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Memorabilia
Concurrent with the dedication of the new Burlingame City Library, a volunteer effort published a pictorial essay of the history of the City. Our own Marilyn(Dickman) Short played a major role in assembling the exhibits for publication. The book is titled, "Burlingame: City of Trees", and is guaranteed to please. Order from your favorite bookseller(ISBN: 1-881529-27-4, Library of Congress Number: 97-69217).
Related Web Site: Burlingame Historical Society
Historical Trivia: Who can forget the "Blingum Inn" Band that provided music for all the dances held at the Burlingame Recreation Center. In our senior year, classmates Ed Steele (trumpet) and Rich Goodwin (saxophone) were band members. But we'll bet that not many know where the word "Blingum" came from. At p.11 of the book "Burlingame: City of Trees" the story is told.
"In 1886, upon the death of William Sharon who owned most of the hill property ? (later called Hillsborough), control of the land passed to his son-in-law, Francis Newlands. Newlands began to develop "Burlingame Park." Sixteen acres of a planned 750-acre suburb were laid out. ?
"Newlands pledged that the jewel of Burlingame Park was to be a country club. Excited by its possibilities, wealthy San Franciscans established the Burlingame Club, as first known, in September 1893. ? This organization gradually developed into one of the West's most prestigious social institutions.
"It has always been called the Burlingame Country Club. ? The town, dating from the 1890s, has often jokingly been referred to as "Blingum." This was a dig at the Anglophile mannerisms of the country club set."
More Trivia: At p.92 in the book "Burlingame: City of Trees" is an article about Victor A. Mangini: Burlingame High School Legend." In part it reads, "There were high points in Mangini's coaching. One student became the first in Northern California to break 13 feet in the pole vault, clearing the bar at an amazing 13 feet 2 inches." Hold on folks! That was our own Jess Undlin!
(October 2001) We are saddened by the passing of Peter Umland (BHS'54), brother of Classmate Diana (Umland) Bos. Peter was recently named Burlingame High School Alumnus of the Year-2001, and an article about that appears on the Alumni News page. Diana has written a tribute to Peter's life which can be viewed by clicking on the link.
(November 2001) It's a small world. We received an unexpected note from Bill Walsh (BHS'62) offering up some information for our Faculty and Staff web page. We wrote back commenting on the coincidence that our class had a teacher named Bill Walsh who taught math and science at BHS. Turns out it is father and son. Bill Walsh, Sr. went on to become an administrator at College of San Mateo. He still lives in San Mateo. The Walsh family used to live on Lexington Avenue across the street from Ron Marlin. Bill, Jr's sister, Barbara, married Bruce Hansen, who was in our class and attended Washington Elementary School until mid-5th grade (see Bruce's picture above with Peter Ueberroth).One of Bill's claim to fame at BHS was being the backup quarterback on the football team and he has written a story about his experience in the November 26, 1959 Little Big Game, Burlingame v. San Mateo. It is presented with permission. Please click on the link to read it.
(May 2002) We are saddened to hear of the death of another classmate, Bob Clunie, who died on Memorial Day 2002. (See obituary on Bob's Senior Photo page.)
(September 2004) IN MEMORIAM Gail Patricia Delaney (1937 - 2004). Gail is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Denise and William Barton of Sunnyvale.
(October 2004) IN MEMORIAM, Jeannie Finch Sevilla (1937 - 2004). In San Mateo.
(March 2005) IN MEMORIAM. We are always saddened to hear of the passing of our classmates. Responses from the reunion mailings report that Tom Hendrick passed away September 2002; Martin Swindt, January 2005.
(October 2005) In Memoriam, Robert Raymond Czapkay, May 1, 2005. See, also, Bob's Senior Photo page.
2006
(MAY 2006) Like the Phoenix, the website has risen. Holy smokes, it's been 8 months since the 50th Reunion. What a wonderful time we all had during that great party last October. I was close to burnout, and three days later, Lillian and I departed for three weeks in Switzerland and Italy (Tuscany). We visited Lucerne and Zermatt in order to see the spectacular Swiss Alps. In Italy we saw Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Cinque Terra on the Mediterranean.
