Mike Ludwig, BHS '72 (1954-2024)

Michael John Ludwig

March 12, 1954 - May 2024

(Junior photo from 1971 Ceralbus yearbook)

Sadly we just learned that Mike Ludwig, BHS '72, passed away last year according to his younger brother, Max Ludwig, BHS '73.

Melissa Prater Uribe, BHS '70 (1952-2025)

 

 

 Melissa Lee Prater Uribe

April 4, 1952 - January 22, 2025 

Sad news just received from Melissa's sister, Barbara Prater Coffman. Please keep the family in your prayers...

Melissa Prater Uribe died yesterday. Born 4-4-52 to John Edward Prater and Barbara Dille Prater. Four sisters including (from the oldest) Barbara Prater Coffman, BHS ‘61, Cynthia Prater Gibson, BHS ‘62, Janet Prater-Manor BHS ‘66, Kathy Lorenz Waldron, BHS ‘76. Melissa graduated in 1970. 

 

Our dad died of brain cancer when Lissa was only 1 and I was nearly 10 and our mom remarried when I was 13. She was left with 4 daughters and was only 34. Kind of scary . We all thought our dad was our hero! He had worked for the FBI and I even have a letter from J. Edgar Hoover congratulating my parents on my birth. My grandson took it to school for show and tell once!

 

When Mom remarried, Lissa became mine! She would toddle down the hall and climb in bed with me and we’ve been best of friends ever since. I will miss her greatly. But she was a strong Christian and is with Jesus now so I wouldn’t wish her back! I can tell you that because I know you understand. What would we do without our “blessed hope?” 

 

Melissa has two daughters, Heather and Holeigh, who is married to Todd Holmes and has two children, Myah and Evan. There will be a memorial in a few weeks.

 

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

 

Richard Hernandez
Rest in peace, Melissa thoughts and prayers go out to your loved ones

Nancy McNamara Zambrana
Rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss you forever. My deepest condolences to your daughters & the entire family ❤️🙏❤️

Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏

Charmaine Chastain
Rest easy sweet friend 💜

Virginia Hamilton
I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to her family and friends. Rip Melissa.😇🙏

Chris Rank
Rest in peace Melissa 🙏❤️

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏

Karen Stone Messervier
R.I.P. Melissa

Debbie Brey Bennett
😢🙏🏼💐

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
I’m so sorry and prayers going to her daughters and of course Gil her ex but our friends forever 🙏🏼💖🙏🏼

Liz Allen
RIP 🙏

Patricia Kohnhorst
Prayers for Barbara and her family 🙏🏻♥️

Blyden Loutensock
Rest in peace my friend!

Carol Macias
Condolences

Susan Landing-Phillips
So sad and my deepest sympathies to the whole family.

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
Rest in peace.

Diane Napolitano
RIP🙏🙏

Bob Hart
Heartfelt condolences

Darlene Culotta
Oh, I'm so sorry. I knew she had health issues, but I was hoping she'd be O.K. Her sister Janet, was always one of my friends in high school. Blessings to the family. ❤

Donald Matthews
RIP, Ma’am 🥲

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️

Mike Signorelli
RIP...PRAYERS

Cecilia Olga Aguirre Sheehan
My sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest in paradise fellow Bulldog.

Chris Burke
RIP Melissa

Nancy Olsen Barry
May you now rest with our
Lord. My prayers for your entire family 🙏❤️

Carolyn Hof
My heart goes out to the family. May you rest up above.🙏

Julian Almaraz
RIP 🙏

Sharon Anderson McEntire
🙏🙏🙏 RIP, You will be missed! You were a very special person! My condolences to the family and God Bless!😪💖

Debi Funck
RIP my friend!

Rich French
She was born the year before I graduated BHS, I feel blessed to have lived a healthy life this long, I truly miss all my classmates that didn’t.

Louise Good Hernandez
Sending prayers and condolences to the family. 🙏💔

Patty Barton
Prayers for family

Patricia Sorley
R.I.P. OLD Bulldog.

Betsey Nash
To Janet E. Prater and family, our love and condolences.

Pam Wright Peterson
🙏🏻 Prayers to all the family. She will certainly be missed. Such a sweet person. 🥰

Johnny Flores
Rest in peace BHS sister

Barbara S. Goldsmith
So very sad. May her memory be a blessing to us all.

