Woodrow Wilson Class of '68

So many things have happened

Since they were called away,

So many things to share with them had they been left to stay.

And now on this reunion day,

Memories do come our way.

Though absent, they are ever near, still missed, remembered,

always dear.

- author unknown

To the Class of 1968:

Since we began planning for the upcoming "50th", every effort has been made to find every classmate possible. Inevitably, as this search went on, the In Memoriam list from the 40th became longer. What we have hoped to do is to "put faces" with the names, and we have gathered information from friends and loved ones wherever possible. In this way, we hope to have heartwarming memories of those we have lost included during this time of reminiscing, as we prepare for this milestone event.

We are only in the beginning stages of compiling these IMHs so please refer back from time to time. In some instances, where no family or friend was available to help, we will include just the minimal detail found (year, place of death). Even just a blip about when they left gives us the opportunity to celebrate their lives instead of grieve for their loss.

This information will be updated as new information comes in. If you'd like to add any information in regards to any of our deceased grads please contact Patti Gehrke at
WilsonReunion68@gmail.com

NOTE: Jeri ("Sherlock") Livingstone ('63) who has completed the IMH projects for previous classes, has agreed to assist with 1968. She is willing to help with the actual write-ups, if any family member or close friend would like to call her at (714) 539-1429 or email: jandktoo@socal.rr.com

ARNOLD, Reginald E., "Reggie" – March 27, 1950 - March 14, 1992 – This tribute was shared by his older brother Ralph, Wilson Class of ’64:

Reggie Arnold 1968

     Reggie was born in Long Beach, and for a time lived in Lakewood. When Reggie was 5 and Ralph 10, their mother left and Ralph virtually raised his younger brother (and best friend) while their father provided a role model for hard work and responsible parenting. Their older sister graduated from Poly. Their father eventually remarried, a lady from Grants Pass, OR, and they loved their stepmother very much.
     Reggie was born with vision problems and had to undergo several surgeries before the age of 3. Their dad asked for their input when deciding whether to stay in Lakewood or move to the beach – THE BEACH, OF COURSE! They moved to Belmont Shore and enjoyed the proximity to the ocean and surfing. After graduation from Wilson, Reggie studied liberal arts at Long Beach City College, and worked at a gardening supply business. When the family moved to Washington, he stayed in the area and lived with friends. He continued to study art, and then traveled extensively throughout the US (hitchhiking.)
     He ended up in Washington, where his brother was a foreman at a sawmill owned by Weyerhauser. Reggie went to work at the mill. Tragically, while working the night shift, his sleeve was caught in a machine and his left hand was mangled–he subsequently went through many surgeries and brutal skin grafts in an attempt to save it. Although amputation was avoided, his hand remained deformed and painful for the rest of his life. Ralph relocated to a ski area near Mt Rainier, and Reggie tried to learn to snow ski, while his brother and friends attempted to design ski poles and equipment to accommodate his disability.
     When he was 23, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease, and underwent extensive radiation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the radiation targeted an area too close to his carotid artery, resulting in a massive stroke. His rehabilitation from that stroke led to a new role as a “motivational’ visitor to stroke patients in hospitals, where he would use his cane to tap on someone and inspire them to get moving. Ralph described him as nothing short of amazing.
     Through Ralph, he met a woman, moved to Seattle and enjoyed a relationship with her. She “took very good care of him” for the remainder of his life. He also enjoyed sailing with his brother, and had an art studio in Seattle. In March of 1992, just short of his 42nd birthday, he died from a second stroke which had been threatening his existence for some time. He is buried in Grants Pass, Oregon. He was loved dearly by everyone who knew him… from the bus drivers he met, to the homeless he encountered on the streets of Seattle…. and he is missed every day.

Reggie Arnold 1970

ATKINS, Dennis – Sept. 14, 1950 – approx. 2014 Thank you to his former wife, Diane, and his niece, Gina Atkins Parson for helping put together this tribute:

Dennis Atkins 1968

     After graduation from Wilson, an early marriage brought a daughter and a son. He was divorced for many years and was not in contact with his children or former wife in his later life, but his niece Gina was pleased to provide some additional information about his life.
     He entered the construction industry. When he was just 24, he was severely injured in an industrial accident, a fall from scaffolding in the days before workplace safety regulations were in effect. This accident left him with a significant brain injury which permanently compromised his equilibrium and in the last 5 years of his life, his ability to communicate coherently.
     For a time, he lived with his parents in Fallbrook, then for many years in a nursing home in that town. Gina recalled that Dennis enjoyed watching sports on TV -- particularly baseball -- and became very involved in his church. Members of his church, in return, became involved in his life, and were quite supportive and helpful to Gina and other family members in taking care of him. He later was moved to an assisted living facility in Hemet, where he passed away in 2014.  Dennis was predeceased by his son Richard in 2005.

Daniel Baldwin 1968

BALDWIN, Daniel – September 22, 1950 - May 19, 1969
Daniel Paul Baldwin DOB 9/22/50 died at the age of 18 on 5/19/69 in Walnut Creek. No family members or obit found.
However, fellow classmate Mike McGinnis adds... that Danny lost his life in a car accident in Signal Hill. He dropped his wallet under the front seat, ran a stop sign and got hit. He lived in our neighborhood. This happened shortly after graduation.
Mike adds "Danny and I were part of the YMCA athletic program on Saturdays growing up. Unfortunately we both never grew into the athletes we could have been if we had some size. We lived in the same neighborhood and were always competitive with one another.

My last memory of Danny was at graduation ceremonies. He and Marilyn Caldwell sat behind me on the Wilson track playing “Hangman”, we had a lot of fun goofing off."

Fellow classmate Doug Danny adds... I met Danny in my sophomore year through the common thread of surfing. We mainly frequented the local breaks and only had a few trips to Baja or Santa Barbara. What I vividly recall is Danny’s behaviors behind the wheel. We would not let him drive on the surf trips for fear of our safety! It was not uncommon for Danny to drive the car with his knees while rolling up a joint at 70 miles per hour.
Tragically, we lost Danny in 1969 in a fatal automobile accident. I was in boot camp when I was summoned to the OODS office and told to call home. My best friend had died! I did not get to say farewell, deliver an inspiring eulogy or visit his resting place. His memory does not resonate like John’s. We lost him too soon and we never had a chance to really get to know him.

BARRETT, Bruce D.– September 18, 1950 - January 15, 1990

Bruce Barrett 1968

Bruce D. Barrett – Public records show that Bruce was born in California on September 18, 1950 and died in Pueblo Colorado on January 15, 1990 at age 39. A family member was located and initially agreed to participate, but numerous followup messages

brought no reply.

Julie Bitschenauer 1968

BITSCHENAUER , Julie Anna – December 28, 1949 – May 20, 1996   Thank you to her husband, Gianni Kiresich, for this tribute:
     After high school, Julie finished Dental Assistant school and moved to Hawaii where she lived for 2 years. She returned to Long Beach in 1975 where she met and married Gianni Kiresich. Julie had two sons, Mario (1978) and Jeffrey (1979); they moved to Lakewood shortly after Jeffrey was born and lived there until the time of her passing in May of 1996 …she was 46.
     Julie was jovial, always smiling, which filled the room everywhere she went. She had a strong personality and loved to tell it like she saw it. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her two sons and husband. Some of her hobbies included boating, camping, bowling, and stirring the pot. Her favorite musicians were the Doobie Brothers, George Strait, and the Beach Boys (much to the chagrin of her husband). She was beloved and her passing has left a void in the lives of all who loved and cared for her.

Julie Bitschenauer with Mario, Gianni, & Jeffrey 1993

Wayne Bjerke 1968

BJERKE, Virgil "Wayne" – January 10, 1950 – December 3, 2017 The following is the sermon giving at Wayne's funeral by his brother-in-law Pastor Paul Larsen:
Today is a day of mixed emotions as we say farewell to Wayne and as we celebrate his resurrection. We are sad to lose a loved one. We will miss him greatly. He has been a big part of our lives and we mourn that loss. We will miss his sense of humor. We will miss his kindness and generosity. We will miss our conversations with him. We will miss his opinions, which he was never shy about sharing. We will miss all the laughter and love he brought to our lives.

At the same time, we can rejoice. We can be happy for Wayne. He is at home with God. Wayne knew God loved him. He knew Jesus suffered and died to save him. He knew Jesus rose from the dead and through that resurrection promised him eternal life. Wayne was not afraid of death because he knew the Lord would welcome him into heaven and we rejoice in that. Wayne is in a perfect place. It is a place where there is no more suffering and pain, no more sickness and death, no more medical tests, no more breathing machines, no more struggles for breath. It is a place where God himself has promised to wipe away every tear and to surround his people with love and joy.

Yes, today is a day of mixed emotions for us, but we have the hope and promise of heaven to help us through the difficult days ahead. We also have so many wonderful memories.

Wayne was always about getting a deal. Whether it was that bottle of Don Julio 1942 he got in Mexico for half price or the bargain he struck on his kitchen remodeling, Wayne loved getting a good deal.

Wayne was born in South Dakota. His father, was a pastor at a church in the little town of Bersford. It was there that Wayne was baptized. God named him and claimed him as he washed away his sins in the waters of that sacrament. In baptism he received the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life. Talk about a good deal! That is the best deal of all!

The Bjerke family moved to California when Wayne was three. Now there is a good deal. Moving from the cold, snowy sticks of South Dakota to warm, sunny California! A very good deal.

Naomi, Esther and Luke remember the huge mansion that served as the parsonage. The girls each had their own rooms and Naomi had her own bathroom! I guess there are some advantages to being the first-born! Wayne and Luke shared a bedroom. The butler’s pantry in the house was empty and Wayne and Luke spent hours and hours playing hide and seek in those big cupboards and closets.

Eventually, that big house was torn down so the church could expand. The family moved to a house on 4^th street. There Wayne and Luke had a big bedroom with a huge closet where they spent hours playing with matchbox cars, wooden trains and looking at their baseball cards. It was there that Wayne and his friends would go skateboarding down the famous “Airplane Hill.” Not a place for the faint of heart.

Wayne told Blanca about his growing up years and she concluded that he was a bit of a rascal. He and his friends would jump the fence at Recreation Park Golf Course and play some holes without paying. Naomi remembers that Wayne would go play in the nearby oil fields and he would come back and scare the daylights out of her with the snake or frogs he had found. Once, he took a kitchen timer to church because he thought his Dad preached too long. He set the thing and it went off before Virgil was done. He got in trouble for that one. I have a lot to say about Wayne so I’m glad he doesn’t have a timer going on me!

Luke has fond memories of making paths and cardboard forts with Wayne in the empty lot a across the street in preparation for waging dirt-clod wars. They used to jump off the garage roof onto the softest grass area in the backyard. Unfortunately, Luke said, That “soft” spot was never ever really found. They used to share the yard chores and then ride bikes to the Los Altos market to spend their allowance – a whole 25 cents. Luke expressed his gratitude for the part Wayne played in giving him happy, positive boyhood and assisting with his personal growth.

Luke’s good friend Rob Doherty shared this message about Wayne: Wayne was Luke's very cool older brother who rightfully treated the two of us with disdain. I remember two large posters from his room - one was of a singer/poet that no one had ever heard of named Bob Dylan. The other was of W.C. Fields.

Wayne spent a lot of time riding bike growing up. He had a paper route and used his bike to deliver. He loved to surf and rigged up a carrier so he could haul his board behind his bike.

His high school principal lived on the corner near Wayne’s house. The principal was very proud and protective of his lawn and the boys would often cut through his yard. That aggravated the man to no end. Because of that he never really liked Wayne and gave him a hard time at school. When Wayne turned 18, the principal called him into the office and with a sneer on his face said, You’re eligible for the draft now and I bet you end up going to Viet Nam!

Wayne injured his back playing high school football. He had to wear this big, uncomfortable brace. That was a bad deal that turned out to be a good deal because that injury caused him to fail his draft physical and he managed to avoid Viet Nam.

Wayne went to college up in Oakland. One night there was a shooting right outside his dorm room. He packed up his things, drove all night to get home and never went back. College wasn’t worth dying for!

Wayne didn’t get his college degree, but he forged out a successful career in the grocery business. By the time Wayne met Blanca he was the Assistant Manager of the Lucky’s Store in Wilmington where she worked as a box girl. They knew each other for several years before he asked her out. The store frowned on employees dating one another, but Blanca said, He asked me out and I went! Blanca said they were quite different people. She was the adventurous one while Wayne was more laid back, still there was chemistry!

Just before they got married they bought a house together. On the day of the wedding, Wayne came to church and brought Blanca a rose from their garden. He wanted to deliver it before the service. She was a bit upset that he was seeing her before the wedding. But Blanca said the rose and the kiss melted her heart. It must have stayed melted because they would have celebrated their 33^rd wedding anniversary in February.

When he first met Blanca’s parents Wayne thought her Dad didn’t like him and said he was never going to visit her parents again. Eventually, they became great friends and really enjoyed each other. One of their favorite experiences was driving from Los Angeles all the way to Mexico City and Cancun with Blanca’s Dad and Mom. They visited relatives at several stops along the way. Blanca’s parents were glad that such a good man had come into her life. Blanca’s family really embraced Wayne and he loved them very much.

Wayne is survived not only by his family, but also his dog. Blanca says their dogs were like their children. First there was Pixie, a tiny, little Chihuahua. Wayne loved that dog and Pixie loved him. Not long after Pixie died Blanca saw the picture of a cute, little Chihuahua on the humane society website and they went to see her. It was love at first sight. Sofie became Wayne’s companion and after he fell ill, his guard dog. She would lay on him all the time and try to protect him if anyone came too close to his bed.

Many of you know about Wayne’s retirement clock. It was originally used by the store to countdown the days, hours, minutes and seconds until New Year’s. When the store was done with it, Wayne brought it home and used it to countdown the time until their next vacation. Eventually, he switched it to counting down the time until he retired. At a party, someone accidentally unplugged it! Thankfully, it was easy to reset it so a giant cheer could go up when the clock flashed Zero Zero Zero Zero! His niece, Emily, saw the clock and thought it was really cool so Wayne gave it to her.

Wayne was caring and generous that way. He enjoyed giving gifts to people. He started saving wine corks and he purchased some frames. He cut the corks in half glued them together in the frames to make trivets and gave to friends and family at Christmas. The second set of them he made turned out better. In the first attempt he didn’t realize that the plastic corks would melt when hot things were placed on them and stink up the house!

Some friends got a rye whiskey keg and aged some tequila in it. Wayne tasted it and decided he wanted to do that so he bought a keg, aged some tequila, bottled it, put labels on it, and gave it as gifts.

When his Dad could no longer drive, Wayne went every Wednesday to take Virgil to the bank, the pharmacy and wherever else he needed to go. Most days they would end up at Kohls on Senior Day and rejoice over the great deals they got – sometimes paying only $3 for a shirt! He enjoyed spending that time with his Dad. Wayne was a loving caring person who did what he could to help people in need.

Wayne converted his garage into a “Man Cave” before man caves were a thing. He installed a bar where he could display all of his fancy liquor bottles. He had all kinds of unique beer steins. He was a collector and enjoyed displaying his baseball signed by Bob Feller and his bat signed by Al Kaline. To properly appreciate how famous those two players were you have to be old like me! He also had an ancient barber chair. Tom Melizia was the best man in his wedding. When Tom’s father died Wayne purchased one of the old barber chairs from Tom’s father’s shop. It dates from the 1930’s and everyone who visited Wayne’s man cave wanted to sit in it.

