Marjorie Elanor Imbach, Former BHS Teacher

Marjorie Elanor Imbach, Former BHS Teacher

Marjorie Elanor Imbach was born in Los Angeles. California, on January 12, 1922, to parents Albert and Marian Imbach. The family lived in Van Nuys, California, and Marjorie graduated from Van Nuys High School in the winter class of 1940.

After graduating from B.I.O.L.A. College (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) now Biola University, Miss Imbach taught in Burbank, California, at Jordan Junior High School and then around 1955, she taught English at Burbank High School in Burbank, California, She was a wonderful, much beloved teacher!

In 1971, she began employment at Moorpark College and in the mid 70's she was listed as the Community Services Coordinator at the college.

After retirement, Miss Imbach relocated to northern California to be near a younger brother, Marjorie Imbach passed away on June 12, 2008. She was 86 years old at the time of her passing.

Henry Louis Rebbe, Jr., Retired BHS Teacher

Henry Louis Rebbe, Jr., Retired BHS Teacher

Rapid City Journal, 27 Oct 1974, page 5

Graveside services for Henry L. Rebbe, 61, will be Sunday 2 p.m. at the Rosehill Cemetery, Spearfish with the Rev. Arthur W. Westwood, pastor of the United Church of Christ, Spearfish, officiating. Masonic services will be conducted by Rudolph Rittberger, with burial in Rosehill Cemetery. Fidler Funeral Chapel, Spearfish in charge of arrangements.

He was born in Meridian, Idaho, June 14, 1913. He was the son of the late Henry and Leona Rebbe. The family resided at Boise, Idaho and moved to Spearfish in March 1917 where they established the Rebbe Ranch 10 miles west of Spearfish.

He graduated from Spearfish High School in the class of 1929. He attended Black Hills State College and received his B.S. in education at Northern Colorado University, Greeley, in 1933. He later received his M.S. degree at the University of Wyoming, Laramie and did work toward his doctoral degree at UCLA.

He was a high school and junior college mathematics instructor and administrator through his professional career. He retired in 1970 due to ill health, at Burbank, California. He was a life member of the education association.

He was married Dec. 25, 1937 to the former Margaret Davis, Redig, at Belle Fourche. Mr. Rebbe died Oct. 13 at Burbank, California.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; daughters, Mrs. Clifford Rita Oden, Brea, Calif.; Mrs. Neil Bette Tillett, Canoga Park, Calif.; Lana Rebbe, Leucada, Calif.; son, Randal, at home; three grandchildren; mother Mrs. Leona Rebbe, Spearfish; sister Mrs. Eugene Virginia Kennedy, Spearfish; brothers Richard, Boring, Ore., and Robert of Sherman Oaks, California. He was preceded in death by his father Henry L. Rebbe Sr., and son Deane.

A memorial has been established for the Heart and Cancer fund.

John Lamar "Jack" Loutensock, Retired BHS Teacher/Coach

John Lamar Loutensock, Retired BHS Teacher/Coach

Born January 16, 1926 in Wilmar, California.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Orem, Utah on July 31, 2009.

Jack is survived by his wife and eternal companion of 59 years, Barbara Newmeyer Loutensock, his three children, Blyden Loutensock, Brett Loutensock, and Wendy Ruff, and preceded in death by his son, Mark Loutensock. He is survived by four grandchildren, Jason, Chelcie, Ashlee Loutensock, and London Ruff.

Funeral Services will be held in the Orem Park Sixth Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 114 South 400 West, Orem, on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. A viewing will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, and also on Thursday one hour prior to the services at the Ward Chapel.

Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery. Full Military Rites will be conducted by the VFW District #4.

Published in the Deseret News on August 4, 2009.

Minna Etta Norris, Former BHS Teacher

Minna Etta Norris, Former BHS Teacher

June 18, 1867 September 7, 1939

San Fernando Valley Times, San Fernando, California, Thursday, October 5, 1939

Minna Norris Memorial Services Held

BURBANK – Memorial service for Mrs. Minna E. Norris, former teacher at Burbank High school who passed away a month ago September 7, 1939, in Warrensburg, Johnson County, Missouri, will be held in Burbank High School auditorium Sunday, October 8, conducted by Rev. H. H. Strandberg, pastor of the Burbank Methodist Church of which she was a member.

