Larry Thomas Johnson, BHS 1961

Larry Thomas Johnson, BHS 1961

Larry Johnson, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and dear friend, passed away on August 30, 2022. Born Larry Thomas Johnson on July 27, 1943 in Tampa, Florida to Alvin and Mary Johnson. 

Larry was raised in Virginia by his grandparents and then moved to Burbank, California where he attended Burbank High School. Larry then joined the Air Force after graduating from California State College, Los Angeles. When he returned to Burbank he was a Fireman with Lockheed Airport and co-owned Firehouse Tavern with his lifelong friend, Michael Sugg. 

Larry then moved to Reno, Nevada and started his long career in Real Estate. He also met the love of his life, Anne Johnson. They were married for 29 years before Annie passed in 2014. 

Larry loved sports, riding motorcycles, camping, travelling, and playing golf. He is survived by his children Frank Deras, Tony Deras (Cathy), Gina Lord Garland Fennell (Jeff), Joey Lord (Stacy), Michelle Sugg (Tom), 12 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. We will miss Larry very much - he was a wonderful father, husband, and friend. A private ceremony is being planned. For more information, please contact Michelle Sugg at msugg@rwglaw.com

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal, September 12, 2022

Frank Joseph Parrinello, BHS 1961

Frank Joseph Parrinello, BHS 1961

July 8, 1943 - July 31, 2025

Jeannie Parrinello Longmore BHS '64 and sister to Frank Parrinello BHS '61 wrote on July 31, 2025:

"My beloved Brother Frank Parrinello who graduated 1961 BHS passed today at 1:30 pm from cancer."

Frank was born in New York to Anthony and Francis Parrinello. When he attended Burbank High School, he was Co-Captain of the B Football Team and played Varsity Baseball. In 1966, he married Kathleen Vivirito. Frank was with the Burbank Unified School District for many years. He was the Vice Principal at the former Jordan Middle School (now Dolores Huerta Middle School). After retirement, Frank and Kathi moved to Las Vegas Nevada.

He is survived by his wife, Kathi Vivirito Parrinello BHS '64, a son Michael Parrinello (wife Jessica) and two Grandchildren, Nicholas Parrinello who is currently at West Point, and Olivia Parrinello, who is in college at Alabama University and his only sibling, his sister Jeanne Parrinello Longmore BHS '64 and her husband Ruben and their children.

Frank was a wonderful person, husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Our sympathies go out to all of Frank's Family.

Darryl Lynn Forbes, BHS 1961

Darryl Lynn Forbes, BHS 1961

May 4, 1943 – December 22, 2022

Darryl Lynn Forbes, retired Burbank firefighter and devoted community volunteer, died December 22, 2022, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loved ones.

Darryl was born in Glendale in 1943 and moved at a young age with his family to Burbank, the community he loved and where he would raise a family and spend his entire life. Darryl graduated from Burbank High School in 1961 and went on to earn an Associate Degree from Pasadena City College.

Darryl was hired by the Burbank Fire Department in 1966 as a firefighter and was quickly promoted to engineer and captain. In 1992, he became the first Fire Marshal to lead the department’s Fire Prevention Bureau on a permanent non-rotating basis. He proudly served in that position until his retirement in 2000.

Darryl never put himself first and believed his purpose in life was to help others. Aside from the fire service and his family, Darryl’s love was volunteering and serving his community. He began working with the Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC) when it was founded in 1974, and it became a lifelong passion. He served BTAC for more than four decades in a variety of roles, including serving on the board of directors for nearly 20 years. Aside from BTAC, Darryl dedicated thousands of hours over many years to the Burbank Coordinating Council Holiday Basket program, Burbank Schools Disaster Preparedness program, Burbank Parent Teacher Association, Burbank Sister City Committee, and numerous other organizations. Darryl was well known throughout the community, and it was impossible for him to go anywhere in Burbank without running into people he knew. He loved catching up with friends and, of course, offering to help however he could.