Wayne and Blanca loved to travel. Wayne’s first trip overseas was when he and Blanca joined Virgil and Phyllis and several other family members and church members on a European tour that included the Passion Play at Oberammergau. They got bitten by the travel bug. They went to Italy with her brother Adrian and his wife Patty and they loved it. They loved seeing the churches, the architecture, the historic places. They loved the music and stopping at sidewalk cafes for a beer or a glass of wine. They liked to walk around the different neighborhoods.

Although they went many, many places, one of their favorite trips and a special memory was going to Greece with Bertha and Albert. They rented a van and drove around. They visited the acropolis and were all a bit overwhelmed as they realized they were looking at something that is 3000 years old.

They wanted to take a ferry to the island of Santorini. They asked the guy selling ferry tickets if he knew where they could stay. He had an uncle who would rent them an apartment for only 100 Euros – another good deal! Almost all of Santorini’s buildings are bright white. As the ferry approached, Wayne said, It looks like bird poop! OK, he used a different word, but I’m not using that word here! Following the ticket man’s very detailed directions they finally found the restaurant where the uncle just handed them a key and told his young sons to take them to the apartment. The inside of the apartment was like a cave. There was a bottle of wine and four chairs on the deck so they dropped their bags, opened the wine and enjoyed the spectacular view.

Blanca remembers how much she and Wayne enjoyed the Bjerke family long weekends in Santa

Barbara to celebrate Virgil and Phyllis’ 50^th wedding anniversary; San Diego to celebrate Virgil’s 80^th birthday and Phyllis’s 75^th; and Catalina for Virgil’s 85^th birthday and Phyllis’ 80^th. All of us enjoyed being together and we were grateful that Virgil picked up the tab. Now that was a good deal!

Wayne loved Christmas. He got into decorating and hung garland everywhere. They were in the habit of buying a Christmas ornament whenever they traveled to a unique destination. Wayne loved eggnog so they would put on the Christmas music, sip eggnog and reminisce about where they bought this or that ornament as they decorated the tree. It is sad that Wayne won’t celebrate this Christmas with us, but we can rejoice in the fact that this Christmas will be the best one he has ever experienced. He will be celebrating Christmas in heaven and is actually with Jesus. He is with his Mom and Dad and Blanca’s Mom and Dad and the celebration of Christmas in heaven is out of this world! The good news of the savior born in Bethlehem brings joy to the world. It fills us with hope, peace and rejoicing even in the midst of our sorrow over Wayne’s death.

Last year, Esther and I, our son Jeff and his wife, Stacey, and their five-year-old son, Trey, all came from Minnesota to California for Christmas. While we were here Wayne was hospitalized and they determine that he had ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. What a devastating diagnosis. This was a really, really bad deal. The doctors gave us the impression that Wayne only had weeks left to live unless he had a tracheotomy and used a feeding tube, which he did not want to do.

Thankfully, our impression about death being imminent was wrong. Wayne’s brother, John, was working as a computer consultant at Cedar Sinai and was able to get Wayne a deal on the cost of being seen at their ALS Center. They set him up with a breathing machine. He also got a hospital bed and some other medical equipment and managed to have some quality of life that way. He watched a lot of movies and he enjoyed watching sports on TV. Both Blanca’s brother, Richard, and Wayne’s sister, Naomi, would bring him lunch from Wendy’s (his favorite) and watch a movie with him once a week. A neighbor, who is a pastor, befriended Wayne and Blanca and came over often to pray with them and offer them comfort. Lots of others came to visit also. Blanca’s sister, Veronica, kept a key to the house down at their near-by muffler shop so friends and relatives could get the key and come and visit Wayne easily.

Everyone was encouraged when Wayne was allowed to go on a new, experimental drug for ALS. He had 14 days of infusion treatments but then he was discouraged when it didn’t seem to make any difference. Blanca encouraged him to give it time. That wasn’t to be. She came home from walking Sofie on Saturday, Dec. 2nd and found him dead on the floor. What a shock. What a bad deal. She couldn’t resuscitate him and neither could anyone else. And that is why we are here today to mourn his death and to rejoice in his resurrection.

We grieve today. There is a hole in our hearts because we miss Wayne. Blanca, I know this is going to be the hardest on you. You and Wayne were soulmates and loved each other very much. You will face some difficult and lonely days ahead. But I also know that God will give you the strength to get through your grief. As St. Paul reminds us, We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. You will also be comforted by the fact that Wayne is no longer suffering. He is no longer struggling for every breath. Instead, he is happier and more joyful and in a better place than he has ever been before. So while we all grieve our own loss, we can rejoice for Wayne. We can give thanks for the opportunity to know him and love him and we can celebrate his life and rejoice in his resurrection. The message of Christmas is the message of salvation being born in Christ. It is a message of hope. It is a message of peace. It is a message of love. And as St. Paul reminds us in Romans 8, neither death, nor life, nor..... anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One day we will join Wayne and all the company of heaven where we will see our savior face to face. Now that is not just a good deal – that is the best deal ever and Wayne is enjoying it right now! Amen.

Wayne Bjerke and wife Blanca 2008

BLEWS, Gary William – July 28, 1950 – Sept. 9, 2013 From Obituary found online:
   Gary W. Blews, formerly of Agawam, MA died 9/9/13. Gary is survived by his wife of 20 years, Chelle Chapman, daughters Diane (Gene) Turner, Chestina Blews (David Trujillo),son Jesse Munn, grandchildren Joshua, Ryan, Cassandra, Dakota, great-grandchildren Kaden and Kylie and Michael. Born to William J. Blews and Joyce G. Blews 7/28/1950. Brother to Scott (Nancy) Wilder, Steve (Kat) Wilder, Jean Gagnon, Ken (Sandy) Blews, Beth (Bill) Chism and Leonard Blews. He had numerous nieces and nephews. His father and brother, Scott, preceded Gary in death.
     (Gary only attend Wilson in his senior year.. there is no senior photo of him available.)

Val Bowerman 1968

BOWERMAN, Valerie J. – May 26, 1950 – May 15, 2015 Information shared by her husband, Paul Veltman:
    After Wilson, Valerie graduated from Northern AZ University, and got her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Holy Names University in Oakland. She married Paul in 1972 and they remained in the Bay area, where they raised two daughters and one son.   She spent her entire career teaching Special Ed for grades 4 , 5 and 6 in the Fremont School District.
     As an educator, as well as the mother of two deaf children, she became a devoted advocate for fair treatment of handicapped youth within the school systems. Her passion was helping their families in fighting for access to quality education, and she helped countless kids in that pursuit.
     Valerie passed away in Fremont at the age of 63 in May of 2015 from congestive heart failure. Paul recalled that he and Val attended and enjoyed her 25th Wilson High reunion. He stated that she was always fun to be around. She is survived by her husband, children, and three grandchildren living in the Phoenix area. Paul is planning to relocate to Arizona to be close to them.

BRANDENBURG, Anita Louise – July 15, 1950 – January 2017

Anita Brandenburg 1967

IMH to come

BROWNLOW, Angela Ellen – July 4, 1949 – May 1984

Angela Brownlow 1968

Public records show that Angela Ellen Brownlow was born on July 4, 1949, and died at the age of 24 in May of 1984. She married Lee Cox. She is buried in Minnesota. No obituary found or family located.

Ann Cady 1968

CADY, Ann – Feb. 24, 1950 – Jan. 16, 1985 Thank you to her brother, Jim Cady:
After graduating for CSU Hayward, Ann lived in the Bay Area for a few years but after she and her husband divorced, embarked on a trip to Texas that changed everything. After taking up residence there, she met her future husband, Bill, and became a Texan forever...complete with the Texas drawl...seriously, I would call her and not not believe it was her on the phone!
I am convinced she would still be a Texan today had not a terrible auto accident with an 18 wheeler taken her life. on Jan. 16, 1985. Her daughter (Molly), then 8 yrs.old, sustained a skull fracture that today leaves her partially disabled but a vibrant niece of mine today. Ann would have loved to see her friends from Wilson .....she had so many.

Ann Cady at our
10 Year Reunion HS 1978

CAMPAGNE, Brian Norbert– March 7, 1950 – May 15, 1995
     Brian died in Clinton, PA in 1995. No obituary was located, and a letter sent to family in Arizona was returned by the Post Office as undeliverable .
(No photo available)

CAMPBELL, Glen Robert – August 13, 1950 - July 1, 2003 Thank you to his former wife, Lisa Smith, for sharing these memories:

Glen Campbell 1968

     After high school, Glen attended both LB City College and LB State. A 1970 marriage to fellow Bruin Carol Harbert ended after a few years. He became an XRay technician and worked at Long Beach Community Hospital for a time, then became employed by US Borax (Remember Twenty Mule Team Borax?   The sponsor of Death Valley Days!) as an Instrumentation Technician In 1973, he returned to Community to visit a former co-worker, and met Lisa, a girl from the Business Office who was eating lunch on the patio. And there it began! They married in 1976 and welcomed son Greg in 1979. They lived first on Signal Hill, then bought a home in Norwalk.
     In 1987 they moved to Cambria, CA. When he left US Borax, he became an independent contractor at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. This led to a career change, and he traveled around doing contract work for other power plants. Lisa initially worked at Greg’s grammar school, where she had volunteered so much that the school made it official and put her on the payroll. Lisa and Glen then turned their attention to a new adventure, and bought a gift shop in San Simeon (near Hearst Castle.) She worked in the shop, and he did also between his contracting jobs.
     Trivia: In the 1970s, when popular folk singer Glenn Campbell had his TV Variety show, they often got crank calls from kids asking to “speak to the Wichita Lineman”; they got an unlisted phone number to put a stop to that. Glen’s passions were golf, travel, and jazz – they went to many concerts over the years. In the late ‘90s, the marriage ended and Glen relocated to Arizona.
     Glen Robert Campbell passed away on July 1, 2003, two weeks after suffering a heart attack. He was just 52 years old. At his request, there was no memorial service. Lisa and Greg have his ashes, and plan to take them to be scattered at Moonstone Beach in Cambria, an area he loved very much.

CAREY, Joseph "Mark" – September 3, 1950 – September 1980
     Public records show that Joseph MARK Carey died in 1980 and is buried in Arkansas. All attempts to locate family members have been unsuccessful.

Mark Carey 1968

Kathleen Carlson 1968

CARLSON, Kathleen A.– April 25, 1950 – January 30, 2005   An obituary published in the New York Times provided a lead for further contact with her two closest friends, resulting in a more complete account of her extraordinary life. Brief excerpts from that obituary are shown here, followed by a loving tribute from her best friend, Dorothy Korber:
       “Kathleen Carlson died on January 30, 2005 at Memorial Sloan - Kettering Hospital. She died following a year-long, courageous battle with leukemia. She was 54 years old. Ms. Carlson served in New York as President and Chief Executive Officer of the AXA Foundation for the past eighteen years. She is survived by her two daughters,Laura and Lindsay, their new adoptive mother Dorit Reznek, her brother Larry Carlson, her sister Patricia Carlson, and her mother Mary Jane Carlson.”
     (Dorit Reznek, located living in Israel, provided the family picture of Laura, Lindsay and Kathleen, and suggested that Kathleen’s lifelong best friend, Dorothy Korber, would be pleased to participate in this tribute.)
     Dorothy wrote: This is Kay's story, which I am honored to share as her lifelong best friend (even if I did go to rival Millikan High!) We met as fifth graders at Eugene Tincher Elementary School in the Los Altos neighborhood of Long Beach and grew up there together in the 1960s. In 1974, we shared an apartment in Laguna Beach and there we spent some of the happiest days of both our lives…..here you go:
    Kathleen Ann Carlson was born in Minnesota on April 25, 1950. Even as a child, she was a bold and unique individual. Early on, she decided she would be called "Kay," differentiating herself from the many girls nicknamed Kathy during the 1960s. Kay was an outgoing, joyful person with a big heart, an unself-conscious laugh, and both the ambition and the brains to become a true success in life.
    After graduating from Wilson High with the class of 1968, Kathleen entered the University of California at Irvine, where she earned a bachelor's degree in American History. During college, Kay worked part-time at Disneyland and enjoyed being part of the Happiest Place on Earth. Her first job after college was on the staff at UCI. She lived in Laguna Beach during that time and, typically, relished the lifestyle of a young college graduate living in a gorgeous little beach town.
    She left Southern California for the Bay Area in 1974 to attend graduate school at San Francisco State University. While Kay worked on her master's degree in history, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her to be the first student to sit on the Board of Trustees of the California State University system.
    After working as a risk management officer at UCLA, Kay headed east in the early 1980s. She settled in Manhattan, where she was to live for the remainder of her life. From 1981 until 1985, she was the Director of Corporate Programs for Catalyst, a leading research and advisory organization devoted to expanding opportunities for women in the workforce.
    Then Kay went on to head the AXA Foundation as its President and Chief Executive Officer, where she served for 18 years until her death in 2005. This was a high-profile position that suited her as she moved easily through Manhattan's corporate world -- and worked hard to help deserving charities and other non-profit organizations across America.
     Kay did not marry but her personal life was full. She adopted two beloved daughters from China: Laura, who is now 23, and Lindsay, 17. She traveled the world and always tackled life with gusto. Kay was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2004; she fought the disease with characteristic courage and grace. She died on January 30, 2005, at age 54.

Lindsay (YiYing) and Laura (Jina) with Kathleen 2003

Mike Carlson 1968

CARLSON, Michael A. – May 5, 1949 – September 25, 2012 Tribute submitted by his sister, Patty O’Hara:
     After graduating from Wilson High School, Michael attended North Dakota State University of Pharmacy. Moving back to Long Beach after graduation, Michael worked as a pharmacist in several different hospitals in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
     He spent his leisure time reading medical journals and various publications like Popular Science, Computer World and Forbes. He was always on top of current events reading The New Yorker, U.S. Weekly, Newsweek and many others. You could always find Michael at Borders.
     He had a passion for collecting, and enjoying, fine cigars and single malt scotch which he proudly shared with close friends and family.
Michael lived his entire life in Belmont Shore and loved every minute of it. He had many friends and neighbors that he encountered daily and took pleasure talking with them. Michael truly was a kind and loving soul and will be missed and remembered by many.

Mike Carlson 2008

CAUWELS, John – April 25, 1950 – May 8, 1976
Family was located, but declined to give any further information. However, fellow classmate, Marsha Diamond has said that she grew up next to him and will be putting something together.

John Cauwels 1968

CHAMBERLAIN, Paul Theodore – May 27, 1950 - December 1, 2001 Information given by his sister, Shirlayne Livendusky.

Paul Chamberlain 1968

Paul was married twice – in 1976 and 1996, and had one son, born 11/97. After earning his Master’s Degree, he went on to own an air compressor company.
He loved to cycle and run. In October, 2000 he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Three surgeries left him paralyzed. He passed away in Costa Mesa, CA just 3 days after his son turned 4.

