Joseph H. Norton, BHS 1947

Joseph H. Norton, BHS 1947

Joseph H. Norton, 91 of Henderson, passed away January 8, 2020. He was born in San Fernando, California December 30, 1928. Joseph graduated from Burbank High School. He married Ann Marie Norton June 3, 1961. 

Joseph is survived by his wife, Ann Marie; sons, Bruce (Tami) and Bryan (Brandi); grandchildren, Louis J. (deceased), Amber (Gilberto), Rhea Lynn, Robyn, Michael, Kami and Walter; great-grandchildren, Sumara, Norellie, Joselynn, Kingston, Sunneva and Alexa; brother, Louis F. Norton; sister, Darragh Clinton (deceased). 

Services will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 1399 San Felipe Dr., Boulder City, Neveda 89005 on January 22, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

Published in Pahrump Valley Times on Jan. 17, 2020

Dorothy LaVee Short Riegel, BHS 1947

Dorothy LaVee Short Riegel, BHS 1947

2/2/29-12/11/09

Resident of Santa Maria for the past 20 years. Resided in Burbank most of her life graduating from Burbank High School in 1947. Married to Robert Riegel from 1964-1996 and lost her significant other Warren Vidito in 2007. Dorothy is survived by her daughter Joy Obermeyer and her son Philip Riegel, as well as three grandchildren. We love you and will miss you forever. God Bless you and thank you for being the most loving mother in the world.

In honor of her request there will be no services. Cremation has been requested with private inurnment in the Dudley-Hoffman Columbarium.

Arrangements are under the care of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Crematory.

Dudley-Hoffman

Mortuary & Crematory

(805) 922-8463

www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com

Published by Santa Maria Times on Dec. 15, 2009.

Alice Kennedy Ebblewhite Butler, BHS 1947

Alice Kennedy Ebblewhite Butler, BHS 1947

Nov. 28, 1929 — Feb. 2, 2025

Alice was born Alice Kennedy Ebblewhite to Marjorie and Harry Ebblewhite in E. St. Louis, Illinois, where her father, an electrical engineer from the state of Washington, was working on a project.

She grew up on the Riverside Ranchos area of Burbank, California, where she owned a three-gaited Saddlebred horse named Mignon. She showed Mignon in dressage classes and enjoyed giving neighbors tours in her surrey pulled by Mignon.

Graduating from Burbank High School in 1947, she attended Scripps College in Claremont, California, earning a B.A. degree in English literature in 1951. While there she met her future husband, Clifford Donald Butler after leaving the army from WWII. They married at the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church in June 1952. They moved to Shakespeare Drive in San Marino in 1964 with their two boys, Kenneth and Stephen, who went all through San Marino schools. Son Kenneth died of heart trouble just 20 months after his father in 2015. Son Stephen and his wife Maria now live in Temple City, California.

Alice continued her education at Occidental College receiving a teaching credential, an administrative credential, then an M.A. in Education and a state issued Certificate of proficiency in Spanish/English. She was the most proud of passing "that nasty test" at USC which conducted the exam for the Spanish/English certificate.

In 1959, she began a 30-year career in the Pasadena Unified School District as a teacher, principal and central office program director K-12. She retired early at age 59.

After retirement she busied herself with memberships in nonprofits. She served 17 years on the administrative board of the Pasadena Museum of History, and spent 10 years as a Library Hall docent at the Huntington Library. She was a 30-year member of the Caltech Associates and San Marino Chapter JV of PEO until disbanded a few years ago. Her last social gatherings were held at her home, they were in the form of a book club with 10 local widows as members whom she had known most of her life.

Alice leaves her son Stephen and his wife Maria, two married granddaughters Melissa Crenshaw and Michelle O'Malley, and five great-grandchildren: James, 18, Izabella, 15, Andrew, 12, Caitlyn, 11 and Evan, 10. A memorial service will be held in private. She is laid to rest in the Santa Barbara Cemetery beside her husband Don. She was 95 years old. 