On return, I made some changes to the website. The Reunion page came down and in its place came an index of all the reunion photos that are on the DVD you received in the mail. With this index you can either look at a photo and go to the index to see who is in the picture. Or, you can find someone's name in the index and go to the picture.
Another website change was separating the Hilllsborought School stuff from the Burlingame Schools. The Hillsborough folks now have their own page.
An unaccomplished pre-reunion goal was to include a current photo of all classmates with whom we are still in contact. This task still is not done, BUT, with the Reunion DVD collection I was able to do some cut and pasting to pickup a few of those missing photos.
In December Lillian and I spent a week in Hawaii (Kauai) to attend our daughter's wedding. Karen's son, Brian, graduates from Alhambra HS in Martinez this month. He reports to Camp Pendleton (USMC) in July. We are not thrilled with this, but he has had his heart set on joining up for the last two years.
On our return from Hawaii I started getting antsy about converting my internet connection from dial-up to broadband. And in March it happened. So the website had to come down. The old website was really a 'kluge' from a technical standpoint. It was built on two servers which had to talk to one another. So when Mike Johnson saved all the files from both servers, most of the program code had to be 're-linked' to serve the fact that all the files are now on one server. If you find something that is not right, just send me a note.
Please stay in touch and sent me all the tidbits that make the Class News entertaining. Grey
2007
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(January 2007) We are saddened by the passing of Marshia Matthews, wife of classmate John Matthews. A brief biography of her life was reported in the 12/11/2006 North County Times.
"Marshia Anne Matthews, 59... passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, at home in Riverside, Calif., of brain cancer.
Marshia was born in Oceanside, Calif., on April 18, 1947, to Virgil B. and Beulah M. Hood. She grew up in Carlsbad, graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965 and attended San Diego State University. Marshia is survived by her husband of nearly 37 years, John Matthews, sons Britt (Karin) of Oceanside and Blake of San Diego; daughters Amanda Losch (Frank) of Apple Valley and Jessica of Los Angeles; grandchildren Annalee, Annika and Mattheus Losch; sister Charla Boodry (Fred) of Carlsbad and eight nieces and nephews.
Marshia retired in 2001 from the Riverside Police Department, where she served as a community service representative and a dispatcher. She enjoyed music (especially Rock n Roll), dancing, reading, antiquing, and constant redecorating and spending time with her family. She was known for her wit, intelligence and, above all, her disarming humor and laughter. Marshia was dearly loved and will be missed by her family and her dear friends."
We were honored to have Marshia and John in attendance at our 50th Reunion.
(January 2007) Classmate Margaret (Crowley) Miles joins the distinguished list of 18 classmates who became professional educators.
(January 2007) In Memoriam - Charles "Chuck" Engstom (~1937 - 1963). A brief obit is posted below his 8th grade class photo at Roosevelt Elementary School.
(February 2007) In Memoriam - Victor A. Mangini, 04 February 2007, age 88. Click on the link to read a biographical sketch of his life.
(February 2007) In Memoriam - Mary Anne (Ring) Adams (1937 - 2007) Entered into rest on February 23, 2007 in San Jose, CA after a lengthy illness. Mary was born on July 26, 1937 in Oakland, California and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Olive Ring. She resided in San Jose for the past 50 years. Mary is survived by her husband William (Bill), daughter Lori Zendejas, son-in-law Greg Zendejas, and Grandsons Drew and John Zendejas, and many nephews and nieces. Mary was a graduate of Burlingame High School and San Jose City College. She had a versatile professional career as a legal secretary, Real Estate Agent and Notary. She held memberships for many years in Santa Clara County Legal Secretary Association, San Jose Real Estate Board and National Notary Association. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 1200 Redmond Ave., San Jose, CA 95120. Celebration of Mary's life will be at a reception immediately following the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mary's name to Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Ave., San Jose, CA 95124 or to the American Cancer Society. (San Jose Mercury News 02/25/2007).
