Charline Ruth Johnson Long, BHS 1946

Charline Ruth Johnson Long, BHS 1946

Charline Ruth Long of Monroe, Georgia passed away on October 19th, 2013 at the age of 84.

She was born November 10, 1928 in Creston, Iowa to Mr. & Mrs Joseph C. Johnson. The family moved to California in 1938, eventually settling in Burbank. Mrs Long had two siblings that had predeceased her. Josephine Addison and Gale Johnson. Both passed in 1940.

Charline became very active in YWCA and became a member of the First Christian Church of Burbank, where she would later proudly become an Elder Emeritus. For many years she enjoyed singing in the choir as well.

She graduated from Burbank High School in 1946. After taking some college courses she began working for Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank.

She met her husband Jack Long on a blind date in early 1957 and on August 23, 1957 they were married. Mr. Long passed away in 1997.

The couple had two children. Jack Jr of Social Circle, Georgia and Sandra Jean Long of Burbank, California. They also had one Grandchild, TJ Long of Social Circle, Georgia.

For over 15 years she worked at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia, California. She enjoyed church activities and family gatherings as well as camping with friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 30, 2013 @ 1:30 pm at First Christian Church of Burbank, 221 South Sixth Street, Burbank, California.

She will be interred at Grandview Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Mrs. Long's wishes were that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her name to the First Christian Church of Burbank.

A memorial video is available on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ap_8WfaMUE

Ralph Easton Cutler, BHS 1946

Ralph Easton Cutler, BHS 1946

Redlands Daily Facts, Redlands, California, Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Ralph Easton Cutler, a 26-year resident of Redlands, died of heart failure July 5, 2007 at his home in Redlands. He was 79. He was born March 15, 1928, in Lovell, Wyoming, to Mary Easton and Guy V. Cutler. In 1940 he moved with his family to Burbank, where he attended John Muir and Burbank high schools. He graduated cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1952, and earned his medical degree from UCLA in 1958. Before finishing his education, he served a two-year mission in Ontario, Canada, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1948 to 1950.

He married Carol Barlow Clinger on September 5, 1952, and they lived in Glendale, Culver City and San Leandro. While he was attending medical school at UCLA, he and his wife had three sons and later a daughter. He spent two years in the United States Navy as lieutenant commander in medical services in Oakland.

In 1963, he moved his family to Seattle, where they later had their fifth child, a daughter. He took a job as chief of nephrology at Harborview Medical Center and a teaching position at the University of Washington. In 1961, he accepted a job offer as the chief of nephrology at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Hospital and a teaching position at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He retired in 1997, but continued teaching and writing for medical journals until March 2007.

According to his family, Cutler was a respected physician and pharmacologist, loving husband, affectionate father and tender grandfather. He was a religious man with a brilliant mind and a wonderful sense of humor, they said.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Cutler of Redlands; his children, Drew Cutler of Redlands, Curtis Cutler of Highland, Utah, Carin Ferris of Tucson, Arizona, and Allison Haight of Redlands; his sister, Gae Weaver of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 640 S. Center St. Redlands, with visitation at 9 a.m. Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel in Redlands is handling arrangements.

Billie Faye Davis Hyatt, BHS 1946

Billie Faye Davis Hyatt, BHS 1946

Tulare Advance-Register, Tulare, California, Monday, May 22, 2017

Billie Faye Hyatt, June 27, 1928 – May 13, 2017, Visalia

Billie Faye Hyatt was born in Paris, Arkansas on June 27, 1928 to Guy Clarence and Audie Leona Davis. She was one of 9 children. Billie and her family moved from Paris, Arkansas to Perris, California in 1930 and then moved to Glendale, California in 1932 where she attended elementary school. She moved to Corcoran to live with her grandparents in 1941 during WWII and attended John Muir Junior High School. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1946. She married Melvin Goetzinger in October of 1946 in Glendale, California. She had three children, Sherian Lynn Goetzinger, Ricky Allen Goetzinger and Debra Sue Goetzinger. She married Kenneth Ray Hyatt in 1965 in Las Vegas, they were married 45 years. Ken passed away in 2011. Billie Faye Hyatt, 88, died on May 13, 2017 with her family by her side at Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia, California.