Published in the San Mateo Tribune, San Mateo, California, February 6, 2025

Charles Dana Pereau, BHS 1947

Charles Dana Pereau, BHS 1947

October 2, 1929 - October 26, 2024

"A life well lived." That is how the family describes their father, grandfather & great-grandfather. Chuck passed away on October 26, 2024 at the age of 95, surrounded by family and friends, including his wife of 75 years, Charla, and son-in-law, Denny Lombard, Burbank High School class 1967.

Following a career as an Los Angeles Fire Fighter, Chuck dedicated the rest of his life to serving the Christian mission he and Charla co-founded in Baja Mexico. In 1966 they formed Foundation For His Ministry in Vincente Guerrero, which eventually included an orphanage, hospital, K-12 school, plus fed and cared for children left alone in the encampments. Two additional missions were created n Oaxaca and Sinaloa, as well as transitional housing for young adults in Tijuana and housing to provide support for men following drug & addition recovery, release from prison &/or being deported from the US. Chuck made the 178 mile journey almost weekly to deliver truckloads of donations to the missions as long as he was able, and then he took charge of sending out their monthly newsletter ... truly a life well lived! 

Valois Jean Smith Gilbert, BHS 1947

Valois Jean Smith Gilbert, BHS 1947

Orange County Register, May 8, 2008

Valois Jean Gilbert, was born in Ohio on February 15, 1930 and went to meet the Lord in her Costa Mesa home on April 30, 2008. She spent her childhood in Burbank, California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1947. 

While attending Southern California College she met her husband Dean. They had two sons, Stephen and Gary. After college Jean and Dean both began teaching jobs in Costa Mesa. They built their first home there together in 1953. After retiring from teaching they devoted their time to traveling and doing missionary work in Papua New Guinea. 

Jean was a tireless worker who spent hours gardening and canning, doing volunteer work with the women of her church, and lovingly serving her family which included 6 grandchildren, Adrianne, Rachel, Lauri, John, Judah and Hosanna as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Tristan and Rainer.

She loved boating and camping, traveling and sewing. She loved knitting and shopping for bargains. She loved to share her home and meals with others. She loved Jesus and her family and her life was an example to all who knew her. For all these things and all that she was she will be missed and remembered with fondness and love.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Harbor Lawn-Mt Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa (Harbor Blvd and Gisler Ave), followed by a 2:00 p.m. Memorial service at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa (Fairview Rd and Sunflower Ave). Arrangements under the direction of Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary in Costa Mesa.

Jeanette May Hart Baca, BHS 1947

Jeanette May Hart Baca, BHS 1947

Jeanette May Baca, 1929 - 2022

Van Nuys, CA - On Friday January 7, 2022, Jeanette May Baca peacefully passed away at the Gardens Park Balboa Memory Care Center in Van Nuys, California. This facility took such good care of her these last few years of her life. We want to thank all caretakers and staff for your kindness and for taking care of both our parents.

Our mom, Jeanette Baca, was the best mom a son could ask for. She was kind, loving and always put her children's needs first. She always said she was a boys mom and went along with everything her boys wanted to do, even joined in at times. Her laughter, smile and humor was contagious. She loved playing games with her family, casino trips & bingo. She was very active with Southern California ARC where her son Danny Baca has been a client in one of their group homes for many years.

Jeanette had many life long friends that she loved dearly and had many adventures with each of them.

She loved her daughter in laws like her own that she called them her "Bonus Daughters" instead of Daughter in Laws.

We were very blessed to have a mom like ours. We will miss and always love you mom.

Jeanette is survived by her sons, David Kettles (Debbie), Brian Kettles (Esther), and Danny Baca as well many grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great, great granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Nick Baca and her son Randy Kettles

A celebration of life for both Jeanette and Nick will be in June 2022. Contact family for more information.

