David A. Ramos, BHS 1956

David A. Ramos passed away May 30, 2006 at his home in Pocatello, Idaho. Although he moved his family to Idaho in 1972, he spent the first 34 years of his life here in Burbank and made frequent trips back to visit family and friends.

Dave was born May 16, 1938 in Los Angeles to Joe Alarcon and Martha Vasquez. His grandparents Virginia and Izac Ramos adopted him as an infant. Dave's early years were spent in Burbank's Flower Street neighborhood with the family later moving to Avon Street.He was nurtured by his family, especially his sister, Connie and his brother, Blase who helped him become the great person we all know.

Dave excelled in sports at Burbank High School and graduated with the Class of 1956. After high school, he spent 2 years in the U.S. Army. Dave returned to Burbank and married his life-long mate, Florence Blaisdell in 1960. He and Florence were blessed with children, Edward, DeAn and Gary.

During his years in Pocatello, Dave dabbed in the restaurant business and worked 30 years for the Union Pacific Railroad, which he retired in 2002. Dave also became a devout Christian and was very involved in his church.

Family, friends and food were Dave's passions in life, especially his nine grandchildren.To him there was nothing better than having a big barbecue or preparing a Mexican feast and inviting everyone he knew. Dave was an outgoing and gregarious person who genuinely liked almost everyone he met.

Dave is survived by his wife, Florence Ramos of Pocatello; son Edward Ramos and his wife, Robyn of Layton, Utah; daughter, DaAn Pettit and her husband, Kevin of Pocatello; son, Gary Ramos and his wife, Kristine of Boise, Idaho; nine grandchildren; and his birth mother, Martha and six Alarcon siblings. His surviving Burbank family are his sister, Connie Ramos; sister-in-law, Christine Patterson and her husband, Steve; brother-in-law, Chris Aragon; nieces, Marilyn Bauch-Lucas, Charlotte Aragon, Grace McKeehan; and nephew, David S. Ramos.

Dave will be truly missed by his family and many friends in both Idaho and Burbank.

Published in the Burbank Leader Weekend June 17-18, 2006

Donald Anthony Mangani, BHS Former Teacher

Donald Anthony Mangani, BHS Former Teacher

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, June 2, 1999

Donald Anthony Mangani, 62, died May 23, 1999.

Mr. Mangani was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a 1959 graduate of Cal State L.A. He worked at Burbank High School where he taught English and history and coached the tennis and basketball teams, winning many league titles. He later worked as a counselor.

In 1970, he received a master's degree from Cal State University Northridge. He returned to the school district as an assistant principal at John Muir Middle School and Burbank High School.

Mr. Mangani took time off to train harness horses from 1978 to 1981, returning to work as a counselor and vice principal at Monterey High School, prior to his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Toluca Lake Tennis Club and an avid golfer.

He is survived by his son, Greg; daughter, Judy Anderson; and many friends and students. A memorial gathering will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at Monterey High School, 1915 Monterrey Ave.

Paul Arlo Munch, BHS 1967

February 10, 1949 - November 15, 2017

Paul Munch, a 30-year resident of Davis, passed away November 15, 2017.

Paul was born in Glendale, California in 1949. He enjoyed growing up in Burbank where he and his pals had a great time. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1967. He attended Valley College for two years and transferred to UC Santa Barbara where he received his B.S. (1972) in zoology. He received his M.S. at San Diego State University (1975) in zoology. He then attended the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and received his Ph.D. (1985) in human physiology and molecular biophysics.

When he was at Valley College in 1967, he met Carolyn Diehl. He and Carolyn married in the Diehl family back yard in 1972.

After Galveston, Paul had a two-year postdoctoral Fellowship at UC San Diego where he began his career in bio medical research. He then moved to Davis and worked at UC Davis for 21 years, retiring in 2008.

Paul had many and varied interests. He delighted in making the muli-layer chocolate cake for his and Carolyn's wedding. He participated in many competitive sports: cross country running track, volleyball, racquetball, baseball and tennis. He also enjoyed being on the water to surf, canoe and sail. He spent a lot of time reading, learning and problem-solving. He enjoyed projects around the house, including putting on a new roof and making a picket fence.

