Dennis Lee McComas, BHS 1967

Dennis Lee McComas, BHS 1967 

December 5, 1948 - August 28, 2014 

On August 28, 2014 Dennis McComas woke up not feeling well, and before he knew it he had suddenly become ice cold and couldn't breathe right. 911 was called and the paramedics came right away, but on the way to the hospital his heart stopped. 

They ran him into the ER and had 10 people frantically working on him, but he didn't pull through. It was a massive heart attack, and nothing could help him. The family is in shock right now and are trying to keep our mother together. If you would like to help with the funeral expenses, please go to GoFundMe

John Carlin Harmon, BHS 1981

John Carlin Harmon, BHS 1981 Tribune, The (San Luis Obispo, CA) - Saturday, October 29, 2011 Deceased Name -- John Harmon HARMON -- John Harmon, 48, of Creston died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in Creston. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of the Roses Mortuary and Crematory in Atascadero.

Edwin S. Schaller Jr., BHS 1947?

Edwin S. Schaller Jr. MBA ’66 was born on Jan. 16, 1929 and died Sept. 16, 2012. A former resident of Los Gatos, Ed was born in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Burbank, Calif. He attended Burbank High School, where he excelled in sports and served as senior class president. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA and was extremely proud of his membership in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He later attended Santa Clara University, where he earned his MBA. Shortly before graduating from UCLA, Ed was offered a job at Lockheed (following in his father's footsteps); this would become his home for the next 39 years. In 1954, a newly assigned secretary in his division, Diane Topp, caught his eye. They were married a year later in the Santa Barbara Mission chapel on Valentine's Day "so I wouldn't forget our anniversary!" In 1957, Ed was transferred to Sunnyvale and assigned to work on the Polaris Missile Program. He traveled extensively and never would, or maybe never could, talk about the nature of his work. Diane and Ed raised their 3 boys in Los Gatos and for 10 years Ed coached each as they rose through the ranks of the Quito Little League. Ed was also active in YMCA Indian Guides Gray-Y, in which he coached basketball flag football. He loved the outdoors, especially skiing fishing. The Family skied at Dodge Ridge, thawed out at the Mi-Wuk Motor Lodge, then headed off to Kelly's for dinner and a little pinball. Ed and his boys fished together at Yosemite's Saddlebag Lake and, in turn, they taught their own kids how to fish there. In April 2000, Ed and Diane moved to Rocklin, Calif. Diane was diagnosed with cancer in June of that year and passed away in August. Diane was the perfect housewife, but Ed surprised us all by making a home for himself and surviving 12 years without her support. He was active in the Springfield Senior community, especially at the fitness center, until a circulatory condition hampered his mobility. He kept much to himself, living quietly, enjoying daily crosswords puzzles, watching news on CNN and rooting for his beloved San Francisco Giants, UCLA Bruins, and adopted Sacramento Kings. Ed was lovingly cared for by his entire family during his final days, and he passed away peacefully with his son, Todd, by his side. Not surprisingly, his final words were, "Did the Giants win?" They sure did, Dad! Ed is predeceased by his parents, Edwin Spencer Schaller Sr and Ruth Eppinger Schaller, and is survived by his children- Mark (Amy) Schaller, Adam (Tricia) Schaller, Todd (Cherie) Schaller, and grandchildren- Trace, Alexandria, and Spencer, and Nik Robbins; and a sister, Jan Borchers Adams.

Vicki Bean Topliff, BHS 1961

Vicki Bean Topliff, BHS 1961 1943 ~ 2014 Vicki Bean Topliff passed away in her home in Orem, UT, on August 3, 2014 of causes related to appendix cancer. Vicki was born in Glendale, California, to Alvin Pliny Bean and Dorothy Allen Bean. 

She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Edward Topliff, her brothers, Bart Bean (Marilyn) and Brad Bean (Laurie), and her sister, Lori Henderson (Matt). Vicki has seven children from a previous marriage to Thorvald Zimmerman: Patricia Bear (Eric), Julie Waller (Rod), Michael Zimmerman (Tiffany), Jacqui Jacobs (Kendall), John Zimmerman (Jessica), James Zimmerman (Adrienne), and Nikki Waller. Between them, her children have given her 25 grandchildren and her first great-grandchildren will be born this year. 

