Barbara Anne Reeser Sutton, BHS 1961

Barbara Anne Reeser Sutton, BHS 1961

Published in The Signal, Santa Clarita, California, August 18, 1994

Barbara A, "Bobbi" Sutton, Administrattive assistant, 51, passed away Sunday August 14, 1994 in Lancaster after a brief illness. She was a resident of Palmdale. Sutton was born June 18, 1943, in Hollywood, California. She was an administrative assistant for the FAA. 

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her daughter, Dianna; two sons, David (and his wife, Janice) and William John (and his wife, Shawntel); her mother, Annie; three sisters, Marjorie, Sandra and Carole; her brother, John; and her grandson, Bret.

Memorial services will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday at Eternal Valley Mortuary Chapel, Newhall. Visit her Find A Grave Memorial HERE

David Michael LaRue, BHS 1962

David Michael LaRue, BHS 1962

Chino Valley News, March 1, 1978

CAN OF ENGINE STARTING FLUID EXPLODES IN CAR; MAN BURNED

An aerosol can of engine starting fluid on the floor of a Volkswagen Bug close to a heater vent blew up as the car traveled on Central Ave. about 6:15 p.m. Monday, resulting in severe burns to the driver, David M. LaRue, 33, of Norco.

The blast blew out the rear window of the car, more than 100 feet south of where the Volkswahen struck the rear of another car, and set the inside of the car on fire. The collision jammed the right door shut trapping Mr. LaRue inside. Fireman had to use the Hurst "Jaws" tool to open the door and remove Mr. LaRue, whose clothes were on fire.

He was taken to the San Bernardino County Medical Center burn ward with third degree burns over 27 to 30% of his body. The police said Mr. LaRue was blinded and suffered lung damage from inhaling flames. He was listed in extremely critical condition. In addition to his face, Mr. LaRue had burns on his hands, arms and thighs.

Chuck Smith, who operates a service station across the street, at Central and Philadelphia, said he heard an explosion and saw the Volkswagon traveling north with someone inside waving his hands as if to put out the flames.

The Volkswagen stopped near the intersection of Central and Philadelphia where it hit the rear of a car driven by Anthony G. Avitable, 18, of 12450 Marshall, who was stopped at the Philadelphia traffic light. Mr. Avitable was admitted to Chino General Hospital with neck and back pains.

The Fire Department warned motorists that cans of starter fluid should never be stored where temperatures reach 120 degrees. Starting fluid is extremely volatile. Cans stored in car trunk, glove compartment, or on the back window ledge are subjected to extreme heat and can explode.

Note: David Michael LaRue passed away on March 10, 1978, 10 days after the explosion. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. Visit his Find A Grave Memorial.

 

John Curtis Irwin Rocke, BHS 1967

John Curtis Irwin Rocke, BHS 1967

John Rocke, a resident of Santa Clarita, California, passed away suddenly at home on June 15, 2022, at the age of 72.

John was born July 10, 1949, to his parents Dr. Robert Rocke and Dinah Rocke in Hollywood California. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Burns, his brother, Adam Rocke, and his sister-in-law, Connie Rocke and their family, and his son, Patrick Chapman, his daughter-in-law, Christine Chapman, and his three grandchildren: Rebecca, Dylan, and Sophie, and his beloved French bulldogs, Lulu and Gigi. He is pre-deceased by his parents and sister, Louise.

John graduated from Burbank High School, and attended UCLA for his under graduate work and graduate degree in Political Science. He then attended UC Davis School of Law and UCLA School of Law, where he earned his J.D. John also attended officer's training school while in the Air Force National Guard, where he was a member of the 146th Air Wing in Van Nuys for over 13 years.

During John's legal career he worked with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office as a prosecutor, the District Attorney's Office of Los Angeles County, the Public Defender's Office with Los Angeles County and the City of Burbank's Attorney's Office. John also taught Administration of Justice classes at Mission Community College in the San Fernando Valley for many years and up to the time of his passing.

John was a lifetime student, a prolific reader and writer. John was known for his generosity, truly cared about people and made many friends over his lifetime.

Services will be held on July 8, 2022, at 10:00 am at Mount Sinai Memorial Park at 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, California, 90068, where condolences can be made. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or services.

Published by The Santa Clarita Valley Signal from Jun. 25 to Jul. 23, 2022.