Billie was preceded in death by twin sisters Maxine and Florence Davis in 1927. A brother Robert Ray Davis in 1932. Twin sisters Norma Loletta and Margaret Lavetta in 1932. Her mother Audie Leona Davis in 1934 and an infant brother in 1934. Brother Harold Clarence Davis in WWII in 1943. Brother Carold Edmund Davis in 1977. Her father Guy Clarence Davis in 1989. She is survived by 3 children, Sherian Lynn Andrade of Tulare, Ricky Allen Goetzinger of Visalia, and Debra Sue Robertson and husband Marty of Tulare, nephew Michael Davis and wife Lori of Visalia, 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, 1 grandniece and 1 grandnephew, 5 great-grand nieces and 1 great-grandnephew.

Her main interests were her family and all the grandkids. She loved dancing and traveling with her husband all over the United States.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2017 at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern Ave. in Tulare. A special celebration of life will follow at the First Baptist Church, 469 N. Cherry St. in Tulare. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the First Baptist Church in Tulare.

A special thank you to the staff of Linwood Meadows Care Center for all the love and care they provided for the last two years. Also a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Kaweah Delta Hospital for all their care in the last days of her life. A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Evans. Deepest appreciation to Dr. Vinod Gupta for going above and beyond in your care of my mother and father. Funeral Arrangements by Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service.

Joy Raydene Fall Manley, BHS 1946

Joy Raydene Fall Manley, BHS 1946  

Coeur d’ Alene Press, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Saturday, November 10, 1990

Joy R. Manley, 62, Post Falls, died Friday, November 9, 1990, at her home. Born May 18, 1928 in Glendale, California, to Howard and Gladys (Graham) Fall, she graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. In 1967, she moved to Coeur d’ Alene from Ontario, California, then later moved to Post Falls. She worked at Gridley’s Real Estate, Modern Drug and Montgomery Wards. She then worked at East Greenacres Irrigation District in Post Falls, then at Consolidated Irrigation District in Spokane Valley.

She was a member of Community Presbyterian Church, Post Falls. She was a member Soroptimist Club, Credit Women’s Association, Women Accountants, Historical Society and Genealogy Society. She was past guardian of Jobs Daughters Bethel 7, Coeur d’ Alene, and was accountant for Adoptions in Idaho.

Survivors include daughters Sharon Fultz and Susan Smith of Post Falls and Judy Linville of Coeur d’ Alene; brothers, Arthur Fall of Coeur d’ Alene and Wally Fall of Reseda, California; 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 3 p.m. today at Forest Cemetery, Riverview Section; with the Rev. Patrick Mecham officiating. English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho, 2003 Lincoln Way, Coeur d’ Alene or North Idaho Cancer Center, 700 Ironwood, Coeur d’ Alene, or Community Presbyterian Church building fund, Post Falls.

Donnis Marie Hulbert Plott, BHS 1946

Donnis Marie Hulbert Plott, BHS 1946

Donnis Marie Plott, 96, of Orland, CA, passed away very peacefully in Chico, CA, on February 18, 2025, with her children beside her.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, August 5, 1928, to Francis M. and Faye Hulbert, the family moved to Kansas. After her sister, Dorothy, was born, the family returned to Burbank, CA, in 1937.

Upon graduating from Burbank High School, Donnis began her career in banking as Secretary to the Bank Manager of Security First National.

On a trip to Northern California to visit friends in 1949, Donnis attended a dance at the Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall. There she met the love of her life, Kent Plott, a dairyman from Vina, CA.

They married November 12, 1950. Inducted into the Army January 1, 1951, Kent was stationed in Oahu, HI, and Donnis was fortunate to move with him and work there. Upon discharge from the Army, they returned to Vina, CA, where they started their family.