Darryl is survived by his wife of 48 years Penny, son Michael and daughter-in-law Joy, daughter Kimberly, and grandson Nathan. He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn, mother, Elizabeth, and brother Glenn (“Glennie”). Never wanting to be the center of attention, Darryl requested that there be no memorial service or event to celebrate his life, just a private scattering of his ashes “someplace pretty and with a view.” Those wishing to remember Darryl are asked to make a donation in his memory to the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.

Merrilyn Sue Robinson Spilman, BHS 1961

Merrilyn Sue Robinson Spilman, BHS 1961

Ukiah Daily Journal, Ukiah, California, Monday, October 14, 1974

R.V. woman succumbs to rifle wound

Merrilyn Sue Spilman, 31, died at 10:45 last night in a Ukiah hospital, about 12 hours after she shot herself in the head with a .22 caliber rifle. Mrs. Spilman was found late yesterday morning in the kitchen of the family home in Redwood Valley by her husband, Jack Lee Spilman. She was rushed to the hospital by Ukiah Ambulance Service.

There was no note found but it is believed that Mrs. Spilman was despondent as the result of a recent accident in which she was seriously injured.

In addition to her husband, two children survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Spilman, a native of Lubbock, Texas, are pending at Eversole Mortuary. 

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Ukiah Daily Journal, Ukiah, California, Tuesday, October 15, 1974

Wednesday services for Mrs. Spilman

Funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 at Eversole Mortuary for Merrilyn Sue Spilman. The 31-year-old Texas native died Sunday in a Ukiah hospital. She had lived in Redwood Valley for the past nine years.

She is survived by her husband Jack, and by two children, Tammy Marie and Stacey Sue, all of Redwood Valley; by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Robinson of Lake Isabella, California; by a sister, Mrs. Norma Wolfbauer of Northridge and a brother, Gary L. Robinson of Lake Isabella.

Officiating at services will be the Rev. Ken Hewitt. Burial will be in Ukiah Cemetery.

 

Donald Lemont Morrison, BHS 1961

Donald Lemont Morrison, BHS 1961

Independent, Long Beach, California, Sunday, November 10, 1968

L.A. SOLDIER KILLED IN AUTOBAHN CRASH

BADOLDESLOE, Germany – Four persons, including two American soldiers and a German sailor, were killed in an automobile collision on the Hamburg-Luebeck Autobahn, police said Saturday. Among the dead was Donald L. Morrison, 25, of Los Angeles.

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Eagle Rock Sentinel, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, November 17, 1968

ER MAN DIES IN ACCIDENT IN GERMANY

Army specialist fourth class Donald L. Morrison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Albert of 2566 Hyler Ave., was killed November 8 in an automobile accident in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Morrison, 25, would have completed his army hitch this summer. He was a member of the 59th Military Police Company. He grew up in Eagle Rock, attending Luther Burbank Junior High and Eagle Rock High, and joined the army in 1965. (Note: He graduated from BHS in 1961.)

He is survived by Mrs. Albert, his mother; his father, Earl Morrison; his stepfather, Mr. Ernest Albert; a sister, Beverly Loome; two half-brothers, Dean and Bryan; a nephew, Duane and four grandparents.

Services will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Time and date are still undetermined. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Children’s Hospital.

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The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Monday, November 18, 1968

MORRISON, S/4 Donald L.; beloved son of Earl Morrison and Mrs. Patricia Albert, brother of Mrs. Beverly Loome, Dean and Brian Morrison.

Service 1 p.m. Tuesday, at the Wylie Chapel, First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1760 Gower St. Family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, in the name of Donald L. Morrison. Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills. Forest Lawn Mortuary.

Theodore H. Gould, BHS 1961

Theodore H. Gould, BHS 1961

The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, California, Thursday, August 2, 1973

VALLEY MAN FOUND DEAD AFTER SEVERE BEATING

The severely beaten body of a North Hollywood man was found lying on the shoulder of Mulholland Drive late Tuesday following what authorities termed a brutal slaying.

