He’s survived by his two children, Kari Peterson Kangas & Ron Peterson, as well as former wife, Wendy Marsh Peterson (BHS ‘70). He was also survived by his two daughters from his first marriage Lori and Kim Peterson Nelson and two granddaughters.
The Memorial was private with family in Dana Point where his ashes were put on a wreath out at sea.
Sadly, we just learned that Jeff Kuka passed away last October. His daughter Melissa Hines posted this on Facebook Oct 16, 2022...
It’s a hard thing to figure out what to say. My dad Jeff passed this morning. He loved playing music, smoking the ganja, his rescue dogs, baseball, his family, but his greatest love was for Lori. He was so broken hearted when she died. His health declined rapidly. My hope is that they are reunited in the afterlife and happy. I love you Daddy.
Tracy Rieth posted on Facebook today...
It is with great sadness that I have to share that my brother, Rick Eaggleston Class of 1997, passed away on August 12, 2022. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 16th at the U.S.S. Gudgeon Veterans Hall, 1006 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, Ca 91506 from 2-5pm. All who knew Rick are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Rick’s sister, Tracy Rieth (Tracy Eaggleston Class of 1990), at 714-474-1710 or therieths@yahoo.com
Link to Obituary which has many wonderful comments in the Guestbook
A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers
I knew her since elementary school. Betty was a sweetheart. I heard about her death years ago. Her husband, Kurt Wissman posted it. So sad. May she continue to RIP. Her brother too.
Sandy Babin
She's flying with the butterfly 🦋
Betty was a friend growing up. We had fun in the neighborhood. Maid rite gang. Rest in peace my dear friend and hug your brother. May he also rest in peace 🙏🙏
Connie Goggia
Awwwww, sweet Betty! 💗 I remember her pretty well. Sad to hear this. 😢
Theresa Terry Ballesteros-Thomason
I go back to elementary school with Betty Joe. Rest in peace, childhood friend. 🙏🏼😔
Vicki Herrin Fields
She and Kurt were good friends with my brother, Jeff, and hung out at our house often in the late '70's.
Lynda Wissmann
My sister in law..loved her dearly..
Virginia Hamilton
So sad! My condolences to her family and friends. Rip!😇🙏
Today we received word that Robert Heine, BHS '74 had passed a way and on March 19, 2023, Kelli Heine posted this on Facebook...
Your nieces love you to pieces Uncle Bobby! We will miss you!! I know you had the best welcoming crew up there so give em all hugs and kisses
Sadly, Betty Jo Heine Wissmann, BHS '78, sister of Robert passed away in 2012. Read more here.
A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
Wesley H. Clark
Very sad. I knew him in school. Nice guy.
Jeff Sneddon
Bob rode some of the coolest motorcycles RIP Bob
Pamela Eichenhofer-Allard
Bobby was both my dear friend and became part of my family when he married my cousin Joni. He will be missed by so many. His laugh was infectious. Rest in peace Bobby.
Janice Stinson Beimford
So sad, went all through school with Bob. Lived a street away. His younger sister died a few years back. Rest in peace Bob!
Brian Sneddon
Bob got me hooked on listening to Richard Pryor and George Carlin. RIP Bob
Mike Mihos
this is a tough one, my best friend for 59 years I love you my man, rest in peace
Nadine Aguirre Lujan
Very sad news. Rest in peace Robert.
Lorette Kelsey
I’m so sorry
Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers
My condolences to all his family and friends. His sister Betty has her brother back. RIP
Judy Torres
Bobby♥️
Peggy Peters
I remember Bob from Luther. Such a sweet guy. Taken far too soon. RIP Bob. ❤️
Patsy Raymundi
Sorry for your loss Bless and prayers Was nice guy in school
Shannon Estes Donathan
So sad 😞
Michael Ruiz
Sorry to here this!
BIG THANKS to Charlotte Ryan Mearns for sending this amazing bit of history from our 6th grade class at Miller in 1961 which was saved by her twin, Sharon Ryan Martin (1949-2007).
