Suzanne Decker Victoreen, BHS '69 (1951-2019)

Suzanne Virginia Victoreen
Nov 17, 1951 – Nov 30, 2019

"I received an email from Bob Victoreen that his wife, Suzanne Decker Victoreen BHS 69, passed away November 30th. There will be a Celebration of Life for Suzanne on Monday, Dec. 23rd, at 11:30 am at the Burbank Elks Lodge on Hollywood Way. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and his family, as well as Suzanne's family, who many of us also know."
Trudie HentzE Lombard, BHS '65



RIP Suzanne.

DEC 10, 2019 update
Please note, cards can be sent to Bob and his family at 2743 N Keystone, Burbank, CA 91504.

Claudia Hanson Brown, BHS '61, Passed Away Decenber 4, 2019

Vikki Royle Magness posted on Facebook today:
"We lost Claudia Hanson Brown yesterday from complications of pneumonia. She was a fighter having gone through two stem-cell transplants and one of the most awesome people to know. My heart goes out to her son David and husband Phil, and her sister."

2017 News Article:
Henderson woman talks of 9-year battle with myeloma



By ANNA WILLIAMS
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
March 20, 2017

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

Claudia Brown is beating the odds with multiple myeloma.

“They told me three to five years when I was diagnosed,” the 74-year-old said. “There’s only three stages, and I was stage three.”

Nine years ago, Brown was diagnosed with the second most common form of blood cancer. Her diagnosis can be attributed to a routine blood test and a doctor with a good eye — Brown said she hadn’t shown any common symptoms.

The deadly form of cancer can manifest in many ways including bone pain, bones that break easily, frequent fever and fatigue. In 2013, 22,562 people in the United States were diagnosed with the disease and 11,801 people died from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“There are better treatments out there now than there has ever been,” said Kelly Cox, director of support group outreach and regional community workshops for the International Myeloma Foundation. “There are paths to success in treatment of myeloma.”

When that routine blood test revealed abnormal protein levels, her doctor prescribed a stem-cell transplant.

“I had my first stem-cell transplant at the Mayo Clinic six months after being diagnosed, and they gave me three months of chemo to wipe out my system,” she said. “In 2015, I had my second stem-cell transplant. The first one worked, the second one didn’t.”

Brown, who lives in Sun City Anthem, is currently being treated with medications that are based on results of weekly blood tests.

“You can only have two stem-cell transplants, so I’ve been on and off chemo for the last nine years,” she said.

She credits a positive attitude and a strong, supportive group of family and friends for her success fighting the disease.

“You have to be your own advocate for something like this,” she said. “I don’t stay home. I go shopping with my friends. I play mahjong on Wednesdays with my friends. I do what I want to do, and when I’m tired, I stop.”

By using resources such as the International Myeloma Foundation, which provides sufferers with education, support, research and advocacy, Brown has been able to fight for the chance to live her life the way she wants.

“I told my doctor about six months ago, ‘I’m gonna prove you wrong,’” Brown said. “And he looked back at me and said: ‘You already have.’”

https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/health/henderson-woman-talks-of-9-year-battle-with-myeloma/

RIP Claudia.

Tony Naccarato, BHS '63, Passed Away November 9, 2019

Tony Naccarato

Posted by Carole Collins on Facebook
"It is with sadness that I share the passing of Tony Naccarato from the Burbank High class of 1963. His brave struggle with cancer ended on November 9, 2019. Rest In Peace!"

Posted by Smith Brothers Hobby Center on Facebook on November 10, 2019
"It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Tony Naccarato. Tony passed Saturday morning after a long battle with cancer. It is hard to put things into perspective, as Tony was one of the "good guys," where things like this should not happen. But it was part of the big plan and it is easy to point out all the good he did with his life. Tony was a standout guy, who put others first. He dedicated his life to serving others- his family, his country, his friends, and his passion for hobbies. We lost count how many times Tony took a youth aside to teach him or her the lessons of flight and r/c aircraft. Those youth are now responsible adults, who are taking up careers in aerospace, engineering, and successful walks of life. It all started with a gentle, helping hand, a hand touching another on a remote control. Tony's passion for all-things-air and helping others will leave a huge mark on our society. There are few out there like him and he will be sorely missed. Smith Brothers would like to wish his son Ryan and his family members our deepest condolences during this difficult time. We loved Tony with all our hearts and we will let his legacy live on at our store. He taught us so much with his generosity, patience, and compassion. Rest in peace Tony. We love you."





Tony also owned Hobby Lobby in Burbank

Wally Kendig, BHS '57 (1939-2019}

Wallace Roger Kendig
April 8, 1939 – November 21, 2019
Pierce Brothers

Posted on Facebook by Larry Levine...