They had Karen in 1953, Janet in 1954, and Eric in 1963. Operating a dairy was a full time job for all. Yes, Donnis learned to milk cows!

In 1970, the family moved to Orland, CA, and continued in the dairy business. Donnis returned to work for Bank of America in Corning, CA, and later in Chico, CA. Serving 30 years earned her the distinction and honor of "Founders Club", which was celebrated in San Francisco.

Donnis was extremely proud of the service she provided and the relationships she built with her clients, co-workers and community. Donnis retired in 2000.

Donnis joined the Corning Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in 1979, and valued those longtime friendships. As a member of the Orland Federated Church, Donnis was active in the Morningstar Circle. Donnis and Kent enjoyed time spent with their family and friends, and traveling in their RV.

Donnis is survived by her children, Karen (Dwayne) Landrum, Chico, CA, Janet "JP" (Roger) Clark, AZ, and Eric (Polly) Plott, Dayton, OH; four grandchildren, Keith, Katie, Tyler, and Brad; sister, Dorothy Vadney; sister-in-law, Sharon Williams; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Donnis was preceded in death by her husband, Kent, in 2020. Donnis has been laid to rest next to Kent, at the Vina Cemetery.

A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Donnis' life on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2 PM, Orland Federated Church. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Orland Federated Church or your favorite charity. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Corning Observer on Mar. 13, 2025.

Barbara Maria Funkhouser Ireland, BHS 1946

Barbara Maria Funkhouser Ireland, BHS 1946

Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sunday, May 30, 2021

Barbara Maria (Funkhouser) Ireland of Albuquerque, NM passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on April 27, 2021. She was born to parents Clarence Funkhouser and Bess Schick Funkhouser on September 24, 1928 in Hagatna, Guam (formerly Agana).

Barbara, also known as “Granny B”, is survived by her brother, Paul Funkhouser and his children; Barbara’s three children, Cyndee O’Hara, Wendy Maxwell, and Todd Ireland and his wife Karen Ireland; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Arthur T. Ireland (Art); and her sons-in-law, Lee Maxwell and William O’Hara.

Barbara met Art in 1943 in Long Beach, CA when she was 14. He was older, in the Navy and was smitten. She graduated from Burbank High School in 1946, they were married in 1947 and raised their three children together. They were married for 61 wonderful years.

Barbara dedicated her life to her family as a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed Tai Chi, sewing, gardening, reading, and garden clubs. She was a volunteer for the Scouts, many hospitals, blood banks and taught others how to read. Barbara will always be remembered for her beauty, grace and strength.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place during a private family ceremony in August. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 

Burton Long, BHS 1946

Burton Long, BHS 1946

Telephone Company Employee

Petaluma Argus-Courier, Petaluma, California, Friday, March 13, 1998

Burton Long, a three-year resident of Petaluma, died March 6, 1998 in Petaluma. He was 69.

Mr. Long was born August 26, 1928 in Casper, Wyoming. He graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California, then joined the United States Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Henderson as a member of Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s South Pole expedition, which was known as “Operation High Jump.”

Mr. Long retired from Pacific Bell in Chico in 1983 after 28 years of service. He lived in northern California for many years, mostly in the Paradise, Chico, Corning and Los Molinos areas. 

He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. He was a resident of Petaluma for the past three years.

Bettymae Irene Gascoigne Martin, BHS 1946

Bettymae Irene Gascoigne Martin, BHS 1946

Published in the Times Standard, Eureka, California

Her five children and daughter-in-law surrounded Betty when she passed in Henderson, Nevada, on November 3, 2006. She was born to Albert James and Elizabeth Gascoigne in Burbank, California, on October 9, 1928.

Betty joined the workforce at the age of nine, working in a canning factory. She graduated from Burbank High School with straight A’s at the age of 16. At age of 19, she competed in the Miss Burbank Pageant, coming in second only to the infamous Debbie Reynolds. Betty, also known as Renie, was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West for the past 43 years, with Oneonta Parlor #71 of Ferndale.

