Winter 2015 - North Hollywood High School Alumni Home Page

Winter 2015
Volume 5, Issue 1
North Hollywood High
Alumni & Friends
Alumni Officers
President
Carol Ajar Tipton ‘70
PO Box 474
Sunland, CA 91041
818-951-7621
[email protected]
Treasurer
Gail Huber Coyle ‘49
PO Box 9658
N. Hollywood, CA 91609
818-766-8915
Editor
Teresa Venegas Cook ‘50
525 16th Ave. E
Jerome, ID 83338
208-324-5065
[email protected]
Membership Director
Bill Coburn
818-762-1934
[email protected]
Visit us online at
www.nhhsalumni.com
Looking Ahead
As we welcome in the year 2015, the officers and other volunteers of your NHHS Alumni Assn.
are looking back at the past thirty years and wondering what the next thirty will bring. You see,
the NHHS Alumni Assn., as we know it today, was started by a large group from the classes of
the 1940’s in 1985, and a lot of those same people are still volunteering. You can do the math;
that makes them in their 80's and 90's ~ yikes! They need some help from the younger folks, and
only have two people from the classes of the '70's helping as of now. Without some of the
"younger" alumni (classes of the 60's, 70's and beyond) stepping up to the plate, we may not be
around thirty years from now, and that would be a shame, as we do so much good for the school.
There had been a few attempts at an Alumni Assn. prior to 1985, but none of them lasted. The
classes of the "Fabulous Forties" had a huge gathering at the Pasadena Hilton, and then decided
to have an annual get together. After holding the event at North Hollywood Park for several
years, they began meeting on the Quad at the high school. As the graduates from the classes of
the 30’s and 50’s began to hear about these picnics, event attendance grew. By mid 2000, later
classes from the '60's and 70's heard about it and started to attend as well.
These days we have an assortment of people in attendance, from the late 20's into the 80's and
beyond, but there are still a lot of the "younger" alumni who don't know about us or the work that
we do, and we are constantly reaching out to them. More importantly, they don't know the help
we need, or what it entails. With only a few exceptions, most everything takes very little time, and
a volunteer needs to have at least a little bit of computer knowledge.
The NHHS Alumni Assn. is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in the State of CA. We award annual
scholarships to deserving seniors and have the funds in the CA Community Foundation. We
support school activities, sports, and the library as well as after school programs and help in any
way we can. And we still hold an annual picnic/BBQ on the Quad that is open to all Alumni, their
family and friends.
Highlights
Reunions
2
Notes
4
Alumni News
5
Memory Lane
10
Donations
11
Editors Corner 12
Dues Form
13
Our officers and volunteers range from President, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Recording and
Corresponding Secretary to Membership Director, Picnic Chair, Historian, Web Page coordinator
and more. We all work closely together, and share information back and forth. We have a lot of
projects that have been suggested by Alumni that we would like to implement, such as a
Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame, not only in
sports but also the arts and those who have given
back to the community, and a new website design.
We would like to take you inside your Alumni
Assn. and let you see what these great volunteers
do and how you can help.
Dick Mutaw '41, along with his lovely wife Dorothy
Samuel Mutaw '50, hosts a bi-monthly luncheon,
open to all Alumni. Pauline Thrasher Gates '39
helps out by calling to remind continued on pg.2
North Hollywood High - Alumni News
Page 2 of 14
Reunions – Save These Dates!
Please mark your calendars now for this year’s All Class Reunion on June 14, 2015, same time, same place,
11- 3 on the Quad at NHHS!
Alumni Luncheon Club meets at noon on the first Wednesday of every ODD month (except when a holiday
interferes). Plan to join us this year. We will be meeting on 5/6/15, 7/1/15, 9/2/15, and 11/4/15. We have people who
attended NHHS in the '30's, 40’s, 50’s and 70’s who attend regularly.
We have a new meeting place and hope you will join us at The Bear Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurant, 10825 Sepulveda Blvd.,
Mission Hills, CA 91345, telephone (818)365-2509, at noon. Parking is free. Choose your own meal from the menu
(separate checks). This is a social gathering and all classes are welcome. RSVP to Richard "Dick" Mutaw ‘41 at
(818)345-5978 or e-mail [email protected]. We hope to see you there!
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1950 will be celebrating their 65 Reunion on October 24, 2015 at the Smokehouse Restaurant 4420 Lakeside
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Drive, Toluca Lake, from 11am - 4pm, $33.00 per person. Reservation deadline is May 15 . You can contact Vince
Piazza by email at [email protected] or by phone at (818)843-7464.
1960 55 Year Reunion: June 13 on the patio at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant from 4 to 8pm, 145 S. San
Fernando Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502. RSVP to Pat at [email protected] or at (775)338-3109 ASAP. You can
order from the regular menu and be billed individually. You can stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank across the street at a
reduced rate, (818)841-4770; ask for Bruno in reservations and reference NHHS 55 reunion. Join us at NHHS on
Sunday as well for the All Class Reunion from 11 - 3. Reservation form for BBQ is on the dues page.
1965 50 Year Reunion: June 27, 2015 at Universal Sheraton, contact The Reunion Committee, Inc., (661)259-5999.
Class committee: Sue Rugge Townsley, Paul Roos, Rohn Butterfield and Maranne Thieme)
1970 45 Year Reunion: June 13, 2015 at the Holiday Inn, Burbank Media-Center, from 6p.m.–11:30p.m.; cocktails,
dinner, live music and dancing, $75 per person. Room rates at the Holiday Inn are $129+, please call Carol for the
group code. If you are interested in attending or helping, please contact Carol Ajar Tipton '70 by email
[email protected], phone (818)951-7621 or at PO Box 474, Sunland, CA 91041. Please join us as well for the
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All Class Reunion on Sunday, June 14 on the Quad at NHHS, from 11 - 3. Reservation form for BBQ is on the dues
page.