Mrs. Norris had been teaching in Burbank schools since 1902, having taught at the Edison Grammar School and later Burbank High School, where she remained until she retired in 1938. She held an M. A. degree received at the University of Southern California in 1931, was active member of the Burbank Library Board, Methodist Church, and Women’s Club. NOTE: Interment was in the Sunset Hill Cemetery, Warrensburg, Johnson County, Missouri. 

Helga Preisman Sitkin, Former BHS Teacher

Helga Preisman Sitkin, Former BHS Teacher

July 16, 1920 – August 18, 2021

The Los Angeles Time, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, August 29, 2021

Helga (101) was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Died in West Hollywood, California. Graduated from Flora Stone Mather College, Western Reserve University, in Cleveland in 1941. Pursued the career she wanted as Continuity Director of radio station WHK, and later, radio-television director of the Marcus Advertising Agency. Worked in New York City from 1945 to 1947 as a script writer and publicist. 

Moved to Los Angeles in 1953, married, had three children. Became active in community affairs; PTA President, Los Feliz Elementary School; United Crusade Chairman, Hollywood Council; Cheerful Helpers for Handicapped Children; Los Angeles Free Clinic in Hollywood.  Continued her education at Cal State, L.A., earning a lifetime secondary teaching credential, an M.A. in Special Education, and a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor’s License. 

Helga taught English from 1969 to 1992 at Burbank High School and Monterey Continuation School in Burbank. After retirement from the school system, she taught ESL at ORT from 1997 to 2009. She was an instructor at the General Studies Department at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and later, its Faculty Coordinator for Instructor Training and Development. Since 1987, Helga hosted and produced a weekly interview show for the American Radio Network.

She is survived by her son, James Sitkin (Lafayette, CA), son Alan Sitkin (London, UK), daughter Susan Geraghty (Summerville, SC), their spouses Sue, Verna, and Brendan, and grandchildren, Lea, Daniel, Rachel, Lena, Nicole, Eva, and Michael.

Instead of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity of your choice in Helga’s name.

Bertha E. Haner Ewers, Retired Former BHS Teacher

Bertha E. Ewers, Retired BHS Teacher

Valley Times Today, North Hollywood, California, Monday, January 28, 1963

Bertha E. Ewers, of Torrance, passed away January 25, 1963. Former Burbank resident and retired teacher of Burbank High School for more than 20 years.

Survived by 2 sons; Dr. Duane Ewers and Donald Ewers, 1 sister, Imo V. Killian. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 29, 1 p.m. at the Eckerman Funeral Service Chapel, Burbank. Interment, Forest Lawn, Glendale. Find A Grave Memorial

Andrew Charles Campbell, Former BHS Teacher

Andrew Charles Campbell, Former BHS Teacher

June 15, 1952 - December 19, 2023 Andrew Campbell, playwright, cultural leader, world traveler and amazing friend, left us on December 19 after a valiant 18-month battle with ALS. His beloved family and friends will remember forever his legacy of kindness.

Andrew was born June 15, 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Margaret and Alva Campbell. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he acted on stage in Minnesota and Illinois, taught school in Northern California and spent a summer in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Playwriting from UCLA. Following a career in corporate America, he transitioned into the nonprofit and government sector. He was the director of organizational development for ten years with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission before becoming the first full-time arts administrator for the City of West Hollywood, where he lived for more than 30 years. After thirteen years working for the City, he retired in March of 2020. He loved conducting walking tours of his neighborhood, pointing out architecture, public art, the homes of famous residents and regaling his listeners with historical tidbits.

In his embrace of the world, Andrew traveled to Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Morocco. He was especially fond of the Amalfi Coast. Biking with friends around Wolfgangsee in the Lake District of Austria, he led the group in selections from The Sound of Music: a line of single-file bikers, Andrew in the lead, straight back, traditional bikes, blue skies and adults acting like the Von Trapp children.

His plays ranged from the dark humor of The Last Day of Lottie Love to the tender romance of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald in The Feast of Youth. A member of Playwrights Ink for more than 35 years, Andrew was the first person everyone asked to read their new book or a play, because he'd deliver kind, intelligent, constructive criticism that made success feel possible. He'd listen without judgment and cared in a way that made the air in the room breathable. As an artist, arts administrator and friend, he always created a safe place for artists.

Lest he appear too saintly, Andrew saved his most creative invective for hapless Los Angeles motorists. His imitations of pretentious or self-involved people were shocking in their hilarious accuracy. His family enjoyed his holiday visits to Phoenix, including feasts on the patio and treasure-hunting in the Melrose district for mid-century modern finds (especially lamps).