Donations can be made in her memory to:

ARC

6456 Whitsett Ave

North Hollywood CA 91606

Published by Meridian Press, Meridian, Idaho from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2022.

Diane Joy Dauncey Das, BHS 1947

Diane Joy Dauncey Das, BHS 1947

Diane Joy Das, age 91, of Nooksack, passed away at the Hospice House on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019.

Diane was born on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, on Aug. 25, 1927. As a small child she moved with family to New York and then as a teenager to California. After graduating from high school, she was involved with singing and acting and knew many movie stars of her time. She married Fred Das on June 25, 1972. They moved to Lynden in 1994 after Fred retired.

Diane and Fred loved to travel and visited many countries, making friends along the way. Diane loved all animals, especially her cats. She loved to read, enjoyed her flowers and collecting objects from around the world.

Diane made friends everywhere she went and will always be remembered for her smile, caring ways, tea and cookies. Her joyful spirit will surely be missed. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Das, and all her much-loved cats and dogs. She is survived by her dearest friend, Joe Norton and wife Marie; cousin Monte Dauncey and wife Moira; and a host of friends.  

Memorials may be made to the Whatcom Humane Society, 2172 Division St., Bellingham, WA 98226; or your favorite animal charity. “Diane was the most interesting and fun-loving person to all that knew her!”

The memorial for Diane will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, in Nooksack Christian Fellowship church, 201 Jackson St., Nooksack, in the fellowship hall. Her ashes will be interred in Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Lynden Tribune, Lynden, Washington, Aug 28, 2019

Joanne Newton Roemer, BHS 1947

Joanne Newton Roemer, BHS 1947

Joanne Newton Roemer was born and raised in Burbank California. Gladys and Neil Newton were her parents. Joanne graduated from Burbank High in 1947. She loved Burbank high she talked about it a lot when I was growing up. She was involved in choir and many other extracurricular activities for school. 

Her son Miles Roemer remembers his mother, I can remember my mom reciting the school cheer I know it started with the words fire water fire water and ended with the words Burbank bulldogs can't be beat! My mom's best friend was Nadine and Bill Magee also from class of 1947. My mother was also friends with Victor Tayback, BHS 1948 who was an actor on the TV show "Alice."

She is survived by two boys David Roemer and Miles Roemer. She married in 1951 to Robert Roemer. They were married 49 years until his passing in 2000. Her last place of residence was Payson Arizona. 

LaVerne Sadler Marsh, BHS 1947

 LaVerne Sadler Marsh, BHS 1947

TYLER, TX — LaVerne Sadler Marsh, 90, passed away Friday, July 10, 2020 at her residence in Tyler. She was born in Grapeland, TX on March 19, 1930 to William Cleveland Sadler and Annie Maude McCarty Sadler. LaVerne was the 5th girl and last child born.

LaVerne moved several times while she was young. She graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. She attended Glendale College and Tyler Jr. College. She was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church since 1963, member of UCT, TASCA and past member of Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. On June 9, 1951 LaVerne married Carl Marsh, while he was in the Army. She worked for the City of Tyler for over 14 years and served as President of the Association of Personnel and Civil Service. She also worked for 2 state agencies, as well as Texas Eastern School of Nursing before retiring in 1984.

Carl and LaVerne enjoyed many years of traveling, genealogy, gardening, singing and hosting family events. More recently she was playing bridge with her dear friends at TASCA or keeping her mind sharp with puzzles and games while at home. She loved her family dearly and she placed others needs before her own. LaVerne also had a little dog named Dolly, who followed her every step.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents; her four sisters; and her husband, Carl J. Marsh. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage before his death on July 16, 2015. Survivors include her three children, Kay Marsh, Eddie Marsh, and Lynn Harty and husband, Mike; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her precious furbaby, Dolly.

