December Senior Bulldog Holiday Luncheon Reminder - DECEMBER 1, 2025

December Senior Bulldog Holiday Luncheon Reminder

Greetings Bulldogs, it is time to "Deck the Halls" and get ready to welcome in the Christmas and Hanukkah Season for 2025...Do you know where YOUR UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER IS? You know, the one that you wear once a year and is probably hanging in the very back of your closet...Well, it is time to drag it out (or any other holiday attire you might have) and dust it off for our Senior Bulldogs December Holiday Luncheon on Monday, December 1, 2025. 

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 

Place: Burbank Elks Lodge located at 2232 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 

Time: 11:00AM

Cost: $16 per person 

Menu: Roast Pork and all the trimmings 

****ALSO REMEMBER TO BRING A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY OR TWO, FOR A LESS FORTUNATE CHILD OR YOUNG TEEN, TO ADD TO OUR "TOYS FOR TOTS" TOY DRIVE. Our Toy Chairman Greg Alaimo '66 and our Assistant Toy Chairman Dave Nicholson '74, will be on hand to receive the toys at the long table we will have set up to display all of the toys that are donated. Greg has arranged for the Burbank Police Dept. to pick up the toys in one of their armored vehicles and transport them to the collection center. Thank you for your generosity. 

Until we see you on Dec. 1st, we wish you all a Safe and Blessed Thanksgiving. 

Take care, Pam and Jon

A Story of Murder: Victim Sandi Wilkes, BHS '69 (1950-1970)

Sandra "Sandi" Wilkes Pyne

BHS '70

October 23, 1950 - January 23, 1970

FIND A GRAVE Link

This is a very sad and tragic story...

A Story of Murder
by Kathy Au Crosier, BHS '68
Posted November 14, 2013

I had Mr. Pyne for English in my junior year.

I had the good fortune of sitting at the same table as Louise Good Hernandez at the 45th Class Reunion, and for some reason,  the subject of former Burbank High teacher, Raymond Pyne, came up. He was my English teacher in my junior year and perhaps some of you had him for English, also. 1967 was apparently his first year at Burbank High. I recall coming home on weekends during my college years, and reading about a story in the Burbank Daily Review of a murder committed by a Burbank High teacher, but I couldn’t remember who it was. So it was Louise who gave me his name.

The Burbank Daily Review ceased publication in 1985, but is archived at the Burbank Public Library, where I sent my sister, Margo (BHS’70) to read the old microfilm. The story was on the front page of three consecutive issues, January 23, 24, and 25, 1970. Here’s what she found out.

Raymond Pyne was Sandy Wilkes’ 12th grade English teacher. After she graduated, he asked her for a date. At that time, he was age 28 and described as charming and jolly in public by the Wilkes family. They married, and within two weeks he exhibited a violent, uncontrollable temper. Pyne assaulted her by choking her, and threatened to kill her.  An arrest warrant for battery was issued. He once said he wanted his wife to die like Romeo and Juliet.

A few days before she was killed, Sandy filed for divorce. Pyne had been roaming her parents’ neighborhood where she was staying, threatening to take his own life. She talked him out of taking his own life and told him she loved him and would stand by him, but she was too afraid to live with him.

Sandra Wilkes Pyne, BHS’69, age 19, was murdered by her husband, former BHS teacher Raymond Pyne

She had been living with her parents for about two weeks. On Thursday morning about 8 a.m., January 23, 1970, her father, Guy Wilkes, went to the backyard to start the car before taking Sandy to work at Technicolor, where they both worked. Pyne pointed a rifle at Wilkes’ head and demanded to talk to Sandy. After asking Guy for the keys to the house, Guy yelled to warn the family. Mrs. Wilkes tried to phone for help, but the phone was dead. Sandy, meanwhile, ran out the front door to head to a friend’s house. Pyne heard the door slam and ran to the front of the house. He pursued her, aimed, then shot her in the head, killing her instantly. Guy Wilkes, who had followed Pyne, shot at him, but missed. He later said he didn’t shoot again because there were other people standing around. He ran to help his daughter and was holding her when she took her last breath. Pyne drove away in a leased 1969 black Cadillac.

The incident was witnessed by five teenage boys.

Police think Pyne may have spent the night on the back porch. An army-type jacket, trench coat, flashlight and tire iron were found there, plus numerous gum wrappers.

Pyne had resigned voluntarily from Burbank High School after his second year of teaching and was to have started a new job the next day. He surrendered to Burbank Police on Saturday afternoon. On February 21, 1971, he pled guilty to first degree murder and sentencing was set for March 26, 1971. He was incarcerated for years, but by 2010 he was paroled, according to Linda Mustion who writes a blog about deceased Burbank High Alumni. Apparently, Raymond Pyne was also a Burbank High alum, class of 1959. 

Raymond Ed Pyne

BHS '59
June 1941 - July 4, 2013

FIND A GRAVE Link

Louise Hernandez remembered that the Pyne family moved from Kenwood Street before he became a teacher at Burbank High, and that there were other siblings.