Betty was preceded in death by her father and mother, and her husband, Lloyd “Nip” Martin. She is survived by her brother, Jim Gascoigne, Burbank, CA; SON, Michael Martin, Salmon Creek, CA; daughters, Karen Dillon. Smith River, CA, Jeanne Sousa, Fortuna, CA, Kathi Meskill, Carlotta, CA, and Donna Hillman, Henderson, NV; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Mom brought us together one more time to hear the laughter of our voices. Thanks mom.

Alice Nelson Allen, BHS 1946

Alice Nelson Allen, BHS 1946 

July 2, 1928 – October 22, 2018

Alice Allen, a Burbank resident for most of her 90 years, passed away peacefully on October 22, after a life dedicated to family, friends and the pursuit of adventure, knowledge and laughter. 

She leaves two children, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and an immeasurable amount of kindness and generosity that touched all who were fortunate to know her. She married Ira “Bill” Allen in 1954. Alice worked in the office at Luther Burbank Junior High, gave her time and talents to the Autry Museum as a docent, and served Burbank Presbyterian Church as an elder and a member of many committees. That was in addition to volunteering in the office at the Burbank Police Department, Camp Fire Girls and for National Alliance on Mental Illness with training to help at NAMI meetings. 

She started competing in 5k races at age 84 and was active into her 90s. She moved from Burbank to Auburn, California, to share life with her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the Sacramento area before pancreatic cancer quickly spread. 

Alice is survived by her daughter Kim (Greg) Thompson, son John Allen, grandchildren, James (Kelly) Thompson, Elizabeth (Dan) Russell, and great – grandchildren, Mason and Cooper Russell, and Margaret Joy Luck-Thompson, Ira Allen, a Burbank police officer for 32 years as a patrolman and detective, died in 2003.

Senior Bulldogs

 

Maurice Milton Wiley, Jr., BHS 1946

Maurice Milton Wiley, Jr., BHS 1946

Mike Wiley was born September 30, 1928, to Maurice "Maury" Sr. and Pauline Kubias Wiley in Redlands, California. He grew up with younger brother, Jerry, in Burbank, California. The Wiley family was athletic and Mike was especially proud of Maury, who was a four-sport letterman and inductee into the University of Redlands Athletic Hall of Fame. As a high school student, Mike played football for his dad while he was head coach at Burbank High School. After high school, Mike started his college education at the University of Redlands and then transferred to Glendale College.

In September 1950, Mike was called to active duty in the U.S. Army Reserves and served as an Operations Chief in the 625 Field Artillery Battalion, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. His unit served in Japan and Korea from 1950 to 1952. After an honorable discharge from the Army in May 1952, Mike met and married his wife, Jean Angela Valentino, on November 14, 1953. He completed his education at UCLA and earned both a BS (1954) and MS (1956) degree in Physical Education.

Soon after graduation, he began a 34-year career as a coach and health education teacher in the Los Angeles Community College system. Mike began by coaching football at LA Valley College but eventually settled into his primary coaching career in swimming and water polo for the next 18 years. In 1972, he transferred to East LA College to teach, coach and oversee their new, state-of-the-art swim stadium. In 2012, Mike was inducted into the Los Angeles Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame, where he was honored as "one of the legendary swim coaches in the history of the California Community Colleges." During his tenure, Mike trained over 100 All-American and two future Olympic swimmers. His teams won dozens of conference and regional championships and one CA State Championship in 1970. At his induction ceremony, a colleague noted that, "Mike Wiley achieved amazing greatness in coaching and it was all because of his relentless enthusiasm for coaching his swimmers."