Vicki grew up in Burbank, California, where she enjoyed occasional association with movie and TV stars, such as selling Girl Scout Cookies to Debbie Reynolds who lived near her home at the time. She graduated from Burbank High School and attended BYU for three years taking secretarial and business classes. While at BYU she was a member of the Ballroom Dance Team and was a runner-up for Belle of the Y. She married her Ballroom Dance Team partner after winning several competitions with him. 

She spent most of her adult life as a full-time mother raising her seven children, and when they were grown she devoted her time to writing books about her family history. Vicki was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has a strong family heritage in church history. The first book she wrote was about her grandfather, Willard Washington Bean, and the mission he served with his family living in Joseph Smiths home in Palmyra, New York, for 25 years. She has also written books about other relatives, including her great-grandfather, George Washington Bean, and his three wives and 30 children. In addition, she wrote her fathers and her own life history. Vicki loved writing and talking about her interesting family history, and gave many presentations to church groups about her beloved grandparents and their extraordinary contributions to the church.

Vicki always understood the value of friendship, and her beautiful smile welcomed many into her life. She remained close all of her life to a group of friends from her school days in Burbank, her friends from Huntington Beach where she raised her children, and her friends she made after her move to Utah. They filled her heart and home with laughter and love throughout her life. A funeral will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 10 am, at the Suncrest Ward Chapel, 140 N 400 West in Orem. A visitation will be held Friday from 8:30-9:45am at the ward chapel. Vicki will be buried at the Utah State Veterans Cemetery. The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge all the loving support Vicki received from family and friends both far and near over the past several years. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Jack Warren Morris, BHS 1954

Jack Warren Morris, BHS 1954
(February 28, 1935 to May 04, 2014 )

Resident of Ukiah, California Jackie Warren Morris, 79, died May 4th, 2014 after a short illness, surrounded by his children at the home of his daughter in Austin, Texas. Jack was born in Red Mound, OK, on February 28th, 1935.

Like millions of other people fleeing from the Dust Bowl, his parents moved their family to the West Coast and settled in Burbank, CA. Jack grew up running between Orange trees in the beautiful valley and watched as the city grew and expanded before his eyes. Jack showed a talent for cutting hair from an early age, and began cutting his father’s hair at the age of 13. Jack graduated from Burbank High School in 1954. After graduating, Jack became ill with Rheumatic Fever and had to stay in the hospital for a month. When he recovered he went on to Barber Collage.

Many members of his extended family also migrated to the Southern California area. He would travel up and down highway 99, visiting them and drag racing any one he could. He met the love of his life, Colette Roell, and married her in 1958. Jack and Colette had three children while living in Burbank, CA. When the Los Angeles area smog became too oppressive, they moved their family to the Ukiah Valley, as it met all their criteria: a small town that had a Catholic School, a barber shop, was smog free, and surrounded by nature’s beauty. They had their fourth child after arriving in Ukiah.

In time, Jack took over the Barber Shop at Jenson’s Truck Stop. His clients became his friends, and for over 45 years Jack enjoyed seeing people come through his doors. Stories, jokes, and straight talk filled his shop. Many a child was instructed to “sit still” on his first haircut, and many a haircut was given for free. Some of his clients were out of state truckers, waiting until their next trip to Ukiah for a haircut and a visit to “The Flat-Top King”, as Jack was affectionately known. His long career served both the young and the elderly, including house calls to friends who were unable to leave their homes. Many of his clients had children, and later those children had children, who in turn became his clients. Generations of Ukiah residents told him that they “grew up” in his barber shop.

Jack had a big heart, and several life-long friends called him “The most honest man I’ve ever known“. He was very moved that his retirement was noted on the front page of the Ukiah Daily Journal to commemorate the occasion. In his younger years, Jack embraced his inner racer, either drag racing on the “strip” in Los Angeles, on “the 99”, and later on the ¼ mile oval race track in Ukiah. In 1956 he won a drag racing trophy for having the Fastest Stock Car in Los Angeles County, his treasured 1956 Chevrolet 210 Sport Coupe. He always had one foot on the brake and the other on the gas. After recuperating from knee surgery complications that kept him away from driving for several years, he took a driving test to regain his license in December, 2013. The instructor said that he was the best driver she had ridden with in years.

As his family grew, Jack took them on day and camping trips to see all the splendors of Mendocino County, from the Coast to Lake Pillsbury, from the swimming holes of the Russian River below Hopland to an Uncle’s ranch north of Laytonville. He taught his children how to water-ski, with summer days and nights too numerous to count being spent on the waters of Lake Mendocino. The location of his shop at the truck stop gave easy access to large inner tubes, and Jack would load his pickup full of tubes and kids for excursions floating down the Russian river. Jack and Colette were active in the community, and raised their family in the arms of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School. Jack was a member of both the Elks Lodge and Masonic Lodge, in which he took great pride. Jack enjoyed playing in the Ukiah pool and bowling leagues.