1975 40 Year Reunion: June 20, 2015, at the Sheraton Universal. Class Representative: Carrie Swasey Linder
Contact: The Reunion Committee, Inc. http://www.reunioncommittee.com/ or call 661-259-5999 to register
1985 30 Year Reunion: April 25, 2015 at the Sheraton Universal. Class Representative: Kurt Zepf Contact: The
Reunion Committee, Inc., http://www.reunioncommittee.com/ or call 661-259-5999 to register
Looking Ahead, continued
regular attendees of the upcoming luncheon. Dorothy is also our historian, and with the help of all of you, scans the
newspapers and other publications for news pertaining to NHHS and the area, as well as looking for obituaries of
Alumni so that we can update our website and acknowledge their passing in our newsletter. All information is shared
with our membership chair, website director, newsletter editor, and president so that we can update our database
and website, and include the information in our newsletter.
Our newsletter editor, Teresa Venegas Cook '50, is really looking to retire as soon as she can. As editor, you have
about four months to work on a newsletter. We publish three newsletters a year, a winter, spring and fall edition, and
try to do so every four months, but life sometimes interferes. As editor, she receives and coordinates all alumni
updates such as class and alumni events/reunions, including the annual picnic, death notices, local and school news,
and more. She works with all the Board members and coordinates with them on featured stories, and includes
annual reports such as donations and the treasurers' report. The reunion page lists all alumni and class reunion
information that has been made available to us, alumni news we get from you, and tells of events (cont'd. on page3)
Page 3 of 14
North Hollywood High – Alumni News
Looking Ahead, continued
in the lives of our alumni, including those who have passed, and of course, we include those Alumni in the Memory Lane
section as well. The "notes of interest" section includes annual meeting notices, volunteer information, school programs,
scholarship information and more. Our president, Carol Ajar Tipton '70, currently formats the newsletter into its final
finished presentation before it is ready to be emailed and sent to the printer for regular mailing. As we said before, we
are a close group that works well together, and the newsletter, especially, has a lot of input from different sources, as
well as a lot of checks and balances before it is published.
The jobs of Treasurer, Gail Huber Coyle '49, and Membership Director, Bill Coburn 44', also take some time, but again,
it's not all at once. The busiest time for Treasurer is right after we send out a newsletter, and for Membership, there are
labels to print right before the newsletter goes out, and updates to our database to make when dues payments are made.
Membership prints the labels for the US mailing of the newsletter, and sends out the email version. He also prints name
tags for members and guests who have paid in advance for lunch at the Annual All Class reunion in June. In addition to
keeping the database up to date, membership provides class lists for those planning reunions, answers queries from
alumni wishing to contact other alumni, attends the annual Board of Directors meeting and coordinates with the
president, treasurer and editor.
We keep our books in Quicken, so as Treasurer, knowledge of the program is helpful, but not necessary, as it is easily
learned. Mail goes to a PO Box in North Hollywood and should be checked at least once a week. Most of the mail
comes from alumni, and contains checks for dues, donations, payment for the picnic, and news for the newsletter. Mail
is sorted and forms given to the membership chair, editor, etc., and deposits are made by the treasurer after recording all
the payments. Bank statements get balanced monthly and what few bills we get are paid when we receive them (web
design, PO Box, storage, etc.). There are a few tax forms that need to be filled out annually, as well as income tax to be
filed, and we have a tax person to help. We carry insurance for the officers of the corporation, and a special policy for
the annual picnic/reunion. The treasurer also gets cash to make change at the picnic, and re-deposits the same amount
afterwards, as well as a deposit for any dues, donation and BBQ payments received the day of the event.
Arlene Wheeless Strang '52 is our corresponding and recoding secretary. As corresponding secretary, she notifies
alumni when we have a 'work party' meeting, usually to mail out newsletters or some other type of communication.
These meetings usually take place three to four times a year at an Alumni's home, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon,
take a couple of hours, and refreshments are served. It's always a fun time, as we have grads from many different years
helping out. We have an annual board meeting, again usually at an Alumni's home, and Arlene takes minutes of the
meeting. She, like most of the other volunteers, is not quite ready to retire, but she would like to take on a partner who
would take over her duties when she is ready. She would need you to meet with us and get a feel for the workings of the
Board. Along with her husband Owen (an unofficial Alumni, as he does so much for us), Arlene is a big help at the
Annual Picnic. You could always start as a volunteer to help at this event, and go from there.
Kathy Phillips Coss '72 is the youngster in our group. She helped develop our website, and continues to monitor it, with
the emphasis on current and future reunions, obituaries, and interesting articles on our alumni. We are currently talking
about a new website design, and hope to implement this in the near future. You can contact Kathy at [email protected] or
on the Alumni website www.nhhsalumni.com to promote your reunion and/or post pictures of your event.
The Picnic Chairperson, Al Held '53, not only purchases the food and other supplies necessary for our annual event, but
coordinates refrigerator space, etc. with the Cafeteria manager, and confers with the custodian about set up and cleanup
before and after the event.
The President, currently Carol Ajar Tipton '70, works with everyone and helps anywhere she can. The President also
works to help make special projects (like the computers in the library) happen, and coordinates with school personnel
about Alumni events and school needs.
So now you have a basic knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes at your Alumni Assn., and now that you have
this knowledge, we hope you will give us a call and see what you can do to help. As you can see, we have a need for all
sorts of talent, and we have a lot of people who are getting up there in years. All of us volunteers look forward to hearing
from you, and we hope you can help us out sometime soon. You can find most of our contact information on the front
page, or you can call Carol Ajar Tipton at (818)951-7621 to reach someone not listed there.
North Hollywood High - Alumni News
Page 4 of 14
Notes of Interest
Please mark your calendar now for this year's All Class Reunion to be held on June 14, 2015, same time,
same place, 11-3 on the Quad at NHHS!