Mike and Jean Wiley created their family by adopting three daughters, Angela Marie (1962), Valentina "Tina" Ann (1965) and Carla Maurine (1967). The family lived in South Pasadena, California from 1973 until 1986, where happy memories included summer vacations spent in Malibu and, later, at their mountain cabin in Lake Arrowhead. In his leisure time, Mike enjoyed golfing, military history, watching football and (later in life). A constant throughout his life was Mike's preference to adhere to "the routine," which faithfully started with going out to breakfast every morning. Over the years, he developed many cherished friendships with members of his breakfast groups. In 1988, Mike and Jean settled as empty nesters in beautiful Camarillo, California, where they lived until 2007 when they left their native California and moved to Washington. They first enjoyed Washingtonian life as residents of Jubilee-Lacey and then finally landed at Revel in late 2018.

Mike entered into eternal rest on January 15, 2022.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean Wiley; daughters, Angela Wiley and Valentina "Tina" Paz, both of California; daughter, Carla Rudd, and son-in-law, Dr. Jay Rudd of Olympia; grandchildren, Shana Paz, Nicolas Paz, Justin and Kimberly Rudd, Allyson Rudd, Lindsay Rudd; and great-grandson, Traidin Paz.

He will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind and loyal family man who loved to get a laugh. He lived life with great integrity and in accordance with his Catholic faith. In his final years, he loved to tell stories reminiscing about his life in California, his military experience and, most especially, what being "Coach" meant to him. Mike spent his final weeks in the comfort of his family's home, showered with love and prayer. His memory will be cherished as our beloved husband, father and grandfather.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart in Lacey, followed by burial with military funeral honors at Tahoma National Cemetery on January 31, 2022. The mass will be available online livestream at 10:30 a.m. via the Sacred Heart YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/SacredHeartLacey

FUNERAL HOME

Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Lacey

2830 Willamette Drive North East

Lacey, WA

Published by Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Lacey on Jan. 27, 2022.

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.

Phyllis Merle Swafford Vinson, BHS 1946

Phyllis Merle Swafford Vinson, BHS 1946

Published in the Los Angeles Times, October 28, 2004

Vinson, Phyllis Merle of Burbank, died Wednesday October 20, 2004. She was 77. Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1926, she moved to Burbank in 1944 and graduated from Burbank High School in 1946. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital as a nurse's aide for 24 years before retiring in 1990. 

She is survived by sons, Randy of Phoenix, Gary of Granada Hills, Thomas of Van Nuys, granddaughter, Victoria of Granada Hills and brother, James Swafford of Burbank. 

She was a caring woman and loving Mother and Grandmother who will be missed dearly. No services are planned.

Albert "Bob" Santoyo, BHS 1946

Albert ‘Bob’ Santoyo, BHS 1946

September 13, 1928-November 13, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Albert “Bob” Santoyo shares his passing on November 13,2020. Bob was born on Flower Street in Burbank on September 13, 1928, the 7th of 8 children. He was a “Burbank Bulldog” from Burbank High and, upon graduation in 1946, went to Boot Camp at Fort Ord and served in Korea at the tail end of the Korean War.

When he returned home, he worked with his brother Benny at Ford Agency in Burbank, painting cars. He liked to bowl and that’s where he met his wife, Margaret, whom he married in May, 1964, and became a Dad to her 4 children: Pam Grant and Bill Roberts, both of whom predeceased him in death,and Beth and Robin Roberts. Within a year, Bob and Margaret were blessed with the birth of a son, Ronald Paul Santoyo, in 1965.

Bob bought his home in Burbank in 1964 and lived there for the rest of his life. His wife Margaret passed in 1983 and he retired at the age of 70 from the L.A. Police Department, where he had continued to paint cars.

Bob’s life was full: He loved custom cars, working out daily in the local gym, and going to daily Mass at Holy Rosary Church, where he was on the Finance Committee and a part of the caregiving ministry. He was DODGER BLUE all the way, bringing his and the neighbors’ kids to the baseball games. He even had the distinction of going to the 1st SUPER BOWL!

Bob was very kind, silently generous, quietly spiritual and extremely loyal and devoted to his family and friends. He will be missed by all but particularly his son, Ronnie and wife Kim; stepchildren Beth and Robin; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his

brother Richard; and many cousins in Mexico to whom he was devoted all his life. Due to the COVID-19, services will be limited to family members only.

“No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Published November 20, 2020, Outlook Newspaper

Richard Bouton Keysor, BHS 1946

Former Santa Clarita Man Of The Year Richard Keysor Dies

Posted by: KHTS Santa Clarita News May 23, 2020

Richard “Dick” Keysor, a local business leader, philanthropist, and 1989 Santa Clarita Man of the Year, passed away peacefully at his Santa Clarita home at the age of 91 Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

Dick was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and was 16 when his family moved to Burbank, CA where his father, James “Bud” Keysor, started his own recording vinyl manufacturing business, later known as Keysor-Century Corporation.

Dick started working in the family business as a teenager and graduated from Burbank High School. Afterward, at age 19 he served for 2 years as a young church missionary in Hawaii and always had a soft spot for the people and culture of Polynesia. He attended college at UCLA and the University of Utah and received his B.S. in Business Management.

In 1954, he met the love of his life and married Arlene Meyer of Smithfield Utah, and shortly thereafter served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War at McChord Field in Tacoma, Washington where his first two children were born.

After being released from the Air Force in 1956, he returned to the San Fernando Valley. In 1957, he helped arrange the move of Keysor-Century Corporation from the San Fernando Valley to Saugus. Eight years later in 1965, Dick moved his family, now three girls and two boys, to the Santa Clarita Valley. He worked in various executive capacities such as President and CEO with Keysor-Century Corporation until it closed in 2002.

Endless community service and philanthropy were his proud contributions to Santa Clarita. He was a founding Member of the Board of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. He also served as Foundation Chairman of the hospital for 2 years, fund raising and initiating a program that financed and developed an adult day health care center at the hospital.

Dick also served as Area Chairman of the United Way Santa Clarita campaign, was Hart District Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, Board member of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, and served as a Trustee for 12 years on the Sulphur Springs School District board.

Always persevering and volunteering, Dick was a long-time member of the board of the SCV Boys & Girls Club where he served as President of the Board and in 1979 was Chairman of the Boys & Girls Club Auction, where he set fund-raising records.

Dick has been an owner and investor in many companies, including his children’s entrepreneurial ventures, and has served on many boards. He was a Founding Director of Valencia National Bank which was eventually acquired by Union Bank.

Dick and his wife Arlene were recipients of the Sulphur Springs School District PTA Founders’ Award. In 1987, he was nominated for the Southern California National “Philanthropist of the Year” award for having donated more than 25,000 hours of community service.

Always a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dick served as a Bishop twice. He continually served the Lord in many church capacities his entire life including Sunday School Teacher, Area Youth Leader, and High Councilman, and led many service projects. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in the church choir with Arlene as the organist. He had a natural gift for art and loved sports.

When his youngest daughter was on the track program at Canyon High School, Dick qualified himself in track technique and volunteered as an assistant track coach. He became a “father figure” to many of the students and encouraged them to achieve their goals, resulting in their setting some school records. Undaunted by age or health challenges, he even attended his family’s athletic, church and academic events until earlier this year.

Dick and Arlene just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on May 5, and are the parents of nine children, Stephen, Claudia, Kari, Jenny, David, Lisa, Colleen, Stacy and Christine. All of the children attended Sulphur Springs Elementary School, and

Canyon High School, and all are graduates of Brigham Young University. Dick and Arlene have 33 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. His parents James and Bernice Keysor (deceased), brothers Jim (deceased) and Robert have been residents of Santa Clarita Valley, and his sisters, Carolyn Hill and Kathy Kellar, still reside in SCV.

Dick was loved by his family, friends, church, and community and this compassionate man will be greatly missed. Private graveside services will be held at Eternal Valley Mortuary on May 30, 2020.

