January 20, 2022

RIP Norm Sabin, 1950-2022

Norm Sabin

On the morning of January 16, 2022, Norm Sabin, of Chattanooga and Crossville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord at the age of 71, as a result of COVID-related complications.

Norm was born in 1950 to Howard and Helen Sabin. He grew up in Burbank, Ca., and graduated from Burbank High School.  He was an Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He had many talents including playing minor league baseball for the Dodgers, being a software engineer in the early days of computer programming, raising quarter horses, and being a military and commercial flight engineer. Later in life he earned his J.D. from Regent University in 1994 and practiced law in Chattanooga and Crossville. In 2008 he formed his own firm specializing in the practice of estate planning. He had a passion for the law and taking care of his clients.

He began every day in prayer and reading his Bible. He loved the Lord, his family, golf, and sitting on the front porch after work with a cigar and a good book. He lived a life of integrity with unshakeable conviction, rooted in justice and the truth of God’s word.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis Sabin. 

He is survived by his wife, Pat; children Zak (DeAyn) Sabin, Kelsey Sabin, and Daris (Kent) Freeman; grandchildren, Joshua (Emily) Longbrook, Madyson, Elleanor, and Olivia Sabin; and great-grandchildren, Judah, Luke, Josiah, and Noble Longbrook.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Choices Chattanooga, Compassion International, or World News Group.

Visit http://www.hamilton funeraloptions.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, 423 531-3975.

Donation Links:

Choices – https://secure.egsnetwork.com/donate/DEC8E818D5894A4
Compassion International – https://www.compassion.com/donate.htm
World News Group – https://give.wng.org/

Please share remembrances of Norm in the comments section below.

Posted by on January 20, 2022 in Burbank High School.

6 Comments

April 24, 2021

A beautiful spirit

A beautiful spirit . . . that’s how Amy Bartlett described her mother, Christine Cullen Bartlett, who passed away early this morning.

Here’s what she wrote on Facebook:

My mom went in peace around 3 AM this morning. Over the past week, she has spent time with my brother and I as family as she grew weak. Her final days were spent at home, where she felt most comfortable. We miss her dearly already, but know that she is at peace now and has reunited with her mom and dad. Over the coming weeks and months, I’m sure we will come across many things that remind us of her and her beautiful spirit. I look forward to discovering those things and having her “check in” on us from time to time until we can reunite with her again.

Thank you all for your love and support during this time. Your flowers, texts, food drop offs, voice messages, prayers and all the love you’ve sent her way has been so incredibly overwhelming and comforting. Thank you ♥️ (photo: my mom giving my senior rescue, Ralphie, a fluid IV. She was a fantastic mom and the best dog grandma).

Chris Cullen Bartlett gives “Ralphie,” rescue dog, an IV.

“Still feel like 28 LOL” was a post I wrote about Chris on her turning 65. As you reread the post, you’ll learn that Chris unfortunately moved away in her senior year, but still kept in touch with her Burbank High classmates.

She submitted information for the Reunion Questionnaire:

Chris Cullen, 1968

CHRISTINE CULLEN BARTLETT met her husband in 1970 at Cal State University Northridge. They married in 1978 and were married for twenty years. Unfortunately they divorced in 1998. Chris has a son, Mathew, 36 , and a daughter, Amy 34. Mathew served in the Army for twelve years, during which he was deployed twice to Iraq. He graduated from the U of Montana, Missoula, with a degree in History, and Military History. He has just recently returned to school, to earn his Masters. Amy graduated from Cal State U, Long Beach, with a degree in Cinematography. After working in that field for a bit, she went on to work for Apple, as a computer Genius. She was then hired by Disney, for a new IT department they were forming. She is now buying her father’s business, because he is retiring. Busy kids! Chris has two grand- fur babies, her daughter’s two dachshunds, Rudy and Joey, “So cute!” Chris graduated from CSUN with a degree in art. She is now retired and spends her time in physical therapy, recouping from two surgeries that she had in May. Her greatest accomplishment since high school, is “the two wonderful kids that I raised. They’ve grown up to be wonderful young adults!” At Burbank High, she loved her art classes and drill team. She used to get so many demerits from Mrs. McCall, for wiggling too much!

Chris (center) with her son and daughter.

Please share your remembrances of Chris in the comments below.

Chris’ obituary can be found here.

Posted by on April 24, 2021 in Burbank High School and tagged , , .

