Joseph Clayton Proctor, BHS 1938

Joseph Clayton Proctor, BHS 1938 

March 12,1920 – November 28, 2022 

Joseph Clayton Proctor was born on March 12, 1920, in Muncie, Indiana to Virgil and Josephine. He had one brother, Ray and one sister, Marjorie, both deceased. 

Joe was in the Burbank High School Class of 1938. In 1939 he worked for Lockheed Aircraft as a Tool Planner. In 1942 he joined the Merchant Marines as a Baker. Joe was discharged in 1945 and married Norma Grahn in 1947. She passed in April 2000. They had one adopted son, Mark C. Proctor. 

Joe later worked for Hughes Aircraft Co. His hobby was building model airplanes. They were NOT store bought. Some were large, with a wing span of 4 to 5 feet. Some were small with a wing span of only 2 ½ feet. His planes are now in a few Aerospace Museums. 

Joe passed away on November 28, 2022. He is survived by family and many friends where he lived.

Dr. Elwyn Vance Brown, BHS 1938

Dr. Elwyn Vance Brown, BHS 1938

San Bernardino Sun, 25 February 1956

Dr. Elvyn V. Brown, 37, of Beaver Clinic, Taken by Death

REDLANDS Dr. Elwyn V. Brown, associated with the Beaver Clinic, died Thursday night of a heart attack. A first attack was suffered three weeks ago and he was presumed to have been recovering well. He was 37. A resident of 910 LaFeliz Dr., Dr. Brown had been in Redlands eight years. He attended the University of Redlands four years. 

HOME IN BURBANK Native of Bellingham, Wash., he lived in several cities before the Brown family made their home in Burbank. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1938 and came to the University of Redlands, where he received his bachelor degree in 1942. He attended the University of Southern California and 

U. S. Navy in 1946, serving two years in the medical corps, part of the time in China. He returned to civilian life in1948 when he became associated with the Beaver Clinic. He was a general practioner specializing in anesthetics. 

Surviving are his widow, Dorothy Lee Brown, and two children, Richard Lee, 10, and Margaret. Ann, 7. Mrs. Brown is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. B. Lee, Redlands, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Brown of Bellingham. Wash. 

SERVICES SET - Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. J. Wendell Beck, pastor, officiating, F. Arthur Cortner Chapel is in charge. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery. The family has asked those who wish to contribute to the building fund, in care of E. L. Jury, at Redlands Community Hospital.

Robert Bennett Scott, BHS 1938

Robert Bennett Scott, BHS 1938

Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Tuesday, November 19, 1940

Former ‘Times’ Worker’s Son Dies

Robert Bennett Scott, 22-year-old son of Captain Charles H. Scott, former Times employee, died yesterday November 18, 1940 in a sanitarium after a long illness.

Born, in Cody, Wyoming, young Scott attended Burbank High School and Los Angeles City College. He was a basketball player and a protégé of Howard Hill, champion archer.

In addition to his father, now assigned to the Southern California Military District headquarters, Scott, leaves his mother at the family home, 845 N. Cordova Street, Burbank.

Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the chapel of Bresee Brothers and Gillette. NOTE: He was buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California.

Shirley Arlene Weiher Newstrom, BHS 1938

Shirley Arlene Weiher Newstrom, BHS 1938

August 30, 1920 - July 18, 1996

Published in the Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon, Saturday, July 20, 1996

Lincoln City – Shirley Newstrom, 75, died Thursday. Born in Olwein, Iowa, she moved to the San Fernando Valley, California as a child and graduated from Burbank High School.

She was a property manager. She enjoyed dancing and Western history. Her husbands are deceased.

Survivors include her sons, Russell Bronson of Utah and John Pacheco of Arizona; daughters, Arlene Bellucci of Nevada and Karen Cabral of California; brother, Neil S. Weiher of California; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Pierce Brothers Valhalla, North Hollywood, California. Interment will follow in Valhalla Cemetery. Arrangements are by Pacific View mortuary.   

Walter Louis Hoehn, BHS 1938

Walter Louis Hoehn, BHS 1938

Published in The Valley Times, North Hollywood, California, Tuesday, Febrary17, 1953

Arrange Rites For Walter L. Hoehn

Funeral services were being arranged today for Walter Louis Hoehn, former Burbank High School athlete, who died at California Lutheran Hospital.

