Jo Ann Katherine Blevins Bedigan, BHS 1940

Jo Ann Katherine Blevins Bedigan, BHS 1940

Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, December 13, 2000

Jo Ann Bedigan died December 9, 2000 suffering many years from Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward and her devoted son, Richard. Her daughter, Nanci and granddaughter, Kristin survive her.

She dedicated her life to her family and the many organizations she belonged to.  She is now with her husband and son, which will bring her the happiness she has missed during her illness. God Bless you, Mom.

Rosary will be Thursday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service Chapel Burbank, California. Interment will be private. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral is in charge.

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Burbank Leader Newspaper, December 2000

Jo Ann Bedigan, 78, died December 9, 2000, in North Hollywood hospital. Mrs. Bedigan was born in Phoenix. She lived in Burbank for 77 years. She was a homemaker, the former president of the National Charity League and co-founder of the National Charity League, Junior.

She is survived by her daughter and granddaughter, Nanci and Kristin Zemansky of Valencia. A vigil service was held Thursday. Interment was private at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

Frank M. Perry, BHS 1940

Frank M. Perry, BHS 1940

The Daily Press, Victorville, California, Saturday, November 18, 2006

Frank M. Perry was born in Inglewood on September 21, 1921, and passed away peacefully October 31, 2006, in Hesperia. He was 85 Frank had recently undergone surgery for lung cancer and was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He lived most of his early years in Burbank, where he graduated from Burbank High School in 1940. 

Frank served in the California Conservation Corps, worked at Universal Studios, and then enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. His last tour in the Navy was on the ship SS David Star Jordan in the Pacific, off the coast of Japan. After completing his service to his country, Frank returned to Burbank. He worked for the city and then went to work for Lockheed Aircraft, until he retired 26 years later. Frank met his wife, Carol, at Lockheed. The couple lived in the High Desert area for many years. Carol preceded Frank in death in 1997, also from cancer. He was also preceded in death by his father, John Perry; mother, Angeline Perry; two daughters, Sylvia and Susan; two sisters, Josephine and Janet; brother-in-law Charlie; and nephew, Jimmy.

Frank is survived by his sisters, Marie Getchel of San Francisco and B.J. Perry of Burbank; niece, JoAnne Szelazek of Mission Hills; daughters Janet Johnston and her husband, Doug of Hesperia and Judy Price of Missouri; two sons, Art Cradit of Idaho and John Cradit of Orange; nephews and their wives Johnny and Lynn Perry of Oregon and Bob and Kathy Ludeke of Big Bear City; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Monday at Church of Jeasus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Navajo building in Apple Valley. A niche-side service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Victor Valley Memorial Park. 

The family would like to publicly thank Community Hospice for the care Frank received in his last days, and all of his friends who helped him, whether he wanted it or not. He loved and appreciated you all. Frank is happy now, with his Lord and loved ones.

 

Robert E. (Bob) Van Deventer, BHS 1940

Robert E. (Bob) Van Deventer, BHS 1940

Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Robert E. (Bob) Van Deventer of Aliso Viejo, California passed away on September 1, 2006. He was born October 20, 1922, in Burbank, California. He attended Burbank High School, UC Berkeley (BS Engineering), and UCLA (BS Business). He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946 and earned the rank of Lieutenant (JG). In 1949 he married his wife of 57 years, Phyllis T. Johnson. 

Bob moved his family to Glendale in 1960. He served in various capacities in the stock brokerage business. He was the manager responsible for opening the Glendale, CA office of Dean Witter. In 1969 he co-founded the Glendale-based investment counsel firm of Van Deventer & Hoch (V&H). He retired in 1989. V&H was a successful money management firm for 32 years. It was acquired by Mellon Financial Corp. in 2001.

Bob served as President of the Glendale Community Foundation and was a long-time member of the Glendale Kiwanis Club. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Valley National Bank. After moving to Orange County, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach, CA.

Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son Don Van Deventer of Honolulu, Hawaii; son and daughter-in-law Allen and Debbie Van Deventer of La Canada, CA; son and daughter-in-law Jack and Lisa Van Deventer of Moscow, Idaho; and seven grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church; 30071 Ivy Glenn Dr.; Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glendale Community Foundation or the South Coast Medical Center Foundation.

 

Donald Wilson Ruliffson, BHS 1940

Donald Wilson Ruliffson, BHS 1940

Published in the Burbank Review, Thursday, February 17, 1966

Donald Ruliffson, 41-year resident, dies

Donald Wilson Ruliffson, 43, a resident of Burbank for 41 years, died Monday. He was born in Fargo, North Dakota and lived at 2702 Chandler Blvd. Mr. Ruliffson,a printer by trade, was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his widow, Carolyn S. Ruliffson; his mother, Leona Ruliffson; two daughters, Mrs. Carroll L. Toland of North Hollywood, and Beverly Jean Ruliffson of Burbank; two brothers, Allen of San Diego, and Howard of Burbank; and four sisters, Marie C. Wirgler of Burbank, Mrs. Jean Nelson of Leucadia, Gayle Mohr of Turlock and Frances Anderson of Burbank.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., at Eckermans Funeral Service Chapel. Intermentwill be at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.

-----------------------------------

Donald Wilson Ruliffson BHS 1940 

Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, Tuesday, February 15, 1966

Donald Wilson Ruliffson, 43, of Burbank, California, died Monday in a local hotel. He had been visiting in Reno about two weeks. Mr. Ruliffson was born June 7, 1922, in North Dakota. He was self-employed as a painter. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Ruliffson of Burbank; two daughters, Carroll Poland of North Hollywood and Beverly Ruliffson of Burbank; and his mother, Mrs. Leona Ruliffson of Burbank. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the O’Brien-Rogers Funeral Home.

Alva "Al" Stuart Cooper, BHS 1940

Alva Stuart Cooper, BHS 1940

March 9, 1922 ~ July 1, 2021 (age 99

Alva “Al” Cooper, 99, passed away in his sleep the morning of July 1, 2021 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Sacramento, California. He was born on March 9, 1922 in Alexandria, South Dakota to Mary and Luman Cooper.

Due to a severe draught, which hit the area during the Great Depression, the family left South Dakota eventually settling in Burbank, California in 1936. While living in Burbank, Al was a member of the “1889 Tallyho” float, which won the Grand Sweepstakes at Pasadena Tournament of Roses in 1939. He then went on to graduate from Burbank High School as a member of the Class of 1940. Following graduation, he worked for the Lockheed aircraft factory in Burbank while attending Glendale Community College. After completing his studies at GCC, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps July 1942, earning his pilot wings and flying B24’s out of Italy during World War II. It was during this time that he and his crew were shot down over Vienna, Austria. The group was missing in action for several months. It was a point of pride for Al that not just he, but all of his crew made it back home safely without losing a single soul. For his bravery during the war, Al was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He left active duty March 1945, was discharged from the Army Reserves in 1960 with the rank of Captain.

After the war, Al joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in 1948 as a motorcycle Traffic Officer. It was during this time that he served as a member of Governor Earl Warren’s security detail and as the Governor’s personal driver. Al had the honor of being the man who answered the phone when President Eisenhower called to ask Governor Warren to be the next Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Al heard Governor Warren say “Thank you, Mr. President. I will accept the position.”

Al continued to rise through the ranks of the CHP retiring in 1978 as Deputy Commissioner. Not one to be idle, and forever civic minded, he moved on to his next career as an advocate in the California State Legislature. He worked with organizations such as the California Peace Officers’ Association, California Police Chiefs’ Association, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association. He retired from his role with the Sheriffs’ Association in 1998 but continued to represent the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department until January of 2013 when he finally retired just before his 92nd birthday.