The county coroner’s office identified the man as Theodore H. Gould, 29, of 11941 Albers Street. Police said they were looking for a suspect who was spotted running from the scene by a passerby.

The body was found about 11 p.m. lying outside a parked car which was headed in the wrong direction on Mulholland Drive between Laurel Pass Ave. and Laurel Canyon Ave, police said. A woman driving past the dead body called police.

Gould apparently died after being bludgeoned about the head and face, possibly with a rock, authorities said.

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The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, California, Friday, August 3, 1973

Link Slaying to Suspect In Car Theft

A 19-year-old North Hollywood man was booked yesterday on suspicion of murder by Los Angeles police after being arrested by Gardena authorities for auto theft.

The arrested man was identified as Jerry Lee Sumerlin of 10620 Victory Blvd. He was booked in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Theodore H. Gould of 11941 Albers St., North Hollywood. Gould’s severely beaten body was found lying on the shoulder of Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. late Tuesday night.

 Investigators said Sumerlin was arrested Wednesday for auto theft charge but was booked again by police just before noon yesterday on the murder charge.

Authorities declined to discuss a possible motive in the case. They said the suspect was scheduled to be arraigned in Municipal Court in Van Nuys this afternoon. Gould apparently died after being savagely beaten, possibly with a rock, about the head and face, police said. An autopsy has been scheduled.

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Van Nuys News, August 6, 1973

Youth 19 Charged With Beating Death of Man

Nineteen-year-old Jerry Lee Sumerlin of 10620 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, was formally charged with first degree murder, Friday in the beating death of Theodore H. Gould.

Sumerlin pleaded innocent before Municipal Court Judge Edward Davenport, in Van Nuys, who scheduled a preliminary hearing for August 14 in Division 104. No bail was set. He was arrested by Gardena police Wednesday on suspicion of auto theft, but turned over to Los Angeles authorities Thursday.

Gould’s body was found lying on the shoulder of Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. by a passerby late Tuesday. He had been beaten to death, an autopsy revealed. He was 29.

Authorities declined to discuss a possible motive for the murder, but said only that the defendant and Gould, who had lived at 11941 Albers Street, North Hollywood, had known each other.

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The Van Nuys News, Van Nuys, California, Friday, August 24, 1973

STRUGGLE DESCRIBED DURING HEARING ON DEATH OF MAN

A witness testified Wednesday that he observed a “struggle” between two men in a car parked on Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. late on the evening of July 31 which resulted in the death of a Burbank man.

David Swezey 27, the witness, also testified that Jerry Lee Sumerlin, the defendant, had told him twice earlier that evening that Theodore H. Gould he was going to “get” Theodore H. Gould 29, the victim.

Arraignment Set

Sumberlin was held to answer on a murder charge following a preliminary hearing before Municipal Judge Leila Bulgrin. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Van Nuys, Dept. R.

Swezey, who has been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony, said he drove a short distance behind a car containing Gould and Sumberlin to the isolated hilltop location and was “about five to eight yards"  when he witnessed the killing.

Sumerlin was holding Gould’s head back and making slashing motions at his throat. I could hear Gould say, “no, Jerry, no,” and then he screamed,”Swezey testified.

Events Cited

Swezey said that Sumerlin, Gould and himself were under the influence of LSD at the time of the slaying, and that the defendant had lured Gould to the isolated location by telling him they were going to obtain more LSD from a drug “rip-off” which had taken place in Burbank a couple of nights before.

Swezey answered “yes” but said he couldn’t recall details when prosecuting Dept. Dist. Atty. Sterling Norris asked, “Did the defendant ever say anything to you to the effect that Gould was talking too much?” 

Witness Testified

Mrs. Valerie Swezey 30, who also has been given immunity, said that when Sumerlin returned to his apartment at 10620 Victory Blvd. about three hours after the killing, he stated, “I used a razor blade; I cut his (Gould’s) throat  and just to make sure I took a rock to his head.”

