Chris Arthur Basso, BHS 1980/81

Chris Arthur Basso was born on September 8, 1962 to Art (BHS 1950) & Marcia Basso at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, California. Sadly, Chris passed away unexpectedly, on August 26, 2025, at his Stevenson Ranch home. 

Chris, like his Father and siblings, attended Washington Elementary (1974) Muir Jr. High (1977), and Burbank Sr. High school (1980/81). He played one year of football at BHS under the coaching of Lipera and Auzene.

Upon graduation Chris worked as an auto mechanic and smog check technician at Chuck Mercier’s Union 76 gas station on Burbank Blvd. and San Fernando Rd.

In the mid 1980’s Chris started working, first delivering scripts to stars such as Kurt Russel, Goldie Hawn, Charlie’s Angel’s, and Steven Segal. He then transitioned to a studio transportation, production van driver, retiring in 2024 with 119 movie and TV projects in his career.

When time permitted Chris also worked as a fly fishing guide for the Sierra Drifters Guide Service in Lake Crowley, CA with his personal 21 foot Champion Bay “Champ” boat; taking guests (and teaching them) on a day of “catch & release” fly fishing. 

Additionally, when a show would wrap Chris would make fishing lures that could be purchased online or at the SDGS store.

Like his Father, Chris maintained an exemplary work ethic pitching in anywhere he could as well as being kind and generous to all that crossed his path. This earned him notoriety in the entertainment industry prompting producers & directors to request him to be part of the “on location transportation team” on future movies & shows.

Chris is survived by his younger brother Teddy Basso (BHS 1985), older sister Patti (Basso) Maisner (BHS 1975), nieces & nephews: Mallory (BHS 2011) & Mack Maisner (BHS 2014), Paige & Presley Basso, and stepmother Viola Basso of Burbank, CA.

R.I.P. Chris, you will be missed

Shawna Lynn Marie Haag-Clarke, BHS 1981

Shawna Lynn Marie Haag-Clarke, BHS 1981

Shawna Lynn Marie Haag-Clarke, of Bend  April 29, 1963 – Jan. 11, 2015  

Arrangements: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home, Bend 541-382-2471 www.niswonger-reynolds.com  Services: A Celebration of Life will take place at the  Old Stone Church, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015,  from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  

Contributions may be made to:  Donations in memory of Shawna can be made to: Deschutes River Conservancy, P.O. Box 1560, Bend, OR 97709

Published  in The Bulletin, Bend, Oregon, Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Michael William Harris, BHS 1981

Michael William Harris, BHS 1981

Published in the Corvallis-Times, Corvallis, Oregon, Wednesday, January 24, 1996

Michael Harris August 12, 1963 - December 22, 1995     

Michael Harris, a former Corvallis resident, died at his Portland home on December 22, 1995, from AIDS. He was 32.

He was born in Panorama City, California, the son of Bill and Mary Harris of North Hollywood, California, and graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California. He moved to Corvallis with his mother and stepfather, Jim Hazard, in January 1984. After several moves between Corvallis and Lancaster, California, he made his home in Portland.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mary and Jim Hazard of Corvallis; his father, Bill Harris of Lancaster, California; and his sister, Michelle (Chellee) Harris of Portland.

There was no service as he requested cremation, and his ashes were flown to Lancaster, California.

Kevin Scott Highfield, BHS 1981

Kevin Scott Highfield, BHS 1981

Local News in Brief: Sunland Gas Station Argument Leaves 1 Dead, Another Injured

Los Angeles Times, December 23, 1988 

An argument at a Sunland gas station erupted into gunfire that left one man dead and another critically injured, Los Angeles police said Thursday.

Kevin Scott Highfield, 24, of Tujunga was killed about 10 p.m. Wednesday after the driver of one car apparently insulted someone in another car at the station at Foothill Boulevard and Sherman Grove Avenue, police said.

Detective Al Ferrand said six youths got out of the vehicles and began arguing. Two men in a pickup truck joined in the squabble but did not get out of their vehicle, he said. The argument turned into a fistfight among the youths, Ferrand said.

