Phyllis Gertrude Kelley Hennessey, BHS 1940

Phyllis Gertrude Kelley Hennessey, BHS 1940

1923 ~ 2011

Phyllis Gertrude Kelly Hennessey, our mom, grandma, and best friend, left this Earth to join her Hughie, on Monday, May 9, 2011. Indeed, Phyllis' body could no longer keep up with her lively and fiery spirit. She drew people to her with her grace and humor, and will leave many people missing her light.

Phyllis was born February 15, 1923, to Jack Elmer Kelly and Nellie Sell, in Yakima, Washington. Her brothers and sister were Jack, Lee, and Marion, all now deceased. The family made their way to Southern California, eventually settling in Burbank. Phyllis attended Burbank schools and graduated from Burbank High School in 1940.

She married Hugh Patrick Hennessey, as the war was ending, on March 25, 1945, and they made their home in Glendale. Hugh and Phyllis had four children, all surviving: Michael Patrick Hennessey (Susan), Gail Stacy Hennessey, David Hugh Hennessey (Diane), and Karen Lee Hennessey.

Phyllis was an artist in every way, and her home was both her canvas and her gallery. She raised her four children and two grandchildren at Norton, and they were fortunate to be her students of life.

Phyllis worked at Lockheed, started a successful medical transcribing business, and later was an Executive Secretary for the Imagineering division of Walt Disney Enterprises.

The magic of Phyllis was drawn to the magic of Disney. She moved to Provo, Utah in May, 2009. The family offers their deepest thanks to the caregivers and staff at Cove Point and Beehive Homes, and the caring professionals at 1st Choice Home Health and Hospice. You are all angels among us.

She now joins Hugh who has been waiting for her since Sept. 7, 1997. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sister, and nearly all of her many friends from Los Angeles. Phyllis currently has 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service has been scheduled for Friday, May 13, at 2pm at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center St., Provo, Utah. Condolences to the family may be emailed to info@bergmortuary.com.

Dailey Herald, Utah, Thursday, May 12, 2011

Ronald Fletcher Minnick, BHS 1962

Ronald Fletcher Minnick, BHS 1962 

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 

Longtime Burbank resident Ronald F. Minnick died May 1, 2011. He was 63. He is survived by his wife, Carol A. (Root) Minnick (BHS 1965); sons Eric Cox and Richard Minnick; daughter, Pamela Peterson, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California at 9 a.m. Friday. Visit his Find A Grave Memorial HERE

Steven Gordon Bailey, BHS 1971

Steven Gordon Bailey, BHS 1971

WINSTON-SALEM - Steven Gordon Bailey May 10 1953 - May 03, 2011

Steven lost his courageous battle due to complications from Leukemia on May 3, 2011 at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital surrounded by his Pastor and friend Kevin Conley, dear friend Shellie Veschio and life partner and soul mate Bob Taylor all of Winston-Salem.

He was predeceased by his father Charles Bailey, brother Greg Bailey and beloved cat Mighty Mutt. He leaves behind his mother Ora Bailey, his sister Beverly Henkel both of Ukiah, Calif., as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his "other mother" Emma Taylor of Tarzana, Calif., beloved friend Maloy Moore of Los Angeles and pets Lord William Wallace of Stirling and Miss Savannah.

We would like to thank Dr. Barry Seltzer of Winston-Salem Health Care and all of the staff and volunteers of Baptist Hospital for their friendship, love and compassion. A heartfelt thanks to all of his nurses and especially ICU nurse Debbie Smith for making Steven's transition from this earth a painless, seamless and beautiful one.

Steven will be missed by everyone he touchedhe always exuded love, love and more love.

Visitation hours are Sunday, May 8th from 4:00 to 9:00 at Salem Funeral Home Reynolda Chapel at 2599 Reynolda Road. Services will be held on Monday May 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 3627 Konnoak Drive, with Pastor Kevin Conley officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or Fur-Ever Friends of NC. Memorials may be made to Leukemia Research Fund; Attn: Development and Alumni Affairs Office, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021.

Published in Winston-Salem Journal from May 7 to May 8, 2011

James A. Bailey, BHS 1961

James A. Bailey, BHS 1961 

James A. Bailey, 57, died June 20, 2000. Mr. Bailey was born and raised in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School. 

