Kenneth B. Worthen, BHS 1939

Kenneth B. Worthen, BHS 1939

September 6, 1921 - July 22, 2017 

Kenneth B. Worthen, an innovative, compassionate and highly regarded San Fernando Valley community leader and 1992 Fernando Award honoree, died Saturday, July 22, 2017 of natural causes. He was 95 years old. 

Ken was born on September 6, 1921 in St. Paul, Minnesota. After moving to the San Fernando Valley and graduating from Burbank High School, Ken served his country in the Pacific and China during World War II. He retired from military service as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He was an executive at the Southern California Gas Company, retiring in 1991 after 40 years of service in activities including marketing, public relations, public affairs and community economic development. 

Ken served on the boards of many local nonprofit organizations, as well as many task forces on issues of concern in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, raising millions of dollars for local charities in the process. He was elected to the El Proyecto del Barrio, Inc. Board of Directors in 1985, where he served with distinction until his death. He was El Proyecto's Board Chair from 1994 to 2008. During his chairmanship, El Proyecto broadened its mission by expanding its self-owned facilities to include active health clinics and/or human services programs in Arleta, Winnetka, Sun Valley, Panorama City and Azusa. "El Proyecto del Barrio and the hundreds of thousands of individuals and families we serve owe a huge debt of gratitude to the leadership, kindness, vision and dedication of Ken Worthen," said El Proyecto President/CEO Corinne Sánchez. "He spent his life helping underserved populations throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond. He put his whole heart and soul into helping others, and we will be forever grateful for the tremendous impact he and his wife Helen Madrid-Worthen have had in building El Proyecto from a small community clinic to one of the leading nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County. He was a truly great leader, and an even greater human being." 

In addition to his more than three decades of service on the El Proyecto Board, Ken was a founder and long-term board member of the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation (formerly the Patrons Association). He served on the New Directions for Youth Board since its inception. He was also a past president of the Van Nuys Area Chamber of Commerce and Mid-Valley Rotary and also headed the Valley Economic Development Center, Mid-Valley YMCA and the Southern California Swimming Association Boards. Ken was a stalwart contributor to Rotary International charitable projects in the U.S. and abroad. 

As an aside, he also acted in many local theatre productions over the years. These were just some of the many community contributions that led to Ken being honored as the Fernando Award Winner for 1992. The Fernando Award is considered the highest honor a San Fernando Valley resident can receive. It is awarded annually to the citizen judged to have done the most to improve the quality of life of San Fernando Valley residents. Among the many other honors he has received are March of Dimes Volunteer of the Year; Listing in Who's Who of U.S. Economic Development; The Greater Los Angeles 5-County Chamber of Commerce Award for outstanding contributions to Southern California Economic Development, the Amateur Athletic Union Award for advancing the sport of "swimming in the Southland', the El Proyecto del Barrio Spirit Award for his decades of inspirational leadership; and the Greater Van Nuys Rotary "Service Above Self" Award, which was presented to Ken in 2016. 

Ken also served his country with distinction during World War II and beyond as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. During the war, he was first stationed on Guam, later on Okinawa, where he devised new tank tactics that saved the lives of many Marines who were engaged in one of the fiercest battles of the war. Ken next served in Northern China, where he witnessed the surrender of 30,000 Japanese troops. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserves in 1959. For his valor, he was awarded the Navy Presidential Citation and the Asia-Pacific Campaign Award with two Combat Stars. 

He lived in Woodland Hills with his wife, Helen. Between them they have three sons, three daughters, six grandsons and five granddaughters. The Worthen family requests donations in memory of Ken be made to one of his three favorite charities: El Proyecto del Barrio Foundation, New Directions for Youth, or Los Angeles Valley College Foundation.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Aug. 13, 2017.

Donald R. White, BHS 1945

Donald R. White, BHS 1945

August 27, 1927 - February 25, 2017 

Donald White passed away on February 25, 2017 in Burbank. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Burbank with Father Benny George officiating. Burial will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall.

Donald was born in Burbank on August 27, 1927. He graduated from Burbank High School and married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine, on June 10, 1950. He worked as a warehouseman for Anheuser-Busch and retired in 1989. He was a veteran of The Korean War and served in the Army with a helicopter group. 

Donald was a volunteer on the Board of Directors of The Burbank Historical Society. He enjoyed attending the monthly luncheon meetings of the Senior Burbank Bulldogs. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching western movies on television. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin White. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, sisters Marjorie Haight and Helen Rawling, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. His life was full of good friends and good times. He will be remembered as always having a smile on his face. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Burbank Historical Society or a favorite charity.