Mark Lewis (Wilson '68) adds:

Paul's son Ian is now 20. With his good grades and the financial help of some Bruin friends, he was able to attend USC. In 2019, he is scheduled to graduate 'with honors'. He is an amazing young man with a very bright future. Ian has no memory of his dad. What he does have is the many stories and photos of Paul from those Bruins who knew him best. He also knows how much his dad loved him and wanted to see him grow into the fine young man he has become.

Paul Chamberlain

CHAMPION, Kenneth J. – July 12, 1949 - December 12, 1997

Ken Champion 1968

Public records show that Kenneth died at the age of 48, and is buried in Arkansas. He served in the Army in Vietnam. No obituary was found, many phone calls and a letter sent to family brought no response.

CLARK, Jay Hoyt – March 17, 1950 – December 11, 2004 Shared by Judy Sterling Clark (Wilson '69):

Jay Clark 1968

Jay moved to Maui right after graduation and it wasn’t hard to convince his parents, Jim and Midge to retire and purchase a home and six acres in Haiku. When they weren’t surfing, Jay and classmate, Dale Johnson (’68), attended Maui Community College.

I had known Jay since elementary school, due to his friendship with my brother, Bob Sterling (’68). We started living together in 1969, which began our 30 year marriage.

Jay, being the generous, fun loving person he was, invited many of our high school friends to ‘come to Maui and live on the property in tents’. Among them were my brother and his wife, Sandi Ryan (’69), Claude and Devi (Allen) Currie (’68), and Wally and Lucille (Sekulich-’68) Robison (’67). Many friends came to Maui, thanks to Jay, including some of his closest friends, including, Gary Plunkett (’68), Gary Denton (’67), Chris Shaw (’67), Jack Preston (’67), Bill Werle (’69), Mike Deeds (’68), Jim Anderson (’69), Harold Grey (’67), Bobby and Carol (Sterling-’65) Lent (’66), Darry and Colleen (Grant- ’69) Cecil (’67), Kristy London (’68) Smoker Gould (’71), Frances Sterling (’71), David Sekulich (’67), and Chris DeLance (’68), to name a few. We spent our days at Hookipa and our evenings playing Monopoly!

Jay worked as a roofer (even with his fear of heights) for Tops Roofing Co. We tried farming on the property, but soon discovered, when the surf was up, farming was not a choice. He even got into hang gliding in Kula. He had purchased a 24 ft. Wharram catamaran from Craig Mathieson (’67), which Craig had built here on Maui. Whenever he had a chance, Jay sailed on many excursions throughout Maui’s waters. Upon Chris DeLance’s and Mike Deeds, disappearance in Cambodia, we purchased the 35’ Kantola Trimaran that Chris and his wife, Debby, had sailed here from LB. Jay got his captains license and we began our 20 year business as a Sail/Snorkel/Whale watch, out of Maalaea, as White Wings Charters.

During Jay and my 30 year marriage we were blessed with 3 amazing children, Jason (1979), Justin (1983) and Juliet (1986). They were Jay’s life and he loved them more than anything. The kid’s friends still speak of their fond memories with Jay going on Dawn Patrol trips. Any chance Jay had, you would find him in or on the ocean. It was his ‘happy place’. He was a skilled captain, a great friend (he never said a bad word about anyone!), and a loving father.

His life was too short, and while missed, we know he made sure to live his life with more love than most, and in return, was loved immensely.

Carl Deeds, Gary Plunkett, Claude Currie, Jay's dad, Jay

Jay with kids and Judy approx. 1997

CLEMENTS, Bill T. – January 31, 1950 - unknown

Two family members were located, but repeated attempts to get information were unsuccessful.


Bill Clements 1968

Fellow classmate Mark Lewis added:

Stanford Jr. high. Easy to like, reserved... but genuine good guy.

COLUCCI, Roberta Ann – July 6, 1950 - September 25, 1978

Roberta Colucci 1968

Thank you to her husband, our classmate Maurice Hill,

for this loving tribute:

Roberta Ann Colucci was a wife, daughter, sister, and beloved friend. Robbie’s life was too short – she had to leave us too soon. Following graduation from Wilson, Robbie attended college at Cal State Long Beach and received an elementary teaching credential. She loved interacting with young children and was an amazing teacher. Although her first teaching job was in Garden Grove, her true desire was to work with inner-city children.

Although Robbie and I knew each other in high school, we didn’t get together as a couple until 1976. We were married in 1977 and lived in Laguna Beach. As fate would have it, after her first year of teaching, Robbie became ill in late 1977 and died the following year in September1978. She fought an aggressive battle against lung cancer but it eventually overwhelmed her.

Robbie achieved her goal of becoming a teacher and was able to marry the love of her life. She was a wonderful daughter and a great sister to her two brothers. At the center of her being was a huge sense of humor – the kind that you could double over from laughing. With her Italian heritage, she was a natural and amazing cook. She loved her dog Poco. Robbie had a vibrant personality and people were drawn to her. She engaged us all with her infectious smile and inviting conversation. Everyone Robbie met immediately liked her and she liked them. The top hit songs of 1978 helped to express our hopes and thoughts of Robbie: You Light Up My Life, Stayin’ Alive, How Deep is Your Love, Just the Way You Are, and theStone’s - Miss You.

I was so blessed to be able to call her my wife – she was unique and irreplaceable, and her outward and visible signs of her inner spiritual grace will never be erased from our memories.

Roberta Colucci 1977

CORPUZ, Donald Damaso – September 1, 1950 – February 26, 1997 Info shared by his son, Nicholas:

Donald Corpuz 1968

After graduation, Donald Corpuz majored in Business Administration at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He returned to Long Beach, and worked for California Federal Bank. His 1979 marriage to Carla Krajcik brought a son and a daughter. In 1984, he left Cal Fed and opened his own brokerage firm.
     His favorite pastime was playing the drums. He remained in the Naples area of Long Beach, where he passed away at the age of 46 in February of 1997. He is buried at Rose Hills in Whittier.

Fellow classmate John Stumm adds:
Don was a good friend of mine. He was the leader and drummer for a band called the “Soul Excursion”, a talented group who’s other members went to other schools. I managed them, transported equipment and operated a makeshift “lightshow” which was big in those days. They played at the Bruin Den, the Poly Hutch, the NCO club in San Pedro and various other places that have faded from memory. He was a cool dude and we had a lot of fun together with that group.

Fellow classmate, Carol-Lynn Campbell adds: I dated Don Corpuz a few times in my junior or senior year in high school.  He was smart and funny and really nice.  I remember I enjoyed our dates and wished he had asked me out more.

CREIGHTON, James K.  – May 18, 1950 – October 2008

Jim passed away after a fight with cancer.

Jim Creighton 1968

CUMMINGS, Michael – April 16, 1950 - December 2, 2006

Mike Cummings 1968

Michael Cummings passed away at the age of 56 in Los Angeles. No obituary was located and efforts to reach family by phone and mail were unsuccessful.

CURRIE, Claude – June, 12, 1950 – February 24, 2019
Fellow classmates and long time friend, Gary Plunkett writes:

Claude Currie 1968

Dear Claude Currie, a beauty of a person and friend. What an interesting and complex personality Claudesan had! From sublime thoughts to raunchiness, Claude had style and class like no one else. He was considerate of all and thoughtful. He could tell the best stories because he lived them. He also could embellish some tales for maximum comic effect. I can't count the number of times we had adventures together over the past 6 decades but they were all memorable. A few include our sailing voyages with our brother Capitan Brain (Jay Clark) on both the Rope Chortler and White Wings off Maui, our single engine flight to Vegas, golf in Cabo and Bajamar, the Lake Cahuilla outing, and surfing at 72 and Mandos near Rincon. Also the card games over the years, whether it was cribbage or poker or spades or hearts, with two or ten players, Claude always would spice the game up with his banter and wry 'tude. The number of people he knew and touched was remarkable and they are all characters too. We all miss you Doggie! God Speed my dear brother, until we meet again.

DAVIS, Edward A.– July 30, 1950 – May 14, 2002 Information given by his brother, Robert:

Ed Davis 1968

Edward grew up in Long Beach, and other than a brief time living in Las Vegas, lived here all of his life. He remained single, and spent his entire working life as a bartender. He was very good at his job – outgoing and friendly, he had a “way with people.” One of his favorite and long time jobs was at the iconic Hof’s Hut Marina at 2nd and PCH, a location which allowed him a lot of contact with old friends. He was also an avid coin collector.
He passed away at the age of 51 in May of 2002, and his ashes were scattered at sea. Robert stated he lived a good life, had many friends, and was “gone way too soon.”

DELLE, William Henry III – February 14, 1950 - April 16, 2006

Bill Delle 1968

In his early years at school Bill was an advocate of the friendless. He stood up for those who were being bullied. He was well liked even though no one saw him unless you found yourself on a wave, surfing. He had a gifted mind if only he put it to work!

He signed up for the U.S. Coast Guard in his junior year. Which proved good since draft number for the Army was #4 after that! He became a Bosenmate (SP?) First Class - faster than any other cadet in history. He had a natural ability to handle any kind of sea craft. He was a well liked life guard. He was also an excellent skier, and on the Ski Patrol at Snow Summit.

Bill was raised listening to music of the Big Band Era and played a trumpet since he was about 10 years old. He loved the classic wooden sail boat. He bought a 16 foot Teak Lady after his training in the Coast Guard Reserves and restored her to mint condition. This boat sailed from China to San Francisco prior to this purchase. He also restored a Hershoff 28 foot sailboat after that, then another motor sailor. He was at home on the water or in the mountains.

DEMLER, Julie Ellen – July 22, 1950 – October 5, 1974 Shared by her sister, Bonnie Demler Watkins (’62):

Julie Demler 1968

After a brief marriage ended, Julie returned to LBCC and got her LVN License. She was very intelligent and did well in school. Sadly, she never got to practice her profession. Her brief search for the perfect position ended when a chance encounter on a Long Beach street ended tragically. While resisting an armed robbery, she fought to keep her purse and was murdered on October 5, 1974 at the age of 24. Her purse held $20.
Bonnie recalls that Julie had a passionate love for cats, and while growing up on Ocean Blvd, had a beautiful Persian (who caused allergy problems with her father and sister.) After her death, her dad – never a fan of cats – became an avid “cat person.” That was sort of her legacy. She was a very good sister and is remembered with love.

DIETRICH, Pamela Jo – October 23, 1950 - February 1979

Pamela Jo Dietrich 1968

Pam’s girlhood friend and fellow classmate, Aleta Witt Brownsell, added the following information:

Pam was one of Aleta’s first friends when she came to Long Beach and enrolled in Jefferson Junior High. While at Wilson, the girls loved to dance, and could often be found at the Cinnamon Cinder.

After high school, Pam went to work in the office of the Long Beach Public Transportation Co. She married James Barriault, and they made their home in Long Beach, and had one daughter. In 1979, they were returning from Palm Springs, riding in a dune buggy on a public highway – just two lanes, but not clearly marked. They were going uphill at dusk when a car coming over and down the grade hit them head-on. James was killed instantly; Pam was taken to a hospital where she died about three hours later. Pam’s sister was following in another dune buggy at the time.

The family subsequently sued the city of Palm Springs for inadequate warning signage; a settlement was made on behalf of their daughter. Aleta described Pam as “so full of life – always smiling, the kind of person you loved to be around.”

Joseph Dooley 1968

DOOLEY, Joseph Samuel – January 21,1950 - October 8, 2008   Thank you to his wife, Karen for sharing this.
     Joe graduated CSULB with a degree in Chemical Engineering, and retired in 2006 after working 26 years for Exxon Mobil. He was a devout Christian, an avid golfer, successful hunter, great cook and always an LA Dodger fan. He is survived by his wife Karen, sons Joe (Bridgett), Jeff (Jessica) & 3 grandchildren.
     He lived in Billings, Mt and died of a pulmonary embolus on 10-8-2008 while vacationing in Maine.

Joe Dooley 2002

John Dunn 1968

DUNN, John W.– August 25, 1950 - November 12, 2002  Thank you to his former wife, Sandie Barden, for sharing this with us.
     John was born in Santa Monica and raised in Long Beach. He met his wife, Sandie (Millikan ’67) at church, and they married in 1969. They had two sons together - Kevin (1972) and Mark (1973). He worked for many years as a meat cutter. He then was employed by Lawson Products selling electrical parts.
     John’s passion was SPORTS, both as spectator and participant. He played softball, coached his sons’ soccer and baseball teams, and bowled in numerous leagues. He loved and enjoyed boating with his family on their Bay-Liner boat. They remained very active in their church.
     John Dunn died at the age of 52 of a heart attack. Sandie said in summary that “he was a great guy, a good father, and always the life of the party. He adored his kids and would do anything for his family and friends." He is survived by a sister, Barbara, wife Sandie, their sons, and 4 grandchildren.

EDENBURN, Roger Alan – November 5, 1949 - January 27, 2004
Public records shown that Roger died at the age of 54 in Los Angeles County. A daughter was located and declined to participate. No other family found. (No photo available)

ELMS, Clyde William – June 24, 1950 - November 15, 1987
   Clyde only attended Wilson for his senior year. We have been unable to located any family members.  (No photo available)

John Ewald 1968

EWALD, John William – February 13, 1950 - March 16, 2015   Thank you to his brother, Don (Wilson ’64), of Grants Pass, OR.
     While at Wilson, John studied photography, and after graduation became the photographer at Lions Drag Strip, where Don raced. His employment there from 1968-1972 morphed into a second job working for the Drag News as an ad salesman, and eventually, he took over the subsidiary, Boat News. He perfected his sales technique, and did quite well. He then went to an ad-based publication in Orange County, and in the late 70s he bought a house in Buena Park.
     A first marriage brought two daughters, and ended in divorce in 2000. He moved to Brea, where he had his own ad agency, and did very well – his primary client being Firestone / Bridgestone. At the same time, he entered the printing industry and brokered printing jobs as a sub-contractor.
     After his divorce, he got back into the drag racing world and worked closely with Don in restoring old dragsters – which were displayed at “nostalgia drag racing” events. He remained active in the Brea community civic affairs. He also was an avid collector of “anything Civil War” including firearms and facts, and was a popular lecturer on the subject.
     He met the love of his life, Cynthia Carpenter, in about 2004. They were together for 10 years and married in 2014 – shortly before he was diagnosed with bladder cancer – (a disease commonly related to smoking.) He fought a courageous battle, and Cynthia was an angel throughout the ordeal – she brought such happiness to him for those years. He died on March 16, 2015, surrounded by family. His memorial was held at the NHRA Museum in Pomona. He is survived by his wife, two brothers, and two daughters.
     Don summarized John as “larger than life – he just sucked the air out of any room he entered.”