John Geoffrey Peters, BHS 1946

John Geoffrey Peters. BHS 1946
Viewing: October 4, 2019 (Friday) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at DeVol Funeral Home, Gaithersburg, MD
Service: October 5, 2019 (Saturday) at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD

JOHN GEOFFREY PETERS

Retired Foreign Service Officer

John Geoffrey Peters, 91, died peacefully on Monday September 30th, 2019 at his home in Montgomery Village, Maryland. He was born January 11th, 1928 in Highland Park, Michigan, the second and youngest child of the late Horace Walter Peters and Edna Louise Clabeaux. 

John graduated in 1946 from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. After high school graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1946 and completed basic training in Louisville, Kentucky. He was assigned to the 88th Infantry Division, Army of Occupation, Trieste, Italy, which provided security to Trieste under the auspices of the United Nations. In 1948 he met a young woman from Trieste, Anna Roncelli. They married on September 23rd, 1948 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Trieste and spent their honeymoon in Rome.

John was honorably discharged from the Army in February 1949 with the rank of corporal. He had been awarded the Word War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

John began his career with the U.S. State Department in 1955, starting as a message center clerk. He took the Foreign Service Exam, passed, and joined the Foreign Service in 1956. From 1956 to 1986, he served in diplomatic posts in West Germany (twice), Australia, Greece, Israel, Yugoslavia, as well as the State Department headquarters in Washington, DC. In addition to English, he learned to speak and write German, Serbo-Croatian, Greek and Italian.

John was a student at American University in Washington, DC and received a B.A. in Social Sciences in 1953, and an M.A. in International Relations in 1955. He studied Eastern European Studies at Indiana University from 1964 to 1965. In 1971 he received his Ph.D. in Area Studies from American University.

Anna accompanied him for all his diplomatic tours, while his son and daughter lived with them for much of the period during his assignments in Greece, Israel and West Germany, from 1968 to 1984. John arrived for diplomatic duty in Israel in September 1973, one month before the Yom Kippur War between Israel and Egypt. From October 6th to 26th, 1973, he and his family shared the danger of night air raids on Israeli civilians with the population of Tel Aviv. John retired from the Foreign Service in 1988 after 30 years of service.

From 1989 until 1993, John worked for the Montgomery County (Maryland) government, assessing the market value of homes in the county for tax purposes.

His major leisure interests were reading, the performing arts, Shakespearean drama and classical music.

Anna died in March 2019. In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Horace Andrew Peters. He is survived by his son Michael (Luisa) Peters of Falling Water, West Virginia; daughter Mary (Gerald) Shewan; three grandchildren, William, Elizabeth and James Shewan, all of Montgomery Village.

Friends are invited to call at the DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD on Friday Oct 4th, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A short burial service will be conducted at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Maryland at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday October 5th. Those wishing to attend the burial should meet the family at Gate of Heaven Cemetery near Section 11 on St. Michael's Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Association.

Earle Allen Pendarvis, BHS 1946

Earle Allen Pendarvis

Allen was born in Los Angeles, California and resided with his parents Earle Sr. and Francis in Burbank, California. In 1952 he married Marjorie Thompson, together having four children and one stepdaughter. Robert A. Pendarvis (deceased), Julie A Lindblom, Gary S. Pendarvis, Larry C. Pendarvis, and Sherry L. Thompson.

Allen was student body vice president and president during his high school years at Burbank High after which he attended Glendale College and the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He was the Master Counselor, Order of DeMolay, and a member of Burbank Masonic Lodge #406, Life Member, and Al Malaikah Shrine Temple n Los Angeles, Life Member.

After his college years he managed the Men’s and Boy’s departments for the J.C. Penny Co. and in 1953 Allen opened his own two clothing stores in Burbank, “Pendarvis Mens and Boys Wear”, and “Miss Pendarvis Womens and Girls Apparel”. In 1967 he joined the Broadway Department Stores (now Macy’s) as their toy buyer. Allen became an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance Company in 1983, having his own agency located in Glendale, California.