Phillip Young, BHS 1966

Phillip Young, BHS 1966

Phil passed away on April13, 2016 after losing his battle with cancer,  per his mother.

CELEBRATING PHIL YOUNG

Celebrating Phil’s Youth

-Faithful member of First Christian Church of Burbank and Youth leader

-Active member of the Boy Scouts of America

-Burbank High School football team and yearbook photographer

Celebrating Phil’s Love of his Country

-Served in the US Navy, 2 years active duty

-Always removed his hat and placed his hand over his heart for the National Anthem

Celebrating Phil’s Education

-Applied to and his photography portfolio accepted by the prestigious Art Center College of Design, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. Phil always said this was one of his most prized accomplishments. And he was forever grateful to his Pop, Jim Young for “tearing up” the loan that he owed his parents for his education.

Celebrating Phil’s Career

-Phil Young Photography

-Photographer General Dynamics

-Photographer Rockwell International/Boeing Corporation

-Homeowners Association Property Management

-Director of Marketing, Property Management

Celebrating Phil’s Many Talents

-Photographer, artist, stain glass designs, landscaping, architectural design

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Cars

-Model B Ford, Terry’s 67 Camaro, Plymouth Belvedere, Fiat Spider, 944 Porsche, BMW 328I, BMW 540I and his baby, the Beast….2010 Dodge Challenger SRT

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Books

-Phil was an avid reader and enjoyed sitting in his favorite chair with his feet up reading the newest books. Phil has quite a collection.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Music

-Phil loved his I-Pod and his playlist is huge. All the background music you are listening to tonight is from his I-Pod.

-Think about 4:00pm on Friday afternoons at Villageway and Total Property Management with the music blaring from Phil’s office.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Our Home

-Phil loved our little starter home in Irvine back in 1977. He loved designing our re-model in 2001 giving us a beautiful new family room and home office. And his crowning glory was his design of our 2013-2014 second story adition with a new Master suite and home office.

-Phil’s landscape skills are quite visible in the front, side and backyards of our home.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Family

-Phil’s mother Marcia, sister Diane, his niece Debbie, his Uncle Bud are all here tonight. Phil’s Pop, Jim Young is here with us in spirit.

-Phil’s mother-in-law Betty, his Aunt Ruthie, his nephew and niece Tim and Sandy, his 2 great nephews Justin and Jeremy and his nephew Chris are here tonight. Phil’s father-in-law Bob and his brother-in law Rob are both here with us in spirit.

-Phil’s love and pride for his daughter Emily were endless. And when Dan came into Emily’s life, he was so happy for the two of them. If you remember Phil’s toast to Dan at their wedding, that said it all.

-Papa’s love for his 2 grandsons Jack Robert James Cromer and Tyler Lee Cromer was the most wonderful feeling he had every experienced. He was so proud to be a grandpa.

-Phil’s love for Terry was 46 years of a wonderful life together. Best friends, partners in all decisions, raising Emily, working in the yard together and relaxing in the yard, working together to make both of our careers successful, camping and RV trips in the good old days, Angels baseball, date nights, enjoying being grandparents, and lots of golf and wonderful relaxing trips together.

Phil’s Love of Golf

-Phil loved the game of Golf. He started out 18 years ago having never swung a club, And he had been shooting in the mid to low 80’s here at Oak Creek. He loved playing in tournaments, we loved our golf trips and playing together, he loved playing weekly here with his great friends and that is why we are all here tonight at this beautiful place, Celebrating Phil Young at Oak Creek.

Thank you to all of you that are here sharing this celebration tonight.

With Love,

Emily and Terry

John Bruce Iversen, BHS 1973

John Bruce Iversen, BHS 1973

Posted today on Facebook by Bruce Sementek

It’s with a very sad heavy heart that I have to inform you all of the passing of another of our classmates.

John Bruce Iversen passed away Saturday night June 11, 2022 at Dodger stadium. He was there with his son Tim watching his favorite band The Grateful Dead. It appears he had some type of heart event. (More details when I confirm) 

We can take comfort knowing John was enjoying and wonderful evening with his son. Our thoughts and prayers to Tim, and the rest of his family. 

This is very difficult to process for all of us especially our group of guys that have being getting together and staying in contact now for a number of years. John was one of the main links in our chain. Most of us have known john for 60 plus years. 

John’s infectious laugh and radiant smile will be sorely missed. 