He was also quite an adventurer. He worked as a seasonal national park ranger for eight summers in Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks. For three of those summers he and Carolyn lived in the wilderness in a one-room cabin at 10,500 feet with no electricity, bathroom or running water. They loved to travel in their VW van and went on many trips throughout the U.S. and Canada fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and sailing.

They traveled the Baja Peninsula on a surfing trip. They drove the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks and took the Alaska Ferry through the inter coastal waterway to Seattle. While in Galveston, they bought a small catamaran with another couple. Paul and Davesailed the intercoastal waterway from Mexico to Galveston. They also sailed around Galveston Island, Paul and Carolyn also enjoyed many tours to Europe.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Maxine Munch and Also Munch, and his brother Norm. His survivors include Carolyn Munch, his loving wife of 45 years, sister Dianna McCarthy, sister-in-law Kathy Helliesen (Bob), nephew Rob Helliesen, nieces Emily Helliesen Day (Adam) and Elizabeth Helliesen, great-niece Hattie Day and cousins, Martha Schultz and John Hoehn.

Paul and Carolyn had an especially close and loving relationship. He was fun, thoughtful, hard-working, honorable man. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Paul lived with Lewy body dementia for several years. His last year was extremely difficult. Paul's family would like to extend a special thank you to two of his excellent caregivers, Tiffany and Wendy. Yolo Hospice also was very helpful. 

A service of remembrance will be held Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road, Davis, California, 95616.

Published in the Davis Enterprise, November 2017

Gina Marie Sanchez, BHS 1991

Gina Sanchez, BHS 1991
December 19, 1972 - August 19, 1989

In the 1990 Burbank High Yearbook there was a memorial page in memory of Gina Sanchez. She was just 16 years old and a sophomore. It read as follows: 

Gina Sanchez, a past student of John Muir and Burbank High School, was a victim of a drunk-driving car accident this past August. There was no chance for good-byes as she died instantly. Since that moment, many people have realized how precious life really is. Gina is missed, loved, and will always be remembered for everything she was. All we can do now is cherish her memories and hold them in our heart.

Rick Alan Nelson, BHS 1968 

(1949 - 2016)

Rick entered into rest July 13, 2016 in Martinez, CA age 66. He is a native of Glendale, CA born November 22, 1949 and a former resident of Madera, CA before moving to Placer County for the last 12 years.

Loving father to Chad E. (Melissa) Nelson, Meghan E. (Bobby) Jovel and Scott T. (Danielle) Nelson. Wonderful grandfather of 9. Also survived by a sister Lynn D. Nelson. Rick is preceded in death by a son Jason Nelson and both parents Robert E. and Shirley (Coffeen) Nelson.

Rick was an auto mechanic for over 40 years and a veteran of the Vietnam War proudly serving in the US Navy. The family invites you to attend a Celebration of His Life on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at Chapel of the Valley 97 Vernon Street Roseville, California 95678.

Published in The Sacramento Bee on July 22, 2016

Michael P. Melnikoff, BHS 1969

Burbank Daily Review, Tuesday, November 13, 1973

Michael P. Melnikoff, 22, died Sunday November 11, 1973. Born in Los Angeles, he lived in Burbank 21 years. He was a private in the army.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Melnikoff; a brother, Steven of Mojave; a sister, Mrs. Nancy Land of Burbank; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanford Wing of Burbank; and his grandmother, Mrs. Polina Melnikoff of Los Angeles.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Interment will follow.

Barbara Louise Onstott Earle, BHS 1967

Barbara Louise Onstott Earle
January 6, 1949 - October 20, 2017

Barbara Louise Onstott Earle passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on October 20, 2017. She was born on January 6, 1949 in Burbank, California to William Henry & Merle Jones Onstott. She was the second of three daughters. 

She grew up in Burbank and graduated with a teaching degree from Brigham Young University. She taught elementary school in Tooele & Spanish Fork, Utah before traveling to Australia on a teacher exchange program. There she met and married her husband, Rodney Stan Earle on August 14, 1976.