Remembering Wally Kendig

Of all the friends in my life, no one had been there as long as Wally Kendig. In high school (BHS class of W '57), we were part of a group – Bill Higgins, Dave Perkins, Dave Parkhurst, Richie Vedder, Wally and me. Not an exclusive clack, just six guys who enjoyed each other’s company. Wally was a stalwart on the varsity tennis team and played on the “B” basketball team. Of the entire group, Wally was the only one I saw after high school. We all scattered into this adventure called life. Wally went away to college in Arizona and I went to work in the newspaper business after a short stint in college. Wally and I would hang out during summer vacations and when he would come into town during breaks from the school year. Then, after several years, we drifted apart. I was fortunate to become re-acquainted with Wally when we met at intermission of a show at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. And I was extremely fortunate to be seated with him at a meeting of the Burbank Kiwanis Club early this year. We swapped stories about high school and life and we laughed a lot. Now, Wally has passed on and we have lost another of the treasured members of our graduating class. Here is the schedule for Wally’s final good-bye. He will remain in Burbank, the city he loved.

Dec. 3 – 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Viewing at Pierce Brothers, Valhalla

Dec. 4 – 10 a.m. – Burial at Pierce Brothers, Valhalla

Noon – Services at First Christian Church of Burbank

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Trevor Hands
Saddened to hear the loss of a dear friend from First Christian Church in Burbank, CA, Wally Kendig. Rest In Peace my friend. You will be missed. 😢

Dave Boatman
Yes... EVERYONE loved Wally! RIP dear friend.

Josh Helmuth
Aw man. Didn’t know that. Wally was a great guy! Rest In Peace, bro. 😔

Kim Baker-Miller
He was the sweetest man I knew he will be missed

Janet Jack
RIP dear Wally. You were a kind and loving soul and you will be greatly missed.

Ron A Evans
There never was a kinder, gentler man than Wally, and you just had to love his smile. I never saw him without it... 🙂

Doug Detweiler, BHS '58, Passed Away Nov 12, 2019

Today on Facebook,Stephanie Larson posted the above photo with the following note...

‎"My uncle, Doug Detweiler, (class of 58) passed away suddenly on 11/12/19. He is pictured here with my mom, (his sister) Jeanie Detweiler-Larson, (class of 60) who passed away on 9/19/14 💔"

RIP Doug and Jeanie.

Click here to see Jeanie's obituary.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
Ron Duncan
So sorry. I knew him from church. Your mom was a classmate of mine.

Sylvia Witz
I knew both of these great people and I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. So sad. Sylvia Gayman class of 1959

Kimberly Sylvester
So sorry Steph & Shaunna!!! 💔❣😘

Dale Levine
I’m so sorry for your loss Stephanie & Shaunna.

Dianna Miller
I echo Kimberly Sylvester sentiments. Sorry for your loss. ❤️😢

Chris Patterson
Boy they sure look like brother and sister ...sorry for your loss

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace

Julie McLaughlin
My condolences!

Cathy Coyle
Together in Heaven. Sorry for your loss.

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
So sorry for your losses. <3 br="">
Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers
So sorry for your loss.

Jillian McDonald Kelly
So sorry for your loss ❤️

Jodee Bennett
So sorry

Renee Brocca
Sorry to hear, hard to believe your mom has been gone 5 years already. Such a sweetheart....😘

Sara Corona
SO sorry for your loss.

Pat Bushman
So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.

Lynette Wood-Knife
So sorry about your loss. I knew your mom in high school.

Ginevra Flores-Brigham
My mom was class of 58 as well.... My condolences 💙💙💙💙💙

Teresa Brown Grant
So sorry for your loss

Gary Allen Hamner, BHS '70 (1952-2019)

Passing of Gary Allen Hamner, BHS ‘70
June 9, 1952 ~ November 16, 2019

Gary Hamner passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2019, after recently being hospitalized with pneumonia, which was after recently being diagnosed with leukemia. He was 67.

Gary grew up in Burbank at 422 Cornell Dr. He attended Emerson Elementary, graduated from John Muir Junior High in 1967, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1970. He was the oldest of three, with younger sisters, Denise (BHS ‘72) and Teresa (BHS ‘73, Teresa’s husband is Roger Starkey BHS ‘72). Gary Hamner’s cousin, Leila Hamner, was also BHS ‘70. Leila Hamner Wasson passed away in October 2008.

Gary had lived in the Sacramento area for many years. Previously he and his family had also lived in Oregon. Over the years Gary had owned several new car dealerships. He was also a Minister of the Gospel during times in his life.

Among the family that survive Gary are his wife of 45 years, Sonnie Hamner, and their 44 and 43 year old daughters and families, and his two sisters and their families.

