Mike Colleran, BHS '81 (1963-2026)

Michael Lawrence Colleran

August 4, 1963 - October 25, 2026

Sean Colleran posted on Facebook O͏c͏t͏o͏b͏e͏r͏ ͏2͏5, 2026 this very sad note...

We are extremely sorrowful to let all of you know Michael Lawrence Colleran, born on August 4th, 1963 has passed away on October 25th at the age of 63 after a two month struggle with West Nile virus. Although many of you may know him as a friend, a co-worker, a teacher, or a dentist, I had the honor of being his son! I’m so thankful for the time he spent on this earth. He’s taught me so much and has been such a light to others around him! He’s helped so many people! Thank you Dad! We are all going to miss you and we love you! Your memory will live on in our hearts! We will see you in the stars!

Below are a few of several photos that Sean posted. Please keep Sean, Mike's wife Cyndee and all the family in your prayers for comfort during this very difficult time.

Dan Brumley, BHS '65 (1947-2026)

Daniel Shepard Brumley

October 23, 1947 - October 2026

Sadly, we learned that the BHS Class of 1965, lost another classmate recently. Daniel S. Brumley ’65 passed away suddenly about 2 weeks ago from a heart attack, as reported by his cousin, Judy Allen Houston JBHS ’64.

Danny was born on October 23, 1947 and was originally from Sapulpa, Oklahoma. After graduating from BHS in 1965, he studied Journalism at San Fernando Valley State College. He lived in Pollock Pines, California for many years.

Dan was pre-deceased by his parents (Liz and Carl Brumley) and his son, (Aaron). He is survived by his daughter, (Jennifer Brumley) and his sister, (Karla Pappas), nephews, Bradley DeHaven and Bryce DeHaven, two grandsons, (Leland and London Roche) and his cousin, (Judy Allen Houston).

Danny was a childhood friend of mine and lived right across the street from me on California Street for many years. He was always a nice friendly (kind of shy) boy and he had a great sense of humor. It makes me sad to think he is no longer with us.

God Bless You, Danny

Pam Zipfel Kirkwood BHS ‘64

Barry Sylvester, BHS '59 (1941-2026)

Barry W Sylvester 

May 31, 1941 - September 15, 2026

Daughter Kimberly Sylvester just posted this sad notice today on Facebook...

Barry W. Sylvester, Burbank High School class of 1959, will always be remembered for his service to others...

President of Burbank Rotary, Scoutmaster, Softball coach, Neighbor, Friend, Trustee. Father, Husband, Brother, Son.

Pops was a Hero and father-figure to many. He was born in New York but moved to Southern California at the age of 4. Burbank was his hometown for many years, There he raised a family with Jan Sylvester & was a very well respected CPA.

Barry and his dear dog, Missy, moved to Washington early this year to live with his daughter, Kimberly Sylvester, and her fiance, Patrick Farley. Together with Patrick's mom, Elaine Farley, they shared many memorable adventures, laughter and peace. Treasured memories keep his love and spirit alive.

HIs name will live on with his sons, Ty Sylvester-Gronnier, husband Henry Gronnier-Sylvester and Reese Sylvester and his grandson, Jacob Sylvester, wife Katie Sylvester & 6 grand- children: Luc, Clara, Collette, Jace, Dean & Rex. He was very proud of his granddaughter, Rain Malzahn...

His friends & past clients have reached out to share their fond stories of Barry. He had no enemies and wanted to help everyone.

Generous and kind, his quick wit continues......

A Celebration of Life is planned for this Sunday, Oct 18th at 11am in the Burbank area. Please contact me for more details, if you would like to attend.

Linda Linneweh Bidasio, BHS '64 (1946-2026)

Linda Louise Linneweh Bidasio

December 9, 1946 - October 3, 2026

 

We just received word that sadly, Linda Linnweh Bidasio passed away this past Saturday, October 3, 2026 from complications of pancreatic cancer. 