In 1978, Barbara and Rodney moved to Bloomington, Indiana while Rodney attended graduate school. In 1981, they moved to Wilmington, North Carolina and adopted their twin sons, Jonathan William and Jason Stanley. Two years later, Barbara surprised Rodney with the pregnancy of their daughter, Rebecca Lynn. In 1993, Barbara and her family moved to American Fork, Utah. When her children were older, she went back to teaching 6th grade. Another move took the family to Lehi, Utah. After retirement in 2010, she filled her time with family. 

Barbara enjoyed her weekly hot tub gatherings with retired teacher friends. For 20 years, she produced and edited the Jones Family Newsletter. She has served as Young Women Camp Director, Early Morning Seminary Teacher, Ward Historian, Chorister, Primary Teacher and other callings. Barbara took great pleasure in making crafts. She crocheted afghan blankets for each of her grandchildren. 

Barbara loved the outdoors. She was an avid camper and swimmer. She enjoyed tending the pool in the backyard. Summer highlights always included the family camping trip to Palisade State Park. She also enjoyed the early spring trips to San Diego, California. 

She is survived by her husband, Rodney, her children, Jonathan (Cara Dahl), Jason (Olga Sandoval) & Rebecca, and her 6 grandchildren (Ethan, Kesly, Devin, Emily, Bailey & Daniel). 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 12:00 PM in the Lehi 8th Ward Chapel, 127 East 3200 North. A viewing will be held Saturday morning from 10:00-11:30 AM prior to the service at the church. Interment, Lehi City Cemetery.

John Leap, BHS 1942

John Leap, BHS 1942

John Leap passed away on October 30, 2015. John went from kindergarten at Emerson grammar school and high school at Burbank High in 1942.

After high school, like most boys he joined the service and went to war on a bomber. According to a good friend John was funny and smart. No other details at this time.

Eric Robert Anderson, BHS 1967

ERIC ROBERT ANDERSON
Birth: 31 Dec 1948
Death: 22 Dec 1998
Age: 49
Last Residence: Carson City, NV

"He died in Reno Nevada Vet Hospital. Complication from aids which he got from a blood transfusion at the VA Hospital. This was before they were testing blood for aids."

Bobby grew up in Burbank and went to Miller grade school.

Liz wrote, "He was in the Navy aboard the USS Fox out of San Diego. Bob worked at the Post Office in Burbank for a little under 20 years. Then he moved to Nevada and worked for Snap On Tools. He and I stayed close. He loved my kids and took them places."

Besides Liz, Bob was survived by son, Eric, daughters, Heather and Mary Lee as well as his mother who lives in Carson City, NV and sister, Linda Anderson Wilson, BHS '65.

Wayne H. Wyatt, BHS 1968

Wayne H. Wyatt, BHS 1968
June 10, 1949 - December 4, 2013        

Born in Los Angeles, CA
Resided in Arvada, CO

Wayne H. Wyatt, 64 of Arvada, Colorado, passed away on December 4, 2013, of a massive heart attack. 

Wayne was born on June 10, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, to Rufus and Marion Wyatt. He had an older brother, Warren. He grew up in Burbank, California. When he was 16 years old, he professed to serve God. He was a smoke jumper right after high school then started working at Forest Lawn in California then at the City of Burbank Parks Department. 

He met Joyce Morrison when she was working in Burbank. Wayne and Joyce married on August 8, 1970, in Bayfield, Colorado. One year later, they welcomed their first daughter, Glenda, to the family. They lived in California about a year after she was born then moved to Bayfield, Colorado, for a short time where Wayne worked for La Plata County and operated road graders and plow trucks. They then moved to the Denver area and stayed briefly with dear friends Bill and Rene Hartman before moving to Aurora and holding various jobs. There, they had a premature baby girl named Mirenda who passed away shortly after birth on July 16, 1973. On Glenda's 2nd birthday (August 29, 1973), Wayne started working at the City of Arvada Parks Department. He worked at the City for 40+ years.