(April 6, 2007) A note from Elaine (Bjorgan) Duxbury (responding to a note from Grey) - it takes your breath away:
“...Re: not having heard from me. I've periodically been off line for some periods of time--I'm technologically challenged, but it seems that AOL and SBC Yahoo and their outposts in India have everything working pretty consistently now. Also, …been traveling quite a bit, sometimes without Internet access.
Since our 50th reunion, among other things, I've toured Southern Mexico, climbing pyramids and eating dried grasshoppers; …studied Spanish in Guatemala (Antigua); …attended an Elderhostel in Chicago at the Art Institute; …toured Italy for the first time (loved it); …went to Cozumel (tried scuba diving) and then on to Cuba on a humanitarian trip with UC Berkeley alums; and just last month returned to Italy to study art history in Florence and then to Hamburg to hang out with a friend there.
Came back earlier than planned so I could receive an award for my career--the Richard A. McGee Award for criminology in California, presented by the American Justice Institute. (Ed. see below). …Spending time volunteering for the Red Cross, which I started after (Hurricane) Katrina. Part of my volunteering involves helping families after they've had a fire or other disaster in their homes. …Also helping with administrative work for a chamber music festival at Kirkwood each July.
…Taking swimming lessons with the aim of scuba diving in the future and attending courses on classical music and digital photography. …Enjoying musical events--classical, opera, traditional jazz, ragtime and some pop and rock. …Work out with a trainer three times a week to keep my energy up. …And spending time with family (sister, nieces and nephews and their kids, etc.) and friends.
Future travel includes touring Arizona in May and Egypt and Jordan in Nov. Have some blank spots in my calendar between now and then; so undoubtedly more travel in between. Yawn. Perhaps more than anyone cares to hear about.... But the essence of it is that I'm enjoying good health and that life is good. I'm grateful for that. Hope the same is true for you and yours. Best, Elaine”
(Ed. In 1989 Elaine received the Alumna of the Year Award from the Burlingame High School Alumni Association for her work with the State of California-Department of Youth Authority. Being the mild-mannered person she is, were it not for discovering her professional resumé submitted for our 32nd Reunion in 1987, I would still be wondering just what she did for a living. That resumé is posted with her Senior Picture. Anyway, it is fair to say she is right up at the top of the list of researchers studying the effect of the criminal justice system on youthful offenders. In March of this year, at the meeting of the Association for Criminal Justice Research, Elaine was presented with the prestigious Richard A. McGee Award for Distinguished Contribution to Research on Criminal Justice.)
(05 May 2007) Dateline: San Diego. The Spring Student Art Show of the Art Academy in San Diego features, among others, the artwork of Classmate Dixie (Eason) McCarthy. The gallery showing runs through June 6. Co-incidentally, Dixie's new website debuts on the Internet. The site is well done and amounts to a cyber-gallery of Dixie's work. Visit www.dixiemccarthyart.com. Last October Dixie was one of the artists invited to participate in a month-long workshop at the Vermont Studio Center for Artists and Writers. Artists and writers from all over the world were in attendance to develop their work and be critiqued.
(10 May 2007) A note received from classmate John Matthews expressing thanks for expressions of kindness and sympathty from his classmates on the passing of his wife, Marshia. John was very touched by all. the cards and notes. Marshia's attendance at our 50th reunion was a gift of love to John. John also sent along some family memorabilia which are now posted to his Senior Photo page.
(19 June 2007) Michael Johnson, son of Michael & Kathleen Johnson, has just graduated from Northwestern University and has received his Ph.D. in Mathematics. We have seen his doctoral thesis on "ergotics." You can't even understand the Abstract. Michael will be migrating to Temple University** where he will teach mathematics and continue his research. Both of Michael's parents have doctoral degrees. Congratulations to the Johnson family.