We take comfort knowing John is at peace and up there at some great concerts. (he definitely was a concert and music lover) 

John and I had a special connection. We shared the same birthday (February 6,1955) and he had my name as his middle. Pretty crazy stuff 

Rest well my brother from another mother. Until we meet again. Rock on!

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

JOHN IVERSEN OBITUARY

John Bruce Iversen, 67, of Huntington Beach, passed while doing what he loved, enjoying live music, at a Dead and Company concert with his son on June 11, 2022 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

He was born on February 6,1955, to Hubert W "Pop" and Arnette Casey "Mor-Mor" Iversen in Burbank, California. He graduated from Burbank High School where he met his group of lifelong friends before heading up to Northern California where he attended Dominican University before transferring to Chico State where he graduated in 1979, majoring in Industrial Arts.

John spent most of his career as a carpenter and general contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area but his real focus was always on being a great Dad to his two boys, Tim and Kyle.

Anyone who met John, knew him to be an extremely caring and generous person who was always looking for a good time. He was well known for his infectious smile and laughter; he had a big heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. John was an avid Bay Area sports fan and loved supporting the Giants, 49ers, and Warriors, especially in front of his Southern California friends.

John is survived by his sons, Tim (Karina) of Woodland Hills, California, Kyle (Maria) of Lake Worth, Florida; and his siblings, Judd, Jeff and Guy, niece, Jenny, nephew, Brad as well as many other younger family members of whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and his beloved sister, Sally Vickers.

A celebration of life will be held on July 23rd (tentatively) near Burbank, Ca. Further announcements regarding details for the event will be made via social media.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in John's name to the Chill organization in Los Angeles which helps underprivileged youth learn how to skate, surf and ski/snowboard which were all great passions of John.

https://www.chill.org/donate/

Please be sure to mark your Donation in Memory of John and use this email address to notify the family of your gift. Chill also has this address on file.

Please feel free to share any photos or stories with the family to this email address as well:

jbitribute1955@gmail.com

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 16, 2022.

Erica Barbara Steckel Snyder, BHS 1990

Erica Barbara Steckel Snyder, BHS 1990

1971 - 2009

Erica Barbara Steckel Snyder was born on  Oct 9,1971 in Los Angeles County, California. Erica graduated from Burbank High School, Burbank, California in 1990. Erica married John Marlowe Snyder on September 27, 1997 in Clark County, Nevada. Erica passed away on July 9, 2009 in Los Angeles County, California.

She left behind her husband, John and four children, Angelina, Elizabeth, Jonathan, and Alex; siblings, Maureen Gradvohl, Heidi Davenport, Dr Stephanie Artz, Kathleen Kutuzoff, Edward Steckel, Gretchen Smith, David Steckel, and mother Barbara Merlin. No other details at this time. 

Erica is loved and missed by her family and friends and fellow classmates.

Virginia Jean Aikin Bird, BHS 1964

Virginia Jean Aikin Bird, BHS 1964

Virginia Jean Bird

NOVEMBER 22, 1946 – APRIL 29, 2022

Virginia “Ginger” Jean Aikin Bird passed away into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on Friday April 29, 2022. She now has a new body, feels no pain or sorrow and is walking with Jesus in Heaven, a beautiful place we cannot even fathom, but only long to be someday ourselves.

Ginger was born in Los Angeles, California on Nov. 22, 1946 to Mary Elizabeth Kerr Aikin and Wilbur Jamison Aikin. She is survived by her two loving sisters Patricia Watters with husband Gary Watters in Pennsylvania/South Carolina and Carole Hutcheson with husband Dean in Kansas.

Ginger enjoyed a loving Christian family upbringing in the 1940’s-1970’s Southern California and graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. She loved spending time with her youth group and sisters at the Los Angeles Reformed Presbyterian Church with many spring breaks spend together as a group at Doheny State Beach Campground. Her cousins Kathy & Bob Termer were also a huge part of her growing up years in Burbank sharing many fond memories together. Kathy and Bob with their spouses and children today held a very special place in Ginger’s heart.

Ginger was married to Peter Taylor Werbel in 1965. Ginger & Pete had their one and only child, Kimberly Patricia, in March 1966. After a short time, Ginger and Peter divorced and Ginger went on with her life solely caring for her daughter.