In November, 1973, they moved to Arvada to their current home. Their daughter, Tonya, was born in 1975 and son, Stan, was born in 1979. He served as a father figure for many kids over the years. In 2003, Wayne earned his favorite title of being a Papa to Brooklin and happily welcomed grandson Traybin in 2011.

 Wayne enjoyed hunting and camping and spending time with his family and did side sprinkler jobs most of his life. He served as President of the Arvada Cemetery for a while and was a board member on several ditches over the years. He really enjoyed working with the Horse Protection League. Wayne even played Santa Claus a few years with a little persuasion for the City of Arvada and helped deliver gifts to needy children for Lighting up the Holidays. He always loved kids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Marion Wyatt, and his daughter Mirenda. He is survived by his wife Joyce, his daughter Glenda and her husband Darrell McCord, his daughter Tonya, and his son Stan and his wife Jenni and their children Brooklin and Traybin. He is also survived by his older brother Warren, his wife Sue as well as many brother- and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, December 9, 2013, from 6PM-8PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 1:00 PM, also at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel. Interment to follow at Arvada Cemetery at 2:30 PM, 5581 Independence Street, Arvada, Colorado. Reception to follow Interment back at Horan & McConaty.

Please share your memories of Wayne and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.

Richard James Aschenberg, Jr., BHS 1959

Richard J. Aschenberg was born November 11,1940. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1959.

He was a proud Vietnam veteran where he attained the rank of SP5 with the United States Army. On June 15, 1968 he married Judith Elaine Kay (BHS 1960) in Ventura County, California. He was a member of the Republican Party. Somewhere along the way he and Judith moved to Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado where he passed away.

Richard passed away on December 26, 2016 with memorial services held Saturday January 7, 2017. He was 76 years old. Richard was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

Duane Sorensen, BHS 1971

From his daughter who created a GoFundMe page for her father.

As many of you may already know, we have suffered a huge loss last week. My father, Duane Sorensen, a beloved son, father, brother, husband, and so much more, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2017 of a heart attack. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. As many of you know, my father was a good man with a great sense of humor. Even as our opinions differed as I got older, I truly loved and appreciated his strong opinions, his art for conversation, and his constant fatherly need to teach me things about life.

As some of you may know, my father passed away in Northern California, so I’ve created this GoFundMe page to help me bring him home to Burbank and have a memorial so that his friends and family can be together to grieve and celebrate his life. Memorial service information will be posted soon.

Any help you can give is appreciated so much, and even if you are unable to make a donation, please know that providing support and love for my father and family is appreciated as well.

Note: Duane attended Thomas Jefferson Grade School, John Muir Junior High and graduated from Burbank High School with the Class of 1971.

UPATE: I just wanted to post the memorial information for my father Duane Sorensen. Services will be from 5pm - 6pm Friday October 20th@ Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in Burbank. Please forward to anyone you think may be interested in attending. Thank you.

Floyd Max Lewis, BHS 1945

Floyd Max Lewis, BHS 1945

Floyd Max Lewis (Bud) was born July 23, 1927 in Gulf Port, Mississippi to Floyd McKinley Lewis and Nellie Ruth Goodman Lewis. Their family moved to California in 1932 where he attended schools in Burbank.

Floyd received his JD degree from UCLA. He was a partner of Parker, Milliken, Clark & O'Hara for over 30 years and practiced law more than 55 years. He proudly served in the US Navy.1945-1946. 

 He is survived by his wife Mary Wilson Lewis and was the beloved father of Christine Ruth Herzog, Bruce James Lewis, Patricia Lynn Lewis Lazenby and Mark Kevin Lewis; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He passed away peacefully on August 21, 2013 after a brief illness. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Services will be private.     

Published in the Los Angeles Times from Aug. 24 to Aug. 25, 2013

Richard Christian Beck-Meyer, BHS 1947

Richard Christian Beck-Meyer
August 13, 1930 Van Nuys, CA- June 21, 2016 Ft. Bragg, CA

Richard Beck-Meyer (also known as Rick, Rich, Ricko and Rikko to friends and family) was born in Van Nuys, California. Raised in Burbank, Richard studied painting at California College of Arts and Crafts getting his masters in fine art at San Jose State. 

