Chester (Chet) Brown, BHS 1933?

Chester (Chet) Brown, BHS 1933? Chester (Chet) Brown passed away March, 29th 2014 at the age of 98. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Aug. 31st, 1915 to Earl and Blanche Brown. The family made their way to Burbank, California in 1923, where he and his only sibling June Francis graduated from Burbank High School. He had an auto mechanics garage in Burbank in 1940 called Chet's Automotive and built his 1st home of 2 that he would build nearby. He leased out his business to go into the Navy and served from 1942 to 1945 as a Motor Machinist Mate 1st Class where he did overhaul and maintenance on the ship's engines. He married Billie Mae Archer when he got out of the Navy and had 4 children, Michael, Kelly, Stacey and Perry. He had a love of fishing and boats and bought his first boat the "Dead Battery" in his mid-twenties. It was 22 ft. long. The next boat he bought was the "Pronto", a 30 ft. Chris Craft that could reach a speed of 40 knots an hour. He started a charter business giving high speed boat rides in Long Beach. In 1952 he launched a lifelong boat building career with the "Bimiche". It was 35' long, built of steel, and used to start his first commercial sport fishing business. He built the boat with longitudinal framing and unique design features not seen at that time. It had a wide beam and a live bait well both being unusual for that time. He hauled passengers out of Long Beach and Wilmington. In 1954 he built the 40ft. "Reville" also using a new method of construction. He designed the hull and it was one of the first boats to be built that size out of laminated plywood with longitudinal framing and fiberglass. Also a commercial sport fishing boat the laminated plywood technique was stronger, lighter, faster and innovative for the time. He began a trend that other boat builders would soon follow. He moved his family to San Pedro to be closer to his sport fishing business and built his 2nd home there for his family. By 1956 he had tired of hauling passengers and sold his boat. He also sold his house in San Pedro and moved his family into an apartment so he could rent space to start building a 40 ft. sailboat the "Destiny". Again he used a new method in wood construction called the strip planked method. During this time he worked as a marine mechanic for Marine Engine Service. Chet and Billie had a dream of moving to Hawaii and 3 years after starting the "Destiny" he took Billie, Michael, Kelly, a navigator and crew man and sailed to the Hawaiian Islands. Upon reaching Hawaii he sent for his 2 youngest daughters, Stacey and Perry to join them. Chet and his family lived on their boat in the Alawai Yacht Harbor in Honolulu before moving to a house in Kaneohe. While in Hawaii he worked for the Hawaiian Extruders, a plastic products manufacturer. He sold the "Destiny" in 1960 and relocated his family to Santa Barbara. He soon had a job working for Lindwall Boat Works and bought a new 2 bdrm home in Goleta and immediately converted the 2 car garage into 2 extra bedrooms with an added garage. He then built another boat named the "Euekai". It was 25 ft. long and built with recreation in mind. It was built with the same laminated plywood technique as the "Reville". He soon sold that boat and in 1962 started work on a 52 ft steel commercial fishing boat named the "Dawn Star". It was reportedly the largest steel boat built in Santa Barbara up to that time. He worked for Santa Barbara Yachts as a marine mechanic during this time. It launched in 1964 and he and his family became some of the first live-aboard in the Santa Barbara Harbor. It was also during this time that he started another business named Service Afloat that he operated off of the "Dawn Star" in the Santa Barbara Harbor. He assisted other boat owners with general and mechanical repairs. In 1968 he took the "Dawn Star" along with his son out for her first albacore fishing season. In 1968 the Atomic Energy Commission chartered the "Dawn Star" for research in the Johnston Atoll, 800 miles southwest of Hawaii. He took his wife Billie, son Mike, Stacey, Perry and his sister June and 12 days later delivered the boat to Hawaii where the charter began. The family vacationed in Hawaii until the boat returned from it's charter. In 1969 he took the "Dawn Star" to work in the Gulf of Alaska. The boat was under contract with General Oceanographics and he outfitted the boat to carry their 15 ft. mini submarine named the "Nekton". They were making a subsea survey of the gulf's geologic features for 4 different oil companies. He sold the "Dawn Star" to General Oceanographics by year's end. Chet then started building another boat named the "Archer" in 1970 and launched it in 1973. It was 63 ft. long. It was laminated plywood and built at the bottom of Santa Barbara St. He fished albacore with it until 1975 when he decided to sell it. His son Mike had already begun building his own steel commercial fishing boats when Chet went to work for him. He would help Mike finish his boat the 65 ft. "Wendy". He worked on the interior, engines and generators and helped fit it with drag gear. He fished with Mike and his wife Paulette on their boat until 1978. Chet also helped Michael build his next boat the "Mikette" in Oxnard from 1978 to 1980. It was in1982 that he took a break and bought a Rotor Way Helicopter kit and proceeded to make a helicopter and trailer that he would work on for the next 2 years. He sold it after completion. He also helped Mike build another boat, the 124 ft. "Kami M." in Anacortes, Wa. from 1989-1991. He then helped rebuild and repower another boat (also named the Kami M.) from 1991-1992. He went on to help his son again rebuilding the "Wendy Sea" (a boat Mike bought in Nova Scotia) and by helping him install refrigeration and trolling polls. He spent his later years between Washington State, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Chet pursued his passion throughout his life and will always be remembered for his humor, honesty, integrity, ability to teach and mentor and his ability to start a job and stay with it until completion. He will be greatly missed. Aloha Chet Brown is survived by his sister June Francis, His 4 children, Michael Brown (Paulette), Kelly Rangel, Stacey Brown and Perry Adameck (David). His 6 grandchildren, Tracey Cruz (Alex), Billy Rangel (Brandy Sanchez), Wendy Brown, Kami Jennings, Aprile Hill (Bill), Matthew and Shelby Adameck. His great grandchildren, Jordan Hill, Akeila Garcia-Hill, Bella and Lucas Cruz. He was preceded in death by his wife Billie Brown, Marie Hartman (long term relationship) and Ada Schmidt (long term relationship) and 1 grandchild, Tanner Adameck. Chet's Family would like to thank the caregivers Mary Reese-Upton, Christy Harter, Josie Eulin, Kathy Abramovitz, John Shires, Rafael Lopez and Linda Trujillo for their compassionate care. The family would also like to thank the staff at Samarkand and Mission Villa. Donations can be made to Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara. A Veteran's Service was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, April 5th, followed by a Celebration of Life at Craig Brooker's home in Santa Barbara.