I found Raymond Pyne’s obituary at redding.com:

Raymond Pyne, 72, of Cottonwood died Thursday at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Arrangements are pending at Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding. Published in Redding Record Searchlight on July 6, 2013.

NOVEMBER 1, 2025 UPDATE

Debbie Brey Bennett posted on Facebook today:
“We were good friends. Her mom buried her in her wedding gown saying that was the last time she saw her daughter happy. My dad saw a small newspaper article 3 years later saying he was released from prison claiming psychiatric problems. So horrible our justice system was and is. 😡”

A FEW MORE FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Alex Pelaez

No one will believe me probably. I was an eye witness to her murder. We were kids and lived across from her parents house. We were on our way out of the house heading to John Muir Jr High, we saw when her husband, her ex teacher at Burbank high, chased her out of her parents house and shot her two houses from us.. It's still very vivid to me.😢

Susan Peña MacCaskey

Alex Pelaez I'm sorry you had to witness that. What were you around 12. I can't imagine what you went thru and very much still going thru. Sending big hugs

Alex Pelaez

Susan Peña MacCaskey Hi Susan, I was in the seventh grade. It's been a long long time so I hadn't thought about it until I saw this article. Time heals. 

I was one of the five teenagers they mention in the article.😢

Susan Peña MacCaskey

Alex Pelaez Did you have to go to court and testify

Alex Pelaez

Susan Peña MacCaskey Never used us as witnesses, maybe we were too young. When I think deeply about what I saw, It really was horrible. We were no more than fifty to a hundred feet from the whole thing. It's like seeing a movie in my head. 🤯 FYI..I'm doing fine and this has never really affected my life.

Doug Atzei

Alex Pelaez I lived at 419 Stanford rd. What address was yours? The Cards & Helquists family’s we all grew up together playing baseball in the street and hid n seek at night.

Doug Atzei

Barbara Zelenay Berry it good times with Nancy, David, & Jeff Helquist also Maxine Card. Her tree was the best to climb & it was the one we had to tag in hide n seek. Love growing up in the 50’s on Stanford Rd. My grandparents lived there until we took over the house in 1952 Our whole family were close to the Wilkes family in the 50’s, but again they lived right across the street from us. Sandy dad (Guy) was always working in his garage working on some car and my dad being a car guy would go over there. For some reason I can’t remember her moms name. She always reminded me of Harriet Nelson of the Ozzie & Harriet show.

Cathy Palmer

Doug Atzei Sandi’s mother’s name was Geraldine. Both parents had been in the military and are buried at the Riverside national cemetery.

'Wilkes, Geraldine Garnet, b. 07/16/1923, d. 12/22/1997, US Army, , Res: Hemet, CA, Plot: 47 4228, bur. 12/29/1997 Wilkes, Guy Alexander, b. 02/20/1920, d. 10/24/1996, US Army Air Corps, SGT, Res: Hemet, CA, Plot: 4228, bur. 10/30/1996'

Jon Larsen

I grew up on the same street where it happened, Stanford. Was a crazy and awful morning…

Kathryn Borgese

I remember this story it was heartbreaking 💔. My oldest brother has the year book they are both in. I can’t believe he was paroled after gunning her down like that

Joyce Starleaf

I played softball with Sandi. She was always so nice. I was a senior at BHS at the time. The police came to campus and locked us in. They thought he might come on campus.

I also remember that her dad said he would kill Pyne if he ever got out.

I never heard when Sandi’s father passed away. Nancy Helquist lived on the same street and were great friends.

Pyne was a creep. I never had him but my friends who did said he would turn all of the lights out in the classroom and walk on the desks. He should have been fired before this happened.

He was friends with Ansalone.

Ron Duncan

Joyce Starleaf He was a year ahead of me at BHS. He is the only guy who ever bullied me.

Jeri Morin Valencia

Joyce Starleaf Yes, he most certainly should have been fired. I'm so sorry for all of you who were affected by that awful incident. 🙁

Cathy Palmer

Joyce Starleaf Sandi’s dad died in 1996 & her mom in 1997…

The pain that her parents suffered is heartbreaking.💔

Joyce Starleaf

Cathy Palmer Thanks. I can’t imagine. Such a tragedy.

Margaret Ann Good

The Pyne family lived next door to us on Kenwood Street. So awful. I think they or at least he had moved away by the time he did this.

Carol Baker

This was so tragic. I had him as an English teacher as well. My heart goes out to her family.

Diane Napolitano

Sandi was a friend of mine both in Jr and Hg school. She was incredibly kind, wore a smile most of the time, and certainly didn't do anything to bring on his reaction. It is a shame he didn't die in prison...noticed he lived to be 72 SMH

Fred Pastor

Very sad 🙏♥️🙏🌺💕

Don Meredith

I remember when this sad incident happened truly tragic.

Marybeth Bell Costanzo

So weird. I was just reading what she wrote in my yearbook.

Sad story for sure.