Andrew was predeceased by his parents, sister Arlene List, and his life partner, actor/writer/singer Donald Snell. He is survived by his sisters Margaret Mary Campbell and Joy Schumacher, brothers Rick Campbell (Nita) and Alvin Campbell, nephews Steve Campbell (Sue), Carey Schumacher (Cheri), David Campbell (Diane), Jeff Campbell (Beth), Aaron Campbell (Kelly), Jeremy Campbell (Nicole), Tanner Campbell and nieces Pam Wykoff (Jeff), Susan Cyr (Stephen), Jani Sage (Derek), Hollie Yeager (Mike) and Nicole Campbell. A celebration of life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills on January 20 at 11 a.m. Gifts in memory of Andrew may be
made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix.

We can't imagine our lives without Andrew, but we know he'll live in our hearts for all time, reminding us to be kind to each other every day (except for "that %&*#@ in the Tesla!").

Published by Los Angeles Times on Dec. 23, 2023.

David Thomas Carson , Former BHS Coach

David Thomas Carson, Former BHS Coach

David Thomas Carson (75) loving husband, father, Papa, and Coach, passed away in Spokane, WA, on October 22, 2023. Born on July 7, 1948, to George and Cecilia Carson, in San Francisco, California, he was the youngest of 4 siblings. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1966, and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served with the 1st Marine Recon Battalion in Da Nang, Vietnam, from February 1968 - March 1969. Returning home, he attended San Francisco State where he played left tackle on the Gator Football Team. He was recently inducted into the 2023 Gridiron Gator Hall of Fame.

Graduating in 1974 with his bachelor's and master's from SF State, he coached at Long Beach State, CSUN, Crispi High School, and Burbank High School where he met Sherry, his wife of 36 years. After their daughter Ann was born the family relocated to Spokane Washington where David coached and taught at Rogers High School and then Gonzaga Prep. "Coach" was his identity, and people continued to call him this until the day he died.

David lived a life of service, always seeking to help, lead, teach, mentor and donate. He served his God through his ministries with St. John Vianney. He served his country in uniform and his players and students in the lessons he taught them about integrity, honor, and humility. He was a man of deep loyalty, the value he treasured above all others, and he aimed to embody it on a daily basis. He was loyal to his God, his country, his family, his Marine Battalion, his teammates, and his players, students, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents George and Cecilia Carson, and his sister Marianne Levy. He is survived by his wife, Sherry, his daughter, Ann, son-in-law Stefan Muntwyler, his grandchildren Joshua and Elise Muntwyler, his brother Mike, sister Donna, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, former players and treasured friends.

A rosary will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Spokane Valley on November 17, at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated there on Saturday, November 18, at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at Gonzaga Prep's Barbieri Center. He will be laid to rest at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. John Vianney Parish School or Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, or to Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco. Online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org

Published by Spokesman-Review on Oct. 29, 2023.

David Steven Wasserman, Former BHS Teacher

David Steven Wasserman
September 8, 1945 - May 8, 2015 

Passed away in Burbank on May 8th at the age of 69. Dave was a dedicated teacher at Luther Burbank Junior High and Burbank High School for 37 years. He is survived by his wife Deborah and his two children Penni and Robert.

Published in the Los Angeles Times on May 17, 2015

Mr. Wasserman taught History and Mock Trial at Burbank High.

Service Date: May 12, 2015

Service Information Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills - Mount Sinai Chapel
Service Date: May 12th 2015
Service Time: 11:30 am

Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills - Mount Sinai Chapel
5950 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, California 90068

Pete Roses, BHS Current Coach

Pete Roses, BHS Current Coach

Just found out that a current Burbank High School coach, Peter Roses passed away I believe it was on January 26, 2021 after being ill for one week with Covid - 19. I do not have any more information. His students have created a Pete Roses Memorial Wall for anyone who wants to post a remembrance for Pete. It sounds like he was well loved by his students and players. I am checking my Burbank High yearbooks for better photo. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May he Rest In Peace!

Horace Brier Chilton, Former BHS Teacher

Horace Brier Chilton, Former BHS Teacher

Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, Monday, January 12, 1970

Horace B. Chilton, beloved husband of Mrs. Agnes K. Chilton, father of Mrs. Hilda Mueller, Mrs. Christine Gossard, stepfather of Donald O. Krogseng, brother of Claude Chilton; also survived by six grandchildren.

Service 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Faith Chapel. Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Forest Lawn Mortuary.