Back: Jay Sletten, Bobby Graham, Leland Freeman, Johnny, Tom Rockriver, Roger
Third: Joe Veklota, Vern Olson, Sharon Ryan, Sara Lee Marino, Mary
Brotsis, Karen Tripp, Wendy Richard, Cathy Palmer, Diana Ziegler, Mary
Ogle, Kathleen Dupree, Judy Rayl, Arlene Clark, Mrs. Ostrowsky
Second: Sandy Sharamitaro, Susan Johnston, Kay Fouse, Paula Blank, Cathy
Nicholls, Margaret, Pam Brown, Henritta Reagan, Jeanne Sproul, Alice
Payne, Vicky
Front: Steve Hansen, Dicky Newcomer, Arthur Robinson, Dean Cunningham, Alvin Lou, Don Ray Ripley, Roland Young
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Robert W. Long
A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT W. LONG
While we are living, our lives are like that of an open book, still being written.
Eventually, our book closes for us . . .
(Nina Jean Slack, Once Lost, Forever Found)
To his immediate family, Bob was a father and a grandfather, a "g.g." (great-grandfather) and husband. But the story of his life also encompasses his years as a student, college athlete, teacher and coach, and his successful academic career which culminated in his tenure as a college president. As is true of everyone, he was a multi-faceted human being whose story in part is told here.
THE BOOK OF HIS LIFE . . .
Chapter 1: Bob and his fraternal twin, Knox T. (Bud) Long, were part of a family of five children that also included sisters Monica, Marilyn and Lois, whose father, Martin Luther Long, was a Baptist minister, and whose mother died when the twins were two years old. In the years following her death, the children moved from their home in Burbank and lived for a time with a series of different families. Bob and Bud spent some of those years in the care of the Ralph Ainley family in Woodlake, CA, and Bob never failed during his lifetime to acknowledge their generosity and loving guidance. Bob later returned to Burbank and was on the Burbank High School football team where he was named to the All-State team. Football played a very prominent role in his life, and he went on to attend Stanford University on a football scholarship and was a three-year varsity letterman. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in 1957 at Stanford. He completed his Doctor in Education degree at Brigham Young University in 1976.
Chapter 2: In 1957 Bob married Charline Cross, the mother of his three children, Roch (better known as Rock) and Matthew Long and Jennifer. His first professional job was as a teacher, coach and counselor at Burbank High School for six years. He began his 29 years of service to Ventura College in 1963 as a history teacher and football coach, where he then worked tirelessly to turn around the fortunes of the Ventura College Pirates and establish a winning program. He became the head coach in 1967 and in six years became the coach with the best win record at that time in the program's history. His coaching duties were expanded when he became the head tennis coach in 1965. In 1973 he was elected president of the California Community College Football Coaches Association. In 1970 he became the Dean of Student Services at the college.
Chapter 3: While in student services, he established the Ventura College Children's Center off-campus in 1975 and played a critical role in obtaining funding for the on-campus center completed in 1991. At that time, this building was named in his honor. On a personal note, he and Alicia Hoeven were married in 1975. Their blended families now included her four children, Frank, Catherine, Steven and Linda Hoeven. Continuing his career at Ventura College, Bob was later selected the Chief Administrative Business Officer, a position he held until he was named Ventura College president in 1985, a role that was his until his retirement in 1992. A priority goal Bob was tasked to achieve while president was the establishment of the first Ventura College Foundation. As was so innately a part of his personality, he tackled (an apt description, considering his football background) this job with laser-focused vision to make the foundation a model organization and fund-raising mechanism for the college. He succeeded in this mission far beyond the expectations set out for him. He also was the driving force behind the construction of Guthrie Hall Learning Center on campus. During his years at the college, he was active in many college and community organizations. He headed the California Community College Commission on Athletics for several years and was inducted into their Sport Hall of Fame in 1992. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Ventura Board of Realtors in 1991. He also served on the committee established to research bringing what is now California State University Channel Islands to its present location in Camarillo.
Chapter 4: After retirement in 1992, Bob and his wife traveled extensively, both in this country and abroad to experience as many different cultures as possible. But the truly meaningful aspects of these years were related to family occurrences such as trips to son Rock's cabin at Shaver Lake and were highlighted by special family events. Bob's son Matt hosted a lavish gathering in Las Vegas for family members to celebrate the 80th birthdays of Bob and his twin, Bud. Matt also hosted several fishing expeditions to Alaska which his brother Rock and his dad were able to join. On another memorable occasion Bob and his wife hosted an Alaskan cruise for all of the children and grandchildren able to join them.
