Douglas Michael Hunter, BHS 1976

Douglas Michael Hunter, BHS 1976 

February 25, 1958 - April 17, 2014 

Doug Hunter of Burbank passed away April 17, 2014. Born in Toronto Canada, Douglas grew up in Burbank, and after raising a family in Hemet, moved back to Burbank for the past 18 yrs. He worked for the Alexander Henry Co. as a machine operator for 17 yrs. 

Douglas is survived by his children Michael (Jaime), Crystal & Emily; Three Grandchildren, his mom Joann Hunter, five sisters Theresa Cotton, Linda Balding, Sharon Crane, Donna Ryan, & Paula Germann. He is preceded in death by his dad Doug Hunter, & sisters Maureen Larson, & Carolyn Uzzardo. Doug was an uncle to 39 nieces & nephews. He had a pure heart, a great sense of humor, was loving, generous, & a kind son, brother, father, uncle & friend to many.

Jerry Robinson, BHS 1961

Jerry Robinson, BHS 1961 He passed away June 20, 2014 peacefully, after a major heart attack, which damaged his heart beyond repair...He had also had only one lung since the age of 6...He was a Christian and a family man...Loved working with cars and racing with cars. His wish was to have Linda drive his '55 Chevy and his son Todd, drive his '29 Model A roadster around the "Shady Side Dragway, North Carolina" at his memorial... He is survived by his Mother, Wife, Linda (of 32 years and BHS '64 grad), Sons Todd and Branden and Daughter Lee. God Bless the entire family...

Charles Herbert Vincent, BHS 1946

Charles Herbert Vincent February 2, 1928 - June 6, 2014 Charles Herbert Vincent, 86, of Burbank California passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 6, 2014. Herb was born in Hamilton Montana to Frank Seymour Vincent and Flossie Jewel (Pyle) Vincent. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1946 and married Velma Louise Boren on April 9, 1949 who he met on a blind date in 1947. During the Korean War he served in the Untied States Air Force with the 562nd United States Air Force Band at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia and George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. He played the tuba in the marching band and string bass in the dance band and was eventually promoted to Staff Sergeant. Herb was a member of Emmanuel Church for 60 years and a member of the Burbank Kiwanis Club for 44 years. He owned Vincent Realty and was a member of the planning commission for the City of Burbank in the 1980’s. Herb was a docent and board member of the Burbank Historical Society and for many years the editor of the Senior Bulldog Newsletter.

Herb is survived by his wife of 65 years, Velma Vincent; children Karen Bertholet and her husband, Reverend Dr. Rodney Bertholet of Clackamas, OR, Bob Vincent and Louanne Peterson, of Valencia, CA, Glenda Vincent of Burbank, CA, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Marge and brothers Frank, Donald and Darryl. In November 1993, Herb received a heart transplant and lived an additional 20 years with his new heart. He was well respected and loved by all who knew him. It was only fitting that Herb, a man with a great heart, was given a second chance at life by receiving a heart transplant. Services will be held at Emmanuel Church, 438 East Harvard Road, Burbank, California, on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in memory of Herb Vincent can be made to Emmanuel Church or the Burbank Noon Kiwanis Club c/o Dave Harris, Kiwanis Club Secretary, 2106 Hilton Drive, Burbank, California 91504

Manuel Lopez Ballesteros, Jr., BHS 1967

Manuel Lopez Ballesteros Jr. U.S. Veteran January 18, 1949 - May 2, 2014 

In Loving Memory — Manuel L. Ballesteros Jr. Loving son, brother, father and friend, Manuel Lopez Ballesteros passed on to the hereafter on May 2, 2014 at his home in Payson, Ariz. as a result of a failed heart and other related complications, he was 65 years old. 

Born in Miami, Ariz. on Jan. 18, 1949 to Alice Soto Ballesteros and Manuel Lopez Ballesteros Sr. Manuel is survived by his mother, Alice S. Ballesteros; sisters, Sarah Guerrero, Theresa Benson and Genevieve Duarte; brother, Henry De Luna; children, Rose Marie Linquist, Richard Ballesteros, Tyrone Ballesteros, Antoinette Ramirez, Esperanza Ballesteros and Gabrielle Ballesteros. Also surviving him are his 17 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his many nieces and nephews, and his three dogs, Sheba, Yager and Bella. 

