Sharon King Mortenson died in Lehi, Utah, on Thursday, October 6th, 2022. Sharon was born on July 16, 1941, in Glendale, CA, to Carl Marcus and Virginia Bowen King.
Sharon received a BS Degree in Elementary Education at Brigham Young University, which she used to teach third grade as a young adult. She was an accomplished vocal soloist, talented teacher, and gifted pianist for over sixty years. Sharon toured Europe as the premier vocal soloist for the Brigham Young University Madrigal Singers. In her community, she sang the soprano solo for Handel's Messiah with a full chorus and orchestra multiple times. In 1959, she was the lead role in the Burbank High School production of the musical operetta “Rose-Marie”.
On June 6th, 1964, Sharon married her eternal sweetheart, Jerry Mortenson. Together they raised 6 beautiful children and spent 58 wonderful years together.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Jerry V. Mortenson, and 5 children: Ann Bull-Rudelich, Peter Mortenson, Katherine Weller, Jennilyn Burr, and Lisa Lewis. Her oldest son, David Mortenson, preceded her in death. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, as well as 4 of her 5brothers.
Jodean Ardizzone Myers sent me the following message along with this article about her Uncle Bob Jones.
Hi Cathy. I’ve always wanted to add my aunts and uncles to the memorial blog all attended BHS. Today in my memories Uncle Bob Jones came up I hope I’m sharing correctly. Passing on information thank you. In his youth picture at Hollywood Palladium Is Bob Jones and his sister Dorothy Jones Ardizzone my Mom. She’s already been shared to the memorial page. Thank you.
Uncle Bob Jones - Mom's brother died 12 yrs ago today. He was in his 80's and a very interesting man. Born in Burly Idaho. Moved to Burbank at the age of 12 he went to John Muir and Burbank High class of '44. At 18yrs old he joined the Navy and there began to think about a career with horses. He purchased the Lazy 3 - a riding academy in Glendale and a hang-out for Hollywood cowboys. Like Jack Fishburn (jockey), Robert Fuller, and Chuck Courtney. He later bought a ranch in Placerita Canyon. He was co-founder of the LA Horse Show Exhibitors Assoc. and served ten yrs as President there. He had a long and interesting life and is missed.
Stanley "Stan" Daman Wood Scottsdale AZ April 15, 1942 - January 3, 2021
OBITUARY
Stanley Daman Wood of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Sunday,
January 3rd 2021 at the age of 78. He passed away due to complications
with congestive heart failure, exasperated by COVID.
Stan, was
born to Charlotte and Stanley Wood on April 15, 1942 in Los Angeles,
California. Stan grew up the eldest of three children and graduated
from Burbank High School in 1960. Stan graduated from Arizona State
University in 1965 and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
On
June 4th, 1965, Stan married Carolyn Ruth Moore and the couple had two
children. Stan and Carolyn moved to Bakersfield, California shortly
after they were married.
One of Stan’s greatest passions was
football. He played football in high school and had a huge love for the
game. Another passion of Stan’s was playing tennis with friends and
family while living in Bakersfield. He was often seen, coaching his
children as they played competitive tennis. Lastly, Stan and Carolyn
were great hosts and loved to entertain friends at their home and often
times Neil Diamond, Eagles or the Bee Gee’s were played on the stereo.
Stan will be remembered by his warm smile, big laugh and the twinkle in
his eyes.
Stan is survived by his wife Carolyn, children Lorne’
(Victor) and Daman, 4 grandchildren and his sister Janet Woerner (Jon).
He is preceded in death by his parents Charlotte and Stan Wood along
with his brother, Bill Wood.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating the American Heart Association.
We are very sorry to share that Ron Franzen passed away peacefully in his sleep during the night at his home in Westlake Village.
Ron Franzen was born in Van Nuys California along with his twin sister Connie in 1948. In 1956, the family moved to Burbank as his father Roy Franzen became postmaster general for the city of Burbank.
Ron attended Burbank public schools and received a varsity letter for football in 1966. After high school he joined the US Army and went to Vietnam after which he returned and joined the Santa Monica Police Department where he was there for thirty years as a police officer and a detective.