Patricia Sorley

R.I.P. blessings to your family with your loss.

Mike Signorelli

It all happened 2 blocks from the house. I remember Sandy. Sad

Laura Lyons

Wow so sad.

Deb Helsley Bush

So very sad 😢. Rest in peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

Norine Gledhill

She was always so kind and friendly a true tragedy for both families

Pam Wright Peterson

So tragic- I never knew of this…

So sad. 😢

Doug Atzei

Wow! This has sure taken me back in time. I lived across the street from Sandy. We grew up together. She was my first girlfriend at 10yrs old. Her sister Connie was my sister (Sue) best friend. We all grew up together.

In high school Sandy & my x girlfriend (Barbara Bolen) became good friends. Sandy had a boyfriend (Charlie) that dated for a few years then broke up. Sandy was sad and her teacher looked a lot like Charlie & thought she’d fill that emptiness with him. After the marriage she knew she wasn’t in love and left him. He couldn’t handle it and came over one morning in thought that if he couldn’t have her, nobody was going to. She ran down the street to neighbor house where he cornered her & shot her. For years I would visit her mom & dad though they were happy to see me it brought back more pain than comfort. Last time I went down Stanford rd to see the old neighborhood I noticed still in the curb was Sandy & mine carving in the cement. This is bringing me old sadness and pain. God bless!

Kim Valenti

My dad was dating her and she dumped him to go out with this teacher. So sad

Susan Earle-Miller

Sadness for a beautiful soul.

Anger for the senseless murder.

Michele Duarte Kilroy

I remember when this happened, the newspaper article and the picture of her lying in the street with a blanket over her. So sorry she married him. Just horrible.

Mj Bass

My brother was friends with her, also BHS 1969. So very sorry to hear this. RIP Sandy. 🙏🏻😢🙏🏻

Barbara Prater Coffman

How very tragic!🥲

Michael Meltzer

Very sad story

Julie Guttridge

What a TRAGIC story !! Why didn’t he get LIFE !

Patsy Raymundi

So sad, I was a batter wife also I was so lucky God Bless her REST IN PEACE YOUR Safe know ❤️

Karen Madsen

How very sad.

Richard Hernandez

Rest in peace, sandy, thoughts and prayers.Go out to your loved ones.You will be missed bulldog

Jill Sullivan

💗🤩🙌 Sandi Wilkes was an awesome, fun, kind, and bright classmate of mine. May she rest in peace.🙏🙏🙏

Betty Worland

I remember this story as Burbank was a smaller town during this time. It was in our local paper. So very sad. 🙁

Michael Ruiz

His mother lived 3 houses down from us, I think the cops found him there!

Grace Tabura Strong

😢

Sharon Anderson McEntire

Sandy was a friend of mine from grammar school! When she started dating Pyne she was 18, BUT he was still her teacher in high school AND THAT WAS WRONG!! I didn't like him because of that and didn't want her to marry him! I did not go to their wedding because I thought it was wrong! The marriage didn't last 2 weeks, he already was abusing her. Her dad tried to protect her and hired a bodyguard for when he couldn't be with her! My husband drove up the street right after it happened and the police had just got there and her body was still in the front yard. He came to my work to tell me because he knew I would be in shock and need comforting! Such a sad, sad day!😪😪 It was disgusting he only got 7 years, they said it wasn't premeditated!! He slept on her porch WITH A LOADED GUN and when she saw him, she ran and he chased her and shot her! How could that NOT be premeditated??

Billie Dayian Durbin

I vividly remember this. I couldn’t believe he was allowed by the school to even date this sweet girl! He was a disgusting excuse of a human, let alone a TEACHER ‼️I took it personally and was so very angry. 

It was so tragic and it made me sad and mad to the core of my being. Truly beyond belief that this could ever happen in our  utopian, ideal, small town of Burbank. Such a horrific situation. I felt then that he should’ve gotten death or life, at least. 

After reading how long her parents survived her, I can’t even begin to imagine the grief and pain they must’ve lived with. 

But, they should all be at peace and together now. Thank God for that.

November Senior Bulldogs Thanksgiving Luncheon Reminder

Greetings Bulldogs and "Pilgrims"...

Well, we can officially say that it is quickly becoming "Sweater Weather", as we watch the leaves fall from the trees and note that the temperatures are inching their way down the thermometer. We are also reminded that the Fall Holidays are approaching quickly.

Monday, November 3, 2025, will be our Senior Bulldogs "Thanksgiving Dinner" Luncheon. Circle the date on your calendars and we will plan to meet you there.

Date: Monday, November 3, 2025

Place: Burbank Elks Lodge located at 2232 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Time: 11:00AM

Cost: $16 per person

Menu:  Turkey with all the trimmings: Cranberries, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy & a dessert.  

************
Also, Please remember that Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Burbank will be holding its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at McCambridge Park War Memorial/Rose Garden/Eternal Flame at 11:00AM. Our own Mickey DePalo BHS '64 will of course, be the Emcee. At 10:15AM, the Burbank Community Band will perform a Pre-Ceremony Concert. Please join us in remembering and honoring and thanking our US Veterans.