Ginger graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. She was a public educator for 31 years teaching her first year on the Hoopa Indian Reservation in Northern California. Ginger then taught at the Northeast Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School in Atchison, Kansas for five years where she thoroughly enjoyed working with the youth choosing their new professions. Ginger bought her first very quaint home where she gardened several vegetables, handcrafted taper candles and macramé plant hangers as a hobby.

She then took a position writing grants for Special Education programs and coordinating with several area schools in Hastings, Nebraska. In Hastings she purchased her second little Midwest style home and proceeded to grow zucchini and a variety of Crocus, Lilies and other flowers and maintain her rather large corner lot with hand clippers for the lawn edging at the side walk! Ginger and Kimberly’s home had a semi-finished basement which she rented to two different girls who attended Hastings College. She also repainted her entire exterior of her home on Ringland Rd. in Hastings. Ginger’s church home was the First Presbyterian Church where her daughter enjoyed a very active youth group. She was an avid reader going to the library weekly. Ginger also became a runner while living in Hastings and accomplished many 5 & 10K races throughout Nebraska. She embraced her life even while doing life as a single parent and always had her faith in Jesus Christ to lean on.

Once Ginger’s daughter, Kimberly, graduated from high school in Hastings, Nebraska in 1984 and joined the US Air Force, Ginger returned to Southern California where she took a position teaching Special Education at Glendale High School.

Her career at Glendale High over the next 18 years included teaching English as a Second Language and American History all of which she had a strong passion for educating the students. Ginger truly loved being amongst her students and the young at heart.

Ginger also loved traveling. Over her lifetime she has driven coast to coast several times visiting her sisters and parents, journeyed throughout the United States enjoying church conferences in Minnesota, Yosemite National Park, Washington DC, and many other places. She made nine trips to Europe where her daughter and son-in-law were stationed. Many of her journeys included Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and East Berlin prior to the wall coming down.

Ginger had a love for living in Southern California with the year-round green grass and flowers, the ocean and Hollywood nearby. She enjoyed the years of being near her father and mother sharing many memories which sat deep in her heart. Her church home was Los Angeles Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Ginger also had a great love for dogs and had one practically all her life. Her latest loyal friend, Rosie, resides with a sweet mother and daughter in the 55+ community she moved to just in April 2022 in Colorado Springs. Ginger took Rosie with her to her new apartment home and would be glad Rosie has a sweet home there now with many residents who adore her and she even has her own little dog park she shares with just a few other small dogs.

In 2008 Ginger moved to Warner Robins, GA. to be near her daughter, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughter. Ginger became a member of the Houston Lake Presbyterian Church in Kathleen and treasured her time spent serving, worshiping and fellowshipping with her brothers and sisters in Christ at her church home. She bought a lovely smaller home in Warner Robins and enjoyed her flower gardening in her lovely yard and gorgeous houseplants all for which she truly had a green thumb. She so enjoyed her sweet neighbors of Lasso Drive and carried those friendships with her as she left Warner Robins just recently to move to Colorado Springs where her daughter and son-in-law were relocating.

Ginger is survived by three nieces Melissa, Amiee and Sarah and two nephews Joe and Zack along with their families whom she adored and cherished following on social media and family visits throughout the years. Ginger’s sisters and their husbands Gary and Dean were so near and dear to her heart with numerous years of endeared memories shared. Family was a strong hold for Ginger and comfort that all will be in Heaven together one day.

Ginger’s daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Bob along with her two grandchildren Timothy & Megan were her life and love. Ginger’s grandson Timothy and his wife Kaitlin having their first child Eliana, her fourth great grandchild, just one day after Ginger’s passing was a prayer she prayed continually over these past years. We truly believe their sweet souls knew each other in Heaven.

Ginger’s granddaughter Megan and her husband Patrick have three great grandchildren for whom she enjoyed the past five years so loving Brooks, Alethia and Kimber. The joy of her grandchildren and great grandchildren filled Ginger so sweetly.

Ginger was genuinely so proud of her two grandchildren Timothy & wife Kaitlin and Megan & husband Patrick for whom she felt were all her grandchildren the same. She honored the Christian marriages of her grandchildren and had a sincere admiration for their marriages. She loved them and the great grandchildren they had more than life here itself.

A funeral service for Virginia will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Rose Hills Memorial Park - Hillside Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601.