Hoehn, of 48-1 1/2 Park Avenue, Yorba Linda, died yesterday at 32 years of age. He was a graduate of Burbank High School where he made 15 letters in athletics and also a graduate of Whittier College where he was an outstanding athlete. He served as a coach at Big Bear and Valencia High Schools.

Survivors include his wife, Marie; sister, Maxine Munch and brother, Whitford Hoehn. Services will be held Thursday at 1p.m. at Friends Church in Yorba Linda. Friends may call all day Wednesday at Pierce Brothers Mortuary, 10621 Victory Blvd.

David H. Menashe, BHS 1938

David H. Menashe, BHS 1938, 

September 17, 1921 - September 25, 2014

David H. Menashe, Founder of Fundline, passed away on September 25th due to complications of congestive heart failure. He was 93.

Husband of Marian H. Sigal (1944-1966) and Sydelle Z. Gewant (1967-2011), he was born in New York City in 1921 to immigrant Jewish parents from Istanbul, Turkey. After living in Brooklyn and Astoria, the family moved to Los Angeles in 1931 for his father's health and prospects for employment during the depression. The family bought a house and created a chicken farm in Burbank. He lived there and worked with his father, graduating from Burbank High School  in 1938. He worked for the U.S. Post Office, after which he joined the Air Force, earning the rant of 1st Lieutenant navigator bombardier serving in WW2.

After returning to Burbank to live with his parents and his wife Marian and son Howard, David bought a 1 acre plot in Sepulveda and built a chicken farm and home in 1948.He then moved to Moorpark, creating a larger ranch in 1953 with his brother Abraham. He eventually moved with his cherished wife Marian and their 3 children to Ventura where they resided until Marian's death in 1966.

In 1967 he remarried. He and his devoted wife Sydelle established a blended family with their home on Cass Avenue in Woodland Hills. Their home became the heart and soul of the entire family.

Ultimately, David proceeded to pour hid boundless energies into his greastest passion; the stock market which had fascinated him since his youth. He became a leader in the investment business, creating and sustaining a nationally recognized advisory service, Fundline, as well as managing individual portfolios until his retirement in 2010.

He lived with his wife Sydelle until her death in 2011. He keen intellect and curiosity remained until the end,

He was our beloved patriarch and is survived by sons, Howard, Jay, daughter, Diane, stepdaughters, Susan, Carole and Donna, son-in-law's, Frank, Steve and Bill, grandchildren, Adam(Jen), Mandy (Justin), William (Ani), Leo, Paul, Jason, Lisa, Issac (Becca), Daniel and Alexandra, great-grandchildren, Natalia, Sophia, Reed, Autumn, Maya and Ezra; brother, Abraham and sister, Esther.

Our family expresses our heartfelt thanks to his many caregivers with special gratitude to Khine, Blanca and Orayne.

Services will be held at Mount Sinai, Hollywood Hills on Tuesday, September 30th at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowere, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

He has left this earth and is embraced by the universe.

Published in Los Angeles Times from Sep. 27 to Sep. 28, 2014

Annette Sylvia Stone Hughes, BHS 1938

Annette Sylvia Stone Hughes, BHS 1938

What a wonderful life!

Annette S. Hughes was born on Dec. 16, 1920. Sadly the family waved goodbye on Jan. 26, 2012.

Born in Burbank, CA to Nellie L. Phillips Stone and George N. Stone. She married her Burbank High School sweet heart, Harold R. Hughes on January 11, 1939. They had two sons, Gary J. Hughes and Robert L. Hughes (Bob). The family enjoyed camping and fishing. In 1953 the family moved to Santa Barbara to begin the family business with Harold's brother Leland and wife Doris Hughes. Together they started Hughes Bros. Pontiac on Chapala St.

Annette & Harold became involved in the Santa Barbara Yacht Club with their sons and began boating and water skiing. Sadly, and very suddenly, the love of her life passed away in Oct. 1964. Annette began her new life. She attended SB City College and had a short career as a secretary for Valley View Realty. Annette also kept up with her membership in P.E.O. Chapter AC. She had been a member since March 11, 1940. Soon, work began to interfere with her social life as she found new passions for tennis, golf, bridge, Ping-Pong, and dancing. She enjoyed water skiing into her 70's.