7 Comments

January 19, 2021

RIP Pam Gentz 1949-2020

Pamela Lynn Gentz Evans, BHS 1968
September 20, 1949 ~ October 28, 2020 (age 71)

Pamela “Pam” Lynn Gentz-Evans passed away peacefully in the presence of family on October 28, 2020 at the age of 71. 

Pam was born to Jack and Lois Gentz on September 20, 1949 in Peoria, Illinois. The family moved to California when Pam was a teenager. Later, she moved to Denver, Colorado, for her career, living there for 28 years. She had a very successful career and retired with over 30 years of service with AT&T. After retirement, she moved back to California in 2020 to be closer to family.

In addition to being a loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, Pam also loved traveling, snow skiing, Nascar, the Denver Broncos, her animals and had a strong faith. All who met her always commented on how sweet and kind she was.

Pam joins her parents in Heaven. She is survived by her children, Carrie and Chris, her siblings, Patricia, Andi, and Mike, her grandchildren, Chase, Brandie and Rebekah, and her niece, many nephews and their children. We miss you more than words can say!

A celebration of Pam’s life will take place in Sacramento, California in 2021. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to your local ASPCA supporting pet adoption. https://www.aspca.org/ or https://m.facebook.com/aspca Thank you and God Bless.

Psalm 91:11  “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” 

Exodus 23:20  “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”

(Posting by Linda C. Mustion on the Memorial Page of Burbank High School)

Posted by on January 19, 2021 in Burbank High School and tagged .

2 Comments

December 26, 2020

RIP Rick Watson, 1950-2019

Les Heller shared the obituary of our Burbank High ’68 classmate, Rick Watson, who died on November 16, 2019.

Rick Watson, 1968

January 26, 1950 – November 16, 2019 Beloved husband, father and friend, retired Captain Rick Watson, 35 years of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, passed away suddenly Saturday, November 16. He is survived by his wife Diana, his 2 sons Jonathan and Michael, and his sister Debbie Watson and sister-in-law Sue Watson. A memorial was held on January 5 at 2pm at the Azure Hills Church, 22633 Barton Road, Grand Terrace. Azure Hills Church 909-825-8611

If you would like to share any memories of Rick, please write them in the comments section below.

Rick Watson died November 16, 2019.

Posted by on December 26, 2020 in Burbank High School and tagged , .

1 Comment

November 4, 2020

Zerril Perkins, 1949-2020

I think most people think that the year 2020 has been a nightmare, what with the pandemic now going into its ninth month and the subsequent cancellation of many cultural events, and even including the Olympics. My sister, Margo BHS’70, was supposed to celebrate her class’s 50th reunion, and that got cancelled. I have looked back on my posts for 2020 and every single one of them has been an announcement of another classmate passing.

On the other hand, most of us in the Class of ’68 have just celebrated our 70th birthdays!

Yesterday as I was updating the Memorials page, something terrible happened while I was editing and I lost the entire page, and had to reconstruct it from backup versions, an extremely tedious process.

I realized that I had been given information about the death of BHS’68 classmate Zerrill Perkins and with the kind permission of Cathy Palmer BHS’67, I am reposting her blog post here.

Zerril Perkins, BHS ’68 (1949-2020)


Zerril D. Perkins
November 23, 1949 – May 20, 2020

Daughter, Heather Perkins, posted on May 22, 2020 this sweet photo and note: ·Daddy took his last boat ride here straight up to heaven on Wednesday! He was a man full of love, laughs, passion, kindness, conviction and so much more for his family, friends and his beliefs! Ride easy now, your pain has been lifted and know we will be together again! I love you! We all love you! 🚤 🌞❤

From Facebook…

Zerril was married to his high school sweetheart, Margie Dubrowa, also BHS ’68, for over fifty years. Please keep Margie, Heather and all the family in your thoughts and prayers.

RIP Zerril.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS…
Charlotte Mate
RIP. Very nice person. Condolences to the family.

Mary Boriso Jordan
So sorry to hear this. May his family and friends be strengthen and comforted. Rest in peace….🌹

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
❤️🙏🏻

Annette Dinolfo Bennett
Love and prayers for his family. Zerril was always a kind and gentle person. RIP 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

Robert Fabrizio
I’m so sorry to hear this…. gone too soon… RIP Zerril.

John Todora
Zerril was a good guy, so sorry to hear of his passing. RIP.

Pat Purser Bushman
My condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.