Linda was the daughter of Lester and Eileen Linnweh. She attended Providencia Elementary School and Luther Jr High before BHS. 

Please keep her family in your prayers.

Stevan Swall, BHS '81 (1963-2018)

Stevan Anthony Swall

January 13, 1963 - February 18, 2018

10th grade photo

Stevan Anthony Swall, 55, of Keaau, Hawaii, died at home on Sunday, February 18, 2018. He was born in Glendale, CA and was a plumber with Drainpipe Plumbing & Solar. Private family services were held. 

He is survived by his: Wife, Margaret Swall of Keaau, HI; Father, Donald Swall, Jr. of Eureka, CA and Mother, Jacqulyn (George) Swall of Simi Valley, CA.

Bob Carter, BHS '66 (1948-2026)

Robert Earl Carter

June 2, 1948 - September 30, 2026

This is more sad news... Bob Carter recently passed away. He was a Realtor and lived in Toluca Lake. I remember him as a fun and friendly guy in high school. May the Lord comfort his family I pray.

Here is a 2018 article about where he lives.

The Crosby Chronicles - Toluca Lake Magazine

Below is the original notice plus a few photos from the 1966 yearbook.

Key Club

UPDATE: Just received this photo of Bob with classmates at Smokehouse August 1, 2026 for their Burbank High Class Reunion. We also learned he was battling cancer.

Standing is Mike Ranshaw

Sitting L-R is Bob Carter, Bob Grina, Gary Richards and Mike Collins

John Coyle, BHS '65 (1946-2026)

Celebration of John's Life October 15, 2026 in Newhall California

John Martin Coyle

September 14, 1946 - September 26, 2026

Our hearts are broken... we lost John Coyle on Saturday.

John was an amazing man who not only served our country as a Marine but also locally as a Police Officer. His accomplishments are many and he was always helping wherever he went. John was an excellent cook. He was Exalted Ruler for the Burbank Elk's Lodge for 2 years in a row. He and his beautiful wife Cathy Nicholls Coyle, BHS '67, raised two sons. John so enjoyed their sweet grandchildren. 

John will be greatly missed by us all...

Please keep Cathy and all the family in your prayers.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Janice Stinson Beimford

Oh no! Sending prayers!

Randy Cotter

Oh no! I've known John since 1st grade at Jefferson. We were in print shop all through high school at BHS. RIP brother.

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux

🙏

Joseph Baldino

Played baseball with him in Little League Pioneer Savings and Loan Pirates we played... was a real good player. I was really surprised in high school that we’ll see he didn’t try and play baseball or football.

Mary Ogle

Oh no! So sad to hear this. Sending love & hugs to Cathy Coyle & family. 🙏

Victoria Hinton

RIP Bulldog

Mary Boriso Jordan

So very sad to hear this....Rest in peace, John....Sending love and prayers.

Carol Baker

Prayers to Cathy and her family over the loss of the love of her life. John also played an active role in the success of the Burbank Senior Bulldogs, among so many other groups. Rest in peace my friend. 🙏❤🙏

Don Ray

I’m horrified to hear this tragic news.

Pamela Spang

Heartbreaking to read this. Cathy, holding you close at this time. May you be surrounded by friends and Gods love in the days ahead 😢

Martin Lillibridge

RIP Bulldog 🙏

Barbara Zelenay Berry

So heartbreaking..I've known John since elementary school. We lived on the same street. My sincere condolences to Cathy , sisters Peggy and Nancy and family. Forever in our hearts. RIP John 😢 ♥ 🙏 😔

Dorothy Aasen-Delg

Very sad news, I'm so sorry Cathy.

Linda Everett

John and Cathy shared the most beautiful love story and my heart aches for what Cathy is going through right now. God Bless her and comfort her at this difficult time❤️😢🙏🏻

Julie Guttridge

God bless Cathy during this time of her loved one John. God will give you strength during this very sad time of your life.