With a degree in engineering, he went to work at Forest Lawn Memorial Park as an apprentice plumber. Mr. Bailey later used his design engineering skills at Mel Bilow Company of Burbank and then M.B.&A., where he was employed for the past 15 years. He was a consultant to the Rosarian Club of Southern California and a member of Burbank Elks Lodge No. 1497 for 11 years, serving as esquire and chaplain.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Robert; and daughter, Serena. Services were held Monday at Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Burbank Leader, July 01, 2000

Patrick Alan Reynish, BHS 1968

Patrick Alan Reynish, BHS 1968

From Karen Kunert Walker. Pat Reynish passed away Friday, April 29, 2011.

A Memorial Service

In Loving Memory of Patrick Alan Reynish will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 10:00 am at Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary Chapel on the Hill, 23287 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.

During the service there will be a time to share your favorite memory or reflection if you would like. All guests are invited to join the family for lunch following the service at the Valencia Hills Club House, 24060 Oak Vale Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toMake A Wish Foundationhttp://wish.org/

Thomas Fredrick Pittman, BHS 1970

Thomas Fredrick Pittman, BHS 1970

Tom Pittman, BHS Class of 1970 passed away on May 5, 2011 at Los Angeles County Hospital from Melanoma.

Received the following emails from his classmates:

TOM FREDRICK PITTMANOctober 7, 1952 - May 5, 2011Below is a message that I received last night, May 5, from our 1970 classmate, Merle Bobzien:

"Alan,Once again, we lose another 1970 BHS graduate. This afternoon, Tom F. Pittman died at County USC Hospital. Three years ago, Tom had a melanoma removed from his back, and was apparently cleared of the problem. Last Thursday he was admitted to the hospital with a breathing and coughing condition, which turned out to be an aggressive and complete invasion of his lungs. As this was an inoperable and quickly terminal condition, the best that could be done for him was to make him comfortable.

He went on ventilation support two days ago, but sank very quickly, which is common in these situations. This morning the family made the decision to take him off of life support, and Tom died quietly and without a struggle and without pain at 1:43 this afternoon.

Tom was a top photographer and shot innumerable air shows. Tom was a top recording engineer and was the official one for the Santa Monica Symphony. Tom was a contract graphic designer for several publication houses. The void he now leaves affects many.

He is survived by his mother, Mary, of Burbank, and his younger sister, Jayne, also of Burbank, and a 1973 BHS graduate. Tom will be cremated, and arrangements for a memorial service are pending. Right now, the shock of Tom's sudden and unexpected loss is too great for all of his family and loved ones. Merle Bobzien"mbobzien@earthlink.net

Tom Fredrick Pittman grew up in the 2800 N. block of Brighton St. in Burbank. He attended Horace Mann Elementary all the way through. He attended John Muir Jr. High for the 7th grade with many of us. Tom went to a private school, Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach, for 8th and 9th grades. He then returned to public school in Burbank in 1967 and went all the way through 10th, 11th, and 12th grades at BHS with all of us.

Tom lived in Westwood for a number of years now. He was 58 at the time of his passing yesterday. A recent photo of Tom Pittman is included. Our sympathy goes to his family and friends. Thanks to Merle Bobzien for informing us, even though the news is sad.

Alan Landros, BHS 1970

Florence C. Nelson, BHS 1943?

Florence C. Nelson, BHS 1943?

Florence C. Nelson (1925-2011)

Florence C. Nelson was born in Elmwood, Ill., in 1925.
Her family traveled to California in 1926, eventually residing in Burbank. Florence attended school there and graduated from Burbank High School.

She enrolled in the U.S. Cadet Nursing program, and attended the University of Southern California and Los Angeles School of Nursing. Her final six months of nursing school were spent on affiliation with the Indian Service at the Pine Ridge Indian Hospital in South Dakota. She completed her training and graduated in 1947, going on to pass her California State Boards to become a Registered Nurse the same year.

At the age of 23, she came to Klamath Falls to assume full charge of surgery in the old Hillside Hospital. She married Dr. Arthur M. Compton and eventually quit nursing to stay at home and raise her four wonderful children.