************
Don't forget that in DECEMBER, at our Holiday Luncheon, Greg Alaimo '66 and Dave Nicholson '74, will be "heading up" the Annual TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE. Please plan to bring a new un-wrapped toy or two for a child or young teen who is less fortunate. Greg has coordinated with the Burbank Police Department to pick up and transport the toys in one of their armored police vehicles. This is a great community effort, where we come together to ensure that less fortunate/deserving children and young teens are not forgotten during the Christmas/Hanukkah Holidays.

See you all on Monday, November 3, 2025...Come hungry!

Until then, "Happy Halloween" and Stay Well...

Pam and Jon 

John Pette, BHS '86 (1967-2025)

John Tor Pette

October 9, 1967 - October 23, 2025

Amy Grover-Monroe posted today...

It is with a heavy heart that I relay that John Pette (Class of 1986) passed away last night.  Big John was currently living in Wyoming and had recently started a new job.  I will share more details as they come in from the Pette Family.  RIP Big John.

OCTOBER 27, 2025 UPDATE 

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Adriana Jaramillo

OMGosh! So sad. I remember him, he was always so sweet! RIP🙏

Gloria Kelly

Truly a great guy. He will be missed.

Selen Carranza Pereira

RIP..

Mark Stover

I remember John

Good man

Cesar Zepeda

RIP

Liz Allen

Sure losing a lot of ppl

Sue Basile

RIP🙏

Deanna Bergman

Sympathies to the family! 🌷

Curtis Liddiard

Great guy

HUera Deo

🙏🙏🙏🙏

Sara Leto

Rest easy my friend.

John Brooks

Oh dang. No way.😢

Andrea Scott

RIP. He will be missed

Diane Letulier

I'm so very sorry.

Paula Mayhall

So sorry to see yet another loss.

Mickey DePalo

Rest In Peace, Sir. 🙏🙏

Stephen Domenico

Rest in Peace John

Helen Stanton

One of the sweetest people I have met. Sad he had to go so soon.

Gregg Wietstock

❤️🙏❤️

Martin Lillibridge

RIP Bulldog 🙏

Dale Levine

He will be greatly missed.

Nadine Aguirre Lujan

Rest in peace.

Chris Martinez

Good dude. RIP

Julie Guttridge

Oh my gosh ! Just a year younger than my son 😱. Much too young !!

Condolences to the family ! 🥲

Sherrielynn Botelho Potter

😢 heavy heart hearing this

Margarette Merced-Aranda

RIP fellow classmate!

Joseph L Miconi

John rest easy. My friend

Christopher Wood

He wasn’t just a step dad but my best friend. It’s awesome to see the nice things people say of him. He was a people person. The kindest. Thank you all. Made me feel better tonight.

Dan Davis

RIP Bulldog

Karra Blackburn Merritt

May he rest in peace to Eternity 🌹

David Edwards

You will be missed buddy .RIP

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux

🙏

Dani Hartshorn Demyen

I’m just shocked and sad. Such a kind guy, a good friend and loving dad. An all

around awesome human being. Thinking about his girls.❤️

Ed Krattiger

Just unbelievable. One of the nicest most caring people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Kory Cosmo-Knott

RIP John. It was a pleasure knowing you, thanks for all the great times!!

Louise Good Hernandez

🙏

Mike Signorelli

RIP...

Sarina Martin

Oh no! What devastating news. Im shocked and saddened. Truly an amazing friend, and all around great person. We had so much fun in school and staying connected via FB. and I was so happy watching him be a great dad to his girls. 💔😢

Eric Cox

Rest in peace my friend

Paula Fenton-Richardson

R.I.P John 🙏

Jillian McDonald Kelly

RIP John 💔🙏🏼 I am so very sorry to hear this sad news.

Brian Keiser

RIP 🙏

Marc Silvas

I remember him from school. Good person.

Chris Lopez

My heart goes out to his family, he will be greatly missed , and i will miss all the video’s he shared on my DM with me …. 😞

Vicki Herrin Fields

Rest in Peace ⚘️

George Pouzbouris

I'm deeply saddened by the loss. John was a dear friend and classmate, and I'm still in shock. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his little daughter. May he rest in peace.🙏💔😔

Patricia Sorley

Blessings to his family. R.I.P.

Cheri Standish Meijer

Rest in peace John. My condolences to your family and friends.

Greg Jones

RIP John

Patsy Raymundi

Rip Bulldog❤️

Lorette Kelsey

Rip

Jillian McDonald Kelly

RIP John. 💔

Christopher Chase

A super nice guy!! Bummed to hear this. Prayers and love for his family.