. . . AND HIS DEATH
Chapter 5:
Memories light the corner of my mind,
Misty, water-colored memories
Of the way we were . . . (Marilyn and Alan Bergman, "The Way We Were")
Tragically, in his final years that light was extinguished, and such memories of life's triumphs and tragedies, of the myriad experiences of a lifetime, were taken from Bob, as dementia ravaged his mind and later invaded his body. The toll of this disease cannot be overstated. It robs the victim of the essence of his being. To quote the poet Yeats: "Things fall apart. The center cannot hold."
Bob is survived by his wife, Alicia, and his three children and their families: Rock and daughters Meghan and Julie; Matt (Lumi) and their children Allison, Victoria and Charlie (Toni); Jennifer Kwaitkowski (Rob) and son Jackson (Margo). Hoeven step-children are: Frank (Debbie) and children Sergey (Allie) and Milena; Cathy and daughter Brenne; Steve (Kelly) and children Emily and Sam; Linda Novielli and children Ashley, Nicole and Anthony. Bob is also survived by his fraternal twin, Bud (Kathleen) and his two sisters, Lois Russo and Marilyn Schermerhorn and by eight nieces and nephews. The blended families have blessed Bob and his wife with 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren (all boys) including identical twin boys of granddaughter Meghan Long. The family will forever mourn the death of little Roxanne, daughter of Rock and Sue, at the age of three. She is always in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Monica Hamlin and by one niece and one nephew.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Bob would want to acknowledge a debt of gratitude first and foremost to his own family who, each in their individual ways, were of help to him. Visits from Meghan and the twins cheered him, and Rock helped with his personal care and so much more. Medical advice from nephew Anthony Russo, M.D., gave needed guidance. Special thanks are owed to friends who have in a very literal sense been there for Bob as his health declined: To Gary Johnson who visited often while Bob was at home to provide diversion and the bounty of his friendship and to John and Sharon Woolley for their continuing support. To Gina and Drew Tillman who have been available selflessly 24/7 since moving to the neighborhood some 20 years ago. Eternal gratitude to Luz Maria Gonzales for her help while Bob was at home, and to the Traditions (memory care) staff at Oakmont of Camarillo, originally under the direction of James Christensen and currently headed by Brenda Reyes. The team from Mission Hospice provided caring services for Bob during the last three months, with a very special thanks to Kathleen, who visited Bob many days on her own time, and to Jaime who went out of her way to explain medical procedures.
EPILOGUE
Some kind, comforting and laudatory comments from Bob's colleagues:
"Many of us believed that Bob was the best Ventura College President of our generation."
"He was absolutely the best administrator ever, a wonderful human being who cared about all of us and had the capacity to make decisions . . . decisive, insightful, and easy to implement."
"He was always there for me whenever an important career decision in my life was looming, and his sage advice always clarified the issues I should be considering."
To Bob's family, these words of William Shakespeare, slightly paraphrased, describe their estimation of him:
He was a man. Take him for all and all. We shall not look upon his like again.
To conclude this tribute, it seems fitting that Bob himself have the last word. He would often quote these lines from one of his favorite songs, "Nature Boy" (by eden ahbez):
The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love, and be loved in return
FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON
. . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh . . .
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
The family is planning the kind of celebration in the spring that is exactly what Bob would have wanted: a casual, festive BBQ at home with emphasis on fun and comradeship and fond sharing of memories by family and friends. There will be much laughter and, as the book of memories is closed, a benediction of tears.
Should anyone wish to make a donation in honor of Bob, please consider the Alzheimer's Association, or any organization dedicated to researching a cure for dementia.
The Perez Family Funeral Home handled the necessary arrangements.
Posted online on September 13, 2021
Published in Ventura County Star
George Kieffer recently posted this sad news...
Michael (Spike) Kieffer, class of 1975, passed away Friday March 10,2023, in Spokane , Washington. He ran cross country in high school. He was a father to Rachael, Steven and Andrew and a stepson Nathan.
Daughter Rachael Bardwell posted this sweet note on Facebook a few days ago...