Carolyn Kurtz Biermann Simpson, Former BHS Teacher

Carolyn Kurtz Simpson
November 19, 1940 - November 10, 2019

Carolyn was born in San Diego, California, the first child of James Harald Kurtz, Jr., and Marian Stooke Kurtz. The family moved to Van Nuys, where Carolyn's sister Mary Lou was born. When Carolyn was seven, the Kurtzes moved to Albuquerque, where brother Jim was born. The family moved back to Los Angeles in 1955, but by then Carolyn had been in New Mexico long enough to acquire the love of mountains and high desert that eventually brought her to Nevada.

Carolyn graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles in 1958, then attended Los Angeles City College and Los Angeles State College (now Cal State LA). She received a BA and MA in Home Economics, which she taught at the junior high and high school level in LA and Burbank. She went into school administration in Burbank after receiving an MA in Family Counseling from Pepperdine University.

Carolyn married her high school sweetheart in 1962 but they split up while she was pregnant with her only child, Douglas James, born in 1967. In September 1971, she wed Melvin James Simpson, a World War II veteran. In March 1972, her beloved son Doug was lost in a tragic accident. Carolyn and Mel moved to the Hollywood Hills, but those hills didn't meet Carolyn's longing for mountains, so in 1985 they moved to Carson City at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

In Nevada, she worked in the office of the State Superintendent of Education, traveling around the state as a curriculum consultant. With Mel's encouragement, she enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno, as a candidate for a Doctorate in Education, but when Mel passed away in 1993, she put her dissertation on hold. During this time, she served as Director of Teacher Services at University of Nevada, Reno. In 1996, she moved to Reno where she served as Vice Principal at Hidden Valley and Marvin Piccolo Elementary, as well as Traner Middle School, before retiring in 2001. She was an active member of Chapter Q, Reno, of P.E.O., an international women's organization that provides scholarships, grants and loans for women in higher education.

In 2001, Carolyn found a new family, or perhaps they found her. In truth, she and the Meintjes family found each other. Carolyn became "OG" (short for "Other Granny") to two boys, Ian and Tate, and a dear friend and "OM" ("Other Mother") to André and Coral. The Meintjes family gained a local granny and another local mom while Carolyn helped raise two young boys as grannies do - "dessert first at my house."

Wherever she went, Carolyn made friends with people of all ages. From her housekeeper to her massage therapist, to all her neighbors and their children, those in her quilting group and in P.E.O., to the caregivers in the medical offices she visited as a patient, all were her friends. Indeed, Carolyn created friendships like no other.

Carolyn loved dogs. She opened her home to many canine companions through the years. Her last three, Sophie, Lulu, and Jazzy, brought her great joy. Carolyn's dear friend and caretaker, Dianna Mott of Carson City, has given "the girls" a new and loving "forever home."

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, her beloved son Doug, her husband Mel, and her much loved "Other Grandson" Tate Meintjes. She is survived by her sister Mary Louise Kurtz of Alameda, CA; her brother James H. Kurtz and his wife Diane and their son Christopher and his family, all of Virginia; her "adopted" son André Meintjes, his wife Coral, and her "Other Grandson" Ian Meintjes, all from Reno; and by many cousins, friends and past student Kathy Rera and other students from Burbank High School.

At Carolyn's request, there will be no services. At a later date her ashes will be scattered at the same site as her beloved Mel.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal, November 2019

NOTE: She taught Home Economics at BHS as Mrs. Biermann from 1968 until 1971, then became Mrs. Simpson in September of 1971.

Charles Carrigan, BHS Former Principal 1918-1923

Charles Carrigan, BHS Former Principal 1918-1923

Monrovia Daily News - Post, Monrovia, California, Saturday, May 26, 1945

MRS. ULLOM'S FATHER TAKEN BY DEATH

Charles Carrigan, retired high school teacher and father of Mrs. Chester Ullom of 162 Sunset place, died yesterday at his home, 22 E. Alhambra road, Alhambra. At the time of his retirement he was a member of Mark Keppel High school faculty in Alhambra and had been a teacher there for 17 years. Mr. Carrigan was a former president of the Southern California Teachers association.

Surviving Mr. Carrigan are his widow, Mrs. Jennie B. Carrigan; five daughters, Mrs. Ullom of Monrovia, Mrs. Rodney Morin of Washington, D.C., Mrs. Dean Brackenbury of Monterey Park, Mrs. Albert Gloeckeer of Alhambra and Fern Carrigan, a WAVE stationed at Santa Ana.