“It had started out over trivial circumstances,” he said. “It looks like somebody just flipped the finger at somebody else. It escalated to the point that one of the participants in the fight armed himself with a handgun.”

The youth with the gun fired into the pickup, hitting both men inside, Ferrand said.

Highfield, a passenger in the truck, jumped out and started running but collapsed and died near the gas station. His wounded companion, Gregory Boots, 26, also of Tujunga, attempted to drive away but crashed into a car on Foothill Boulevard, police said. He later was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he was in critical condition.

After the shooting, the youths in the two cars sped away. Ferrand said that none had been identified, and police were looking for witnesses.

Ferrand said it was unclear whether the people from the three vehicles knew each other. He said Boots’ injuries had prevented detectives from talking to him.

Michael Sean Mattor, BHS 1981

Michael Sean Mattor Sept. 5, 1963-May 27, 1993

Michael Sean Mattor died of AIDS on Thursday, May 27 at the San Francisco Zen Center Hospice. He was 29 years old. Michael was born in Syosset, Long Island, New York, and moved with his family to southern California where he attended high school and college. 

Michael relocated in 1987 to San Francisco. In the years he lived here he struggled to find happiness and acceptance in his life, and to avoid his wife. He was able to do both. Michael has had, and is still having, a profound effect on the people around him. His relentless humor and high spirits will haunt his friends forever. 

Michael’s generosity and love was greatly appreciated and is greatly missed. His dying wish was that everyone would be happier, relax and enjoy life more. That’s what his survivors are striving for. Contributions may be made in Michael’s name to the

San Francisco Zen Center Hospice, 273 Page Street, SF, CA 94102. 

Bay Area Reporter, Volume 23, Number 29, 22 July 1993

James David Hernandez, BHS 1981

James David Hernandez, BHS 1981

James David Hernandez was born on September 17, 1963. Jim as he was known by his friends grew up in Burbank and attended Franklin Elementary and graduated from Burbank High with the Class of 1981. While at Burbank High Jim ran track and cross country. 

Jim was a Los Angeles Fire Department Explorer and he also ran the Domino's Pizza on Olive avenue in Burbank. Jim was also an artist and love to draw and sketch. 

Jim passed away on August 14, 2019. James David Hernandez funeral service will be held on September 5th in Valencia California at 6:00 pm, at the LDS chapel, 27827 Skycrest Cir Dr., Valencia, California, 91354. 

The Valley Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Photos from his funeral service:

Harry Herman Olswanger, BHS 1981

Harry Herman Olswanger
Born: May 5, 1963 - Died: Nov 8, 2004
Last residence was Palm Springs, CA.

Posted on Facebook from a friend Charmaine Snow, BHS 1979

Dear BHS classes of 1979-1981
I just saw notes about Harry's death (and life).

I remember playing my trumpet for him onstage for a talent assembly at BHS (He sang “New York City Rhythm” a la Barry Manilow - with a newfangled cordless mic, too!) Many of us did the school operetta of Hello Dolly! I was in the pit. A rarity, it was the first time any high school play was held over for an extra week! It was so fun, My mom surprised the entire cast with a wrap party at my house - lots of fun and great memories.

Harry O did live every bit of life to its fullest. After leaving high school, he worked in Long Beach, with Joanne Worley in Hello Dolly! (big surprise). He lived in Hollywood for a couple of years. His folks moved to Roseville to retire, he soon joined them, traipsing from Sacramento to San Francisco with his dance and singing talents. He played a production of “Hair” in SF..He became very sober before 1990 & stayed that way, as it kept him alive & fairly healthy. He moved to Palm Springs & met Angie Dickinson. With her, he choreographed, danced, and sang a gig for the Coachella Valley Water District. Harry had a very good love life with his friend Miles. They went to Hawaii in 1996 and were very grateful for their lives together.

When his father died of ALS, he was quite lost & took care of his mom as much as he could. His parents were both very kind to me and welcomed me to their new home in Roseville several times. When my own mother died, It was Harry who went to comfort her husband, Sam. (Sam had joked in the past about how H.O. reminded him of Loretta Young, with his floor-length bathrobe). Only after Sam died, did I find a lovely card (to him from Harry), saying that my mom was a good friend & she should have lived longer.