For those who haven't heard, my dad, Michael Spike Kieffer went home to his Savior Jesus, yesterday March 10, 2023 at 1:40pm. He is finally free of the nasty disease that caused havoc on his body. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Kieffer and his wife Kathy Kieffer. He leaves behind his 4 children (myself, Andrew Kieffer, Steven Kieffer, and Nathan Ray), 7 siblings (kathy Mooney, Phil Kieffer Mary Kieffer George Kieffer Vince Kieffer Ray Kieffer Tiki Ray and Joan Kieffer Giuliano ) and 9 grandchildren. My dad did not want a memorial service of any kind and we will honor that wish for him. 143, dad. I'll see you again. ❤️❤️❤️
On March 12, 2023, this sad news was posted...
Lori Latimer posted ths today...
I'm not on Facebook much anymore because I'm busy living my life. But I do check in once a day or every other day. This morning when I did, I was devastated to learn of the passing of a good friend from high school. Kevin Fisher was an amazing drummer in the Burbank High School Band, Jazz Band, and Burbank Police Youth Band (he had talent, I was just a flag girl 😂). He was one of the first people I reconnected with on Facebook when I joined in 2008 or 2009.
Even though we grew up in Burbank, I'd long since moved to Georgia and become a Georgia Bulldog fan. He was a huge Alabama fan. We had a fun rivalry during college football season. If Georgia didn't win, I was always happy for him if the Tide won, and from his messages to me, I think he felt the same if Bama lost and Georgia won.
Kevin traveled for work and made it a point to come to the South for as many Bama games in Tuscaloosa as he possibly could. On one of those trips in 2014, we got together for dinner in Atlanta before he drove to Tuscaloosa.
Kevin was a good man and a good friend. More than anything, he loved his daughter, Emma. He was so proud of the young woman she's become.
I last saw Kevin in October 2018 at our 40th high school reunion. He's on the right, wearing the glasses. Just 3 months after this photo was taken, my life shattered when Greg left this life. Kevin always had a kind or comforting word for me on my social media posts about Greg. He. Was. A. Good. Man. And, he was my friend for almost 50 years. I will miss you. I will miss our banter during college football season. I will miss your posts about all the delicious foods you enjoyed. I will miss your posts supporting me about Greg. I will miss your big bear hugs.
I will miss your posts about your beautiful daughter. I'll even miss your posts about Bama, and all the photos of you traveling to cheer them on.
I will miss YOU, my dear friend. Fly high with the Angels. Oh the fun you, Jack Kile and others will have in Heaven! Play those drums, explore, reconnect with your loved ones, and may your Soul find peace. You were loved in this life, and you will be missed.
Until I see you again, my dear, dear friend. And this one time, for you, Roll Tide 💜🙏🏈🥁
Come celebrate the 115th Birthday of Burbank High School on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 5-9 PM at Burbank High (902 N. Third St)
We will come together as Alumni, Faculty, Students, and Community Members to celebrate 115 years of Bulldog Excellence and Pride
Some of the exciting things you can expect from the evening include:
If you have any questions or would like to make a donation toward the event please contact Mr. McGinnis at erniemcginnis@burbankusd.org.
MARY POTTS OBITUARY
"Kind Words don't cost much... Yet they accomplish much." The "Word Cloud" was generated from comments posted on Mary's Facebook account. The word "Kindness" and "Kind" come up repeatedly for good reason as this is who Mary was.Kind to family, friends, strangers, the clerk at the store, the acquaintance at a party or event. Mary was kind, a kind lady, a kind daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Mary's kindness was evident from her listening and caring ear, through her generosity, and her ability to bring a smile, though her kindhearted nature. Even if it wasn't your best day, a few moments with Mary would turn that frown upside down :).
Mary Lou Campbell was born to George and Maurine Campbell, May 26th 1935 in Los Angeles, California. Mary spent most of her young years in Burbank Ca., and graduated from Burbank High School where her father George taught bookkeeping and accounting. Mary moved to Valencia in 1972 where she would spend the remainder of her life.
Mary founded and ran a successful business, "MLK Inspections, Inc" which has been in business for over 45 years and continues operations from her home town Valencia Ca., by 3rd generation family members.
Mary was a Born-Again Christian, had a strong faith in our Lord and passed in his presence and the presence of her loving family in her Valencia home on November 15th.
