Timothy Paul Loock, BHS 1978 and BHS Coach

Teen charged in death of his father

BY CHRISTOPHER CADELAGO, L.A. Times

JUNE 27, 2009

BURBANK — Burbank police officers on Wednesday arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the Nov. 29, 2008 death of his father, Timothy Loock, assistant football coach at Burbank High School.

Noah Loock faces one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and was released from custody on $25,000 bond. He is due back in Pasadena Superior Court on July 16, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Nov. 29, when police responded to a fight at the family home on the 1800 block of North Avon Street.

“After a couple of punches, the father fell to the ground,” Burbank Police Sgt. Robert Quesada said.

Timothy Loock, 48, was rendered unconscious and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Noah Loock fled the scene of the fight Nov. 29 and was taken into custody later that day and booked on suspicion of killing his father, Quesada said.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office filed no charges at that time, and the investigation continued until the Los Angeles County coroner’s office ruled the cause of death as homicide.

The Dec. 2 autopsy revealed that Timothy Loock died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and neck, said coroner-investigator Denise Bertone.

The county district attorney’s office filed one count of involuntary manslaughter, and an arrest warrant was issued Wednesday.

“Because of the unknown nature of the circumstances, the actual length of the sentence varies and depends on what they look at,” Quesada said.

The Loock family could not be reached for comment.

Timothy Loock worked in the entertainment industry on post-production for 30 years, according to his profile on the Internet Movie Database.

An all-league wide receiver for the class of 1978 at Burbank High, he went on to coach receivers and defensive backs until his death last season. Noah Loock graduated from Burroughs High School in 2008. His Facebook profile was rendered inactive.

SON WILL NOT GET JAIL TIME

"Noah Loock was sentenced to eight days in jail, but will not spend additional time behind bars based on credit for time served, prosecutors said. The deal specifies that he spend three years on probation, complete 120 hours of community service and attend anger management classes."

 

Marvin Brian Berry, BHS 1965

Marvin Brian Berry, BHS 1965

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Friday, February 25, 1966

Leave Ends In Death For Local Youth

A leave ended tragically for four young Marines early this morning when one of them, a Burbank resident, was killed and the others were injured in a traffic accident. Los Angels Police identified the dead youth as Brian Berry, 18, of 922 E. Tujunga Ave.

Berry was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Charles Searles, 17, of 606 E. Santa Anita Ave., when the compact car smashed into a telephone pole on Ventura Boulevard just east of Goodland Avenue in North Hollywood.

Searles apparently lost control of the car and it struck the pole at 7: 15 a.m., according to police. Also injured in the crash were Dan Blackwood, 18, 547 E. Magnolia Blvd., and Douglas Lamb, 18, of Glendale. The injured were taken to Valley Doctors Hospital in North Hollywood where all were reported in satisfactory condition. NOTE: Searles would later be killed in Vietnam.

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Berry-M. Brian

Beloved son of Lorene and Marvin Berry; brother of Janet Kelly; grandson of Carrie Ockander. Services Monday 10 a.m. in the Little Country Chapel, 10621 Victory Blvd,, North Hollywood, Pierce Brothers, Directors. In lieu of flowers, donations to Voice of Calvary, Burbank, California preferred.

Burbank Daily Review, February 26, 1966

Gerald Kenneth Adler, BHS 1958

Gerald Kenneth Adler, BHS 1958

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, June 25, 1958

FRIEND QUIZZED BY AUTHORITIES

Eighteen-year-old Jerry Adler lay dying at St. Joseph Hospital today with pieces of a .38 caliber bullet still lodged in his brain. The youth, critically wounded in a playful "Old West" gun battle yesterday, had not regained consciousness. And 16-year-old Paul Whitton, whose shot pierced Adler's head between the right eye and bridge of his nose, was in custody at juvenile hall,

Police say the accident occurred while Adler and Whitton, childhood friends, were engaged in a mock "quick draw" contest at Whitton's 1068 E. Verdugo Ave. home shortly before 1:30 p.m. yesterday.