Gary’s good friend since early elementary school, Brad Wilhelm, BHS ‘70, has been receiving updates about Gary the last few days from Gary’s wife, Sonnie, and passing along the news to many of us who knew Gary.

Alan Landros, BHS ‘70
November 17, 2019

RIP Gary.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
Jo Elaine Morton
RIP Gary Hammer. 🌺🙏

Chris Crowe
So sad. He was a great guy. RIP Gary.

Gerald Coburn
😢

Penny Plate Forbes
So sad, every time we lose someone from Class of ‘70 it makes me realize how short life can be...RIP Gary.

Pat Bushman
So sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Gary.

Nancy McNamara Zambrana
My deepest sympathy to Gary’s family. He was such a nice guy. Rest In Peace classmate. ❤️

Donna Moore
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers go out to Denise and Teresa🙏🏻💞

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
RIP Gary 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Mary Drake
😢🙏🏻

Gary Bric
Great guy, we played a lot of golf together. Safe home my friend.

Mary Boriso Jordan
Rest in peace, Gary...❤️

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
❤️🙏🏻

Pam Wright Peterson
So sorry to hear....RIP Gary. Prayers to his family. 🙏🏻

Jennifer Todd
Condolences to his family. RIP Gary 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Judy Torres
♥️

Kathleen Wyatt Richardson
RIP

Alice Ford
Praying

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
RIP

Jeri Morin Valencia
Aw, I'm sorry!!! :/ Is he Camille's brother?
Alan Landros
Camille's cousin. Camille's sister, Leila, was also in BHS '70 with Gary.

Susan Landing-Phillips
Such a great guy!!

Susan Earle
RIP Gary. May your memory live on. 💜

Diana Dunnagan
My condolences to family and friends.

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace

Billie Dayian Durbin
Rip Gary 💙

Sharon Anderson McEntire
I remember Gary.. RIP, so sad..

Debbie Lynn Nicastro
RIP Gary

Debbie Torres Brey Bennett
OMG I’m in shock. Gary was my ex husband’s ( Jack Brey )best friend. We visited him and his wife Sonnie in Reno years ago. Recently reunited on Facebook. 😢 R.I.P. Gary. ❤️

Sue Finnegan Ratliff, BHS '65 (1947-2019)

Received the following sad email today from Trudie Lombard Hentze...

I am saddened to say that BHS 65 lost another classmate on Thursday, November 7th. Sue Finnegan Ratliff passed away from an apparent heart attack, according to Sue's half brother, Stam Hill, also a BHS 65 classmate.

Funeral arrangements are pending; however, cards can be sent to Sue's husband, Don Ratliff, at 1924 Manning St, Burbank, CA 91505.

RIP Sue.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Fred Ortega
Sue was one of the nicest persons you would want to meet. Rest in peace Sue

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
OMG she was my neighbor when married to Ron Franzen. We were very close and her family too. So sad to here this. RIP Sue you will be missed . Prayers to Kelly and all the family🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

Virginia Hamilton
My condolences go out to her husband and family. RIP Sue!🙏🙏🙏

Gerald Coburn
😢

Pam Kirkwood
Aw, so sorry to hear this sad news...Sue and I became friends after high school. She even came to the Senior Bulldogs Luncheon and brought her Mom one time. I hadn't heard anything from her in quite a while...God Bless Her and Her Family.

Lorraine Taylor
🙏

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
❤️🙏🏻

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
RIP

Mary Boriso Jordan
So very sorry to hear this...I remember her beautiful face and sweet personality...God bless and comfort her family....❤️

Carol Forrand Tallakson
😢RIP

Lynda Rech Franzen
OMG, she hadn’t felt well for some time, but I would have never thought this would happen. We were great friends since the late ‘70’s. 💔💔😢😢😢😢😢😭

Judy Torres
❤️

Susan Peña MacCaskey
RIP 🙏🙏

Pat Bushman
My condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace.

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace

Donna Luce Veatch Neitman
Omg, I was just thinking about Sue not to long ago. The stories I could tell but won’t! Sue and I became good friends after our divorces. Hers from Ron Franzen and mine from Tom Veatch! She was a real spitfire and I will never forget her laugh and smile. She lived on the street over from me but we were also friends when we were married to our significant others. We also worked at Lockheed together. She was the only one I knew who was shorter then me! LOL. RIP Sue and you will always be in my ❤️

Larry Marak, BHS '68 (1950-2019)

Lawrence Virgil Marak

Sadly, received word from Annette Dinolfo Bennett and Carol Sandors that Larry Marak passed away today.

Larry retired from the Burbank Water and Power in 2015.



RIP Larry.

OBITUARY
Lawrence Virgil Marak
August 5, 1950 - October 23, 2019

Larry Marak was born on August 5, 1950 in Los Angeles County, California and passed away on October 23, 2019. Larry grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High with the Class of 1968. Larry married to fellow BHS graduate Susan Melissa Williams on September 4, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. Larry and Melissa were married for 37 years.