The Alumni Association recently donated $5,000 to the school library to purchase books popular with present day
teenagers. Between 300 and 350 hardcover and paperback books were purchased from Vroman's. We received
an educators discount and the paperbacks have protective covers. Vroman's suggested the titles that are most
popular at the present time and the school librarian, Mr. Hamrick, checked the titles with some of the students and
they were very excited about the selections.
Question: It has been rumored that the host of Antique Road Show, Mark L. Walberg, graduated from North
Hollywood High. Does anyone know if this is true?
Follow-up on "A Legendary NHHS Coach"
The Steve Miller Classic Legacy Dinner and the first Annual Steve Miller Classic Alumni Basketball Game were
very successful events. Coach Jose Fernandez wrote:
"The dinner was at the Odyssey Restaurant and was well attended by alumni and colleagues from Coach Miller’s
long career. Among the guests in attendance were former NHHS Basketball Coach Bloom, COC Basketball
Coach Fisher, Grant High School Coach Howie Levine (legendary in his own right) and big time former NHHS
players Damon Ollie, Robert Hill and Dana Jones. Hosted by former assistant coach Eli Essa, the evening
featured a “roast toast” tribute to Coach Miller and was highlighted by an emotional moment by Dana Jones, an
original song performed by Howie Levine ("Miriam the Librarian") and a hilarious reenactment of a Miller
rebounding drill by Markus "Cool Breeze" Velasquez, (which recounted his futile attempts to block out Damon
Ollie).
'That was a lot of fun', John Ashby comments on the NHHS Boys Basketball
Facebook page. 'Thanks to everyone. Amazing turnout of alums. Great job by the
varsity. Congrats to Coach Miller.'
Indeed, it was pleasantly shocking to see how just how many proud alums from
the past twenty years (from the Miller, Bloom and Harris eras) showed up to play
in this first annual alumni game. Coach Miller, of course, announced the entire
game, joined at the scorer’s table by coaching legends; Coach Rob Bloom,
Coach Halpern and Coach Rob Allen (who received a special recognition award
at halftime). Among those who played: Dana Jones, Damon Olie, Robert Hill,
Jordan Carrol and Malcolm Craig. There were so many more (check out the
team photo at the NHHS Boys Basketball on Facebook). It was also a great
pleasure to see Carol Tipton, President of the NHHS Alumni Association, in
attendance for both the dinner and the game.
The first half of the game featured the current Husky Varsity team playing the alumni; saw youth and fresh legs win
out. The second half had the alumni split in half and playing against each other. To be sure, it was a great show!
Once again, thanks to all parents, alumni, coaches and the NHHS staff that made this event possible. Special
thanks to Angelia (who coordinated
everything), Leanna, Sylvia,
Deborah and Lisa. We also wish to
thank Roger for filming the game.
What a spectacular way to kick off
the 2014-2015 season."
Editor's note: More pictures on
page 12.
Page 5 of 14
North Hollywood High – Alumni News
Alumni News
1936 Ethel Elizabeth Hoobler Young passed away October 13, 2014 in Sylmar, CA at the age of
97. Ethel was born on September 24, 1917 in Norcatur, KS to Earl and Ozelle Hoobler. The Hoobler
family moved to North Hollywood, a journey that Ethel remembered fondly years later. Ethel graduated
from NHHS in 1936 and went on to marry Ray Charles Young in 1941. They raised their two children in
Los Angeles. Ethel and Ray retired to Vista, CA in a home they designed and built, and spent their
retirement years hosting family and friends. They travelled wide and far. Ethel was preceded in death
by her husband, son and five sisters.
1939 Ian Mackintosh passed away due to heart failure on July 26, 2014 in Slaton, OR where he and
his wife Jean had been living for the past few years. He had been in failing health for several months.
His wife passed away just two days before him.
1940 William Edward Mauck passed on 9/5/14 in rural Enterprise. He was born in Denver, CO. His
parents moved to Southern California where he graduated from NHHS. He married his high school
sweetheart, Dorothy Laura Spencer, in 1941. He was called up in the Naval Reserve in 1943, served
until 1946 in Miami, FL, and was called up again for duty during the Korean Conflict, 1951 to 1952. He
raised his family in North Hollywood, CA. He worked as a carpenter/foreman/superintendent/working in
Class A construction at places such as Cal Tech, UCLA, USC, Huntington Library, schools, movie
studios, high rise buildings and many other projects. He was a master woodworking craftsman of black
walnut furniture, Celtic harps, ornamental candlesticks and scale model replicas. His love of nature and
the natural world led him to hunting, fishing and exploring throughout the US; ocean to ocean,
mountain to desert, streams, brooks ponds, lakes, volcanoes, islands and the High Sierra Mountains,
where he recaptured his essence and wanted to rest.
1941 Harold Knowles passed away on 12/19/14, at Mission Terrace in Santa Barbara, CA. He lived
an honorable life full of service to his country, family and many friends. He lived to fly, starting when he
was little more than a toddler and dressing up like a pilot, to flying the small model planes that he built
as a child to the larger plane with a remote control and 6 foot wing span that he made. During his
career in the Marine Air Corps he flew fighter planes and helicopters during WWII and the Korean
Conflict, was in the California Civil Air Patrol, and then helped to maintain and co-pilot a B25 for his
friend until quite recently. During the Eisenhower years, Harold was the first pilot to land a helicopter
on the lawn of the White House to see if that plane was a viable mode of transportation for the White
House. He continued to be one of the White House pilots. Harold was a highly decorated Marine
fighter pilot during WWII and the Korean War. His sister Dottie Knowles Kellogg '46 shared his story
with us. Harold did not want a funeral service but agreed to a life celebration. A tribute to Harold
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Knowles was held at the Odyssey Restaurant on Thursday, February 19 , 2015. There were
speakers, bag pipes and a "Harold on Video" presentation. Harold belonged to a group of fliers
called "Wings over Wendy’s", a group of Navy aviators who met on Thursdays.