Divorcing in 1964, she reactivated her nursing license and resumed nursing in the emergency room at Klamath Valley Hospital. When the new Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital opened (now renamed Sky Lakes Medical Center), she transferred along with all personnel from the old hospital and continued working in surgery.

In 1969, she married Raymond G. Nelson, the purchasing manager and acting administrator of the medical center. Together, Florence and Ray shared in raising her four children and his five. Eventually, Florence was employed by Dr. Gerald Nicholson as his office nurse until he moved to Grants Pass. Subsequently, Florence was employed by Dr. E.E. Howard for 11 years until her retirement in 1985.

The Nelsons then spent many joyous times traveling in their fifth wheel in the U.S. and Canada. From 1986 to 2002, they alternated between their cabin at Rocky Point and their residence in Brookings, where they enjoyed fishing off the Oregon Coast. They also continued traveling, visiting much of the East Coast and the Southwest until Ray's health began to fail. Florence was able to keep Ray with her until his passing on May 23, 2008. God gave them the blessing of a happy marriage of almost 40 years.

Florence passed away on April 13, 2011. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray as well as her parents and her brother and sister.Florence is survived by her children and a multitude of friends, who loved her dearly. Please no flowers; remembrances may be sent to the Klamath Animal Shelter.

Published in Herald News on April 15, 2011

Oscar Torres, BHS 2005

Oscar Torres, BHS 2005

December 03, 2005, Tania Chatila, Burbank Leader

Eighteen-year-old Oscar Torres died on Thanksgiving Day from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident.

BURBANK -- Oscar Torres left his Burbank home on Nov. 19, 2005 with a promise to his mother to return soon.

He went to drop off his girlfriend, like he always did. But Martha Torres had a bad feeling.
"I told him to come back quick because it was late," she said. "He hugged me really tight and said, 'I'm going to be back, Mommy. I promise. And I never make a promise I don't keep.'"
About 20 minutes later, Martha Torres received a call from her son's girlfriend who was in hysterics -- Oscar Torres, 18, had been in an accident.

The Nissan 240SX he was in with a 17-year-old friend from Burbank, was hit from behind as it sat parked on Columbus Avenue, near Riverdale Drive.

Andranik Manukovich Atshemyan, 23, of Glendale, was allegedly traveling 70 to 80 mph on a 25-mph street when he hit the Nissan, crushing it.

When Martha Torres and her family arrived at Glendale Memorial Hospital, where her son was taken, doctors were pessimistic about her son's condition.

He had stopped breathing for 10 minutes, and the doctors feared he would not make it, she said.
Martha Torres immediately recalled the promise her son had made to her.
"I grabbed him and I said, 'Oscar! Oscar! You promised me! You promised me you were going to come back, remember?'" she said.

At that moment, Oscar Torres sustained a heart beat.
The 18-year-old held on until Thanksgiving Day.

"I was hoping he was going to recover," his father, Juan Torres, said. "I told God to give me a miracle. But I think he was dead the first day he got impacted by the car." Juan Torres is confident his son is in Heaven. "God always takes the good ones," he said. And he was a good one, Martha Torres said.

"He was the kind of son that was all checking in and out," she said. "And he could have any friend. It could be a little baby, or a teenager, or a senior."

Oscar Torres went to Burbank High School his freshmen, sophomore and junior years, and moved to Monterey High School his senior year. He graduated in June. He was enrolled in Glendale Community College and was taking classes to be an insurance agent, which were paid for by his employer, Steven Segal Insurance. "We had him just around here for a short period of time, but he would have been the type of person we would have loved to have around here for years," Steven Segal said. "He was just a good kid, a good human being. His presence is missed here."

It has been difficult for the Torres family, including his three brothers, who are 10, 13 and 21, respectively. But friends and family have supported them since the accident, visiting the home everyday. "His room in the hospital was full," Martha Torres said, of the time her son spent at Glendale Memorial Hospital and then Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City.

Now, a vigil has been set up at the curb where the accident happened that emphasizes the impact Oscar Torres' death has had on those who knew him.

Since his death, Atshemyan, who allegedly fled the accident scene, has been found.
He faces one count of murder and one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident.