Richard was an exceptional water color artist, teacher, and member of both the California Water Color Society and the Carmel Art Association. He exhibited in the Monterey/Carmel area throughout the 1950s. Richard was active in local theater designing sets for productions at the Golden Bough Circle Theatre and the Forest Theatre. His sets for Shaw's "Caesar & Cleopatra" (1964) and "Teahouse of the August Moon" (1965) were notable for their bold use of color and shape to enhance the dramatic impact of the plays.

Later in the 1960s he decided to try his hand at film and used his Huntington Hartford Fellowship to attend film school at UCLA. Rick's professional credits include film editor and production designer for "The Wild Angels" (1966), “The Born Losers” (1967), “How Come Nobody’s on Our Side” (1975).

Not satisfied with two art careers, Richard used the GI Bill (he had served as a Mandarin translator for the Army during the Korean War) to obtain a marriage and family therapy degree from Azusa Pacific University. Due to ever escalating licensing hours, Richard never got his license to pursue private practice, but he put his counseling skills to good use as the Special Education Coordinator for Head Start. It gave him great pleasure to be an advocate for special ed students as their families negotiated with schools to obtain the best and least restrictive educational environment each district could provide for each student.

Richard spent the last 20 years of his working life wearing many hats at Community Action Agencies such as North Coast Opportunities in Lake and Mendocino Counties, Redwood Community Action Agency in Humboldt County and Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County. In 1985 he retired and moved to San Francisco where he worked on an English translation of "Journey to the West" for television, original film treatments, poems, short stories, and researching his magnum opus, a book still waiting to be committed to paper. In January of 2016 Richard returned to Mendocino County, living in a lovely cottage just east of Fort Bragg on Highway 20.

Cristina Elena Valdes Comegys, BHS 1987

Cristina Elena Valdes Comegys, BHS 1987 Nov. 21, 1969 - Jun. 14, 2013 Cristina Elena Valdes Comegys, 43, born on November 21, 1969, in Burbank, California, passed away June 14, 2013. She resided in Northridge, California, at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California.

Ellen Dort Oldewage, BHS 1941

Ellen Dort Oldewage, BHS 1941

Ellen Dort Oldewage, passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 93. She was born in Burbank in 1923 to Earl and Cornelia Dort who were early residents moving to Burbank in 1913. Ellen graduated from Burbank High in 1941.

After graduation she went onto work for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. She married Francis Moffet and had two sons, Ray and Andy. She loved playing tennis at the racquet club in Mill Valley where she and Frances resided for a number of years.

In later years she married William Oldewage and lived in Paradise, California and then later moved to Tucson, Arizona. A sister Elsie Dort Sieckert (BHS 34) predeceased her. She loved to travel, especially to Europe and Hawaii. She had a loving heart and personality and will be missed greatly.

From the Senior Bulldog News.

Waldon Lee Reichman, BHS 1948

Waldon Lee Reichman, BHS 1948

Waldon Lee Reichman was born on November 3, 1929 and passed away on May 18, 2016. He proudly served his country as a Sergeant First Class E-7 in the Airborne 11th Ranger Company during the Korean War. After the war he became a life-long plumber.

He had many friends, and loved th fish. At 58 years old he contracted cancer and had to retire. He was very determined to overcome his setback and did so very well. He was proud to be with the 11th Airborne Ranger Division, and requested to be buried with other veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. His family is very proud of him and he will always be remembered. Lee is survived by his family including his wife Rita.

Janet Jeanine Bailey Gowdy, BHS 1952

Jan. 5, 1934 — July 25, 2016

Janet Jeanine Gowdy passed away of natural causes July 25, 2016, after a short illness. She was surrounded by friends and family in those last days. She had suffered with dementia for the last several years, while still living at home and enjoying her family and beloved dog, Missy, who followed her everywhere.

Janet was born in South Dakota on Jan. 5, 1934. She moved to Burbank, Calif., when she was just a child. Her childhood was filled with involvement in every activity under the sun. She excelled in everything she did; she taught herself to twirl the baton and in high school marched in the Rose Bowl parade.