Peggy Weaver Ramey died May 31, 2014 from kidney and liver failure. Her son, Steven Swope, his
wife Nita and her granddaughter Victoria were by her side. Peggy was born in Snoqualmie, WA, and
arrived in Los Angeles on Memorial Day when she was three months old. Her family moved to North
Hollywood in 1937. She married her high school sweetheart, David Swope, in 1944 and had two
sons. They moved to Studio City after the war. The marriage ended, and Peggy later married Robert
M. Ramey. They travelled extensively. Peggy raised her two sons and two stepsons, and was a
gracious hostess to many events.
nd
Richard "Dick" Mutaw celebrated his 92 birthday in October with a grand party held at the Van
Nuys/Reseda Elks Lodge. This was a dual celebration as Dick '41 and Dorothy (Samuel) Mutaw '50
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also celebrated their 50 wedding anniversary in October. Dick was presented with a "Quilt of Valor"
by the Lodge Chairman for Veterans Affairs. This is quite an honor. A special group of women in the
San Diego area make these quilts for our veterans as a thank you for their service to our country.
Each quilt has a patch that tells who made the quilt and where she lives. Dick served in the U.S. Navy
from 1942 to 1946 in the Central Pacific area.
Samuel Shaner received three medals 68 years after he earned them at a ceremony for veterans of
Europe, Korea and Vietnam who had never received their medals. He said "there were too many
things to think about". Samuel was drafted by the air Force in 1943, two years after he graduated from
Peggy Weaver
Ramey
Dick Mutaw
North Hollywood High - Alumni News
More Alumni News
NHHS. "I just never bothered to get them after I was discharged" he said. "I was too busy taking
advantage of the GI Bill". The GI Bill paid him through his five years of college which led to an
engineering career at Caltech.
1942 Liborio "Lee" Sotelo Vela passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Sun Valley
on 10/24/14. Raised in North Hollywood, attended NHHS. At 16 years old he worked with the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC camps). In December 1942, during his senior year, he left high
school to join the U.S. Army where he served in the Philippines and New Guinea during WWII. He
received an honorable discharge in 1946. He married Helen Gonzales, also from North
Hollywood, in 1947. Lee became a carpenter and was a member of the United Brotherhood of
Carpenters and Joiners of America #209 for years. He always liked helping family and friends,
reading every newspaper on his front porch and rooting for his beloved "Dodgers". He is survived
by his loving wife of 67 years, three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
1943 Robert Harris McGalliard October 29, 1925 to December 17, 2014. The world lost a
wonderful man when Robert Harris McGalliard, 89, passed away on December 17, 2014 after a
long battle with Parkinson's disease. Bob was born in Los Angeles, CA to James and Gertrude
McGalliard. They made their home in North Hollywood and some of Bob’s fondest memories
were of playing sports at North Hollywood Park. He attended NHHS where his athletic abilities
earned him numerous letters of commendation in every sport in which he participated. Bob was
also a member of the varsity Lettermen’s Club, the Escuderos Service Club and the HI-Y Athletic
Club. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country on the U.S.S.
Shamrock Bay as a crew member and tail gunner on a T.B.M. Avenger in the Pacific Theater
during WWII. In 1945 Bob married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Reedy, and they raised
their family in Woodland Hills. Bob joined the family business, J.D McGalliard and Sons Masonry,
established in North Hollywood in 1922. He stayed involved with the business until his passing.
Bob’s love of sports kept him active playing golf and tennis, fishing and enjoying college football.
In 2000, Bob married Dorothy Rovsek of Westlake Village, and they spent many happy years
together. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond, wife Beverly, and
son Robert. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Dorothy, two daughters, grandchildren
and great grandchildren.
1945 Myrle Larson Mackintosh writes: My dear friend Joyce Stack Dusich (we go back to
kindergarten) e-mailed a newsletter to me. The story about Joe Douglass was great. Joe lived
across the street from me on Farmdale Ave. when he returned from Korea where he served
during World War II. Mack, the other alumni in the picture, lived down the street from us (Mack
was my ex-husband). Further down the street lived Bill Webb '44, football team center, and
Frank Darien '45; his dad was an actor. I moved to Orange County when the company I worked
for built their new facility in Costa Mesa. It was owned by the uncles of alumnus Ivor McCray '44.
Retirement after 45 years at the pump works has been eventful and rewarding. An example is the
Trees 4 WASP Living Memorial I was deeply involved in. There were 12 living WASP (Women Air
Force Service Pilots) in Orange County, all volunteers during WWII. The Orange District for the
California Federation of Women’s Clubs formed a committee to create a living memorial for these
ladies. Twelve Clubs held fund raisers to pay for the project. We planted twelve 20 gallon
California Pepper trees on the campus of Brea-Olinda High School in honor of these lady
pioneers in the field of aviation. The site for the grove was selected because the school's campus
had been ravaged by wildfire two years before. They needed landscaping to keep the land
stabilized as well as for cosmetic reasons. In addition to the trees, we raised enough money to
build a memorial stand and plaque which included the motto of the WASP's and the 12 names,
One 94 year old WASP, Dr. Mary Lamy, was at the dedication. What a thrill. Volunteering one’s
energy and time is so important to the individual as well as their community. This year I have
started a dozen plumeria and a few small pots of Wisteria seedlings. Monies earned will go to
local philanthropies (i.e. Motel Kids, foster children, homeless mothers to be, CHOC). This plus
many hours collecting, sorting data and writing the history of the Women’s Club of Orange, which
will be 100 years old in February 2015, is what keeps this 87 year old alumni from the class of '45
Page 6 of 14
Page 7 of 14
North Hollywood High – Alumni News
More Alumni News, continued
busy and out of her kids hair and trouble. Not bragging, just letting you know that many of us who use
canes or walkers are still contributing to the community.