Funeral arrangements are in charge of Turner, Stevens and Turner, Alhambra.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Pasadena Star-News and Pasadena Post, Pasadena, California, Saturday, May 26, 1945

Charles Carrigan, 22 East Alhambra Road, Alhambra, passed away at his home, May 25, 1945. A native of Buffalo Lake, Minn., and a resident of Alhambra for 19 years. Survived by his widow,Mrs. Jennie B. Carrigan; five daughters,  five daughters, Mrs. Ullom of Monrovia, Mrs. Rodney Morin of Washington, D.C., Mrs. Dean Brackenbury of Monterey Park, Mrs. Albert Gloeckeer of Alhambra and Fern Carrigan, U.S. N.; two sisters, Mrs. William Fallon, Buffalo Lake, and Mrs. EllaMichaelson of Devils Lake, N.D.; four brothers, William and Holly Carrigan of Buffalo Lake; John Carrigan of Stewart, Minn., and Michael Carrigan of Wirt, Minn.,; also three grandchildren.

Funeral services, Monday at 10:30 a.m., at the Little Stone Church of Turner, Stevens and Turner, 550 East Main Street, Alhambra, Rev. C.H. M. Sutherland and Rev. Jesse Ullom officiating.

Pearl Price Burnette, Former BHS Teacher in 20's & 30's

Pearl Price Burnette, Former BHS Teacher

Burbank Daily Review, Friday, July 9, 1954

Former Teacher Dies in Moorpark

A former teacher at Burbank High School for 22 years, Mr. Pearl P. Burnette, died this morning in Moorpark. Services will be held Monday at 1:30 at the Little Church of Flowers in Forest Lawn. 

Mr. Burnette is survived by a widow, Estelle; two sons, Kenneth and Robert; and a daughter, Effie. Mr. Burnette was 78.

Peter A. LiPera, BHS 1950, Former BHS Teacher/Coach

Peter A. LiPera
January 27, 1930 – Riposto, Sicily  ~  
January 19, 2020 – Oro Valley, Arizona

Memorial Mass for Mr. Pete LiPera
Saturday, March 21, 2020 CANCELLED
9:30 A.M., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
3801 Scott Road, Burbank, California

In lieu of flowers the LiPera Family asks you to support public education, and to Vote!

Peter LiPera was born in Riposto, Sicily on January 27, 1930, the youngest in the family.  When Pete was just three months old the LiPera Family moved from Sicily to the United States.  Pete was a longtime resident of Burbank.  He attended Burbank

High School, where he played football, and during his senior year he was the Student Body President.  He graduated in the Winter Class of 1950 from Burbank High.  

Pete then attended Occidental College on a full scholarship for football.  He left Occidental early to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving on the USS Jason as a Gunner’s Mate.  Later on he returned to Burbank High School where he taught and coached for 31 years from 1960 until his retirement in 1991.  During those years he taught European History, Western Civilization, Eastern Civilizations, and also taught Driver Training.  He coached for 15 years of his 31 years at Burbank High, two years coaching “B” Football, and 13

years as the Varsity Football Coach.  He had two championship teams during those years.  

After retirement Pete would sometimes spend entire days in his library reading, researching, and writing, and would stop just for meals.  He modeled integrity and valued learning.  Pete was a strong believer in “We The People” and in the responsibility of participating in our democracy.  He often told people to “Be sure and Vote!”  His love of Football also continued, in later life as a viewer each week during Football Season, dinnertime being during half-time!

Pete and his first wife, Marilyn, had three sons, Donn, David, and Scott, who also grew up in Burbank.  Marilyn passed away in 1972 after a long illness.  Nine years later in 1981 Pete and Sheila Byrne were married and lived in Burbank for the next fourteen years.  In 1995 after they both had retired they moved to Oro Valley, Arizona, near Tucson, where they have lived for the past 25 years.  Pete passed away in Oro Valley on January 19, 2020, only eight days before his 90th birthday on January 27.

Peter LiPera is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sheila Byrne LiPera; his son Donn LiPera and wife Diane; his son Scott LiPera and partner Louis; and by countless friends, former students, and former players who have wonderful memories of this great man.