Darlene Culotta

I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers for the whole family.

Judy Sturm Seay

I am very sorry to hear this   sending my sincere condolences!

Mary Seekins

RIP John.

Elena Hubbell

Oh such very sad news. John was always such a sweet, amazing guy and he and Cathy were that special couple. We met when our boys played sports together and became friends. So many good memories. Sending love and prayers to the whole family. 🙏🙏❤️

Jolene Firgens

My heart is bleeding. Such good and dear friend since the 4th grade. He will surely be miss by Duff, Mackenzie and I. Our group has lost part of our souls. RIP John and I’ll drink a scotch to you my friend! God just got another angel! 😔 My condolences to Cathy and family. Heartbroken 💔

Joyce Miller

Our prayers to you Cathy. Gail and Joyce

Deanna Jennings

My heart aches for you Cathy. You and John had such a special precious relationship. We will miss him. Sending love and comforting prayers. 🙏💙

Nancy McNamara Zambrana

Rest in Peace

Donna Luce Veatch Neitman

To all the Coyle and Nicholls family, my deepest and sincere condolences! Cathy you already know what I’m feeling for you as we talked yesterday! We had many a good time with you and John and the others who have passed! My prayers for you my BFF especially for peace! May John Rest In Eternal Peace!

🕊️🙏❤️

Bruce Fossler

R.i.p. John

Condolences to Cathy Coyle

You were matched in Heaven and that is where you will meet again…

Pam Kirkwood

John, you gave so much of yourself to God, your Family, Friends, Community and Country and distributed Love and Kindness and Humor everywhere you went and to all you met. Job well-done. We will all miss you so much...

Semper Fi and Love, Pam and Jon

Deb Helsley Bush

Rest in Peace 🕊️

Kim Brewer

So very sad! Praying for Cathy! 🙏💔

Nancy Olsen Barry

May he rest in peace! Job well done. My prayers to the family at this difficult time 💔🙏

Gary Bric

OMG, thoughts and Prayers. Always looked forward to shaking his hand at every BHS Luncheon.🙏.

Annette Dinolfo Bennett

So sorry Cathy and family for such a massive loss . Thoughts prayers and love coming your way. 💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼

Joyce Starleaf

I’m so sorry to hear this. He was such a great guy💖

Vicki Herrin Fields

Rest in Peace ⚘️

Alma Carson

So sorry for your loss I know it's not easy when I lost Jim it was the worst day of my life but just knowing he's with the Lord helps me 🙏🙏❤️

Joanne Lento Miller

Such sad news. No words… so sorry Cathy!💔

Mary Durrer

Cathy I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll pray for you and your family . You had a wonderful marriage everyone could see how much you loved each other very much.

Donald Matthews

RIP, Sir. 🥲

Betty Worland

Oh dear Cathy, I am so sad to hear this news. May God comfort your family and many friends during the difficult days to come. God bless dear John, he fought through a tough battle. RIP John. ❤

Stephanie Picconi

Such sad news. So sorry for your loss, Cathy. What a terrific guy John was. You two were the perfect couple. 🙏❤️💙🙏

Flora Ferrens

John was so great to everyone. I am so so sorry. Dale and I are so sad to hear the news.

Kathie Maybin

So sorry to hear that he was such a nice guy. sending my condolences to you and your family

John P. Johnson

I am sorry for your loss, Cathy. Praying for the Lord’s comforting hands be on you during this painful time.

Linda Uribe Robinson

oh my! He was well loved. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for Holy Spirit to Cover the whole family and friends , strengthen their hearts and minds, and memories. In the name of Jesus, Amen

Jetta Stire-Carrega

Prayers for the family 🙏🙏❤️

Cecilia Olga Aguirre Sheehan

So very sorry for your loss Cathy. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Mickey DePalo

Rest In Peace, Sir. Slow Hand Salute. 🙏🙏🇺🇸

Peggy Melton Cyphers

I'm sorry to hear this. John. Was always there for so many. John was such a big help working on the football booster club at BHS. Always there to help. Not easily replaced. I feel 😪 for Cathy and the family. John, you touched so many. No one could ever fill your shoes.

