Benjamin F. Maxham, BHS 1958

Benjamin F. Maxham, BHS 1958

February 10, 1941 - February 26, 2012

Major Benjamin F. Maxham, 71, (Ret) U.S. Army passed away Sunday February 26, 2012 at the Columbus Specialty Hospital. A memorial service with full military honors will be held Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 3770 Hwy 431N, Phenix City, AL. A private entombment will be held at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Maxham was born February 10, 1941 in Cottonwood, Alabama, son of the late Ransom and Virginia Ann George Maxham.

He graduated from Burbank High School, Burbank, CA in 1958, University of Tampa in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and Troy State University in 1987 with a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Benning, with two tours to Vietnam and one tour to Korea. After retirement he was employed with the Department of the Army as Combat Development Specialist and retired after 20 years of service in 2004. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Ann Maxham.

Survivors include his wife, June Freeman Maxham of Columbus, GA, step-daughter, Dani Freeman Harris and husband Heath, granddaughter, Gracee E. Harris all of Phenix City, AL, brothers, William Robert Maxham, Harold Marshall Maxham, both of Santa Clarita, CA, sister, Virginia Healey of Las Vegas, NV, four nieces, one nephew, seven great nieces and nephews.

Ben was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and was loved by everyone who met and knew him. He was the loving caretaker of his four beautiful cats. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John B. Amos Cancer Center, 1831 5th Ave. Columbus, GA 31902.

To offer condolences, please visit www.shphenixcity.com

Gary Edward "Gig" Christensen , BHS 1964

Gary Edward "Gig" Christensen , BHS 1964

Gary "Gig" Christensen passed away November 30, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. He was in the Laughlin/Bullhead City area at the time of his death.

Gary's brothers, Larry & Rick, are having a Memorial get together for him on Saturday, December 20th, 10am to 2pm, at the Burbank Veterans of Foreign Wars, located at 1006 W. Magnolia Blvd, for anyone interested in attending.

William Jay "Jack" Brady, BHS 1945

William Jay "Jack" Brady, BHS 1945

William J. Brady was born June 14, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois. Jay, the name by which he was known through much of his life, lived a life full of adventure and contribution. As a youth in Chicago, Jay performed in several dance and theatrical productions. In 1940, Jay's family moved west to Burbank, Calif. Jack, as he was known during his youth, attended John Muir Jr. High where he lettered in three different sports.

At Burbank High, Jack lettered again, playing football and running track. Jack also served as Master Councillor in the Burbank Chapter of The Order of Demolay. Upon completion of high school, and before his official graduation ceremonies, Jay hurried off to join the U.S. Navy and serve Our Country during World War II. Jack's service began in San Diego and he sailed onward in the South Pacific aboard the USS Raymond. He was promoted to the rank of Quarter Master Third Class and was very proud that he could steer the ship.

Jay was very creative, exercised a bright mind, was skilled with his hands, and an energetic worker. He could build a car from the ground up and would later design and construct several homes and a cabin for his family. Jay rode spirited horses in his early Southern California days. He also lifted weights, near the area that became known as Muscle Beach. Jay attended college at SMU, UCLA, UNR, and eventually UNLV. He majored in mathematics, excelled in geology and physics, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UNLV in 1970.

Jay was musically gifted, singing with the Double Dater Quartet while at SMU, and performing harmonies by voice and guitar with the Tiny Mike Trio during his days at UNR. In the early 1950's, an enthusiastic Brady arrived at the sprawling deserts of the Nevada Proving Grounds, where he would witness atomic history and make significant contributions toward nuclear research and testing. It was here that Jay, as a Lieutenant of Security with Federal Services, met Wanda Nell Wilson, a beautiful lady from the Panhandle of Texas, and asked her to go on a special date, to see an above ground nuclear test. On June 18, 1955 Jay and Wanda were married at The Little Church of The West in Las Vegas.

Jay also helped establish security at the original Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. During the 1950's and 60's, Jay participated in or witnessed a vast majority of above ground nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site and oh, the stories he could tell. Jay's position was that of Senior Health Physicist. In later years, Jay often travelled to Washington, D.C. and served on several committees concerning radiation safety. He especially enjoyed serving with the National Academy of Sciences.

William J. Brady was also an excellent chess player, a legendary popcorn maker, and shared the enjoyment of fishing with his family. His son has since become one of the best fish story tellers in all of Southern Nevada. Jay was preceded by his parents, Earnest Michael Brady and Ann Gilliland Scott Brady, both of Las Vegas.