Pete was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn Tucker LiPera, in 1972; his middle son, Dr. David B. LiPera, DC, in 2009 (a 1976 BHS graduate); and by all of his older siblings. Written by Alan Landros, BHS 1970

Jon Monroe Olin, BHS 1961, Retired BHS Teacher

Jon Monroe Olin, BHS 1961
October 10, 1943 - December 27, 2019

Jon Monroe Olin was born on October 10, 1943 in Los Angeles County, California. Jon lived and grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School in 1961. After high school Jon got a teaching degree and then spent his teaching career with the Burbank Unified School District, spending most of his career at Jordan Middle School before moving to Burbank High School and taught there until his retirement. Jon remained with the district and filled in as a sub for different schools. 

On Friday December 27, 2019 he was on his way to the Coral Café on Burbank Blvd. with Mickey DePalo when Jon apparently had cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital and passed away Friday night with his family by his side.

He was due to have a valve replacement operation on January 15th. We are very sad about Jon's passing. God Bless his family.

Jon was preceded in death by his father; brothers, Edwin Jay Olin (BHS 60) and David Joseph Olin (BHS 67) who passed away in 1998. Jon is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Dorothea, daughters Meg and Alexandra, son Christopher, their partners, and four grandchildren. If you would like to honor Jon Olin, please donate to the organization he cared deeply for, The Optimist Youth Home, 6957 N. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90041,

UPDATE: From the family:

It is with a broken heart that the Olin family and friends announce the passing of Jon Monroe Olin, on December 27th, 2019. It was unexpected and sudden, and we are only beginning to understand the depth of our loss.

Jon loved spending quality time with family, friends and students and he always opened his home and heart to others.

An open house and memorial will be held to honor Jon Olin:

Saturday, February 22, 11:30 a.m.

1022 E. Angeleno Avenue, Burbank

RSVP: 818 438 3046


olin191@gmail.com

Ralph Samuel Fesler, Former BHS Teacher

Rites,Today For Ralph Fesler, 52

Services were held today for Ralph Fesler, 52, a science teacher at Burbank High School for 18 years who died August 24, 1961. Services for Mr. Fesler of 3936 Santa Carlotta Street, were held in the Church of the Brethren in Covina, his birthplace. He is survived by his widow, Catherine.

On sabbatical leave for the past year, Mr. Fesler had been ill and was unable to attend the summer fellowship at Harvey-Mudd College this summer. It was one of the many fellowships he was awarded during the past few years. 

In summer of 1960 Mr. Fesler attended Stanford University on a Shell Merit Fellowship as one of 100 outstanding high school mathematics and science instructors from the United States and Canada. Mr. Fesler attended the Fifth Chemistry Institute at Montana State College in the summer of 1958.

A graduate of La Verne College, La Verne, California, he received his secondary teaching credentials from the University of California at Berkeley. In recent years he did graduate work at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles State College and Montana State College. While at La Verne he earned a Phi Beta Kappa award for scholarship.

Mr. Fesler was a member of the California Teachers Association, the National Education Association and the Pacific Southwest Association of Chemistry teachers. He was also a member of the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church and on the board of Presbyterian Men.

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Monday, August 28, 1961

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

Valley Times Today, North Hollywood, California, Saturday, August 26, 1961 

FESLER, Ralph S., of La Crescenta, teacher in Burbank High School. Passed away August 24, 1961. Member of Presbyterian Church, La Crescenta. Survived by his wife, Catherine; 3 daughters, Mrs. Jerry Rotta of Escondido, Mrs. Frank Aranguren of Big Bear, and Mrs. Valton Dickson of Tujunga. 6 grandchildren also survive.

Visitation at Custer & Christianson Mortuary in Covina, Sunday afternoon. Funeral services will be Monday, August 28, 10 a.m., at The Brethren Church, Covina, California, Rev. Harry Thomas officiating.

Interment Oakdale Cemetery, Covina. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the La Verne College Scholarship Fund, La Verne, California.

Leonard Haynes, Former BHS Teacher

Leonard “Len” Haynes passed away last night, Saturday, August 24, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Len and his wife, Debi, had lived in Tehachapi for many years. Debi is also a former BHS teacher. For the last couple of years Len was living in a medical facility in Chatsworth for the care of his illness. Some of his former BHS colleagues visited him regularly, including Bill Larson and Larry Auzene. 

Some may remember that Len Haynes played professional baseball during his early life. He then taught and coached at Burbank High School for 39 years from 1967 to 2006, teaching Science and Honors Biology, and coaching Varsity Baseball, Football, and Girl’s Volleyball. During some of those years at BHS he also coached Football at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. 