Harry met a few older celebrities became good friends with a gal who was an MGM Girl - they had so much in common! She was Vivian Coe, (Vivian Austin & Vivian Grow - she married her eye Dr - Dr Grow). When (blind) Vivian moved to a retirement home for actors, Harry followed and stayed in North Hollywood nearby. I lived in Long Beach. When I learned we had lost Harry, I could only feel sad. He was the One who was always a friend to me after high school. It was Harry that kept me encouraged and playing my horn. Still does. It was Harry who treated me to a Hollywood premiere of the original “A Star is Born” remastered with unseen scenes & music, A Chorus Line at the Pantages, Joan Baez in Concord CA.

I graduated from BHS in 1979 & in 1980, in college, heard of this ‘strange, hard to define GAY Cancer’. The PTBs called it GRID at first, not wanting to define the anagram. We tried. We cried. We lost so many great people we never even got to know!

Over my life, I recall Harry H Olswanger as my dearest friend, and a smart & loving man to all who knew him. I am now in Cathedral City, near Palm Springs. When I’m driving around town & hearing the old music, I feel Harry at nearly every turn. He haunts me at stoplights & I truly get a chill on the hottest days, just thinking of him. Lost, but Never forgotten!

Harry Olswanger was laid to rest in the Roseville Public Cemetery District, Roseville, California.

Mark Richard Burrows, BHS 1981

Mark Richard Burrows, BHS 1981

From Facebook:

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Mark Burrows, class of 1981, yesterday, July 03, 2019 after suffering through a long illness. Many may remember him from not only school, but also as the manager of the Whiskey Bend. Mark was manager of the Whiskey Bend from 2006 up to its closing in 2015

He will be greatly missed but we all take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain.

Mark R Burrows funeral service will be Friday, July 12 at 9:30 AM at the church at The Hills, Forest lawn Hollywood Hills

No other details at this time.

Leonard Miser, BHS 1981

Leonard Miser, 1963-2018

From David Miser
On July 13, 2017 my little brother Leonard was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon (Colorectal) Cancer. Shortly after discovering this earth shattering news he was informed that the cancer had spread to his liver and lungs. This diagnosis has been devastating for my brother and his family. Their world has been turned completely upside down. Leonard began treatment almost immediately, but the magnitude of what it will take to continue to treat his cancer and how it will impact his family's livelihood, is something he is still trying to come to terms with.

Leonard is the father of three wonderful children (Anthony-32, Jonathan-17 and Crystal-16), two of which are in the middle of considering which colleges they want to attend. He is a loving husband and a gentle grandfather. His only care in this life has been the well-being of the people he is close to and he has dedicated himself to that very cause.

Leonard’s cancer diagnosis has literally crippled his family, rendering him completely unable to work and relying solely on the income of his hard working wife. Rosa is an in-home caretaker for sick individuals. She works 6 days a week, two of which are 12 hour shifts, earning Nevada's minimum wage. Unfortunately, a minimum wage job will NEVER be enough to keep up with the financial toll this disease takes on a family, no matter the hours put in. With only Medicaid to fall back on, he needs help; THEY need help.

This is where I stepped in. Four days ago I created a GoFundMe account to attempt to ease the burden of the medical bills piling up. With the generosity of so many of our family, friends and even a couple of strangers, we have already to raised almost $4,000!!! This is HUGE and will help Leonard afford his first rounds of meds while allowing the kids to get to their first day of school without more than friends, gossip and homework to occupy their minds. This battle has just begun, however, and they started three steps behind. 

My goal may be lofty but there are so many things to consider: putting food on the table, living expenses, Jonathan and Crystal’s needs while in school and, of course, the insurmountable amount of debt they are bound to see. In the meantime, we are working with his doctors to see what the next plan of action will be. As of now, he has undergone a colostomy, and is waiting for his liver to be stable enough for him to begin chemo. 

I am flying to Nevada today in order to be with him for the beginning of his journey. Through this process I am bound to learn more technical terms about cancer than I had ever hoped (I will be sure to pass that knowledge along),but I also hope to provide a bit of love and comfort to my brother and his family during this difficult time.