John Ewald 2013

Lonnie Fluent 1968

FLUENT, Lonnie – February 6, 1950 – March 27, 2014 Obituary from Havasu News:
     Lonnie Fluent passed away May 27,2014 in Lake Havasu City, at the age of 64. He was born to the late Leon and Ruby (DeJulio) Fluent in Long Beach, Calif., Feb. 6, 1950.
     Lonnie worked at Boat Brokers in sales having moved to Lake Havasu City 22 years ago. He was a legend in the performance boating community. Sons Aaron and Jeff shared a passion for racing boats and water ski racing with their dad. Lonnie had a nickname for everyone he met and loved his grandkids “Bubbles and Popeye”; they were the light of his life. He took pride in coaching his sons and grandson in Little League and football.
     Lonnie is survived by his loving family; wife of 28 years, Peggy Fluent of Lake Havasu City; sons, Aaron Fluent (Cheryl) of Lake Havasu City and Jefferson Barrus (Melanie) of Long Beach, Calif.; brother, Lorin Fluent of Dana Point, Calif.; grandchildren, Zoey and Carson Fluent of Lake Havasu City. He is preceded in death by his brother, Leon Fluent.
     Lonnie was truly a unique individual and lit up the life of everyone that he knew. He was a true jokester.
Speed on the Water.com written by Matt Trulio:
     A familiar and friendly face on the West Coast Custom powerboat and high-speed waterski-racing scenes for decades, Lonnie Fluent, who for many years was the public and primary sales face of Nordic Boats until 2007, died earlier today. Fluent, who reportedly suffered from heart disease, was recovering from open-heart bypass surgery he underwent last week. He was 64 years old.
     A much-beloved figure in the West Coast custom go-fast boat world, Lonnie Fluent (right) pictured here with his son, Aaron, will be sorely missed.
     Fluent's son, Aaron, confirmed his father's death on his own Facebook page earlier today. Aaron Fluent, who followed in his father's go-fast powerboat industry footsteps with Absolute Speed and Marine in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., could not be reached for comment when this story went live.
     An official cause of death for Fluent has not been released.
     "Lonnie was a super-nice, super-amiable guy," said Jeff Johnston of Hering Propellers, who as a former advertising salesman for Powerboat magazine got to know Fluent and worked with him frequently on ad campaigns during his tenure at Nordic. "He always had a smile on this face, and he always put a smile on your face."

FRENCH, Glenda Sue, "Susie" – February 22, 1950 - October 8, 2011 Thank you to her friend and classmate Karen Stout Rosser:

Susie French 1968

Glynda Sue (Susie) French Pomerantz:

A wonderful and caring friend with a way about her that made hearts smile.She married and gave birth to two lovely daughters. She is grandmother to several grand children. She will be sorely missed by friends and family.

Rest in peace, dear Susie. You are loved by many and we keep you in our smiling hearts.

FULLER, Susan "Jan"– March 19, 1951 - January 4, 1989 Thank you to her husband, Gary, for this information:

Susan "Jan" Fuller 1968

After graduation from Wilson, Susan attended secretarial college in Long Beach. In 1969, she met Gary Pearson at a party – they married in December of 1970. His service in the Navy sent them to Virginia, to Cuba, Guam, Tennessee and finally, they settled in Texas. They had one son and one daughter. She held many office jobs, including 10 years at the First National Bank in Beeville, about 60 miles north from the Gulf of Mexico. Her passion was scuba diving – she became certified -- an extra challenge, as she was blind in one eye since birth. She loved children and animals.
Susan died in 1989 in Beeville. She is survived by husband, Gary, two children, and 5 grandchildren who never got to know her. Gary described her as a “wonderful woman”, one who was loved dearly and is missed very much.

GALLAGHER, Linda Ris – September 19, 1950 - December 13, 2014

Linda Gallagher

GARNER, Valerie Jean – April 1, 1950 - December 21, 2001
Married Dominic Giannotti in Los Angeles... unable to contact.

GILMORE, Clint – May 31, 1950 - Novemeber 2020
From Long Beach Post article: https://lbpost.com/hi-lo/after-death-of-clint-gilmore-long-beachs-last-independent-music-store-might-shutter-forever?fbclid=IwAR3bmdTBmj7Wb_GvMz3uY2XbqsO1Gdx4u76jLNPyZsc_ZFojIvqQ0GwmuOQ

GOLDSMITH, David Allen – November 24, 1950 - October 7, 1997

David Goldsmith 1968

A letter sent to family on January 4 has brought no results.

GORDON, Michael E. – July 24, 1950 - November 15, 1996

Mike Gordon 1967

Thank you to Mike's sisters Nancy & Ellen for this loving tribute:

Mike Gordon 1996

Mike (Mickey) Gordon, born in 1950, was the first child in a family of six boys and two girls. He passed his early years in the vibrant steel town of Youngstown, Ohio, where he played sports and served as a Catholic altar boy. Mike and a younger brother went to stay with his Aunt Pat in Long Beach, with the rest of the Gordon family arriving around 1964, seeking a better climate for his father’s steel worker lungs. He remained very close with his Aunt Pat, and she worked tirelessly to guide him.

Enamored with the late 1960s counterculture, Mike had poor attendance at Wilson High, preferring to party and find trouble. He did not graduate in his senior year, but did in his 20s, becoming a psychiatric technician, then a registered nurse. He worked at Napa State Hospital and other Northern California hospitals, eventually settling into a career with workers’ compensation managed care. In 1995, Mike founded his own company, Gordon Medical Consultants, hiring his sister and a family friend.

Along the way, he was very active with Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, speaking at meetings and sponsoring countless fellow addicts. He inspired and offered practical help to many. With humor, humility, and a love of people, he easily chatted with friends and strangers from all walks of life. His ready smile was the central light of many a family gathering.

Mike lived his life enthusiastically, often recklessly, but always with great heart. On the one hand, he would quietly, sometimes anonymously, help family and friends. On the other, he was not one to refuse a challenge. He once skied in the buff for a New Year’s Day Frozen Bun Run near his home of Antioch, CA. He laughed that, “so many women were putting dollar bills in my life jacket! It was a great day!”

At the age of 46, Mike Gordon passed away suddenly in his home in Pittsburg, CA. He left behind three adult children: a daughter in Indiana, and a daughter and a son in Southern California. Mike died not knowing that he had fathered a daughter in his early 20s. Just before the writing of this memoriam, his daughter Andrea found her Gordon side of the family via Ancestry.com. Now in her mid-40s, she is a joyful and unexpected addition to the Gordon Clan. It has been a very bittersweet time for Andrea. Mike would have been incredibly proud of her and her children. He left a huge hole in our family, and all who knew him still miss him deeply.

GREER, Scott – February 1, 1950 - November 9, 1987
Scott only attended Wilson for his senior year. Unable to locate family members. (No photo available.)

Gary Haas 1968

HAAS, Gary – October 6, 1949 – May 5, 2017   Obituary www.memorialsolutions.com:
     Gary was born in Los Angeles to Rose Marie (Franco) and Marion Haas. Mom, brother John and Gary spent the early years with and near grandparents Ted and Alice Franco, and helped in the family restaurant. With stepfather Robert Boswell, the family moved to the Long Beach Peninsula, where sister Angel was born. There Gary developed a love of the beach, fishing, boating, independence and general rambunctiousness. He attended Lowell Elementary, Rogers Junior High and graduated from Wilson High School in 1968.
     From early teens Gary worked in various Belmont Shore restaurants, eventually becoming the day manager of Big John’s Pizza and Pool. It was there that he met Marilyn McKercher and started an eight+ year courtship that led to their marriage in 1978.
     He began his Civil Service career at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard in 1974 as a pipe fitter. He eventually transferred to the Public Works section of the Naval Station and retired in 2007 as an Environmental Protection Specialist with the 63rd RRC at the Joint Forces Training Center in Los Alamitos.
     Gary enjoyed family and friends, camping trips with fishing and water skiing, ski trips throughout CA, CO, WY, UT, and travels to Hawaii and Alaska. But his favorite get-away was the vacation home in Twin Peaks. He took impeccable care of his homes, cars and Marilyn. Starting out together so young (20 and 18), Gary and Marilyn really grew up together and expected to grow old together. Although that wasn’t to be, they enjoyed 47 years of love. Gary developed a genetic condition a few years ago that gradually robbed him of his energy and strength, but he never lost his sweetness.
     He will be lovingly missed by his survivors, including wife Marilyn, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Jean Tanaka, Dan and Nancy McKercher, Julie and Tom Steckbeck; nieces and nephews Erin and Herb Centeno, Shannon and Josh Reilly, Lisa and Justin Ware, Leslie and Jon Patterson, TJ Steckbeck, Tyler Steckbeck; great nieces and nephews; uncles Alex Franco and Joe Vanderkooy; aunts Anita Chichotka and Dolores Harden.

Gary Haas 2017

HALL, Robert Bordette – December 19, 1949 - August 15, 1997
Numerous attempts to reach family were unsuccessful.A letter sent on December 29 brought no response.

Robert Hall 1968

HANSON, Sharyn Jean– December 1, 1949 - March 3, 1991
Efforts to locate family were unsuccessful.

Sharyn Hanson 1968

HARKENESS, Maureen – March 6, 1950 - August 16, 1982

Maureen Harkeness 1968

Best friend and classmate, Bonnie Hand Zimmerman writes:

Maureen was my best friend in high school and I am having a difficult time to this day talking about her. She was so artistic and a very soft spoken, kind person.

She past away from breast cancer because she couldn’t bring herself to face the fact she had a lump in her breast. By the time we knew it. It had spread and could have been prevented. I can’t really say or write anything because it was so preventable and I didn’t know even to help.

She was such a kind and beautiful person who never got to know her daughter Amy – who is is nurse at Choc Hospital and raising two young foster children for now. Amy lost her dad, who raised her, 2 years ago to a heart attack. My heart goes out to this strong girl who is now living in the house she was raised in and has made it as homey as her mom did. Maureen was a beautiful and giving friend, mother and daughter and is still missed to this day.

HOLLAND, Dave – August 25, 1950 - unknown
Unable to contact family members.
(Dave only attend Wilson in his senior year - there is no senior photo of him available.)

HOLLENBBECK, Ray – May 23, 1950 - February 2, 2011

Ray Hollenbeck 1968

Ray Hollenbeck died in Iowa. All phone numbers for family members have been disconnected, and a letter sent to relatives in Fountain Valley was returned by the post office as undeliverable.

HOLM, Janice Darlene – Dec. 6, 1949 - Sept. 6,1968 By fellow classmate Mark Lewis:

Janice Holm 1968

     "She had soulful eyes and an angel's smile..." She was a ' princess'....a truly golden girl. It was easy to be around Janice.
     From Bixby, to Stanford, and then Wilson, she was a good student and popular with both teachers and classmates.
     She loved life.   She was a Bruinette, was in AMI, served on student council, enjoyed Bruin dances, and loved Bruin football.
     All three of her siblings Steve, Robin, and Jill, were also graduating Bruins...a tribute to her parents Del and Darlene Holm.
     At age eleven, her dad claimed she could run faster than any boy on our LB little league baseball team. No one believed him. She raced...and she won. From that day on, I was pretty smitten with her.

Janice Holm 1968; Mark Lewis 1968

HOLT, Jennifer – September 20, 1950 - June 2018

Thank you to her dear friend and Wilson '68 Alumni, Monica Cosenza:

In memory of a dear friend and my beautician since she was in Beauty College, Jennifer Holt Carlson, who died on June 6, 2018 unexpectedly coming home from Idaho. Jennifer was buying a home and rental properties in Idaho as she was going to retire soon and move by her daughter Katie and her husband Alex. Jennifer went to Jefferson Junior High School and we met the first week of our 10th grade year at Wilson. Jennifer was stunningly gorgeous inside as well as outside and was beyond talented in the world of hair color and styles in which she used her magic on many lifelong customers. Jennifer I love you and miss you so much!!!

HOUSEAL, Donald Roy – May 31, 1950 - December 11, 1993

Don Houseal 1968

HUGHES, Dean Arthur – March 1, 1950 - June 1, 1987

Dean Hughes was born in New York in 1950, and passed away in California in 1987, at the age of 37. No obituary or family was located; no further information is available.

Dean Hughes 1967

Fellow classmate Melissa Trimmer adds:

I am saddened to learn about the death of Dean A Hughes. He was a dear friend in my senior year at Wilson. He was into journalism. I believe if my memory is not failing me he worked on the Loudspeaker. He was a very accomplished pianist. I was over at his house almost every afternoon while he practiced piano. He also took voice lessons as he had wanted to be an entertainer. He loved the beach, going to movies, going to the Whiskey A Go Go where we celebrated my 18th birthday. We lost track of one another after graduation. I do know he had one older brother but was not living at home when I knew Dean.

KAUFMAN, Donald Bert – September 26, 1950 - February 14, 1988

Don Kaufman 1968

Unable to locate family.

KENNEDY, Ellen – August 22, 1950 - June 25, 1969
Unable to find much information. Only that Ellen drowned in Hawaii.
Fellow classmate Jim Woods added: "I remember Ellen as always being upbeat, happy, and a good student. She never said a bad word about anyone. I dated her friend Cathy for almost 4 years and when we finally broke up, Ellen came up to me and asked if I needed a walking partner for graduation? (Her if her boyfriend was a college student.) I said I would love to be her walking partner so we walked together. Cathy didn’t have any problem with the two of us walking together. Ellen was a sweet girl that always looked out for her friends.

Ellen Kennedy 1968

KLEIN, Thomas H.– July 19, 1950 - January 16, 2006

Tom Klein 1968

We are grateful to his wife, Janet, for sharing the following information:

Thomas Klein studied first at San Francisco State College, graduating from UCI with a degree in Pharmacology. He spent his entire career as a Director of Pharmacy at various hospitals in Southern California.

He and Janet were very happily married, and had three children. The family had a vacation home on the Colorado River, and his passions were water-skiing, jet-skiing, and boating.

On January 16, 2006, he suffered a massive heart attack while at work …. Just a few feet from the ER. In summary, Janet described her husband as “simply an amazing man.”

KRUEGER, Lianne – November 27, 1950 - January 10, 2012 Highlight to come

Lianne Krueger 1968

Fellow classmate John Stumm adds:

Lianne lived on Bayshore Walk with her mom when I knew her. I lived on a sailboat across the bay on Treasure Island in front of Don Stoner’s place. I remember swimming across the bay to see her. I was enamored with her. I remember taking a walk on the beach together and suddenly blurting out that I loved her. I was that taken. I think she probably thought I was a bit immature, which I was. Good sailor as well. I got away living on that Schooner for a couple of years. How was I to know liveaboards weren’t allowed? Fun while it lasted! Did I mention I bought it from none other than Gene Hackman? She was impressed…
She was so vivacious and fun as well as very intelligent, mature and worldly beyond her years, more so than I was, that’s for sure. I’d never met a girl who was like that, (thus far). I remember she was very good friends with George Pike.

KURTZ, Christopher Landis – March 31, 1949 - May 22, 1968. Information found online:

Chris Kurtz approx. 1969

Marine Private First Class Kurtz was a member of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division with Bravo Company. PFC Kurtz was born on March 31, 1949 and was killed in action on May 22, 1968 in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam when Bravo Company was attacked in an ambush in Con Thien. He was the son Mr. and Mrs. Jack L. Kurtz of Long Beach, California.

At the time of his death, PFC Kurtz was 19 years old and was single.
Buried at All Souls Cemetary in Long Beach, CA.

Fellow classmate Mark Martinez adds:
I needed to comment on his passing because Chris impacted my life. There are people who leave a lasting impression on your life and Chris was one who would leave a mark on me. I remember him from Jefferson Jr. High School. We were not friends, but I respected him because he respected me. I asked him on the football field to do something and he would do it. There was no issue in terms of what needed to be done or direction. There was no issues related to power or authority. It was about getting it done-a coming together for a common cause. I am sure that is what he did as a Marine-duty and faithfulness was what I admired, and it was what I patterned myself after in the following years. I hope I did justice to him by this recollection because he was so much apart of our American character.