In 1974 he married Marlies Sjogren who brought into the family, Brian and Diane. He and Marlies moved to Lake Tahoe in 1993. Marlies opened her own business “Marlies Your Personal Chef” and Allen worked as a bus driver for Northstar Ski Resort for the next seven years, after which he drove the bus around the North Shore of Lake Tahoe for the County of Placer for the next six years. He retired in 2008.

Allen’s Memorial will be held at the First Baptist Church, 390 Fairway Dr. in Tahoe City on May 11 at 9:00AM.

Published in the Sierra Sun, Truckee, CA on May 8, 2019

Robert F. Slocum, BHS 1946?

Burbank Daily Review, Tuesday, August 17, 1948

Services Conducted For Robert Slocum

Funeral services for Robert F. Slocum, 20, 240 N. Lima Street, who died Friday, August 13, 1948 of bronchial pneumonia at the National Guard camp in San Luis Obispo, were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Steen's chapel in North Hollywood.

Young Slocum who was graduated from Burbank High School had served in the Merchant Marine a year. He was with the 40th Infantry of the California National Guard on maneuvers when he became ill.

Burial was in Valhalla Memorial Park with full military honors. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Slocum, one brother, Donald A.; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Slocum, all of North Hollywood. 

Robert Edward Gilbert, Sr., BHS 1946

Burbank Leader, Weekend, May 20-21, 2006

Robert Edward Gilbert, Sr.
June 12, 1928 - May 6, 2006

Robert "Bob" Gilbert was born in Glendale, California in 1928. He lived in Burbank for 24 years and in Glendale for nearly 55 years with his wife, Patricia.

Bob grew up in Burbank, attended Burbank schools including Muir Junior High School and graduated from Burbank High School. He also attended Glendale College and went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in Business.

Bob was an entrepreneur and the long-time owner and operator of Gilbert Cleaners in Burbank, a family business that had been started by his father. He retired from the dry cleaning business in 1986 to enjoy life with his wife and family.

Bob was an avid sports fan and was especially fond of USC Trojan football. He also enjoyed golf and loved to travel, Bob was well known and loved by many long-time customers and friends and remembered for being a generous man with an outstanding sense of humor,

Bob will be dearly missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia; his four children, Bart Gilbert, Robert Gilbert, Jr., Claudia DiMonte and Catherine Dennett; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life memorial is planned for June 10, 2006 in Glendale.

Donna Claire Sartain Strothers, BHS 1946

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Eugene ("Chet") Zuill, BHS 1946

POWAY -- Gene ("Chet") Zuill passed away at home September 25, 2013, from congestive heart failure.

He was born in 1928 in Burbank, CA. He graduated from Burbank High in 1946, and spent from 1946 to 1952 in the Navy, including the Reserves and the Korean War (as an electronics technician and deep-sea diver). Gene spent 35 years with Pacific Telephone, starting in 1948, including work in equipment maintenance, engineering, and real estate. He also worked independently in real estate from the late 1960's through the mid-2000's. October 31, 1948 was a very special day for Gene; he attended a church meeting during which he met his future wife Lydia, and during which he accepted Christ. Gene and Lydia married April 22, 1949, settling in the Los Angeles area, then moved to Poway in 1958.

He is survived by his wife Lydia; one sister; six children; and many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, other relatives, in-laws, and friends. Gene was known for his sense of duty and devotion to God, country, family, his employers and clients, and those in need. He will especially be remembered for his dedication to the care of his head-injured daughter, Lucile. He was also known for his friendliness, his sense of humor, and his wide range of skills, knowledge, hobbies, and interests. He is dearly missed.

There will be a memorial service for Gene on Saturday, November 23, at 11a.m. at Living Way Church, 13609 Twin Peaks Rd., Poway, with reception to follow in the social hall.

U-T San Diego (CA) - Sunday, November 17, 2013