1947 Lydia Quijada Black passed away 11/27/14. She was born in North Hollywood, CA. After
graduating from NHHS she went to work for Walt Disney’s animation Department. She loved oil
painting and many different types of art. In 1947 she married Ernest Fernandez and they had four
children. Lydia was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Lydia later married Felix
Costert, then Larry Black; they both preceded her in death.
Dick Hirtzel writes about Jon Huntsman, Sr. the father of Jon Huntsman, Jr., past Governor of Utah,
and graduate of Carpenter Ave. Elementary. Jon Sr. sold eggs for a living in the 1950's when they
lived in North Hollywood. Last year Jon Sr. donated a billion dollars to advance medical research,
fund scholarships, and to house and feed the needy. His goal is to eradicate cancer from the face of
the earth.
1949 Edward Booker passed away 1/19/15. After returning from Korea, he married Connie Castro
'51; they spent over 61 years together. They had met in the school band. He played the tuba, she
played the sax. They had three children.
1950 Joseph D. Morigi passed away on December 25, 2014 following a lengthy illness. Joe was the
kind of man who befriended everyone. "You could be a complete stranger and after a few moments
you were his best friend', said his daughter Chris Morigi-Wolfe. Born July 14, 1932 in Gary, IN to
Domenick and Mabel Morigi, he was the loving husband of Annette Pensanti Morigi '54. Morigi, a
longtime Valley resident, owned four restaurants, with the best known being Morigi’s House of Pizza
in Northridge. Joe moved to North Hollywood with his family when he was 14. After graduating from
NHHS he enlisted in the Navy, where a training accident resulted in a lifelong hearing problem. Even
with his hearing loss, Joe got his pilot's license and flew his family to Big Bear and other locations to
pursue his hobbies of hunting and fishing. He was an outdoorsman. After his military service he
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returned to the Valley and married Annette Pensanti, and they celebrated their 60 anniversary last
June. Morigi was a man of varied talents. He was a general contractor who would go into the
restaurant business, owning three Italian Restaurants and a steak house as he kept open the
construction business, Morigi Contracting. When he owned the restaurant, Morigi would sponsor a
stagecoach in the annual Northridge parade. Chris remembers throwing out bubble gum with her
brother to the crowds. Morigi sold his restaurants in 1992. Morigi planned to retire in 1993, but his son
Donn and wife Marlena were killed in a car accident. Then the Northridge earthquake hit and he
returned to his contracting business to finish the work his son had started when he took over the
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contracting business. Joe was involved in planning their 65 class reunion and had participated in
many of them. He had a group of friends who met every couple of months for lunch. They called
themselves "the Romeos", old men eating out. He is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren
and many friends. He was preceded in death by his son and daughter in law, Donn and Marlena
Morigi.
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Vince Piazza and Barbara Tressler Toll '52 celebrated Barbara’s 80 Birthday in San Francisco.
1951 Requeta "Ricky" Twardoks Campbell was honored as the city of Lakewood’s "Older Adult
Volunteer of the Year". Ricky has lived in Lakewood since she was 18. She is active with the Friends
of the Lakewood Libraries and Meals on Wheels. Congratulations and thanks for all you do.
1952 Glenna Mae Tunnell Kurz passed away on 11/2/14 in Oxnard, CA where she was a resident
for 50 years. Glenna Mae was born in Fullerton, CA. The family moved to the San Fernando Valley
when she was 14 years old. She met her husband of 61 years, Patrick Kurz '52 at North Hollywood
High. Glenna showed an artistic talent early on, selling her first painting when she was 14. Today she
is considered a Top 100 California Artist. Her work is prominently featured by the Bradford Exchange
and her paintings hang in galleries and private collections around the world. Above all, she was a
most avid fan of her eight children and grandchildren. She loved all their activities and sporting events.
Glenna was an engaging life force, who embraced and touched everyone she met. Glenna is
survived by her husband Patrick, her brother Charles Tunnell and seven of her eight children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter and her brother,
Robert Tunnell.
North Hollywood High - Alumni News
Page 8 of 14
Even More Alumni News
Antonia Cecilia Astor passed away 10/12/14. Known to family and friends as Toni, she came to
southern California from Montclair, NJ with her family when her father was employed by Lockheed Aircraft
Company. Antonia graduated from NHHS, and then attended Mills College in Oakland until 1954. She
preferred to continue her professional dancing career. Toni worked on several films including "The Ten
Commandments", "The King and I", "Ben Hur" and "Pajama Game". She also worked on TV and in night
clubs. Eventually Toni worked at Pauley Petroleum Corp. as an executive assistant until her marriage to
Art Astor in 1960. Her survivors include her husband, Art, three children and grandchildren. Family
requested donations in her memory to the Alzheimer Foundation.
1954 Guy Weddington McCreary, devoted husband, loving father, philanthropist, community leader
and historian passed away 10/12/14 after a brave battle with cancer. Guy was the venerable patriarch of
the historic Weddington family, who owned and developed much of North Hollywood, Toluca Lake and
Studio City beginning with the family's arrival in 1886. The original Weddington farm included most of
todays North Hollywood business district. Throughout the 128 year history in the San Fernando Valley,
the Weddington family provided the land for or built the first area school, the first jail, the North Hollywood
fire station, the Southern Pacific train depot, the North Hollywood Post Office, the Bank of Lankershim and
the El Portal Theatre. The Weddington Brothers General store became Rathbuns Department Store, the
valley’s first modern department store. The Weddington family owned the Bonner Packing Company
which produced and shipped San Fernando Fruit across the Nation and around the world. By 1907
Bonner Packing was the largest employer in the area with more than 250 employees. Guy was a graduate
of NHHS and Whittier College. He earned a post graduate degree in Government from Claremont
College. He served as president of the Weddington Investment Companies from 1984 to his death.