A dear friend of the family and intrepid yachtsman in his own right, Clark Smith (d. 2011), in time became her long-term companion for 28 years. Together they enjoyed several cruises and travels. Meanwhile enjoying a long running game of dominoes. Annette also discovered the joys of becoming a grandmother, especially enjoying family gatherings with Barbecued Ribs.

The first 86 years of her life were very healthy. The last five were difficult ones with declining health. She had lived at Vista Del Monte for 6 years. In Sept. of 2011, the family moved her to a new home, Abundant Care, Santa Barbara, CA. The family wishes to thank Timothy Pryko and his family along with his loving staff members Lidia, Alex & Lana for the loving care they provided for Annette to the very end. There could not have been a better place for her to live and pass. Just hours before her passing, Fredrik Rosvall, her favorite piano player played at Annette's bedside her favorite song "Blowing in the Wind."

Her smile and generosity will be remembered and missed.

Annette is survived by her sister Jo Forth of Los Osos, CA her son Gary J. Hughes & wife Tammy Hughes along with their 3 sons, Shawn, Kevin and Randy Hughes of Goleta, CA & son Robert L. (Bob) Hughes and wife Karin, & his son Bret Hughes, of Santa Barbara. She was predeceased by her grandson, Bob's son, Jon R. Hughes.

Private family services will be held with interment next to her husband and grandson at Santa Barbara Cemetery.

Donations may be sent to P.E.O. 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 OR the Alzheimer's Association.

The Answer my Friend is blowing in the Wind

Clara Marie Reid Shutz, BHS 1938

Clara Marie Shutz, 96, born on February 4, 1921 in Nogales, Arizona passed away November 30, 2017, with her family by her side. 

She worked for the Burbank PSD in 1945. She was an accomplished educator and community supporter. 

Clara is survived by; one daughter and son-in-law Susanna and Robert Robar, one son-in-law Larry Aguil; five grandchildren, Rene Robar and Tony Bancroft, Ryan and Maria Robar, Julie and Andy Alvarez, Marita Aguilar; and six great-grandchildren. Clara is pre-deceased by her husband Alexander Shutz, one son Raymond Shutz, one grandson Jason Alexander Robar, one daughter Katherine Aguilar.

She resided in Burbank, California at the time of her passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.

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.
----------------------------------------------------------
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.

Olive Frances Bullington Stevens, BHS 1938

Olive Frances Bullington Stevens

Burbank Leader, February 2007

Long time Burbank resident Olive Frances Stevens passed away Monday, February 12, 2007 after a brief illness. She was 87 years old.

Born in 1919 in Daly City, California, Olive Bullington moved to Southern California as a young child. The family settled in Burbank and she graduated from Burbank High School in 1938. She married Gerald Stevens in 1941.

While her husband served in the Army in the Pacific during World War II, Olive held down the home front, taking care of their baby daughter. When Gerald returned from the war , he worked as an engineer for Lockheed Aircraft. Olive continued to take care of the home, raising three children. They were married for forty-eight years until his death in 1989.

Her interests included, sewing, card playing and square dancing. An avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan, she continued to attend games through the 2006 season.

Mrs. Stevens is survived by her three children, Janice Ardrey of Sacramento, Ca, Susan Fischer of Burbank and William Stevens of Burbank. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great - grandchildren. A Celebration of her life will be held in her home, Saturday, February 17 at 11 a.m.. Friends are welcome to drop in.

David Stephen Craig, BHS 1938

David Stephen Craig, BHS 1938

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, August 16, 1989

David Stephen Craig, 69, former resident died August 8, 1989 in Eureka, California. He was born in Los Angeles, California. Craig was a graduate of Burbank High School and the University of Southern California. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America.  

Mr. Craig is survived by his niece, Erin Craig of Imperial; cousins, Tom Fien of North Hollywood and Winfred Spohr of Burbank. Inurnment was at Grand View Memorial Park, Glendale, California.

Helen A. Hendry Westhead - Martin, BHS 1938

Helen A. Hendry Westhead - Martin
November 15, 1920 - July 20, 2014

Born in Toronto, Ohio a resident Burbank, California since 1934, she passed away July 20, 2014 in her sleep with daughter and son-in-law by her side in Henderson, Nevada.