Gould’s severely beaten body was found by police after they had received a call from a woman driving by the Mulholland location. She also reportedly gave police a description of a man she saw fleeing from the vicinity of Gould’s parked vehicle.

Sumerlin, who police said migrated from Virginia about five months ago, was arrested in Gardena the day after the killing. Police said Gould, a life-long resident of Burbank had been living in North Hollywood. Judge Bulgrin denied a defense motion that bail be set for Sumerlin, who remains in County Jail.

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The Van Nuys News, Thursday, November 1, 1973

Trial Postponed for Valley Man In Beating Death

Trial has been continued until Friday, December 7, for a North Hollywood man charged with the beating death of a Burbank man last July 31, on Mulholland Drive near Laurel Canyon Blvd. The trial is scheduled for Superior Court in Van Nuys Dept. M.

Jerry Lee Sumerlin 19, who had been living at 10620 Victory Blvd., was arrested about a day after the body of Theodore H. Gould 29, was found at the hilltop location. Sumerlin is being held at County Jail without bail.

.

Kathleen (Kathy) Geisler Worley, BHS 1961

Kathy Worley

Ennis, Montana

January 14, 1944 - November 7, 2022

Kathleen (Kathy) Worley, age 78 of Ennis, Montana passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2022. Kathy was born on January 14th, 1944, to Gladys Gentry Geisler and Lloyd Geisler. She was born and raised in Burbank, CA & graduated from Burbank High School in 1961. She met Dwight Worley and they were married in 1963 in Las Vegas, NV.

Of this union, were born 2 children; Erin Lynn Worley in 1964 and Michael John Worley in 1969, both born in Burbank, CA. The Worleys moved around different places throughout the years for Dwight’s work, but finally settled in Ennis, MT in 1980. Upon first arriving in Ennis, they purchased a restaurant on Main St. called Bettie’s Cafe. They owned & operated the restaurant for 10 years.

Kathy had a longtime love of antiques. She enjoyed refinishing furniture and treasure hunting with her sister, Pam Smith and her daughter Erin. She had a long, successful career in the field and sold antiques in various booths and stores in Ennis and Bozeman.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight, who passed in 1994.

She is survived by her daughter Erin Worley of Ennis, MT and son Mike Worley of Ennis, MT, her step-daughter Deborah Worley of Sun Valley, CA and step-son Edward Worley of Juniper Hills, CA, her sisters Pat Greger of Zionville, IN and Pam Smith of Dallas, OR, her grandchildren Jennifer McClure of Portland, OR, Jacob Henry of Bozeman, MT, Mickayla Yochim of Butte, MT and Sydney Yochim of Butte, MT and her great-grandchild Ryder LeDeau of Butte, MT.

There will be no memorial services held. Please donate to the Senior Center in Ennis, MT in lieu of flowers. (ennisseniorcenter.org/donations/)

Michael J. Costello, BHS 1961

Michael J. Costello, BHS 1961

September 16, 1943, IL - February 27, 1965, CA

Valley Times, North Hollywood, California, Wednesday, March 3, 1965

M. Costello Services Set Friday

Services for Michael J. Costello, 21, 1800 North Evergreen Drive, Burbank, victim of an airplane crash near Arroyo Grande Saturday, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the American Lutheran Church, 755 N. Whitnall Highway, Burbank.

Costello was killed on his last solo flight before receiving his pilot's license. He left Van Nuys airport and crashed in the mountains on his way to San Jose.

A member of the Los Alamitos Naval Reserve, adviser to the Boy Scouts of America and a graduate of Burbank High School. Costello is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Costello and a brother, Patrick J., 17, all of the same address.

Services will be conducted by the Rev. C.G. Shira. Burial will follow at Glenhaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are in charge of Eckermans Funeral Service, 333 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. Find A Grave Memorial

Elisa Susan Levine Krute, BHS 1961

Elisa Susan Levine Krute, BHS 1961

Elisa Susan Levine Krute,  BHS 1961 – Two-time breast cancer patient. 