Among his many accomplishments, he served as Commissioner on the LA County Commission for Public
Social services and he was Executive Director of the Republican Central Committee of Los Angeles
County. Guy’s commitment to the community was demonstrated through his leadership and activities with
the North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycee’s, Toluca Lake Little League, and the Kiwanis
Club of North Hollywood, the Key Club and his beloved Campo de Cahuenga (the birthplace of
California).
Henry "Hank" Fardel died Christmas Day 2014. Born in Glendale, CA, Hank played football when at
NHHS, and he joined the Marines in 1959, rising to the rank of corporal rifleman specialist while serving at
Southern California’s Fallbrook Barracks. Following his discharge in 1963, he became an apprentice
plumber. Around 1970, he started the pretty much one-man operation known as "Handlebar Hank
Plumbing", (Hank was so proud of his handlebar mustache that he named his business after his
mustache). He ran his business out of his Van Nuys home for four decades. His reputation was stellar.
Hank was an avid cruise-line traveler who made friends throughout the world (one came from England to
his memorial service). He was a lifelong dog lover, with a preference for boxers. A gun enthusiast, he
also enjoyed skeet and target shooting competitions. He is survived by a daughter, stepdaughter,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
1956 Craig Edward Hobson passed away on 10/4/14 at Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Born in
Glendale, CA, he graduated from NHHS and earned his Bachelor Degree in Business Management from
UCLA in 1960. He was a proud member of the United States Army, having served in the Signal Corps
until 1966. Craig spent his career working in real estate, first retiring from Prudential Insurance Company
in1992, and then working in Poulsbo for Coldwell Banker and Windermere. While working on the
development of the Turtle Bay Hilton in Hawaii, fate placed him in a seat next to his future wife on a return
flight from Los Angeles to Oahu. After a six week courtship, they were married and made their home in HI
and Los Angeles, before settling on Bainbridge in 1992. His interests included gardening, skiing, fishing,
volunteering and spending time with family. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and sister
Audrey Hobson Duckworth '50. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. A celebration of his
life was held at the University of Washington, Center for Urban Horticulture.
1958 Ina Sue Ritzer Shulman passed away peacefully on November 4, 2014 after a long and valiant
battle with cancer. Ina Sue was born in Brooklyn, NY, but grew up in the San Fernando Valley, where she
attended NHHS. Vivacious and high spirited, Ina Sue married Sandford “Sandy” Shulman in 1959. Other
than her family, which was always paramount in her life, Ina Sue loved the "the sport of kings". She was
Page 9 of 14
North Hollywood High – Alumni News
And Still More Alumni News
an avid horse racing enthusiast, as involved as her husband, a noted horse trainer who was once known
as the King of Hollywood Park. They were members of all three Southern California turf clubs, and were
familiar figures on the racetrack scene for many years. Ina Sue was a long time member of women’s
ORT, the Jewish educational and vocational and training organization, and was a spirited supporter of the
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation of Irvine. She is survived by her husband, two children, her
brother Harold Ritzer, grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was laid to rest at Mount Sinai, Los
Angeles.
1960 Ronald E. Salter, a consummate family man and devoted friend, passed away on Saturday,
th
December 27 at age 72. Ronnie was born in Los Angeles on March 25, 1942 and grew up in Toluca
Lake and North Hollywood. He graduated from NHHS and CSUN. He served in the Army National Guard
before building a life-long career in the meat business. Ronnie was a small business owner and worked
as a consultant in the industry until he retired. Many knew his proud connection to his work because of
his license plate that read, "Grd Beef". Ronnie was an athlete and sports enthusiast who supported all
the local teams, played softball and was an avid golfer. He was an active member of Woodland Hills
Country Club and for the past nine years El Caballero Country Club. With a mind like a road map,
Ronnie loved to travel and immerse himself in culture and history, and was known for helping family and
friends navigate through the logistics of travel, and life. A generous and caring soul, Ronnie supported
the Jewish Federation, volunteered with the Guardians and successfully co-chaired annual fundraisers for
the Anti-Defamation League. A devoted and caring husband to Jacqueline Salter for 47 years, Ronnie
built a strong home that he opened to family and friends. More than a dad, Ronnie was a committed
friend and confidante to his children, Keri (Ed) Krachie and Johathan (Lynsey) Salter. His granddaughter,
Charlotte, lit up with smiles every time she saw her papa. Ronnie was the son of the late Ann and Dave
Salter, brother to Alan (Laura) Salter and Carol (Doug) Brust. Ronnie’s love for family also extended to
his many cousins, great-nieces and nephews. Ronnie was known by many as a friend that you could
always count on.
JoAnne Buckley Cook passed away peacefully at home after a short illness surrounded by her three
children. Joanne was born in Los Angeles and graduated from NHHS in the winter of 1960. She will be
kindly remembered and appreciated by former classmates for her dedication in searching and contacting
so many members of their graduating class. Her hard work reunited many old friends who had long lost
touch with each other. She worked hard on the 50 year reunion finding many of the lost class members
th
so they all could be in touch with each other. The class celebrated their 50 reunion in 2010 and
continues to keep in touch. They get together once in a while and have alumni gatherings. For the last
five years she has sent them monthly newsletters (many times more often if there was special news or
activities). She continued to track down class members so that they could have a great 55 year reunion
this year. Joanne had a passion for researching family genealogy. She collected letters, pictures and
th
official records dating back to the 18 century. This work, along with ALMA organization, helped her
locate her birth family (Morgan’s and Suckow's). She also helped several other fellow adoptee friends find
their biological families. Joanne had other passions, including her grandchildren and her love of cats. For
many years she was an active Square Dancer and was a longtime member of the Grand Squares and
Rambling Squares. She is survived by her 3 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joanne
was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Kathy Cook and granddaughters Hannah Quille and
Kessler Cook. An outpouring of condolences have come from her classmates that so appreciated her
work in reuniting them.