Al was preceded in death by his beloved son, Robert, and is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Barbara Buchholz Cooper (whom he met on a blind date), daughter Jill Cooper Coulter and her husband Joseph “Pepper” Coulter, granddaughter Kaitlin Coulter, and great-grandson Collin Coulter-Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Seasons Hospice Foundation, 2295 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 165, Sacramento, California 95833

Published by All Faith Cremation, Sacramento, California, July 2021

Dawn Swagler Whiteaker, BHS 1940

Dawn Swagler Whiteaker, BHS 1940

For many years Dawn and husband Howard lived in Shadow Hills, in Los Angeles County, California. They had horses, and raised 3 sons, Scott, Britt, and Kent. Britt pre-deceased his parents. 

Dawn worked at Applied Research in Sunland, California. She would take her three sons, and cousins Gail & Holly Whiteaker to plays and musicals. The day before the event, she would tell us the story line and make us listen to the musical soundtrack. At the event she would give each of us a Sees sucker to keep us quiet. Dawn was very cultured, being the daughter of a Judge.

Dawn was born on November 1, 1922 in Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon and passed away on 12 Oct 1986 in Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA. She was 63. 

Dawn was a 1940 graduate of Burbank High School, Burbank, California. No other details at this time.

John Harrison Hollis, BHS 1940

John Harrison Hollis, BHS 1940
December 31, 1921 - February 10, 2017

John, a proud Veteran of World War II, passed away on February 10, 2017 at the age of 95. He was born in Los Angeles to John and Lola Hollis on December 31, 1921. His family moved to Burbank when he was eight years old and he lived in Burbank for the remainder of his life. He attended William McKinley Elementary School, John Burroughs Junior High, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1940.

John married his childhood sweetheart, Fern Lutge, on March 4, 1942. They were looking forward to celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary next month.

He is survived by his loving wife, Fern, and their five children. Daughters Johnianne (Jo) Canada (Ray), Linda Zulager (Bill), Katie Hollis; sons Mark Hollis (Patti), and Mike Hollis (Patti). He is also survived by one sister, Lolarie Grafstrom. He was Papa to nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family - camping and fishing trips, backyard barbeques or traveling across the country in their motor home.Upon graduation from high school he attended Pasadena City College and then went to work for Lockheed. He was later drafted and served in the Army Air Corps as a flight mechanic. He served in the Pacific Theater for three years.

The family would like to thank the loving caregivers who helped care for him these past few years.There will be a celebration of his life on Tuesday, February 21st at 12:30 p.m. at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, Church of the Hills. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Published in The Burbank Leader on Feb. 18, 2017.

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

Roy Monninger, BHS 1940

Roy Monninger, BHS 1940

Roy Monninger passed away on February 16, 2009. Roy was a World War II Army veteran, a USC graduate, and a long-time elementary school teacher in the Downey, California school system. 

His wife, Jane; sons Jim and John, brother Don, and their families survive him. Roy was very much a product of his years at Burbank High School and his connections with the many friends he had there. He enjoyed the Senior Bulldog News over the years.

Lonnie Alexander "Lon" Simmons, BHS 1940

Lonnie Alexander "Lon" Simmons, BHS 1940------------------- Lonnie Alexander "Lon" Simmons (July 19, 1923 – April 5, 2015) was an American baseball and football broadcaster, and was broadcasting part-time for the San Francisco Giants at the time of his death. He was born in Vancover, Washington. Simmons was a star pitcher at Burbank High School and Glendale College before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard. After World War II, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched briefly in their minor league system........... His radio career began in Elko, Nevada, and he first announced baseball for a semipro league in Marysville, California. After spending three years broadcasting Fresno State sports on KMJ, Simmons came to San Francisco in 1957 as the color announcer for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League, teamed with play-by-play announcer Bob Fouts. In 1958, Simmons took over as play-by-play announcer on 49ers radio broadcasts, paired with former 49er Gordy Soltau. Simmons remained in that role through the 1980 season................