Elisa was preceded in death by her sister Myrna, father Peter Levine, mother Norma Levine, and ex-husband Michael Krute. She is survived by her brother Larry Levine, sons David and Bryan Krute, and grandchildren Cassidy, Justin and Nathan Krute.

She is one of the reasons why all profits from sale of my book Cooking for a Beautiful Woman, a food memoir, are going to breast cancer and leukemia research. Learn more at www.larrylevineauthor.com

Larry Levine – BHS Class of W’57

Rodney George Asp, BHS 1961

Rodney George Asp, BHS 1961

July 31, 1943 - June 29, 1990

Forth Worth Star - Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday, July 3, 1990

Rodney George Asp - Tool Company Employee

WEATHERFORD - Rodney George Asp of Willow Park died Friday June 29, 1990 in Weatherford. He was 46. Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. today at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Home in Weatherford. 

Mr. Asp was born in Burbank, California, and had lived in Parker County for twelve years. He was an employee of Wayne Tool and Die Company. Mr. Asp was a veteran and a Methodist.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Criswell's Children, KDFW/Channel 4, or to any home for abused and neglected children.

Survivors; Wife, Jo Asp of Willow Park; three daughters, Terry Asp of Washington, Dana Buntin of Fort Worth and Robbie Lindley of Weatherford; two sons, Kenneth Asp of Washington and Stephen Jenkins of California; one brother, Wayne Asp of California; and three grandchildren.

Barbara Anne Reeser Sutton, BHS 1961

Barbara Anne Reeser Sutton, BHS 1961

Published in The Signal, Santa Clarita, California, August 18, 1994

Barbara A, "Bobbi" Sutton, Administrattive assistant, 51, passed away Sunday August 14, 1994 in Lancaster after a brief illness. She was a resident of Palmdale. Sutton was born June 18, 1943, in Hollywood, California. She was an administrative assistant for the FAA. 

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her daughter, Dianna; two sons, David (and his wife, Janice) and William John (and his wife, Shawntel); her mother, Annie; three sisters, Marjorie, Sandra and Carole; her brother, John; and her grandson, Bret.

Memorial services will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday at Eternal Valley Mortuary Chapel, Newhall. Visit her Find A Grave Memorial HERE

Karen Lynn Davidson, BHS 1961

Karen Lynn Davidson, BHS 1961

The world lost a pre-eminent scholar and gifted musician when Karen Lynn Davidson departed this life on October 14, 2019, at her home in Salt Lake City. She was born in Glendale, California, to Gerald Orvel and Mary Callan Lynn on July 11, 1943, and grew up in a loving home in nearby Burbank.

Karen received B.A. and M.A. degrees in English literature from Brigham Young University. Her Ph.D., with an emphasis in medieval English literature, is from the University of Southern California. Karen also held two major postdoctoral fellowships - at Cambridge University in England and at the University of Chicago. At BYU, she was a member of the English faculty (nine years) and Honors Program Director. Karen also taught at USC, Long Beach City College, Pasadena City College, and the Mayfield Academy.

As an accomplished violinist and violist, she was concertmaster of the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra (five years), Pasadena Community Orchestra, and Rio Hondo Symphony in California. She also played with the Orchestra at Temple Square.

Two hymns with texts by Karen are in the hymnbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good" and "O, Savior Thou Who Wearest a Crown." Karen served on the General Music Committee and is the author of the popular Our Latter-day Hymns: The Stories and the Messages.

Beyond her musical contributions, Karen authored articles and books, including Thriving on Our Differences. She was co-editor of the Histories Volumes 1 and 2 of The Joseph Smith Papers series, co-authored Eliza: The Life and Faith of Eliza R. Snow, and was co-editor of Eliza R. Snow: The Complete Poetry. Karen served for decades in various Stake and Ward Relief Society callings and recently on the Board of the Mormon Scholars Foundation.

Karen and her late and beloved husband, David A. Davidson, lived a very full life. Residences over the years included Irving, TX; Princeton, NJ; Manhattan, NY; Pasadena, CA; Hilliard, WY; & Salt Lake City, UT.