Judith Ann Rehm Marrs Weaver passed away at her home after a brief illness on 10/23/14 in Oxnard
Shores, CA. Judi was born in Glendale, CA and graduated from NHHS in 1960. As someone who valued
education, Judi returned to college and received her Bachelor's degree from Cal Lutheran University.
Judi loved to live in a rural community (Oak View) where she could have horses, participating in 4H and
Girl Scouting with her children. Judi retired in 2009 after working in the accounting profession both locally
and in the motion picture industry, where she was part of the accounting department for such movies as
"Castaway" and "Titanic". In her retirement she took up quilting but her greatest joy was spoiling her
grandchildren. She is survived by her children, stepchildren and her sister Wendy Rehm Harnett. She
was preceded in death by her husband, John M. “Mike” Weaver.
1970 Grant J.Goodwin passed away on 11/3/14 in Plano, TX. Upon learning that he was terminally ill
Grant said, "I've had a charmed life". Grants childhood was filled with baseball, hockey, swimming and
North Hollywood High - Alumni News
Page 10 of 14
The End of the Alumni News for this Edition
golf. Grant was a gifted athlete, excelling in ice hockey and golf. His ice hockey team won the West
Coast Championship several times, and he turned his golf ability into a lifelong career. He began as an
assistant pro working at country clubs and resorts in NY, MN and FL. His experience with the family
shoe business made it a natural transition for Grant to enjoy a long career in the golf shoe and apparel
industry. His work included design, sales and public relations for several golf related companies. A
highlight was when he worked for Jack Nicholson at MacGregor Golf Company. His travels and
contacts allowed him to play at hundreds of the best golf courses from HI to FL and TX to NY. He had a
phenomenal recall of every course and every hole. Grant loved to keep in touch with his many friends
and family from all over the country. He felt so close to his hockey teammates from his youth that he
personally organized a reunion in southern CA. He is survived by his wife Karen Wooten Goodwin.
Richard M. "Rick" Lasarow, MD, passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2014. He was well
loved by his patients, family and friends. Rick is survived by his parents, wife and daughter.
“Take a walk with us down memory lane from
1936 to 1984.”
Memory Lane
1936
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1945
1946
1947
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1956
Ethel Elizabeth Hoobler Young per Obit
Aleda Murrell Cowan per Joe Douglass
Herman Saleen per Joe Douglass
Edna Lombardo Teresino Sartor
Ian Mackintosh per Joe Douglass &
Myrle Larson Mackintosh
William Edward Mauck per Obit
Harold Knowles per sister Dottie
Knowles Kellogg '46
Peggy Weaver Ramey
Robert Gregory
Jack Douglass per brother
Joe Douglass
Liborio "Lee" Sotelo Vela per Obit
Warren Schiller
Elinor Gammans Welch per Mrs.
Dennis Welch
Robert Harris McGalliard per Obit
Ernest W. Sealey per wife
Robert "Bob" Holdakoski per Carole
Redding Milner '46
Lydia Quijada Black per Obit
James Klingaman
Edward “Ed” Booker per wife Connie
Castro Booker '49
Joseph D. Morigi per Obit
Warren Schiller per Vince Piazza
Joe Fox
Bob Aitchison
Vivienne Thoreson Reed per Vince Piazza
Marcus "Mark" Milo Hissong per Obit
Glenna Mae Tunnell Kurz per Obit
Jack Barton per Marv Allison
Guy Weddington McCreary per Obit
Henry "Hank" Fardel per Obit
Patty Lynn Riser Turner per son William
Turner
Craig Hobson per sister Audrey Hobson
Duckworth
1958
1960
1970
1971
1984
Ina Sue Ritzer Shulman per Obit
Ronald E. Salter
Judith "Judi" Ann Rehm Weaver
JoAnne Buckley Cook per Sarah
Grayson West
Grant J. Goodwin per Kim Phillips-Clark
Richard "Rick" Lasarow, MD per Emerick Chow
Vivianne Darieux-De La Rosa-Christian
John Fox
Andy Steiner
Regina D. Febbo Lederer
Paul M. List
Chad W. Goodrich
Lovie D. Kittler
Jesus Lara
Reva (Alviar) Shafer
Arthur B. "Arti" Baer
Fredric C. "Freddy" Birt
Daron T. Oda
Aurora E. Pinklin Stewart
Rebecca S. San Filippo Joseph
Stephen B. Lazurus per Diana Moss
1984 Class Reunion Committee
Year Unknown
George Gordon Gammans per Mrs.
