Linda Lee Tanner Graham, BHS 1958

Junior Photo

Linda Lee Graham, 78, of Newbury Park, California, and long-time Windsor, Missouri resident, died Sunday evening, September 22, 2019, at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.

She was born October 17, 1940, in Washington, DC the daughter of Benjamin Wallis Tanner and LeFaye “Georgia” (Shobe) Tanner. In April 1965, in Los Angeles, California, she married George John Graham.

She was a 1958 graduate of Burbank High School in California. She attended UCLA in California and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology. She began a life-long career of helping others as a deputy probation officer in Los Angeles County. After a move to Lake Charles, Louisiana, she served as a member of the city council and earned her second bachelor’s degree in accounting and became a CPA. Continuing to help others, she was a founding member of the first women’s shelter in Lake Charles. A move to Phoenix opened the doors for a new career opportunity selling real estate while serving as Executive Director of a cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy awareness association. Linda moved to Dallas and began selling real estate around 1985. She was a consistent leader in sales and was highly respected for her expertise and wisdom. She will be missed by her many Dallas coworkers and clients and especially by her business partner during those years, Mary Lavender. A final move to Newbury Park, California allowed Linda to continue working in real estate until retirement.

As a child, Linda was an accomplished equestrian rider. She enjoyed many cherished friendships over the years and especially loved taking family and friends to one of her favorite restaurants, Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, in Malibu. She also enjoyed attending sporting events for her grandchildren. Pottery, taking her Border Collie “Mate” for walks and to the dog park, and Friday morning breakfast with her Windsor friends were also things she enjoyed. Woven through Linda’s life was her love for Windsor. Visiting every year, she remained connected to her Windsor roots. The annual July 4th celebration in Windsor brought the family together for fun at Farrington Park and back under the roof that saw five generations of the Sisson/Tanner family grow up.

She was a life-long member of the Methodist faith and attended Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, and most recently the Windsor United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Windsor Keystone Club.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Adrienne Lee Hahn (Raymond), Newbury Park, California; and Allison Lee Graham, Newbury Park, California; 2 grandchildren, Alanah Lee Hahn and Alexander Lee Hahn, both of Newbury Park, California; her beloved ex-husband, George Graham; and 8 nieces and nephews, whom she thought of as cousins, Michael, Dennis, Patrick, Pamela, Moira, Kevin, Monica, and Margaret “Maggi.” In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Anita Joy Riordan.


Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the Windsor United Methodist Church with Rev. Peggy Eshelman and Pastor Pete Hill officiating. Burial will be in the Laurel Oak Cemetery, Windsor. The family suggests contributions to Windsor’s Farrington Park and may be left in care of the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor.

Published in Dallas Morning News on Sept. 29, 2019

Gordon Louis Roskam, BHS 1944

Gordon Louis Roskam
August 1, 1926 - November 24, 2012

Gordon Louis Roskam (86). Born in Hollywood on August 1, 1926. Graduated Burbank High and earned a B.S in Electrical Engineering at UCLA. He also attended Occidental College and UC Berkeley under the V12 NROTC programs. Served active duty in Guam (1951-53) and was a Lt. Commander (retired) in Naval Reserves. Married Lois Quinn Roskam (1928 - 1994); survived by their children Scott, Brian & Pamela. Worked in Radar Systems Group at Hughes Aircraft - El Segundo from 1954 until retirement in 1991. 

Survived by second wife Mary Toolen Roskam with whom he spent 16 wonderful years of happiness. Hobbies included restoring Citroen and Jaguar autos, furniture-making, 35mm photography, and fixing anything that needed repair.

Services at Hollywood Forever, Thursday Nov. 29 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to ALSC (323-469-1973) or The American Cancer Society are welcome. Farewell to an all-around great guy.

Published in the Los Angeles Times on Nov. 27, 2012

Michael Kenneth Wood, BHS 1967

Mike Wood, age 70, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019, at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at the United Methodist Church of Anthon, Iowa. Rev. Jena Finch-Manchester will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the McNiff Post # 389 of the American Legion of Anthon, Iowa. Burial will be held at a later date. 