Helen attended John Muir Jr. High School and Burbank High School (‘38), Glendale College and Los Angeles Valley College. In her working career she was a court clerk to Judge Reid, purchasing agent, escrow officer and Lockheed security administrator.

Helen was Worthy Matron Magnolia Park Eastern Star in 1978. She was a member of and served as deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Burbank. Parties with family and friends gave her great joy.

She is predeceased by her brother John Hendry, sister Agnes Morrison, son Tom Tyle and husband Mike Martin. Survived by her daughter Barbara (Fred) Young, grandson Tom Tyle and many cousins, nieces and nephews who all adored her ever cheerful, smiling personality.

A memorial service will be at First Presbyterian Church of Burbank Saturday August 2, 2014 at 10:00am. Contributions may be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice 4141 Swenson St., Las Vegas, NV 89119  ( www.nah.org ) in memory of Helen Martin.
 Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2014.

Catherine Hunter Nicholls, BHS 1938

Catherine Nicholls 1920-2015 and John Nicholls 1915-2007
"Together Again"

Catherine "Katie" Nicholls (95) passed away peacefully in Burbank on December 15, 2015, surrounded by her family. Catherine was an active member of the Burbank Community where she lived for over 83 years.

Catherine was born in Glasgow, Scotland in January 1920 to George and Jeannie Hunter. Her family emigrated, through Ellis Island, to Schenectady, New York when she was just 3 years old. When she was 7, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan and then on to Burbank, California when she was 12 years old. Catherine graduated from Burbank High School in the Winter class of 1938. She always loved to dance and spent many summers dancing away with the many popular Big Bands of Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman, at the Avalon Casino on Catalina Island.

She met the love of her life, John "Johnny" Nicholls, when her parents were running a Boarding House. Johnny was born in Mineral, Washington, December 1915, and had come down from Malone, Washington to attend Aeronautical School, which, during World War II, offered him a position at Lockheed Aircraft supervising the production of the P38 Lightning Aircraft. John and Catherine were married on June 26, 1942. Together, while owning and operating a Motel and Upholstery Shop, they raised five children. They joined the First Lutheran Church and enjoyed being in a Square Dancing Club while the children attended the Church and School.
 
In 1961, they moved into one of the First Electric Medallion Houses in Burbank. Johnny had taken the entire summer off to build the home on a lot that Catherine found, with only a pool on the property. They lived there 13 years while John worked many years for Axvall Instruments, as a Tool and Die Maker and Catherine worked for the Burbank Central Library, as a Library Clerk. John became a 32nd Degree Mason and together they worked as Realtor's and became members of the Burbank Historical Society. Catherine also volunteered with the State Elections for over a decade. After their five children were raised and married, they enjoyed boating in their 35 foot Chris Craft and then traveling and camping in their 30 foot motor home. They spent many summers visiting John's family in Washington; along with many trips with the Burbank Elks Lodge's Roving Antlers; as well as, many boating trips to Catalina with Catherine's cousins: Jean Sparks & Rena Stumbo Ryde.

Above all, family was one of the most important part of Catherine and Johnny's life. They attended, as well as hosted, many family gatherings where John always told his family how proud he was of each and every one of them. The most famous was the Nicholls Family Christmas party held annually. After Johnny's death on February 9, 2007, Catherine continued on with the tradition of hosting the Annual Family Christmas party each year. She also hosted St. Patrick's Day parties and Thanksgiving Dinner each year.

Catherine will always be remembered for her ageless beauty and boundless energy. She was always ready to go at a moment's notice. She continued dancing away for many years, (well into her early 90's), at the Joslyn Senior Center in Burbank.
After singing and gently swaying to her Grandson Steve Dempsey's piano playing, she suffered a massive stroke. She is now dancing her heart out in Heaven, with her beloved, Johnny.

Catherine leaves behind five children: Joan (Don) Dempsey; Richard Nicholls; George (Christie) Nicholls; Carol (Wayne) Lebrecht; and Cathy (John) Coyle; 17 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great, grandchild.