Dennis Welch
Rick Lasarow
Page 11 of 14
North Hollywood High – Alumni News
Donations
$1,000.00
Don Puglia '48 in honor of Susan Sontag
$512.00
Christopher '55 and Patricia Farmer '54 Weil
$63.00-$81.50
Mitzi Frye Koch '48
Allen Remington '43
Jack Langford '50
Don Birnkrant in memory of Ritchie Morse,
Bob Kassarjian and Vince Martinelli
$50.00- $55.00
Arlene Strang Wheeless '52
Gordon Davis '53
Peter Creamer ‘51 in memory of Bob Foster
John Stacy ‘54 in memory of Larry Lester ‘54
Anita Finstad Machesney ‘61
Vince Piazza ‘50
Phil and Karen Finstad ‘60 Miller ‘59
Sally Smith Campbell ‘47
John Dagones ‘43 in memory of Douglass
Campbell ‘43
Quentin & Maryellen ‘61 Sorrell ‘57
Rose A. Messina Topping ‘46
Gloria Angier Leckman ‘46
David Bunch ‘50 & Betty Sommerfeld ‘52 Bunch
Caroline Franke Wyman in memory of Robert
Wyman ‘49
Clive Rogers ‘49 in memory of Coach Paul
Xanthos
Harold Hildreth ‘50
Ron Worthen ‘51 in memory of Sally Smith
Worthen
Joanne Nelson Granville ‘49
Ruth Cullen Grant ‘48
Clive Rogers ‘49 in memory Roy Murakami ‘49
Bill Altman ‘53
Betty Lunsford Mercer ‘46 in memory of Ginger
(Virginia) Springer ‘45
Quentin Sorrell ‘57
Helen Aldis Getchel
Colton Cronin ‘50
$30.00-$40.00
Jean Hardy Reese ‘51
Maylon “Skook” Houston ‘53
James French ‘57
Robert Hale ‘46
Ronald Hamamoto ‘50
Carolyn Smith Dionisso ‘73
Patti & Mike Schneider ‘53
Larry Berlin ‘56
Joie Vieille Felt ‘46
Linda Shupper Brame ‘56
Maylon “Skook” Houston ‘53
$25.00
Marie Orthober Gregory ’43 in memory of Robert
M. Gregory ‘41 and Franklin Orthober ‘46
Beverley Brocato Anderson ‘53
Marilyn Silverman Knowell ‘48
Susan Humphries Swensson ‘59
Melva Mae Franklin ‘53
Gerry Shaffer Shenkin ‘57
Steven Perren ‘60
Pamela Mann Hicks ‘51
Larry Jay ‘53
Myrle Larson Mackintosh ‘45
Susan Brown Mitchell ‘51
Thomas Gregg ‘53
Dorothy De Loughery Foster ‘46
Earl Dean Vaubinder ‘44
Kay Badgley Curry ‘51 in memory of Richard
Curry ‘50
Stanley Bowles ‘51
Ron Holloway ‘61
Stuart Baron ‘55
Mike Hibler ‘50 in memory of Chris Hibler ‘60
and Andy Johnson ‘50
Theresa Arnone Dickson ‘51 in memory of Joan
Follis Buck ‘51
Joan White Schader ‘52 in memory of Linda
McLean Nitsch ‘52
Tom Gregg ‘53 in honor of Ken Koupal ‘53
Karen Elliott Galli ‘53 in memory of Barbara
Elliott Fergancheck and Ralph (Bud)
Elliott ‘51
Ken Koupal ‘53
$20.00
Joyce Stack Dusich ‘45
Iris Siegel ‘60
Frank Smith ‘44
Marilyn Silverman Kowell ‘48
Allen Weiss in memory Jack Weiss '57
and Jill Weiss Slavin '57
Marlene Crabb Hamm ’52 in memory Bob
Hamm
$18.00 and under
Evelyn Hansen Hahn ‘49
Marlene Selan Stean ‘50
Debe Portman Bloom '69 in memory of Carol
Portman Marinoff ’68
North Hollywood High - Alumni News
Page 12 of 14
Donations, continued
Carol Espy Young ‘57
Frances Thompson Kemper ‘44
Harry Zalkind ‘73
John ’48 and Nancy Kennedy ’50 Riley
Donna Bolton Bluemm ‘51
Kathryn Tennis Miller ‘56
Harold H. Kassarjian ‘41
Donald Brooks ‘49
Don Curry ‘46
Gary ’53 and Sandra Taylor ’54 Leary
Editor's Corner
I hope you took note of the lead story. As you can see, we are looking for volunteers
to assist with the newsletter as well as many other things. Working on the newsletter
these past 20 plus years has been a great experience for me. We have come a long
way with our newsletter, thanks to the effort of Carol Ajar Tipton '70 in setting up the
new format. Bob and I have relocated into the city and will be busy setting up our new
home (no small task for two 80 plus seniors). It is time for others to have the pleasure
of working with our officers. For the time being, we hope that you continue to enjoy
the newsletter.
Your comments have been greatly appreciated by all who work on the newsletter.
There would be no newsletter without your in-put, but as always, we need more of you
to contribute. Let us know about your life, and the lives of your classmates. When you
send your content and pictures, please e-mail it to me if at all possible. Do not
hesitate to send your news as "snail mail", though, if that is more comfortable for you.
My address is on the front page of the newsletter, or you can send it all to me at
[email protected]. If your item does not appear this time, we will try to get it into
the next issue.
My thanks to Carol Ajar Tipton (who wears so many hats for the NHHS Alumni Assn.,
one being co-editor), who makes sure all you Huskies receive your newsletter. I'm
thanking you again for sending your news, and we'll see you next time.
Page 13 of 14
North Hollywood High – Alumni News
MEMBERSHIP DUES $12.00 Payable by April 1st
Please use this form when paying Dues or Donations by USMAIL
Please print in capital letters, using Black or Blue Ink. See example below. Remember to give us your
maiden name if you are using an address label and please cut apart where indicated.
Please do not use staples when mailing. Thank you.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Female
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Class
E-mail Address
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Last
Class
Mailing Address
Please cut here………………………………………………………………………………Please cut here
To make a Donation:
I want to donate to:
Scholarships $________School needs $_________In Honor or $_________Website$________
Memory Maintenance & Upgrades
Please print your name and class
First
Maiden Name
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Class
Please cut here…………………………………………………………………………......Please cut here
Pay for the Annual Picnic @ $6.50/Person. Always the second Sunday in June, 11 AM to 3 PM
Name
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Maiden Name
Last/Married Name
Spouse / Guests------ please print names for all name badges
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Make all checks payable to: NHHS Alumni Association and send to: NHHS Alumni Assn., PO Box 9658,
No. Hollywood, CA, 91609. Please include all forms with check.
You can also choose to use the Pay Pal feature to pay your dues and donations online at
www.nhhsalumni.com
rev. 2/24/2014
North Hollywood High School Alma Mater
From the Valley's purple mountains
On the golden-tinted plain,
Near the padre's sacred fountains
Reaching to the sounding main,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
Stands the high school that we love,
And our noble aspirations
Are inspired by heav'n above.
We shall always love our high school
As her sons and daughters should;
And our fondest, noblest wishes
Are for you, North Hollywood
North Hollywood Alumni Association
PO Box 9658
North Hollywood, CA 91609
Alumni Name
Street Address
City, ST ZIP Code