Young Whitton told detectives that he and Adler had decided upon the fast-draw contest from a belt position. Whitton's weapon , a .38 Spanish replica of the Smith and Wesson revolver, and Adler's gun, a .45 caliber single-action pistol, were part of a collection by Whitton's father. Whitton told police Adler said, "I'm taking you in Ringo!" after which both of the youths drew their weapons and "dry-fired" several times. But an unfired .38 caliber bullet moved closer into firing position with each snap until being discharged. Whitton then called police, who found young Adler gasping for breath and bleeding profusely from the wound.

The victim's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Adler of 644 Groton Drive, maintained a constant vigil at the hospital. Young Whitton's mother, who arrived at home while police were questioning the youth, was near collapse. Whitton will remain in juvenile hall pending a preliminary hearing.

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Burbank Daily Review, Thursday, June 26, 1958

TEENAGE SHOOTING VICTIM DIES, PAL FACES CHARGES

'"QUICK - DRAW", ENDS IN DEATH

Death came to 18-year-old Jerry Adler at 9:47 last night, 32 hours after a mock "quick-draw" contest in which a .38 caliber bullet crashed through his head.

Physicians at St. Joseph Hospital indicated  today they were "amazed" that young Adler had lived more than a few hours after the shooting. Adler's companion, 16-year-old Paul Whitton, remained in juvenile hall today awaiting a pre-detention hearing tomorrow.

It was Whitton's shot that struck young Adler between the right eye and the bridge of his nose in a playful "fast-draw" contest at Whitton's 1068 E. Verdugo Ave. home Tuesday.

Police say the accidental shooting occurred when Whitton and Adler, standing 11 feet apart, drew for their weapons, both items in a collection by Whitton's father, then "dry-fired." An unexploded cartridge in Whitton's gun moved into firing position until being discharged. The bullet went through Adler's head and lodged in a wall behind him.

Juvenile authorities indicated today that the original charge of attack with a deadly weapon may now be changed to involuntary manslaughter. Funeral arrangements are pending at Eckerman Funeral Home in Burbank.

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Published in the Burbank Daily Review, June 27, 1958

Gerald Adler Services Will Be Sunday

Services for Gerald Kenneth Adler, 18, of 644 E. Groton, will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow in First Methodist Church. Mr. Adler died Wednesday night in a Burbank hospital.

He leaves his parents Mr. Paul W. Adler and Mrs. Theodora Buckles Adler; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Adler and Mrs. Myrtle Buckles, all of Burbank, and two sisters, Loretta P. Penwarden, of Granada Hills, and Valerie Adler of Burbank.

He had been affiliated with Burbank YMCA activities and was a member of First Methodist Church.

The Rev. Randall C. Phillips, pastor of the church, will officiate at the funeral service, Stewart Hamlin will be soloist. Interment will be in Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Eckerman Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Ann DeSoto, BHS 1964

Patricia Ann DeSoto, BHS 1964

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Monday February 28, 1966

Drug is possible cause of local woman's death

A 19-year-old former Burbank woman died Saturday February 26, 1966 from a possible reaction to a drug she had been taking for headaches. The victim, Patricia DeSoto, who had been living in Montrose, died in a Los Angeles hospital where she was reportedly being treated for a reaction to the drug Gilantin.

Montrose sheriff's deputies said the girl had been taking the drug for headaches and fainting spells. It had been prescribed by Dr. Foster Gossard of Glendale, on the advice of a neurological specialist, to treat the woman's alleged nervous disorder, according to the girl's parents.

An associate of the girl's doctor, Dr. Robert Lowrey, told deputies the drug is commonly prescribed in such cases. The drug sometimes causes reactions, however, the doctor reportedly told deputies. In rare cases it causes a reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which causes the body to blister. The reaction is usually fatal, the doctor said.

Miss DeSoto broke out with the measles-like blisters and was taken to Los Angeles County General Hospital a week ago, according to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John DeSoto of 818 S. Sunset Canyon Drive.