RIP my friend.

Carolyn Bailey Grogan

Sad news indeed. Keeping both families in my heart and sending strength. Tell stories and share memories. He was a great guy.

Jean Parrinello-Longmore

🙏🙏🙏

Kathy Mae Culbertson Longanecker

So sorry to hear of the passing of your family member Cathy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Donna Moore

🙏🏻

Claudia Hoffman

So terribly sad to hear of John's passing! What a sweet, kind, loving and caring man. Although I didn't get to know him as well as his classmates and friends along the way in his life, he did made me feel like I was a friend to him. His sense of humor at the bulldog luncheons was hilarious! 🥲

Sharon Anderson McEntire

RIP 🙏🙏 God Bless!

Tammy Klinger

So very sorry prayers for you Cathy and family 💔😢

Lynn Lovejoy Vollgraff

John was always so nice. Thoughts and prayers to Cathy and the family 🙏🏻

Ron Ybarra

I’m sorry to hear about John, such a great friend Cathy, I loved the way you both were always together and I mean always. I will be praying for you and your family.

Trudie Lombard Hentze

No words. He was my BGF - best guy friend.

Louise Good Hernandez

Sending prayers and condolences to Cathy and her family. 🙏💔

Fred Pastor

🙏💙🙏

Patricia Sorley

Rest in peace old bulldog in God's hands. a very nice guy in high school. blessings to your family and loved ones.

Jeffrey M. Cooke

I was a class mate class of 65 i played softball with John and his dad was my favorite coach.

Sorry to his family. He was a good man and friend.

Tess Severson

So sad

Gloria Carson Anderson

So sorry to hear about John. Prayers for Cathy and family. 🙏💫💐❤️May he RIP

Denny Lombard

Cathy - I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing! My heart and prayers go out to you and family. He was an awesome man and will truly be missed

Cindy Collard

🙏👣💝

Santa Calderon-Vessella

RIP my tall dear friend. A life well lived and memorable. ❤️🙏

Nancy Jean Krogh Brez

I’m sending you & your boys prayers my friend. John was a good man.🙏🙏

Andrea Moxness

Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. John was always a bright light at our reunions and friendly to all. He will be missed. Love and prayers to you and your family.

Jennifer Dale Schatz

Cathy, I'm so sad to hear about John. He was quite a wonderful guy. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

OCTOBER 3, 2026 UPDATE

Trudie Lombard Hentze is a very close friend to John and Cathy Coyle and she wrote this lovely memorial piece...

It breaks my heart to report the passing of our dear classmate John Coyle - BHS 65. He lost his heroic 2-year battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) on Saturday, September 26th.

 

John proudly served in the US Marine Corp, was a decorated officer of the LAPD for 18 years, then he was loaned to the FBI Los Angeles Task Force on Terrorism until his retirement in 2005. He ended his career working security for CBS Studios until 2015. His last job was working as Betty White’s bodyguard on the set of “Hot in Cleveland”.

John was also a Burbank Elk the past 17 years, serving all the chairs, becoming Exalted Ruler for 2 years, and then the Associate Vice President of the California-Hawaii Metropolitan District.

In the meantime, John remained dedicated to Burbank High 1965 classmates for all the reunions and other special events since graduation. He was a regular at the Senior Bulldog lunches and served as the accountant for several years. Everyone loved his jovial introductions and ability to take charge of any event. 