Pam McNamara Walker
RIP sweet Melissa…❤️

Maureen O'Dea-Tracy
Prayers to the family. She was a good friend in HS.😞

Susan Earle-Miller
Rest in Peace my dear friend! We will miss your sweet posts! So glad we got to visit in 2021 at BHS Class reunion.

Michael Meltzer
RIP

Julie Guttridge
Melissa has been suffering for awhile now .. may she be with Jesus & out of pain now 🙏💕

Cindy Menroy
No! Melissa and I worked together while attending BHS. Her sister worked at my dentist. My brother dated Melissa’s sister. I lost contact with these Sweet friends years ago. I am so sad to see this news.

Lorraine Devenport Peterson
🙏

Susan Peña MacCaskey
My heartfelt condolences to her friends and family

Paula Graf
🙏 Prayers for her family!

Margo Ewing
Melissa and I went to grade school together at Emerson, so we go way back. I will miss her beautiful smile and kind heart, but I look forward to seeing her in Heaven.

Lois-John Koerner
💕🙏💕

Harry Seagraves
I AM HEART BROKEN 💔. Melissa and l were in touch during pandemic and explained her health condition. Had planned to visit her on my way to San Diego. We were such good friends all the way back to John Muir days. Melissa was one of many girls a young 13 year old boy had a crush on. Always a smile and 'hi Hunter' when we passed in the halls. I wish you a wonderful eternal rest my wonderful friend. 🌹
 

Bill Murray, BHS '56 (1938-2024)

 

 

  William "Bill" Joseph Murray

March 4, 1938 – December 21, 2024

Bill Murray was born and raised in Burbank.  He attended George Washington elementary school, John Muir Junior high and graduated from Burbank high in the class of 1956.  

During his life, Bill liked to water ski on the Colorado river and sometimes race his flat bottom ski boat, ride dirt bikes all around the California deserts, halibut fish out of Marina del Rey, restore old cars and stream fish and camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  

Bill was a long time member of the Road Kings car club and attended almost every car show, he restored 3 classic cars and was happy to show them off. For many, many years he could be seen daily at the Burbank Athletic club and Noah’s bagels.  Bill and his wife of 50 years, Dorothy moved to the Reno, Nevada area in July of 2024 to be closer to family.  Bill passed away at home, surrounded by his family.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and mostly by those who love him.  

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his daughters Terry and Andrea and his granddaughter, Hannah.

His parents and siblings have proceeded him in death. Parents, Harold Murray, Lala Murray.  Siblings,  Jack Murray and Joanne Anderson.  

 

Gary Ziegler, BHS '71 (1953-2017)

 

Gary Patrick Ziegler

March 17, 1952 - April 27, 2017

FIND A GRAVE Link

Just received this sad note with photos...

Hi Cathy: 

I am sad to report the passing of  my 1971 Burbank High School Classmate Gary Patrick Ziegler. Gary Died on April 27, 2017 from Polysystic Kidney Disease. Gary grew up on Dymond Street in Burbank. He attended Providencia  Elementary, Luther Burbank and Burbank High School. In adult life he was a school teacher and lived in Huntington Beach. He was married to Paula Ciarelli. Gary had at least one child. See photos below. I will forward any more information as I find it from facebook and other social media outlets.

Thank you for maintaining this web page of our classmates that have passed.

Bob Meza Class of 71

 

 

 

 

Bill Wood, BHS '73 (1955-2025)

 

William Edwin Wood (Bill) passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Mary Jane in Sarasota on Tuesday January 14, 2025 after courageously battling a long illness. Bill was a beloved husband, father, brother and unbelievable friend. He will be remembered as an iconic personality who had the capacity to captivate you from your very first introduction.

Bill was born on April 7, 1955 in Burbank California. He was a standout high school basketball player which propelled him to go to the University of California at Santa Barbara. There he met some of his lifelong friends who remained part of his life until his passing. Bill’s career began as an executive at Long’s Drug Store in Oxnard California. There he was recruited by his college roommate to move to Sarasota Florida and manage the newly opened Magic Moment Restaurant and Blueberry Hill nightclub. During nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry, he opened restaurants in Tampa, Florida all the way to London, England. Bill ended his career as a well-respected real estate professional in southwest Florida.