Janet was married for 64 years to Gene Gowdy. She is survived by her husband, Gene; daughters, Paula Conetta, Rhonda Breech and Gloria Fajardo; son, Guy Gowdy; and several family members, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love and kindness touched everyone she met and she will be dearly missed by everyone.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Oak Hills Church in Folsom, Calif, at 1 p.m.

Mountain Democrat, Placerville, California, August 3, 2016

Donna Claire Sartain Strothers, BHS 1946

Daily Breeze (Torrance, CA) - Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Donna Stothers

Donna Stothers, 88, of Rancho Palos Verdes died June 6, 2016 at Bright Water Guest Home in Torrance with her daughter Debra at her side. She succumbed to complications related to renal failure and CHF.

Donna was born Donna Claire Sartain to William A. Sartain and Helen Eunice Horton Sartain, on April 2, 1928 in San Diego, California. Donna graduated from Burbank High School in 1946 after which she worked at the Broadway Hollywood, at the Burbank Library and as a photographers model.

She married James Moore Stothers in the First Presbyterian Church of Burbank on August 20, 1949. They had three daughters and in 1956, Jim's work moved them to Arizona and then New York City. In 1969 Jim and Donna returned to California, settling in Rancho Palos Verdes. Donna worked for Findlay's Jewelry store in Peninsula Center. She joined PEO, a women's philanthropic organization and volunteered for Torrance Memorial Hospital, working in the gift shop for 17 years. She was very proud of her years of volunteer work and treasured the friendships she made. 

Donna was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Jim who died March, 2016. She is survived by her daughters Catherine Collins and husband John of Bakersfield Vermont, Debra Curry and husband Mark of Woodland Hills, and Deidre McCarrel of Vancouver British Columbia; her brother William Sartain; sisters-in-law Joyce Stothers and Jeanne Irvine and her husband Bill. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs Theodore and KC, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and close friends including Aleta, Dottie, Dolores, Nancy, Ronnie, Fran, and Marguerite. 

Donna's family would like to thank Torrance Memorial Hospital, Sunnyside Nursing Home, Bright Water Guest Home, Cherish Hospice and Dr. Ghosh for the amazing care and concern that each one of these organizations and individuals provided to our Mom.

There will be a memorial service for family and friends of Donna and Jim Stothers on August 24, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. A gathering at the family home will follow the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Donna's name to Cottey College, P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.                 

 

Robert Thomas Topping, BHS 1942

Burbank Leader, Saturday, February 18, 1995

Robert Thomas Topping, 71, died February 15, 1995 in Burbank. Born in Pittsburgh, he had lived in Burbank since he was six weeks old.

Mr. Topping was a civil engineer/consultant for Erkel, Greenfield and Associates Inc. Structural Engineers. He is survived by his wife, Rose; two daughters, Sharon and Alice Topping; and three sisters, Margaret Gardner, Martha Jane Topping and Dorothy Bowers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. today at Pierce Brothers Little Country Chapel. Burial will follow in Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood.

Curtis Howard Coverdill, BHS 1971

Curtis Coverdill, BHS 1971

Burbank Leader, Thursday, September 5, 1974
Burbank man, 1 other die in bridge plunge!

A Burbank man was killed Wednesday in an estimated 100 mile-an-hour plunge off a bridge near the Long Beach Naval Station. One other man was killed and a third man injured critically.

Dead are Curtis Coverdill, 21, of Burbank, and Curt Thomas Woods, 20, of Moraga, California. In critical condition at St. Mary's Hospital was Bastain Brant, 20, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. All three men were sailors aboard the destroyer escort U.S.S. Roarke.

Police said Woods was driving the speeding car when it missed an exit from the Gerald Desmond Bridge near the naval station. The auto slammed through a guardrail, vaulted 200 feet through the air and landed on a utility pole. All of the victims were ejected.
-----------------------------------------------
Burbank Leader, Friday, September 6, 1974
Services set for Coverdill, accident victim
Curtis Howard Coverdill, 21, died Wednesday, September 4, 1974, in a Long Beach traffic accident. Born in Glendale, he lived in this area all his life. Mr. Coverdill was a fireman apprentice in the United States Navy.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dill V. Coverdill of Burbank; his brother, Gregory; and grandparents. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 7th, at J.T. Oswald Mortuary Chapel, 11020 Carmarillo Street, North Hollywood. Interment with full military honors will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California.