John and wife, Cathy Nicholls Coyle - BHS 67, celebrated every day of their 57-year marriage, all the way up to John's 80th birthday party on September 14th. In addition to Cathy, John is survived by sons Clint JBHS 89 and Travis BHS 90, 4 grandchildren, sisters Nancy Coyle Blackmer BHS 62 and Peggy Coyle Walker BHS 70, sister-in-law Joan Nicholls Dempsey, brothers-in-law Richard Nicholls BHS 64 and George Nicholls BHS 65, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Rest in peace my “best guy friend”. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.

Trudie Lombard Hentze

OCTOBER 14, 2026 UPDATE

OBITUARY

Mr. John Martin Coyle

September 14, 1946 – September 26, 2026

Obituary of Mr. John Martin Coyle

IN THE CARE OF

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

Mr. John Martin Coyle passed on September 26, 2026, at the age of 80.

A Funeral Service will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on October 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on October 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

SOURCE: John Coyle Obituary - Newhall, CA

Andrea Murray Call, BHS '82 (1964-2026)

Andrea "Andi" Murray Call

September 3, 1964 - June 5, 2026

So very sad... please keep the family in your prayers...

Obituary

After a brief illness, Andrea passed away on June 5, 2026 at Renown Medical Center. All of those who loved her were by her side.

Andrea was born in Burbank, California and loved spending time at the beach and on the ocean, deep sea fishing. She loved gardening, feeding wild birds and hummingbirds in her yard and she also enjoyed watching the wild horses that would occasionally visit her neighborhood. But most of all, she loved being a mother and spending time with her daughter, Hannah. She was an Office Manager at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank for many years before moving to Reno in 2002. For a few years, she was the smiling face to greet you at Granite Construction before she truly found her niche as a "Lunch Lady" for the Washoe County School district. She was loved by many of the students at Depoali Middle School and also Marce Herz Middle School in South Reno, where she was retiring as the Kitchen Manager on June 5th.

Andrea and her husband Warren Call had looked forward to enjoying retirement together, however, he passed away suddenly on May 29, 2026. Andrea is survived by her daughter, Hannah (Cody) of Reno, her mother Helen of Reno, her sister Terry of Sparks and her stepmother Dorothy of Sparks.

She will be cremated and her ashes will be spread in all of her favorite places. Her family is deeply saddened by this unexpected passing. She had so many plans for her upcoming retirement and future. Her family thanks all of those who were praying for her recovery while she was in the hospital. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her and she will live on forever in our hearts.

At this time, there is no plans for a Celebration of Life.

Stephen Vogt, BHS '69 (1951-2025)

 

Stephen Donald Vogt

September 17, 1951 - August 20, 2025

LINK to Find A Grave

Stephen Vogt Obituary

Stephen D. Vogt, of Lahaina, Hawaii, formerly of Bel Air, California and Napa Valley, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the age of 73.

Stephen was born September 17, 1951, in Burbank, California to Lyn and Eileen Vogt. He received a bachelor's degree at UCLA in economics and political science and a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.

Stephen started paying claims for Blue Cross Blue Shield of California while he was still in college, joined the accounting department after graduating from UCLA, worked full time while attending law school, eventually joining their legal team after becoming a member of the California Bar Association. Stephen became the youngest general counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield at the age of 29. He later founded a successful law firm focusing on healthcare law and other areas of legal specialty. In his private practice, Stephen aided HMO Health Net to transition to a publicly traded organization and later became Health Net's General Counsel.

After retiring from a successful legal career, Stephen and his wife Nita developed Vogt Vineyard on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley and sold their wines under popular labels such as Beringer and Nichol & Nichol.

Stephen enjoyed playing golf, watching baseball (Go Dodgers!), and traveling the world with his wife of forty-four years, Nita Vogt. In addition to his wife, Stephen leaves behind sister, Lynette Ballas and her husband, Bill; sister-in-law, Tricia Miller and her husband, Darrin Bachman; niece, Lara Azcona; nephews, Jonathan Ballas, Kevin Ballas, David Thomason and his wife Teresa; numerous other extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite children's charity in memory of Stephen.