There will be no formal visitation, however, public viewing will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Jackson’s Burks-Walker Tippit Funeral Home in Tyler, TX. Graveside burial will be Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10:00 am at Bascom Cemetery in Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to TASCA or Angel Paws Advocates Animal Rescue in Tyler. To view online, please go to www.burkswalkertippit.com.

William "Bill" Magee, BHS 1947

William "Bill" Magee, a long time member of the Senior Bulldogs and a 1947 graduate of Burbank High School passed away recently according to the Senior Bulldogs. While at Burbank High school Bill played on the varsity tennis team. Bill was the doubles champ.

Bill first met his future wife Nadine Berkland in September 41, when they started 7th grade at John Muir Junior High school. In the 9th grade Nadine wore Bill's class ring on a chain around her neck! Bill says Nadine was very popular, and he usually had to "book a date" about a month ahead! Sometime after Nadine returned to Burbank after college in Santa Rosa she and Bill reunited. Bill said, "THANK GOODNESS we got back together after high school"! They were married on May 17, 1953. Nadine passed away March 30, 2013. They were married for almost 60 years. Bill and Nadine first lived in Canoga Park before moving to Northridge. Bill and Nadine had two children, Teri and Patrick. Bill Magee will be missed by all who loved and knew him. 

Will update as I get more information.

Lenore Rita Blatt Harris, BHS 1947

Lenore "Lennie" (Blatt) Harris, age 91, lately of Glasgow, Mont., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020.

Born Lenore Rita Blatt on Feb. 1, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., to Louis Blatt (1904-1995) and Lillian Schoenkopf (1909-1977). She was raised by her mother in Los Angeles, Calif., and graduated from Burbank High School in January 1947.

She married Miles "Spike" Harris Jr (1927-1992), a Navy veteran of the Second World War, on June 9, 1947, in North Hollywood, Calif. She and Spike had two children, a daughter Daryl D "DD" (1949-1950). and a son Miles III, Tragically, DD was born with Downs Syndrome and passed away just shy of six months old. Spike and Lennie raised their son in Arleta, Calif., where they lived until Spike's retirement in 1991 and then moved to Frazier Park, Calif. They spent their years together sharing time with friends and family, camping and hunting until Spike's death in 1992.

Lennie found two great loves in her life. In 1993, a year after Spike's death she met Darrell Cole (1932-2020) of Glasgow. Lennie and Darrell spent the next 27 years together, at first as snowbirds spending their winters in California and summers in Montana and eventually staying in Glasgow, all year long, where she made many friends.

Lennie was preceded in death by her father Louis Blatt; her mother Lillian Schoenkoft- Blatt-Burton; her husband Miles Harris Jr; and daughter Daryl Harris. Sadly, Darrell Cole passed away just over a month after Lennie on Oct. 13, 2020.

Lennie is survived by her son Miles Harris III (Kim); three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and in her last days she kept emphasizing how proud she was of her family.

Lennie's life can be best summed up in a quote from a 26 second video she had the staff at Brookdale Springmeadows film for her when she got back from the hospital and was resigned to her fate. She said to her son "...we had a good run...". Well Lenore Rita Blatt-Harris, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, aunt, cousin, life-long friend to many, Lennie, you will be missed but not forgotten. You had a great run.

A private family Zoomomorial was held for Lennie on Sept. 19. Her remains were cremated and her ashes are with her son in Ventura, Calif.

Published in The Courier, Glasgow, Montana, October 28, 2020

Evans Eugene "Gus" Ghiselli, BHS 1947

Evans Eugene Ghiselli
NOVEMBER 16, 1929 – JANUARY 5, 2020

Gus as he was known to his many friends was born on November 16, 1929. He grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School with the Class of 1947. He married his wife, Dorothea R. Ghiselli, on January 24, 1954. They have a son, Gene, born May 17, 1955, and a grandson, Eric, born January 13, 1981. Gus served his country joining the service in June 1948. Gus was a proud member of the Senior Bulldogs. Gus passed away on January 5, 2020. 