Manuel attended Burbank High School, shortly after he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War with the 1st cavalry infantry division. During his tour of service, Manuel received a Bronze Star with “V” device, Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. Manuel was very proud of this country and his service to defend its freedom. 

Manuel leaves behind many family and friends who will miss him dearly. In celebration of Manuel’s life, a memorial gathering will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2014 beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Philips Catholic Church in Payson, Ariz. 

Published in the Payson Roundup, Payson, AZ.

Michael Lawrence Carranza, BHS 1974

Michael Lawrence Carranza, BHS 1974 Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) - Wednesday, February 28, 2001 Michael L. Carranza, 44, of Laguna Woods, a pre-need counselor at Pacific View Memorial Park, died Feb. 24, 2001, of cancer. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Pacific View Memorial Park, Newport Beach. Mother, Marie Spirer; sister, Carol Burchman; brother, Mario.

Wilmadele Baker Hunt, BHS 1951

Wilmadele Baker Hunt February 10, 1934 - July 9, 2013 After just 20 days of separation, Wilmadele Baker Hunt was reunited with her beloved husband, Bud, as she passed away in her Vista, CA home on Tuesday, July 9, 2013.Wilmadele was born on February 10, 1934 in Huntington Park, CA to George Albert Baker and Gertrude Eliza Cluff. She moved to Burbank, CA in 1948 where she soon met her eternal sweetheart, Henry Barlow Hunt. They married in 1955, after she had graduated from Occidental College, and he had returned from the Korean War. Wilma and Bud were blessed with six children, who all were raised in Burbank, CA and received college degrees. A gifted musician and compassionate woman, Wilma served her community as a member of National Charity League, held many positions in PTA, and served faithfully in her church until the end of her life. Of all the titles she held throughout her life, “Mother” was the one she loved best. Wilmadele is survived by her children, Carolee and Ron Whitehead, Marissa and John Munoa, Colleen and Brian Hervey, Kevin and Monica Hunt, Elizabeth and Scott Lowry, and David and Leanna Hunt, 28 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She will be remembered by all for being “Loving, Sweet and Kind.” Memorial services will be held in her honor on Monday, July 29 at Noon at the LDS Church, 1545 Melrose Ave, Vista, CA. Published in the Glendale News Press, July 19, 2013

Joseph Andrew Heath, BHS 1976

Joseph Andrew Heath passed peacefully at the age of 55 on April 6, 2014 in Long Beach, California. Born in Glendale, California, Joseph grew up in Burbank, attending St. Robert Bellarmine Elementary School and Burbank High School. A graduate of College of the Canyons, UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law, Joseph was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1986, joining the firm of Shield & Smith. He joined the firm of Ford, Walker, Haggerty & Behar at its inception in 1991, becoming a Partner in 1994. After 27 years of practice as a defense litigator, representing public and private entities throughout Southern California, Joseph took a medical leave from practice in 2013 and retired in 2014, shortly before his death. 

Having a lifelong interest in public service, Joseph was named the 1981 Harry S. Truman Scholar for the State of California, and continued that passion throughout his legal career. Joseph served three terms on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Long Beach Associates, dedicated to overseeing property and business-based improvements to create a safe business environment and promoting economic development. He served as an arbitrator, mediator and Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court, as well as a Hearing Officer for the Long Beach Civil Service Commission. 

Joseph's public service extended to family, friends and his community. He was known for giving sage (and even free) legal advice to many who knew him, and was a trusted advisor to the Pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach. 

Joseph is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Raylene Heath of Sun Valley, California; wife Tricia and children Elizabeth, Virginia and Joseph Jr. of Long Beach, California; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Edward Strawser of Valencia, California; brother and sister-in-law Lawrence Jr. and Laurie Heath of Valencia, California; brother and sister-in-law Timothy and Donna Heath of Stevenson Ranch, California; brother and sister-in-law John and Patricia Heath of Agoura Hills, California; brother and sister-in-law David and Bonnie Heath of Valencia, California; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Many friends provided comfort to Joseph in his final year of life: Page Brock; Karyn Bryson; cousin David Elder; Lisa Duarte; Larry Kahn; Robert and Diane Reagan; Silvia Rodriguez and family; John and Annette Rygh; Scott and Atisa Sachs; Alan and Ana Maria Terakawa; and Patricia Young.

A Funeral Mass for Joseph will be held at 3:00pm on May 27, 2014, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach. Father José Magaña will officiate the service. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Church. His final resting place will be in the sand traps of the Ka'anapali Golf Course in Maui, where he spent most of his vacations; and Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood. 