Mr. Haynes always held a special place with the BHS ‘70 Class, the 1970 Ceralbus was dedicated to him, and years after graduation the alumni voted him their favorite teacher during their time at BHS. After graduation in 1970 several members of the 1970 Class went to Europe that summer with Mr. Haynes and his wife. Some will remember the 1963 blue Jaguar XKE that Mr. Haynes drove to school everyday from when he began in 1967 until 1968! Len Haynes attended our BHS ‘70 reunion in 2010, and he and his wife, Debi, attended our 2015 reunion.

Len Haynes was born January 29, 1938, and was 81 at his passing. Besides his wife, Debi, Len is survived by two sons, Brandon of Tehachapi, and Taylor of Tarzana, two stepdaughters, Julie and Linda, and 8 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Chelsea, when she was 3 years old. Debi Haynes will be scheduling a "Celebration" for Len, and when that is set the information will be announced.

Here's an interesting article about Haynes.

 LOS ANGELES TIMES - dated May 3, 1987.  

THE HIGH SCHOOLS : Burbank Coach Gets Safe Call and Gives Up Racing
By JOHN LYNCH
May 3, 1987

Somewhere outside Barstow, the reality began to take hold.
Maybe there are safer ways for a middle-aged man to spend his free time than racing motorcycles across the California desert. That thought--between surges of gruesome pain--ran through his mind as Leonard Haynes lay in the dirt.

Moments before, his motorcycle had been sideswiped, hurtling Haynes over the handlebars. “I’m all right,” he thought after he thumped to the ground. But that was before another motorcycle ran over his leg, shattering his left kneecap.
Shortly after the Nov. 30 accident Haynes, the Burbank High baseball coach, underwent surgery, his second operation of the year. Earlier in 1986, he went over those same handlebars and broke his collarbone. He got back on his bike that day and finished the race--even won it.

But the knee injury was more serious. It was weeks before he could walk again and he faced a lengthy rehabilitation regimen. At 48, Haynes took stock of his life style.
“That last accident was like a warning,” Haynes said. “When I was lying in the hospital I thought about where my values should lie. I should slow down and spend more time with my family. Maybe racing at high speeds at my age is not the best thing to be doing. My racing days were over.”

Haynes has recovered and is coaching his seventh season at Burbank. But the injury has put an end to another career for Haynes, who for the past six years has been a batting practice pitcher for the Dodgers.

Haynes threw pregame practice during the season on Dodger home stands and also worked out with the team during pre-spring training sessions at Dodger Stadium.
A chance meeting with Manager Tom Lasorda led to the job with the Dodgers.
Before the 1981 season, Haynes and good friend and fellow Valencia resident Mike Gillespie, the the USC and former College of the Canyons coach, attended a baseball coaches convention in Houston that featured Lasorda. After one of the conferences, Lasorda joined Haynes and Gillespie and their wives at a table at the hotel bar.
“We were just sitting there and Lasorda came over and asked us if he could join us,” Haynes said. “He said he wanted to get away from some reporters. After a few minutes it was like we were old friends. He wanted to know what it was like being a high school coach and later he took our wives out to lunch. At the end of the convention, he told us to call him at Dodger Stadium and we would be his guest.”
Haynes returned home from the convention with the Lasorda story that made the rounds in Valencia, but he thought Lasorda’s invitation was no more than polite social talk.

Then one night about midnight he received a call at home from someone claiming to be Lasorda. “I didn’t believe it was him,” Haynes said. “I thought one of my friends who heard the story was kidding me.” Eventually Haynes was convinced that the Dodger manager was on the other end of the line.

“The Dodgers had just lost a close game and he was feeling bad,” Haynes said. “He said all the reporters didn’t like him and they thought he couldn’t manage. Then he said that at least the Burbank High coach would come out and see him.” That weekend, Haynes was Lasorda’s guest at Dodger Stadium. During the visit, Lasorda mentioned the team had an opening for a batting-practice pitcher and after a tryout, Haynes got the job, which pays “about $30 or $40 a night.”

His first night in a Dodger uniform was a memorable moment for Haynes.
“I just about passed out when they gave me the uniform, and my heart was throbbing when I walked onto the field,” he said. “I’d been throwing batting practice for 15 years but when I walked to the mound I thought my legs were going to collapse. I think the first guys I threw to were Steve Garvey and Ron Cey.”

Haynes has used his Dodger connection to give his players the experience of shagging fly balls at Dodger Stadium. “If you want to psych up a kid, that will do it,” he said.