Bill is survived by his beautiful wife Mary Jane, sister Mary, and three wonderful sons, Mark, Jacob and Joshua all of which he was extremely proud of.

There will be a memorial service to remember Bill on Saturday February 1st, 2025 held at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N Orange Avenue. Following the service, there will be a celebration for Bill from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at The Crescent Club, 6519 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key.

 

Dave Deutch, BHS '70 (1952-2024)

 

David Sherman Deutch

August 5, 1952 - December 14, 2024

David Sherman Deutch, MD was born August 5, 1952, in Tyler, Texas, to Sherman and Lois Dixon Deutch. His father was a lawyer and his mother a secretary.

He was raised in Burbank, California, where he attended public schools. Dave didn't play sports at his high school but as a fifteen-year-old, he pitched a perfect game for a local recreation league team. "They couldn't hit my fifteen mile-per-hour fastball," Dave would quip with a wink. During this time he forged a bond with a dozen or so friends known to themselves as the Deutch Gang. They held forth in Dave's garage, buoyed by music, pool, high jinx, and conversation. According to one member, "It was a cross between the serenity of Walden Pond and the atmosphere of Cheers, where everyone not only knew your name but who you were deep down inside." The fifty-year connection between members continues to this day.

Dave attended the University of California at Davis where he majored in physiology and went on to earn his degree in medicine and ophthalmology. He practiced ophthalmology for thirty years in Eugene, Oregon, and Cottonwood, Arizona.

Dave and his wife, Chris Clarke, met while working together at PeaceHealth. A mutual interest in ballroom dancing led to dance classes and then moved on to collaborating on home improvement projects. Finding they could navigate challenging partnerships such as these with ease, Dave and Chris made it permanent by marrying in 2009. The joy found in their friendship spilled over onto all who knew them. Chris describes Dave as a remarkable man whose kindness and love radiated through every moment they shared. His adventurous spirit and sharp intelligence inspired those around him, while his sense of humor could light up any room. She remembers him as the best dancer in the world, effortlessly making her feel like a princess every time they took the dance floor together. "His memory will forever be cherished in my heart", says Chris.

Due to the ravages of Parkinson's Disease on mind and body, Dave passed peacefully at home on December 14, 2024 surrounded by those who loved him dearly. Even in decline, the extent of Dave's influence cannot be overestimated. It was seen in his concern with how everyone else around him was doing. Dave was unfailingly kind, but honest ... with a sharp wit, ready for real conversation on wide ranging topics. He was an avid traveler and constant learner, expanding his knowledge and game for adventure. He loved gathering friends together for good food, excellent drinks, carefully selected music, and good times. His calm demeanor, welcoming personality, and mischievous grin with a twinkling eye, endeared him to patients, family members, colleagues, and friends ... many of whom regarded Dave as their best friend.

Dave loved being a father and his daughters were bright spots in his life. Ashley's words: "I idolized my dad growing up. He was active, funny, creative, and outgoing. He never nagged us, and I was never afraid to tell him what was going on in my life. He made me feel comfortable going to him with problems. I knew that he would help me with anything and I would not feel judged for it. Dad was always making things fun and creative for us. When I was in college, we made an entertainment center together out of copper piping. It's moved from Eugene to Denver to Seattle and to Bend with me. It's still in my living room. I think of the fun we had making it together often. Dad also came with me to buy my first fake ID on the street in San Francisco!"

And Emily: "He led by example, never putting any pressure on us to be a certain way, but because he was so great, we wanted to be like him in many ways. My dad is one of the easiest people to be around. He was fun without being overbearing or attention seeking. He always had a well-timed joke and was charming in an unassuming type of way. He treated people well, everyone. I'm not sure that I've ever met a less judgmental person. He sees the good in everyone and had friendships with people with vastly different world views, bringing people together. He was highly intelligent and accomplished yet also the antithesis of a snob, genuine and incredibly down to earth."

Dave is lovingly remembered by his wife, Chris Clarke; daughters Emily Harris (Joey Janssen) and Ashley Sapin (Bennett Sapin); stepdaughters Jillian Munro and Kelsey Clarke (Tony DePiano) and stepson Reiley Clarke (Hannah Clarke); brother Steve Deutch and sister Diana Thorton (Russell Thornton) and five grandchildren. (Loretta, Thatcher, Cooper, Quinn, and Elena).