Simmons' most famous call during his first stint with the 49ers came on October 25, 1964, when Minnesota Vilings defensive end Jim Marshall picked up a fumble by the 49ers' Billy Kilmer and ran it the wrong way, scoring a safety for the 49ers instead of a touchdown for the Vikings (who won the game anyway, by a score of 27-22). The transcript of his call, including his mid-sentence transition as the moment occurred, reads as: George Mira, straight back to pass ... looking, now stops, throws ... completes it to Billy Kilmer up at the 30-yard line, Kilmer driving for the first down, loses the football...it is picked up by Jim Marshall who is running the wrong way! Marshall is running the wrong way! And he's running it into the end zone the wrong way, thinks he has scored a touchdown! He has scored a safety! His teammates were running along the far side of the field, Russ, trying to tell him go back!................... Simmons broadcast games for the San Francisco Giants with Russ Hodges after they moved west in 1958, continuing until 1973. He returned in 1976 for three more years, before moving across the bay to call games for the Oakland Athletics from 1981 through 1995. From 1996 to 2002, he called Giants games part-time....................... During Simmons' initial sixteen years with the Giants, the team never won a World Series. With the 49ers, his termination as play-by-play broadcaster was due to the team changing radio stations, with the new station wanting "its own man" to become lead announcer. During the final two games of the 1989 World Series, Athletics' lead announcer Bill King came down with laryngitis. Simmons was thus able to announce to his radio audience that the A's had won the World Series over Simmons' former team, the Giants.................. Simmons' first tenure as 49ers play-by-play announcer lasted 24 years, the team never winning a championship. One year after his departure, San Francisco began a run of Super Bowl victories. Simmons returned as the 49ers' announcer in 1987 and was reunited with long-time colleague, Wayne Walker. During the 1988 regular season, Simmons' call of Steve Young's breathtaking game-winning 49-yard scramble against the Minnesota Vikings became as memorable as the play itself. The following January, San Francisco won Super Bowl XXIII over the Cincinnati Bengals, 20-16. Simmons' call of the 49ers' Super Bowl game-winning drive (punctuated by a Joe Montana-to-John Taylor TD pass) can be heard on the NFL Films highlights package of the game. Simmons again departed from the 49ers — this time for good — during the 1989 preseason following a dispute with the management at the 49ers' flagship station, KGO Radio................... Simmons was replaced in the play-by-play spot by Joe Starkey, the long-time announcer for the California Golden Bears and an analyst with Simmons on 49ers games in 1987 and 1988; Starkey had taken over play-by-play on several October games during the 1988 season. Starkey retired from the position following the 2008 NFL season. Simmons died on April 5, 2015. He was 91. Simmons received the 2004 Ford C. Frick Award, given annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster. He was elected to the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of the first class to be inducted. Also in 2006, he was inducted into the Glendale Community College Athletic Hall of Fame, along with his teammate, friend and broadcast partner, Bill Thompson. Simmons' trademark call for home runs was "Tell it goodbye!", which is quoted by John Fogerty in his song, Centerfield.................. In May 2006, Simmons rejoined the San Francisco Giants as a fill-in broadcaster. He was hired back to be in the booth during four in-season trips to San Francisco from his home in Maui for the 2006 baseball season......................

Simmons provided voice samples for Sega's Sports Talk video game series, including Sports Talk Baseball, Joe Montana II: Sports Talk Football, NFL Sports Talk Football '93, and NFL Football '94 Starring Joe Montana. Joe Montana II: Sports Talk Football was the first video game ever to feature a full play-by-play running commentary.

Virginia Stanchfield Peterson, BHS 1940

Virginia Stanchfield Peterson passed away at home in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada on May 16, 2014. She treasured her high school years and remembered Burbank High as being a huge influence in her life. She lived her 91 years to the fullest and will be greatly missed by her family and friends! She is survived by her daughters, Dusti and Kate.

Lena Myrl Hobbs Peckham, BHS 1940

 

Lena Myrl Hobbs Peckham, BHS 1940

September 5, 1921 - February 12, 2013

 

Lena Hobbs was born September 5, 1921. As a young girl she moved with her family to Burbank. They lived at Verdugo and Glenoaks. Lena went through school in Burbank, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1940. 