A local druggist said the drug is a member of the antihistamine group, and is a sedative. He said the drug is commonly used in treating brain disorders. He feels reaction from the drug could be attributed to the condition that necessitated its use.

The girl graduated from Burbank High School and attended Glendale College before going to work for a Los Angeles insurance company as a secretary.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Burbank First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Eckermans Funeral Service. The case has been assigned to the county coroner.

 

Linda Lee Lervold, BHS 1963

Linda Lee Lervold, BHS 1963

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Monday, February 20, 1984

CRASH KILLS WOMAN CLOSE TO HER HOME

BURBANK - A Burbank woman was fatally injured Saturday at Victory Boulevard and North Valley Street - less than a block from her home- when another car broadsided her at an estimated 50 mph, police said. Linda Lervold, 39, was pronounced dead at Saint Joseph Medical Center of blunt trauma to her head, chest, pelvis and leg, according to police reports.

Lervold, a resident of the 2100 block of North Valley Street, pulled onto Victory Boulevard at 6: 15 p.m. after stopping at the stop sign at Valley and Victory. A car driven by Daniel Nagy, 28, of Burbank, plowed into her in the intersection. Police said Nagy, driving a 1969 Pontiac GTO, and a friend in a 1953 Chevrolet apparently stopped at a traffic light at Victory and Maple Street at the same time.

Nagy gunned his engine "as a joke" and the car burned rubber 50 feet down the street, according to police reports. Nagy had reached an estimated 45-50 mph when he saw Lervold's 1972 Ford Pinto, swerved to the left to avoid a collision, but rammed into the driver's side of car, police said.

Lervold was trapped inside the car for several minutes before fire crews extricated her with a "jaws of life" device, Paramedics rushed her to Saint Joseph Medical Center but she was not breathing and had no pulse when she arrived at the hospital.

Nagy and his 16-year-old passenger were treated at Saint Joseph's for minor injuries and were released, hospital officials said. Nagy was not cited at the scene of the accident. Traffic investigators will conduct a follow-up investigation, Sgt. Jeff Pratt said.

Janet Marie Mercurio, BHS 1969

Janet Marie Mercurio, BHS 1969

I am sad to report the passing of Janet Marie Mercurio. Janet was born on March 2, 1951 in Los Angeles County, California and passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon. She was 59 years old.

Janet grew up in Burbank and was active in the Burbank Ponytail League. She at one time played on the Pixies and was involved in the yearly Ponytail Jamboree which was held each year in Burbank and Janet took some  individual  awards home. 

Janet graduated from Burbank High School in 1969. After graduating from Burbank High, she went on to Los Angeles Valley College where she played on the women's softball and basketball teams with me. I was 2 years older than her when she joined the team. I lost track of Janet after I graduated. I always wondered what ever happened to her. No other details at this time. May she rest in peace.

From Linda Mustion, BHS 1967

Janet is in center back row behind woman kneeling.

Robert Joseph Elias, BHS 1948

Robert Joseph Elias, BHS 1948

Port Hueneme - Robert Joseph Elias, 91, of Port Hueneme, CA, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 4th, 2021 after a long battle with kidney disease. Robert was born in East Los Angeles on July 6th, 1930 to Henry and Julia Elias. He attended Burbank High School and Glendale College. He married his High School sweetheart, and had two sons, Mark and Richard. He was drafted into the Army, and became a Korean War Veteran. On his return, he joined the San Fernando Police Department, where he worked from 1960 to 1965. He then returned to his childhood home to work for the Burbank Police Department from 1965 until June of 1992 with 33 years of combined service. He was a detective at the time of retirement. While he worked in many capacities, his favorite assignment was Traffic Bureau Detective. His interests and skills were many, from flying private helicopters and small planes, photography, polygraph operator and Spanish interpreter. He also was part of the Volunteer Horse Patrol as a Reserve Officer when he was younger. He was a Mason with Magnolia Park Lodge, and a member of the Burbank Police Officers' Association.