Linda-Melton Damarjian

😢🙏

Daniel Fukumoto

Praying for the Pette family

RIPJohn…

Mario Rodriguez

RIP

Richard Hernandez

Rest in peace Johnny thought and prayers go out to your loved ones , you will be missed bulldog

Cheryl Bunch Eubanks

So sorry. Prayers for comfort and peace!♥️🙏 May he rest in peace

❤️🙏

Sharon Anderson McEntire

🙏🙏🙏

Fred Pastor

So sorry for your loss 🙏💙🙏

Judy Hale Jonas, Former BHS History Teacher Recently Passed Away (1944-2025)

Judy Hale Jonas

November 9, 1944 - October 18, 2025

Just received this sad note from Penny Jonas Barth, BHS '66...

My sister-in-law, Judy Hale Jonas, former BHS history teacher passed away Saturday, Oct 18 at her home in Scottsdale, AZ following a 2-yr battle with CA. She taught at BHS for about 15 years, from 1984 on. 

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jeff Jonas (BHS 1958), 4 children, all BHS alumni - Shani Ossmen; Jennifer Watkins (Mark); Mike (Jenni); Jason (Trina), 10 grandchildren, brothers Rick and Bryan Hale, sister-in-law Marianne Jonas Eastmond (Steve) BHS ‘63, Penny Jonas Barth BHS ‘66 and nearly 40 loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, her parents, brother Nathan, and Jeff’s sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn (BHS ‘55) and John Harmer. 

Funeral services will be held the day before what would have been Judy’s 81st birthday, Saturday, November 8th, 10:00 AM at the Larkspur Chapel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Messinger Pinnacle Scottsdale Mortuary coordinating.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Eileen Galvin
Had Mrs. Jonas in JBHS. Enjoyed her class. May she rest in peace.

Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏

Patrick Peters
Rest easy Mrs J. Such an amazing teacher.

Jillian McDonald Kelly
Loved Mrs Jonas. So sorry to hear of her passing. Remember her daughter Shani too. God bless the family 💔🙏🏼

Tami Nugent
No way 😢😢😢💔

Brian Collins
I’m sorry to hear this. Jenny, if you see this I’m sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so nice to all of us. Prayers to you and your family.

Jeremy Gates
Yea she was very cool 😎 teacher 👩‍🏫

Julie Guttridge
What a beautiful woman ! Sad to loose another Bulldog . Condolences to her large family !

Deb Helsley Bush
Rest in peace 🙏🏻💙

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️

Jason Boehret
My favorite high school teacher. RIP. Sending positive vibes to her family.

Taylor Taylor
so so sad! Rip 🙏🏻❤️

Roger Goeringer
Sorry to hear, prayers with you Jeff—miss you guys!

Jennifer Kant
Exactly how I remember her 💕

Pamela Heinrich
So sorry to hear of her passing! 😢

Lori Diane Pietrantonio
Such a very sweet lady. Rest in eternity sweet Judy.

Cathy Bonano
She was a great teacher. May her memory be eternal.

Nora A. Chavez
🙏😪

Kimberly Rosen
So sorry to hear this. ❤️&🙏 to family and friends.

Elena Hubbell
I’m so so sorry. She not only was an amazing teacher but a good friend. God Bless🙏🙏🙏

Paula Mayhall
So sorry to hear of yet another loss

Kathy Mae Culbertson Longanecker
Condolences to her family

Betsey Nash
Penny Jonas Barth, I’m so sorry that Judy has died. Love to your brother and the rest of your family.

Scott Moen
One of my favs, sad to hear of her passing.

Norine Gledhill
A kind and beautiful woman

Joe D Hooven
Saddened........She was the Matriarch of one of Burbank's 'Greatest Families.'!!

Lisa Marlowe
Such a memorable teacher, prayers for the Jonas family❣️

Gregg Wietstock
❤️🙏❤️

Amanda Bushman Murphy
So sorry to hear this. She was the best.

Jason Fon Janota
Such a great teacher 🙏 RIP

Rayna Lo Verme
🙏

Karra Blackburn Merritt
May she rest in peace to Eternity 🌹

Tom Kaptain
Rest in peace!

Tina M Peters
Love ❤️ and prayers to the Jonas family. What an incredible teacher and mentor Ms Jonas was. Thank you for your guidance and goodness 🙏

Elsie Franchini-Estes
Such a beautiful person inside and out! Such sad news.

Sonia El
Awww she was so sweet . My condolences and prayers to the family ❤️🙏🏼

Jason Edwards
😢🤲🏽

Mario Padilla
Prayers go out got her family at this time.

Kevin Capper
No way Mrs Jonas😢😢 RIP

Donald Matthews
RIP, Ma’am 🥲

Anthony Morelli
Condolences to the Jonas family ❤️

Jeff Gabler
Great teacher. Thoughts and prayers to her family.

Heidi Spaethe Churnock
😔🙏🏻💔

Marisela De Obaldia
She was a great teacher and a big supporter of everyone. So sad.