Due to his love of science and learning, Dave requested his body be donated to OHSU Medical School. Donations in Dave's memory can be made to Parkinson's Resources of Oregon or End of Life Choices of Oregon.

Posted online on January 01, 2025

Published in The Register-Guard

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏

Pam Wright Peterson
So sorry to hear this… RIP Dave. Prayers for the family. 🙏🏻

Carol Macias
Condolences

Patsy Raymundi
So sorry bless his family

Pamela Spang
Sounds like a great life and will be helpful to others in the future in learning how Parkinson’s can be cured 🙏🏻. Rest well Bulldog 💙

Donald Matthews
RIP, Sir

Betty Worland
What a wonderful man who led a great life. RIP and my deepest condolences to his family and friends. ❤

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏

Deb Helsley Bush
Rest in Peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Betsey Nash
Bless his heart for being such a rich, good man. Bless his family in their grief.

Joyce Starleaf
Dave was definitely one of the good guys. He had so many friends from high school. I know that he had suffered from
Parkinson’s for many years and it sounds like he continued to have a full life . Rest in peace Dave. 🙏🏻

Susan Landing-Phillips
So sorry to hear. Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️

Joan Taylor Cappocchi
So sorry to hear this sad sad news.

Jacquie Henry
RIP Bulldog🙏

Heidi B. Davenport
Prayers for this loss.

Liz Allen
RIP 🙏

Blyden Loutensock
Was a great friend and example!

Alice Moore Robinson, BHS '64 (1945-2025)

 

  

 Alice Jean Moore Robinson

November 6, 1945 - January 7, 2025

 

FIND A GRAVE Link

The passing of another BHS '64 Classmate...

This information is from one of Alice's best and oldest friends (her next door neighbor growing up, and also a fellow BHS '64 Classmate MaryLou Johnson Anderson). We are so sorry to tell our fellow classmates, that we lost Alice Moore BHS '64 recently.

Alice Jean Moore Robinson was born on November 6, 1945 and passed away in her sleep, on January 7, 2025 as a result of a brain tumor and respiratory complications. She is survived by her three sons and her older brother Arthur Moore plus many grandchildren...

Matthew Robinson and wife Erin have three kids: Mason, Noelle and Owen.

Jason Robinson and wife Karin have four kids: Luke, Isabel, Myra and Nollan.  

Travis Robinson and wife Renee have two sons: Titus and Tanyn.  

Three grand dogs: Atticus collie, Mensa Australian sheep dog and Argo Australian cattle dog. 

 

She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Moore and Betty Moore and her younger brother Alan Moore, BHS '68 (his obituary). 

 

Alice was the captain of a tall ship, “the swift of Ipswich“ from the Maritime Museum in San Pedro. She also loved riding her horse.

 

Her family is in the process of writing an obituary and a Celebration of Life is planned for a couple of months from now (to be announced).

Pam and Jon Kirkwood

 

 

Alice was in the Sundowners with Barry Hockenberger '64 and Keith Lee '63

 

UPDATE JANUARY 25, 2025

In Loving Memory of Alice Jean Moore Robinson

 

Alice, a beloved daughter, wife, exceptional mother, and adored grandmother, passed away peacefully on 1/7/2025. She was a woman of many talents and passions, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and faith.

 

Born to Ernie and Betty Moore, Alice, was known from a young age for her out of the box thinking and love of God’s creation. She excelled in guitar and enjoyed playing with her family on vacation. As a young woman, she jumped horses, raced sled dogs, mapped rivers for white water companies and traveled with her family. All those skills would help when raising 3 boys and all their friends.

 

As a mom of three boys, she stayed one step ahead of their limitless energy as well as their friends. She was gentle with boxing and wrestling injuries and then firm when knife juggling practice got too fast or close. She was always growing in her love and care for her family. 

In 1992 she started with Los Angeles Maritime institute. She immediately won the mom title from many young men and women that needed such love and focus. She always sought to say “yes but…” so there was always a means of communication and loving understanding conveyed to young people struggling to adapt in a world of so many negatives. She earned a USCG License to sail tall ships and became known as Captain Mom. 