Cynthia Prater Gibson, BHS '62 (1944-2026)

Barbara Prater Coffman sent this photo and wrote...
This is an earlier photo of Cynthia with her niece (Kathy’s daughter).  We were just 13 months apart.  I am the oldest of 5 girls and Janet and I are all that are left!🥲

Cynthia Prater Gibson

October 11, 1944- September 18, 2026

Parents: John Edward Prater and Barbara Dille Prater

Siblings: Barbara Prater Coffman BHS ‘61, Janet Prater-Manor BHS ‘66, Melissa Prater Uribe BHS '70 and Kathy Lorenz Waldron BHS ‘76.

  

This morning, Carol Prater Cox shared that her cousin Cynthia passed away about 2:30 am today. 
Cynthia was BHS 1962 and had two sons, Frankie, who predeceased his mother, and Joel, who is in Oregon. 

Siblings with their mother 

L-R Melissa passed 2025, Barbara, Cynthia passed 2026, Janet, Kathy passed 2019, and their mom passed 1992 

(John Prater, father of the 4 oldest passed in 1953 and Curt Lorenz, father of Kathy passed in 2004)

Please keep this beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers.

Jim Cooke, BHS '83 (1965-1995)

James Guy Cooke

October 27, 1965 - June 8, 1995

We recently learned of the sad passing of Jim Cooke when he was only 29 years old. 

Jim was born in Burbank, CA and attended Burbank High School but graduated elsewhere. His parents were Jeff Cooke and Carol (Thompson) Cooke Walter. At the time of his passing, he lived in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

His younger sister, Julie Cooke Smith, would love to hear of any memories of her brother. 

Carole Sumner Erken, BHS '74 (1956-2026)

Carole Lynn Sumner Erken

August 1956 - August 23, 2026

We just received the following sad report... 

I just found out my sister Carole Lynn Sumner Erken passed away August 23, 2026, in Turkey and was buried there. 

Nancy Sumner 

Sister 

Class of 1976

Brian Sindle, BH '94 (1976-2026)

Brian Stewart Sindle

August 16, 1976 - August 15, 2026

Burbank, California

Sad news posted today on Facebook by Kris Wynne:

Brian Sindle BHS class of 1994 passed away on August 15th 2026, one day shy of his 50th birthday. A standout multiple time all foothill league baseball player and one of the best to ever don the Bulldog uniform. He later played at Glendale College before transferring to New Mexico Highlands. 

One of the most genuinely funny teammates I’ve ever played with and an all around good guy. 

Rest in peace “Dwindle” aka “Sizzle” aka “B Sizz”

A Few Facebook Comments...

Will Perryman

Most feared pitcher since little league! Never saw him without a smile.

Kris Wynne

Will Perryman and would quietly put up 2-3 hits a game on top of shutting you down!

JD Dbert

I went to the Police Academy and Served with Brian’s brother Shane for several years. We played competitive softball together and we could count on Brian showing up if we needed a player last minute.

I hear that voice and laughs in the dugout or on the field.

RIP Brian. Find the dugout above and play the great pick-up game you always wanted.

George Marciniw, BHS '74 (1956-2026)

George Stephen Marciniw

May 16, 1956 - September 15, 2026

Tragic news just learned... George Marciniw NBC helicopter pilot who died in a helicopter crash in Chatsworth graduated from Burbank High in 1974.