He was married to his wife Lynda for twenty seven years and resided in Westlake Village till his passing. He has survived by his sisters Sunny, BHS 1960, Connie BHS 1966 and Sally, BHS 1976. No services are planned by his wishes.
RIP Ron.
BOB'S 2007
Here's a great photo from Cathy Coyle:
Front row: Donna Luce Neitman ('67); Sandi Tate Uribe ('66); Peggy Melton Cyphers ('66); Randy Boeing ('66); Cathy Nicholls Coyle ('67) and John Coyle ('65)
Second row: Jon Kirkwood (64); Steve Gillion ('66); Don Melton (RIP '65); Margie Boeing ('69); Al Thouette ('67) and Gil Uribe ('66)
Back row: Ron Franzen ('66); Ron's wife and Pam Zipfel Kirkwood ('64)
2007 BHS '66 FOOTBALL PLAYERS
L-R: Steve Gullion, Ray Yokum, Mel Barnes, Jim Bennett,
Gil Uribe, Joseph Baldino. (front) Jim Davis & Ron Franzen - all class '66
2008
Tom Bennett '68; Jim Knight '66; Jim Bennett '66; Ron
Franzen '66; Steve Lopez '66; Dave Marshall '65; Al Thouette '67; Gil Uribe '66
and Steve Billos '67
Jim Davis Memorial
July 26, 2015
Linda Schuster (Mazur), Ron Franzen, Mel Barnes, Steve Gullion, Gil Uribe,
Steve Lopez, Bob Carter (Host) & Ray Yocum.
Joe Baldino, Jerry Tomic, Ron Franzen and Rick Polikowski
Joe Baldino posted this photo and wrote on Facebook:
“RON WAS A VERY PRIVATE GUY DID NOT LET MANY PEOPLE KNOW THE REAL PERSON WAS A GOOD TEAM MATE ONLY 10 & 11 ARE LEFT NOW MET HIM IN 8TH GRADE WAS HIS TEAM MATE ON THE VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM OUR SENIOR YEAR & WE GOT TOGETHER A FEW TIMES IN THE 1990'S & 2000'S LOVE HIS DOGS I ALWAYS FELT YOU NEVER KNEW THE REAL RON”
Ralph Urquiza wanted to join the fire service at an early age. The challenge and excitement of battling a burning building and helping others fueled his passion to master his trade. He received a Medal of Valor when he helped rescue a victim trapped in the rubble following the Northridge earthquake. He devoted his time to mentoring the Explorer Program. He was also a member of the original USAR Task Force and was working on his certification to travel worldwide as a USAR team member. His hobbies included camping, hiking and running, as well as spending time with his family. He died of a job-related aneurism at 52.
Sadly, Don Graham from the Burbank High class 1961 passed away this month. Here is a portion of what his daughter Terri Graham wrote on a GoFundMe page:
I am saddened to share that my daddy, Don Graham, has passed away.
From serving in the National Guard for five years, two years in
Vietnam, Burbank PD, 35 years with LAPD and 20 years as an Elks lodge
member. He has spent his life serving and caring for others. When he
retired from LAPD after 35 years, it was to care for his sick wife until
she passed away in 2011.
In 2017 he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and fought a long hard
battle! This year things worsened, and the cancer spread to his kidney,
lung, vertebrae and spine. The last week of his life, he was getting
sicker and weaker. I had him transported to Henry Mayo Memorial
Hospital, where he spent his last 5 days of his life. I was there every
day with him until he took his last breath on October 7, 2022. The
hardest thing I have ever done.
My dad was the most caring, giving and supportive person I have ever known.
Just learned from Alan Landros via Coach Kemp that Rick Fields recently died from a series of strokes and complications.
He grew up in Burbank and attended Thomas Jeffereson Elementary, John Muir Jr High and graduated from Burbank High in 1971,
Rick was a noted sprinter on the BHS track team and he held the BHS school record in the 220 in Track from 1971 until it was finally broken this Spring of 2022.
SM Sgt.
George Francis Hall, Retired; age 70, of Larimore, ND, passed away on
Sunday, October 2, 2022 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND.
On April 14, 1952 George was born at Midway Hospital in St. Paul, MN
to Marian Therese (Winkler) and George Octavia DeLisle. When George was
a few years older the family moved to Burbank, California. George
attended and graduated from Burbank High School in May of 1970.