A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of Anthon, Iowa. A Masonic Service and Order of the Eastern Star Service will be held Monday, August 26, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of Anthon, Iowa. The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.

Michael Kenneth Wood, age 70, of Sioux City, died Friday, August 23, 2019, from complications during his battle with cancer.

Mike was born July 21, 1949, in Long Beach, CA, to Dale and Sarah (Agnew) Wood. His early life was spent traveling as his father was in the military, ending up in Marysville, CA. He married Lorraine Staley and two children were born of that union; Shelly and David Wood. They later divorced and he married Barb Day in 1991.

He graduated from Burbank High School, CA, and attended Morningside College, Sioux City, IA, joining the Air Force in 1969-1973. He attended the University of Iowa College of Nursing, obtaining a Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) in 1976. While attending nursing school, Mike worked in Iowa City in the Pediatric Unit until he moved to Sioux City where he worked at Unity Point in the Orthopedic Unit for 35 years.

He was a loving, patient and kind father, husband, brother and friend. Mike was an avid reader and enjoyed camping and watching sports. He belonged to American Legion Post #64 of Sioux City. He was a member of the Triangle Lodge #643 A.F. & A.M. where he was Worshipful Master in 2007. He was a member of the Loess Hills Chapter #502 Order of the Eastern Star. He also served as Worthy Patron, Thonna Chapter of Anthon, IA. He was Grand Warder for the Grand Chapter of Iowa, Order of the Eastern Star in 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children, Shelly of Sioux City, IA, and David, of Brazil, Indiana; three grandchildren, Trevor, Grace and Valor of Sioux City, IA; brother, Mark of Paradise, CA; step-sisters, Barb Hendershot of Vacaville, CA, Pamela (Buckey) Tentinger of Marcus, IA, Diana Draper of Early, IA and Patti (Dennis) Heath of Marshall, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Evelyn Wood, Sarah and Hank Long; brother, Tom Wood; and step-sister, Cynthia Wiebersch.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mike may be made to his family. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Published in Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Homes - Anthon, Iowa

Wendi Wyness McBride, BHS 1979?

Wendi Wyness McBride, BHS 1979?
November 5, 1961 - September 3, 2019

Wendi Mc Bride passed away suddenly at her residence on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 57 years old. She was born Wendi Lee Wyness at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach, CA on Sunday, November 5, 1961. She moved to the San Fernando Valley as a child and attended Campbell Hall in Studio City. She then went on to Burbank High School and received her registered nurse training at Los Angeles Valley College. She later went on the get her Bachelors degree in nursing. 

She worked as a registered nurse at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. In 1991 she married James McBride and moved to Valencia in the Santa Clarita Valley where they bought a house. In 1995 they welcomed a daughter, Haylee Alana Laura. 

After 25 years at Providence St Joseph Medical Center she retired to do accounting work at her husband's lock smith business, Golden State Lock and Safe in Burbank. She also worked part time at Specialty Surgical Center and Freedom Vision in Encino. Wendi and Jim had many friends and loved to have parties and barbecues at their beautiful home in Valencia. She was a dedicated nurse a beautiful daughter, mother and wife. 

Wendi leaves behind her husband, Jim, daughter Haylee, her mother, Carolyn Sinclair, her father, John Wyness and his wife, Hing, two half brothers, Randy and Scott Wyness, her mother-in-law, Georgina Hayes a sister-in-law Connie Constanza, a brother-in-law Kenny Hayes in addition to cousins and many friends. Wendi will remain in out hearts forever as she will always be loved and missed.

Published in The Burbank Leader on Sept. 28, 2019

Gail Denise Hahn Crawford, BHS 1972

Posted on Facebook in April 2015 from Gail's husband Robert Crawford.

Today April 2015 has been a sad day for me, my family and friends. My wife of almost 25 years, Gail Hahn, mother of four, grandmother of 1 and friend to countless others lost her battle with cancer. Her heart was large and her love was endless.

We will miss her love and laughter most of all. She is in God's hands now, feeling His love, and surely looking down on us. We will endeavor to live up to the expectations, hopes and dreams she had for us. 