Catherine was laid to rest on December 22, 2015, after a beautiful Service at the Old North Church in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills. A Scottish mist loomed as a backdrop while a lone bagpiper's song filled the air as she was placed in her final resting place, next to her beloved husband.

Myrtle Tolman Widdison, BHS 1938

Feb. 13, 1920 ~ Dec. 14, 2012 Myrtle Tolman Widdison died December 14, 2012 in American Fork, Utah. Born Feb. 13, 1920 to Howard Milton and Jessie Sessions Ashdown Tolman. She married David Widdison June 17, 1944 in the St. George LDS Temple and they shared 51 wonderful years together. David died Sept. 2, 1995 in North Hollywood, CA.

Myrtle was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was one of the first Golden Gleaners when the Church institiuted that program for young women. She served a mission to the North Central States Mission and enjoyed serving in the church all her life. She served in the Young Women and Relief Society organizations and as an ordinance worker in the Los Angles and Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temples.

She is survived by two daughters and a son: Shirley (Paul) Adolphson, Janice (Jay) White, Gary (Cindy) Widdison, 20 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, a brother Wilford Tolman. She was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers.

Funeral services will be Thursday 12/20/12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pacific Drive 2nd Ward 507 West 700 North American Fork, Utah. Friends may call Wednesday 12/19/12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary 49 East 100 No. Am.Fork and 9:45 to 10: 45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Vahalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood CA. Online memories and condolences may be shared at andersonmortuary.com. Published in Deseret News on Dec. 18, 2012

Charles Lamont Rough, Sr., BHS 1938

Charles Rough, Sr., BHS 1938

Charles Lamont Rough, Sr., 92, of Paradise, California, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2012. Charles, who was the surviving sibling of six brothers and a sister, was born in Long Beach, California, on January 23, 1920, to Robert and Hazel Rough.

Raised in Burbank, California, he graduated from Burbank High School in 1938, and attended Santa Barbara College for two years where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree. He married Eddys Lee Beasley, his high school sweetheart, also from Burbank, in Montecito, California, in 1942.

While his wife worked at Walt Disney Studios, he worked for his father's custom wood & cabinetry shop, and then as the war began took over as a production supervisor for several companies producing training planes for the Army Air Force.

Drafted into the army, in 1944, he served in the infantry in the Diamond Division of General Patton's 3rd Army, in Europe, where he led a mortar squad. He saw considerable action fighting in three battle campaigns, including the horrific Battle of the Bulge, and earned a Purple Heart. His cartoon drawings that he did of the exploits and experiences of GI's during the war are at the Eisenhower Museum and the US Army Museum. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Returning home from the war he became a custom home designer and builder with two of his brothers. Later he went into the California aerospace industry where he became a highly valued and completely self-taught mechanical and production systems engineer. During his career, he worked in the aerospace and marine systems divisions of various corporations in Southern California and out-of-state.

A few of the major projects that he played a key role in was the first Viking landing on Mars, the Athena test program for multi-warheads, launched from Green River, Utah to White Sands, New Mexico, the development and building of Riverine Patrol boats used in the Vietnam War, and the Septar Program, a 55 ft target torpedo boat for all US Naval fleets.

An inveterate inventor, one of his inventions led to his starting Pak-Craft Corporation, a recreational boat design and manufacturing company based in Pasadena, California, during the early sixties. With this company, he was granted various patents, both US and foreign.

He was a uniquely gifted and courageous man with a sharp intellect, wry wit and sense of humor, who was imbued with considerable God-given talent, and who lived life to its fullest.

In other words, he was a man for all seasons, who during his lifetime was a pilot, builder, inventor, designer, engineer, business entrepreneur, artist, painter, writer, author, avid reader, wine lover, fearless cook, and hopeless romantic, but most importantly, he was a deeply spiritual man with a kind, loving, gentle, and wise soul.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he has left his family with a wonderful legacy and example of how to live and die with dignity, courage and grace.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Eddys Lee Rough; his two sons, Charles Jr. and Richard; daughter-in-Law, Patty Rough; his six grandsons, James, Jon, Sean, Chris, Charles III, and Alex; step-granddaughter, Kameron Davis, granddaughter-in-laws, Kendall, Ginger and Kaitlin and five great grandchildren (with one more on the way) Lucia, Ainsley, Scott, Elsa, and step-great grandson, Brayden.