Dorothy Mae Chamness Henry, BHS 1952

Dorothy Mae Chamness Henry, BHS 1952
July 10, 1934 - March 30, 2014

Dorothy Mae (Chamness) Henry passed away on March 30, 2014 after a long 8 year battle with Demetria / Alzheimer’s. She was born on July 10, 1934 to Raymond and Olive Chamness and raised in Burbank, California with her late older sister Marcia (Chamness) Fochler.

Dorothy attended Burbank schools, including Miller Elementary, John Muir Jr. High, and Burbank High School where she graduated in 1952. She went on to Glendale Jr. College and then Cal State LA to earn a teaching degree. She began her 41 year Burbank teaching career at Central (Disney) Elementary in September of 1958. She worked there until 1963 when she moved to Roosevelt. She took a pause from teaching in 1966 following maternity leave, but returned in 1968 to Jefferson Elementary where she continued to teach Kindergarten and First Grade until her retirement in June 2001. During her career, she received many awards, accolades, and honors, including teacher of the year from the Burbank Kiwanis Club.

A life-long student of early childhood education, Dorothy was an active volunteer in several organizations dedicated to advancing the education of young children. During her career, Dorothy was proud to have personally touched the lives and shaped the future of over 1,300 kindergarten/1st grade students. She was also a leader and member of her local chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

She is survived by her two children Denise Henry Colvey of Atlanta, GA and Darrell Henry of Arlington, VA, and grandchildren Drake and Olivia Henry.

Published in the La Canada Valley Sun, April 14, 2014.