No other details at this time.

Lawrence Virgil Marak, BHS 1968

Lawrence Virgil Marak
August 5, 1950 - October 23, 2019

Larry Marak was born on August 5, 1950 in Los Angeles County, California and passed away on October 23, 2019. Larry grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High with the Class of 1968. Larry married to fellow BHS graduate Susan Melissa Williams on September 4, 1976 in Los Angeles, California.  Larry and Melissa were married for 37 years.

Larry got a Masters from U.C.L.A. in ancient history, and had a teaching position lined up on the east coast when his wife Melissa had a stroke at age 27.  Didn’t have health insurance then and that put them behind the financial for 7 years, and so he entered public service.  Got hired with the city of Burbank.

Larry Marak, has had a long career at BWP (Burbank Water and Power). He was recognized for 35 years of service in a program at City Hall in 2015,  in fact, he says he is known as ‘old man Marak’ because he’s “outlived everyone else who was working there when he started.” 

Larry did a variety of field positions at Burbank Water and Power, Messenger Bill-Deliverer, mail room supervisor, meter reader, collector and senior field rep (doing new service connects and disconnects back in the days before smart meters).  The last 4 years I’ve transferred over to the credit section and process payments for transmission to treasury.

Larry and Melissa got into the construction toy hobby about 8 years ago while looking for bargains to give to a Salvation Army Angel tree.  We’ve supported the Angel trees for many years.  We are lifetime members of Legoland and have done quite a bit of building over the years.   Larry and Melissa transferred 10 years of parts to the Fort Erie and Burbank children’s libraries LEGO clubs.  Virtually all you see at the Burbank Central Library, including the cases, came from the Marak's. 

Larry and his wife have also done a lot of traveling, including seeing a total eclipse in the Amazon, climbing the Great Wall, making it to the top of one of the pyramids in Tikai Guatemala, and attending opening ceremonies of both the Los Angeles (1984) and Calgary (1988) Olympics. Larry also made an occasional television appearances.

Larry will be missed by his family and fellow classmates and friends. Funeral services are pending.

Update:
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Burbank Faith Church of the Nazarene, 505 S. Sixth Street Burbank, CA 91501 (Corner of Sixth & Santa Anita) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burbank Faith Church Building Fund.

Paul Lagumina, BHS 1985

Lost another Bulldog Class of '85

On this day October, 19, 2019, Paul Lagumina passed away. He is survived by his daughters, a grandson, sister and parents. Rest in peace my friend.

This was posted on Facebook. No other details at this time.

Angelo Russell Brovelli, BHS 1955, Played for the RAMS

Angelo Russell Brovelli, BHS 1955
September 14, 1936 - January 8, 2018

Angelo grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High in 1955 where he played football, baseball and was involved in Art, Key Club, Legislative Council, Boys League President and Vice President, Lettermans Club and Senior B President.

After graduating from Burbank High he played football with the Los Angeles Rams. In the 2000 Burbank High Yearbook it says: December 16, 1960 - On the same day, former BHS Athletics Angelo Brovelli and Frank Sullivan were traded by their football and baseball teams, respectively. Brovelli was an all league lineman who was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Green Bay Packers, while Sullivan, both a baseball and basketball star at BHS, was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Angelo passed away on January 8, 2018 in Arrowhead Lake, California at the age of 81. Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery, San Bernardino, California handled the arrangements.
From Thom McGraham
March 27, 2019

God Bless Angelo! I founded a restaurant bar called Tinhorn Flats Bar and Grill at 2623 West Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank Calif. in 1977 (it's still there). I have fond memories of Angelo and knew him well because I bought a 1968 yellow Volkswagen from him in cherry condition and he used the money to relocate to Arrowhead to open a gym. I remember Angelo told me he played for the L.A. Rams in 1957 and for a salary of $7,000 per year. He was always athletic and in the mid-80s, was a powerful body builder. In fact, a film short was shot at my business and Angelo was in it and paid well. I always liked Angelo, He was a very nice man and second, because he had a great sense of humor. I'm sorry he's gone but he lived a good live. God rest his soul.