Jay is survived by his wife, of 51 years, Wanda Nell Wilson Brady, and their three children, Phyllis A. McNeill of Colorado Springs, Colo., Linda S. Brady, and Donald J. Brady of Las Vegas, Nv. Jay and Wanda have five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, recently born. Jay is also survived by his two sisters, Norma Jean Gibbs of Reseda, Calif., and Laurel Thornton of Redlands, Calif.

Memorial services were held July 17, 2006 at Palm Mortuary of Henderson, Nv. Special attendees included Jay's sister, Norma Jean Gibbs; nephew, Randy Thornton; George McNeill; daughters, Phyllis McNeill and Linda Brady; son, Don Brady; granddaughters, Brei McNeill and Noell Perez; Wanda's two sisters, Margie Barnhart and Wilma Green, both of Amarillo, Texas; and long-time family friends, Joe and Alberta Wells of Las Vegas.

Beautiful flower arrangements of red, white and blue carnations, honoring Jay's patriotic birthday and his U.S. Naval service were in abundance. A soloist sang "Danny Boy", one of Jay's favorite melodies, and a fully uniformed British bagpiper celebrated Jay's rich Scottish heritage. Jay was laid to rest July 18, 2006, with presentation of the flag, at The Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nv. Many have been blessed by Jay's life and he truly lived with courage.

Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV) - July 29, 2006

Richard Lyneis, BHS 1957

Richard Lyneis, BHS 1957

October 25, 1939 –February 11, 2012

A native of Kasota, Minnesota, Richard “Dick” Gerald Lyneis was a longtime resident of Burbank, where he passed away at 72, surrounded by his family. He was a 1957 graduate of Burbank High School. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 105, a longstanding member and trustee of the Burbank Elks Lodge and a member of the Burbank High Senior Bulldogs.

In his later years, Dick’s greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren, making sure never to miss their sporting events. A major sports enthusiast, he had an undying love for his hometown of Burbank, the Los Angeles Dodgers and USC Trojan Football.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Lyneis and Elsa Severson Lyneis. He is survived by his three children, daughter Cynde Bost (Rob) of Burbank and Christa Lyneis (Lynn) of Thousand Oaks, and son Timothy Lyneis (Jennifer) of Burbank. He was the proud grandfather of six: Paige Laurent, Courtney Laurent, Chase Laurent, Matthew Lyneis, Adam Lyneis and Alexandra Lyneis.

He is survived by siblings Don Lyneis (Janet), Marlene Bost(Jack), Carlyle Lyneis (Susan) and Yvonne Foy (Lonnie) and preceded in death by sister Carol Olmstead (Richard) and brothers Edward Lyneis and Joseph Lyneis (Barbara). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation will take place Friday, February 17, 2012 at Valley Funeral Home, 2121 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A graveside service will take place Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606 at 9 a.m.

Donations can be made to the The Burbank High Booster Club in Dick’s name. Burbank High School 902 North 3rd Street, Burbank, Ca 91502.

February 14, 2012, Burbank Leader

Carlos Earl Wheeler BHS 1955

Carlos Earl Wheeler BHS 1955

Received this from my fellow classmate, Cathy Palmer, BHS 67:

Last night my sister, Susie Palmer Wheeler (BHS '58) called to tell me that Carlos Wheeler, her former husband, had died yesterday, February 7, 2012, at his southern California home. The news was shocking and very sad. Apparently, Carlos had biopsy surgery just a couple of weeks ago and they found lung cancer. After going home, he was having trouble breathing and after he died, the doctor said his lung was punctured. Besides his wife, Cathy, Carlos is survived by daughters Laura Wheeler and Lynn Wheeler Cundiff, both of Scottsdale, Arizona, and brother, Greg Van Der Werf (BHS '67) of Pasadena.

Obituary

Carlos Earl Wheeler died peacefully at his home in Rancho Cucamonga, California, early in the evening, Monday, February 6, after a short illness. He was born in Tonkawa City, Oklahoma on October 11, 1937, and was a son of Everett Earl Wheeler and Helen Frances Thompson, formerly of Conway Springs. His grandparents were Clarence Earl Wheeler and Lena Reed Hodge, of Conway Springs, and Charles Francis Thompson and Bessie Paulina Freeman, of Mayfield.