Roy Bucklin Beach, BHS 1947, Former BHS Teacher

Roy Bucklin Beach, BHS 1947, Former BHS Teacher 12/4/1929 - 3/5/2014 Roy Bucklin Beach, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2014. Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Roy was raised in Burbank California. He served in the US Naval Reserves as well as the US Army in Austria and Germany. He also served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in France. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Brigham Young University. He married Diane Smith in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in September 1957. He spent his life working with young people, first by teaching mathematics and French at Jordan Junior High School in Burbank, California, and spent more than 20 years as a teacher and counselor at Burbank High School. You couldn't go anywhere within a 20 mile radius of Burbank without someone saying "Hello, Mr. Beach". After retiring to South Jordan, Utah, Roy spent years volunteering his time for LDS Church, including the local family history center, the Jordan River Temple, the church history museum and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane. Roy is survived by his children, David (Julia), Kristen Klegseth (Junior), Karen Hill (Robert), Melinda Altenberg (Gary), Jennifer Gearing (Dan), Jonathan (Gwen), 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the Parkway 8th Ward Chapel, 9894 South 2700 West, South Jordan.

Viewings will be held on Sunday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 So.) and on Monday from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment: Provo Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to charity of your choice (i.e. Primary Children's Hospital, LDS Perpetual Education Fund, Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior) Published in Deseret News on Mar. 8, 2014

Linda Gagon Tyler, BHS 1961

Linda Gagon Tyler, BHS 1961 Linda Tyler, 70, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, April 1, 2014, surrounded by her loved ones. Linda was born in Buffalo, N.Y., Oct. 19, 1943, to Rosemary and Clyde Gagnon. As a child, she moved with her family to California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1961. Linda loved spending time at the lake, playing Scrabble and watching Dodgers baseball. She was an avid reader, and she owned her own insurance agency. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her husband and family and spoiling her grandchildren. 

Linda will be most remembered for her gift for loving others. Her spirit of unconditional love and acceptance was given freely to all who crossed her path, whether family, friend, or acquaintance. Her "come as you are" attitude made all who knew her feel as though they had a special place in Linda's heart reserved just for them, and she leaves a legacy of having touched the souls of nearly everyone she encountered.

Linda was preceded in death by her daughter, Tiffany, in 2009. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert; their three sons, Rett, James and Ricky; three daughters-in-law; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister; and two brothers; and countless others whose lives will be forever impacted by Linda's presence. Services will be at noon Friday, April 11, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.

David R. Clack, BHS 1974

David R. Clack, BHS 1974 VIRGINIA BEACH - David R. Clack, 53, passed away Sept. 5, 2008, in his home. A native of Glendale, Calif., he was employed with A-1 Sewer and Drain as a dispatcher for the last year. He is survived by his companion of eight years, Debbie Phelps of Virginia Beach; his mother, Joyce Thede of Acton, Calif.; stepfather, Don Thede of Arizona; two sisters, Karie Brown and husband Bob of Saugus, Calif., and Melissa Borck and husband Sean of Acton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his father, Jack R. Clack. All services will be private. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Foundation. Published in The Virginian Pilot on Sept. 9, 2008

Clyde Hughes, BHS 1943

Clyde Hughes, BHS 1943 (August 5, 1925 - February 21, 2014) Clyde Hughes, 88, of Pioneer, California, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 21, 2014. He was a husband, father, brother, son, grandfather and great grandfather. He was the epitome of a gentleman with the knowledge of Socrates. Clyde was a proud Army Air Corps WWII veteran who taught his children and grandchildren to be loyal, compassionate and selfless. Clyde showed love, kindness and discipline. Clyde was born August 5, 1925 in Burbank, California to Clyde and Myrtle Hughes. He was the youngest of 4 boys. Clyde grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School. He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II. Clyde owned a service station in Burbank for many years before working in the auto parts business. He was well respected by all his clients and customers; known as a man of integrity. Clyde married Eileen Hughes on March 16, 1947. They were married for 66 years. He left a beautiful love note for Eileen in the event he preceded her in death. He told her how proud he was to have had her as his wife, that he had always loved her and would love her forever. Clyde loved his family and treasured time with his wife and children. They spent many summers at Bishop Creek. Clyde loved camping and fishing. Clyde was very active at Sutter Creek Church of the Nazarene. He was the first person to walk up to someone new, shake hands and welcome them to church. He loved studying the bible and preparing for his Sunday School class. Clyde came prepared with “just one question” and a gleam in his eye ready to dig deeper into study of the Word. Everyone looked forward to Clyde’s comments and questions and class now has a handout that is affectionately known as “Clyde’s Corner”. Clyde was very involved with the Interfaith Food Bank. He and his wife Eileen have worked at the Food Bank every Wednesday for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Newton Hughes and his daughters, Cheryl Ehlman and Kathleen Harmon. His son, Michael Hughes preceded him in death April 8, 2008. Clyde is also survived by 4 grandchildren; Amy Brust, Keith Hohman, Adam Warren and Shannon Harmon; and 6 great-grandchildren, Frank, Nora, Jason, Emmalee, Cylus and Cassandra. He was looking forward to the birth of his next great grandchild this summer. He was deeply loved and will be missed. Honoring Clyde’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Donations in Clyde’s memory can be made to the Interfaith Food Bank, 12181 Airport Road, Jackson, CA 95642. >

Michael S. Harris, BHS 1961

Michael S. Harris, BHS 1961 

Michael S. Harris, 70, of Kalispell, passed away suddenly in his home on Oct. 1, 2013, due to complications of recent cancer surgery. He fought a valiant fight against cancer over the past 20 months, but his quality of life had deteriorated to the point where he became tired of fighting, and his heart just couldn't take the strain any longer. Mike, or Mickey, as he was known as a youngster, was born in Glendale, Calif., in May 1943 and grew up in Burbank. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1961 and continued on to earn a degree in aerospace technology from Glendale City College in 1967.

Mike was always fascinated by airplanes and flying while growing up. He earned his private pilot's license in 1962 and continued flying privately well into the 1980s. He met his first wife and the mother of his children, Cheryl Moore, in 1962 while both were members of the flight club at Glendale City College, and they married in April 1963. First a son, Steven, was born and then a daughter, Jennifer, but their union wasn't meant to endure and sadly ended in divorce after 12 years. The couple maintained a sometimes strained, but mostly amicable relationship while their kids were growing up, and they were able to become much better friends during these last years of his life. 

Mike later met Laura (Stump) Wakelin while both were working at Lockheed. They married in June 1977 and were together until her death in January 1996. In keeping with his love of airplanes and flying, Mike worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation for over 37 years, first in their Burbank facilities and then at their Skunk Works operations in Palmdale, Calif. He began his career fresh out of high school and worked his way up to become a design specialist/aerospace engineer with a top secret security clearance. He was involved in notable aircraft projects such as the L-1011, SR-71 Blackbird, F-117A stealth fighter, and most recently acted as the lead designer on the YF-22 advanced tactical fighter. 

He was happily able to retire at the age of 55 in 1998, and he left California for good in 1999 for the much cleaner big skies of Montana. Throughout his life and especially during his retirement years, Mike was an enthusiastic marksman and collector of guns, both antique and new, and was also a skilled ammunition reloader. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, in addition to being an active member of the North Valley Sportman’s Club in Columbia Falls. He also loved building model cars and airplanes, but was sadly unable to complete any models recently due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in his fingertips.

The "Old West," World War II and tough-guy actors and great Americans John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were also Mike's passions. He was an avid historian, especially concerning the history of the war and the Oregon and California trails. He was able to visit Pearl Harbor many years ago as one of his dream vacations. However, his ultimate dream vacation was to trace the Oregon Trail from its start in Missouri all the way to its end, but with the previous cancer treatments and now his sudden passing, that dream will regrettably remain unfulfilled. 

Mike is survived by his children, son Steven Harris of Elko, Nev., and daughter Jennifer Harris of Bigfork; sister and brother-in-law, MaryKay and Don Stroum, of Tigard, Ore.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diana and John Fregeau, of Montague, Calif.; ex-wife, Cheryl Harber, of Bigfork; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dog and faithful companion, Chucky. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Roland "RW" and MaryAnna (Harvey) Harris; and his wife, Laura. 

The family is planning a memorial service and ash-scattering ceremony to be held in late spring or early summer of 2014. “We will truly miss Mike's laughter and sense of humor, his knowledge and wisdom on so many topics, the way he barbecued tri-tip and burgers until they were like charcoal, his love of dogs, his appreciation of camping and relaxing under the stars in the shadow of Mount Shasta, and just being able to call him every evening to say hello and hear him end the call with, ‘I love you, sweetie.’ He left us too soon, but his spirit lives on in us forever.” 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana or the American Cancer Society. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mike's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Mike's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.