She is survived by two sisters, Barbara Rencher (Roy) of Farmington, UT, and Diana Roskuski (Ron) of Mesa, AZ; five stepsons, Joseph Davidson (Laura), John Finch (Dierdre), Robert Finch (Lezli), Wesley Davidson, and Eliott Davidson, along with 308 (yes, 308!) dearly loved nieces and nephews (including greats and great-greats), and a host of wonderful friends collected throughout her remarkable life. She had an avid passion for chocolate, Diet Coke, BYU Cougars, PBS, KBYU-FM classical radio, opera, New York Times Friday crossword puzzles, and The New Yorker magazine.

A family burial took place in Dayton, Idaho on Friday, October 18, 2019, according to Karen's wishes. If you wish to honor Karen, donations may be made to the Church Humanitarian Aid fund or to a charity of your choice.

The family expresses appreciation for the staff of LDS and Western Peaks Hospitals and South Davis Specialty Care, along with Doctors Lisa Kuwahara, Nathan Richards, and Mark Lewis for their kind and compassionate care.

Penny Lee Strickland Rivera, BHS 1961

Penny Lee Strickland Rivera, BHS 1961

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Penny Lee Strickland Rivera, who passed away on June 23, 2020. Penny was born on November 10, 1943 to Mary Jane Cole Strickland and Harry Strickland who were founders of The Burbank Historical Society and Museum. 

Penny was a longtime Burbank resident. Her father Harry Strickland was a long time and retired Burbank Police Officer. Penny's mother was active in many Burbank activities, especially with  the Burbank Historical Society and Museum.

Penny and her husband Tony Rivera were both really involved with the Historical Society and Museum  and Penny was a Historical Society board member and treasurer, following in her mother's footsteps. 

Penny was a 1961 graduate of Burbank High School and active on their reunion committee. Penny love Burbank history. Thoughts and prayers go out to Penny's husband Tony Rivera and her daughter, Michelle, and the rest of the Rivera family.

The Burbank Historical Society and Museum Tribute to Penny 

Marilyn Morgan Olmstead, BHS 1961

Marilyn Morgan Olmstead, BHS 1961 

Dec. 8, 1943 — Sept. 30, 2020

It is with deep sadness that we observe the passing of Marilyn Morgan Olmstead, on Sept. 30, 2020. She was struck by a car while riding her bike in Davis. She was 76.

Marilyn was a professor emerita of chemistry at UC Davis, a Fellow of the American Chemical Society and the American Crystallographic Association, and an international leader in the crystallographic study of fullerenes, or “Buckyballs.” She published more than 1,100 articles in scientific journals and had been cited more than 34,000 times. Marilyn also was an extraordinary teacher, mentor and advocate for junior faculty and students.

While Marilyn’s exceptional productivity and impact are well known, fewer people know the obstacles she had to overcome as a female scientist. Marilyn joined the UC Davis chemistry department in 1969 when she was 25. By 2000, she directed one of the most productive crystallographic labs in the world and was the most published and cited member of the chemistry department, and yet she was never offered a faculty position. Finally, in 2003, when Marilyn was 60 years old, she was appointed to the faculty as a full professor.

Marilyn was born on Dec. 8, 1943, in Glendale. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1961, earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Reed College in 1965 and was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to support her graduate studies. She received her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1969. She was the only woman in her graduating class of 40 students.

Marilyn developed an interest in science as a child. Her parents allowed her to pursue her “tomboy” interests in cowboys, stamps, rocks and insects, and when she was 8, bought her a microscope.

At 12, she obtained a general operator’s license in ham radio, becoming the youngest female ham radio operator in the U.S. She built radio transmitters and antennas and communicated using Morse code with “hams” as far away as South Africa.

During summers, she worked as a draftswoman at Lockheed and a YMCA camp counselor. She was an insatiable reader and played tennis and piano. She was also Burbank High School’s homecoming queen.

