Lalainya Ann Reid, BHS 1988

Lalainya Ann Reid, 41, of Cleburne passed away Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, in Cleburne. Graveside service: Noon Friday in Rosehill Cemetery. Survivors: Mother, Joan Sutton. Published in Star-Telegram on January 14, 2011

Leslie Charles Bruckner, Former BHS Teacher/Coach

Leslie C. Bruckner 1918 - 2014 Leslie Charles Bruckner was born in April 16, 1918 in Monroe, Michigan, youngest son of Austin and Matilda Bruckner, and died in September, 2014 in Pasadena, California. Football and family were the cornerstones of his life. From his small southeastern Michigan hometown of Milan in the 1930s tales of Les' athletic skill reached recruiters from mighty Michigan State University. Bruckner joined the Spartans backfield and made an immediate impact on the football field. He was also a shot putter on the track team. Les was in the starting lineup when Michigan State played Auburn in the first Orange Bowl game in Miami in

1938. A member of the greatest generation, Les Bruckner was a lieutenant in the United States Navy serving in the Pacific during World War II. Postwar, Les made a brief run at the National Football League, playing a part of one season with the Chicago Cardinals in 1945. In 2014 he became the oldest surviving player from the Chicago-St. Louis-Arizona Cardinals NFL franchise. Les married Joan Olds of Ypsilanti, Michigan, daughter of Dr. L.W. Olds, a track coach and later director of athletics at Eastern Michigan University. Les fathered two sons- Doug and Scott-and in 1949 the family moved to Burbank where Les was a successful football coach at Burbank High School. On weekends in the 1950s Les enjoyed taking his older boy to the Coliseum where the new NFL team, the Rams, were the toast of the football world. It was just one of many outings fondly remembered by the sons of a devoted father. When the boys were older they joined their Dad on camping trips to national parks and monuments in the American West and were encouraged-never pushed-when they pursued their own football dreams at Burbank High School. An academic as well as an athlete, with a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan, Les was a respected history teacher at Burbank High School. In 1962 he broadened his background in his chosen field, taking Joan and their son Scott to Europe on a six-month sabbatical trip traveling the North Atlantic on an Italian line steamship. Summers in the 1950s and 60s Les Bruckner, with the able assistance of his wife Joan, launched two successful small businesses in Burbank. He created the Bulldog Club day camps and later the Les Bruckner Swim School. After leaving coaching, and still teaching, Les began a highly successful "third act" in his football life-- an official. Les worked his way up from

high school games to major college sports and in the 1970s was a regular on officiating crews in the Pacific Eight Conference. Les worked as an umpire on the fabled gridirons of Notre Dame Stadium, the Los Angeles Coliseum, and the old Stanford Stadium. In 1972 Les was again in a major bowl game when he was assigned as umpire on the officiating crew for the Rose Bowl game between the University of Washington and Michigan Wolverines. Inspired by his father and his own love of the game, Scott also became involved in football officiating at the high school level. Scott was thrilled to actually take the field with his Dad as a fellow "striped shirt," and remembers the professionalism of his father and the respect Les received from players, coaches and other members of the officiating team. Les was honored with an invitation to tour Asian U.S. military bases to conduct football officials clinics and traveled with his wife Joan to Japan, the Philippines and South Korea. The move of NFL's Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 provided Les with one more opportunity to be involved in pro football. The Raiders hired Les as a member of the "chain gang" and he manned the down boxes at the LA Coliseum until the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995. In 1993 Les was a member of the down box in the Rose Bowl at Super Bowl XXVII between the Cowboys and Bills. In 2012 the Pac 12 Officials Association inducted Les Bruckner into their Field of Honor in a ceremony in Palo Alto.

Les' amazing longevity and versatility in the football world was truly remarkable, but even more noteworthy was Les Bruckner's dedication to his family. Despite all the honors, Les was proudest of being a family man and celebrated not his own considerable achievements, but the accomplishments of his loving wife and his two sons. Les Bruckner was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills, California. Les is survived by his wife Joan, his son Doug, his son Scott and daughter-in-law Dona, his grandchildren Andrew, Aleece, Anya and Amanda and great grandchildren, Jack, Jake and Jia. . Published in the Los Angeles Times from Sept. 27 to Sept. 28, 2014

Michael Verhoff, BHS 1976

Michael Verhoff, BHS 1976

Tok man dies in Alaska Highway rollover July 24, 2014, Alaska Dispatch News 

A 55-year-old Tok man died Tuesday July 22, 2014, in a single-vehicle rollover on the Alaska Highway, Alaska State Troopers said. Michael Verhoff was driving a 2008 Ford F-150 when he crashed at Mile 1357 of the highway, troopers said. The crash occurred about 44 miles from Tok, toward Delta Junction, in the area of the Gerstle River. 