Pamela Antoinette Gisel Bell, BHS 1966

Pamela A. Bell

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, June 19, 1985

Pamela A. Bell, 37, died June 15, 1985 in a San Fernando hospital. She was born in Glendale but had lived in the Burbank area her entire life. She had been a secretary with Holt Temporary Services for 10 years. She graduated from Burbank High in 1966.

She is survived by parents Mr. and Mrs. Gisel of Granada Hills; son Charles E. Petty of Granada Hills; brother Clint Gisel of Granada Hills; and sister Tamara Wirtz of Simi Valley.

Services will be today at 1 p.m. at Eckerman Heisman Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park, North Hollywood, California. Visitation will be conducted at the chapel services.

James John Davis, BHS 1974

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, August 18, 1993

James John Davis, 38, died August 13, 1993 in his home. Born in Los Angeles, he lived in Burbank his entire life. Mr. Davis was the owner/operator of an art deco retail sales business for 16 years.

He is survived by his parents, John and Olga Davis; and two brothers, Peter of Burbank and Stephen of Long Beach. Funeral services were Tuesday at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge.

Burial was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California.

James Wallace Collard, BHS 1969

James Wallace Collard, BHS 1969
Burbank Leader, Saturday, October 14, 1989

James W. Collard, 38, died October 4, 1989 in Burbank. He was born in Winnipeg, Canada, he lived in Burbank for 35 years. He worked as a film technician.

Mr. Collard is survived by his sons, Jason and Travis; mother, Sarah Collard; brother, Doug; sister, Debbie; two nephews; three nieces. The Neptune Society handled arrangements.

Stephen M. Searock, BHS 1956

Stephen M. Searock, May 29, 1938 - June 18, 1961

The Burbank Daily Review, Monday, June 19, 1961

Race Crash Takes Life Of Local Man

A former Burbank High School athlete, Steve Searock, 23, died Sunday of injuries suffered Saturday night when his racer overturned eight times in the California Racing Association's main event at Ascot Stadium, Gardena.

Searock, 2404 N. Brighton Street, went over the wheels of one car onto the back crash wall before his new $6,000 car made eight deadly rolls down the back stretch.

The spectacular accident occurred just after Searock had tangled with another car low on the south turn. He broke away in the infield, where he accelerated and skidded just before the crash. Searock was removed immediately to Gardena Hospital where he died of massive brain injuries at 11:08 a.m. Sunday. He never regained consciousness.

Prior to the race, Searock and his crew were presented an award for the best appearing car and crew. It was only the second time he was driving the car. Ironically, Searock was given a push by a green truck - a color commonly considered a racing jinx - before the race.

He was termed an "up and coming young driver" by CRA president Walt James. Searock, a three-year football and two-year baseball letterman at Burbank High, had been driving for five years, but only one for CRA.

He leaves his widow, Gale and two children, Stephen, 4, and Laurie, 2.

Dennis Hart Blosdale, BHS 1950

DENNIS HART BLOSDALE 

Born December 29, 1931 in Burbank, California. Passed away April 21, 2003 in Bullhead, Arizona. He was 71. Dennis was a resident of Bullhead City, and had worked as a probation officer.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Blosdale; son, Jon; daughter, Christine; mother, Dorothy Mallory; and sister, Anne Hooper.

He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin; and daughter, Kathryn.

Viewing was held Friday, April 25, 2003. Services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2003, 2:00 p.m., at Eternal Valley Mortuary Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dennis H. Blosdale Memorial Fund, 1802 Soledad Cyn. Rd., #14, Canyon Country, CA 91387. ETERNAL VALLEY MORTUARY Directors 661-259-0800.    

Published in Los Angeles Daily News on Apr. 26, 2003

Michael Frances Sullivan, BHS 1976

Michael Frances Sullivan

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Michael France Sullivan passed away on Monday, March 14, 2005. He was born on August 6, 1958 in Glendale, California and was a resident of Burbank, California for over 46 years. Michael was self-employed in the construction business.