In March, 1971, he enlisted in the Air Force. His first duty station
was at SAC Headquarters Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska where he
met his wife Jewell Anna DuPree. They had three children: John Paul
(Claire) Hall of Larimore, ND; Marian Eloise (CMSgt. David) Southall of
Elgin AFB, Florida and George Robert Ward (Dani) Hall of Grand Forks,
ND.
George served in Vietnam while stationed in Thailand. He was then
stationed at Minot AFB, ND for 9-1/2 years. He was then stationed at
Misawa, AB, Japan for 4-1/2 years where his youngest child was born.
After Japan he was stationed at Grand Forks AFB, ND. He purchased a home
in Larimore, ND, at that time where he and his family stayed after his
retirement in April, 1992.
George was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather. He is
survived by 4 siblings, 4 siblings-in-law, 7 grandchildren: Aerica
(Alex), Matthew, Michael, Megan, Sarah, Fara and Luca; several nieces
and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
George will be remembered as the youngest Eagle Scout in Burbank,
California when he made rank, as an avid gardener, someone that would
help anyone and watching his children and grandchildren living life
experiences and having fun.
Celebration of Life Services will be at Harvest Baptist Church, 701
East Front St., Larimore on October 15, 2022 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ken
Shaffer officiating.
Interment will be Monday, October 24 at 11 a.m. in the Fargo National Cemetery.
Janis Bustrum O’Brien sent this very sad note today...
My brother Robby Bustrum class of 1971 passed away this morning at his home in Johnstown Colorado. There will be no services per his request. I am heart broken because I lost my sister Bonnie Bustrum class of 1959 in 2015. Asking for prayers for our family.
On Septmeber 30, 2022, Phillip Aguirre posted on Facebook... ·
On this day 10 years ago, we lost a very good friend. Eric Huerta was a Burbank High student. Class of 79. I met Eric in our junior year. I remember being at my locker when I felt a tap on my shoulder and as I turned around and had to look up (way up), Eric said "Hey man, you're into Bruce Lee aren't you? I guess he knew because I was wearing kung fu shoes. I said "I am". He then responded with "Cool man! Me too!" And with a quick Bruce type movement of his hands he turned around and walked away. We became best of friends after that first encounter. It's interesting, other than the friends I've known since kindergarten, my closest friendships were created because of conversations about Bruce. Thank you Eric for being a wonderful friend. Rest In Peace my brother. And thank YOU Bruce.
RIP Eric.
PS Found this 1993 LA Times Article
Guarding the Playground : Eric Huerta Decides Who Gets In With Hollywood Elite at Roxbury
By HEIDI SIEGMUND
Los Angeles Times
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Jan
Plouman has been standing outside the Roxbury for 2 1/2 hours. The
27-year-old salesman tries all the angles: The nonchalant look. The
bored sigh. An occasional plea.
Lighting cigarette after
cigarette, the Holland native loiters in front of the happening West
Hollywood club’s roped-off entrance one Saturday, patiently awaiting the
moment when the doorman, Eric Huerta, motions him forward and allows
him the privileged opportunity of getting in.
But as
hundreds of other visitors steadily stream into the Sunset Strip club at
Huerta’s beckoning, Plouman, whose ill-fitting suit and dated spiked
hair make him stand out in the Hollywood crowd, simply keeps waiting. “I
promised a friend in Holland I would visit the Roxbury and tell him if
he should come here,” he says. But as another few minutes tick by, he
sighs, "(Holland’s) looser. Not that creepy like L.A.”
Welcome to Survival of the Fittest, L.A. style.
With
Huerta at the helm of this mutated take on the Darwinian Theory,
hundreds of hungry eyes turn to him like a beacon of hope. They want
to get in, and only Huerta separates them from this nighttime
playground that may allow them a brief chance to rub shoulders with some
of Hollywood’s elite.
Standing outside the venue, dozens of
people willingly endure the scrutiny--the agony of being judged on what
you look like, how you dress and whom you’re with. Like a high school
gym teacher presiding over incoming freshmen, Huerta sizes them up with
his bright blue eyes, making determinations that seem so random to the
folks on the outside.