Her lifelong dream of owning her own horse was fulfilled in her best friend Razmataz. This had the added blessing of a “barn” family that enjoyed her fellowship and trail time. 

Above all, Alice was a devoted Christian whose faith was central to her life. She was known for her deep love for children, dedicating much of her time to teaching, mentoring, and simply being a beacon of joy and guidance to the young ones around her. Her home was always open, filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of family gatherings.

She is survived by her husband, George, children Matthew, Jason and Travis, and grandchildren Luke, Isabel, Myra, Nolen, Mason, Noelle, Owen, Titus and Tanyn, as well as numerous friends who felt like family. Alice was predeceased by her younger brother Burbank Fireman Alan Scott Moore.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Los Angeles Maritime Institute, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping children and spreading the message of faith and love on the Swift of Ipswich.

Alice will be remembered not just for her remarkable achievements but for the love, kindness, and joy she spread wherever she went. Her spirit, one of adventure, faith, and unconditional love, will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her. 

 

"Until we meet again, fair winds and following seas."

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏

Kathy Bacon
Sweet person. May happy memories comfort her family and friends.

Patricia Sorley
R.I.P. OLD BULLDOG. We had several talks in high school. Hope you enjoyed your life. Blessings to your loved ones.

Charlotte Gober
Very sad news.

Timothy Avery
Dang. She was in my third grade class. Neet girl

Julie Guttridge
Sad to loose another Bulldog . Sounds like she had a great life though !

Bo Boeing
She lived 2 doors down from me in elementary school and I had a crush on her 😎❤️

Pam Kirkwood
Alice was indeed, a "sweetheart". Kind, humble and talented in so many areas. She was a musician/singer, a Ship Captain, an adventurer, an accomplished horse woman, a wonderful mother, a good friend and even had a children's book published about her adventures as a ship captain entitled "The Ballad of Alice Dare"...Ally is missed by all who knew her...Bon Voyage, Ally...sending love...

Harold Maxham
I had several classes with her over the years of schooling in Burbank RIP Alice.

Dennis Goff
Never really knew her, but she always lit up a room when she entered in. A very sweet girl in everyway!

Susan Montgomery Moran
We grew up together

Marlene Zober Lipman
So sorry to hear of Alice passing. We were good friends in high school. I always admired her talent at sailing & riding. She was so full of life. My condolences to her family. 🙏

Gary Oseransky
May she rest in peace!

Jean Parrinello-Longmore
So sorry. We were good friends. Sad 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Kathy Barloewen
🙏🏻😢

Mary Lou Johnson Anderson
I already miss her

Nancy Pociasek Shearer
😢

Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏

Liz Allen
RIP 🙏

Carol Macias
Condolences

Donald Matthews
RIP, Ma’am 🥲

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏

Phil Johnson
We were neighbors on Fairmount Road. I have always referred to her as my 4th sister. 🌹🌹
RIP Alice……

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️

Virginia Hamilton
My condolences to her family and friends. Rip.😇🙏

Mary Seekins
RIP Alice, fellow Girl Scout.

Tom Schmitt, BHS '76 (1957-2024)

 

Thomas Schmitt

 October 8, 1957 — December 6, 2024

 

Thomas Schmitt, 67, born on October 08, 1957, in Los Angeles, CA, United States, passed away December 06, 2024. He resided in North Hollywood, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, CA. 

 

Tom has three siblings: Karen, BHS '73, Eileen, BHS '74 and Jim, BHS '77. Today Jim Schmitt posted this notice on Facebook.

 

My brother, Tom Schmitt (BHS '76), passed away on 12/6/24 of natural causes. Please share this with his friends. Thank you.

 

 Facebook Link to RSVP

 

Lorraine Batenhorst White, BHS '46 (1929-2024)

 

Today, January 10, 2025, was the funeral for Lorraine Esther Batenhorst White, BHS '46. She passed away the day after Thanksgiving. Her husband, Don White, BHS '45, passed away in 2017 (obituary and Find A Grave).

Lorraine was the daughter of Anton and Clara Batenhorst and she had four older brothers. Sadly, her mother died when Lorraine was only ten days old.