George Frigerio
Margie i’m so sorry, thoughts and prayers with you and family

Harold Maxham
Another Bulldog going home.

Michael Katzman
I used to hang with Zerril. Remember that he was so much taller than me.

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace

Alan Landros
I remember Zerril from Track when he was a senior at Burbank High. I think he threw shot put or javelin! I was a sophomore, so only remember him that one year.

Henry A Garcia
Rest in peace

Posted by on November 4, 2020 in Burbank High School and tagged , .

3 Comments

November 3, 2020

A loyal friend

Alan Moore

Al died peacefully on October 22, 2020 at the age of 70 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Al was born to Betty and Ernie Moore in Burbank, California, and attended grade school, high school and community college in the area. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War and honorably served his country. After the war, Al returned to civilian life and his adventuresome spirit took him around the world as a river rafter, where he gained many lifelong friends. Continuing his need to serve, he joined the Burbank Fire Department and met his firefighting family. He loved his work and helping the community.

While a firefighter, Al married Anne Pugel, and his life was changed forever! Anne brought with her many siblings and Al grew to know and appreciate the chaos of large family gatherings. Anne and Al shared a love of travel and visited many continents in their 31-year marriage.

While Al spent most of his life in Southern California, he and Anne chose to retire in the Pacific Northwest on beautiful Camano Island. His last 14 years were spent traveling the world or hosting family and friends at their home. Whether it was for a casual dinner or a relaxing weekend, there was always room at “The Lodge.”

Al was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Anne, his siblings, Alice Moore Robinson and Art Moore, and a large extended family. He will be remembered as a devoted and beloved husband, son, brother, brother-in- law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Al may be remembered by donating to Guide Dogs for the Blind at Guidedogs.com or to the Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriorsproject.org

Here are some of the comments our classmates have written on Facebook:

Michael Katzman Hung out with him on the elementary school playground.

Karen Walther Berg Such a sweet guy. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

John Ferguson When I was 7, my family moved from Stockton to Burbank. One of the first people I met while at Emerson Elementary was Al. From then on, he and I were pretty much inseparable. He was my best friend growing up. These last two years have been very difficult for him after his cancer diagnosis. Through it all, his lovely wife Ann was by his side which is no surprise. She is a real gem. I talked to her after Al passed and she said that he went easily. She was supported by her sisters who have been watching over her during this time.I will miss my friend and my deepest sympathies go to Ann, Alice, and the rest of the family.

Deborah Richman I’m so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with his family.

Roxanne Lewis We will miss you.

Posted by on November 3, 2020 in Burbank High School and tagged , , , , , .

3 Comments

April 23, 2020

Two more classmates lost

Peggy Hahn died 4-23-2020

We received word that our BHS classmate, Peggy Hahn passed away this morning.

Donna Canzoneri Wray send an email with this message:

Hi Kathy, Thank you for being our go to person for keeping our classmates connected. I just heard from Krista Sanders, Peggy and Greg Sander’s eldest daughter, that Peggy Hahn passed away this morning. She suffered for many years with early onset Alzheimer’s like her mother did. John and I double dated with her and her first husband and also our classmate,Greg Sanders in high school. Their daughter, Krista was the flower girl in our wedding, and Facebook has kept us connected when Peggy stopped corresponding with us. The last time we were together was at her home in New Jersey during Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. A few months after that Peggy started to decline. She wanted to be known as Rhiannon as an adult, but to me she will always be Peggy.

Love your Forever Fan, Donna Wray

Yesterday Peggy’s daughter had reported that they had started hospice care since Peggy had refused any food for a week, but that she was at peace and not in any discomfort or agitation.

Our sympathies go to Peggy’s family. Please write remembrances in the comments section below.
 

Mike Shaw died in December 2019.

We also heard from Lynn Shaw, the sister of our classmate Michael (Mike) Lane Shaw, who passed away on December 16, 2019 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mike retired to Idaho Falls several years ago so that he could explore the countryside, fish and relax. We offer our condolences to Mike’s family. If any of you have memories of Mike, please also put them in the comments section below. 
 