LANIER, Steve E. – December 21, 1949 - 2002
Fellow classmate James McCormick from '69 adds: Steve lived just down the street

where I grew up. He located me via email and we reconnected for awhile. He had worked as a policeman and had retired after twenty years. Steve was a likeable and easy going guy. (I have a hard time picturing him as a police officer.) I remember Steve telling me that he had a security business and that he was trying to sell it. He had moved to Colorado after retiring.

What I remember about Steve prior to my moving out on my own was that he was an automobile enthusiast. We used to joke that Steve was going to make a custom car out of every type of car that existed. He really made a couple of beautiful cars out of late 40's and early 50's Chevy's. Not long before I moved away from the home neighborhood we saw Steve come by with the biggest, ugliest old Chrysler that I have ever seen. When we asked what did he want it for? He told me that it had a tow package. He then pointed out that meant that it had a low geared positive traction differential, then he opened the hood to explain that it also had a huge, 426 cubic inch Hemi. He was planning on making his first hot rod.

Fellow classmate Mark Lewis adds: Stanford Jr. High, firey red hair, shy, but good heart.

LOGEAIS, Bonnie Josephine – December 5, 1949 - September 14, 2008 Obituary found online:

Bonnie Logeais 1968

Bonnie Josephine Foster, 58, of Jamestown, died Sept. 14 at home with her family by her side. She was born in Los Angeles to Merle and Shirley Logeais, and raised in Grants Pass, Ore. In 1969, she married William Foster. She had lived most of her adult life in Tuolumne and settled in Jamestown in 2004. Bonnie loved the Tuolumne River and her little kitten. She enjoyed attending the Tuolumne Lumber Jubilee.
She is survived by her children, Sarah Geisdorff, Esther Mosely and Sean Foster, all of Jamestown; brothers, Murry Logeais, of Lakewood, Mitzi Logeais, of Seattle, and Charles Logeais, of Maui; and grandchildren, Lotty Bailey, Chance Bailey and one on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Foster.

Patty Lown 1968

LOWN, Patrice A., "Patty" – October 14, 1950 - October 21, 2011
Shared by her husband of 30 years, Paul Panella:
Patrice (Patty) Lown (Patrice Panella) was born in Long Beach on Oct. 14, 1950.
Among her other activities in high school, Patrice was a Flag Girl for Wilson High. Patty attended the University of California at Irvine where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

In 1979, while living and working in Venice, CA she met her future husband Paul, an Executive Chef for the Marriott Corporation, at the dentist’s office. After a two-year courtship, the two were married in 1981. Patty and Paul lived in Tustin, then moved to San Diego in 1986. Their marriage lasted 30 years until her death in 2011.

Patty was a bright, vivacious, devoted full time mother and wife with a great sense of humor. She raised two wonderful daughters who are both now grown and work in the film industry as an art director and assistant editor respectively. She was involved with many local school associations and became a member of the North County San Diego Planning Commission.

Unexpectedly, at age 43 as the result of an undiagnosed weak heart, Patty suffered a stroke. After a lengthy rehabilitation, Patty made a nearly complete recovery, but her illnesses left her health compromised. From that time forward she faced her many health challenges bravely, with equanimity, and never lost her sense of humor.

Her greatest gift was the love and devotion she gave to her family. She is missed every day.

Patty Lown 2006

LUKAS, Michael Lee – July 25, 1950 - March 3, 1978

Public records show that Michael died on March 3, 1978. He was just 27 years old. No obituary found or family located.
Fellow classmate Joni Dixon adds: I knew Mike Lukas, and his passing was sad. He was bright and creative, but couldn't find his path. He was fiercely proud of his native American heritage.

LUTZ, Steven G. – February 14, 1950 - October 7, 1983
Efforts to locate family were unsuccessful.

Steve Lutz 1968

MAHER, John –August 12, 1950 - April 9, 2001
Thanks to his sister, Sally Maher Dalley for this tribute:

John Maher 1967

John was born in Long Beach at St. Mary's Hospital. He was number six of seven children and the first of two boys. Shortly before he graduated from Wilson, he joined the Army. He later got his GED. Not long after he joined the Army he was sent to Viet Nam. He volunteered for two more tours of duty and became a helicopter door gunner. John was proud to be in the Army and proud to wear the uniform. Unfortunately, our troops in Viet Nam were given very little support by our country and when they returned home it was no different.

John's adjustment to civilian life was not easy. He worked a variety of jobs, but none that lasted very long. In the mid 70's John got a job at General Telephone Co. (GTE) as a field technician and later as a cable splicer.

He continued to work there for about 8 years. While at GTE John began to get his life in order. His goal however was not a career at GTE, but a career in law enforcement. After about 7 years with the phone company he became a reserve cop for the Santa Ana Police Dept. He worked days at GTE and any time he had off was with the Santa Ana PD Reserves. He remained focused and dedicated to his goal and after about a year or so as a reserve cop he quit GTE, graduated from the police academy, and became a police officer for the City of Bell.

John got married in 1990. That same year his son Johnathan was born. Johnathan's birth was the most important event of John's life. The marriage did not work out. He and his wife got divorced in 1996, but he and his son remained close.

John was an avid Dodger fan from the time he was a young boy. He was also a big fan of the Los Angeles Rams until they left L.A.! As for college ball, he was all Notre Dame. John cherished any time he had with his son. This included home games to see the Long Beach Ice Dogs and weekends at the Naval Air Shows to name a few.

He loved all kinds of music from old tunes, motown, country, pop, and rock & roll.........Al Jolson to Creedence Clearwater Revival....The Temptations to Willie Nelson, and everything in between. John was also a big movie and TV fan. It didn't matter if they were musicals, westerns, comedy, horror, drama or sports.......James Cagney to John Wayne...Dodger games to Mash, or Al Pacino to Julie Andrews....He loved them all and got good use of his VHS!

In the late 90's John became ill and was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. His condition got continuously worse, and he was told a liver transplant would be necessary. He was approved and accepted to the Cedars-Sinai liver transplant program and was put on the transplant waiting list. On July 4th 1999 John received a new liver. By this time John had retired from the police department due to injuries he had received while on the job.

In 2001 John became ill again. Unrelated to the liver, he was diagnosed with a severe blood infection that he could not recover from and John died on April 9th, 2001.

John was a very strong family man. His Love for his family and devotion to them was unmatched, but his greatest Love was his son Johnathan. With his sense of humor and just a few words, John kind of brought it all together when he said, "I went from the back seat of a cop car to the front seat" ~ HE IS AT PEACE ~

John Maher

MARTIN, Gary R. – July 13, 1950 - July 26, 2017 This tribute was shared by Gary's lifelong friend Jack Raber, (Wilson '68):

Gary Martin 1968

Gary was born and raised in Long Beach, living first in Park Estates and later, in College Park Estates. Before going to Wilson, Gary attended both Minnie Gant Elementary School and Walter B. Hill Jr. High School. At Wilson, Gary was an exceptional saxophone player, playing in the band, orchestra, and jazz ensemble. After Wilson, Gary earned his bachelor's degree from Cal State Long Beach and his Juris Doctor degree from Western States College of Law. Following law school, Gary became a highly successful attorney in Orange County, first in general practice and later, in employment law. He also served as a Superior Court Judge Pro Tem in several California jurisdictions. Gary died at age 67 while recovering from surgery at UCLA and is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dawn, daughter Hillary, and granddaughter Addie.
He was truly one of the good guys of our era. His humor could be a little biting but he didn't have a mean bone in his body. As an attorney, the law was all about protecting the underdog and he always took extra time to make sure his clients knew their rights backward and forward. He took great pride in being called a "bleeding heart". An avid fly fisherman who was part owner of a fishing ranch near Mt. Shasta, he always made sure his guests knew that if they wanted fresh trout, they would have to go to the local supermarket to buy it. His love for beef jerky and Health Bars knew no limits and his rants against green vegetables were legendary. The world is a sadder place without him.

Thank you to Nancy Hollister (Wilson '68) for this lovely tribute:

Gary and I were together for 10 years—all the way through college, graduate school, his passing the bar and our first professional positions. This was a very critical time for both of us in the sense of learning, maturing, and becoming functioning adults.

As I look back, I think he was one of the most multi-talented people I have known in my life. He had raw intelligence; but also talents in art, music, and surprisingly poetry. Obviously, he did well in his career in the legal profession and later as a judge. He always liked to stand on a soapbox and lecture me about this and that, so I am sure he was a fabulous judge. I guess his only weak area besides occasionally a lack of interest was perhaps his physical acumen; although, he is the one who pushed me into hiking—an activity that I have enjoyed very much in my later years.

As often is the case, over time people grow in different directions. I was one who could not sit still and he, on the other hand, was happy in more familiar surroundings. Hence, my life took me elsewhere—initially accepting a transfer in my company to the Midwest.

Last year, Gary and I emailed the day before his surgery. I told him what a positive influence he had made in my life. He gave me the stability and confidence to go on and achieve things I never thought I could do. I told him that I was eternally grateful. Little did I know, that we would not communicate again.

It is with a very deep sadness for me that Gary will not be able to share our 50th High School Reunion Celebration—because for me, he was the best part of those years.

McBURNEY, Lucinda J., "Cindy" – September 9, 1950 - July 5, 2016 Taken from an obituary in the Alaska Dispatch News:

Cindy McBurney 1958

     Lucinda Jane McBurney, 65, passed away peacefully with family at her side on July 5, 2016, in San Clemente, Calif. Cindy had been Outside with her husband since August 2015, seeking treatment for a very aggressive rare cancer. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Long Beach, Calif., by her parents, Doris and Howard, Cindy graduated from UC-Berkeley and the University of San Francisco School of Law. She volunteered summers during law school to represent the poor on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico and Arizona. After law school she signed on with VISTA, which brought her to Alaska in 1976. She worked for Alaska Legal Services until the Alaska Court System hired her as Judicial Education Coordinator in 1981, and Standing Master four years later. Cindy continued in her judicial capacity until she retired in 2011.
      A playmate's father coined the term "cindygraph" to describe Cindy's childhood capacity for phonograph-like nonstop chatter, a characteristic that served her well in her professional career, on the bench and among family. She did not shed this quality until cancer took her speech days before her death. Cindy's passions were her family, her second career as long-time violinist with the Anchorage Symphony, mystery novels and her beloved multi-generational Labrador Retrievers, Booda, Mookie, Boomer and Mojo, and grand-dogs/cats too many to name.
     Cindy leaves her husband of 28 years, Ron Wielkopolski; her stepchildren and extended family. Cindy also leaves many friends near and far from court and musician colleagues, to restaurant servers she befriended in her third career as caretaker and dinner escort for her elderly mom. Cindy's love and care helped her mom to thrive at her Turnagain home until her death in 2014, at the age of 101. A tiny example that spoke volumes of Cindy's capacity for love is the gift she gave to a stranger. While sitting in a hotel lobby, Cindy heard a young woman who appeared "very nervous" tell another she was there for a job interview. Cindy told her stepdaughter: "She is very cute. Tell her she will do just fine, and I cannot imagine anyone not hiring her." When Nicole told her what Cindy said the woman exclaimed "Oh, thank you. Thank you. You cannot imagine how much better I feel." The young woman never knew her complimenter would pass away in six weeks from a disease she knew to be terminal.
      We will miss her genuineness, kindness, generosity, empathy and intelligent quips and sense of humor regarding both events of the day and timely retorts to others' comments that begged reply. A Celebration of Life was held on Feb. 21, 2017, at the PAC, 621 West 6th Avenue in Anchorage in the Carr-Gottstein lobby outside the Discovery Theater. The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra dedicated its Feb. 25, 2017, concert performance in memory of Cindy. The family asks that anyone so inclined to send flowers instead donate to the Anchorage Symphony, animal rescue, Hospice, or cancer research.

Fellow classmate, Kathleen Montgomery adds: "When Cindy and I were in third grade, we dared Jimmy Coveney (Wolford) to jump off the Belmont Pier. He did and sprained his ankle so we helped him home. Jim says it was 2nd grade. He could possibly be right, but either way, what were we doing running around down on the pier at that age? Cindy was my oldest friend. She could always make me laugh. We all miss her very much."

Fellow classmate, Mike Martinez added: "I was saddened to here about the passing of Lucinda McBurney. Sometimes you're fortunate to meet a person like her a few times in a lifetime. If time was luck, we were lucky to know her. I only knew her a brief month after high school graduation, but perhaps the one thing that I can recall was her uncanny ability to look for the best in people - it just made one feel better about oneself. Getting down to the heart of the matter, I guess it was Cindy's belief in the sanctity of human beings that seems to have shaped her career and destiny. Perhaps using the old sports vernacular best sums up my impressions about her - she certainly would be one of my All Americans for the ages."

Cindy McBurney

McKENZIE, Scott – July 11, 1950 - February 27, 1968
Thank you to Priscilla Ragland Hoge (Wilson '68) for this touching insight:

Scott McKenzie 1968

Scott Hugh McKenzie was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach on July 11, 1950 to parents Ed and Janet McKenzie. And I’m sure he had a smile on his face, because he was one of the happiest people you could ever meet!

He lived his entire short life in Long Beach, attending Minnie Gant, Jefferson, and Wilson. He was a natural athlete and participated in all the sports he could, but his biggest love was football. And #77 (Scotty’s number) excelled at that! He played both offense and defense for Wilson all three years of high school, and received All-City and All-League honors during his senior year. Football was his passion, and he was looking forward to playing at the college level, which unfortunately was not to be.

Scotty was a social butterfly and didn’t know a stranger. He had a huge circle of friends, and he knew how to party! He was a member of Athos, loved hanging out with his friends, going to the Canteen after football games, and was always ready to join in whatever mischief was available. He had a contagious carefree spirit, was certainly a daredevil, and willing to try just about anything at least once. He was also a gentle soul, and had a very strong streak of kindness in him, always willing to help out anyone in need.

But Scotty’s zest for life caught up with him on Saturday night, February 24, 1968. He decided to take a quick spin on a friend’s motorcycle, hit a patch of loose gravel, and was in a tragic accident, sustaining severe head injuries. He passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 1968. His passing was a tremendous shock, and left a huge void in many lives.

Scott MeKenize 1968

Scott and Priscilla Winter Dance 1967

Scott McKenzie - last know photo,
taken the afternoon of the day of his accident

McMANUS, John – July 11, 1950 - May 1987
Jack's twin sister, Jean McManus (class of '68) shared this:
Jack was a merchant marine, so he was often at sea. He was going to come to Hawai`i soon so I would be able to see him. But before that happened he was ashore in San Fransisco. He was crossing the street and was almost run over by a delivery truck. Jack hit the side of the truck saying (those of you who knew Jack can insert phrases) well the truck driver stopped the truck and came up behind Jack and hit him. Jack landed head first on concrete. After 2 brain surgeries Jack never regained consciousness. I flew in to see him on May 2nd and told him it was ok to leave, and he did right then. I still miss him tremendously and will always hold him in my heart.