He is survived by his daughters, Erin Sullivan and Kimberly Sullivan as well as a brother, Patrick Sullivan and sister Kathy Himes.

Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18th at Hope Lutheran Church located at 1041 East Foothill Blvd in Glendora, California. Services provided by the Valley Funeral Home, Burbank Director.

Leslie T. Beyea, BHS 1931

LESLIE T. BEYEA
March 15, 1911 ~ Jan. 5, 2009

Les Beyea went quietly home to the Lord on the afternoon of January 5, 2009. He had a relatively brief battle with cancer and was blessed to pass away at home and in the loving care of his wife, Pennie.
Les was born nearly 98 years ago and raised in Burbank, California during the time when it was a cradle of American aviation. In his early days, he flew WWI era airplanes and loved aviation till his last days. He spent his vocational life in the Southern California Aerospace Industry and worked on such programs as the Howard Hughes H-4 Hercules Transport, (the Spruce Goose, now located in McMinnville, Oregon) the early American ICBM rocket development programs and the Apollo Space Capsule re-entry systems.

In 1991 he followed his son and family to the Pacific Northwest where he became involved with new friends at Vancouver's First Church of God in Vancouver, Washington. At the tender young age of 82 he and a friend went to Hawaii to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity. He was loved by all because of his joyful spirit that endured even to his last hours.

Les is survived by his wife, Pennie Beyea; his son, John Beyea; his sister, Jeanette Barton; and his two grandchildren, Amy Beyea and Tommy Beyea who were fortunate to enjoy their grandfather into their adult years.
A memorial service was held at the First Church of God, Vancouver, Washington on Thursday, January 15, 2009.

Published in The Columbian, Vancouver, WA on January 11, 2009.

Jeanette Anne Beyea Barton, BHS 1938

Jeanette Anne Beyea Barton
January 19, 1920 - July 8, 2017

Jeanette was born on January 19, 1920 and passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017. Jeanette was a resident of Burbank, California at the time of passing. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1938 and married Edward J. Barton in 1940.

A viewing and family gathering for Jeanette will be held on Tuesday July 11, 2017 at Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 South, St. George, Utah from 3-5 p.m. Interment will be at the Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California. Visitation at the Hughes Mortuary from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on July 11, 2017.
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JEANETTE ANNE BEYEA BARTON

1920-2017

Jeanette Anne Beyea Barton passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 8, 2017, in St. George, Utah. Jeanette was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 19, 1920, to Josephine Frances Cook Beyea and Franklin Edgar Beyea. She was one of 6 children; Franklin, Lester, James (twin brother), Mary and Eloise.

The Beyea family moved from Arizona to Burbank, California, in 1920. The family was instrumental in real estate development in the Burbank area having a flight school where the Lockheed Aircraft is now located.

Jeanette was a beautiful, gracious and talented lady. She was an excellent student, athlete, vocalist, and later developed her wonderful artistic talent. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1938 and married Edward J Barton in 1940. They built their dream home at 1920 Oak Street where she resided for 75 years.

Using her artistic talents, she became the interior designer for Boles-Aero Travel Trailers. She was very active in the Burbank Art Association and enjoyed the friendship of many wonderful women through the Pickwick Ladies group.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers and sisters, . She is survived by her two children, Diana Christopherson (Kent), and James Barton (Patty), five grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Her generosity and enthusiasm for life is a gift for all who knew and loved her.

A viewing and family gathering for Jeanette will be held on Tuesday July 11, 2017 at Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 South, St. George, Utah from 3-5 p.m.

Interment will be at the Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California.

Raymond Earl Swaim, BHS 1911

Raymond Earl Swaim, BHS 1911

Los Angeles Times, February 19, 1966

Raymond E. Swaim of 7046 Kester, Van Nuys, former principal of Sherman Oaks Elementary School for 22 years. Services 11 a.m. Wednesday February 23, 1966 at Fillbach-Bailey Chapel, Burbank, California.

No other details at this time.