Larry got a Masters from U.C.L.A. in ancient history, and had a teaching position lined up on the east coast when his wife Melissa had a stroke at age 27. Didn’t have health insurance then and that put them behind the financial for 7 years, and so he entered public service. Got hired with the city of Burbank.

Larry Marak, has had a long career at BWP (Burbank Water and Power). He was recognized for 35 years of service in a program at City Hall in 2015, in fact, he says he is known as ‘old man Marak’ because he’s “outlived everyone else who was working there when he started.”

Larry did a variety of field positions at Burbank Water and Power, Messenger Bill-Deliverer, mail room supervisor, meter reader, collector and senior field rep (doing new service connects and disconnects back in the days before smart meters). The last 4 years I’ve transferred over to the credit section and process payments for transmission to treasury.

Larry and Melissa got into the construction toy hobby about 8 years ago while looking for bargains to give to a Salvation Army Angel tree. We’ve supported the Angel trees for many years. We are lifetime members of Legoland and have done quite a bit of building over the years. Larry and Melissa transferred 10 years of parts to the Fort Erie and Burbank children’s libraries LEGO clubs. Virtually all you see at the Burbank Central Library, including the cases, came from the Marak's.

Larry and his wife have also done a lot of traveling, including seeing a total eclipse in the Amazon, climbing the Great Wall, making it to the top of one of the pyramids in Tikai Guatemala, and attending opening ceremonies of both the Los Angeles (1984) and Calgary (1988) Olympics. Larry also made an occasional television appearances.

Larry will be missed by his family and fellow classmates and friends. Funeral services are pending.


A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Dennis Gray
Yes, I remember Larry Marak as a knowledgeable and humorous fellow high school mate (BHS). I hate to think he's gone.

Dana Ardizzone O'Neal
RIP

Jodi Tillotson Huddleston
Talked with him at the reunion last year, RIP Larry.

Nicole Peterson
Rest In Peace, Bulldog.

Bernard Brady
I worked with Larry. Not a mean bone in his body. I’ve NEVER seen him angry.
Godspeed Brother 😥

Don Ray
So sad. We talked several times on the phone in the past couple of weeks while he was in the hospital. He said that the procedure he was about to undergo was risky. He sounded as if he was prepared for the worst. Again, I’m saddened to learn of his pas…See More

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
Prayers to His wife and RIP Larry. A funny guy who worked for the city of burbank. Once a meter reader. Tried to attend most of our reunions. Would run into him at the 99cent store. 😪

Brenda Rossie-soto
My deapest condolence

Betsey Nash
Oh, so sorry.

Robin Reens Morgan
I went to Miller School ❤️

Pat Bushman
So sorry to hear this. My condolences to his wife and family. Rest in peace.

Lisa Satel Thessen
Sending condolences to his family and friends.

Teresa Brown Grant
🙏🙏🙏🙏

Michael Vidger
Larry was a regular customer at the Last Grenadier on the Golden Mall. He loved historical wargames, and was well read. He knew more then we did at the store, in fact. You didn't have to "sell" him on anything. He was the one who enlightened you. We also had Latin class at BHS in common, though years apart. Always a ray of sunshine when he came in the shop on his breaks. Honored to have called him friend. RIP Larry.

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
❤️🙏

Virginia Hamilton
I was surprised to hear about his passing yesterday from Carol. I thought he was getting better. My prayers go out to family and friends..Rip Larry.🙏🙏

Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers
My condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Larry.

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
RIP

George Frigerio
RIP

Deb Helsley Bush
Rest In Peace 🙏🏻💜

Steve Raine
Very, very sorry to hear.

John Rocke
Larry was a great guy. He and my late Father were friends. My father taught at CSUN (then Valley State) and Larry had his class, and so their friendship began. It is a big loss for he was truly deserving of the name "wise man." He was never ostentatious or condescending despite having a brilliant mind. He will be missed as an icon, and as true gentleman and scholar.

Vicki Herrin Fields
in Peace

Linda C. Mustion
https://bhsinmemoriam.blogspot.com/2019/10/lawrence-virgil-marak-bhs-1968.html

Sherrie King
My condolences to his family and friends. RIP

Robbin Moore
RIP

Tom Di Liberto
I'm sorry to hear this. I knew Bob Marak (class of '74), a very talented saxophonist at BHS and a really nice guy. Was that his brother?

Alice Ford
Lord, please comfort loved ones.

Lizzie Havens
RIP

Sandy Bryson Gohlich
So sorry to hear this sad news. I worked with Larry at the City of Burbank. He was a very friendly and knowledgeable guy. We had many interesting conversations. My condolences to his family.