Fellow classmate Dan Tully adds:
When I was 8 years old my family moved from the rural outskirts of Las Vegas Nevada to Long Beach. My parents enrolled us in St. Matthews Catholic School. Uniforms were required in those days and I showed up for my first day of the third grade in my Salt & Pepper cord pants and White Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt as required. I also wore my Brown & White Cowboy Boots and a bright red western style belt that had a large silver buckle with a brass pistol on it. When Sister Mary Thomas introduced me to the class all the kids laughed and made fun of the belt and boots. Sister told them all to settle down and directed me to my seat. After I sat down feeling terrible and out of place the boy seated next to me leaned over and said: "Don't listen to them, I think your belt is cool". That was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Jack McManus. When I arrived home after school that day, my mother asked me how my first day went. I told her " I need new shoes and a regular belt. The Nuns said I could not wear boots and this belt anymore" (That was a lie, but I wasn't going back with those boots and belt) She said OK.
Over the next few years, Jack and I spent the night at each other's houses, played summer baseball and hung out together often. As kids, we learned to play pool at The Hole in the Wall in downtown LB and at Joe Jost's on Anaheim. We would get free time by cleaning and brushing the tables, replacing chalk and picking up trash and cigarette butts. The local sharks and hustlers would show us how to play and we got to know many of them. We were forbidden by our parents to go to the pool halls, so we pretty much went whenever we could. After eighth grade graduation, Jack and I attended boarding school together at St. Anthony Clarets in Dominguez Hills. I left after my first year to attend Wilson. Jack stayed for one more year then joined me there. We picked right up where we had left off. After HS I moved out to Orange County to attend school at OCC. Jack joined his older brothers and his dad in the Merchant Marines. Over the next few years, we did not see each other much. He was traveling all over the world and I was settling into life in Newport Beach. We got together when we could and shared our stories with each other. When Jack turned 30 on Jan. 2nd 1980, I sent him that red belt with the silver buckle as a token of our friendship. Jack was strong, funny, good inside and a loyal friend. My mother loved him. I was heartbroken when he passed away at such a young age. I miss him still.

MITCHELL, Edie – Date of birth and death unknown.. Photo was found in a yearbook of
the Oklahoma University of Medicine but year of photo is unknown.

Edie Mitchell

MOONEY, Mary J. – April 12, 1950 - November 10, 2008

Mary Mooney 1968

Thank you to Daniel Ortega, Mary Jane’s husband and best friend, for sharing these memories with us:

Mary Jane was born and raised in Long Beach, along with a brother and sister. After high school, she graduated from nursing school, where she earned her degree as a nursing assistant. This was a job well suited to her, as she was a very tender, caring and loving person. Unfortunately, she was never able to practice that trade. When she was 21, her mother died, and that began the onset of schizophrenia. (Schizophrenia in young adults is often triggered by a traumatic life event.) She had a “great doctor” who helped her navigate this challenge from that point on.
For the rest of her adult life, she adapted and was able to function fairly well, but her condition would not allow her to maintain and handle the stresses of regular paid employment. She qualified for Social Security Disability. She therefore found many ways to help and show her love for others through volunteer work and faithful involvement in the Catholic church. Other than a brief “bonafide hippie period” when she lived in Seal Beach, she remained in Long Beach. Her life revolved around helping others who were in need and demonstrating Christian love. She was active in many ministries, and was loved by all who knew her.

In 1984, she met Daniel Ortega at the home of a mutual friend, during a party gathered to watch the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics. Thus began a lifelong love story. Daniel, who describes himself as a loner who shied away from marriage, truly loved Mary Jane, but in 1986 they parted company due to his reluctance to commit. In 1992, she called him and they rekindled their relationship. He credited her for bringing him back to the church, and to teaching him how to love and appreciate closeness with another human being. She had once mentioned to him a time when she was lonely, and he asked her to help him understand what that felt like ? -‘loneliness‘ was not a concept he could imagine. She told him more than once that if she should die first, she wanted very much for him to find love and to marry again. He said he could not imagine that either, as she was his ‘everything.’ Besides her church activities, she was an avid reader, particularly on topics of religion and healthy living.

They finally married in 2002 in a small chapel. The priest told them it was the most beautiful wedding he had ever experienced, as Mary Jane recited all the prayers and sang all the songs. To this day, Daniel regrets the long delay from meeting-to-marriage. He thinks of the years they could have been together, but is tremendously thankful for the years they had. She did continue to function reasonably well, but had a variety of physical problems that took a toll. In 2007, she suffered a mild stroke, and underwent physical therapy to regain her strength and mobility. Their last home together was in Park Estates. On November 10, 2008, Mary Jane suffered a heart attack while getting ready for a doctor appointment and died quickly with Daniel at her side.

And finally- as Daniel shared with me – he came to deeply understand loneliness. He fulfilled his promise to Mary Jane in 2011 when he met another lovely woman and is again happily married. He was very pleased to be able to share her story with her classmates.

MURPHY, Barbara Ann – May 2, 1950 - June 25, 1988

Barbara Murphy 1968

Thank you to her brother in law, Mark Shippee for this information:

After high school, Barbara attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with an eye on a future in accounting. There, she met her future husband, Rodney Shippee, also an accounting major. They discovered a mutual passion for horticulture, and both went on to get Masters degrees in that field. They married in May of 1982.

Barbara worked for a time at Nickerson Nurseries in Fallbrook. They had no children. They were able to buy a 3-1/2 acre property in Vista, complete with 3 greenhouses and a “propagating house” (propagating plants is an inexpensive and easy way to get new plants from existing plants. This asexual means of reproduction produces a plant that is genetically identical to its parent.)

Her passion was spending time outdoors. She and Rodney had a beautiful giant elm in their yard, overlooking a magnificent view of the coast. They spent many evenings under that tree enjoying wine, the view, and each other’s company. She passed away suddenly while working in the greenhouse in June of 1988, at the way-too-young age of 38. Rodney passed away in 2010.

Mark was very fond of Barbara and coincidentally, they shared the same birthdate – 5/2/50. In speaking with him, he realized he too is due for a 50^th reunion and will be checking with his alma mater in Central California.

Fellow classmate, Carol-Lynn Campbell adds: Barbara Murphy and I went to Lowell Elementary and Rogers Junior High at the same time but we were more acquaintances than close friends. We didn’t spend too much time together. At Wilson we knew each other but had few classes together.

When we were seniors in high school and had both decided to go to UCLA, we thought it would be good to have a roommate that we knew instead of getting assigned some random person. After we signed up we gathered our Green Stamps and bought matching orange chenille bedspreads. We were assigned to a dorm room on the third floor of Sproul Hall.

Barbara was a Pre-med major and I was an Art major so we spent our time on separate areas of the campus. She spent most of her time studying in the library and our room and I spent most of my time working on my art projects in the art department. We liked having meals together in the dorm cafeteria. We were respectful of each other’s time and we trusted each other completely. It was a good match.

Since dorms were mostly for freshman students, we decided to share an apartment for our sophomore year. We found an amazing one-bedroom apartment on Landfair Avenue overlooking the campus. It seems the landlady was saving it for reliable and quiet students: no crazy parties or freeloading friends. Barb and I were about as reliable as you could get. It was a good year for us considering it was still 1969 with all its political turmoil.

On campus we got to see musicians like Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Arlo Guthrie and Ravi Shankar. We loved music. We sang a lot. Barbara enrolled in a general music class. She said the teacher had a singing class that I should try to get in. That suggestion changed my life. Singing has been a major part of my life ever since.

We grew up that year, especially Barb. I remember one evening Barbara had a boy she liked over for dinner and we were just sitting down when another guy she liked came to the door. I answered the door and had the guy wait while we switched places and I sat and talked with the one in the kitchen while she talked with the guy at the door. I think she told the guy at the door he couldn’t come in because I had a date or something like that. We laughed about it later. She said she had really never had a boyfriend and now she had two.

The next year brought changes. I went off to the University of Arizona for a while to study opera and I lost track of Barbara. I saw her at the 10-year high school reunion and we talked a little about what we had been doing. It was good to renew the ties but once again the time went by and we lost track. At the 20-year reunion I saw that she was on the deceased list. All I could think about was how lucky I was to have had the best college roommate ever and I wished I had kept in touch.

NEAL, Dennis E. – July 21, 1950 - April 9, 2018
Fellow classmate Judy Lee Garcia recently informed us of Dennis's passing:

Dennis Neal, passed away last week on April 9th. He suffered and died from 4th stage pancreatic cancer. I know if he was still with us he would have made the ride from Florida on his motorcycle to be at the 50th reunion. Crazy, Fun Dennis - May he rest in peace!
Obituary found online: SFC (ret) Dennis Neal passed away peacefully at his residence in Navarre, Florida on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the age of 67, after battling pancreatic cancer.
Dennis is survived by his three beloved children: Son, Dayrel Neal and fiancé, Lorrie Neal, of Tatum, Texas; Son, James Neal and wife, Korrin Neal, of Munster, Indiana; Daughter, Dawn Gratton and husband, Dr. Christopher Gratton of Kilgore, Texas; Grandchildren Dayne Neal, Amanda Lee, Hailey Goza, Logan Neal, Madison Neal, Jeran Griffin, and Jameson Gratton; Great-Granddaughter, Allison Goza; Sisters, Janice Rosenberg of Sacramento, California, and Jayelle Martin of Norman, Oklahoma, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Doris (Booth) Neal of Long Beach, California, Great-Granddaughter, Emma Goza, and sister, Judy Haworth of Woodstock, Georgia.
Dennis was born on July, 21 1950 in Long Beach, California to Gerald and Doris Neal. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson HS in 1968. Dennis was blessed with three wonderful children that he adored, and 7 grandchildren who were the apples of his eyes. He was an extremely proud father and grandfather.
In 1969, Dennis began his career in the United States Army. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served a total of 23.5 years in the armed forces before retiring in 1992. Dennis was a patriot who held an immense love for his country. He was honored to be an active member of the American Legion. Dennis' one great love in his life was riding. He owned a Harley Davidson Heritage motorcycle, and spent every moment he was able to on his bike with his face in the wind. He was loved by many fellow veteran brothers and riders.

Dennis Neal 1968

Dennis Neal

O'BRIEN, Tighe Kiren– March 8, 1950 - May 5, 1984
Records show that he died in Bexar, Texas.

Fellow classmate Mark Lewis added: Standout basketball player for Wilson Varsity. Aggressive, good shot. Fearless.

Tighe O'Brien 1968

OLIVIERI, Teresa – May 10, 1950 - March 1975

Teresa Olivieri 1968

Public records show that Teresa passed away at the age of 24. All attempts to reach family members were unsuccessful.

PITHAN, Michael Henry - April 9, 1950 - December 16, 2006  Obituary found online:
     On Saturday evening, Dec. 16, 2006, Michael Henry Pithan, 56, died unexpectedly at his home in Marion, Utah. Mike was born in Long Beach, Calif., to Gerhardt J. Pithan and Helen (Bond) Pithan on April 9, 1950. He grew up on the beaches of Southern California, surfing, cutting school and smoking cigarettes. After high school, he volunteered in the U.S. Army to keep from getting into more trouble. He served his country and was honorably discharged in 1974. He then devoted his time to caring for his mother who was dying from lung cancer. After her passing, he moved to Park City, Utah, where his best friends had moved and together they lived and skied and made many more good friends.
     Over the past 14 years he worked in the construction field, helping to build homes, working with his best friends Arne and Wayne on building and remodeling projects; building mannequins in Oakley and cabinets in Marion and Heber.

Mike Pithan approx 2006

Mike was a gentle and humble man. Shy, intelligent and creative, he enjoyed woodworking and built beautiful things. His hobbies included the appreciation of German-built cars, especially Audis and Volkswagons, yet he always had a soft spot in his heart for that Chevy pickup he had sold. He was a self-taught computer user and built his own website that featured his vehicles. He had many friends online and daily chatted with other car lovers from around the world. He loved to plan out and take long road trips and loved to camp. He treasured summer vacations at Lake Powell with his buddies and always tried to be prepared with everything anyone might need. He loved animals. He enjoyed feeding the potguts at his friend's house or feeding the birds and the neighbor's dogs at home.

POLLOCK, James Dusan – October 16, 1950 - April 22, 2012

Jim Pollock 1967

Jim Pollock

Jim passed away 5 years ago unexpectedly. He graduated from CSULB with a BS in Criminology. He was with the City of San Fernando Police Department for 32 years. He retired as a Detective. He was known in the law enforcement community for his dry wit and for keeping his "City" safe from violent gangs and illegal drugs. Our family and friends still miss him dearly.

POTEET, Gerald Wayne – December 10, 1949 - November 21, 2005

Thank you to his wife, Hattie, for these comments.

After graduation from Wilson, Jerry attended college in Sacramento, and later went to welding school in Las Vegas. He was a very good welder, and well liked by friends. His passions were hunting and fishing. He died at the age of 55 in Manteca, CA, near Stockton. He had one daughter, Jaralynne Poteet, and stepdaughter, Laura Poteet.

Jerry Poteet 1967

RAY, Pamela Jean – June 8, 1950 - March 3, 1989

Pam Ray 1968

Pamela’s husband, Jeremiah Rowe, was reached. He offered only that she had two daughters, owned two Hallmark stores, and died in a car accident at the age of 38. The daughters declined to add anything more.

REED, Michael – January 2, 1950 - May 3, 2013

Mike Reed 1968

Thank you to his mother, Joyce Reed, for offering the following information about Mike’s life.

After graduation, Mike attended Long Beach City College where he met his wife, Joy. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1971, and had two sons. For awhile, he worked for Ford Motor Company until they moved to Missouri. There he became very active in their church, and decided to go into the ministry. He received two Master’s Degrees in Theology at the Southwest Baptist Seminary in Texas. (About 40 years later he earned his Doctorate.)

He was a Baptist Minister in various churches, including about 30 years in Illinois. The family then relocated to Yuba City, CA, spent time in Santa Rosa, and returned to the Marysville area. After retirement from the ministry, he put his love of cooking to good use when he accepted a job with a local newspaper as the “cooking director”, researching wonderful recipes and going into people’s homes to document their cooking successes and photographing the finished products. Around 2006, they returned to Southern California and moved into Leisure World/ Seal Beach, near his mother.

Besides his love of his family and his God, his passion was music – both vocal and instrumental – piano, sax, and other instruments – “the bigger the better.” The music programs in the churches he served brought added fulfillment to his life. Mike had been born with Addison’s Disease, which can lie dormant for many years if not complicated by significant medical changes. After undergoing several surgeries (shoulders, hip, and knee replacements) he suffered from complications of Addison’s, and passed away on May 3, 2013 at the age of 63. He lived to see three grandchildren – two girls and one boy.

Joyce was very pleased for this opportunity to have her son remembered by his classmates.

Fellow classmate Mark Lewis added: Varsity football...#52 Loved being a champion

RICHEY, Clive Everett – September 14, 1950 - October 1, 1999

Clive Richey 1968

We are grateful for this loving tribute offered by his daughter,

Tabatha Kidder:

   Clive’s headstone reads “Sabrina Lyn Richey aka Clive Who Found Fulfillment as Sabrina”. This loving tribute is what her parents selected and is the best way to sum up my dad’s all too short journey through life. My dad’s story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and ultimately finding fulfillment as Sabrina. For most of her life, Sabrina lived as Clive. It wasn’t until the last few years of her life that she lived publicly as Sabrina.
     Sabrina enjoyed cooking; camping; theatre; doing sound/lighting design for church performances; and square dancing. She was a Marine until cancer forced a medical discharge. She overcame that battle against cancer only to lose the second battle before diagnosis. She worked in and taught electronics; worked in IT; was a camp cook; and had an Economics degree that she sought while working full-time.
     Out of all of her interests and jobs, she put being a parent ahead of everything else. She was an amazing parent and I am forever grateful for the love and guidance she gave me.
     Thank You, Tabatha

RIVERA, Geary Rydo – May 24, 1949 - May 26, 1996

Geary Rivera 1968

After numerous attempts, we reached his former wife.

