, Eugene Owens of Oklahoma City. During her academic years, she attended Glenwood Elementary School (Sun Valley, California), John Muir Jr. High School and Burbank High School (Burbank, California).

Among her favorite activities is the sport of fishing. In her youth she worked as a waitress before her employment with Orowheat Bakery (Burbank, California). Phyllis retired early as a Store Manager to care for her ailing husband and best friend, Jack Vestil. After his death, she relocated to Oklahoma and lived with her sister, Roberta Stoops, until her marriage to Eugene Owens. Phyllis had a gentle nature, a kind heart, trusting of everyone and was loved by her family.

She is survived by her mother, Marie-Marguerite Benoit; brother, George P. Viens; sisters, Stella J. Giese, Roberta E. Stoops and Claudette D. Rockwell; and many nieces and nephews. Graveside Services will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery - Hollywood Hills, Friday, October 22, 2004, 11:00 a.m. Her cremated remains will be interred near her beloved Pepere, Philippe Andre Duhamel, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on October 3, 2004



Thursday, October 4, 2012

Michael F. Kosteva, BHS Teacher

Michael F. Kosteva, BHS Teacher

MICHAEL F. KOSTEVA Age 87, of Ventura, was taken home to be with his Lord Sunday, January 23, 2005. Mike was born September 29, 1917 in Ashley, Pennsylvania, to Michael Kosteva and Antonina Kubicki of Ashley, Pennsylvania (and Poland).

Mike had seven brothers and sisters whom were all reared in Pennsylvania. He graduated from Ashley High in 1936 and from LaSalle College in 1940, cum laude, where he was given the student athlete award. Mike played football (in a leather helmet) on a scholarship for 4 years at LaSalle.

In 1941, he was already teaching school and coaching football when drafted into the Army. During WWII he served in the 29th Infantry Division as 2nd Lt. under Gen. Mark Clark in the 1942 invasion of North Africa and 1943 invasion of Sicily. Later in Milan, Italy he was assigned to Special Services (Soldier Recreation and Rehab .), in which he helped get entertainment for the troops. In 1944, Mike was in Milan when Mussolini and his friends were assassinated and he took a picture of the gruesome scene for Gen. Clark.

After the war, Mike moved to Burbank where he continued his education at USC, obtaining his Masters Degree in 1960, in U.S. History. He taught at Jordan Junior High in Burbank then U.S. History at Burbank High where he was one of the most popular teachers during the 1960's and 1970's. Mr. Kosteva had many student s tell him they had a love for our country and a desire to teach because of him. He continued on as the Work Experience Director at Burbank High, where he helped kids develop a work ethic, until his retirement in 1977.

Then he took up tennis and made keeping "in shape" his career!! While in Burbank, Mr. Kosteva served in many volunteer capacities. He was very active at First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for many terms. His love for the Lord was widely known (because he told everyone) and the effect this had on his life was obvious in all that he did.

Mike launched many youth committees and commissions, organized a drug program for problem teens, led fund raisers for many of these groups, was a Distinguished Teacher of LA County in 1972, was awarded the Service to Mankind Award from the Sertoma Club of Burbank in 1973, and in 1975 was awarded "Citizen of the Year" by the Burbank Board of Realtors.

Those who knew him well remember him as the well organized one, always on time, taking notes and with the most well-groomed house with every leaf in place. When new to Burbank, Mike met a stunning red head named Mary Jayne (Moffitt) Cooke (1925-1998), a widow, whom he married in 1954, and subsequently adopted her children, Nancy and George. In 1955 Mike and Mary Jayne had a baby girl, Kathleen.

Mr. Kosteva is survived by his daughter, Nancy Trombley-Swendsen of Burbank; son, George Kosteva of Ventura; daughter, Kathleen Meyer of Ventura; grandchildren, Marianne Trombley of Hawaii, Jordan Kosteva, Derek Allen Meyer, Michael Carlson Meyer, and Alyson Jean Meyer, all of Ventura; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins from Pennsylvania and Michigan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 28, 2005, at Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura, conducted by the Rev. Paul Dugan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Presbyterian Church, High School Ministries, 1555 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001.

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on January 26, 2005

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Michelle Lynn Cramer Edwards, BHS 1972

Michelle Lynn Cramer Edwards, BHS 1972

Michelle Lynn Cramer Edwards A loving wife, mother and friend to many, Michelle passed away peacefully in Burbank, California on June 13, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Michelle was born in North Hollywood, California, on January 21, 1955 and resided in Burbank for the past 50 years. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Richard; her son, Michael; her daughter, Amanda; mother, Loise Ohrenstein of Burbank; and brother, Mitchell Cramer of Granada Hills.

Michelle was a committed volunteer to Burbank schools and was involved in the service to children for many years. She held several PTA offices and was a PTA Honorary Service Award recipient. She served on the School Site Councils of both Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and John Muir Middle School. She was active in Cub Scouting, AYSO Soccer, Burbank Park and Recreation Basketball, and Burbank High School Basketball and Vollyball.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2005, 11:00 a.m., at Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills. Family requests do nations be made to the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation - Cancer Center or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network "PANCAN".

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on June 17, 2005

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Gregory David Gatton, BHS 1967

Gregory David Gatton, BHS 1967

Gregory David Gatton, 63, was born on June 15, 1949, in Burbank, California, and passed away on September 25, 2012 of a sudden heart attack.. He resided in Burbank, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. Gregory was preceded in death by his younger brother Bruce Catton. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Mortuary Visitation
Thursday, October 4, 2012
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Mortuary
6300 Forest Lawn Dr. - Los Angeles

Funeral Service

Friday, October 5, 2012
2:30 PM
Old North Church
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
6300 Forest Lawn Dr. - Los Angeles


Monday, October 1, 2012

Michael Kevin Hintz, BHS 1981

Michael Kevin Hintz,  BHS 1981

Michael Kevin Hintz was born on January 24, 1963 and passed away on September 7, 2012. No other details at this time.