Annette Dinoflo Bennett, BHS '68, wrote that Lorraine was her neighbor and she took care of her for awhile. Annette always cut Don's hair and would see him at the Senior Bulldog Luncheons saying he sat with Ray Brown, Sallie Thomas' uncle. "Lorraine was a wonderful person and quite the good neighbor and a special volunteer to many groups in Burbank."

FIND A GRAVE Link for Lorraine

Curtis Smith, BHS '58 (1940-2024)

 

Curtis Robert Smith

June 23, 1940 - September 23, 2024

Curtis passed away after a brief battle with brain cancer. He was a dedicated husband and father who proudly bragged about his grandkids. At BHS, he excelled in basketball and attended the University of Evansville (Indiana) on a basketball scholarship. He returned to Burbank and enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career at Lockheed Aircraft, marrying Carole Lynn Prescott Smith, BHS '62 and together they had two daughters. After retirement, he and Carole traveled the world and welcomed 5 grandchildren into the world. (From Christine Smith Dull, daughter)

Curt was the son of Curtis and Elizabeth Grein Smith. His younger brother Alan graduated BHS '62.

Photograph caption dated January 29, 1959 reads, "This band of Burbank High Bulldogs will be tackling the Indians of John Burroughs Friday night in an all - important Foothill League basketball game on the Burroughs' Reservation. Pictured are, from left, front row: Larry Brunner, Curt Smith, Loren Stenberg, Joe Carpenter, co-captain Jim Mylroie, Jeff Jonas and John Varga. Back row: Coach Roy Lockwood, George Baker, Wayne Dunkerley, Bob Konstanzer, Bill Straley, co-captain Bill Nielsen and Bruce Ludwig."

LA Valley Time (Los Angeles Public Library)

Judy Boardman Balfour, BHS '53 (1935-2024)

 November 15, 1952 Marriage of Judy and Ken Balfour

Judith Ann Boardman Balfour

November 19, 1935 - September 18, 2024

FIND A GRAVE Link

Judith Balfour Obituary

Judith Ann Balfour 88, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Del Webb Hospital in Surprise, AZ. Judy was born on November 19, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, to Amy Katherine Bostwick and William (Mack) McDowell Pitts. After her father Mack's death when she was only 3 years old, she was adopted by her step-father Richard Boardman. Growing up in Los Angeles, she held a deep love of the ocean and spent her childhood traveling by trolley to the beach with her friends. While attending Burbank High School she met her future husband and love of her life, Kenneth Balfour. Ken and Judy married on November 15, 1952 and raised three children, Ronald, Mark and Janet together while living in the San Fernando Valley. The family moved to Cortez, Colorado in 1975. Judy worked in the administration office of the Montezuma- Cortez High School, where many of the students affectionately referred to her as their "school mom". After retiring to Ajo, Arizona in 1995, her love of reading and ceramics led her to her second career working for Pima County at both the library and in the ceramics studio for many years where she made precious, lifelong friends.

Judy loved to cook, bake and entertain, especially when it meant having her family and friends gathered together for one of her delicious meals. An accomplished crafter, she would sew beautiful dresses for herself or matching outfits for her nieces and daughter to wear on holidays, lovingly hand-stitched quilts and cross-stitched Christmas stockings to give her grand-children, as well as painting ceramics and making stained glass pieces for friends and family. Her love of music was lifelong and a touchstone in her life. She played the piano and organ from childhood into her 80s. Judy enjoyed nights out and traveling to attend musicals and concerts like Wicked, Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Rod Stewart well into her 80s. Traveling to California every Spring to watch her grandson in his school musical was a trip she looked forward to every year.

What she loved more than anything else was her family and friends. Judy leaves behind her husband, Kenneth Balfour of Ajo, Az; her sons Mark Balfour of Ajo, AZ and Ronald (Jeannie) Balfour of Bloomfield, NM; her daughter Janet (Sven) Balfour-Nilsson of Los Angeles, CA; her 4 grandchildren, Trever Balfour, Ryan Balfour, Lindsey Davis and Dylan Nilsson; and 6 great grandchildren.

Judy is preceded in death by her sister Virginia Ferguson, grandson Mark Randall Balfour, Jr. and best friend, Janet Rea.

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow what a ride!" Hunter S. Thompson

A memorial will be planned for a future date.

 

Published by The Journal on Oct. 11, 2024.