Published in The Burbank Leader on March 4, 2017. 

Gary Paul Rummell, BHS 1957

Gary Paul Rummell, BHS 1957

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, November 30, 1970

Gary Rummell

Chapel services will be conducted Tuesday for Gary P. Rummell who died Friday November 20, 1970 at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena at the age of 31. Born and raised in Burbank, Mr. Rummell had resided at 1447 N. Myers.

He graduated from Burbank High School in 1957 and had been employed for 13 years by Continental Graphics Company. He was also a member of Printers Local 174. Mr. Rummell is survived by his wife, Sharon; three daughters, Lori, Anne and Susan, all of Burbank; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Rummell and in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crawley, all of Burbank.

Visitation will continue until 9 o'clock tonight at The Valley Funeral Home, 2119 W. Burbank. Chapel services will be conducted by the Rev. J. William Bowman of St. Matthews Lutheran Church at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at The Valley Funeral Home. Interment will be at Valhalla Memorial Cemetery.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Pasadena Tumor Institute or the Valley Aid for Cancer.

Renee Hekler Lambert, BHS 1962

Renee Hekler Michalek-Lambert, BHS 1962

January 22, 1944 - January 31, 2019 

Renee Lambert died on January 31st with her daughter and husband by her side. She fought with all her might, but the brief illness was too much.. Renee was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Frieda and Paul Hekler. She was the oldest daughter and helped raise her younger siblings, Paul Jr, Kirk, and Susie. The family moved to Burbank California where she graduated from Burbank High School, and then received her AA degree from Valley College. 

She married her first love, Bob Michalek in 1965. They lived in West Hills, CA and raised their two children Scott and Suzy. She helped Bob run Bob's Unocal 76 in West Hills for over 20 years. They laughed often and loved spending vacations on Balboa Island. They had many friends and enjoyed hosting parties at their home and were very involved with the local chamber of commerce. They were married for 35 years until Bob passed away suddenly in 2000. 

Renee's second act was filled with playing bridge, traveling the world, and finding her second love, also named Bob, whom she married in 2011. Bob Lambert and Renee loved spending time together and traveling the world. When not traveling they liked going to the movies and 3:30pm dinners at local restaurants. 

One of Renee's favorite roles in life was that of Grandmother. She was "Mom Mom" to grandsons, Bobby and Luke Helgager and Travis and Chad Michalek. She loved spending time with them and doing actives that she knew the kids would enjoy. She shared her love of cruising with them and was able to enjoy several family cruises. 

Survived by her loving husband Bob Lambert, her two children and their spouses, Scott and Elena Michalek, Suzy and James Helgager. Her sister Susie Butler. And her beloved grandchildren Bobby and Luke Helgager and Travis and Chad Michalek. Services will be Wednesday February 6th at 10:00 am. At Shepherd of Valley Lutheran in West Hills, CA.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 5, 2019.

Timothy Paul Loock, BHS 1978 and BHS Coach

Teen charged in death of his father

BY CHRISTOPHER CADELAGO, L.A. Times

JUNE 27, 2009

BURBANK — Burbank police officers on Wednesday arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the Nov. 29, 2008 death of his father, Timothy Loock, assistant football coach at Burbank High School.

Noah Loock faces one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and was released from custody on $25,000 bond. He is due back in Pasadena Superior Court on July 16, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Nov. 29, when police responded to a fight at the family home on the 1800 block of North Avon Street.

“After a couple of punches, the father fell to the ground,” Burbank Police Sgt. Robert Quesada said.

Timothy Loock, 48, was rendered unconscious and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Noah Loock fled the scene of the fight Nov. 29 and was taken into custody later that day and booked on suspicion of killing his father, Quesada said.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office filed no charges at that time, and the investigation continued until the Los Angeles County coroner’s office ruled the cause of death as homicide.

The Dec. 2 autopsy revealed that Timothy Loock died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and neck, said coroner-investigator Denise Bertone.

The county district attorney’s office filed one count of involuntary manslaughter, and an arrest warrant was issued Wednesday.

“Because of the unknown nature of the circumstances, the actual length of the sentence varies and depends on what they look at,” Quesada said.

The Loock family could not be reached for comment.

Timothy Loock worked in the entertainment industry on post-production for 30 years, according to his profile on the Internet Movie Database.

An all-league wide receiver for the class of 1978 at Burbank High, he went on to coach receivers and defensive backs until his death last season. Noah Loock graduated from Burroughs High School in 2008. His Facebook profile was rendered inactive.