Although standing on his side of the rope is
clearly more enviable than being part of the gathering throng, a night
in the life of a doorman is no picnic. In the five-hour span that the
30-year-old Santa Monica resident stands sentry in the evening cold, he
listens to hundreds of pleas and more than a few tall tales, and he gets
into fisticuffs with a couple of roughnecks.
Tonight,
Huerta’s job is even more difficult than usual because the club’s
capacity has been temporarily cut nearly in half--from 650 to 350--as
interior renovations keep an entire room off limits. He takes a quick
inventory of the crowd, and shakes his head. “This is the bad part of
the job,” he says. “On a night like tonight, I can’t let everybody in.
We’ll have to be even more selective about who we let in.”
Nearby, groans are heard as those still angling to get inside take in the grim news.
“Doormen
have a reputation of being (jerks),” says Huerta, who has worked the
Roxbury’s door on weekends for the past 2 1/2 years. “I make it a point
of trying to be honest. I’ll tell you from the start if we’re very busy
and there’s no chance of getting in. Why make (people) wait four hours?”
Although
Huerta says it’s part of his job description to adhere to the club’s
strict door policy--which maintains that regulars, VIPs and anyone on
the guest list have immediate access and others must wait--this rule has
exceptions.
Those who are low on the connections’ barometer but high in the gene pool clearly have an advantage.
“Are
we gonna have to wait?” whispers a midriff-baring blond in Huerta’s
ear. With a swift nod of his head, the blond and her pal are in--sans
wait.
“One
of the perks of the job,” explains Huerta, as the girl reaches over and
gives him a kiss of gratitude. “But actually, we try to have an equal
balance of men and women.”
Equal opportunity speeches aside, club
protocol dictates that good-looking women are always at a premium and
both Huerta and Wayne E, the entrance way security guard who often plays
bad cop to Huerta’s good cop, are fully aware of this.
As
attractive women exit the club en route to the Gate, another hot L.A.
club, Wayne slips them free passes for next weekend and Huerta
encourages them to come back inside.
Open
shows of kindness to well-heeled strangers has its disadvantages,
however. Shortly after a few more women are allowed in, four frustrated
youths decide to invite themselves by hopping over the rope. Huerta and
Wayne--both of whom stand an imposing 6 foot 5 inches--muscle them back
over the rope and shoo them out into the parking lot.
“I got the
hardest job in L.A.,” says Huerta, making certain that the four men
won’t be coming back. “If everybody did that, we’d be in trouble. They
aren’t the kind of people we want in the club.”
As Huerta returns
to tending to less troublesome guest-list traffic, three young men from
Iran who have been waiting for 45 minutes, practice American accents in
an attempt to downplay their ethnicity.
“Just
say you’re a dentist from Jersey,” one says to the other, preparing for
the moment when the doorman turns their way. But when another half-hour
passes without any motioning by Huerta, the threesome reluctantly
disappear into the night, in search of another venue with a different
policy of natural selection.
“I do feel bad,” says Huerta, after
turning them and other late arrivers away. “A lot of people think that
all doormen are jerks and don’t have any feelings--and some of them
don’t--but I really do feel bad.
“If it was up to me, I’d just open all the rope up and let everybody in. But we don’t have the room to let everybody in.”
Throughout
the evening, Huerta--who has been perfecting his craft for seven years
at various L.A. venues--continues to turn people away until word gets
out that the Roxbury is full and the crowd begins to level off.
“I’ll
tell you one thing,” he says, as he eyes the few holdouts. “I wouldn’t
endure it. If I can’t get into a club in 10 or 15 minutes, I’m out of
there.”
Huerta scans the stubborn holdouts, and about 1 a.m., the
rope, for no apparent reason, goes up for Jan Plouman, who quickly
scurries in to pay his $10 before the last call.
Within
15 minutes the visitor from Holland rushes back out into the night. “I
tell you right now, my friend don’t take that crap here,” says Plouman.
“You pay 10 bucks to get in, and stand in line again.”
“I tell (my friend) to go to Papas in Mexico City,” he shouts within earshot of Huerta.
But
the doorman’s not even fazed. “I’ve had practice. When I first started
doing this, it was harder. Now, there could be 500 angry people out
here, and I’m still gonna be calm.”
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