Wednesday, August 31, 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 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

Monday, August 29, 2016

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

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Michael Sean Mattor, BHS '81 (1963-1993)



Michael Sean Mattor was born September 5, 1963 in Syosset, New York.

His parents were William Lawrence Mattor (1924-1974) and  Mildred Margaret Orr (1927-1983).

Sadly Michael died at the young age of 30 on May 27, 1993, in San Francisco, California.

Link to OBITUARY.

His classmates miss him and here are a few Facebook Comments...

Bonnie Galloway wrote:
This is just how I remember him. He is truly missed. I LOVED Michael Mator like a brother. Was so very sad to hear of this back then.

Donna Cress wrote:
Oh Mike was such a character, so much fun. I'm so sorry to hear of his death.

Dari Cox wrote:
I adored Mike Mattor. He and I were such good friend back in High School. RIP, Mike. You were an awesome friend at BHS in theatre and tech theatre! I have such good memories of times with you?

Kim Correia Dettman wrote:
He was so talented!

Tony Murray wrote:
Great guy.. Lorna Till Maxwell wrote: I remember seeing him on stage, I believe. What happened to him?

Teri Wilkins Dunnet wrote:
Mike was so fun!! Never knew what he was going to do next!

Mark Enz wrote:
He was a good guy, we had some classes together and yes he had a larger than life character.

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace, Michael.

Deborah Boyd
So young, RIP

Michele Middleton
What a smile...what a joy..what a good loyal friend...I was honored to share time with him in San Francisco before his move to Tabiet....he was so loved

Monday, August 8, 2016

Maryann Giessinger Smith, BHS '59 (1941-2016)

We send our heartfelt condolences to Maryann's family...


Maryann Giessinger Smith
DOB May 8, 1941
DOD August 7, 2016
Graduation from BHS 1959
Survived by her son: Shawn Padovich
Cause of death Bone cancer

Maryann Giessinger Smith passed away August 7, 2016 after a very long battle with cancer. She always had a very positive outlook on everything, including her illness. In recent months she realized her time was limited, and told her family that she knew she has had a wonderful life, and that she was ready to go when her time came. I’m pretty certain she was BHS ‘59. Maryann was 75. She was born in May of 1941. Maryann had lived for many years in Morongo Valley in the Palm Desert area. Her siblings are Don Giessinger, BHS ‘61, Sherri Giessinger Coleman, BHS ‘67, and Valerie Giessinger Scott, BHS ‘71. Maryann passed away at the home of her brother, Don, and his wife, Janey (also BHS ‘61), in Atascadero. Their 93 year old mother, Jeannie Giessinger Cascio, is still living on her own in Santa Clarita. Maryann leaves a son, Shawn Padovich, and his four children, along with all the rest of her very large family who mourn her now.

Alan Landros


Maryann, far left, with her family
Valerie wrote on Facebook: "RIP my sweet big sis. You were a total inspiration to our family. Our hearts are broken. We will miss your great laugh and big heart❤️ "

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
This will be read at Maryann's funeral this weekend. Her sister wrote,
"This weekend there is a celebration of life for Maryann and Janey (my sister in law, also a BHS grad) wrote this along with a poem Maryann wanted read at her funeral. This she wanted way before she got sick. I will send in another email. Could you post on BHS Memorial page if you would be so kind.
Best Regards,
Valerie"

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Norma Beckett Johnson, BHS '45 (1927-2016)



Norma Jeanee Beckett Johnson

Ventura, CA

Norma was born on January 12, 1927 to Orville Beckett and Marjorie Smithson Beckett in Hollywood, CA. She passed peacefully at home on July 24, 2016. During her long life she was a brilliant student, a beloved teacher, a dedicated friend, and most of all, a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Norma met the love of her life, Bob Johnson, in 7th grade at John Burroughs Junior High School in Burbank. They graduated from Burbank High School in 1945, married in 1948, and enjoyed a loving and close union of over 68 years.

Norma and Bob both graduated from Occidental College in 1951; Norma began her teaching career at Culver City Junior High School shortly thereafter. She left teaching after four years to raise her two daughters, Valerie and Vickie, and returned to the classroom in 1971 at Jordan Junior High School in Burbank, where she covered such diverse subjects as English, math, and drama, always inspiring her students and forming lifelong friendships with her colleagues. Following retirement and a move to Dana Point in 1983, Norma and Bob both taught for several years at St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano.

Norma was an extraordinary mother, and both girls fondly remember a childhood filled with love and laughter. She was involved in PTA and Ponytail softball, as well as being an amazing cook, seamstress, bridge player, Brownie leader, and loyal friend to all who knew her.

Upon the birth of their two grandsons, Norma and Bob relocated to Ventura, and Norma lavished her love on both boys as they grew up. Whether it was celebrating birthdays, cheering them on at countless sporting events, or cuddling up and reading a book together, she adored being their Nana.

Norma is survived by her husband Bob; daughters Valerie Johnson and Victoria Costigan; son-in-law Carl Costigan; and beloved grandsons Robert and Will Costigan. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, August 8th at 11:00 am at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road in Ventura.

Norma's family would like to extend special thanks to Livingston Memorial Hospice Care for their loving treatment of Norma in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LMVNA, or to a charity of your choice .

Published in Ventura County Star from July 31 to Aug. 4, 2016
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/obituary.aspx?n=norma-jeanee-beckett-johnson&pid=180845537&fhid=11567#sthash.JoVyrs0z.dpuf