A Few Facebook Comments

Caryn Gold
This is the saddest news ever. George has been my friend for many years. Hard to process all this breaking info. I will miss the teamwork of George and Julia Deng (AM) and George and Eliana Moreno (PM). I will miss the blow by blow of the high speed chases through the streets of So. Cal. and the parting words of Eliana saying "I'll send it back to you in the studio"
Condolences to their families and loved ones. I will miss my friend George🙏❤️

April Wind
Such an awful tragedy today in Chatsworth. Chopper pilot and Burbank Bulldog.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends🙏🏼
Rest in Peace George🕊

Patsy Raymundi
Condolences. to George’s family I was a classmate of his 74’ -Just saw him at our Senior Luncheon lunch last month He was great. guy God Bless you George ,will be miss a lot✝️💙💙🌹

Pamela Anglin Howland
This is shocking news to hear. 😢 I have known George since we were children at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School in Burbank. He was always such a good friend. I will be praying for him and also for his family for strength during this extremely difficult time. I’m so very sorry…Rest in peace my friend. 🙏🏼

Bob Marak
So sad to hear of this. He was in my graduating class and we have kept in touch over the years. Godspeed George 🙏🙏🙏.

Kathleen Gaston Hitt
I was BHS class of 1973. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends and prayers for comfort.

Dereck Jordan
I just saw George Saturday night over at the Blueroom and we were just talking about life in general and to hear of his passing and really shocks me. God bless you, George. I’m gonna miss you Godspeed. Love you, brother. 🥲🥲🥲

David Griffin
2nd NBC helicopter to crash in the SF Valley. The first one was piloted by Francis Gary Powers and crashed in the '70s in the Sepulveda Basin after running out of fuel. They were covering the Santa Barbara fires and were on their way back to Burbank.

Debbie Burpee Wilander
My sincere condolences to wall who loved him! He was such a sweet man!! RIP George! 🙏

Jeri Morin Valencia
I just now saw this!!! 😮 🙁 George!!! 🙁 I saw there was a "beloved reporter and pilot killed in a helicopter crash in L.A." and I just knew it was our beloved George. 🙁 I can't believe it.

George Pacal
I’m heartbroken to hear of George’s tragic passing so suddenly…
He loved flying and working with Eliana especially, always talking about the news stories they were involved with… He was a positive person and made everyone feel relaxed around him. The “Blue Room” was his hangout often, and he must have had a lot of friends there and ones at the BHS alumni luncheons too… You will be sorely missed George— rest in peace my friend….

Rick Zekaria, BHS '68 (1949-2026)

November 29, 1949 - September 4, 2026
Richard "Rick" Zekaria

Very sad news posted on Facebook by Rick's children...

To all of our dad’s family and friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we share that our dad passed away today. We know he had so many friends and people in his life who cared about him, and we wanted to make sure everyone who knew and loved him was aware.

Our family is heartbroken, and we appreciate all of the love, support, and memories people have shared with him over the years.

We will share information regarding services and a celebration of his life once arrangements have been made.

Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts during this difficult time. 

9/14/2026 UPDATE

Jo Ann Knight James, BHS '65 (1946-2026)

Jo Ann "Jody" Knight James

December 5, 1946 - August 10, 2026

Email from Johneen Pofahl Eckardt (Orono, Maine)

With sadness I want to share the loss of our classmate Jo Ann (Knight) James, class of 1965. She died on August 10, 2026 in Auburn, CA.

We met in first grade at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School when she was 4 & I was 5. We nurtured our friendship for 75 years.  We attended the 50th Reunion of BHS class of 65. She was a wonderful friend to me & many others along the way. I will miss her profoundly particularly our annual birthday calls as our birthdays were only 3 days apart. 

I always called her Jody, her nickname growing up. I will remember her kindnesses & unconditional support of me, her friend. Actually I never remember her having an unkind word about anyone. That is a powerful legacy in today's world. Bless her. 

Jo Ann had lymphoma. Her husband was Ed James, BHS 63 who passed away in February of this year and she is survived by their two sons Erik and Dean, their wives and grandchildren.

Diane Davis Kelly, BHS '61 (1943-2026)

Diane Davis Kelly

December 22, 1943 - August 14, 2026

Lynne Spitza Michels posted on Facebook today...

Sadly, Diane Davis Kelly, graduate of BHS 1961, passed away August 14, 2026.