Mr. Wheeler was a talented mechanical engineer, designer, inventor, and business owner, working in the aerospace industry in Newport Beach, California, and later in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended the University of Southern California, and was a graduate of the University of Arizona at Tucson. He is survived by his first wife, Susan D Wheeler of Scottsdale, Arizona, and two daughters, Laura M Wheeler and Lynn M Cundiff, both of Scottsdale; his second wife, Kathy Wheeler, of Rancho Cucamonga; and a brother, Greg Van Der Werff, of California

Carter Covert, BHS 1940

Carter Covert, BHS 1940

Los Angeles Times (CA) - July 12, 1991

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Robert "Bob" F. Heins, BHS 1953

Robert "Bob" F. Heins, BHS 1953

June 24, 1935 – February 2, 2012


Robert "Bob" Heins passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2012, the love of his life, Sydney, by his side. He was 76 years old.


Bob lived his entire life in Burbank. He was involved in the Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and made many friendships which he maintained throughout the years. He graduated from Burbank High School, Class of 1953, and joined the U.S. Army in 1954. While stationed in Germany he sent for his beloved, Sydney, and they were married there in Hanau 56 years ago. They have lived in Burbank since their return in 1956.


In 1957, Bob was sworn in as a police officer "To Serve And To Protect" the community he loved. He served in the Burbank Police Department for over 45 years, retiring in 2002 as Assistant Chief of Police. Bob was a member of numerous service organizations in the community. Participating in their many projects and activities brought him great joy and enduring friendships.


Bob is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Sydney, daughter Marta (David) Harris, son Robin (Michelle) Heins and a brother Richard (Becky) Heins. Also nine grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Robert Todd Heins and a brother James E. Heins.


Interment was at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park, North Hollywood in a private service.


A public memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 700 N. Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank at 2 PM, Friday February 24. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice .

Published in the Los Angeles Times on February 19, 2012

David Mark Reback, BHS 1963

David Mark Reback, August 3, 1945 - January 31, 2012

David died on January 31, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Edith, brother, Robert, wife, Judy, two children, Matthew and Daniel, daughters-in-law, Ann and Amy, grandchildren, Carter, Avery, Tyler, and Jack, and nieces and nephews, Meredith, Jessica, Michael, Dave, John, and Patricia.

David was born on August 3, 1945, and grew up in Burbank, CA. At Burbank H.S., he was student body president and captain of the football team. He then obtained his BS and teaching credentials at UCSB. In August of 1965, David married his high school sweetheart, Judy Haugh. They moved to Orange County in 1968, where David taught high school and coached football at Orange H.S. before moving into sales.

Most recently, he worked alongside his lifelong friend, Mike Schackne. David was always friendly and warm, and was quick to laugh. He enjoyed family and friends and was first to offer a helping hand. He held a special passion for the sport of cycling, which he enjoyed especially with his brother, sons, and friends in OC. He is and will be missed.

Published in the Los Angeles Times on February 12, 2012

Ruth Roberta Warburton Swenson, BHS 1943

Ruth Roberta Warburton Swenson, BHS 1943

Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT) - December 26, 1999

Ruth Roberta Warburton Swenson, 74, passed away December 22, 1999 at Cottonwood Hospital, due to complications of liver failure. She was surrounded by her family.

Roberta was born May 15, 1925 in Shoshone, Idaho to Oliver Robert Warburton and Ruth Bowen. She was their first child and named after both her father and mother.

Her family eventually moved to Burbank, California. She attended Burbank High School where she met her husband to be, Roy Allen Swenson. After he returned from World War II they were married in Burbank on April 9, 1945 and in 1948 moved to Salt Lake City. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple April 9, 1975.

She was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities. Mom was a very kind thoughtful and loving person, who always put others' needs before her own. She was our greatest example. Her grandchildren were her most valuable treasures. We all love her more than words can say and will miss her so very much.

It was a great day in Heaven when she was greeted by those who preceded her in death: her husband, March 30, 1993, her mother, who she sacrificed and provided for her needs almost daily, until her passing Dec. 23, 1998 at the age of 96 1/2, her father and grandson James Swenson and many extended family.

She is survived by daughter, Linda Lea Dunn (Rod); son, Ronald Swenson (Mary); grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jason (Cami) Dunn; Robert, Matthew, Steven, Lennie and Michael Swenson; and first great grandchild due in five weeks. Also brother, Roy (Carol) Warburton; sisters, Helen (Wilbur) Dixon; JoAn (Norm) Marchant; Gloria (Eldon) Taylor; and sister-in-law, Lola Swenson McCrossen.

The family would like to thank Dr. Randall Ryser for his kind and tender care. He went above and beyond!

Funeral services will be held Monday 12:00 Noon, Bishop Rod Dunn conducting at the Holladay 28th Ward, 2625 East Milo Way. Viewing will be Sunday 6-8 P.M. at Holladay Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 Highland Drive and Monday one hour prior to services at the church. Interment to follow at Mountain View Memorial Estates, 3115 East 7800 South.

We are so happy her many, many years of pain are gone.

William (Bill) George Emmett, BHS 1933?

William (Bill) George Emmett, BHS 1933?Salt Lake Tribune, The (UT) - May 15, 1999





Bill returned home to his Heavenly Father on May 12, 1999 in Bountiful, UT. He had just turned 84.


He was born To William Henry and Charlotte Elizabeth Emmett on April 17, 1915 in Taber Alberta, Canada. He attended Taber Elementary and Burbank High School in Southern California. He also graduated from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education with a minor in Political Science.


He served in the Canadian Forces in Canada and England. He married his eternal sweetheart, Gwyneth Mable Jones on July 23, 1949 in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Together they had eight children and raised seven. Dad taught school for 21 years. After retirement, he became self-employed. He had a very strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loved his savior. He was a very active member of the LDS Church and served in the Salt Lake Temple for 15 years. Dad had a very strong passion for politics, and was always involved in political affairs. He was a very hard worker.


Bill is preceded in death by his parents, and an infant son David Joseph. He is survived by is wife, Gwyneth, of Bountiful, UT; four sons and three daughters, Charlotte Jensen, Mountain View, WY; William George Emmett Jr. (Adriann), Bountiful, UT; John Emmett, Salt Lake; Phyllis Miller (Steve), Salem, UT; Mike Emmett (Linda) Spring Valley, CA; Alice Menlove (Troy), Sandy, UT; Evan Emmett (Jennifer) Midvale, UT; also 28 grandchildren and one great-grandson.


Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 15, 1999 at 2 p.m. at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2020 South 200 West. Friends and family may call on Friday, May 14, 1999, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Colonial Mortuary, 2128 S. State Street.

Leah Mae Mapel Martindale, BHS 1992

Leah Mae Mapel Martindale, BHS 1992

Leah Mae Martindale passed away suddenly at her home in Canyon Country at the age of 37 on Monday, January 23, 2012.


Leah was born and raised in Burbank, CA, graduated from high school and went to work at Sport Chalet. She earned an Associate's degree while working .She married her husband, Brad in 1994 ,had her first daughter Tyler Grace in 1998 and her second daughter, Payton Faith in 2001.She spent most of her free time involved in soccer and track with her two daughters. She volunteered as a referee and various other areas where help was needed.

Her family wrote, "Leah was a dedicated worker in her jobs and had many close friends. She was part of a large family and will be sorely missed by all."

A memorial fund has been established for Tyler and Payton by AYSO Region 677. Donations can be sent to: AYSO Region 677 Attention Registrar/Leah Martindale Memorial Fund P.O. Box 2943 Canyon Country, CA 91386. Checks made payable to Gerald Mapel/Leah Martindale Memorial Fund.

Leah is survived by her husband, Brad, her children, Tyler Grace and Payton Faith, her father, Gerald Mapel, and her sister Wendy Mae Marks. She is also survived by many cousins, aunts and uncles. She is preceded in death by her mother, Cleo Mapel.

A celebration of Leah's life will take place at The Church on the Way, 23415 Cinema Drive in Santa Clarita on Tuesday, January 31 at 12:30pm.

Published in Santa Clarita Valley Signal on February 1, 2012

William P. Bailey, BHS 1945

William P. Bailey, BHS 1945



Daily News of Los Angeles (CA) - August 24, 2006


WILLIAM P. BAILEY Painter, Fisherman Age 79, of Burbank, California, passed away August 23, 2006, after a long battle with kidney disease. He was born in 1927 to Merrill and Alvina Bailey.


He was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, and came to California in 1941. He was a graduate of Burbank High School and Glendale College and served our country in the armed forces during WWII in Japan.


Survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patsy Ann; four daughters, Cathy (Wayne) Gilreath of Texas, Laurie (Paul) Easley of Valencia, Julie Bailey of Banning, and Mary (Pat) Galbraith of Saugus. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great grandsons, and brother, Robert (Nadyne) Bailey of Colorado.


Bill worked as a painter for UCLA, LA City Schools and LA Valley College (23 years) before retiring in 1989. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Bill was a long time member of both St. Finbar an d St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Churches. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 25, 2006, 10:00 a.m., at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 133 N. Fifth St., Burbank.