After he retired, Jack and Colette loved playing golf, and traveled in their RV around the Western United States. Their trips included visiting friends and family in TX, OK, OR, WA and Canada. He enjoyed travels with the Elks Wapitis. Jack was planning to return to Ukiah after his granddaughter, Siena, graduated in May. He was looking forward to seeing all his old friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Plomer Harold Morris and Ota Mae Miller, his beloved sister, Evelyn M. Nelson, and his cherished wife of 55 years, Colette T. Morris. He is survived by his four children, their spouses and grandchildren: David and Elaine Morris (Amanda and Heather), Dale and Kim Morris (Greg and Sara). Merrie Morris-Mazzetti and Rob Mazzetti (Siena and Cordell), and Charles and Janet Morris (Christopher and Jonathan). He leaves behind many friends and family he dearly loved.

A viewing will be at Eversole Mortuary, May 29th , from 2 to 8 P.M. The funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, May 30th, 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at Russian River Cemetery in Ukiah. A reception and celebration of Jack’s life will be held at The Elks Lodge following burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elks Lodge Major Projects Fund, a charity that provides free physical therapy to disabled children.

Daniel John Crawford, BHS 1974

Daniel was a Burbank High School, Class of 1974 graduate. He was a Burbank Police Officer who died from Lou Gehrig's disease on Nov. 25, 1995 in Burbank, California. His fellow officers donated vacation time to Danny's retirement so he could become vested and leave a pension for his widow. The police also had some fund raisers for him including a boxing match held at the BHS gym. He was born on Aug. 24, 1956. He was interred at Pierce Brother's Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California.

Osar Carlos Pokorny, BHS 1965

Oscar Carlos Pokorny was surrounded by family and friends when he went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Oscar was born in Marfa, Texas, on May 25, 1946. He was the son of Anton Ludwig Pokorny and Fay Pokorny, and younger brother of Tony Pokorny. Oscar's family moved from Texas to Burbank, California in 1951. Oscar graduated Burbank High school in 1965 and worked at Senior Aerospace SSP from 1965 to 1980. He was drafted into the US Army in 1965. Private Pokorny was trained in the construction and repair of roads, railroads, and bridges. He also received instruction in demolitions and mine warfare. He attended LA Trade Tech where he received his welding certification. Oscar married his high school sweetheart, Angela Ann Franchino, on May 9, 1970. They had two children, his favorite daughter, Victoria Lynn Pokorny, and his favorite son, Eric Joseph Pokorny. From 1982 to 1984, he was a development bench mechanic at Litton Data Systems. He then transferred employment to become part of the Skunk Works department at Lockheed Martin in Burbank and also in Palmdale. He was so proud to have made parts and scaffolding for the Space Shuttle. After a large layoff, Oscar did contract work on animated projects such as the dragon at the Excalibur in Las Vegas, the Water World set at Universal Studios, and Wizard of Oz at the MGM Grand. In 1995, Oscar went back to Senior Aerospace SSP and just recently retired on July 11, 2014. For many years Oscar was an active member of Calvary Bible Church in Burbank. He would either be in the kitchen cooking, or clean-up crew — usually both! Oscar loved the outdoors. Fishing, Bar-B-Qing and camping brought him much joy. He was a very creative man who enjoyed drawing, whittling, and making miniatures. Oscar leaves behind a loving family including: Wife, Angela Pokorny Daughter, Vicki Pokorny Son and daughter-in-law: Eric and Jessica Pokorny Father: Anton Pokorny and Lucille Trcka Brother and sister-in-law: Tony and Ginny Pokorny Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law: Peter and Barbara Franchino Nephews and Nieces: Weston and Christine Pokorny, Jason Pokorny, Mark and Julie Gordon Baretto, Devin and Michelle Franchino Great Nephews and Nieces: Kyle Gordon, Mitchell Gordon, Simone Franchino, Tony Pokorny, and Kimberly Pokorny And countless uncles, aunts and cousins. Oscar was a loving son, faithful husband, and hands-on father. He was also a kind-hearted in-law, fun loving cousin, crazy uncle, and true friend. Oscar was sixty-eight years old when he died of a weak heart, but he was the strongest man we knew. Sleep with the angels, Oscar. In Lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to either of the following organizations. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/ericpokorny 2014 - In loving memory of Oscar C. Pokorny Although Oscar did not live with MS, he was very supportive and proud of Eric's efforts to help fight and find a cure. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to causes that Oscar believed in and a cure for MS is one of those causes. Or http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate Toward the bottom left of the page there is a link: In Honor / Memory Of - One-time