His celebratory memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11:00 am at Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home.

The family is requesting that donations be made in Charles Rough, Sr.'s memory to the Paradise Hospice, in care of Newton Bracewell Funeral Homes, 680 Camellia Way, Chico, CA 95926.

July 11, 2012

Mary Lee Lynch Hand, BHS 1938

Mary Lee Lynch Hand, BHS 1938

Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) - Wednesday, February 8, 2012

October 15, 1920 - January 31, 2012

Mary Lee was a loving, caring, and encouraging mother, friend and neighbor. She impacted and lifted up others through her hospitality and giving. She gave her children and grandchildren unconditional love and encouraged them to pursue their passions. Mary Lee and Ralph traveled the world together. Mary Lee was a unique lady of strength, beauty, and class that will be greatly missed by all.

She was born in Banning, graduated from Burbank High School , and Santa Barbara State College, credentialed to teach Home Economics- Secondary by the California State Board of Education. Throughout her life she was active in: Ebell Jr.; P.T.A Board member and room mother; Camp Fire Girl Leader; taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school; coordinated weddings; Delta Zeta alumna; Pan-Hellenic Representative; Assistance League of Long Beach life member; P.E.O. - Chapter DU - President; Rotary Anns - President; worked at Stretch & Sew; loved to travel, sew and garden; was a gourmet cook.

She was predeceased by beloved husband, Ralph G. Hand; sons, Bradley (Mary) Hand; Robert (Lizbeth) Hand; daughters, Constance (William Filbey) Hand; Christine (Gordon) Engh; grandchildren, Jason (Bridget Sisemore) Engh, Cameron (Nichole) Hand, Carolyn (Mark) Hand, Daniel (Kathryn) Hand, Dylan Hand, Nathan Hand, Rachel (Jennings) McClarty. Memorial Services: Saturday, February 11, 11:00 AM, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 5633 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach. Contributions may be made in Mary Lee's name to the Assistance League of Long Beach, 6220 E. Spring St., Long Beach CA 90815. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits.

Dorothy "Doris" Payne Firth, BHS 1938

Dorothy "Doris" Payne Firth, BHS 1938
AUG. 10, 1920 - MAR. 13, 2011
Born and raised in Los Angeles to Frank C. Payne and Stella G. Payne, Doris was the youngest of four children, all of whom have predeceased her. In addition to surviving the depression, her mother died when she was a young girl. Later, as a teenager, she became a ward of the court, and then an emancipated minor and worked to support herself while attending Burbank High School , from which she graduated.
She subsequently married James B. Firth at age 20. They resided in the San Fernando Valley area for their entire married life, where Doris remained following her husband's death in 1994.
As a supporting member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Fernando, Doris sang in the choir and served at different times as Elder and Deacon. Following the Church's disbanding, she joined the congregation at the San Fernando Methodist Church, where she also sang in the choir for a time.
Doris worked in the electronics industry from 1956 to 1969. She re-entered the job market in 1972 and worked various clerical jobs around the Valley until 1984, when she finally retired. Doris is survived by her two daughters, Lynn F. Jarvis and Aprille J. Johnson; as well as four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Doris was well-loved and will be sorely missed by her many friends, neighbors and family members. No service is planned at this time.

Gail Memmott Freshwater, BHS 1938

Gail Memmott Freshwater, BHS 1938
Gail Memmott Freshwater, born February 1, 1920, passed away December 30, 2009 in Huntington Beach, California, due to kidney failure.
Born in Lexington, Nebraska, graduated from Burbank High School in 1938, marched in the Rose Parade as a majorette. Served as queen of the Job's Daughters. Attended Occidental College where she was president of women students and "Tiger Princess", graduating in 1942.
Had a 24-year teaching career. Enjoyed traveling, boating, living in Huntington Harbor, water exercise, playing the piano, and volunteer work. Remembered for making her own Christmas cards for the last 45 years.
Preceded in death by son, Rob Chapin (1996) and husband, Charlie Freshwater (2004). Leaves daughter, Chris and husband Jerry Paden; grandchildren, Marisa Cole and George King; brother, Don Memmott; several cousins and cherished friends. She was dearly loved, will be greatly missed and her memory will live on in our hearts.