She declined to participate other than to say that he died peacefully.

Geary was predeceased by his parents and his brother, and had no other relatives. Public records show he was born in Alameda, CA and

died in Long Beach.

ROGERS, Rick – December 1, 1949 - August 8, 2020
Rick Rogers passed away from cancer, but COVID stole whatever remaining days he had left.

Rick Rogers 1968

Rick Rogers & family

RODRIGUES, William A. – May 21, 1951 - death unknown (possibly deceased - unable to confirm)
William only attend Wilson in his senior year - there is no senior photo of him available.

RODRIGUEZ, Melinda Ann – March 6, 1950 - September 29 2015
We have been unable to contact any family member. Melinda was laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.


Melinda Rodriguez 1968

Melinda Rodriguez date unknown

SCOTT, Karen Ann – January 5, 1950 - May 1, 2001

Karen Scott 1968

Many of her Rogers Jr High friends remember Karen as
being very sweet, good athlete and student.

Ann Terrell adds: Karen Scott, who passed away some time ago, was my next door neighbor. From what I remember of her, she had moved to Utah (and I believe back to Long Beach) where she had become a Mormon. She was divorced with several children. I always liked her. She was sort of quiet but kind.

And many thanks to Karen's daughter, Tina, for this insight into Karen's life:

Karen grew up in Long Beach, Ca with her older sister (Karla Scott) and her two younger brothers, (Chris Scott and Terry Scott). In her early 20's Karen moved to Utah to go to school where she met her future husband, Nick Ingilizian. Karen and Nick got married in Utah and in their first year of marriage they had their first son, Troy. One year later, they had their second son, David. After Karen's husband graduated from BYU they moved to New Milford, NJ. Five years after giving birth to their first child Karen and Nick had Tina. In 1986 Karen and Nick divorced and Karen, Troy, David and Tina moved back to Long Beach, CA and Karen raised her kids the house she was raised in on the Marine Stadium. In the mid 90's Karen was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, a hereditary disease that ran on her dad's side of the family. Karen did her very best to take her disease in stride, never complaining, and being and sweet, kind and quiet spoken as she was as a young girl. Karen lost her battle with Huntington's in May of 2001. (Her son Troy passed away in Dec. of 2000 - 5 months prior to Karen's passing.)

SEMOLA, Stephen Paul – August 10, 1950 - August, 2017

Steve Semola 1967

Family has not responded to requests.

SIERDSMA, Timothy Adrian – August 6, 1950 - September 24, 1984

Tim Sierdsma 1967

No obituary or family member located. Timothy died at the age of 34, and is buried at Forest Lawn, Cypress. No marriage record or children found. His only known sibling is also deceased.

Fellow classmate, Fred Wise adds:
Tim was a funny and quick guy, great sense of humor, always had a smile on his face, and pretty much ready to try anything. He had a can-do attitude, and never seemed “down” even though he sometimes got in trouble, and he sloughed off trouble really easily. Nothing seemed to bug him, the glass was always half full. Very friendly, always made eye contact and said “Hi” no matter what. His ability to laugh carried him through.

SMITH, Ellen Lisa – August 17, 1950 - September 16, 2015

Lisa Smith 1968

Lisa passed away in Long Beach, CA. on 09/16/2015. Her ashes were placed at Forest Lawn on San Antonio Ave. near Cherry Ave, in Long Beach, CA. on March 8th, 2017, finally.

SMITH, Scott Hamilton – June 15, 1950 - April 10, 2018

Scott Smith 1966

Shared my his niece Troi Suliman:

It is with profound heartache to announce Scott Hamilton Smith “Scotty”, brother, uncle, friend, philosopher, mentor, alchemist and legend passed away Tuesday April 10, 2018 in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii at the age of 67. He was born June 15, 1950 in Long Beach, California. Scott will be forever remembered by his family and countless friends for his perception to always find the perfect thing to say at the right time and having a gift for showing you your best self. He loved people, no matter where he was or what he was doing he found the time to make you feel better, laugh and help you figure out life’s biggest dilemmas,(which are never as big as we make them) always with a smile and positive attitude. One of the smartest persons, his intellect was hard to match and his perceptive ability touched everyone he came in contact with. We are all better for knowing him. Scott always gave to others before he gave to himself.

Scotty is survived by his sister, Kayc Reed, his niece Troi Suliman and her two children Ashley and Chandler Suliman.

In Scotty’s professional life he spent many years working in the entertainment industry, in Hollywood with the IATSE local 33. In Reno and Lake Tahoe with the local 363 which he was a driving force to get the members better wages and benefits. When he moved to Maui you would find him in a lighting booth or on a sound board working most concerts and events. He moved back to Southern California and continued his profession with Local 122 in San Diego. He finally left the entertainment field to help lay the first fiber optic cable in Southern California. In 2010 Scotty moved back to his favorite place “Maui” where he took up driving a taxi at LaBella and connected with people that became his second family. Don Foote, Bella and Ron Thompson to mention a few.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm, 1843 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96753..(Don Foote Place)

Memorial donations in memory of Scotty and his love for animals can be made to the ASPCA.

Scott Smith

SMITH, Shelley Vivian – November 7, 1950 - October 7, 2009 Found online:

Shelley Smith 1968

Shelley Smith passed away from an aneurysm on October 7th, 2009. She was a dedicated Hellerworker who practiced at Eastside Hellerwork in Bellevue, WA. She leaves behind her daughter Jessica, mother Lillian, the love of her life Dave, their beloved pets and many friends and family. She is loved and dearly missed.

Shelley Smith

SOURBEER, Andrew F. – September 1, 1951 - death unknown

Andy Sourbeer 1968

Numerous attempts to locate family were unsuccessful.

No further information is available.

Andy attended Rogers Jr. High. Any friends of his, please let us know of your memories of of those days.

SPELLENS, Dan – August 17, 1950 - January 29, 2018

Dan Spellens 1968

Dan Spellens found his peace on January 29, 2018 following a five-year battle with ALS.

Dan was born in Long Beach, California on April 19, 1950, one of three children to Flora Phillips and Harold Spellens, and was a brother to Binnie Berro and Phil Spellens. Dan's upbringing included a strong sense of family. Dan had happy memories growing up with his mom and dad, sister and brother, aunts, uncles and many cousins, some of whom lived next door on Lime Avenue. He spent much of his childhood with his loving Grandma Fannie Phillips. Dan had a lot of fans growing up, but Grandma Fannie may have been his biggest.

Dan attended Longfellow Elementary School and Hughes Junior High School. He attended Temple Israel Religious School where he was confirmed. He went on to attend Wilson High School where he was Spring Senior Council President and graduated in 1968. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communications from University of California, San Diego in 1972.

As a young adult, Dan pursued Freemasonry, walking in the footsteps of his father and brother. His work with the Masons was very important to him.

Throughout Dan's career in music and entertainment, he served as producer, agent, and promoter for companies such as William Morris Agency, Wolf & Rissmiller Concerts, Los Angeles Clippers, Harlem Globetrotters, Ice Capades, and Torvill & Dean and the Russian All-Stars. He later served as Vice President of Operations for Mandalay Sports Entertainment which included Las Vegas Thunder Hockey Team, Lake Elsinore Storm Baseball Team, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Baseball Team, Las Vegas Stars Baseball Team, and Dayton Dragons Baseball Team.

Dan concluded his career at SMG Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center where he worked for 15 years as the Director of Theatres and Entertainment. Examples of successful event programming included appearances by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Jackson Browne, David Crosby & Graham Nash, Rise Against, Gabriel Iglesias, Wanda Sykes, The Who, Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa Etheridge, No Doubt, David Sedaris, Jason Mraz, Martin Lawrence, Rufus Wainwright, Slayer, Lisa Lampanelli, Megadeth, David Copperfield, Chicago, kd lang, Chelsea Handler, Frederica Von Stade, Denyce Graves, Katt Williams, Sesame Street Live, Disney On Ice, and many, many more.

In 1990, Dan attended Major League Baseball's All-Star Game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, where he met his future wife Melanie Merich. Melanie and Dan were compatible opposites, with their strong underlying commonality of love and respect of family and of the generations before them. They shared their passions of family, sports, religious traditions, and the cities of Chicago and Long Beach throughout their 28 years together. Though Melanie and Dan did not have children, they considered their many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews as their own. All have marveled at the tales of their hippie-era uncle and have brought much fun and joy to Dan.

Dan's legacy will not only be that of a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, and friend, but will also be from the work he did for ALS Research. This included the kind gifts from many family and friends across his life in academia, business, temple, and even from strangers. In less than two years, Melanie and Dan were able to raise almost $300,000 for the "Melanie and Dan Spellens ALS Research Fund" at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dan was a natural communicator, and in all elements of his life he formed lasting friendships. That was his style. Dan was a good man.

Dan Spellens

SPRINKLE, Donna Kathleen – August 23, 1950 - October 5, 2005

Donna Sprinkle 1968

Public records show that Donna died at the age of 55 in Southern California, and is buried at Forest Lawn Cypress. No marriage records, siblings or obituary found. Parents are deceased.

From Patti Gehrke '68: I'm sorry that we have no one to speak of Donna. I'm sure many of my Rogers Jr. High friends remember Donna the same as I do.. kind, gentle, soft spoken and very intelligent. So innocent.

STERLING, Robert Joseph – February 11, 1950 - April 21, 1990 Tribute by Judy Sterling ('69) and also Gary Plunkett ('68):

Bobby Sterling 1968

     I asked a few friends to give me a word that they thought best described Bob. The most common word given was fearless. I have to agree, Bob definitely was fearless. If there was something to climb, fly, surf, risk, Bob was the first to go.
     When Bob was younger he had a fondness for sports. Surfing first, then baseball and gymnastics.He would go on surf trips with good friends, such as Jay Clark, Gary Plunkett, Johnny Tarleton, Jim Mastic, Claude Currie and others. One of his closest friends growing up was Burke Gumbiner.    He loved animals and music . He actually was pretty good at playing the piano. He was the only boy with 3 sisters, so I think my dad had different expectations of him.
     Bob was married to my friend and classmate, Sandi Ryan (’69). They moved to Maui together in 1970, when Jay invited many of our friends to camp on the property. I remember Sandi told me, there were many times she felt she was going to end up a widow, due to Bob’s wild escapades. If he had known about Jaws and big wave surfing, he would have been the first one out! In January 16, 1973, Bob was surfing with Jay at Hookipa, when a shark grabbed him by his thigh and took a bite! He had 2 skin grafts, made the front page of The Maui News, and was back surfing as soon as he was able!   He worked for Tops Roofing Co, which being the ‘monkey’ he was, made other crew fortunate.  He and Sandi had a daughter, Natalie. Natalie, surfing and work were his life.
     After Bob and Sandi separated, Bob moved to Washington for a year. Upon his return to Maui, he got a job with my husband, Jay Clark, as a first mate, working on our boat charter business, White Wings. Bob loved being on the ocean, surfing and being with friends. He was surrounded by family and friends.
     Bob was never very serious and had a great sense of humor. Sandi recalled the day she came home and he had put all the furniture out in the yard so he could have a poker game!! He brought much joy and happiness to many. He left us too early, and while I know he is always with us, he is missed. Gary Plunkett adds:

Bobby and I were both a bit shorter than average in elementary and junior high and we were really good friends. Bobby and I had a great group of friends in Jim Mastick and Claude and Jeb and Johnny Tarleton, to kind of name the core. When Jay came from Naples, he immediately joined us. Bobby was always trying to stay out of trouble with Gram! Gram could hear really well, Bob said, especially across the backyard pool at the Nieto family home above Rogers. Bobby liked to play some basic boogie-woogie on the family piano. I think I played a little on those keys too. I found it comfortable to be with Bob in the Sterling house with George, Gram and the girls, though we didn't spend much time there as we wanted to go out and hide and smoke cigarettes in the alleys. Then surfing together with the boys at 72; we'd be up at dark thirty to pedal with our boards on makeshift dollies or paddle across the bay digging the trippy florescence.

I was so happy to hang out with Bobby and Sandi for a short time in 1971; they were at the Maui airport with Jay and Judy to greet me and take me to Iao Valley for skinny dipping! Bob had been surfing and playing baseball a lot and was in good shape. He stands out in the photo of the Maui Stoners: by then he had gained the fond name of Stonemouse and he looked very much that part in the photo, out of uniform and wearing a devious smile. What a classic. He and Sandi seemed very happy and very much in love too. Stonemouse had big gonads: I think he took off on bigger waves than most of my other friends. He's the only guy I know that got bitten by a shark. There was a great article about Bob and that event in the Maui News. He was also constantly kind and compassionate and fun-loving, as I knew and loved him as one of my tightest bros.

In the Maui News 1973

1971 Maui (l-r) Burke Gumbiner & girlfriend, Jay Clark, Judy Sterling ('69) , Dale Johnson, Bobby Sterling, Sandi Ryan ('69)

STONE, Mary "Margo" – November 30, 1950 - July 15, 2006

Margo Stone 1968

Family has not responded to requests.

SWANSON, Diane – May, 19 1950 - 1996 Thanks to her sister, Susie:

Diane Swanson 1968

Diane died in late 1996. She was using her 2nd married name, Diane Dawson, when she died and there was no obituary. She married and divorced in LA before relocating to the San Francisco area in the mid 1980's. She remarried and became a legal assistant during that time period. She divorced her second husband in the mid-90's but they remained close. She always had cats and dogs. Diane struggled with several painful conditions and depression, which ultimately caused her untimely death due to an accidental overdose of prescription pain medications. She was close to our dad but was estranged from our mom who preceded her in death. We talked on occasion, but I had not seen her since about 1988. Diane was a troubled soul but was in a relatively good place when she died. She was in a job that she loved with a prominent law firm. In fact her death took them totally by surprise as she seemed so happy, involved and was doing an outstanding job. She had a great little apartment and had just signed on with a personal trainer. The attached photo is very different from the Diane that lived in Belmont Shore. She had extensive plastic and dental surgeries and had gone very blonde. She was much prettier as the Diane we knew but she wanted to escape that Diane. She is missed by many.

Diane Swanson

TALIERES, Christos George, "Chris" – Dec. 4, 1950 - June 18, 2013 By daughter Stacey:

Chris Talieres 1968

Chris Talieres was a Long Beach native who was a diehard local. He lived in Long beach his entire life with the exception of the time he spent living in Northern California while he attended Cal Berkeley. Born in 1949 to Greek immigrant parents, Chris and his sister Maria were raised in the neighborhood surrounding Wilson High School. As a child Chris excelled both academically and athletically and was ambitious all around. Growing up he worked in his family’s ship chandlery business and from a young age was taught the value of a strong work ethic by his parents. As Chris entered his teenage years he developed close friendships with his Wilson classmates all of whom he shared a lifelong bond with. After college Chris returned to Long Beach to join his parents in the family business which he eventually assumed the role of President in the years to come. Chris married in the 1980’s and had one daughter named Stacey whom he shared a very close and special bond with. In his later years Chris continued to adore Long Beach through his daily visits to Belmont shore for his coffee talk and daily walk. Also an avid golfer Chris could be found quite often at Big Rec teeing off. Chris loved Long beach and loved life and enjoyed every minute of it up until the end. He was proud to have been a part of the Wilson alumni and valued the special relationships formed during this period of his life. Chris’s spirit is never forgotten and is forever loved by his mother, sister, and daughter.