A passing motorist reported the accident just after 1 p.m., troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said. A trooper and Tok emergency medical personnel responded. Verhoff was declared dead at the scene. There is no clear indication why Verhoff crashed on the straight stretch of highway, Peters said. That could mean he had a medical condition or fell asleep, she said. 

There was no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved but the state medical examiner will perform a standard toxicology test. Verhoff wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the truck, Peters said. 

NOTE: According to his cousin Michael was driving to the hospital to visit his wife who had had a stroke.

Michael Brian McNeal, BHS 1976

Michael Brian McNeal, BHS 1976

Burbank Daily Review, Wednesday, May 28, 1975 - Michael Brian McNeal, 17, died Monday May 26, 1975 in a Sun Valley hospital. Born in Burbank, he was a Burbank High School student. 

He is survived by his mother, Jean McNeal; three sisters, Lynn, Colleen and Nancy and one brother; Robert, all of Burbank. 

Services will be held Thursday, May 29, 1975 at 1:30 p.m. at the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Interment will follow.

Alyn Gordon Campbell, BHS 1926

Burbank Daily Review, Tuesday, January 29, 1985, Gordon A. Campbell, 77, died Friday in a Burbank hospital. He was born in Danville, Illinois, and had lived in Burbank for 60 years. He was an insurance broker in Burbank for 50 years. He was a graduate of Burbank High School in 1926. He was a member of the Burbank Kiwanis for 31 years and secretary for Burbank Kiwanis for 30 years. Gordon was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Burbank. He is survived by his wife Genevieve; daughters, Nancy C. Dana of Chatsworth, Sue Carr of Burbank, Donna Moore of Sedona, Arizona; sister, Lucile Taylor of Wofford Heights; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Burbank. Burial will be private at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California.

Janet Lee Chapman Carter, BHS 1973

Payson Round-Up, Payson, AZ, Monday, February 23, 2004 Mike and Janet Carter of Strawberry, AZ died Feb. 20, 2004. Mike was born June 12, 1958 in Glendale, Calif. and graduated from Crescenta Valley High School, where he was a talented athlete playing football and track. Janet was born Sept. 20, 1955 in Burbank, Calif. She graduated from Burbank High School. The Carters were married May 1, 1983 and have lived in Strawberry for about 15 years. An avid outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and annual golfing trips. Janet was very supportive of the local Strawberry's Elite. Both enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Hawaii for a nephew's wedding and weekend trips in Laughlin. The couple had many close friends. The Carters owned and operated MBC Drywall for many years in the Rim country. Janet also worked as a bartender at the Sportman's Chalet, the Black Bear Restaurant --here she and Mike were partners with other owners -- and the Sidewinder. They are survived by their son, Matthew Carter, and 1-year-old grandson, Matthew Jr.;ike's father, Wyatt Carter and mother, Delores Matteson; brother, Wyatt Carter and sister-in-law, Jinjer Carter; sisters Denise Weiss, Wendy Carter Ford and Mary Ellen Carter and sister-in-law, Leanna Carter; Janet's mother, Helen Chapman; brother, Tom Chapman and sister-in-law, Carol Chapman; sisters, Cheryl Schroede and Lynda DesEnfants and brother-in-law, Jeff DesEnfants; plus many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Carter's father, Richard Chapman preceded her in death in 1981 A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Pine Community Center on Highway 87. A community reception and potluck will follow at the Black Bear Restaurant in Strawberry. Donations can be made to the Pine-Strawberry Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 441, Pine, AZ 85544 or to the Strawberry Elite, P.O. Box 730, Pine, AZ 85544.

LaMoine K. Peck, BHS 1971

Tribune, The (San Luis Obispo, CA) - Thursday, January 10, 2002 Deceased Name: LaMoine Peck LaMoine K. Peck, 49, of Paso Robles died Friday, Jan. 4, 2002, at a Templeton hospital. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Second Baptist Church of Paso Robles. Mr. Peck was born Jan. 1, 1953, in Glendale. He enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid fisherman, football fan and member of the San Lucia Gun Club. He attended the Second Baptist Church in Paso Robles and had celebrated 25 years of marriage to his wife, Jackie. Mr. Peck is survived by his wife, Jackie Peck of Paso Robles; daughter Jennifer Christensen and husband Michael of North Hollywood; sister Nyla Cardenas of Paso Robles; nephew Paul Cardenas of San Jose; niece Adena Masterton of Long Beach; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Leora Peck, and a sister, Beverly Masterton Brockway. Memorial donations may be made to the Second Baptist Church of Paso Robles. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home of Paso Robles.