In lieu of flowers, please honor Joseph's legacy of service by making a donation to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to Long Beach Community Action Partnership (www.lbcap.org), to continue their good works in the community Joseph loved. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits. 

Published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on May 20, 2014

Jana Marie Stevens Doran, BHS 1974

Jana Marie Stevens Doran, BHS 1974 Burbank Leader, Aug 29, 1992 Jana Marie Stevens Doran, 35, died August 24, 1992 at St. Joseph's Medical Center. Born in Glendale, she lived her entire life in Burbank. Mrs. Doran was a graduate of Burbank High School and Cal State Los Angeles. She was previously employed by the Burbank Police Department as their first female police cadet and subsequently as a senior communications operator. She is survived by her husband, Leonard; three daughters, Denise Cross, Andria Vitolo and Natasha Doran: her morther, Dorothy Stevens; a brother JohnStevens and two sisters, Patrica Murray and Michelle Roth. A memorial service is pending. Donations may be made to Vital Options, 4419 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Suite A-C, Studio City, California 91604.

Beverly Ann Erb Smart, BHS 1955

Beverly Ann Erb Smart, BHS 1955 

December 20, 2013 - Beverly Ann Smart, 76, of Talent, Oregon passed away December 18, 2013 at her home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 23, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 111 N. Clay St., Ashland, Oregon. 

Beverly was born on July 7, 1937 at Hollywood, California, a daughter of Frank C. and Ruby A. Erb. She attended Burbank High School graduating in 1955. On August 24, 1957 she married William H. Smart Jr. in Burbank, California. 

Beverly was a homemaker and loved and cared for her family always. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Keith Mitchell Smart. 

She is survived by her husband; children, Scott Matthew Smart (Emily) of Frisco, Texas, Craig Michael Smart (Blakeley) of Cedar Park, Texas, and Kindra Sailers of Camarillo, Calif.; a brother, Robert Frank Erb (Elaine) of Chino valley, Ariz.; niece, Sandra Erb of Merced, Calif.; grandchildren, Chelsea, Scott Jr., Mack, Stacey, William, Leslie, Preston, Payton, and Dylan; and great-grandsons, Samuel and Jason. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donation to the LDS Missionary Fund.

Chester (Chet) Brown, BHS 1933?