Dean William Hutton, BHS 1967

Dean William Hutton, BHS 1967

Wednesday, August 6, 2014, Port Townsend, Washington

Nov. 2, 1949 – July 26, 2014 

Dean William Hutton passed away in Port Townsend on June 26, 2014. He was 64. Dean was born on Nov. 2, 1949 in Santa Monica, California. He graduated from Burbank High School and obtained a B.A. in history at San Francisco State University. He then began a career in firefighting, first in the California Department of Forestry, then at the Ukiah Fire Department. He served as firefighter, captain, paramedic, and battalion chief before retiring in 2002. Dean loved working at the fire department and was integral to starting the department’s paramedic program. 

Dean was an avid backpacker and shared his love of California’s Sierra Nevada with many, especially his daughter. The Port Townsend community meant a lot to Dean, who enjoyed having breakfast at the Food Co-op, walking the town paths, and talking with Ernie, Michael, Roger, Viva, Bill, Janie, his neighbors and many others. Most of all, Dean loved helping others, and family members said that he will be dearly missed by themselves and his friends in both California and Washington. 

He is survived by daughter Mattie Hutton and son-in-law Justin Badlam of Washington, D.C., and brother Alan Hutton of Tucson, Arizona.

“Going to the mountains is going home.” – John Muir In lieu of flowers, donations to the International Association of Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation are welcome.

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

Dean William Hutton passed away in Port Townsend, Washington, on June 26. He was 64. He is survived by his daughter Mattie Hutton and son-in-law, Justin Badlam, of Washington, D.C., and brother Alan Hutton of Tuscon, Arizona. 

Dean was born November 2, 1949, in Santa Monica, CA. He graduated from Burbank High School and obtained a BA in History at San Francisco State University. He then began a career in firefighting, first in the California Department of Forestry, then at the Ukiah Fire Department. He served as Firefighter, Captain, Paramedic, and Battalion Chief before retiring in 2002. 

Dean loved working at the Fire Department and was integral to starting the department's paramedic program. He was a passionate and talented racquetball player and enjoyed lots of good games at the Redwood Health Club. Dean was an avid backpacker and shared his love of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains with many, especially his daughter. Most of all, Dean loved helping others, and he will be dearly missed by his family and his friends in both California and Washington. "Going to the mountains is going home." John Muir. 

A potluck memorial will be held at the United Methodist Church, 270 N. Pine St., on Saturday September 20, 2014, from 2 to 5 PM. All acquaintances of Dean are warmly welcomed to attend.

Published by Ukiah Daily Journal on Sep. 16, 2014.

Kenneth Arthur Koulias, BHS 1975

Kenneth Arthur Koulias, BHS 1975 Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) - Monday, December 20, 2004 Kenneth Arthur Koulias, 47, of Orange, a hardware salesman, died Dec. 16, 2004, of cancer. Vigil: 8 a.m. Tuesday, Shannon-Bryan Mortuary, Orange. Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, St. Norbert Church, Orange. Wife, Judy; son, Nick; daughters, Kacie, Bittany; parents, Arthur, Marie; brothers, Jim, Chris.