Jacqueline Gail Kistler Powers, BHS 1964

Jacqueline Gail Powers, 67, died peacefully on March 6, 2014 with her family by her side in Simi Valley, CA. Jackie was born November 1, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA. The daughter of Clifford E. Kistler and Anna B. Kistler. She grew up in Burbank, CA and graduated from Burbank High School in 1964. She met her soul mate, John Robert Powers, whom she married in 1968. They had 3 children and raised them in Simi Valley until John's early passing in 1987. She was a very independent, strong and courageous woman. She was a dedicated mother to her children whom she raised alone since John's death. She was a hard working employee of Simi Valley Bank for over 15 years and most recently Boston Private Bank and Trust for the the past 10 years. Customers and co-workers remember her for her kind spirit, ability to listen and her beautiful smile.

Jackie loved and mastered every form of arts and crafts. She was very patient and meticulous with ceramics, doll making, sewing, crocheting, knitting, cross stitch, beading, jewelry making, and painting. But, her pride and joy were her grandchildren. She loved to have fun with them and spoil them. She is survived by her children, (son) Gary Powers, (daughters) Tiffany Talafuse and Heather Lee, (son-in-laws) Steve Talafuse and Jerry Lee, (grandchildren) Emma Talafuse, Steven Talafuse, and Gavin Lee, (sister) Carol Davies, and (nephew) Thomas Swire. She is preceded in death by her father, Clifford E. Kistler (1977), her mother, Anna B. Kistler (2003) and her husband John Robert Powers (1987). Funeral services to be held Monday, March 10, 2014 at Reardon Family Mortuary, Simi Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org

Daron Lowell Welch, BHS 1988

Daron Lowell Welch, BHS 1988 

Idaho State Journal (Pocatello, ID) - Sunday, June 3, 2007 

BLACKFOOT - Daron Lowell Welch BLACKFOOT - Daron Lowell Welch, 37, of Blackfoot, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at his home from a brief illness. Funeral arrangements are pending under the direction of the Hawker Funeral Home.

Pamela Kulisek Coleman, BHS 1976

Pamela Kulisek Coleman, BHS 1976 

Ventura County Star (CA) - Thursday, May 1, 2003 

Deceased Name: Coleman, Pamela Coleman, Pamela, 45, Simi Valley disabled died Saturday April 26, 2003. Arrangements by Rose Family Funeral Home Simi Valley.

No other details at his time.

Alan Carl Wernsing, BHS 1971

Fresno Bee, The (CA) - Thursday, December 27, 2007 Alan Carl Wernsing was born on August 3, 1953, in Glendale, California, to Edward and Elsie Wernsing. Alan passed away on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25, 2007, with his wife, children, and brother by his side after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Throughout this past year as he fought this horrible cancer, he also lived his life to the fullest. He and his wife traveled to Spain, Germany, and Baja, celebrated his daughter's high school graduation and his son's completion of Air Force Basic Training. He continued to coach for the Clovis Girls Softball League, as well as serve on the Clovis Bullets Board of Directors. He also traveled to Oklahoma City, Ft. Collins, San Francisco, and San Marcos to visit his children. Alan love to travel, spend time with his family, drive his new Mustang and partake in many adventurous activities such as scuba diving, backpacking, water skiing, snow skiing and camping. He was a man who enjoyed working with his hands as a general contractor and loved to teach the trades to anyone who wanted to learn. What Cancer Cannot Do It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot destroy peace. It cannot hurt friendships. It cannot suppress memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot steal eternal life. It cannot conquer the spirit. Alan leaves behind his wife Linda; daughter, Kristina; son, Keith; daughter-in-law, Sarah; son, Christopher; daughter-in-law, Shannon; son, Scott; daughter, Kelsey; mother, Elsie; brother, Neil; sisters, Sandy and Sharon; and dog Lucy. A Funeral Service will be held at the Boice Funeral Home, Clovis, California, on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clovis Girls Softball League, c-o Central Valley Community Bank, 1835 Herndon Ave., Clovis, CA 93611. BOICE FUNERAL HOME 308 Pollasky Avenue Clovis, Ca. (559)299-4372

Jeannine Rowena White Johnston, BHS 1972

Jeannine Rowena White Johnston, BHS 1972 December 2, 1953 December 2, 2009 Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) - Thursday, December 10, 2009 Born Dec. 2, 1953 in Los Angeles County, California. Died Dec. 2, 2009 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cosmetologist, longtime Colorado Springs resident. Survived by her daughter, Erin. Services private. Alternative Cremations. NOTE: According to Jeannine's brother, his sister died on her 56th birthday of the H1N1 Flu Virus.