She later met Willard Peckham who had moved to Southern California from Wisconsin. They were married in May of 1941. They had three daughters, Linda (BHS '60), Nancy (BHS '64), and Janice (BHS '72). In the 1940's Willard became a Burbank Police Officer. In the early 1950's he changed from BPD to the Burbank Fire Department where he remained until his retirement in 1972, at the Bel Aire Station at the top of Uclan Dr. for many years before he retired. 

From 1952 until 1972 Lena and Willard lived at Hilton Dr. and Eton in Burbank. During her years in Burbank Lena attended the Burbank Foursquare Church, First Baptist Church of Burbank at Fairmount and Glenoaks, and lastly Calvary Bible Church at Main St. and Alameda.

 

In September 1972 Lena and Willard moved to Northern California to Clearlake Oaks, where they lived for the next 40 years. Their home was on Clearlake, and their back yard went down to their dock where they kept their boat. During those years they also took many trips around the country in their motorhome. This past November they moved about thirty miles to Lucerne, CA, to live next door to their youngest daughter, Janice, and her husband.

 

Lena Hobbs Peckham passed away at home in Lucerne, CA on Tuesday afternoon, February 12, 2013, at age 91. Her husband, daughter, and son-in-law were with her when she passed away. This May she and Willard would have had their 72nd wedding anniversary. Willard is now age 95, and remains in good health.

 

Lena is survived by her husband, Willard H. Peckham, daughters Linda Peckham Christian of Portland, OR, Nancy Peckham Burris of Cloverdale, CA, and Janice Peckham Jennings of Lucerne, CA, nine grandchildren, and twenty-seven great-grandchildren, two half-sisters, five nieces, and one nephew. She was a sweet, sweet lady who will be missed by her large and loving family and her many friends."

Fred Herschel McClellan, BHS 1940

Fred Herschel McClellan, BHS 1940

Fred Herschel McClellan, 63, resident of Burbank since 1923; graduate of Burbank high School 1940; World War II Air Force veteran; died in San Diego, CA October 7, 1983.


He retired as an engineer from Caltrans after 25 years of service. Since 1979, he operated his own tax consulting business in San Diego.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary; his son, Larry; brothers, Malcolm and Hugh; nephews, Steven and Douglas.

Services Thursday, October 13, 11 a.m. at Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Slumber Room visitation will be on Wednesday. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Published in the Los Angeles Times, October 11, 1983

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

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

K. William “Bud” Allen, BHS 1940

K. William “Bud” Allen, BHS 1940

San Diego Union, The (CA) - March 5, 1985

Memorial services for K.W. "Bud" Allen will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Clairemont Mortuary. Mr. Allen, 62, a local building contractor, died Feb. 27, 1985 in an automobile accident.

Mr. Allen was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Burbank High School. He was a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1958 he came to San Diego and was a building contractor with Techbilt Company. through 1978. He also worked with Mark II Properties and was an independent developer of custom homes and condominiums.

Mr. Allen was a member of the Building Contractors Association and the American Building Contractors Association. He was also a member of the National Conservative Political Action Committee and an ardent fund-raiser for the Republican Party.

Mr. Allen is survived by his wife, Anne; a son, Terry; a daughter, Sherilyn; a stepdaughter, Sandra Treece; a stepson, Ronald Kociol; and six grandchildren. All live in San Diego.

Carter Covert, BHS 1940

Carter Covert, BHS 1940

Los Angeles Times (CA) - July 12, 1991

Carter Covert, a Burbank dentist for 35 years, has died in a Burbank hospital. He was 69.

A longtime Burbank resident, Covert died Tuesday of complications of a heart attack, said his daughter, Christine Covert of Los Angeles.

Born in San Bernardino, Covert came to Burbank as a child and graduated from Burbank High School. During World War II, he was stationed with the U.S. Navy Air Corps in Pensacola, Fla. Covert graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1954 and two years later opened his dental office in Burbank. Covert practiced general dentistry until the time of his death.