Mary Lou, (Mimi) was preceded in death by her parents George and Maurine, her brother George Campbell, and her grandson Cameron Westcott. Mary is survived by her Husband Robert H Potts, her daughters, Lauree Ann Lage, D'arcy Diane Blandford, and Robin Kolarek. Mary has 7 grandchildren and 7 great grand-children.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Chapel on January 7, 2023 at 11am with reception immediately following. Published by The Santa Clarita Valley Signal from Jan. 5 to Jan. 27, 2023.
Janet (Gurney) Smith grew up in Burbank, California. In 1940, the family lived at 527 South Reese Place in Burbnak. She attended McKinley Elementary School, John Burroughs Junior High School, and Burbank High School. She graduated from Burbank High in 1947.
Janet married Richard Smith in 1950 (divorced 1974) and began a career in the horse business. Over the years she was an owner of three horse ranches on various Los Angeles area sites. She concentrated on boarding horses, working with show horses, teaching riding, and promoting equine care. She was athletic and worked part-time as a stunt double in films and television.
After retirement Janet moved to Tucson, Arizona and finished her life there. Janet passed away at 93 years of age in the Tucson, Arizona area. She leaves a younger brother, Ron Gurney (1954 Burroughs grad), three adult children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
From his life-long study of sports science accompanied by practical
experience in the training halls and playing fields of teams on multiple
levels of competition, Bob Ward has had a transformative effect on
strength and conditioning coaching. He was a pioneer in using data to
improve performance, the utilizing novel training techniques, and
applying Eastern methods to Western sports. His thirteen years with the
Dallas Cowboys under legendary coach Tom Landry helped solidify that
program's reputation as "America's team."
Robert Darryl Ward, son of Albert and Lovera Ward, was born on July 4,
1933, in Huntingdon Park, California. Ward’s father was a veteran of World War I, who was exposed to the mustard gas that was used in Western Europe. Ward barely knew his dad, who was out of his life from a young age. When Wardwas 6, he and his three siblings stayed in what essentially amounted to an orphanage in Southern California. They were there for three years until their mother was in a better place and could take care of them.
Bob developed an interest in strength training at age twelve when
lifting weights in a physical education class. Sports participation
helped him become a self-made man at Burbank High School where he
starred in football and track. At Whitworth College, where he received a
degree in physical education in 1955, he excelled in field events and
was named a small college All-American in football. After earning his
master's in 1959 at the University of Washington, Bob coached high
school football and track for six years, then became head track coach at
Fullerton College for the next decade where his teams won three
straight conference championships and a state championship. Ward also
coached rugby and designed a fitness program while serving in the Marine
Corps reserve. He capped these early experiences by earning a doctorate
in physical education from Indiana University in 1971.
In 1976 Ward embarked upon the climactic phase of his career when he was
tapped by Tom Landry to become the Cowboys' first strength and
conditioning coach. To provide his players a performance edge, he
improvised a system of computer-driven analytics which enabled coaches
to break down actual athletic movements rather than rely on statistics.
He also instituted a form of psycho-cybernetics by applying the tensile
strength of surgical tubing to induce greater speed. Ward's most
revolutionary innovation, however, was employing the mixed martial arts
techniques (Jeet Kune Do) of the legendary Bruce Lee, through his
protégé Dan Inosanto, to improve the quickness of Cowboy players. Ward's
Cowboy teams compiled a 124-72 record that included ten winning
seasons, a Super Bowl victory in 1977, and a Pro Bowl win in 1983.
Players on whom he had a major impact include quarterback Roger Staubach
and tackle Randy White and NFL coaches Dan Reeves (Denver Broncos) and
Mike Ditka (Chicago Bears).
Bob Ward retired in 1989, but he remained actively involved with
strength and conditioning as co-founder of the National Association of
Speed and Explosion, developer of a Computer Graphic Player Analysis
system, and director of Sports Science and Nutrition for Mannatech
International. In 2015 he preserved his ideas for posterity by
publishing Building the Perfect Star (Ascend Books). His other project was a book on the "Martial Arts: The Spiritual and Physical Genome."
As a master's track and field athlete, Bob was equally impressive,
being twice named a world champion, garnishing six world records, and
designated USATF Masters "Field Athlete of the Year," in 2002.
Bob Ward died of natural causes on June 28, 2021.His brother Paul Ward, BHS '54, passed away in 2018. Read about Paul here.