Note: If Oscar had stayed at BHS he would of graduated with the class of 2005.

Mildred Louise Davis Bachich, BHS 1936?

Mildred Louise Davis Bachich, BHS 1936?
Oct. 13, 1918 — April 7, 2011

Mildred Louise Bachich, 92, passed away at home Thursday with her daughter by her side.
She was born at home on the family farm in Lyle, Minn., the second youngest of seven children born to Ralph Garfield Davis, and Nellie Viola (Siberling) Davis.

At the age of 6, her family moved west. They settled in Burbank, Calif., where she graduated from Burbank High School.

During WWII, she was among the cadre of women famously referred to as Rosie the Riveter. She worked at the Lockheed Boeing plant in California, where she wired Bombardier doors. During these years she married Robert Price, and gave birth to a daughter, her only child. They divorced after a couple of years.

In 1946 she married Fred Bachich, her lifelong companion. He was a mining supervisor and leased mines throughout the west. With her adventuresome spirit she loved her new life living in many remote areas in California, Nevada and Idaho.

With her sense of creativity and decorating, she was the consummate homemaker. She was an accomplished seamstress, making everything from drapes and upholstering furniture, down to wardrobes for the smallest storybook dolls. She also enjoyed needlework and excelled at knitting and crocheting, all of which she did throughout her life. She was a lifelong, avid reader, and always challenged herself with the hardest of crossword puzzles.

She loved their retirement years, back in the wilderness of Idaho, where they started their married life. They lived in the small town of Yellow Pine for almost 20 years, before moving to be closer to their daughter in Oregon. During those years she was known as the Hedda Hopper of Yellow Pine, writing articles for the Yellow Pine Gazette, a monthly newsletter of happenings in the surrounding area.

She thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor activities her life offered. She loved fishing, and was proficient in the art of fly-fishing, and even made her own flies. She made picnics of wood cutting expeditions, laying in their winter supply. Yearly vegetable gardens and fresh eggs from her chickens were a treat in the remote backcountry.

During her years in Oregon, she particularly enjoyed her gardening, and was known for her beautiful roses. She loved spending time with her family, especially summer trips back into Yellow Pine, and to Gold Beach, on the southern Oregon coast where her granddaughter and great-grandchildren lived. Always a cat lover, her current companion was a beautiful rag doll named Tazi.

She was proud to be a member of DAR (Daughters of the Revolution), which she joined along with her daughter and granddaughter.

Millie is survived by her daughter, Beverly Wilson of Salem; grandchildren Kristin Nyeland of Gold Beach and Erik Nyeland of Salem; and great-grandchildren Garrett and Raef Williams of Gold Beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Leslie, Loren and Norman Davis; three sisters Alice Schroeder, Irma Sinclair and Audrey Trout; and husband Fred Bachich.
She was well loved; much admired and will be missed forever.

A memorial celebration will be held in Yellow Pine, Idaho, at a later date this summer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Hospice in her name, for their wonderful caring support during the last few months. Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangementsWednesday, April 13, 2011

Richard Henry Broders, BHS 1952

Richard Henry Broders, BHS 1952

Richard Broders (Dick)

Richard Broders, 76 passed away from bacterial infection while in a hospital from a broken hip on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Richard will be dearly missed and remembered by his family and friends.

Richard was born on August 21, 1934, in Sheridan, Iowa near Malcol. He had grown up on the farm and went to grade school in Iowa. His family moved to California in 1948 and settled in the Burbank area. While attending Burbank High School he was known as silent Sam. After graduation he enlisted in the Army and was sent to a base in Germany. He married Joyce Osborne and worked and lived in the Los Angeles area for twenty years.

In 1980 Richard and his family moved up to Atascadero, and worked for CAL Trans until he retired in 2005. He was known as family man and his family was his priority in life. He was interested anything that was mechanical in nature by attending car shows and air shows. Richard enjoyed taking long rides on his motorcycle.

There will be no service at the request of the departed. Cremation performed at the Chapel of the Roses at 3450 El Camino, in Atascadero. Richard is survived by his ex-wife Joyce and three sons Brian, Dennis and Ricky. He was preceded in death by his parents Ellard and Mae Broders, and his brother Paul, died at age 10.