Covert was a member of the American Dental Assn., California Dental Assn., Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity at USC, Lakeside Golf Club and was active with the USC Dental Alumni Assn. He also was a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Burbank.

In addition to his daughter Christine, Covert is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jo Anne Covert; daughters Kathleen Covert of Sherman Oaks and Nancy Snowden of Burbank; sister Ernestine Bartosh of Chatsworth; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church of Burbank, of which Covert was a member. Forest Lawn Mortuary, Hollywood Hills, is handling the arrangements.

Donations can be made in Covert's name to the First United Methodist Church of Burbank for the dental clinic in Maua, Africa. The address of the church is 700 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank 91502.



Glen W. Duke, BHS 1940

Glen W. Duke, BHS 1940

Glen W. Duke, Retired Burbank Fire Captain Dies

By Stan Lynch, Burbank N Beyond

Funeral services for retired Burbank Fire Department Captain Glen W. Duke, will be held on Friday. Mr. Duke died on January 13, 2012 at the age of 89.

Born in Arco, Idaho in 1922, to Roy and Hazel Duke, Glen had seven brothers and sisters. The family moved to Long Beach, before settling in Burbank. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1940, and began working for the City of Burbank in the Public Service Department (now Burbank Water and Power) in September 1940 as a meter reader.

His career with the City of Burbank was interrupted by World War II. Glen enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, serving in the Philippines. He left the Air Force in 1946, and returned to Burbank and his job with the City.

Glen joined the Burbank Fire Department in April of 1953. In 1971 he was promoted to Engineer. In 1974 Glen was promoted to the rank of Captain. During his career with the fire department he was instrumental in setting up their dispatch system. He worked as an arson investigator.

Glen was probably best known for his work in the Fire Prevention Bureau. He taught hundreds of children in the Burbank Schools about fire safety. Glen was the first firefighter to be teamed up with the police department working on the Neighborhood Watch program. He retired from the Burbank Fire Department in 1977.

Glen served on the Burbank Civil Service Commission from 1985-1993. He was a member of the Veterans’ Commemorative Committee since its inception in 1994. He was also a member of the 4th of July Committee.

Active in his retirement, Glen bought a motor home and toured the country. He and his wife enjoyed gold panning. He loved auto racing, having attended the Indianapolis 500. He was well known for his skill as a pool player at Pickwick. Glen leaves a host of friends who enjoyed his humor. He always had a joke or story to tell.

Mr. Duke is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary; and sister Eileen. He is also survived by his first wife, Marma Lee Brehm; son, David Duke; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.

On Friday at 10:30 a.m. a procession will form at the Valley Funeral Home. It will then proceed one block to Fire Station 14, where Engine 14 will escort Captain Duke to Glen Haven Memorial Park for the graveside service at 11:30 a.m.

John D. McIrvin, BHS 1940?

John D. McIrvin, BHS 1940?

Dick McIrvin of Eugene, who died Jan. 19, in Palm Springs, Calif., of complications following heart surgery. He was 81.

McIrvin was born March 20, 1922, in Los Angeles to John and Ella Taylor McIrvin. He married his wife, Mary Lou, in Burbank, Calif., on June 18, 1944. He lived in Burbank and North Hollywood, Calif., before settling in Eugene in 1961. He graduated from Burbank High School and attended the Maritime Academy on Catalina Island. in California..

He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He worked as a route salesman for Darigold and Arden Farms until his retirement in 1976. He also worked as a commercial fisherman for 20 years and in the rental and property management field. He was a member of the Teamsters Union.

His interests included home repairs and he was known as "Mr. Fix-it." He was an avid outdoorsman and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, water skiing, sport of riding on skis along the water's surface while being towed by a motorboat. and gardening. He also enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Wagon Wheelers Square dance club. He especially enjoyed being on the ocean.

He served as a Boy Scout Leader and was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Eugene and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He will be remembered as a man with a great smile who had a kind word for everyone.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, John Jr., and Glenn, both of Eugene and Jim of Rocklin, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Saturday's Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Eugene. Rose Mortuary in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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