Chris Talieres

TALLANT, Marlene J. – August 26, 1950 - November 12, 2000

Marlene Tallant 1968

Thank you to Debby KELLER Blasdel (Wilson '68) for this memory:

Marlene and I were best friends in Lowell Elementary and Rogers Junior High. We did so much together. Blue Birds, Campfire Girls, vacations with her family and many sleep overs. We were constantly at the beach, since she lived so very close. She loved animals and always had cats and a litter of kittens to play with. She was quite, nkind, funny and a beautiful girl. She cared a lot about her appearance and would spend a long time separating her eyelashes with a bobby pin, that freaked me out. She had beautiful long straight hair that she took a lot of pride in keeping that way. I have many wonderful memories of my time spent with her. In high school we drifted apart and her life seemed to run off the rails after high school.

THRASHER, Sterling Alan – January 24, 1950 - January 4, 1996
(Sterling only attend Wilson in his senior year - there is no senior photo of him available.)

VADON, Lynn – August 3, 1950 - September 28, 2018
Thank you to Lynn's daughter, Stefanie, for the following:

Lynn Vadon 1968

Beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Ms. Lynn Esther Bristow, resident of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2018.
Lynn was born Madelyn Esther Vadon to her late parents, Victor and Virginia Vadon, on August 3, 1950, in Long Beach, CA. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, in 1968. She was married to Stephen Stiefel and Stewart Bristow. She resided in California until the early 2000's when she moved to Arizona to follow her daughter, Stefanie.
Lynn is preceded in death by her loving parents, Victor and Virginia, and her beautiful sister, Dianne Marie Pace (nee Vadon).
Lynn enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, decorating her home, shopping, going out to restaurants, and going on road trips to California.
She is survived by her twin daughters, Stacie and Stefanie, grandchildren, Samantha, Noah, Nicholas, and Kyle, great-grandson, Greyson, and son in law, Charles.
Please, in lieu of flowers, you may donate to Boys & Girls Club of America and the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life is scheduled on October 27th at Power Ranch Clubhouse in Gilbert, Arizona.

Lynn and family

VALKIS, Tom J. – June 19, 1950 - May 13, 1989

Tom Valkis 1968

We are grateful to his sister Stephanie for sharing the following information:

Tom’s family owned some rental properties, and before entering the military, he had worked for his dad painting houses, laying tile, etc. He was really smart, and took pride in his work. His long term goal was to be a dentist. The trajectory of his life was forever changed when he joined the Army and went to Vietnam. While there, he was mentored by a dentist and was informally trained under difficult circumstances. He suffered severely from PTSD and came home a different person. If not for his military experiences, he would most likely have achieved his goal and gone into dentistry.

After returning to the LB area, he had an apartment on Signal Hill. He lived the rest of his life on VA Disability and died at the age of 37. He is buried at the National Cemetery in Riverside. Tom had paid dearly for serving the country he loved.

VAUGHN, Jack Waldon – November 5, 1950 - June 12, 2008
(possibly deceased - unable to confirm)

Jack Vaughn 1968

VLAHAKIS, William Gregory – March 2, 1950 - July 26. 2006

Bill Vlahakis 19

Following Obituary found in the Press Telegram:

William Gregory "Bill" Beloved son of Mar y P. Vlahakis, brother of Katherine Vlahakis. Born March 2, 2006. Graduated Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Survivors include, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Greece, and many wonderful friends. Viewing 5-7pm, rosary at 7pm on Sunday, July 30 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 5761 E. Colorado St. Long Beach. Funeral on Monday, July 31 at 10:30am at Assumption Church. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Assumption Church or to cancer research.

Fellow classmate Mark Lewis added:

Loved to laugh...got along with everyone.

Fellow classmate John Stumm adds: Bill and I also became friends as he lived across the alley from me in the Shore. His bedroom was above the garage and easily accessible. He had a good stereo and I remember listening to the Beatles “White Album” when it first came out. He always had some good herb on hand as well.

His parents owned Steak-O-Rama where he also worked. He worked for Sanyo Electronics at one time, as I remember he got me a deal on a video camera they made. I remember a most memorable trip we made to see CSN&Y in Isla Vista. Also in my V Dub van were Carla Reich and Candy Walbank, both class of 69, I believe. How do I remember names after all these years? Go figure. As I said, it was memorable. He was a lot of fun.

Fellow classmate Deberah Porter adds: Bill was the shy, quiet type, but very nice.

Bill Vlahakis at our
10 Year HS Reunion 1978

VOORHUS, James R., "Jimbo" – Nov. 21, 1950 - May 29, 2005 Published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram:
On Saturday, May 14, 2005, the Lord welcomed our beloved husband, father, brother and uncle home to heaven. Family and the ICU team at St. Mary's Medical Center in Long Beach surrounded Jimbo with their love and comfort at his passing, due to complications of pneumonia and heart failure. Jimbo was born in Portland, OR and grew up in Long Beach, CA. He worked for several years as a merchant seaman, taking him to various foreign ports of call. His creative bird whistles, funny stories and street comedy brought smiles and laughs to many who knew him. Jimbo's love for his family, people, the ocean, the mountains and all of God's creations made him a very unique individual. Through all of his struggles and trials, the lighthouse in his life, Jesus Christ, brought him hope and peace and now everlasting life (John 3:16). He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; son, Jimmy Voorhees of Leister, MA; sister, Debi Rogers (Stanley) of Salem, OR; brothers, Allen Stone (Melinda) of Lakewood, CA and Michael Stone (Becky) of Anaheim, CA; and his beloved nieces and nephews. Final resting place, Salem, Oregon. (No photo available)

WEIBY, Greg – March 10, 1950 - November 11, 2011
Thank you to Greg's second wife, Karen Kidd, for this loving tribute:

Greg Weiby 1967

Gregory Paul Franck-Weiby did what a lot of people in the late 1960s talked about. He was an "old hippy" and proud of it, up until the time he died suddenly Nov. 11, 2011 following a stroke. He was 61

He became a hippy and a "peacenic" back in high school, where he helped establish an alternative and underground school newspaper. He was active in the peace movement while he earned his degree in Philosophy at California State University, Long Beach, particpating in the student strikes. During the course of one of these demonstrations, as a form of protest, he removed from over the entrance to the opposition student senate the "Senate Chambers" sign and to this day that sign is displayed in the entrance of the bathroom in his home as, for him, that protest continued. He graduated cum laude from Cal-State, June 8, 1973, receiving a bachelor's degree in Philosophy.

While at Cal State, Sandi Franck, who shortly after his graduation became his beautiful and well-beloved wife who supported him in his art and his continued labors for world peace. He worked a time for the US Post office before the two moved to a parcel of land near Drakes Crossing, in the hills above Silverton, Oregon, where he made his home for about 34 years. In that time, he built his house in the mountains himself, a little at a time, preserving as much of the land in its natural state as possible, having a great love for the environment.

His labors for peace took first position in his life. In 1984, he joined the American Civil Liberties Union and in 1997 he joined the International Campaign for Tibet and was active in their causes. He also was a card carrying member of Amnesty International, Population Connection and Greenpeace.

He was a passionate peace activist, who led marches and vigils against wars from the conflict in Vietnam and all the intervening wars since then to those in Afghanistan and Iraq today. He was not just pro-peace, he was anti-war and everyone around him knew it. With other members of Silverton People for Peace, he kept regular vigil, every 4th Friday, and was present at his final vigil in October 2011 to mark President Obama's announcement that troops would be pulled out of Iraq by year's end (not that it happened). Though Greg was dubious of that pledge, he did recognize it as a bitter-sweet victory for peace.

He also was active in the Occupy Movement, saying it was a sign that, perhaps, there remains hope for this great nation. He participated in Occupy Salem marches and demonstrations, gave generously to Occupy Salem Village in Willson Park and he was one of the scheduled speakers at the Occupy Silverton Rally November 5, 2011, just days before his sudden and unexpected stroke and death. Calling the old American Dreams "unsustainable", he called for "a New American Dream".

Through all the peace work, Greg was an artist. He made dies and coin dies, hand engraving in steel. Any coin from any place and any period could be placed in his hand and he could immediately, off the top of his head, identify it, give details about its lineage and history. He was for a long time active in Salem-area coin clubs. He was a member of the American Numismatic Association, the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild, the Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association (PNNA), the American Numismatic Society (ANA) and the Unrecognized States Numismatic Society. Greg made many of the commemoratives for the PNNA and ANA conventions. Attendees to the ANA Coin conventions will recall the curiously dressed man who put on fantastic demonstrations of ancient Greek, Medieval, and early modern coining techniques.

Greg became well known in numismatic, as well as fantasy gaming, circles for his work with the Shire Post Mint, producing such master works as the "Silver Daler of New Dal", which required more than 340 hours of meticulous, finely detailed engraving of its dies with hand-cut .999 fine silver blanks in authentic 13th century Germanic style. Greg referred to the "Daler of New Dal" as his Magnum Opus and from the date of this issue, he most comfortably referred to himself as "an artist".

In his last few years, Greg worked on dies and coins for the HBO series "Game of Thrones", based on the books by George R.R. Martin, with whom he collaborated. He completed "The Faceless man token" and was working on other Winterfell coinage when he died.

Artistically, Greg was most active in the Society for Creative Anachronism, where he was Ian Cnull (the last name rendered from his mother's maiden name with the 13th century spelling 'Cnulle', from the Welsh Kenele, meaning "clump of oak trees"). In the SCA, which he joined in 1989, he became "the Moneyer of Silberbyrg" or, as he was known to many more simply, "the moneyer dude". He honed his Craft, becoming one of the world's leading ancient coiners. He was made a Journeyman of the Moneyers' Guild of the West at An Tir/West War A.S. 26 (1991) and was the first moneying apprentice in An Tir, studying under Wilhelm Dogget of Windy Vale. The following year, he was recognized as 'guildmaster in An Tir'. His petition for incipient status of Moneyers' Guild of An Tir accepted at May Crown A.S.28 (1994) and he received the Goutte de Sangre at that same event. Later that year, he was made a Master by the Moneyers Guild of the West at An Tir/West War A.S.28, at which event he received the Royal Commission as 'Moneyer to Kings'. His personal device and Moneyers' 'goat' badge was passed by College of Heralds early the following year.

He began minting in the society, issuing as money changer the copper follis of St. Hildegard $1 trade coins ("barak bucks") at second Festival of St. Hildegard and became the money changer, issuing king head silver penny $4 coin at Ducal War A.S. 29 (1995). The Moneyers' Guild of AnTir was officially chartered and Ian/Greg became Minister of the Guild. He introduced 'Byzantine style' gold ('light') tremissis $20 trade coins as well as the gold florin $50 trade at the Thirtieth Year Celebration, June A.S. 31 (1997). His numismatic work is listed in Krauss Catalogue of Unusual World Coins. Two of his coins are on the cover of the present fifth edition.

Greg and his first wife, whom he tragically lost to a brain tumor in 2001, had no children. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by almost all his known blood relatives. In terms of family, he is survived only by his Lady, Karen Kidd. He did, however, in his life, cultivate a wide and extended family of many friends and professional associates, all of whom deeply mourn his too-soon and sudden passing.

Greg Weiby

Greg & Karen

Greg Weiby

WEBB, Paul – April 1, 1950 - October 1, 1982

Paul Webb 1968

Fellow classmate, Carol-Lynn Campbell adds:

Paul Webb was one of the nicest kids in my classes at Lowell Elementary. I didn’t see him that much throughout the years but whenever our paths crossed he had a smile and a hello. I remember him reintroducing himself at the 10-year high school reunion. We had a really nice conversation. He was a handsome, engaging, happy man. It was several years later that I noticed a small item in one of the valley newspapers about a Paul Webb that had been in a truck that had gone off the highway and been killed. How sad, the world needs more smiles.

Fellow classmate, Marilyn Caldwell adds:

Paul's parents and mine were friends. My mother told me that Paul had died in a car accident in the 80's. He and his pregnant wife were moving to the mountains. He drove up by himself with a load and went missing. A relative went looking for him and found he had driven off the road. Unfortunately, his wife had a miscarriage too. It is just a horrific story and so so sad.

WESTFALL, Randy J. – December 1, 1950 - 1975

Randy Westfall 1968

Added by fellow classmate, Lonny Sheek:

Randy Westfall died in a motorcycle accident in Trabucco Canyon. He was riding his Harley with a girlfriend on the back when he had a rear blowout. He stayed with the bike until she could bail out, but it was too late and he crossed into the oncoming lane where he hit a car going the other way. He was a good friend, and he played guitar and liked riding his Harley.

WILDER, Larry Wayne – November 12, 1950 - July 9, 1998

Larry Wilder 1968

Thank you to his wife Jan for this insight:
Larry was born and raised in Long Beach and remained there till he married in 1977 and moved to Ontario, Calif in 1978.
After graduation Larry attended LBCC and attained his AS, gained employment as Service Manager at a large local alarm company. It was at this company that Larry and I met and married. We then moved to Ontario, CA where he partnered with a friend and they started a successful Security andAlarm Installation Co. together.
Larry was the most positive person I have ever met, he was also a fun and very family oriented man. He happily shared the responsibility of raising my sons into successful men. What a fantastic Grandpa he was to their 3 children, taking them to work, flying them to Catalina Island for bison burger lunches, dancing to endless Disney movies with them. They were the Light of His Life.
Larry loved to be active, he won awards for his ballroom dancing as a young man, golf (2 holes-in-one at two separate tournaments), camping, backpacking, traveling, and riding and camping with our horses. He enjoyed and hosted BIG parties with friends and family. When word got out he was preparing his "Family Famous" spaghetti and meatballs, at least 30 family and friends appeared at our house. Fun note: While he was still able, we had him prepare a huge pot of his spaghetti, which we froze, and served at his memorial service. He never met a stranger and everyone was always included. Yes, this is the same shy, quiet guy you knew in school. He blossomed, to say the least.
In 1993 at the age of 42, he was diagnosed with an extremely large and aggressive brain tumor (GBM), so due to his disability and my employment, we had to relocate to Tucson, Az. He surpassed all expectations of his disease's timeline and with no deficits, but we lost the battle July, 9 1998 in Tucson, Arizona. He was survived by his wife Jan, his step-sons (2), grandchildren (4), parents Vern and Doris (now deceased), his brother Dr. Ron Wilder (Debbie), and their children.

Larry and Jan Wilder 1988

WILLIAMS, Melinda Jo – December 24, 1949 - October 29, 2002

Melinda Williams 1968

Family was contacted and declined to participate.

Woodrow Wilson Class of '68

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Alumni Book / Bios

Lodging

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Benevolent Bruins

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Missing Grads

In Memory of Highlights

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