Marilyn maintained these interests as an adult. She used microscopes almost daily and built and improved scientific instrumentation. She collaborated with scientists from around the world and was a visiting scholar in Switzerland, China, Malaysia and India. She was also a host mother to exchange students from Italy and Turkey.

She spent memorable days with family and friends at her cabin at Alpine Meadows, skied at resorts throughout the U.S. and hiked mountains in a score of countries. Almost every day, she biked to work and played tennis. She was an excellent cook and was always sharing recipes and expanding her repertoire. She loved her book club, playing the piano and going to concerts at the Mondavi Center. She was kind, generous and beautiful.

Despite the mistreatment she experienced as a female scientist, Marilyn remained positive. It gave her great joy to teach, advise and mentor junior faculty and students. She constantly advocated for them, sought funding for state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and imparted the skills and guidance they needed to succeed.

She said, “My graduate students have never ceased to challenge and inspire me, and I am happy to see many of them continue in professional careers. The number of women in science is no longer that surprising, but, looking back, times have changed.”

Even after her official retirement, Marilyn continued active research and mentorship and was branching into an entirely new field of chemistry. In the words of one of her colleagues, “Marilyn truly was a pioneering spirit not only in science but also as a woman. She set an example of excellence and grace we all can aspire to emulate.”

Marilyn is survived by Alan, her husband of 53 years and her greatest champion; her daughter Janis and her children Dylan and Emma; her son Nate and his wife Erin and their children Avery and Evan; and her sister Marcia. Marilyn was preceded in death by her son Eric.

The family invites well-wishers to help carry on Marilyn’s work by contributing to the Marilyn M. Olmstead Inorganic Chemistry Graduate Research Fund.

Published October 21, 2020, Enterprise, Yolo County, California

John Adam Safian, BHS 1961

John Adam Safian, BHS 1961
January 13, 1943 - May 29, 1986

John Adam Safian is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood. His Find A Grave memorial bio simply reads: Drowned in Kern River after saving the life of a woman. His body was not recovered for six months. He drowned on May 29, 1986.

I found this in The Hanford Times, dated Monday, December 8, 1986.

Kern drowning victims found.

Bakersfield - The bodies of three drowning victims were recovered after the level of the Kern River was lowered, but two others believed to have died during the summer remain missing.

A sheriff's rescue team on Sunday recovered the bodies of James Lopez, 15, of McFarland, who drowned on August 3; John Safian of Sunland, missing since May 29; and Khanh Do, 30, of Gardena, who disappeared in the swift water August 31.

Searchers were unable to find the bodies of Billy Rothgeb, 22, of Bakersfield and Mark Lawrence, 20, of West Los Angeles.

Edward James Bauer, BHS 1961

Edward James Bauer, BHS 1961

Burbank Daily Review, Friday, April 9, 1965

Edward James Bauer, 21, of 2912 N. Lincoln Street, died Thursday April 7, 1965 in a Los Angeles hospital. He was born in Los Angeles and had lived in Burbank for fourteen years. He was a graduate of Burbank High School (Class of 1961), a student at UCLA and a math analyst for Rocketdyne.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2:20 p.m. at Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale. Mr. Bauer is survived by his parents, Robert G. and Edna F. Bauer; a sister, Nancy Ann; a brother, Robert L. Bauer; his grandmothers, Mrs. Caroline Bauer and Mrs. Minnie Forney; and a nephew, Robert John Bauer.

Elizabeth "Betty" Allan Stone Randolph, BHS 1961

Elizabeth "Betty" Stone Randolph, age 75, of Booneville, Arkansas, passed away in her home on December 21, 2018.

She was born in Quebec, Canada in 1943, and immigrated with her family to California when she was a teen. She graduated from Burbank High School. She lived in California, Hawaii and eventually ended up in Arkansas where she raised her family. She worked for many years at the Wolverine Toy Company, Logan County Day Service Center and retired from DHS Booneville Human Development Center. She loved fishing, farming and camping.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and daughter, Jennifer Murillo. Survivors include her brother, Bill Allan (Texas), daughters Miera Nagy (Chris), and Emily Adams (Bob); sons Andy Stone (Melissa), and John Stone (Lettie); sixteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; friends; and people who called her "Mom".