Fred Cooper, BHS '75 (1956-2018)

 

 

Fredrick Cooper Obituary

Fredrick A. Cooper
Port St. Lucie, FL

FREDRICK ALLEN COOPER went to be the Lord on Sunday, April 1, 2018 after fighting pancreatic cancer. Fred or "Coop" as he was often called was born on July 29, 1956 in Charleston, West Virginia. After moving with his Mom and Sister to Glendale, California in 1958 his Mom remarried and settled in Burbank, California.

Fred leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and devoted companion, Carol Cline - Port St. Lucie, Florida; his sister, Debbie Cooper Billiot (spouse, Joe Billiot) - Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; a son, Fredrick A. Cooper, II - Nebraska; a brother, Greg Cline (spouse, Salley Cline) - Shreveport, Louisiana; grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, specifically acknowledging: neices, Rikki, Dawn, Tina, Debbie and beloved cousin, R. Wayne Cline.

Preceeded in death: Father, Buddy Cooper, Mother, Dazine McCallister Propst; Step-Father, Charles Cline, Sr.; Brothers: C. Wayne Cline, Tom Cline, and Charles Cline, Jr.

Upon graduating from Burbank High School in June, 1975, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army - achieveing the rank of Sargent, serving in many posts around the world, including West Berlin, Germany, 1 Korea, Hawaii and many "State Side" posts. After serving eight years in the military, Fred was discharged. Fred continued to SERVE by becoming a Deputy with the Martin County Sheriffs Office and retired after 25 years of service.

Fred had a love for motorcycles and going on many extensive trips throughout the United States, even going to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - a national motorcyle 'haven' for riders in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Fred's love for his Martin County Sheriffs Office's family cannot go without saying he was truly dedicated to them.

May we all remember: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Richard Puz, The Carolinian

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be 3 PM to 5 PM, Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home Chapel with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 5 PM. Honors will be provided by the U. S. Army and MCSO. www.treasurecoastseawinds.com

 

Diann Naylor Sorrenti, BHS '75 (1956-2024)

 

Sad news… Diann recently passed away. She was the daughter of John and Angela Naylor and she had three siblings: sister Florence from the class of ‘67, brother Jim class ‘68 and brother John/Jack class of ‘70 who sadly passed away in 2018.

Diann Elaine Naylor Sorrenti

December 6, 1956 – July 30, 2024

IN THE CARE OF

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

Diann Elaine Sorrenti, age 67, of Burbank, California passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

A memorial service for Diann will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606, followed by a reception from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

"A light is from our household gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home, that never can be filled. The Golden Gates did open. A gentle voice said, “Come”. And with farewell unspoken, we said,“Thy will be done”. May the Blessed Virgin greet her and present her to her Son. May Her Sacred Heart receive her, as it was, God’s will was done." - A Light Is Gone

"There is a legend that an angel came to earth to take something beautiful back to Heaven and he took a bouquet of roses, a baby’s smile and a Mother’s love. When he reached the Heavenly realms, the roses had withered, the baby’s smile had vanished, but the Mother’s love endured forever." - A Mothers Love

MORE PHOTOS https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/north-hollywood-ca/diann-sorrenti-11919137

Mr William Mark, Former BHS Auto Shop Teacher (1931-2016)

 

William H. Mark

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ
Published on Friday, October 14, 2016

William H. Mark, 85, passed away Oct. 9, 2016 in Lake Havasu City.

He was born Jan. 14, 1931 in Flint, Michigan to George and Dorothy (Poole) Mark.

William served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy 1948-1950 and was honorably discharged. After his service he raised his family, returned to college and received his Bachelor’s and teaching degree. He taught industrial arts at Burbank High School in California for 20-plus years. He moved to Havasu 23 years ago.

William was a rifle and gun enthusiast and he enjoyed woodworking, antique cars and RV travel. He was a member of the Elks, American Legion and Calvary Baptist Church. He will be deeply missed and always loved.

William is survived by his wife Yvonne Mark of Havasu, daughter Terri Ann Taylor, granddaughters Jennifer, Christina and Melanie Taylor and two great-grandsons, Kaleb and Morghen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his late wife Jean. 

A memorial service is at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 21, at Calvary Baptist Church’s McCulloch campus with Pastor Chet Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund in Lake Havasu City.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com.

Arrangements were made by Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory, veteran and family owned.