Gus was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothea who passed in 2009. He is survive by his son and family, and many nieces and nephews. Burial was at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park, North Hollywood next to his wife.

Services
Pierce Brothers Valhalla, in North Hollywood. 
PIERCE BROS. VALHALLA Directors (818) 763-9121
Funeral Service Saturday, January 25, 2020
Graveside Service Saturday, January 25, 2020

Thomas Gale Kewish, BHS 1947

Thomas Gale Kewish
July 21,1929 - November 24, 2019

Sadly, we announce the passing of Thomas Gale Kewish who left us on Sunday, after a brief and heroic battle. At his bedside was his wife of 30 years, Carol Love Kewish.

Tom graduated from Burbank High School in 1947 and was employed by Lockheed Aircraft where he was a production Leadman. In 1949 he purchased his own manufacturing business, Anderson Crash Helmets. He developed the first fiberglass race car helmet and also manufactured helmets for police departments. In 1958 Tom was employed by Airborne Research and Development Inc. where he was an inspector. In 1960 he worked for RCA on the Unitary Project and ground support guidance systems. In 1996 he retired from the Charter Oak Unified School District and relocated to Ivy Ranch Country Club, Thousand Palms, CA, where he was an active part of the HOA.

He leaves behind his wife Carol, his children, Ron & Judy Kewish of Arroyo Grande, Robin Kewish of Simi Valley, Vicki & Richard Turziano of Simi Valley, Michael Carlone, Richard Carlone, & Linda Carlone, and many many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

No written words can express the extent of this loss. Tom's soft spoken voice and spirit will be greatly missed by all of his family and his many friends of Ivy Ranch Country Club. R.I.P. A Celebration of Tom's life will be held in January at Ivy Ranch Country Club.

Published in San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Nov. 30, 2019

Anthony Robin Adams, BHS 1947

Beloved husband and father, Anthony Robin Adams, passed away June 9, 2019, at age 90. Robin to family, Tony to colleagues and friends, was born September 25, 1928, in Glendive, Montana. He and his twin brother were the last of eight children born to Robert and Helen (Wodke) Adams. In his early teens, the family relocated to Glendale, California. Tony graduated Burbank High School where he excelled in tennis.

Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His enlistment sent him to every region in the U.S. He also served in Europe and Southeast Asia. In June of 1954, while stationed at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, he met and married Callie Loretta Parker of Minden. Upon retirement as a Master Sergeant in 1968, the family settled in Lompoc where he was employed at Grefco until 1992. After his second retirement, he and Loretta enjoyed traveling the western United States with their fifth wheel trailer. An active member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge, he served on the board of trustees and was the leader of the Sunday brunch crew, “A Team.”

Tony is survived by his wife of 65 years, Loretta, sons Gary of San Diego County and Scott of Lompoc, granddaughters Kelsey Corn of Azusa, California, Jessica Baird and his only remaining sibling, Betty Allen of Newhall, California. Tony is preceded in death by his son Douglas, parents and siblings.

Services will be held at the Lompoc Elks Club #2274 on August 3, 2019 at 1PM.

Ray Edwards Brown, BHS 1947

RAY EDWARDS BROWN
JUNE 8, 1929 ~ JULY 4, 2018

Ray passed away early this evening, July 4, at home in Burbank, less than four weeks after his 89th birthday. I’ve known Ray since 1958 when I was six years old. Everyone who knew him was aware of the unique and very special man that he was his entire life. Now he has arrived HOME for eternity, with all problems and suffering in the past. Below is what Ray and Joyce’s middle son, Mark, wrote this evening about his dad’s passing. Alan Landros, BHS 70

Romans 8:18

After a long illness, Ray Edwards "Pops" Brown passed away peacefully at home today at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to the community that meant so much to him and all who had the privilege of knowing him during his lifetime. 