Ivan Esquivel
Miss Judy 🙁

Joseph L Miconi
Ah man she was so cool

Michelle Lea
She was such a good teacher, RIP. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Historic Tragedy: 1951 Jeep accident the night before graduation took the lives of Ken Harrison, Larry Hughes and Bob Tinker

Kenneth Lee Harrison

February 24, 1933 - January 26, 1951

FIND A GRAVE Link

Larry W Hughes

December 3, 1932 - January 22, 1951

FIND A GRAVE Link

Robert "Bob" Sidney Tinker

February 16, 1933 - January 22, 1951

FIND A GRAVE Link

This is heartbreaking... for more details, please click on the Find A Grave links.

Ralph Vasquez, BHS '70 (1951-2025)

Ralph Urias Vasquez

December 7, 1951 – March 4, 2025

FIND A GRAVE Link

OBITUARY

Ralph Urias Vasquez, age 73, of Burbank, California passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Lupe Vasquez; his daughter Lisa Reza; his daughter Amy Hanrahan; his son Corey Vasquez; his daughter Jane Vasquez; his daughter Jennifer Vasquez; and his son Sean Vasquez; his brother Armando Vasquez, his brother Tino Vasquez and grandchildren Ryan Reza, Danielle Reza, Kaelyn Hanrahan, Lilah Hanrahan, Riley Vasquez, McKayla Vasquez, Olivia Winner, Sophia Winner, Amelia Palacios, Benjamin Vasquez,

In the care of Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Vicki Herrin Fields

Rest in Peace ⚘️

Diane Napolitano

RIP

Martin Lillibridge

RIP Bulldog 🙏

Deb Helsley Bush

Rest in peace 🙏🏻

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux

🙏

Marie McGinnis Acevedo English

He was a neighbor of mine. Wonderful family

Connie Jean

I thought he was so handsome....one of my first of many crushes! RIP Ralph.

Liz Allen

RIP 🙏

Pam Wright Peterson

Rest in peace… 🙏🏻

Donald McGinnis

I grew up with him and his brothers on Valley Street. Very nice guy and a very nice family.

Tristan Holloway

I grew up with Ralph, and his Brothers, Armando & Tino. His Father Ralph Sr

was a Engineer at Lockeed and They were all Master Craftsmen Cabinet Builders. Though I was just a Little Kid always Treated me as His Littlest Brother 2 Doors Down Forever Valley St. Our Playground was the Cemetery at the End of our Street @ Pacific St. RIP Ralph, you are with Dad & Mom Elicia up in Heaven cooking The Best Tamales Ever . . .

Mickey DePalo

Rest In Peace, Sir. 🙏🙏

Bob Lee

This is very sad news, I grew up with Ralph, he and his family lived up the street from me. I’m so sorry to hear this!

Kat Davis

RIP, Ralph.

I grew up across the street from the Vasquez family.

Valley Street is no longer the neighborhood I grew up in but our memories will never fade.

Mary Allison Downum Oaks

God love and bless you RALPH

Annette Dinolfo Bennett

🙏🏼💙🙏🏼

Brian Keiser

RIP 🙏

Connie Johnson Marrone, BHS '66 (1948-2025)

Constance "Connie" Jean Johnson Marrone

January 9,1948 - October 16, 2025

Sadly, we just learned from Penny Jonas Barth, BHS '65, that Connie Johnson Marrone passed away this morning following a fall on Sunday. 

Connie was the daughter of Cecil and Jean Johnson. She and her 4 siblings grew up in Burbank. 

Connie was a retired schoolteacher and lived in Canyon Country. She is survived by 3 children and their families, along with sister Mary Lou and brother Phillip. 

Brother Howard Johnson, BHS '61 passed away in 2010 and sister Laura Johnson Chambers, BHS '70 passed away in 2019.

The Johnson Siblings: Mary Lou BHS '64, Phillip BHS '72, Howard BHS '61, Laura BHS '70 and Connie BHS '66,

UPDATE

October 24, 2025

CLICK HERE

Bob Johnson, BHS '45 (1927-2025)

Robert "Bob" Bruce Johnson

1927 - October 1, 2025

My dad, Robert Johnson, was a BHS alum and active member of the Senior Bulldogs for many years. He passed away earlier this month, just two weeks shy of his 98th birthday. His obituary and photos are below (the later one was taken at a BHS reunion event).
Best regards, 
Vickie Costigan

OBITUARY

Robert Johnson, Class of W'45, died on October 1, 2025. He was 97 years old. Bob (as he was affectionately known) graduated from John Burroughs Junior High in 1941, where he received the American Legion Award for "Top Boy" (his future wife, Norma, won it for "Top Girl" the same year). 

At BHS, Bob had leading roles in two operettas under Victor Boggis and served as student body president and senior class president. He graduated from Occidental College in 1951 and went on to receive an MA and a PhD in history from USC. He taught AP US History and Government at Culver City High School for 36 years, followed by another 13 years at St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano. 

Bob was married to Norma Beckett, W'45, for 68 years. She graduated with him at Burroughs, BHS and Occidental, and preceded him in death in 2016. He is survived by his daughters, Valerie and Vickie, as well as two grandsons.