The Dodger connection has come to an end for now, along with the motorcycle racing, as Haynes turns more attention to home. He won’t be bored, however. He is a former professional musician and composes songs on the guitar and piano in a small recording studio he maintains at home.

But he remains a little restless. His knee is healing and last week he went motorcycle riding. Hadn’t he said his racing days are over? “Well, probably,” he said. “But it’s something that’s under my skin. But I’ll probably just ride for fun.” Add Haynes: This wasn’t a good week for Haynes and the Burbank team, which dropped a pair of Foothill League games to Hart. Burbank took a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning

Tuesday but gave up the tying run and lost in 10 innings, 6-2. On Friday, Hart held off a last-inning Burbank rally and won, 3-2.

Burbank (13-7, 5-6) started the week with a chance to move into second place but has fallen to fourth. In past years, only three league teams have advanced to the playoffs.
Said Haynes: “I’m going to get out there and break my butt throwing batting practice because we want to go to the playoffs. Our kids deserve it.”

LEONARD COLUMBUS HAYNES, JR.

January 29, 1938 – Culver City, California ~ 
August 24, 2019 – Granada Hills, California

CELEBRATION TO HONOR THE LIFE OF LEN HAYNES
Sunday, September 29, 2019
11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Castaway Burbank – Verdugo Room
1290 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank, CA   91501

Please join the Haynes Family to celebrate this remarkable man.
Len’s music will accompany a continuous slide show, as well as sharing of memories throughout the afternoon. An ‘open mic’ will be available for those who would like to share their memories of Len.

Elsie D. Jacques Jeffers, BHS Former School Registrar

Elsie Jeffers, a resident of Burbank for over 60 years, died on June 18th 2019 of cardiopulmonary arrest. Elsie was born in Berlin, New Hampshire, on April 27, 1933 to Napoleon and Florence Jacques. 

She grew up in Berlin and was an only child. She spoke only French until the age of 7, and later used those skill in Washington D.C. where she was a French translator for the FBI under the command of J. Edgar Hoover. She eventually relocated to California and in 1957, she met and married the love of her life and soul mate: Dr. Walter Jeffers. 

Widowed in 1996, Elsie is survived by her children, Mike, Steve, Linda, Kim, Gayla, and Lori (and all of those taken in over the years). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Becky, Shawn, Christa, Casey, Sierra, Sequoia, Tiffany, Briana, Cassandra and six great-grandchildren. 

Elsie worked as the Registrar at Burbank High School for over 30 years. She loved her years there and touched the hearts of all who knew her. She never missed a basketball game, a football game, or a school dance. It was actually at a Burbank vs. Burroughs football game where Elsie earned her nicknamed "The Burbank High School Miracle Lady." She went into full cardiac arrest and was miraculously revived by Burbank Paramedics, who blessed us with 30 more wonderful years. 

Services will be held at Burbank High School in the multi-purpose room on August 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund for Burbank High School Students is being set up in her honor. Kindly contact Kim Browning with any questions. (Kim Browning 714-307-6848).

Published in The Burbank Leader on July 13, 2019

Leon H. Frankamp, Former BHS Teacher

I just received this incredibly sad note ... 

We just got the sad news that our Photography teacher, Leon H. Frankamp passed away this morning May 29, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer, our Savior has called him home.. Aside from being one of our favorite teachers and by every measure, a wonderful man, he has always held a special place in our hearts as being the teacher in whose class we met. Beside teaching photography, he also taught science at Burbank High. All of the greatest blessings in our lives, 42 years of marriage, wonderful children and two very cute grandsons, are traceable back to him. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

He passed peacefully in his sleep, at home, surrounded by family. He was a blessing to many, and blessed by many. He was a remarkable man who leaves a legacy of serving and loving others, as God's Word instructs us to do. He changed many lives in his work with Habitat for Humanity. Many people in my home town, Clarksdale, MS, as well as other communities, and as well as the students who worked on the Habitat teams under his guidance were blessed by his teaching, coaching, and the Christian witness he lived daily.

Memorial services for this extraordinary man are as follows:

Tuesday June 11th at 1:00 pm
Magnolia Park United Methodist Church
2828 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA  91505

Gathering in the Fellowship Hall will be held directly after.

There will also be a celebration of his life in Pine Mountain Club later in June. This will be held at one of his favorite places in the world, PMC Golf Course. Further details to come.

Our mom will be staying in Burbank at Kim’s. Address is below should you wish to reach her:

3344 Brace Canyon Rd.
Burbank, CA  91504