A native son of Burbank, Ray attended Joaquin Miller Elementary, John Muir Junior High, and Burbank High School, Class of '47. Ray served his country proudly in the US Army and then ran a successful insurance agency until his retirement at the age of 80 in his beloved Burbank! 

A devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather, "Pops" was, in every sense, "one-of-a-kind!!" He is survived by his wife of 68 years Joyce, sons Kent, Mark, and Brad, eight grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He's walking with the Lord now! Rest In Peace Pops!

SERVICES
Saturday, July 14, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. – Mortuary Visitation, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Mortuary
3:00 P.M. – Service, Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
4:45 P.M. – Reception after Services, Hall of Liberty, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills

Dorothy Lee Peck Chew, BHS 1947

CHEW-Dorothy Lee Chew, was born August 10, 1929 and passed away April 2, 2008. 

Dorothy was a resident of Monterey Park, California. She is survived by husband Merwin W. Chew of 59 years of marriage and children Cheryl Anne Musacchia, Gary William Chew, Brian Lee Chew, Eric Eugene Chew, 12 grandchildren and sister Eleanor Kanthack. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Published in Pasadena Star-News on Apr. 8, 2008

Robert Stevens Earl, BHS 1947

Robert (Bob) Stevens Earl passed on July 29, 2017 at the age of 88. A 63-year resident of West Covina, CA Bob is survived by Marie, his wife of 65 years; children Claudia and Robert; grandchildren Andrew, Darren and Sarah; great granddaughters Allison and Avery with a great grandson expected in September 2017. Bob lived for his Family, his Country, his Community, and his Alma Mater. FIGHT ON!

The Covina High School Hall of Fame, the City of Covina Wall of Honor, the Hiram Award and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award are a few of Bob's community honors.

Funeral services, both chapel and graveside, will be held August 14, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Oakdale Memorial Chapel 1401 S. Grand Ave. Glendora 91740 (626) 691-2000. An informal gathering after the services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Covina in Williams Hall. 320 N. Second Ave. Covina, CA 91723 www.firstprescovina.org  All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory for student scholarships may be sent to Covina Breakfast Lions Club Foundation 216 S. Citrus St. #275 West Covina, CA 91791 Contact: Kay Eckert Cell (626) 437-3604 or David Landesman (626) 967-7823 The "Robert S. Earl Memorial Scholarship" will be set up for only Covina High School students. Contact Covina High School ASB 463 S. Hollenbeck Ave. Covina, CA 91723 or Donna Oshiro 
(626) 974-6020.

 Published in San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Aug. 8, 2017

Richard Christian Beck-Meyer, BHS 1947

Richard Christian Beck-Meyer
August 13, 1930 Van Nuys, CA- June 21, 2016 Ft. Bragg, CA

Richard Beck-Meyer (also known as Rick, Rich, Ricko and Rikko to friends and family) was born in Van Nuys, California. Raised in Burbank, Richard studied painting at California College of Arts and Crafts getting his masters in fine art at San Jose State. 

Richard was an exceptional water color artist, teacher, and member of both the California Water Color Society and the Carmel Art Association. He exhibited in the Monterey/Carmel area throughout the 1950s. Richard was active in local theater designing sets for productions at the Golden Bough Circle Theatre and the Forest Theatre. His sets for Shaw's "Caesar & Cleopatra" (1964) and "Teahouse of the August Moon" (1965) were notable for their bold use of color and shape to enhance the dramatic impact of the plays.

Later in the 1960s he decided to try his hand at film and used his Huntington Hartford Fellowship to attend film school at UCLA. Rick's professional credits include film editor and production designer for "The Wild Angels" (1966), “The Born Losers” (1967), “How Come Nobody’s on Our Side” (1975).