Let this update serve as a huge “Thank You” from all of us. Thank you for the kind donations, the words of encouragement, the shares on social media and for having us in your thoughts. Every ounce of every one of those things helps.

Kevin Patrick Lowman, BHS 1981

Kevin Patrick Lowman, BHS 1981

CHATSWORTH : Motorist Sought in Fatal Car Accident
By Chau Lam

Police are looking for Adolfo Aguirre Jr., 22, in connection with a car accident in which a Burbank man died.

Kevin Patrick Lowman, 31, was traveling west on Roscoe Boulevard in Chatsworth on Tuesday when the driver of a Jeep making a left turn onto Tobias Avenue struck Lowman's motorcycle, killing him, authorities said.

One witness of the 7:25 p.m. accident said the Jeep driver stopped briefly to look at Lowman before fleeing on foot.

Witnesses described the driver of the Jeep as a man 20 to 30 years old, 5 feet 7, weighing 140 pounds. Police are asking anyone with information about Aguirre's whereabouts to call Detective John Miller or Detective Greg Pfeifle of the LAPD's Valley traffic division at (818) 989-8391.

Published in the Los Angeles Times, March 31, 1994

Tracy Purcell, BHS 1981

Tracy Purcell, 36, died October 28, 1999 in Glendale, California.

Ms. Purcell was born in San Diego, California. She was a Burbank resident for 33 years. She worked as a cashier with Full of Life for 10 years.

She is survived by her mother, Joanie Pederson of Burbank, and by her grandmother, Ruth Ritz of Burbank.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Forest Lawn Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Published in the Burbank Newspaper, November 1999

Molly Malone Henderson, BHS 1981

Molly Malone Henderson, BHS 1981 

September 5, 1963 - November 30, 2014 

Molly Malone Henderson, 51, passed away November 30, 2014 at her home in Temecula, after a 2 year battle with brain cancer. 

She is survived by her husband, Socks; mother, Maggie; brothers, Keith Malone and Curtis Malone; sisters, Valerie Clements (Gary), Julie Dunbar, and Lisa McLaughlin (Jim); and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please contact the family at helpsocksandmolly@yahoo.com regarding making donations to help with Medical and Funeral expenses.

Molly’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Sunridge Community Church in Temecula. 

On Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 4:35 AM I watched my beautiful wife, lover and best friend, Molly Malone Henderson, take her final breath on earth, leave her cancer battered body behind and enter into the presence of God, Our Father, and his only Son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so proud of you, Molly, and the way that you finished the race; with grace, dignity and an unwavering faith in God that inspired so many people along the way. I love you very much. More than you will ever know. And I can’t wait to see you again in your brand new body….. when I too arrive in paradise. Socks 

We will be celebrating the life of Molly Malone Henderson with the following Memorial Service: Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM Sunridge Community Church 42299 Winchester Road Temecula, CA 92590 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on her website to help with Medical and Funeral expenses.

John Carlin Harmon, BHS 1981

John Carlin Harmon, BHS 1981 Tribune, The (San Luis Obispo, CA) - Saturday, October 29, 2011 Deceased Name -- John Harmon HARMON -- John Harmon, 48, of Creston died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in Creston. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of the Roses Mortuary and Crematory in Atascadero.

Thomas J. Lauerman, BHS 1981

Thomas J. Lauerman, BHS 1981

Thomas J. Lauerman, 20, died September 17, 1983 in Ventura, California. He was born in Los Angeles and lived in Burbank for 19 years.

He attended Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School, John Muir Junior High School, and Burbank High School in 1981. He was employed as a lineman for two years for the City of Burbank.

He is survived by his parents, Joe and Margaret Lauerman, grandmother, Margaret Wells of Burbank, sister, Diane Lauerman of Burbank.

Visitation will be held today from 2 to 4 p.m. at Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Services. Rosary and Mass will be held, 7:30 p.m. at Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Burbank. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. , Thursday at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Burbank Daily Review, Wednesday, September 21, 1983

Matthew Wayne Bullington, BHS 1981?

Matthew Wayne Bullington, BHS 1981?