Carol Jean Starkey Ivey, BHS 1970

Carol Jean Starkey Ivey, BHS 1970 March 28, 1952 - July 22, 2014 Carole Ivey passed away suddenly yesterday, Tuesday, July 22, at her home in Valencia. Carole began life near the Minnesota/Iowa border on the family farm. After her father's death in 1961 she moved to California with her mother and younger brother in 1963, and settled in Burbank in 1964 on Jamestown Rd. She began 7th grade at John Muir with most of us that Fall, now almost 50 years ago. In 9th grade she and Randy Ivey became a lifelong couple. Carole was a Trojan, graduating from the University of Southern California in 1974, where she began after graduatuon from BHS in 1970. That summer after USC graduation she and Randy were married at Salem Lutheran Church in Glendale on August 10, 1974. Carole's passing comes less than three weeks before their 40th wedding anniversary. Besides Randy, Carole leaves their daughter, Megan, age 30; their son, Travis, age 34, his wife, Tina, and their children - Carole's granddaughter, Makenna, and grandson, Gavin, ages 10 and 7; her brother, Roger Starkey (BHS '72), his wife and their family; her aunt, Karen of Arizona; her brother-in-law, Mike Ivey (BHS '72), his wife and their family; her brother-in-law, Jim Dyer (BHS '69), and his family; and three step-brothers and their families. Carole's mother passed away less than a year ago, on August 8, 2013. Her step-father passed away five years before that, also on August 8, in 2008. Sister-in-law, Debi Ivey Dyer, passed away in 2009. In early March of this year Carole received the confirmation after testing that she had an aortic aneurysm. It was determined that she would undergo two surgeries, sort of a phase 1 and a phase 2, to repair/correct the aneurysm. Last Wednesday, July 16, she had the first surgery at Kaiser-Sunset Hospital in the Hollywood area. That surgery went well, and accomplished what was desired. On Friday the 18th Carole's close friend, Donna Snyder Moore (BHS '71) took Carole home from the hospital. The second surgery was scheduled for September 4. Two days ago, on Monday afternoon, I spoke to Carole on the phone, and we talked for about 45 minutes. She was in good spirits, although sore all over from her surgery. Little did I know that would be the last time I would talk to her. Carole's daughter, Megan, had been staying overnight with her since she got home from the hospital on Friday. Yesterday morning before Megan left for work she saw Carole. Later on when Megan tried to reach Carole by phone several times, without success, she called nearby friends and asked them to check on Carole. The friend went in Carole's home and found her on the sofa, already gone. The fire department arrived and confirmed her passing. It was determined that the aneurysm had ruptured, taking her so suddenly. Of course a total shock to all of Carole's family.

About the beginning of June Randy began feeling poorly. They saw his doctor, blood tests were taken, but no problem was pinned down. He kept getting worse at home. On Father's Day, June 15, he was taken to the ER at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia. He was admitted into ICU by that evening. Randy is a severe diabetic, and it was soon determined that he had Strep B infection probably caused from a "wound" on his leg that had already gone into Sepsis (blood infection) by the time he entered the hospital. The next morning he was placed on a ventilator. He remained in ICU at Henry Mayo Newhall for a week, and then was moved by an ICU ambulance down to Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City to their ICU. I happened to be there when that took place. Randy remained there for over four more weeks, almost the entire time in the ICU on the ventilator, with a couple of brief times in a "step-down" unit and off the vent. I last saw him a week ago Friday when Janet Di Sarro and I saw him in the ICU again. He has been sedated, and also is not fully coherent yet after being so ill for so long. Two days ago he was finally moved to a rehab facility, but faces a long recovery after being this sick. He is still not fully aware or fully coherent. Randy hasn't been told yet about Carole's death. Those of you who pray, please do so for Randy, for Megan and Travis as they face the loss of their mother who was very close to both of them, and for them as they face having to tell Randy at some point what has happened to Carole.

Kathleen Louise Truesdale Jones, BHS 1966

Kathleen Louise Truesdale Jones, age 59 died at Henry Mayo Hospital on May 3, 2007 in Valencia, California following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 29, 1947 in Glendale, California to the late Emmy Louise Storms and her loving husband Mitchell Truesdale. She graduated from Burbank High School on June 16, 1966. Kathy was united in marriage on August 3, 1968 to the late Bruce Oren Jones. Kathy lived in Saugus, California until 2004 when she sold her home and moved to Newhall, California. In 1977, Kathy joined the Kingdom of Jehovah Witnesses, Newhall Congregation. She enjoyed her fellowship with the Brothers and especially enjoyed a very special relationship with her spiritual Sisters, Terri and Georgie. Kathy was an avid collector of many items and was wonderful with the art of horticulture. Kathy is survived by her two daughter's, Jennifer and Jeannine, her grandchildren, Kayla, Dustin, Ethan. Emily and Sadie. She is also survived by her father, Mitchell Truesdale, her brother, Patrick and sister-in-law Beverly; her sister, Nancy and brother-in-law Dennis, her cousins, Sue, Janet, Robert III, Denise, Marsha, Sherry, Rob, Mike and Eric. Her friends and adopted family, Terri, Georgie, Abigail, Ginger, Kelli and David, Catatina and many, many more. Memorial Services will be on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 25128 Newhall Ave, Newhall, California, and Officiating will be Meeka Seriella. Reception at the home of Abigail DeSesa, 29048 Concorse Dr, Val Verde, California.