Not satisfied with two art careers, Richard used the GI Bill (he had served as a Mandarin translator for the Army during the Korean War) to obtain a marriage and family therapy degree from Azusa Pacific University. Due to ever escalating licensing hours, Richard never got his license to pursue private practice, but he put his counseling skills to good use as the Special Education Coordinator for Head Start. It gave him great pleasure to be an advocate for special ed students as their families negotiated with schools to obtain the best and least restrictive educational environment each district could provide for each student.

Richard spent the last 20 years of his working life wearing many hats at Community Action Agencies such as North Coast Opportunities in Lake and Mendocino Counties, Redwood Community Action Agency in Humboldt County and Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County. In 1985 he retired and moved to San Francisco where he worked on an English translation of "Journey to the West" for television, original film treatments, poems, short stories, and researching his magnum opus, a book still waiting to be committed to paper. In January of 2016 Richard returned to Mendocino County, living in a lovely cottage just east of Fort Bragg on Highway 20.

Kenneth William ‘Ken” Taylor, BHS 1947

Kenneth William Taylor, BHS 1947

Ken passed away at home in Nevada City on Jan. 16, 2017.

 

He was born in Riverside, CA in 1929. He spent his school years in Burbank, California.

 

He spent two years in Uruguay on a mission for his church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He came home to graduate from USC as a dentist. He served as Captain in the USAF as a dentist in Japan for two years. He then opened his private practice in Burbank and was there almost 40 years.

Ken was an aviation historian and loved to golf, paint and build model airplanes.

 

He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey and Bradley; three grandchildren; a sister, Lin in Utah; a brother, Dennis in Ohio and his wife Claudel and her family. He was loved and respected and will be deeply missed by all.

 

Published in The Union, Western Nevada, January 26, 2017

 

 

Richard Russell Sonnie, BHS 1947

Richard Russell Sonnie
January 9, 1929 – September 28, 2016

Richard passed away suddenly at his home on Sept. 28th. Richard was 87 years old.
He was a much loved husband, father and uncle. Richard is survived by his wife Lupe of 59 years and his 3 daughters, Celina, Monica (Darryl Hoch) and Elena (Jeff Schweppe). He is also survived by 2 grandsons Charlie and Joey and niece Anna (Tony Valdez) and nephew Ricardo Duran (Cecilia). For all those who met or knew him, Richard "Dick" was known as a kind, friendly man with a quick wit and dry sense of humor.

Services: Wed, October 5th, 2016 Rosary 9:30am, Mass 10:00-11:00am
St. Andrew Church, 301 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
Internment: San Fernando Mission Cemetery 11160 Stranwood Ave. Mission Hills, CA 91345

Richard was born in Cleveland Ohio but was raised in the Tujunga, Burbank area. Richard "Dick" as we was called, attended both Verdugo Hills High School (1943-45) and Burbank High School (1945-47).

Later, he attended Glendale Jr. College 1947, Los Angeles City College 1950, and Cal State Los Angeles 1954-1956. It was at Los Angeles City College that he met his wife Lupe. During his school years Dick was affiliated with the Boy Scouts (High School), Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and Kappa Phi Sigma Fraternity

Richard was a Corporate Technician 5th grade (class) in the Army 1950-53. He had specialty training in Signal, Radio and Teletype repair and was assigned to Radio Operation Company 97th Signal Operation Battalion, Stuttgart, Germany. Richard received the Army Occupational Medal (G) – Army of Occupation medal to recognize occupation service in Germany.

For over 40 years, Richard was a Secondary School Teacher (High School) with the LA Unified School District, teaching Industrial Education (Automotive, Drafting, and Electronics), Mathematics, History, Social Studies and Drivers Education. He taught at San Fernando High School, Los Angeles High School, Kennedy High School, and Nightingale Junior High
His hobbies included: Automotive repair, electrical repair, Gardening, Reading (Autobiographies, History), Golf, Crossword Puzzles, and Travel with his wife Lupe.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Richard's honor to Nightingale Middle School 3311 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA