Ralph Swagler, BHS '69, Passed Away Aug 30, 2016

Ralph Swagler, BHS ‘69, passed away due to heart problems on August 30, 2016 in Thailand, where he had lived the last few years. He had had heart surgery in Thailand about ten years ago. His first wife, Mary Pilkinton Swagler, lives in Minden, Nevada. They have a son and a daughter who survive Ralph.

Alan Landros
October 4, 2016

Phil Young, BHS '66, Passed Away in August 2016

Phillip Lee Young

October 13, 1948 - August 13, 2016

Parents: James Albert Beaver Young Jr and Marcia Willis Young

We are sad to learn that yesterday, at the Sr Bulldog luncheon, the death of Phil Young, Class of '66, was announced by his mother. She said he died August 13, 2016.

According to Phil's wife, Terry, he had been courageously battling cancer for a year.

Phil’s mother is Marsha Willis Young BHS S’41 and his father who passed away a few years ago was Jim Young BHS W’42.

Please keep Phil's family in your thoughts and prayers.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 UPDATE
CELEBRATING PHIL YOUNG
Celebrating Phil’s Youth
-Faithful member of First Christian Church of Burbank and Youth leader
-Active member of the Boy Scouts of America
-Burbank High School football team and yearbook photographer

Celebrating Phil’s Love of his Country
-Served in the US Navy, 2 years active duty
-Always removed his hat and placed his hand over his heart for the National Anthem

Celebrating Phil’s Education
-Applied to and his photography portfolio accepted by the prestigious Art Center College of Design, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. Phil always said this was one of his most prized accomplishments. And he was forever grateful to his Pop, Jim Young for “tearing up” the loan that he owed his parents for his education.

Celebrating Phil’s Career
-Phil Young Photography
-Photographer General Dynamics
-Photographer Rockwell International/Boeing Corporation
-Homeowners Association Property Management
-Director of Marketing, Property Management

Celebrating Phil’s Many Talents
-Photographer, artist, stain glass designs, landscaping, architectural design

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Cars
-Model B Ford, Terry’s 67 Camaro, Plymouth Belvedere, Fiat Spider, 944 Porsche, BMW 328I, BMW 540I and his baby, the Beast….2010 Dodge Challenger SRT

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Books
-Phil was an avid reader and enjoyed sitting in his favorite chair with his feet up reading the newest books. Phil has quite a collection.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Music
-Phil loved his I-Pod and his playlist is huge. All the background music you are listening to tonight is from his I-Pod.
-Think about 4:00pm on Friday afternoons at Villageway and Total Property Management with the music blaring from Phil’s office.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Our Home
-Phil loved our little starter home in Irvine back in 1977. He loved designing our re-model in 2001 giving us a beautiful new family room and home office. And his crowning glory was his design of our 2013-2014 second story adition with a new Master suite and home office.
-Phil’s landscape skills are quite visible in the front, side and backyards of our home.

Celebrating Phil’s Love of Family
-Phil’s mother Marcia, sister Diane, his niece Debbie, his Uncle Bud are all here tonight. Phil’s Pop, Jim Young is here with us in spirit.
-Phil’s mother-in-law Betty, his Aunt Ruthie, his nephew and niece Tim and Sandy, his 2 great nephews Justin and Jeremy and his nephew Chris are here tonight. Phil’s father-in-law Bob and his brother-in law Rob are both here with us in spirit.
-Phil’s love and pride for his daughter Emily were endless. And when Dan came into Emily’s life, he was so happy for the two of them. If you remember Phil’s toast to Dan at their wedding, that said it all.
-Papa’s love for his 2 grandsons Jack Robert James Cromer and Tyler Lee Cromer was the most wonderful feeling he had every experienced. He was so proud to be a grandpa.
-Phil’s love for Terry was 46 years of a wonderful life together. Best friends, partners in all decisions, raising Emily, working in the yard together and relaxing in the yard, working together to make both of our careers successful, camping and RV trips in the good old days, Angels baseball, date nights, enjoying being grandparents, and lots of golf and wonderful relaxing trips together.

Phil’s Love of Golf
-Phil loved the game of Golf. He started out 18 years ago having never swung a club, And he had been shooting in the mid to low 80’s here at Oak Creek. He loved playing in tournaments, we loved our golf trips and playing together, he loved playing weekly here with his great friends and that is why we are all here tonight at this beautiful place, Celebrating Phil Young at Oak Creek.

Thank you to all of you that are here sharing this celebration tonight.

With Love,

Emily and Terry

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A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS
Robbin Moore
RIP

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
RIP

Pat Bushman
My condolences to the family.

Robert Fabrizio
RIP Buddy.

Steve Gullion
Sad ... Phil as a really nice guy

Pam Kirkwood
Phil's Mom and Dad have been friends of ours for a few years now. I remember Phil in High School. He was friendly, nice and had a great sense of humor. He has taken good care of his Mom, since his Dad passed away. He also took great care of the rest of his family. I know his Mom has been so worried about him since he became ill and it broke her heart to lose him. Thankfully, he is no longer suffering. God Bless Phil and his entire family...

Nancy McNamara Zambrana
God bless & may he rest in peace.

Guy Gingell
Nice guy. RIP

Bruce Keswick
Life seems too brief. Phil was nice a great guy

Donald Matthews
RIP, Sir.

Jerry McWilliams
So sorry to hear this news. I'll always remember in Jr High going over to Phil Young's house and we'd have his grandpa take us to the library in his immaculate '54 Caddy. He used to polish that thing 'till the paint almost came off! Great memories!

Peggy Melton Cyphers
I remember Phil as being really nice and very friendly. RIP.

Jennifer Dale Schatz
You see people saying he was a really nice guy...well...HE REALLY WAS!!! Rest in peace, Phil.

Keith (Klyn) Hall
I knew Phil at both John Muir and Burbank High School. The world's without one of its best people.

Tammy Klinger
Again.... too many, saddened! Prayers for his family!

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
RIP Phil and say hi to my brother in law Jim Bennett from Tom and I ❤️

Roxanne Leko Lewis
Went to prom with Phil. He was a nice guy and will be missed.

Sandi Tillotson-Clum
Oh no. Hits home hard when it's one of ours and someone you really knew

Dianne Richards McCafferty, BHS '64 (1946-2016)

 

Dianne Lynn Richards McCafferty 

January 24, 1946 - August 7, 2016

   

 

 

Larry Beard, BHS '66 (1947-1994)

Larry Beard
October 16, 1947 - August 9, 1994

Find A Grave link:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30789506/larry_ervin-beard

Christine M Bencheck, BHS '66 (1947-2005)

Christine M Bencheck
December 4, 1947 - June 15, 2005

Find A Grave link:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=107778052

Ronald Eugene Holden, BHS '66 (1947-2011)

RONALD EUGENE HOLDEN
July 18, 1947 - July 21, 2011

Obituary

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Ronald Eugene Holden Sr. he had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Ronald was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Ronald was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and...

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Ronald Eugene Holden Sr. he had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Ronald was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Ronald was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on July 18, 1947, Ronald showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Ronald came into this world at Kern General Hospital in Bakersfield, California. His parents were Angamae and Marshall Eugene Holden. Ronald was raised in Del Ano, California and Burbank, California.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Ronald promoted harmony with his siblings. He was raised with One sister and one brother. He had a sister Shelia and a brother Jr. Ronald was something of the family diplomat. He helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Ronald interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Ronald had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. Ronald took part in baseball. He was a Boy Scouts and was on the Legislative Community of student body council. In his spare time he liked collected baseball cards and trains.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Ronald was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Burroughs High School in 1966. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Wood shop and Auto shop. Student Council.

Ronald's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn't particularly interest him. Ronald became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his 1 year masters college 0 degree. His favorite courses were Bible Theocracy.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Ronald was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Ronald, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Ronald enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of his best friends were David Thomas. Later in life, he became friends with Dave and Ruth Thomas.

Ronald was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Ronald was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Ronald was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Ronald was blessed with Three children, Warren oldest son, Daniel middle son and Ron Jr last son. They were also blessed with three grandchild Logan, Savanna and Austin

Ronald projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Ronald was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Ronald could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn't one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was General Electric Fabricator/overnight stock person at Walmart. He was employed for 27 years at GE and 13 years at Walmart.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Ronald was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Ronald took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were cars, woodwork and collecting old coins. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Ronald was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school, Ronald played baseball,. Ronald was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, football, golf and basketball.

Ronald's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for him. It was a philosophy that he carried into his community activities and service. Serving on committees for the Senior Circle/Spirit life prime timers.

Ronald was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member Spirit Life Foursquare for 11 years.

Ronald possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included San Antonio and Grand Canyon.

Ronald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Ronald's favorites was Cocoa-Dog. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his dog Lady, Skeeter his bird and Tiger/Tigger his cats.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Ronald accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1997 from General Electric, and Ronald was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Bullhead City, Arizona. In retirement, he found new pleasure in tending his yard/lemon trees and yard working.

Ronald passed away on July 21, 2011 at Bullhead City, Arizona at home. Quick battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Linda, Sons Warren, Daniel,and Jr., daughter in laws Karen, Michelle and Fabrianne. Services were held at Spirit Life Foursquare. Ronald was laid to rest in cremated and laid to rest at home on the entertainment stand.

Though he could be a private person at times, Ronald was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Ronald carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive "teacher", Ronald Eugene Holden Sr. shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Ronald for the strength of his convictions.s Silver Bell Chapel, Bullhead City, AZ.

Ronald Eugene Holden, Sr.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Ronald-Holden&lc=7019&pid=152683434&mid=4752548#

Larry Dale Bressie, BHS '66 (1948-2011)

Larry Dale Bressie
September 18, 1948 - November 17, 2011 (63 years old)
San Pedro, California

"Larry was born in Putnam County, Mo. and his parents moved to LA, California when he was very young. I used to go visit them when I was out there in the military in 1959 to 1961 and he was just a young boy at that time."
Harold Myers, Larry's cousin from Missouri

Larry's parents were Earl Robert Bressie (1923–1995) and Doris Jean Bressie (1929–2018).

RIP Larry.

Find A Grave link:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/126447148/larry-dale-bressie

Jim Bennett, BHS '66, Passed Away June 7, 2010

Jim Bennett '66, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2010. Our deepest sympathies go out to his Mother, Brother Tom Bennett '68, and Sister-in-law Annette Dinolfo Bennett '68, his nieces and nephews and many many friends.

 

James Craig Bennett 

October 6, 1948 - June 7, 2010

Son of Tom and Verdayne Bennett

NOTE: At some point, Jim began using the last name Del Pesco

 

Jim played football & these this pics are from the 1966 Ceralbus yearbook

 

Here are some recent photos...


From the 2008 JBHS/BHS Alumni Picnic
L-R: Gil Uribe, Jim Bennett, Steve Billos, Pete Beauregard, Dave Marshall (photo: Madelaine Zelenay Whiteman) source


L-R: 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 (photo: John & Cathy Nicholls Coyle) source

And from 2007, Class of '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 source