Christine Teuber was kind enough to send Mike’s obituary as published in the “Post Register”:
 
Michael “Mike” Lane Shaw died in Idaho Falls on Monday, December 16, 2019, He was born in Glendale, California June 12, 1950 and lived most of his life in Southern California. A golf course superintendent, he became an expert in pumps of all kinds. Mike changed jobs from golf courses to selling pumps for several large companies. His expertise in pumps and Spanish allowed him to serve customers in both North and South America. In 2011, Mike decided to move to Idaho Falls, the town his Mother, Verna Geneva Fullmer, was born in. He immediately fell in love with Idaho Falls and the surroundings. Many days were spent driving around the area just to experience its beauty. He loved to quietly fish the local rivers, but always catch and release. Although a Southern California boy, Mike came to enjoy all four seasons of Idaho. Mike is and will be missed by his son, Taylor, his siblings Lynn, Eva and Ray, his cousin Jody and his many friends. We are very sad to have Mike leave us, but buoyed by the cessation of his illness.

Mike Shaw

 
Everyone in the Class of 1968, stay safe and healthy in this unprecedented time of the coronavirus pandemic. Already we are in the age group to be most at risk, so we urge you to follow this advice from New York’s senator, Patty Ritchie:
 
  • Even if you feel healthy, please try to stay at home as much as possible;
  • In public, practice “social distancing” by keeping a 6-foot distance from others;
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially after being in a public place and after you have coughed or sneezed;
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol;
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze. After doing so, immediately wash your hands;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Take extra care to avoid exposing the elderly [THAT’S US!] and those with underlying health conditions to illness. Instead of visiting them, call; and
  • Be sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, toilets, tables, handles, faucets, etc.

Posted by on April 23, 2020 in Burbank High School and tagged , , .

5 Comments

February 20, 2020

RIP Mr. Pete LiPera

I had Mr. LiPera for Western Civ — did you also?

Peter A. LiPera
January 27, 1930 – Riposto, Sicily ~ January 19, 2020 – Oro Valley, Arizona

Memorial Mass for Mr. Pete LiPera
Saturday, March 21, 2020
9:30 A.M.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
3801 Scott Road
Burbank, California

In lieu of flowers the LiPera Family asks you to support public education, and to Vote!

Peter LiPera was born in Riposto, Sicily on January 27, 1930, the youngest in the family. When Pete was just three months old the LiPera Family moved from Sicily to the United States. Pete was a longtime resident of Burbank. He attended Burbank High School, where he played football, and during his senior year he was the Student Body President. He graduated in the Winter Class of 1950 from Burbank High. Pete then attended Occidental College on a full scholarship for football. He left Occidental early to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving on the USS Jason as a Gunner’s Mate. Later on he returned to Burbank High School where he taught and coached for 31 years from 1960 until his retirement in 1991. During those years he taught European History, Western Civilization, Eastern Civilizations, and also taught Driver Training. He coached for 15 years of his 31 years at Burbank High, two years coaching “B” Football, and 13 years as the Varsity Football Coach. He had two championship teams during those years. After retirement Pete would sometimes spend entire days in his library reading, researching, and writing, and would stop just for meals. He modeled integrity and valued learning. Pete was a strong believer in “We The People” and in the responsibility of participating in our democracy. He often told people to “Be sure and Vote!” His love of Football also continued, in later life as a viewer each week during Football Season, dinnertime being during half-time!

Pete and his first wife, Marilyn, had three sons, Donn, David, and Scott, who also grew up in Burbank. Marilyn passed away in 1972 after a long illness. Nine years later in 1981 Pete and Sheila Byrne were married and lived in Burbank for the next fourteen years. In 1995 after they both had retired they moved to Oro Valley, Arizona, near Tucson, where they have lived for the past 25 years. Pete passed away in Oro Valley on January 19, 2020, only eight days before his 90th birthday on January 27.

Peter LiPera is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sheila Byrne LiPera; his son Donn LiPera and wife Diane; his son Scott LiPera and partner Louis; and by countless friends, former students, and former players who have wonderful memories of this great man. Pete was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn Tucker LiPera, in 1972; his middle son, Dr. David B. LiPera, DC, in 2009 (a 1976 BHS graduate); and by all of his older siblings.

Notice shared by Alan Landros BHS’70.

Mr. Pete LiPera

Posted by on February 20, 2020 in Burbank High School and tagged .

5 Comments

October 31, 2019

RIP Lawrence “Larry” Marak

Larry Marak, 1968

Larry Marak, 1968

Lawrence Virgil Marak
August 5, 1950 – October 23, 2019

Larry Marak was born on August 5, 1950 in Los Angeles County, California and passed away on October 23, 2019, after spending 43 days in the hospital. Larry grew up in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High with the Class of 1968. Larry married to fellow BHS graduate Susan Melissa Williams on September 4, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. Larry and Melissa were married for 37 years.