Matthew, age 49, of Rio Rancho, NM died suddenly Sunday, September 22, 2013 after doing what he loved the most - celebrating life with his family and friends. A caring, patient, hard-working family man, Matt was an incredibly calm, happy guy who never complained and was remarkably talented at working on everything from complex office machinery to home remodeling projects. Among his favorite pastimes were bacon, beer (IPA's) and tequila.

Matt was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 24, 1963 and moved to California as a child. He graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California, and went to work for Fujifilm USA in the Fuji Photo Division. There, he met the love of his life, Christina, was engaged to her after two dates, and married her in 1991.

Matt and Christina moved to Albuquerque, NM in 2006, where he went to work for Konica Minolta Business Solutions as a Senior Technician.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Bullington. He is survived by his mother, Rose Gunn; brothers, Steve, Robert and John Bullington; sisters, Helen Barrett and Kate Stone; wife Christina; daughters, Natasha and Britnie; son Kenny; granddaughters, Ryan Lynn and Madison Evans; four nephews, three nieces, five great nieces and five great nephews as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved him dearly and will miss him greatly every day.

A Memorial of Matt's life is scheduled Thursday, September 26, 2013 at FRENCH -Rio Rancho, with a viewing from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., services at 4:30 p.m. and a reception immediately following at the Bullington residence, 1117 Sugar Ridge Court, Rio Rancho.

A memorial account has been set up for Matt's family at Wells Fargo Bank. To donate, visit a Wells Fargo branch and ask to make a deposit to the Matt Bullington Fund. Please visit our online guestbook for Matthew at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000

Scott J. Volland, BHS 1981

Scott J. Volland, BHS 1981

Burbank Leader, Saturday, January 1, 1994

Scott J. Volland, 31, died December 25, 1993 in Sherman Oaks. Born in Minnesota, he lived in Burbank for 27 years.

Mr. Volland was a electrician with Hoffman Electric for 10 years. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Loren Volland and two brothers, Michael and Terry.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Francis Xavier Church. Burial was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California. The Valley Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Michael Kevin Hintz, BHS 1981

Michael Kevin Hintz,  BHS 1981

Michael Kevin Hintz was born on January 24, 1963 and passed away on September 7, 2012. No other details at this time.

Troy E. Moffett, BHS 1981

Troy E. Moffett, BHS 1981

Burbank motorcyclist killed in freeway accident

Los Angeles – a 34-year-old Burbank resident was killed after losing control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and getting run over by a tractor-trailer on the Golden State (5) Freeway near Arleta, authorities said.

Troy Moffett was crushed to death by the left rear wheels of a tanker truck Sunday afternoon on the northbound side of the freeway at Osborne Street, said California Highway Patrol Officer Gretchen Jacobs. He was riding between lanes to pass the truck when he lost control of his motorcycle and fell.

He was pronounced dead at 5:02 p.m. at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills. The driver of the truck was not cited.

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Burbank Leader, April 15, 1998

Troy E. Moffett, 34, died April 12, 1998. Mr. Moffett was born in Iowa. He was a longtime Burbank resident. He was employed as an electrician by Andy Klein Electric. He is survived by his parents, Gene and Karen, and brother, Tony.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the Valley Funeral Home. The Valley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Burbank Leader, April 18-19, 1998

Daniel Ralph Fanderlik, BHS 1981

Daniel Ralph Fanderlik, BHS 1981

Born: April 5, 1964
Died: November 13, 2010

Arrangements under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Burbank, CA.

Burbank Leader, November 2010

Note: Passed away from Pancreatic cancer

Steven Walt Ruffing, BHS 1981

Steven Walt Ruffing, BHS 1981 

Ventura County Star, January 2003 

Steven Walt Ruffing, 39, of Ojai, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 at his residence. He was born June 7, 1963 in Hollywood, California, and had been a resident of Ojai for 10 years. Mr. Ruffing worked in the motion picture industry as a Local 80 grip and an artist. His interests included writing, fishing, motorcycle riding, making furniture and photography. 

He is survived by his parents, John and Anne Ruffing of San Clemente; brother Mike Ruffing of Burbank; and sister Christine Ruffing of Sherman Oaks. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.