Leila Hamner Wasson, BHS 1970

Leila Hamner Wasson, BHS 1970

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Sunday, October 19, 2008
CA United States

Leila Hamner Wasson, May 2, 1952 - Oct. 10, 2008

Loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She was born in Burbank, attended Burbank schools and graduated from the LAUSC School of Nursing. She received Nurse of the Year honors, which reflected her love of the nursing profession, while part of the Los Angeles County health care system for over 25 years. She was a resident of Granada Hills since 1987.

She is survived by her daughter, husband, mother, sister and brother. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A memorial will be held at the Odyssey in Granada Hills on Sunday, October 26, 2008, at noon.

Robert Russell Kelsey, BHS 1968

AGUA DULCE CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS SANTA PAULA PILOT

Robert Russell Kelsey, BHS 1968

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Tuesday, April 25, 2000
Author: Greg Botonis and Krystn Shrieve Staff Writers

AGUA DULCE - A 49-year-old Santa Paula pilot was identified Monday as the victim of a weekend plane crash near Agua Dulce. The body of Robert Russell Kelsey was found Saturday in the wreckage of his Beech BE35, which crashed late Friday or early Saturday on a hillside east of Agua Dulce. Officials were still investigating the cause but speculated that Kelsey might have hit a ridge while trying to land in heavy fog at the nearby Agua Dulce Airpark. Kelsey was headed from Santa Paula to Chandler, Ariz., at the time of the crash, officials said.

The pilot had housed his plane at Santa Paula Airport for more than five years and was well-known by the other pilots based there. ``A lot of people here are really upset about the crash,'' said Janice Dickinson, the office manager at the Santa Paula Airport. ``We all knew him as kind of a quiet guy who was just real nice to everyone,'' Dickinson said. ``I knew him enough to say hi to him, but he always had a smile.''

Scott Carrier, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, said an autopsy revealed that Kelsey died of blunt-force trauma. Additional toxicology studies will be completed in four to six weeks.

Kelsey had owned Kelsey Automotive, a repair shop in Ventura, for about 20 years. Robert Eschenberg, a smog technician who has worked there since 1985, said he had flown several times with Kelsey to go camping at the Kern River, visit friends in Lake Tahoe or gamble in Las Vegas. ``I believe he had his license for 20 years. That was his love,'' Eschenberg said. ``He used to fly to the Bahamas and Florida and all over the United States. If he had money to put gas in the tank of the plane he would go and have all kinds of adventures.'' Eschenberg, who was listed with the airport as one of Kelsey 's emergency contacts, said Kelsey was always a careful pilot. ``Even though he was careful, I always worried,'' Eschenberg said. ``But he always said accidents happened to other people. But at least he died doing something he loved.''
　
Fatal plane crash cause will take months to learn

Ventura County Star (CA) - Tuesday, April 25, 2000
Author: From staff reports

Investigators won't know for months what caused a Santa Paula pilot's small plane to crash into a hillside Friday night about 30 miles north of Los Angeles. Robert Kelsey 49 was most likely killed on impact when his single-engine airplane crashed into a hillside near Agua Dulce officials said.

The plane was found Saturday morning lying upside down on the hill about three miles from Agua Dulce said Jerri Johnston a Federal Aviation Administration operations officer. Kelsey had left Santa Paula Airport about 8 p.m. Friday to fly to Chandler Ariz. A family member called authorities Saturday after Kelsey failed to arrive Johnston said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating and it's likely to be several months until the cause of the accident is determined board investigator Wayne Pollack said Monday. No witnesses have come forward. A local resident found the wreckage after the early morning fog lifted. It appeared the plane had struck the hill at about 3600 feet then hit again and crashed about 700 feet away. Kelsey had not filed a flight plan and was not required to Pollack said. The pilot also had not communicated with air traffic controllers Pollack said. Kelsey had been a recreational pilot for several years and had flown often from Santa Paula Airport an airport official said.
　

Lila Ashley Barnett, BHS 1999

Lila Ashley Barnett, BHS 2000

Lila Ashley Barnett was born October 21, 1980 in Greenville,TX and died suddenly October 15, 2005 while on a cruise to Mexico. She was 24. Ashley lived in Burbank for most of her life. She attended Emerson Elementary School, John Muir Middle School, and graduated in 1999 from Burbank High School where she was very active in show choir.

Ashley had a lifelong love of the theater, starting with her first appearance as an infant in her parents' production of The Miracle Worker in Sulphur Springs, TX. She was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and had brief appearances on the daytime drama Passions and sitcoms Family Affair and Will & Grace. Like most actors, Ashley supported her acting passion with other jobs. She worked for a year in the mailroom at CBS Studio Center, then for two seasons was a production assistant for Will & Grace. For the past two years, Ashley had been an assistant to composer John Debney. She was represented by the Stevens Group agency.

Ashley is survived by her mother, Jamie Barnett of Burbank; father and stepmother, Bill and Micky Barnett of Quitman, TX; three brothers, Cooper, Seth, and Adam, all of Burbank; two half-sisters, Mona Millon of McKinney, TX and Madeline Barnett of Shreveport, LA; grandmother, Ruby Barnett of Debach, LA; grandfather, Sidney Cooper of Gainesville, GA; step-brother, Chad Young of Sulphur Springs; and countless friends and co-workers who will miss her loving support and beautiful smile.

Memorials have been established in Ashley's name at Screen Actors Guild Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She touched many peoples lives. She has many friends who love & miss her. Her spirit will live on in our hearts forever!

Ashley's story appeared on 48 Hours in 2006. More information HERE

Martha Jane Gould Munro, BHS 1939

Martha Munro, BHS 1939

Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Mountain Home News, Idaho

Martha Jane Munro, 84, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2005, after suffering a paralyzing stroke.

The family will gather to celebrate Martha's life today, Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m., in a memorial service at the Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home. Services are under the directions of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, Mountain Home.

Martha was born on Sept. 5, 1921, to Willis Vernon and Ruby Ethel (Leutwiler) Gould in Washington D.C., and graduated from Burbank High School in California.

She eloped to Yuma, Ariz., with her high school sweetheart, James Ralph Munro, 67 years ago, and they were secretly married on July 3, 1938. Their first home was on a ranch in the mountains of northern California.

The family migrated to Idaho were they farmed/ranched in Eagle before buying a homestead and farm in Grand View. They later lived in Oreana. After retiring, they built a home in Garden Valley, but spent a number of winters in Utah and Arizona.

Martha drove the Grand View school bus for many years and was an active 4-H leader.
She was also an accomplished seamstress and especially enjoyed creating clothing for all the family.

She was a member of the Idaho Cattlemen's Association. She also was involved in the Owyhee County Extension Agencies and the Grand View Lady Lions. "Whether business or pleasure, whatever Martha was involved in, she always gave it her best," her family noted, adding, "each of her grandchildren experienced Martha's great caring for them. She always had interesting ideas for things they could do, and she would sit ever-so-patiently while the children brushed and/or put curlers in her hair. "Martha was a wonderful example of giving love and living with integrity."

Martha is survived by: her husband, Jimmy, of Grand View; a son, Richard, and his wife, Joyce Munro, of Northglenn, Colo.; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Munro, of Grand View; five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Francine (John) Lightner of St. George, Utah. She is preceded in death by a son, Larry Munro, and two infant children.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to a favorite charity.

Joseph Felix Coppo, BHS 1927

Joseph Felix Coppo, BHS 1927

Joseph Felix Coppo, 93, died April 17, 2003, in Burbank, California. He was born November 26, 1909, in Burbank and was a lifelong resident.
Mr. Coppo was the owner of Riverside Laundromat and Dry Cleaners in Toluca Lake for 50 years. He served as the president of the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, as the honorary mayor of Toluca Lake and was a member of the Burbank Elks Lodge 1497. He was also a World War II veteran.

The visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Valley Funeral Home, 2121 W. Burbank Blvd. The funeral service is at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the American Lutheran Church, 755 N. Whitnall Hwy. The interment follows at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California.
Mr. Coppo is survived by his wife, Lillian; daughters, Jo Ann Nelson and Christine Egerer; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grand-children.

Valley Funeral Home is in charge of direction.

Robin Aumann, BHS 1971

Robin Aumann, BHS 1971

Aug. 12, 1953-Dec. 2, 2007

Robin passed last night at about 10PM after an eight month fight with an infection that wouldn't be beaten.

Robin Aumann, 54, died Sunday at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill.

Born in Burbank, Calif., she was the daughter of the late Mark and Margaret Aumann. Robin was one of the first female flight engineers on the KC10 while stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and served in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She retired with 23 years of service in the Air Force and received the Meritorious Service Medal. She was the former owner of Pets Unlimited.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with full military honors.

Robin is survived by two sisters, Joi Alick of Flower Mound, Texas and Diedre Lingenfelter of Riverside, Calif.; and close friends and caregivers, Gene Carmack and Peggy Knoll.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123-1718 or to the Dogs for the Deaf, 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, Oregon 97502. Funeral arrangements are with Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory online condolences can be sent through them.

Marie Mosher Peifer, BHS 1957

Marie Mosher Peifer, BHS 1957

From the Van Nuys News, Sunday, May 18, 1975

Funeral services will be held tomorrow for Marie Peifer of Simi Valley who was killed Thursday evening in a traffic accident involving a teenaged armed robbery suspect who was being chased by police. She was 36.

Described as "completely devoted to her family," Mrs. Peifer had taken her son Howard to football pratice just before the accident. When she did not return home, her husband Harry M. Peifer went to search for her, discovering his wife's Pinto station wagon among the wreckage at the corner of Tapo Canyon Road and Cochran Street. Mrs. Peifer was killed instantly when the 14-year-old suspect's pickup truck crashed into the side of her vehicle, authorities reported.

Services conducted by Pastor E. Silas Torvend start at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at Emmanual Lutheran Church, 11919 Oxnard Street, North Hollywood. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Peifer is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Mosher of Burbank; five children, Howard Ewing 15, Terri Ewing 13, James 7, Patrice 5 and Mark Peifer, 19 month.

She also leaves two brothers, John Mosher of Burbank and Richard Mosher of Carson City, Nevada, and three sisters, Marsha Patri of Canoga Park and Elizabeth and Ruth Mosher of Burbank. Mrs. Peifer was a 1957 graduate of Burbank High School.

Charles Edward Jones, BHS 1941

Ventura County Star (CA) - Sunday, June 9, 2002

Charles Edward Jones, BHS 1941

Charlie Jones, 79, of Ventura passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2002, after a lengthy illness. Charlie was a retired school administrator and teacher, having worked in Ventura County education, starting in 1948. He was best known for his 26 years of distinguished service as both principal and school superintendent of Somis Union School District. He began his career as a teacher at Pleasant Valley School in Camarillo. He then moved to Ventura High School, where he taught math and science and coached basketball. During his career, Charlie was also very involved in the community as a trustee with the Pleasant Valley Parks and Recreation Department, as the 1967 chairman of the Easter Seals Society of VenturaCounty and as a member of Camarillo Noontime Rotary Club.

He was instrumental in the development of the annual Hap Rapp Rotary Track Meet for the boys and girls and managed it for many years. In 1997, he was named a Don by the Pleasant Valley Historical Society for his contributions to the community.

Born in Los Angeles in 1923, Charlie graduated from Burbank High School . He received his bachelor's degree from UCSB and his master's degree from USC. He was an outstanding basketball player, receiving awards for his skill as a member of the UCSB squad and later as a member of the pre-NBA Santa Maria Dukes of the Industrial League. After serving as an ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he called Ventura and Camarillo Home for over 50 years.

Charles Jones is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gloria; daughters, Melissa Giese and her husband, Mike of Winchester, Mass.; Marianne Propst and her husband, Bill of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.; granddaughters, Alexandra and Caroline Giese; and grandsons, Charlie and Colin Propst.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the A.L.S. Association of Greater Los Angeles, P.O. Box 565, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. Assisting the family with arrangements is Pierce Bros. Griffin Mortuary, 1075 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo, (805) 482-2711.

Somis school superintendent dies - Charles Jones oversaw Somis Union school district for 26 years

Ventura County Star (CA) - Saturday, June 8, 2002
Author: John Mitchell jmitchell@insidevc.com

In 1937, Charlie Jones was so good academically that he was able to complete junior high school a half year sooner than the rest of his class, and he planned to enter Burbank High School as a freshman in January 1938.

But Jones also was an outstanding basketball player, something the Burbank coach knew. "So this coach went to Charlie and asked him if he wanted to play in the Christmas tournament," said Harry Lewis, Jones' classmate and teammate at Burbank High. "Charlie said OK, and he played in the tournament," Lewis said Friday from his home in Mission Viejo. "He not only played, he made the all-tournament team. That coach, I remember he got sick worrying that somebody might find out Charlie wasn't even in high school. "But that's how good he was. We'd go two-on-two with other guys all the time and make enough money to go to the Palladium (in Hollywood) on Saturdays." Lewis paused and laughed at the memory. "You know, he was either the best or one of the best basketball players in the state.

"On top of all this, Charlie was such a modest person. He was 6 feet 2 inches, blond, blue-eyed, as handsome as can be, all the girls swooning over him. I remember walking home one day and he was worried, asking me, 'Who am I going to get to go with me to the dance?' I would have had trouble coming up with two girls who wouldn't go with him. I mean, he was the student body president!"

This was the same Charles Jones who eventually would become the superintendent of the Somis Union School District in 1954. And, since the district's office was located in its only school, Somis Elementary School, he also wore the principal's hat. He was in that job for 26 years, during which he dealt with officials from the state and federal governments, the county schools office, his own school board and the staff of the school. He also had the unique experience of knowing the students in his school much better than the superintendent of one of the larger districts could ever hope for.

In all that time, he drew admiration and respect from countless numbers of staff members, students and fellow educators. When some of them heard that he died Tuesday after many years of coping with primary lateral sclerosis, a progressive neuromuscular illness, they offered surprisingly similar tributes. "Charlie was the perfect guy to work for," said Gary Scofield of Oak View, who taught 20 years at the Somis school. "It was a good, close group, a great, small community. Every year we had a teachers/students basketball game, and we always had a great time." It was Jones who hired Scofield in the 1960s.

"I was in sales and desperately wanted to get into education," Scofield said. "I went to talk to Charlie, and he really encouraged me to go for my teaching credentials. He actually hired me when I just had a provisional credential. So I got to work with him. After 20 years, I left and taught at Summit Elementary School in the Ojai School District.I just like small, country schools."

Charles Edward Jones was born Jan. 24, 1923, in Los Angeles to Clarence and Jennie Jones. He, his brother, William, and sisters, Margaret and Marie, were raised in Burbank, which at the time had a population of about 16,000. He played most sports, whether in a sandlot or for an organized team, but his favorite throughout life was basketball.

Fred Linkenhelt of Ojai met Jones at Santa Barbara State College in 1941. "My first impression of him was that he was a kind of a quiet, gentlemanly type of guy, someone that drew people to him," Linkenhelt said. "We went out for freshman basketball, and we lived together with another guy, Skeeter Malcolm, a surfer and all-round athlete. He became a good friend of Charlie's."

After his sophomore year, Jones was drafted into the wartime Navy. He went to officer's school, received a commission and served in the United States for two years. Then it was back to college in Santa Barbara, where he met Gloria Byrnes. "I saw him in a library," Gloria Jones remembered. "I was sitting at a table with friends, and he kept staring at me. I didn't know what he was thinking about. I thought he was very tall and good looking. Finally, he got them to introduce us, and very soon after that he asked me out." They were married in 1945.

Richard Mahlke of Camarillo and John McGarry of Oxnard are retired educators who knew Jones when he led the Somis district. Both remember him as a quiet, gentlemanly person. "But you wanted to really listen when he had something to say, for it was always very, very good," said McGarry.

Charles Jones, who lived his last years in Ventura, is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren. A memorial service will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
　

Joanna "Joey" Riddell Shillinglaw, BHS 1981

Joanna "Joey" Riddell Shillinglaw, BHS 1981

Joanna "Joey" Riddell Shillinglaw was born in San Siego, CA on June 24, 1963 and went to heaven July 19, 2003. Joey leaves a loving husband Wade and daughter Vanessa Huelden; two sons Wade Jr. and Chad: mother Barbara Riddell; dad Joe Mirabell; sister Terry Riddell; grandfather N.R.Tadewald; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other friends and family. Joanna attended Burbank High School, class of 1981, became a hairdresser and later a homemaker and mom.

Services by Father Alexander will be held Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 11:00 am, at St. Finbar Catholic Church, 2010 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA. 91506.


Fresno Bee, The (CA) - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Man charged in wife's death A Visalia man was charged earlier this week with his wife's death after she died a week ago of major injuries suffered during a July 9 car crash. Wade Shillinglaw was charged with manslaughter, the California Highway Patrol said.

Joanna Shillinglaw suffered major head trauma, and her husband was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence July 9 after their minivan rolled several times. CHP officers said Wade Shillinglaw , 44, was driving west on Avenue 280 near Highway 99 when passenger Joanna Shillinglaw opened her door and threatened to jump out, officers said. Wade Shillinglaw grabbed at his wife and tried to close the door but lost control of the 2001 Dodge Caravan. Joanna Shillinglaw was ejected as the minivan rolled, officers said.

NOTE: The charges were later dropped!

William Paul Goldstein, BHS 1964

William Paul Goldstein, BHS 1964

Van Nuys News, Thursday, September 4, 1969

William Goldstein Rites Slated; Killed in Accident

Funeral services for Burbank resident William Goldstein, 22, killed in an automobile accident in Duluth, Minnesota, on Monday, will be held at noon today at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.

Goldstein, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Goldstein of 1901 N. Sixth Street, reportedly was killed after being thrown from his sports car when another vehicle collided with it. Mrs. Golstein's sister Mrs. Murray Geffe today had told The News that the car that hit the Burbank resident's vehicle was involved in "a drag race." She said the Duluth police told her the driver of the other car ran a red light and was hitting speeds nearing 100 mph mark.The victim was reportedly killed instantly. His car, according to Duluth police, was knocked 80 yards by the impact.

Goldstein died of internal injuries and the driver of the other vehicle was reportedly treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. The victim, a graduate of Burbank High School and Valley State College, also is survived by a brother Ron and grandmother Mrs. Sadid Blustein, of Los Angeles. Funeral services will be conducted by Rabbi Meyer Simon.

Melissa Perez, BHS 1998

Melissa Perez, BHS 1998

Burbank Woman Killed, Son Critical
Los Angeles Daily News
By Ryan Carter, January 5, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- A 22-month-old Burbank boy remained in intensive care Friday after being injured in a car crash that killed his mother.
Melissa Perez, 21, was killed Tuesday, January 1, 2002 in Sun Valley when a man accused of driving under the influence of drugs crashed into her car. Perez graduated from Burbank High School in 1998.

The boy, Alex Gonzalez, suffered brusises to his lungs and brain. Doctors were monitoring some minor bleeding in his brain, hospital officials said. Troy Shaw, 33, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter after driving his Buick Century through a red light at Glenoaks Boulevard and Sunland Avenue. The Van Nuys man broadsided a Ford Escort, killing Perez, who was in the passenger's seat.

The boy's grandmother, who was driving the Escort, was injured but later released from an area hospital.

Perez was in the process of applying to become a Burbank police officer, said Sgt. John Dilibert. He said Perez had recently inquired about training. "She'd come up and start to talk about how she really wanted to do this job," Dilibert said.
　
Collision Claims Another Victim

Alec Gonzalez, almost 2, dies of brain injuries following crash that killed his mother.

Los Angeles Daily News
Ryan Carter, January 9, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- Edwin Gonzalez stood inside a hospital room early Saturday morning, cradling his 23-month-old son, Alec, as the boy died.
Family members took foot and hand prints and clips of Alec's hair to remember him. A Minister performed last rites.

The respirator that had been helping keep Alec alive since a January 1 car accident was shut off Saturday morning after doctors determined the boy was brain dead. The crash in a Sun Valley interection killed Alec's mother, Melissa Perez. The boy and his mother had been living in Burbank.

A Van Nuys man, allegedly driving under the influence of drugs, apparently ran a stoplight and slammed into their car. Alec was tucked in a child seat in the back of the family's Ford Escort when Tony Shaw,33, allegedly struck the car. Alec suffered a bruised brain and lungs. "[The brain bruise] turned out to be the most critical injury, " hospital spokesman Steve Rutledge said.
Gonzalez held out hope for his son, cousin Rick Colson said. "He said, 'Look at meDaddy'," Colson said of how Gonzalez implored his son before he was taken off the breathing machine at Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles.

A prayer service for the boy and his mother is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. A funeral service for both is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.

Shaw pleaded not guilty Friday in San Fernando Superior Court to gross vehicular manslaughter charge in the death of Melissa Perez, Alec's death could mean additional charges, officials said. Shaw, who was enrolled in a court-ordered drug rehabilitation program at the time of the accident, was being held in county jail Monday in lieu of $215,000 bail.

The accident left the victim's family members wanting justice. "I just don't want my cousin to have died in vain for a senseless act," Colson said. Perez had hopes of becoming a Burbank Police officer. And Alec? "He was full of smiles," Colson said.

Louise Lawrence Wickersham, BHS 1912

Louise Lawrence Wickersham, BHS 1912

Burbank Leader, 1990

Louise L. Wickersham, 96, died March 28 in Glendale. Born in Pasadena, she lived in Burbank for 79 years. She had been with the Burbank Unified School District for 41 years and had retired in 1957.

She referred to herself as Burbank's "oldest old-time teacher" and remembered her students coming to school in horse and buggy when Burbank had unpaved streets.

She was also known as one of Burbank's most talented pie-bakers. It became a tradition at the end of each school year to invite all the school principals over to her La Tuna Canyon ranch style home that she shared with her husband Russell, for a pie party. She also baked pies to give to friends who were struggling or sick to help cheer them up.

Her father, Henry Lawrence, purchased the Burbank Daily Review in 1911 and her mother, Ida edited the paper after his death in 1914 until the paper was sold three years later.

Mrs. Wickersham graduated from Burbank High School in 1912 and was on the women's basketball team. There was a total of 13 men and women who graduated that year. She attended Los Angeles State Normal College for two years and began her teaching career in 1914 at Burbank Elementary School at Magnolia and Third, the only grade school in Burbank. When Miller School opened in 1923 she was named principal. In 1938 she was appointed director of elementary education where she served for 20 years.

She was a member of Fleur de Lis, the oldest club in Burbank (1910), taught Sunday school at Grandview Presbyterian Church for 51 years and was a member of Chapter EO and PEO. In 1978 she rode in the Burbank High School's 70th reunion parade.

Her husband Russell died in 1987. They were married 70 years and had two boys and a girl; Orrin,Don and Marie. Don was lost in the Russell Island area of the Pacific during World War II and Orrin died in 1989, a victim of cancer. Mrs. Wickersham is survived by her daughter, Marie Daniels of Bellvue, Washington; daughter-in-law, Janet Wickersham of Pasadena; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

Services are 2 p.m. Monday at the Grandview Presbyterian Church. Burial is private at the San Gabriel Cemetery. The Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service is handling the arrangements. Donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

Roger Louis Olson, BHS 1932

Roger Louis Olson, BHS 1932

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, August 31, 2003

Roger Louis Olson, 89, of Burbank, California, son of the late Louis and Anna Johanson Olson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2003.

Roger was born June 20, 1914 in Burbank and lived his entire life there. His father, who came to Burbank from Sweden in 1889, was the first blacksmith and the first Fire Chief in Burbank.

Roger was a graduate of Burbank High School and UCLA, receiving a B.S. in Chemical Engineering on February 2, 1936. He did graduate work at USC, joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity on May 17, 1935 and was a life-long supporter of UCLA Alumni Association. Roger worked for over 42 years at both Goodyear during WWII and later Emery Industries (currently Henkel). On June 1, 1940 he was united in marriage to Thelma Hoist Olson. They were both life-long members of First Presbyterian Church of Burbank.

Roger was an avid deep-sea fisherman, tennis player and photographer. He belonged to the American Chemical Society and was the local Southern California Chapter President. He was a Master Mason and a former Master of Burbank Lodge #406 F. & A.M., Secretary of the lodge for 10 years as well as an Officer's Coach, a member of Al Malaikah Shrine of Los Angeles and a member of the Burbank/Glendale Shrine Club. He and Thelma entertained the Shriner's Club for their annual 4th of July party in their backyard for 14 years.

Roger is survived by Thelma Hoist Olson, his wife of 63 years; daughters Anna Bania of Connecticut and Karin Mather of Arizona; three grandchildren; and four great-granddaughters. His two brothers Elmer and Victor Olson preceded him in death.

Graveside services were held at Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale, California on August 22, 2003 with Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Services in charge. Dr. Gary Alan Dickey officiated. Don Holbert performed the Masonic gravside service with fellow Masons.

Gregory Michael Voss, BHS 1974

Gregory Michael Voss, BHS 1974

Greg Michael Voss, 47, died July 6, 2003, in San Francisco, California. He was born on June 9, 1956, in Burbank, California. He was a Burbank High School graduate. Mr. Voss is survived by his mother, Mary Voss. The memorial service was Monday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California.

Frank Larry Imera, BHS 1951

The Tehachapi News, 2004

Frank Larry Imera, BHS 1951
May 16, 1932 - November 28, 2004

A Mass of the Christian Burial was held on December 3, 2004 at St. Malachy Catholic Church for Frank Larry Imera, 72, who passed away on November 28, 2004 at his home in Tehachapi.
Mr. Imera was born May 16, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio to Loreto and Josephine Imera. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Burbank, California, graduating from Burbank High School.

Mr. Imera served with the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He worked as a general machinist and project coordinator for Lockheed Martin for 39 years. He married his wife of 47 years, Gloria K. Williamson, on October 12, 1957 in Burbank.

Mr. Imera was a former president and member of Club DaVinci. He enjoyed camping, fishing and woodworking, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a loving and faithful husband and father. He and his wife retired to Tehachapi nine years ago where he loved the mountains and peaceful setting.

Mr. Imera is survived by his wife, Gloria Imera of Tehachapi; son Dean Imera and his wife Michelle of Castaic; daughters Tammy Birrer and her husband Kelly of Leona Valley, Nancy Reid of Gardena and Gina Imera of Bakersfield; grandchildren Kurt, Brandon, Jennifer, Bethany and Travis Birrer and Nicole imera; great-granddaughter, Allison Birrer; sisters Josephine Christoff of Tustin and twin sister, Loretta Furlong of Las Vegas, Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Imera is preceded in death by his faithful companion and loving cocker spaniel, Charlie.

Father Joel Davadilla officiated at the service. Interment followed at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall. Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements.

Nancy Brubaker Rez, BHS 1947

Nancy Brubaker Rez, the founder of Wellness Works and wife of former city manager Jim Rez, died Dec. 16, 2008 of a heart attack at her Glendale home. She was 78.

In recent years, the center at 540 W. Broadway has expanded its services to help patients with various types of illness or disease. The center was known as Alive and Well, which provided holistic health education, before it evolved into Wellness Works.

Nancy Rez and Mary Lu Coughlin founded Wellness Works, a nonprofit community health center, in 1986 to provide holistic treatments such as acupressure, chiropractic care and massage to AIDS and HIV patients. In recent years, the center at 540 W. Broadway has expanded its services to help patients with various types of illness or disease.The center was known as Alive and Well, which provided holistic health education, before it evolved into Wellness Works.

Nancy Rez and Coughlin, who met in 1984 at hospice volunteer training program, were inspired by the book "The Possible Human" and envisioned a community health center that would relieve ailments in a comfortable setting.

Nancy Rez, a graduate of Occidental College, received registered nursing training at Pasadena City College and graduated from Mt. St. Mary’s College, where she received a bachelor’s in nursing. She worked at Glendale Adventist Medical Center as an intensive care nurse and infection control nurse. As a hospital nurse, Nancy Rez often saw AIDS and HIV patients being treated differently than other patients, the center’s director, Athena Carrillo, said."It’s something that broke her heart," she said. She wanted AIDS and HIV patients to have common space where they would be welcomed and would not feel ostracized. "It was not only a place where they got treated, but it was a place where they got love," Carrillo said.

She retired five years ago as the center’s manager, but continued to volunteer.Nancy Rez was born in 1930 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and moved to Burbank as a young girl. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1947, and later enrolled at Occidental College, where she met her husband. The two often took trips and traveled around the country. "We did a lot of things together," Jim Rez said. She was his best friend, he said.

Nancy Rez is survived by her husband, Jim Rez; her son, David Rez and his wife, Jenny, of Oakland; her daughter Peggy Beth Good and her husband, David, of Edina, Minn.; her four grandchildren, Alex and Isabella Rez, and Shannon and Kelly Good; and her dog, River.

Donations can be made to Wellness Works or a favorite charity in her memory.

Edwin Jay Olin, BHS 1960

Edwin Jay Olin, BHS 1960

Burbank Leader

Edwin Jay Olin, a 1960 Burbank High School graduate who attained the rank of Eagle Scout while a member of local Boy Scout Troop No. 4, died Dec. 12, 2008 of heart failure. He was 66. Known as Jay Olin, he went on to become a self-employed businessman. He was a resident of Glide, Ore. He was born May 10, 1942.

Edwin is survived by his wife, Kristine; his mother, Wanda, and his brother, Jon, of Burbank. He also leaves behind his daughter, Kim, and son, Michael.

Timothy C. Goldrick, Jr., BHS 1982

Tim Goldrick, Jr., BHS 1982

FRIENDS, FAMILY GOLF TO REMEMBER TIM GOLDRICK JR.
Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Sunday, August 18, 2002
Author: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Nearly four years after Tim Goldrick Jr. died of cancer at 35, his family and friends - about 110 of them - hit the links Saturday for the annual golf tournament played in honor of the husband and father.

When Goldrick was diagnosed with stage-4, terminal colon cancer in 1998, those who loved him organized a golf benefit to help send him to Germany and Mexico for some last-hope alternative medical treatments. ``My son said to (my husband), 'If I don't make it through this, please do this tournament every year in my name,''' said Rowena Wolkiewicz, Goldrick 's mother.

Goldrick died on Dec. 28, 1998, leaving behind a wife, Leigh, and two young daughters - Sydney, 12, and 9-year-old Devon - who live in Stevenson Ranch. Since then, Vista Valencia Golf Course has been the site of four memorial tournaments bearing Goldrick 's name. Wolkiewicz, who, with her husband, Tom, helps organize the event from their Arizona home, said the tournaments have raised between $1,000 to $2,000 each year, which has gone to organizations like Make-A-Wish and, last year, to the fund to help the widows and children of firefighters killed or injured in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Wolkiewicz split with her son's father, Tim Goldrick Sr., when the boy was 4, but the couple have always maintained a close relationship. The elder Goldrick praised the Wolkiewicz's dedication to honoring their son and those who continue to stand by his memory years after his death.

``I can't explain to you how we feel when we get a turnout of this nature,'' said Goldrick , a Valencia resident. ``We have these memorial tournaments to try and acknowledge the people - friends, old high school buddies, friends from work - who helped us with that first benefit tournament.'' Goldrick 's family and friends planted a tree near the third hole at Vista Valencia in 1999 and have watched it grow every year. Tom Wolkiewicz took his stepson's daughters to that living memorial recently, which also boasts a plaque bearing their father's name. ``It's nice that the kids have some place to go and remember him,'' Rowena Wolkiewicz said. ``The little one was only 4 when he died. She's having trouble remembering him. We had 110 people here today who remember him.''

Cesar Gonzalez, BHS 1997

Cesar Gonzalez, BHS 1997

WRECKAGE TESTAMENT TO DANGER REMNANTS OF FATAL CRASH DRIVE MESSAGE HOME TO KIDS.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer, Los Angeles Daily News, 2002

BURBANK - His voice will never be heard again, but Cesar Gonzalez's message speaks through the twisted steel that was once his sleek, black Pontiac Grand Prix .This is what could happen in a split second if you speed, the car reminds students at John Burrough's High School, where the wreckage is on display.

Gonzalez, a 23-year-old Burbank High School graduate with his sights set on a career in law enforcement, died last month when he lost control of his speeding car and slammed into a wall along San Fernando Road, police said..

``This kind of disturbs me a little bit,'' said 17-year-old senior Blade Banzali, who has been rebuilding a 1969 Chevy Nova and plans to race the car in a legal event in Palmdale. ``This shows that this doesn't just apply to rebel drivers. It applies to everyone.''

During lunchtime on a recent afternoon, as students munched on slices of pepperoni pizza, some paused to look at the car displayed at the front entrance of the school. A photograph of Gonzalez, along with a small biography, was posted nearby. Most students who stopped by said they know someone who participates in illegal drag race

For 15-year-old Cristina Rodriguez, who is learning how to drive, the image of the car made her shudder - she had been involved in an accident on the freeway last year, she said. ``I'm afraid to drive on freeways,'' she said. Her friend Leonela Donado, 16, said she couldn't believe the wreckage. ``Looking at it, I can't believe an actual person was once in there,'' she said. ``He was so young, that's the scary thing.''

Gonzalez was neither a racer, . nor irresponsible, but a young man who had spent much of his teen years enrolled in the Burbank Police Explorers Post, said officers who knew him. He dreamed of a career in law enforcement and had been working as a security guard at Universal Studios.

About 3 p.m. April 30, 2002 he was on his way to pick up a friend to give him a ride to work - one example of his commitment to his friends and family, said his youngest sister, Reyna Gonzalez, a senior at Burbank High. Reyna said she was the one who convinced her parents to donate her brother's vehicle to police. ``I want to see the car again,'' she said. ``Maybe it will help me deal with this.'' She said her brother would have approved. ``He wanted to do good,'' she said. ``He wanted to be a cop, to change the world and leave his mark.''

Dorothy Melvina Casper Maxham, BHS 1933

Dorothy Melvina Casper Maxham, BHS 1933

The Big Bear Grizzly, January 2009

Dorothy Melvina Maxham, 92, entered eternal life January 2, 2009, at home of her daughter Linda in Bend, Oregon. Born May 21, 1916 in Muncie, Indiana, she and her sister came to California and lived in Roscoe - now Sun Valley, California in their teens. She attended Burbank High School. After graduating, she met her future husband Ben. They lived in Burbank where they raised two daughters. In 1971 they moved to Big Bear to help their daughter linda and her husband Glenn operate the Boulder Bay Market. She and her husband Ben were active in the community and were members for many years of the Big Bear Baptist church.

She is survivied by her two daughters, Linda of Bend, Orgon, and Joan of Issaquah, Washinton, and nephew Ray Proctor of Big Bear Lake and Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services were held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood, California.

Douglas McKenzie "Skip" Wood, Jr., BHS 1976

San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA) - Tuesday, September 24, 2002

DOUGLAS McKENZIE WOOD JR., BHS 1976

Douglas McKenzie "Skip" Wood, Jr., born November 27, 1957 in San Diego, passed away September 19, 2002 at his home in Foothill Ranch, California.

Skip was the loving husband of Michelle, and father of Douglas McKenzie Wood III, Katherine Margaret, and Matthew Aaron. He also is survived by his parents Douglas and June Wood of Balboa and his sister Wendy Freeman, her husband Andrew, and their daughter Emma of Loomis, California.

Graduated from Burbank High School and the University of San Diego, he spent his career in the banking industry. He was employed with Downey Savings in Newport Beach. In his spare time, he was involved with youth baseball. Skip will be remembered fondly for his love of all sports, and his desire to share the spirit of the games by coaching others.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that organ donation be considered. Contributions may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 E. 33rd Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016 or the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 1300 Piccard Drive, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850-4303.

Jack Wayne Williams, BHS 1953

Burbank Leader, November 2001

Jack Wayne Williams, BHS 1953

Jack Wayne Williams, 65, died November 17, 2001, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Burbank.

Mr. Williams was a Burbank resident for 50 years and a graduate of Burbank High School. After attending Glendale College, he joined the family business at Valley Tire, where he worked for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Williams; sons Garry and Jeff Williams; daughter Debbie Lucas; brother Bill Williams; and sister Susan Shaw. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Burbank First United Methodist Church, 700 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, California 94010.

Anne Santoyo, BHS 1943

Anne Santoyo, BHS 1943

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Thursday, January 21, 2010
CA United States

SANTOYO, ANNE SANTOYO Anne Santoyo, a lifelong resident of Burbank, passed away January 17, 2010 in Burbank. She was born April 27, 1923 in Burbank. Anne graduated from Burbank High School in 1943. She is survived by her sister, Angie Lara of Van Nuys, California; her brothers, Albert Santoyo of Sun Valley, California and Dick (Mary Louise) Santoyo of Burbank, California. Anne is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 to 8:0 0 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Valley Funeral Home, 2121 West Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, 11:00 a.m., at St. Finbar Catholic Church, 2010 West Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91506. Burial will follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, in Mission Hills, CA. VALLEY FUNERAL HOME Burbank (818) 845-3766

Papra DeDe Larsen, BHS 1988

Papra DeDe Larsen, BHS 1988

Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA) - Monday, November 27, 2000

Papra DeDe Larsen , 30, of Cameron Park died on Nov., 21, 2000. She was born on Oct. 26 1970 in Anaheim. ,Ms. Larsen graduated form Burbank High School where she was a cheerleader. She earned her Associates degree from Glendale College in Dance and Choreography and was pursuing a bachelor’s degree while attending local colleges. She was a very dedicated and sensitive member of her family. She was deeply loved by family and friends for her gentleness and unfailing compassion. Ms. Larsen was a wonderful mother and friend to her beautiful daughter Brianne and loved her more than anything on earth. She had a great love for music, dance, and children.

She is survived by her parents, Duane Larsen of Laguna Niguel and Claudia Lyle Larsen of Cameron Park, her grandparents Dorothy Goff Meacham and Lowell Meacham of Salt Lake City and Duane Larsen of Hendersen, Nev., her daughters Brianne Rivers Larsen and Baby Hannah, and her sisters Tami Lyn Smith of Laguna Niguel, and Shain Eddi Davidson of Placerville. A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Green Valley Mortuary.

Douglas Kratz, BHS 1991

Douglas Kratz, BHS 1991

Douglas Kratz, a director of video production for Virgin Records. He was 28 years old. When he passed, Virgin released this statement about him: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Virgin staff member Doug Kratz. Doug was an extremely dedicated and talented professional, whose enthusiasm, energy and spirit will be missed by everyone who worked alongside him everyday."

R&B SINGER, ACTRESS AALIYAH, 8 OTHERS DIE IN CRASH
Redding Record Searchlight (CA) - Monday, August 27, 2001
Author: Record Searchlight

MARSH HARBOUR, Bahamas (AP) -- Investigators waded through smoldering Bahamian swampland Sunday, carting off sand-covered luggage and hunting for an explanation for the plane crash that killed young R&B star Aaliyah and eight others. The Cessna carrying Aaliyah and her party plummeted to earth in perfect weather Saturday afternoon soon after takeoff for Florida. A day later, investigators had few answers about what could have caused the crash.

Police Superintendent Basil Rahming said only that one of the Cessna's engines apparently failed. Aaliyah, who at age 22 already had two Grammy nominations, a platinum album and several high-profile acting credits under her belt, was killed instantly. Five others on board also died at the scene, while three more died later of their injuries, Rahming said.

A native of New York City and resident of Detroit, Aaliyah had deep roots in the R&B community. Saturday's crash left fans, friends and colleagues in mourning. She was like one of my daughters, she was one of the sweetest girls in the world, said Grammy-winning producer, arranger and composer Quincy Jones. She vacationed with me and my family together in Fiji. I loved her and respected her and I am absolutely devastated. Aaliyah and the others in her party had come to the Bahamas to shoot a music video, authorities said.

Their plane was bound for Opalocka, Fla., in perfect weather when it went down on Abaco Island, roughly 200 feet from the end of the runway at Marsh Harbour airport. On Sunday, the Cessna's nose section was lying about 20 yards from the rest of the battered fuselage, and luggage and pieces of the plane were scattered about, covered in sand. Abaco Island Chief Councilor Silbert Mills said he was at the airport 100 miles north of Nassau when the plane took off and then crashed. He said he helped rescue the injured. I pulled one from the aircraft, and he was screaming, Mills said. He said he was in a lot of pain.

Police identified the other passengers killed as Scott Gallin, 41; Keith Wallace, 49, of Los Angeles; Douglas Kratz , 28, a representative for Virgin Records, and makeup artist Eric Foreman, 29, both of Hollywood; Gina Smith, 29, also of Hollywood; Anthony Dodd, 34, of Los Angeles; and Christopher Maldonado, 32, of New Jersey. The plane's pilot, identified only as L. Maradel, also died.

Police were relying on handwritten cards filled out before the flight and were not sure about the spellings of the victims' names and did not have everyone's hometowns, said Assistant Superintendent Leland Russell. A team of investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will join the investigation today, said NTSB spokesman Ted Lopatkiewicz.

The bodies were taken to the morgue at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where they were to be kept for relatives to help identify them, U.S. Embassy spokesman Brian Bachman said. Some were badly burned in the crash, authorities said. Virgin Records offered to pay for the relatives to come, Bachman said. The company also was considering bringing the bodies to Miami to be met by family members there, but no arrangements have yet been made, he said.

The Cessna 402 was owned by Skystream, a company based in Pembroke Pines, Fla., said Kathleen Bergen, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration in Atlanta. The company's telephone number was not listed, and company officials could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for Wichita, Kan.-based Cessna, Marilyn Richwine, said she was not aware of any safety problems with the twin-engine 402 model. The company has not manufactured that model for about 12 to 15 years, she said.

Ora Vernon McConaughey, BHS 1931

Ora Vernon McConaughey, BHS 1931

O.V. (Vern) McConaughey, age 93, of Aurora, Nebraska, died Friday, December 2, 2005, at Memorial Hospital in Aurora.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday, December 5th at the Aurora United Methodist Church. Rev. Richard Karohl will officiate. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 P.M. Sunday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the Aurora Lion's Club or the United Methodist Church. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: O.V. (VERN) MCCONAUGHEY

Ora Vernon (Vern) McConaughey, the son of Ora T. and Kathryn Lee (Kinner) McConaughey, was born in Stockham, Nebraska on June 5, 1912 and died in Aurora, Nebraska on December 2, 2005, at the age of 93.

Vern was raised on the family farm and attended school in Aurora through the 8th grade. Vern graduated from Burbank High School and went on to attend a year at Glendale Junior College in Glendale, California. He moved back to Nebraska to farm with his father. On December 8, 1935, he was united in marriage to Pauline Miller at Osceola. Vern farmed until 1953 when he went to work for the City of Aurora until 1965. He then owned and operated the Vern's Skelly Station in Aurora until he retired in 1976. Vern worked part-time for Andrew's Ben Franklin after retiring. Vern was a member of the Aurora Lion's Club for 53 years. He served as President and Secretary-Treasurer for 21 years. Vern also served as the Lion's Deputy Governor. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Plainsman Museum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, James Plambeck, infant grandson, Gregory and three brothers and sisters. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Pauline McConaughey of Aurora; four children, Verna Plambeck of Kansas City, Missouri, Thomas (Bette) McConaughey of Lincoln, Kathryn (George) Cyboron of Boelus and Diana MaConaughey of Aurora; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and several niece and nephews.

David Carey Dupree, BHS 1966

From the Burbank Leader, November 2008

David Carey Dupree, Burbank native was born November 13, 1947, died October 29, 2008 in Tarzana, California. He was 61.

He is survived by his sister, Kathleen E. Depree (BHS 67), and brother, Richard Lee Bowen.He was the son of the late Donald E. Depree and Lois Stiles Dupree, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1966.

David Bryan LiPera, BHS 1976

DAVID LIPERA, BHS 1976 

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Sunday, November 22, 2009 CA United States

DAVID BRYAN LIPERA Sept. 4, 1957 - Nov. 12, 2009 Born in Glendale and raised in Burbank, David attended Burbank schools and graduated from Burbank High School in 1976. He worked as a carpenter and in construction and graduated from The Los Angeles College of Chiropractic as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1995. 

Loved by his patients as, "compassionate", "a good teacher", and "always takes the time to listen", he practiced for 14 years in the Los Angeles area and in Orange County.

David is preceded in death by his much loved and deeply missed mother, Marilyn Tucker LiPera (1972). He is survived by his loving family: father, Peter LiPera and step-mother, Sheila; brothers, Donn and wife, Diane and Scott and partner, Louis. Also surviving David are his maternal grandmother, Margaret Tucker and uncle, Gary Tucker and cousins. 

A caring, and sensitive person, David's loss is devastating to his family and to others who loved him. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at Pierce Brother's Valhalla Chapel at 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606. In lieu of flowers and in honor of David's passion for health and fitness, you may help a child participate in recreational activities not available to him by donating to your local YMCA or the youth organization of your choice. David would like that.

Robert Leigh McCord III, BHS 1957

Robert Leigh McCord III, BHS 1957

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Thursday, May 15, 2008
CA United States

ROBERT LEIGH MCCORD III Born on December 29, 1938 in Carroll, Iowa and passed away on May 12, 2008 in Burbank, California.

He is survived by son, Robert Leigh McCord IV; and mother, Wanda A. McCord . Mr. McCord was the owner of Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, California.

A funeral service is scheduled at 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2008, at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orangutan Foundation International, 4201 Wilshire Blvd #407, Los Angeles, CA 90010 or The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, P.O. Box 5312, Akron, OH 44334. FOREST LAWN MORTUARY Hollywood Hills 800-204-3131

Another Source:

Founder, owner and operator of the renowned Sagebrush Cantina Restaurant in Old Town Calabasas. "Hollywood Bob" was originally a soundman for the TV series "Death Valley Days", but after surviving a plane crash opted instead to open his restaurant and bar in 1974, located on a stretch of Calabasas Road when it was then still a quiet, two-lane "Old West" country drive paralleling the Ventura 101 Freeway in the SW corner of the San Fernando Valley. He passed away as a result of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare brain disorder.

Daniel Leonard Stolpe, BHS 1949

Daniel Leonard Stolpe, BHS 1949

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Tuesday, July 1, 2008
CA United States

DAN LEONARD STOLPE

Born December 16, 1929 in Glendale, California; and passed away on June 27, 2008 in North Hollywood, California. Loving husband of Joanne Stolpe and father of Kevin J. Stolpe and Susan D. Stolpe . He is also survived by grandchildren: An drew J. Stolpe and Jose F. Stolpe and aunt: Beryl Chrystal.

A Memorial Service is scheduled at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Faith Chapel at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army. FOREST LAWN MORTUARY Hollywood Hills 800-204-3131

Dino Pecone, BHS 1990

Dino Pecone, BHS 1990

This is from a fellow classmate and friend:
 

He was working on his dirt bike when he finished it he started it then 1 minute later it caught fire in his garage he was rushed to hospital in there for 2 weeks then on the 12th day his kidneys failed not only that he had 21 ivs in him he got burnt bad I saw him also with it being a untimely death his mom and dad can hear him walking around the ... See More dogs trip out once in awhile and I can still hear his voice at times when I am at my moms in Burbank, also once in a while seems like I can feel his presents around me I know its been 6 years like I said untimely death his sprit still walks the earth for some reason I do not know why......

The aftermath of his death.....

METH SUSPECTED IN FIRE - HOUSE MAY BE DRUG LAB

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Author: Carol Rock Staff Writer
 

One man was found critically injured Monday at the scene of an early morning explosion and fire at a suspected methamphetamine lab on Friendly Valley Parkway in Newhall, officials said. Santa Clarita sheriff's Deputy Mike Tunget responded to the report of a house fire at 6:45 a.m. and found the burned man outside the garage of a house at 19107 Friendly Valley Parkway. Tunget said the victim had been burned over 50 percent of his body, including his hands, legs and back, from his neck down to his heels. Neighbors helped douse the flames and rendered first aid before fire and paramedics arrived at the scene. The injured man was unconscious in critical condition at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center, officials said.

Junior Photo, BHS Yearbook 1989

Residents of the quiet neighborhood were surprised by the activity. Next-door neighbor Mark Weitz initially heard screaming and thought someone was being beaten. ``I heard some serious screaming,'' Weitz said. ``I grabbed an aluminum bat and was ready to stop a beating. When I saw the guy outside, he was burned all over and running around in what was left of his boxers; I dropped the bat and grabbed a garden hose.''

Officials said Cecile Martinez Myron, 32, was taken into custody at the scene on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance. Tunget said she was a friend of the burn victim. Also taken into custody were the owners of the house, Robert and Patricia Pecone , both 52, who were held on suspicion of maintaining a location for the storage or sale of a controlled substance, officials said.

The burn victim was identified only as a white male, 32 years old and a resident of the house. Weitz said he helped wrap the burned man in a damp blanket and used the garden hose to put out materials that had fallen on the roof of a maroon Explorer that was in the garage. Talking to a handful of neighbors gathered in his driveway to watch the investigators work in the afternoon, Weitz said the smoke surrounding the fire was exceptionally acrid and he complained of a sore throat. He also expressed disgust at the possibility of criminal activity next door to his home. ``If this is a meth lab, I want this out of here. We don't want this kind of stuff happening in our neighborhood,'' he said. ``I feel bad for the (Pecones), but it was going on in their house.''

Members of the county Sheriff's Department's arson and explosives, narcotics, hazmat/health and crime lab divisions responded to the scene, cordoning off the area and setting up decontamination pools on the front lawn. Animal control officers removed two pit bull terriers belonging to the Pecones that were being held in Weitz's garage; one of the animals required sedation before it could be put into the truck.

Sgt. Rich Larue of the Santa Clarita sheriff's station explained that the lengthy process of identifying and neutralizing the chemicals found in the garage and other parts of the house could take investigators into this morning. After members of L.A. IMPACT's North Area investigative team were given the all-clear from the hazmat team, they went into the house and brought out extensive chemistry equipment, including scales, bottles, beakers and other laboratory items that were cataloged on the street in front of the house.

METH FOUND AT FIRE SITE - JAILED RESIDENTS TO APPEAR IN COURT

Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Author: Daily News

NEWHALL - Several ounces of methamphetamine were found Monday in a Newhall residence, the site of an early morning explosion and fire the day before, sheriff's officials said Tuesday. Detectives said they seized the drug and much more. ``A significant amount of equipment, capable of producing several pounds of methamphetamine, was removed from the upstairs bedrooms of the home,'' said Santa Clarita sheriff's narcotics Detective Cary Levinson.

A man found severely burned outside the Friendly Valley Parkway house when sheriff's units arrived remained in critical condition Tuesday at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. The 32-year-old man, who was not publicly identified by deputies, lived in the house along with three other suspects.

Arraignment is scheduled today for the homeowners, Robert and Patricia Pecone , on felony charges of maintaining a location for the storage or sale of a controlled substance, and for Cecile Martinez Myron, on felony charges of manufacturing a controlled substance. NOTE: All the charges were dropped by Santa Clarita courts.