Robert is survived by his wife Judith Elias, daughters-in-law Kim Simmons and Deb Schneider, grandson Sean Simmons, sister-in-law Esther Elias, nephews Kenny and Dan Elias, nieces Sherry Kelley, Karen Olson and Kathy Cervantes. He is preceded in death by his sons Mark Simmons and Richard Simmons, sister Margaret Lucero and brothers Henry Elias Jr. and John Elias.

Funeral services are pending. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Assoc. or American Kidney Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.

Posted online on December 07, 2021

Published in Ventura County Star

Beverly Frances Webb Lindsey, BHS 1957

Beverly Frances Webb Lindsey, BHS 1957

Beverly "Bev" Frances (Webb) Lindsey of Simi Valley died on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the age of 81. Bev was born in Dallas, Texas on February 27, 1940 to visual artists Frances (Trippet) Webb and Frank Sexton Webb of Dallas. The family moved to Burbank, California in the early 1950s and her father worked as an illustrator for several advertising firms, as well as the Los Angeles Times. Bev graduated from Burbank High School in 1957, where she met and fell in love with Billy "Bill" Alvis Lindsey. They were married in 1958, and embarked on a 63-year marriage as parents of 4 and grandparents of 13.

Bev was an accomplished artist of crafts, miniatures, and fiber arts. Under the auspices of her small business, "Bev's Miniatures," she created and sold original miniature works of art for over 20 years on the national trade show circuit in addition to her work in quilting and crochet. Bev loved to travel with her husband Bill, and had an abiding love for animals, especially cats and California desert tortoises. An avid life-long reader, especially of science and speculative fiction, Bev passed her reading habit on to her children and grandchildren.

Beverly is survived by her husband Bill of Simi Valley, sister Mary Kay (Webb) Osborn of Coloma (Monte Osborn), daughter Robin Lindsey (Tom Stough) of Thousand Oaks, daughter Brook Calderon (Art Calderon) of Bakersfield, son Mark Lindsey (Beth Lindsey) of Austin, Texas, son Joshua Lindsey (Keri McIntyre) of Modesto, and 13 grandchildren. Arrangements are pending with the Neptune Society. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the ASPCA, Alley

Cat Allies, or another charity of your choice serving children or animals.

Published by Ventura County Star from May 27 to May 30, 2021. 

Kenneth B. Vail, BHS 1950

Kenneth B. Vail, BHS 1950

Kenneth "Ken" B. Vail passed away on June 24, 2021 at the age of 89 in Lancaster, California. He lived in the Antelope Valley for over 67 years where he was employed by Lockheed and Northrop Grumman. Ken, also, served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955.

Ken was born November 12, 1931 in Ohio and moved to California at age 5. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1950. In 1953 he married his first wife, Jackie, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, Scott Vail, Alice (Johnny) Apuan, Jana (Barry King) Ouimet, and grandchildren Travis Vail and Ethan and Olivia Ouimet.

In 1986 he married Elaine Hooper who preceded him in death. Also, preceding him in death are step-son Steven Henderson and Steve's son, Andrew, and step-son Robert Henderson. He is survived by step-daughters Carol McMillan and Dianne (Ed) Luman, and step-grandchildren Brian and Scott McMillan, Erin Biank, Amy Medefesser, and David Luman.

In 2010, Ken married Phyllis Bonde. He is survived by Phyllis and her sons Richard, Howard. Gogo, RC, and David.

Ken is beloved by his large and blended family and will truly be missed by us all. His love of music, his fondness for problem solving and tinkering, and his gift of gab will long be re- membered by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ken's church home, St. Stephen's of the Valley Lutheran Church in Palmdale on July 10, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen's.

Published by The Antelope Valley Press on Jul. 3, 2021.

Sterling Ray Ericksen, BHS 1946

Sterling Ray Ericksen, BHS 1946

September 25, 1928 - October 20, 2021 

Ray was born in Carlin, Nevada. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1931 during "The Great Depression". He graduated from Burbank High School in August, 1946, and enlisted in the Navy at the age of seventeen. 