Chester (Chet) Brown, BHS 1933? Chester (Chet) Brown passed away March, 29th 2014 at the age of 98. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Aug. 31st, 1915 to Earl and Blanche Brown. The family made their way to Burbank, California in 1923, where he and his only sibling June Francis graduated from Burbank High School. He had an auto mechanics garage in Burbank in 1940 called Chet's Automotive and built his 1st home of 2 that he would build nearby. He leased out his business to go into the Navy and served from 1942 to 1945 as a Motor Machinist Mate 1st Class where he did overhaul and maintenance on the ship's engines. He married Billie Mae Archer when he got out of the Navy and had 4 children, Michael, Kelly, Stacey and Perry. He had a love of fishing and boats and bought his first boat the "Dead Battery" in his mid-twenties. It was 22 ft. long. The next boat he bought was the "Pronto", a 30 ft. Chris Craft that could reach a speed of 40 knots an hour. He started a charter business giving high speed boat rides in Long Beach. In 1952 he launched a lifelong boat building career with the "Bimiche". It was 35' long, built of steel, and used to start his first commercial sport fishing business. He built the boat with longitudinal framing and unique design features not seen at that time. It had a wide beam and a live bait well both being unusual for that time. He hauled passengers out of Long Beach and Wilmington. In 1954 he built the 40ft. "Reville" also using a new method of construction. He designed the hull and it was one of the first boats to be built that size out of laminated plywood with longitudinal framing and fiberglass. Also a commercial sport fishing boat the laminated plywood technique was stronger, lighter, faster and innovative for the time. He began a trend that other boat builders would soon follow. He moved his family to San Pedro to be closer to his sport fishing business and built his 2nd home there for his family. By 1956 he had tired of hauling passengers and sold his boat. He also sold his house in San Pedro and moved his family into an apartment so he could rent space to start building a 40 ft. sailboat the "Destiny". Again he used a new method in wood construction called the strip planked method. During this time he worked as a marine mechanic for Marine Engine Service. Chet and Billie had a dream of moving to Hawaii and 3 years after starting the "Destiny" he took Billie, Michael, Kelly, a navigator and crew man and sailed to the Hawaiian Islands. Upon reaching Hawaii he sent for his 2 youngest daughters, Stacey and Perry to join them. Chet and his family lived on their boat in the Alawai Yacht Harbor in Honolulu before moving to a house in Kaneohe. While in Hawaii he worked for the Hawaiian Extruders, a plastic products manufacturer. He sold the "Destiny" in 1960 and relocated his family to Santa Barbara. He soon had a job working for Lindwall Boat Works and bought a new 2 bdrm home in Goleta and immediately converted the 2 car garage into 2 extra bedrooms with an added garage. He then built another boat named the "Euekai". It was 25 ft. long and built with recreation in mind. It was built with the same laminated plywood technique as the "Reville". He soon sold that boat and in 1962 started work on a 52 ft steel commercial fishing boat named the "Dawn Star". It was reportedly the largest steel boat built in Santa Barbara up to that time. He worked for Santa Barbara Yachts as a marine mechanic during this time. It launched in 1964 and he and his family became some of the first live-aboard in the Santa Barbara Harbor. It was also during this time that he started another business named Service Afloat that he operated off of the "Dawn Star" in the Santa Barbara Harbor. He assisted other boat owners with general and mechanical repairs. In 1968 he took the "Dawn Star" along with his son out for her first albacore fishing season. In 1968 the Atomic Energy Commission chartered the "Dawn Star" for research in the Johnston Atoll, 800 miles southwest of Hawaii. He took his wife Billie, son Mike, Stacey, Perry and his sister June and 12 days later delivered the boat to Hawaii where the charter began. The family vacationed in Hawaii until the boat returned from it's charter. In 1969 he took the "Dawn Star" to work in the Gulf of Alaska. The boat was under contract with General Oceanographics and he outfitted the boat to carry their 15 ft. mini submarine named the "Nekton". They were making a subsea survey of the gulf's geologic features for 4 different oil companies. He sold the "Dawn Star" to General Oceanographics by year's end. Chet then started building another boat named the "Archer" in 1970 and launched it in 1973. It was 63 ft. long. It was laminated plywood and built at the bottom of Santa Barbara St. He fished albacore with it until 1975 when he decided to sell it. His son Mike had already begun building his own steel commercial fishing boats when Chet went to work for him. He would help Mike finish his boat the 65 ft. "Wendy". He worked on the interior, engines and generators and helped fit it with drag gear. He fished with Mike and his wife Paulette on their boat until 1978. Chet also helped Michael build his next boat the "Mikette" in Oxnard from 1978 to 1980. It was in1982 that he took a break and bought a Rotor Way Helicopter kit and proceeded to make a helicopter and trailer that he would work on for the next 2 years. He sold it after completion. He also helped Mike build another boat, the 124 ft. "Kami M." in Anacortes, Wa. from 1989-1991. He then helped rebuild and repower another boat (also named the Kami M.) from 1991-1992. He went on to help his son again rebuilding the "Wendy Sea" (a boat Mike bought in Nova Scotia) and by helping him install refrigeration and trolling polls. He spent his later years between Washington State, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Chet pursued his passion throughout his life and will always be remembered for his humor, honesty, integrity, ability to teach and mentor and his ability to start a job and stay with it until completion. He will be greatly missed. Aloha Chet Brown is survived by his sister June Francis, His 4 children, Michael Brown (Paulette), Kelly Rangel, Stacey Brown and Perry Adameck (David). His 6 grandchildren, Tracey Cruz (Alex), Billy Rangel (Brandy Sanchez), Wendy Brown, Kami Jennings, Aprile Hill (Bill), Matthew and Shelby Adameck. His great grandchildren, Jordan Hill, Akeila Garcia-Hill, Bella and Lucas Cruz. He was preceded in death by his wife Billie Brown, Marie Hartman (long term relationship) and Ada Schmidt (long term relationship) and 1 grandchild, Tanner Adameck. Chet's Family would like to thank the caregivers Mary Reese-Upton, Christy Harter, Josie Eulin, Kathy Abramovitz, John Shires, Rafael Lopez and Linda Trujillo for their compassionate care. The family would also like to thank the staff at Samarkand and Mission Villa. Donations can be made to Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara. A Veteran's Service was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, April 5th, followed by a Celebration of Life at Craig Brooker's home in Santa Barbara.