A Celebration of Life Service for Betty will be held at 1:00 p.m. March 23, 2019 at the Booneville Funeral Service Chapel in Booneville this Spring, her favorite time of year. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Booneville Funeral Service. Online guest book www.boonevillefuneralservice.com.

Published January 6, 2019

Jon Monroe Olin, BHS 1961, Retired BHS Teacher

Jon Monroe Olin, BHS 1961
October 10, 1943 - December 27, 2019

Jon Monroe Olin was born on October 10, 1943 in Los Angeles County, California. Jon lived and grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School in 1961. After high school Jon got a teaching degree and then spent his teaching career with the Burbank Unified School District, spending most of his career at Jordan Middle School before moving to Burbank High School and taught there until his retirement. Jon remained with the district and filled in as a sub for different schools. 

On Friday December 27, 2019 he was on his way to the Coral Café on Burbank Blvd. with Mickey DePalo when Jon apparently had cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital and passed away Friday night with his family by his side.

He was due to have a valve replacement operation on January 15th. We are very sad about Jon's passing. God Bless his family.

Jon was preceded in death by his father; brothers, Edwin Jay Olin (BHS 60) and David Joseph Olin (BHS 67) who passed away in 1998. Jon is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Dorothea, daughters Meg and Alexandra, son Christopher, their partners, and four grandchildren. If you would like to honor Jon Olin, please donate to the organization he cared deeply for, The Optimist Youth Home, 6957 N. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90041,

UPDATE: From the family:

It is with a broken heart that the Olin family and friends announce the passing of Jon Monroe Olin, on December 27th, 2019. It was unexpected and sudden, and we are only beginning to understand the depth of our loss.

Jon loved spending quality time with family, friends and students and he always opened his home and heart to others.

An open house and memorial will be held to honor Jon Olin:

Saturday, February 22, 11:30 a.m.

1022 E. Angeleno Avenue, Burbank

RSVP: 818 438 3046


olin191@gmail.com

Judith Mills Opatz, BHS 1961/60

Junior photo in 1960 Yearbook

Judith (Judy) Mills Opatz, BHS 1960
December 2, 1943 - September 21, 2019

Judith Opatz passed peacefully with her daughters by her side on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Judy was born in Los Angeles and moved to San Francisco where she met and fell in love with Alois (Al) Opatz and spent the next almost 50 years helping to manage their bar and farming businesses. She is predeceased by spouse Alois Opatz (2013) and survived by Elizabeth (George) Gamarra and Mary (Daniel) Neustadt. She is also survived by the lights of her life, her beloved grandchildren: Danielle, Isabella, John and George.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the Fred Young Funeral Home Cloverdale, on Friday, September 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cloverdale on Saturday, September 28th, at 10 a.m.,, followed by burial at Olive Hill Cemetery in Geyserville. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: www.guardiansoflove.org a non-profit foster family agency, per her wishes.

Published Online in the Press Democrat from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28, 2019

Note: Judy is not listed in 61 yearbook, her junior picture is in the 60 yearbook and family says she graduated in 1960 so it is possible she graduated early.

Sandra Gean Proctor Smith Bevins, BHS 1961

Sandra Gean Proctor Smith Bevins, BHS 1961

Sandy Bevins, 70, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away July 17, 2013. She was born March 21, 1943, in Beaverdam, Wisconsin and was an 18-year resident of Las Vegas.

Sandy was a cashier for Ralph's Grocery Store in California for 15 years.

Sandy is survived by her sons, Michael Alan Smith and Patrick William Smith; daughter, Kelly Diane Smith-Archuletta; 16 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 29, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.

Sandy will be truly missed and in our hearts forever. "We love you, Mom!"


NOTE: Passed away suddenly due to an aneurysm.