Larry got a Masters from U.C.L.A. in ancient history, and had a teaching position lined up on the east coast when his wife Melissa had a stroke at age 27. He didn’t have health insurance then and that put them behind financially for 7 years, and so he entered public service and was hired by the City of Burbank.

Larry Marak had a long career at BWP (Burbank Water and Power). He was recognized for 35 years of service in a program at City Hall in 2015, in fact, he says he is known as ‘old man Marak’ because he’s “outlived everyone else who was working there when he started.”

Larry did a variety of field positions at Burbank Water and Power, Messenger, Bill Deliverer, mail room supervisor, meter reader, collector and senior field rep (doing new service connects and disconnects back in the days before smart meters). The last 4 years he transferred over to the credit section and process payments for transmission to treasury.

Larry Marak is the latest classmate to retire.

At Larry’s retirement

Larry Marak

Larry Marak

Larry and Melissa got into the construction toy hobby about 8 years ago while looking for bargains to give to a Salvation Army Angel tree and have supported the Angel trees for many years. They are lifetime members of Legoland and have done quite a bit of building over the years. Larry and Melissa transferred 10 years of parts to the Fort Erie and Burbank children’s libraries LEGO clubs. Virtually all you see at the Burbank Central Library, including the cases, came from the Maraks.

Larry and his wife have also done a lot of traveling, including seeing a total eclipse in the Amazon, climbing the Great Wall, making it to the top of one of the pyramids in Tikai Guatemala, and attending opening ceremonies of both the Los Angeles (1984) and Calgary (1988) Olympics. Larry also made an occasional television appearances.

Larry will be missed by his family and fellow classmates and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Burbank Faith Church of the Nazarene, 505 S. Sixth Street Burbank, CA 91501 (Corner of Sixth & Santa Anita) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burbank Faith Church Building Fund.

[Editor’s Note] I sat with Larry and his wife, Melissa at both the 45th and 50th Reunions. We made arrangements for them to visit me in Hawaii and it was just a little over a year ago that Larry, his wife Melissa, and Melissa’s sister, came to Oahu. It was Larry’s request that we visit the battleship USS Missouri together (where Japan signed the surrender documents, effectively ending World War II). Here are the pictures from that visit.

On board the battleship USS Missouri

Larry and Melissa

In my condo

 

Posted by on October 31, 2019 in Burbank High School and tagged , , .

3 Comments

July 7, 2019

Remembering Karen Jo Wallace Voralik

We are reposting Karen Wallace’s obituary as found on Linda C. Mustion’s blog, Memorial Page for Burbank High School friends that we’ve lost:

Karen Wallace

Funeral services for Karen Voralik will be held this Saturday, February 21st, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Karen passed away at her home suddenly on January 31st. She was 64 years old.

Karen was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 17, 1950. After graduating from Burbank High School, she attended Los Angeles City College. Karen was married in March 1970 and then moved to Boulder Creek in 1974 where she was a resident of Santa Cruz County for 41 years.

Karen was a loving mother and raised six children. In addition, she helped her husband with the family owned Home Medical Supply store and Internet business. Karen loved music, entertainment, and long walks. She also enjoyed swimming, sewing, reading, gardening, antiques, camping, and spending time with her family. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of San Lorenzo Valley (now called Trinity Bible Church) where she served as a Deaconess, played the piano and hand bells, sung in the choir, and led Bible studies. Karen will be missed greatly by her family and many friends.

Karen is survived by her four sons; John (Julie) Voralik, Matthew (Maria) Voralik, Andrew Voralik, Mark Voralik, daughter Tara (Rick) Archibald, brother Phillip Wallace and sister Susan Heller. She is also survived by her four grandchildren; Dylan Voralik, Elijah Voralik, and Esther and Lydia Archibald, as well as nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, David Franklin Voralik (2012), and her son, Paul Bryan Voralik (1998).


Funeral services for Karen Voralik will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21st at 12:00 pm at Trinity Bible Church, 7301 Highway 9, Felton, CA. There will be a graveside service to follow at Santa Cruz Memorial and then a reception back at Trinity Bible Church after the services. All are welcome. Interment will be at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Trinity Bible Church.

If you have any memories of Karen, please post them in the Comments section below.

Posted by on July 7, 2019 in Burbank High School and tagged , .

1 Comment