Virginia will be laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601; Garden of Affection; Gate: 1, Section: 22, Lot: 6706, Grave: 3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rosehills.com for the Bird familyIn Lieu of flowers please consider donating any amount to Samaritan Purse Operation Christmas Child as this organization was a passion of Virginia's. Please use the following link for a memorial gift under Virginia Bird.

https://sampur.se/3yFI4m9

Dorothy Jo Jones Ardizzone, BHS 1949

Dorothy Jo Jones Ardizzone, BHS 1949

November 16, 1931 - May 8, 2022

From her daughter, Jodean:

Our Beloved Mother Dorothy Jones Ardizzone, 90, passed away on Mothers Day evening May 8, 2022 in Palmdale, California. Dorothy was born on November 16, 1931. She attended Burbank High School. Dorothy was class of 1949. 

She met George Ardizzone from Hoover High School In Glendale he was class of 1948. They were married and had three daughters. Jodean, Dana, and Pam (deceased) all graduates of Burbank High. Dorothy has six grandchildren and two great grandsons. She is dearly loved and missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/sherman-oaks-cremation for the Ardizzone family.

Richard Mario Santoyo, BHS 1949

Richard Mario Santoyo, BHS 1949

1932 - 2022

The family of Richard M. Santoyo is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved father on Friday, May 13, 2022. Richard passed peacefully at Providence Saint Joseph hospital in Burbank in the presence of his 5 children and their spouses. Richard enjoyed a long life marked by love for his family and his generous spirit.

Richard "Dick" Santoyo was the youngest of the eight children born to Ambrosio and Francisca (Casta?eda) Santoyo on February 6, 1932. Richard was predeceased by all his siblings: brother Liborio "L. C.", sister Marie "Mary", brother Benito "Benny", sister Louise, sister Anita "Annie", sister Angelita "Angie", and brother Albert "Bob" Santoyo.

Richard proudly spent his entire life as an active citizen of Burbank. He attended and graduated from McKinley Elementary, Burroughs Junior High and Burbank High School in 1949.

During his time at Burbank High School, he met a beautiful young gal from Pasadena and after a brief courtship, he and Mary Louise Reyes were married on December 10, 1950. Dick and Mary spent the next 62 years enjoying their life together until Mary passed in January of 2012.

Richard and Mary were blessed to see their five children get married and raise his 13 grandchildren, most still in the Burbank area. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Sean Edward Santoyo and is survived by son Michael R. Santoyo his wife Barbara, and their children Natalie L. and Christopher M.; daughter Stephanie A. Funk her husband Jon and their children J. Jacob, Aaron J., and Carla V. DeSpain; son Edward and his wife Jeanne and their daughter Erica J.; daughter Suzy Frankian and her husband Jim and their children Jacqueline A. Niedzwiecki, Clayton R., Hope K. Lopez and J. William; daughter Cindy Burton and her husband Steve and their children Bryce R., and Katie L. Burton.

Richard also adds to his strong and deep legacy through his 19 great- grandchildren including Natalie's son Joshua Drozdenko, daughters Darby and Mercedes Drozdenko; Christopher's daughter Soli and son Cean Santoyo; Jacob's sons Oz and Asa Funk; Aaron's daughter Emerson, and sons Stone and Nixon Funk; Carla's daughters Ann Grace, Allison, son Jack, and daughter Stella DeSpain; Jacqueline's sons Nolan and Nathan Niedzwiecki and their newest sibling due in September 2022; Clayton's daughter Caroline Frankian; and J. William's daughter Audrey Frankian.

Richard spent more than four decades supporting his family by applying his extraordinary talents as an automotive painter. Most of those years as the lead painter at the Speight and Terrell Buick dealerships. He and Mary enjoyed being active and faithful members in the St. Patrick and St. Francis Xavier Catholic parishes. Richard's primary area of service to the community was through his nearly 40 years as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic fraternal service organization. During his time with the Knights of Columbus he held many important and distinguished leadership positions including local council Grand Knight, Chapter President, District Deputy and
State Council Committee Chairman. Richard found time to serve on the Advisory Board of Rancho San Antonio the "Boys Town of The West" and fundraise for this multi-service residential agency serving court-ordered adolescent boys. Closer to home Richard enjoyed attending the monthly meetings of the Burbank High Senior Bulldogs and served consistently on the Scholarship Committee.

In accordance with his wishes, the family has planned a Catholic Rosary and Funeral Mass at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Burbank at 9:30 am on June 7, 2022, a processional to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills for a graveside service and internment immediately following the mass.