SON WILL NOT GET JAIL TIME

"Noah Loock was sentenced to eight days in jail, but will not spend additional time behind bars based on credit for time served, prosecutors said. The deal specifies that he spend three years on probation, complete 120 hours of community service and attend anger management classes."

 

Marvin Brian Berry, BHS 1965

Marvin Brian Berry, BHS 1965

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Friday, February 25, 1966

Leave Ends In Death For Local Youth

A leave ended tragically for four young Marines early this morning when one of them, a Burbank resident, was killed and the others were injured in a traffic accident. Los Angels Police identified the dead youth as Brian Berry, 18, of 922 E. Tujunga Ave.

Berry was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Charles Searles, 17, of 606 E. Santa Anita Ave., when the compact car smashed into a telephone pole on Ventura Boulevard just east of Goodland Avenue in North Hollywood.

Searles apparently lost control of the car and it struck the pole at 7: 15 a.m., according to police. Also injured in the crash were Dan Blackwood, 18, 547 E. Magnolia Blvd., and Douglas Lamb, 18, of Glendale. The injured were taken to Valley Doctors Hospital in North Hollywood where all were reported in satisfactory condition. NOTE: Searles would later be killed in Vietnam.

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

Berry-M. Brian

Beloved son of Lorene and Marvin Berry; brother of Janet Kelly; grandson of Carrie Ockander. Services Monday 10 a.m. in the Little Country Chapel, 10621 Victory Blvd,, North Hollywood, Pierce Brothers, Directors. In lieu of flowers, donations to Voice of Calvary, Burbank, California preferred.

Burbank Daily Review, February 26, 1966

Gerald Kenneth Adler, BHS 1958

Gerald Kenneth Adler, BHS 1958

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, June 25, 1958

FRIEND QUIZZED BY AUTHORITIES

Eighteen-year-old Jerry Adler lay dying at St. Joseph Hospital today with pieces of a .38 caliber bullet still lodged in his brain. The youth, critically wounded in a playful "Old West" gun battle yesterday, had not regained consciousness. And 16-year-old Paul Whitton, whose shot pierced Adler's head between the right eye and bridge of his nose, was in custody at juvenile hall,

Police say the accident occurred while Adler and Whitton, childhood friends, were engaged in a mock "quick draw" contest at Whitton's 1068 E. Verdugo Ave. home shortly before 1:30 p.m. yesterday.

Young Whitton told detectives that he and Adler had decided upon the fast-draw contest from a belt position. Whitton's weapon , a .38 Spanish replica of the Smith and Wesson revolver, and Adler's gun, a .45 caliber single-action pistol, were part of a collection by Whitton's father. Whitton told police Adler said, "I'm taking you in Ringo!" after which both of the youths drew their weapons and "dry-fired" several times. But an unfired .38 caliber bullet moved closer into firing position with each snap until being discharged. Whitton then called police, who found young Adler gasping for breath and bleeding profusely from the wound.

The victim's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Adler of 644 Groton Drive, maintained a constant vigil at the hospital. Young Whitton's mother, who arrived at home while police were questioning the youth, was near collapse. Whitton will remain in juvenile hall pending a preliminary hearing.

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

Burbank Daily Review, Thursday, June 26, 1958

TEENAGE SHOOTING VICTIM DIES, PAL FACES CHARGES

'"QUICK - DRAW", ENDS IN DEATH

Death came to 18-year-old Jerry Adler at 9:47 last night, 32 hours after a mock "quick-draw" contest in which a .38 caliber bullet crashed through his head.

Physicians at St. Joseph Hospital indicated  today they were "amazed" that young Adler had lived more than a few hours after the shooting. Adler's companion, 16-year-old Paul Whitton, remained in juvenile hall today awaiting a pre-detention hearing tomorrow.

It was Whitton's shot that struck young Adler between the right eye and the bridge of his nose in a playful "fast-draw" contest at Whitton's 1068 E. Verdugo Ave. home Tuesday.

Police say the accidental shooting occurred when Whitton and Adler, standing 11 feet apart, drew for their weapons, both items in a collection by Whitton's father, then "dry-fired." An unexploded cartridge in Whitton's gun moved into firing position until being discharged. The bullet went through Adler's head and lodged in a wall behind him.

Juvenile authorities indicated today that the original charge of attack with a deadly weapon may now be changed to involuntary manslaughter. Funeral arrangements are pending at Eckerman Funeral Home in Burbank.

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

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, June 27, 1958

Gerald Adler Services Will Be Sunday

Services for Gerald Kenneth Adler, 18, of 644 E. Groton, will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow in First Methodist Church. Mr. Adler died Wednesday night in a Burbank hospital.