The family suggests donations in Gail's name to Kidney Foundation of California or Kidney TRUST.

Published in Orange County Register on January 14, 2010

Louis Schirm III, BHS 1938

Louis Schirm III, BHS 1938

Louis Schirm III was born March 30, 1920, in San Diego, to Louis Schirm Jr. and Harriet Virginia (Hartz) Blake Schirm. He grew up in southern California, where he graduated from Burbank High School and attended Notre Dame University for two years before joining the Army to serve as an officer in Europe during WWII.

Lou was a captain in the 17th Port, in charge of transportation in Ghent, Belgium where he met the love of his life and wife of over 50 years, Henriette (”Yette”) Scribe. His duties included teaching young men how to drive all kinds of machinery, servicing the motors and loading the boats, with all the supplies for the jeeps, tanks, etc. He was stationed in England, then Antwerp and later in January of 1945 in Ghent, Belgium.

After the war, Louis and Yette settled in Burbank, and Louis completed his college education at Woodbury College in Los Angeles. Lou worked at Lockheed in Burbank, Magnasync, and later Avnet in Culver City, in the mechanical engineering fields. He finished his career working for his son Louie IV at a high tech electronics company.

He and wife Yette raised five children first in Burbank and later Torrance. Louis was an active Boy Scout assistant scoutmaster, then later an active Sea Scout master when his daughters were in high school. Lou was recognized for 25 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. Lou was an Eagle Scout himself. Lou also volunteered for many positions at the King Harbor Yacht Club, at his home parrish, and for several nonprofit organizations over the years — usually related to computers or helping to provide computers to schools and families who needed the new technology.

In 1993, Lou and Yette moved to Napa to live close to daughter, Nicky and her husband, Tom, and Lou continued his tradition of volunteer service and community involvement along with Yette, which included: Napa Valley PC users group, Choix De Vie (later called Rainbow House), Cybermill Clubhouse, Riverpark Homeowners Association, Napa Valley Yacht Club, Native Sons and several local veterans groups and associations. He also volunteered at Mt. George Grade School on occasion in the early 1990s.

Lou is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Kathy Schirm; brother-in-law and his wife, Rene and Phillis Scribe; son, Louis Schirm IV; daughter, Nicky (Schirm) Suard; daughter, Lorette (Schirm) Harnsberger; grandchildren, Phillip Hansberger, Rachael (Harnsberger) van Gorp, Ryan Harnsberger, Kelli Schirm, Lisa (Schirm) Aulick, Bonnie (Brierley) Hanson, Sean Brierley, Kyle Brierley, Brigitte Brierley, Tyler Suard, Cory Suard, Carrie (Caldwell) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Emily Johnson, Tucker Johnson and “pending” Hanson; and cousins, in-laws or other family members, Linda, Fritz, Tom, Casey, Johan, Tina, Ricky, Bobby, Evan, all the Santa Barbara Bohnette, Wehe and King clans and many others! Lou’s wife, Yette and daughters, Jill Brierley and Micheline Caldwell predeceased Lou.

Memorial services will be held Monday, March 21, 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Acquinas Catholic Church in Napa, with interment immediately thereafter at Tulocay. There will also be a Celebration of Life luncheon afterwards at the Napa Valley Yacht Club. There will also be a Rosary on Sunday March 20, 2011, at 7 p.m. at Tulocay with visitation starting at 5 p.m.

Allan Howeth Carlson, BHS 1938

Allan Howeth Carlson, BHS 1938

Mr. Carlson was born in Burbank. He graduated from Burbank High School, Burbank, California in 1938. He passed away December 11, 2003 in Lone Pine, Inyo County, California.

He joined the Navy and served from 1944 to 1946. He was an avid car racer and with others worked to establish the San Fernando Drag Strip in the 1950s. He was a member of Southern California Timing Association and the Sidewinders Club. He was also a member of the Power Squadron. Upon his retirement from Modern Motors, he and his wife moved to Minden, NV. They returned to Ridgecrest in 2000.

His wife Bettylee Carlson, son Brian, daughter Denise Kight and daughter Diane Napolitano as well as daughter-in-law Jody survive him. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive. Holland & Lyons Mortuary, Ridgecrest, CA