BHS Baseball

BHS Football

Judith Opatz, BHS 1961/60

Junior photo in 1960 Yearbook

Judith (Judy) Mills Opatz
December 2, 1943 - September 21, 2019

Judith Opatz passed peacefully with her daughters by her side on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Judy was born in Los Angeles and moved to San Francisco where she met and fell in love with Alois (Al) Opatz and spent the next almost 50 years helping to manage their bar and farming businesses. She is predeceased by spouse Alois Opatz (2013) and survived by Elizabeth (George) Gamarra and Mary (Daniel) Neustadt. She is also survived by the lights of her life, her beloved grandchildren: Danielle, Isabella, John and George.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the Fred Young Funeral Home Cloverdale, on Friday, September 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cloverdale on Saturday, September 28th, at 10 a.m.,, followed by burial at Olive Hill Cemetery in Geyserville. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: www.guardiansoflove.org a non-profit foster family agency, per her wishes.

Published Online in the Press Democrat from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28, 2019

Note: Judy is not listed in 61 yearbook, her junior picture is in the 60 yearbook and family says she graduated in 1960 so it is possible she graduated early.

James David Hernandez, BHS 1981

James David Hernandez, BHS 1981

James David Hernandez was born on September 17, 1963. Jim as he was known by his friends grew up in Burbank and attended Franklin Elementary and graduated from Burbank High with the Class of 1981. While at Burbank High Jim ran track and cross country. 

Jim was a Los Angeles Fire Department Explorer and he also ran the Domino's Pizza on Olive avenue in Burbank. Jim was also an artist and love to draw and sketch. 

Jim passed away on August 14, 2019. James David Hernandez funeral service will be held on September 5th in Valencia California at 6:00 pm, at the LDS chapel, 27827 Skycrest Cir Dr., Valencia, California, 91354. 

The Valley Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Photos from his funeral service:

Peter Drost, BHS 1965

Peter Drost
September 11, 1947 - September 30, 2019

From Eliede Drost Pounds, BHS '67...

"We are devastated as we have lost our dear brother, husband, father, and grandfather from an apparent stroke or heart attack. My brother Peter Drost always gave of himself and shared his love for his family. He loved nature and hiking. He leaves a giant hole in our hearts."

"Peter was born 9/11/47 and died last Monday, September 30, 2019 in Oakhurst, California."

"The Drost family immigrated from the Netherlands in 1955 and Peter grew up in Burbank. He was a Marine and was going to Vietnam, so they sent him to Vietnamese Language School in Hawaii. He was an interpreter in Vietnam. 

"In 1976,  Pete rode with a group called the Bikecentennial, across the US, from Oregon to New York."

He fell in love with Hawaii and lived there 40 years and came back to the mainland about 8 years ago. He lived close to me and my brother Henry in Oakhurst, California. His three children went to the University in California, so Sara and he wanted to be with them."

Besides his beautiful wife, Sara, Peter leaves three children and four grandchildren, his sister, Eliede and his brother, Henry.

Palm Memorial - Sierra Chapel,  49269 Road 426, Oakhurst, California is handling the arrangements. 

Allen Miluso, BHS 1963

Allen Miluso BHS '63 passed away last night (Sept. 30, 2019) as a result of complications from a recent surgery.

Allen was originally from the Bronx, New York. After graduating from Burbank High, he attended Los Angeles Valley College and graduated from Cal State University Northridge in 1970.

Allen was very active in Burbank High activities. He played Varsity Football, he belonged to the Lettermen's Club, he was a member of Acapella, Dance Performance, he portrayed Marcellus in the Operetta Music Man, he was in the Senior Play and served on Legislative Council, as well as several committees during his years at Burbank High School. Allen played an active part in his Class Reunions. 
Allen and Maxine are the owners of "Napa Nuts".

Allen was a "Larger than Life" kind of guy and he will be missed by so many of us...
Please keep Allen's Wife (Maxine) and Family in your prayers.

If anyone wants to send a card of condolence:

Maxine Miluso and Family
3371 Linda Mesa Way
Napa, California 94558

To read about Al's business Napa Nuts click here