After graduating from Treasure Island Navy Electronics School, he was assigned to the USS Piedmont, a Destroyer Tender (AD-17), where he repaired ship vacuum tube electronics. His ship was stationed in Tsing Tao, China, for most of 1948. 

When discharged from the Navy, he received the WW II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, and the WW II GI Bill, which made it possible for him to attend USC. At USC in 1953, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and was President of the Sigma Phi Delta Engineering Fraternity. That college degree was a first in his family. He met Margareta (UCLA) on a blind date and immediately began a three year quest to convince her to say "I do". After graduation, they married, and then honeymooned in Atami, Japan. 

They lived in Yokohama, Japan, where Ray worked for Philco Radio Corporation at the Army Signal Corp Depot. After Japan, he was assigned to San Francisco supporting Army Nike Missile Sites and then to the Signal Corps Depot in Pirmasens, Germany. While in Germany, Ray and Margareta traveled extensively throughout Western Europe. In 1959, Ray went to work for System Development Company. For the next 30 years he worked in the Computer Program Integration Contractor (CPIC) organization supporting satellite projects. At retirement in 1989, he was Department Manager of the company's satellite support program with the Air Force. 

After retirement, Ray and Margareta moved from Palos Verdes Estates, CA., to live for ten years in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Margareta would take award winning photos and Ray would study the local geology. Ray was an amateur geologist, who loved to share his enthusiasm for this earth science with his friends and family. In 2000, they moved back to the Palos Verdes Peninsula to stay. Ray took up golf and connected with San Pedro and Palos Verdes golfers. He "shot his age" at 77. He and Margareta continued their traveling. They met and became lasting friends with many wonderful people. Ray felt that he was lucky to live in such an interesting time span, and travel to and live in many countries. 

Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elva and Lorin Ericksen, and his brother, Leon. Ray is survived by the one and only love of his life, his wife of 68 Years, Margareta, and by his loved and loving family: a daughter, Karen, a son, Carl and Carl's wife, Anna, and grandchildren Kerstin, Lisa (Chris), Nathan (Samantha), and Todd (Saliha), and two great-grandsons, Ali and Sami. 

The memories of joy, humor, and love that Ray brought into all of our lives will stay in our hearts forever. The date for a memorial service is pending. In Ray's memory, contributions can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Published by Daily Breeze on Oct. 28, 2021.

Carol A. Root Minnick, BHS 1965

Carol A. Root Minnick, BHS 1965

Received some sad news from the class of 1965 as they received word that Carol A. Root Minnick passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at her home. Carol had been hospitalized several weeks, but was home when she lost her battle with COPD.

Carol married Paul Cox, but the marriage ended in divorce. Carol married Ronald Fletcher Minnick (BHS 1962) on September 4, 1971 in Los Angeles County, California.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Ron Minnick, who passed away in 2011. Carol is survived by sons; Eric Cox and Richard Minnick; daughter, Pamela Peterson, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Burial will probably in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, next to her husband Ron Minnick.

Virginia Kathleen Zoraster, BHS 1990

Virginia Kathleen Zoraster, BHS 1990

November 28, 1972 - November 28, 2021 (49 years old)

Burbank, California 

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Virginia Kathleen Zoraster of Burbank, California, who passed away on Sunday November 28, 2021, at the age of 49, leaving to mourn are family and friends. The Valley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Virginia was a 1990 graduate of Burbank High School. Virginia was born November 28, 1972. No other details at this time.

Posted on Facebook: As many of you have probably heard, we lost my dear sister Ginny unexpectedly on Sunday. Words cannot express how this loss has affected Carlos, my Dad David and myself as well as so many other family and friends who love her. Memorial details are pending. But, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in her name to her favorite charities, the Betsy Leuke Creative Arts Center https://www.burbankca.gov/.../betsy-lueke-creative-arts... and Hilarity for Charity https://wearehfc.org/. 

We also want to thank all of you who have already reached out with messages of love and condolences; they have brought us comfort during such a difficult time.