Richard Kamins, BHS '65 (1947-2025)

Richard Paul Kamins

June 10, 1947 - October 6, 2025

"Sad Farewell... This Tina Smith Kamins. I lost my wonderful husband, Richard Kamins, yesterday (Monday Oct. 6th). He fought cancer and heart disease like a warrior for decades. 

We were married for 54 years and loved each other since we were BHS ‘65 classmates.  

We’ve been very blessed. Next month would have been our 55th anniversary. We have a wonderful family, 2 sons, 3 grandsons, and 1 granddaughter."

Scott Thompson, BHS '69 (1951-2025)

Scot Paul Thompson

19 May 1950 – 4 October 2025

Photo from 1967 yearbook

 

We just learned that Scot Thompson from BHS class 1969 passed away this past Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Arizona, according to his only son, Rene Rubalcava.

In his junior year, Scot moved to Costa Mesa and graduated from Costa Mesa High School in Orange County.

Roberta Fisher Espinoza, BHS '71 (1953-2025)

Roberta Lee Fisher Espinoza
July 9, 1953 - September 13, 2025

Sandra Odor posted this sad notice on Facebook today October 4, 2025:

I'm sorry to report that BHS class of 1971 alumna Roberta Fisher passed away from a long illness on September 13. She is survived by her loving husband Victor Espinoza, son Jeff Bennett and 2 grandsons, as well as cousins Sandra Odor, Terry Odor, Carla Hoaglund and Carol Williams. We will miss her lovely smile and caring spirit.

Lyle Maxey, BHS '59 (1941-2025)

Lyle Denny Maxey

June 7, 1941 - August 16, 2025

LYLE MAXEY, BHS 1959, died August 16, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident.  

Born in New York City, he was five months old when the family moved to California. At BHS he played B football and oboe.  After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an Army beach lifeguard on Oahu and member of the band.  Discharged in 1963, he earned an AA degree from Los Angeles Valley College.  

Most of his life he worked at sea as an abalone diver, sword fisherman, and tugboat deckhand/skipper.  He held a 500-ton Masters license.  In 1976 he met his future wife, Valerie, in Newport Beach.  In 1989, they bought a 100-acre ranch on the Santa Barbara coast where they tended 15 acres of avocado trees while working as merchant seamen.  That adventure complete, they moved to Solvang in 1999 where they were active in Old Mission Santa Ines, the Model A Club, and the American Legion.  In 2014, they relocated to Cottonwood, Arizona to be closer to family.  

At the time of his death, Lyle’s pet project was planting and nurturing an olive grove on their 2-acre property. He will be remembered for his innate ability to make friends, expound on just about any subject, his love of music (especially Beethoven), his culinary expertise and his willingness to drop everything to help a friend. 

Lyle is survived by his wife of 47 years, Valerie, sister Marilyn (BHS 1954), daughter Gretchen, a granddaughter and two great grandsons.  (Submitted by Valerie Maxey)

LINK to 5 min photo tribute

BHS SENIOR BULLDOGS OCTOBER HALLOWEEN LUNCHEON REMINDER

BHS SENIOR BULLDOGS OCTOBER HALLOWEEN LUNCHEON REMINDER

Greetings Bulldogs...

What happened to September? Today is the last day and tomorrow begins October! (Have you started your Holiday Shopping yet?) With the beginning of October, we realize we are now in the lovely season of Autumn and Halloween is "fast-approaching". On that note, let us remind you that our October Senior Bulldogs Halloween Luncheon will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Date: Monday, October 6, 2025

Place: Burbank Elks Lodge 2232 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Time: 11:00AM

Cost: $16 per person

Menu: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, and Dessert

Feel Free to get in touch with your "Childhood Self" and wear something "Halloweenish", A costume, a funny hat or mask, orange and black attire, Halloween jewelry...whatever! It all adds to the FUN! 

You never know if there will be some "tricks" or some "treats"... There WILL for sure, be some "guaranteed FUN!"

**************ALSO, be thinking about our Annual Toys For Tots Christmas Toy Drive in December...At our DECEMBER LUNCHEON, we will be collecting new unwrapped toys for children and teens who are less fortunate. The Burbank Police Dept. will be on hand to pick up the Toys and Deliver them to the collection location. Plan to bring a couple (or more) toys for the Toys for Tots in December. THANKS!

Have a great week and we will see you on Monday, Oct. 6th...

Pam and Jon

Marie Southall Wagoner, BHS '73 (1955-2021)

Marie Marcelle Southall Wagoner

October 8, 1955 - December 3, 2021

After posting Linda Southall's obituary, we learned that sadly, her sister Marie, also passed away. They have a younger sister, Susan Southall Baker, BHS '80. Sadly, Marie's husband Jeff Wagoner passed away 2 weeks after she died.