He leaves his parents Mr. Paul W. Adler and Mrs. Theodora Buckles Adler; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Adler and Mrs. Myrtle Buckles, all of Burbank, and two sisters, Loretta P. Penwarden, of Granada Hills, and Valerie Adler of Burbank.

He had been affiliated with Burbank YMCA activities and was a member of First Methodist Church.

The Rev. Randall C. Phillips, pastor of the church, will officiate at the funeral service, Stewart Hamlin will be soloist. Interment will be in Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Eckerman Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Ann DeSoto, BHS 1964

Patricia Ann DeSoto, BHS 1964

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Monday February 28, 1966

Drug is possible cause of local woman's death

A 19-year-old former Burbank woman died Saturday February 26, 1966 from a possible reaction to a drug she had been taking for headaches. The victim, Patricia DeSoto, who had been living in Montrose, died in a Los Angeles hospital where she was reportedly being treated for a reaction to the drug Gilantin.

Montrose sheriff's deputies said the girl had been taking the drug for headaches and fainting spells. It had been prescribed by Dr. Foster Gossard of Glendale, on the advice of a neurological specialist, to treat the woman's alleged nervous disorder, according to the girl's parents.

An associate of the girl's doctor, Dr. Robert Lowrey, told deputies the drug is commonly prescribed in such cases. The drug sometimes causes reactions, however, the doctor reportedly told deputies. In rare cases it causes a reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which causes the body to blister. The reaction is usually fatal, the doctor said.

Miss DeSoto broke out with the measles-like blisters and was taken to Los Angeles County General Hospital a week ago, according to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John DeSoto of 818 S. Sunset Canyon Drive.

A local druggist said the drug is a member of the antihistamine group, and is a sedative. He said the drug is commonly used in treating brain disorders. He feels reaction from the drug could be attributed to the condition that necessitated its use.

The girl graduated from Burbank High School and attended Glendale College before going to work for a Los Angeles insurance company as a secretary.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Burbank First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Eckermans Funeral Service. The case has been assigned to the county coroner.

 

Linda Lee Lervold, BHS 1963

Linda Lee Lervold, BHS 1963

Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Monday, February 20, 1984

CRASH KILLS WOMAN CLOSE TO HER HOME

BURBANK - A Burbank woman was fatally injured Saturday at Victory Boulevard and North Valley Street - less than a block from her home- when another car broadsided her at an estimated 50 mph, police said. Linda Lervold, 39, was pronounced dead at Saint Joseph Medical Center of blunt trauma to her head, chest, pelvis and leg, according to police reports.

Lervold, a resident of the 2100 block of North Valley Street, pulled onto Victory Boulevard at 6: 15 p.m. after stopping at the stop sign at Valley and Victory. A car driven by Daniel Nagy, 28, of Burbank, plowed into her in the intersection. Police said Nagy, driving a 1969 Pontiac GTO, and a friend in a 1953 Chevrolet apparently stopped at a traffic light at Victory and Maple Street at the same time.

Nagy gunned his engine "as a joke" and the car burned rubber 50 feet down the street, according to police reports. Nagy had reached an estimated 45-50 mph when he saw Lervold's 1972 Ford Pinto, swerved to the left to avoid a collision, but rammed into the driver's side of car, police said.

Lervold was trapped inside the car for several minutes before fire crews extricated her with a "jaws of life" device, Paramedics rushed her to Saint Joseph Medical Center but she was not breathing and had no pulse when she arrived at the hospital.

Nagy and his 16-year-old passenger were treated at Saint Joseph's for minor injuries and were released, hospital officials said. Nagy was not cited at the scene of the accident. Traffic investigators will conduct a follow-up investigation, Sgt. Jeff Pratt said.

Janet Marie Mercurio, BHS 1969

Janet Marie Mercurio, BHS 1969

I am sad to report the passing of Janet Marie Mercurio. Janet was born on March 2, 1951 in Los Angeles County, California and passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon. She was 59 years old.

Janet grew up in Burbank and was active in the Burbank Ponytail League. She at one time played on the Pixies and was involved in the yearly Ponytail Jamboree which was held each year in Burbank and Janet took some  individual  awards home. 

Janet graduated from Burbank High School in 1969. After graduating from Burbank High, she went on to Los Angeles Valley College where she played on the women's softball and basketball teams with me. I was 2 years older than her when she joined the team. I lost track of Janet after I graduated. I always wondered what ever happened to her. No other details at this time. May she rest in peace.

From Linda Mustion, BHS 1967

Janet is in center back row behind woman kneeling.