The following was posted on Facebook by Marcelle Tbuny on December 3, 2021:

"My mother passed away this morning.  She will always be missed greatly by her husband, grandchildren, and her own children biological or not. I didn't think I would have to be writing this so soon. I will update everyone with proceedings to follow. I love you mom and I will never get over losing you. You are the reason I am as strong as I am today. You have always been a role model and my back bone when I needed guidance.  I don't even know how to process this. I am so hurt and even more so for my daughter.  You were her everything!  Please God send me guidance because I really need it.  I love you Mom."

Linda Southall Bodtcher, BHS '69 (1951-2020)

Linda Christine Southall Bodtcher

October 26, 1951 - June 8, 2020

FIND A GRAVE Link

Sad news... we learned that Linda passed away in 2020. She graduated from BHS in 1969 and married Aaron Bodtcher in 1974. She was the daughter of William and Carol Penrod Southall. 

Linda worked for Burbank School District and later retired as an acounting tech from Davis County School District in Utah. She had 4 children... 2 of them preceded her in death.

Aaron texted, “I sure miss my friend and sweetheart.”

OBITUARY

Our dear wife, mother and grandmother, Linda Bodtcher, passed away yesterday. After a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, she looked forward to being with her family in heaven.

Linda Southall grew up in Burbank Ca. where she attended Burbank High School. Linda was probably the most honest person I ever knew. Many laughingly said of her, "You always know where you stand with Linda". She had a very kind heart, unwavering dedication, a childlike faith in God, and inspired many with her fiercely, loving spirit.

We will miss her smile. She sent her love to all who knew her.

Carolyn Purser, BHS '79 (1960-2025)

Carolyn Denise Purser

May 11, 1960 - September 2025

We just learned sadly that Carolyn Purser passed away last weekend at St Joseph Hospital. She was the youngest child of William and Mary Drennan Purser. Carolyn lived in Burbank and was a Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant at Taylor Dane Personnel Staffing. 

Both her brother Larry Purser, BHS '66 and sister Patricia Purser Bushman, BHS '70 passed away in 2020.

May God bless and comfort this family and their loved ones.

Brian Horan, BHS '68 (1950-2025)

Brian Raymond Horan

November 15, 1950 - September 20, 2025 

Sad news... yesterday Steve Gleason wrote, "On Saturday September 20, 2025, Brian Horan passed away. He was my best friend and will be missed by all who knew him."

Brian was the son of John and Agnes McDonald Horan. He has two siblings, John Horan Jr, BHS '65 and Hillary Horan Krieger, BHS '72.

We pray for comfort for Brian's family and his loved ones. 

Brian, Ned and Sonny Tubbs at The Place in Ventacopa, California

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Cecilia Olga Aguirre Sheehan
I’m so sorry to hear this. Rest in paradise fellow Bulldog.

Richard Hernandez
Rest in peace Brian thoughts and prayers go out to your loved ones. You will be missed bulldog

Bill Oxley
Great guy, fine entertainer and good person!

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏
Debbie Brey Bennett
I’m so saddened to hear this. My prayers go out to his family and especially his daughters. ♥️💐🙏🏼

Nancy McNamara Zambrana
I had the biggest crush on him in H.S. I’m very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts go out to his family. 🙏❤️

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
Omg that is so sad ! Known him most of my school years . Always so handsome and kind . May God rest his soul. Prayers to your family. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼

Barbara Zelenay Berry
His sister Hilary was a regular on Happy Days. RIP 🙏

Virginia Hamilton
My condolences to his family and friends Rip😇🙏

Betsey Nash
So sorry. I have great memories of Brian. RIP

Jodi Tillotson Huddleston
I am so sad to hear this. We were in school together since elementary school at Horace Mann and also had a crush on him. I remember seeing him at the 50th reunion and telling him that. It seemed like such a silly school girl thing to do. But he looked great, like Kurt Russell.

Marybeth Bell Costanzo
Sending our condolences to the whole family. Love and prayers.

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️

Deb Helsley Bush
Rest in peace 🙏🏻. My condolences to Hillary and family 🙏🏻

George Kieffer
Condolences to Hillary and the family.

Mickey DePalo
Rest In Peace, Sir. 🙏🙏

John Todora
So sad to hear of Brian's passing. We were friends from elementary school through high school, always such a nice guy. We lived about a block apart as kids. Last saw him at 50th reunion of BHS class of 68. 

RIP Brian

Michael Meltzer
Very sad news
Condolences to his family

Renee King
🙏 condolences to Hillary and all that loved this dear man.

Roxanne Lewis
May he rest in peace

Mary Allison Downum Oaks
I am so sorry to hear but know he is smiling and entertaining our angels

Michael Katzman
I remember you Brian

Karra Blackburn Merritt
May he rest in peace to Eternity 🌹

Jean Parrinello-Longmore
🙏🙏🙏

Bob Hart
Heartfelt condolences

Donald Matthews
RIP, Sir

Sharon Anderson McEntire
🙏🙏🙏

John Deahl
I still remember the day his family moved into their house on Jolly. We had great times together, and once even "ran away" from home together, which lasted about 8 hrs. He was a great guy, lots of fun, and will be missed by everyone who knew him. RIP my old friend.