**Temple University, of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, is a comprehensive public research university with more than 34,000 students. It has a distinguished faculty in 17 schools and colleges, including schools of Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Podiatry, and Dentistry, and a renowned Health Sciences Center. Temple is one of Pennsylvania's three public research universities, along with the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. Temple University is the 26th largest university in the United States, and it is the 6th largest provider of professional education (law, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and podiatric medicine) in the country.
(20 June 2007) John Matthews' daughter, Mandy, writes "My Dad is currently in the Loma Linda Veteran's hospital. He is doing okay but they had to do an angioplasty and put a shunt in one of his heart valves. He is supposed to get out on Thursday June 21."
(22 June 2007) In Memoriam-Roger Johnstone, BHS Class of 1953 (as reported in San Mateo Times 6/22/07)
ROGER LEIGH JOHNSTONE June 15, 1935 - June 13, 2007 Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend passed away on June 13, 2007 at the age of 71. Born in Los Angeles, CA, he attended Burlingame High School and the University of New Mexico where he received his Bachelor's degree in teaching and a Master's degree in Counseling. He was a resident of Menlo Park for over 40 years, and has been a long standing member of St. Bede's Episcopal Church. He taught at Borel Middle School in San Mateo for 36 years. He also served in the Army in the early 60's. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed traveling, gardening and fixing just about anything! He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Ginny; his daughter Deborah Tislau; his son Cameron Johnstone; grandchildren Evan and Noelle Tislau and Trevor, Dylan and Jake Johnstone; brother Parker Johnstone; sister Penelope Johnstone; and brother Randolph Johnstone.
(25 June 2007) Peggy Ledwith writes "I quit work last August and have been pretty busy traveling... In January I took a 15 day cruise to Hawaii and am planning another trip to Rome and then a cruise to the Greek Islands. I'm not involved in any volunteer activities yet - still getting used to not working and spending time with my grandchildren."
(09 July 2007) A note from classmate Pete Dillaway. He is officially retired as of June 30, 2007. Says Pete, "I don't intend to work in the future, other than to assist Barbara in the care of Allison, Louis, and Charles. All three are challenging in their own ways." His mailing address has changed to La Mesa, a suburb of Las Cruces NM. Send a note to Grey for it, as well as his e-mail address.
(30 June 2007) Grey & Lillian Whipple and their family have returned from a 10 day RT cruise aboard the Dawn Princess from SF to Alaska. Highlights of the voyage were Grey's 70th birthday party; Ports of Call at Ketchikan, Juneau, Scagway, and Victoria BC; visiting Sutter Glacier in the Tracy Arm Fijord; and High Tea at the Butchart Gardens.
(13 July 2007) Grey and Lillian Whipple celebrate their 44th wedding anniverary.
(13 July 2007) Those of you who attended Roosevelt Elementary School may recall Hal (Sandy) Reynolds. His picture can be found in one of the 8th grade class photos on the Roosevelt School page on this website. He now goes by the name of Hal and he provided business and e-mail addresses at UC Berkeley. Hal wrote from Bergen, Norway where he is on holiday in his wife's home town. He returns August 8 and we expect to be in touch for more details.
(14 July 2007) Unbenownst to each other, Irene Taylor and Gil & Linda Larish booked the same tour to France. Of course, they soon enough find each other, and Irene sends the following notes and photo:
"Grey, Linda/Gil Larish and I along with 35 other people just took a great 13 day trip through France. We traveled from Paris, through the Loire Valley, Provence, and ended in Nice. There were so many memorable times. Gil, Linda and I did lots of stuff in a small group of 6-8 that we gravated towards. Linda was a great mini tour leader and got us around, ie., through several stops on the French underground to Monmarte area where I beat Gil up 304 steps. Yes, Linda counts steps. They were great travel companions. Gil is a photo guru who everyone goes to for tech. help. Memorable was Monet's Gardens..., Caves at Lascaux of early man's art, and Monaco. I teased Gil about many things as we went along that I said I'd share with all sometime, but lucky for him I forget most things. They were going on for several more days of adventure....love Irene"
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(28 July 2007) Grey and Lillian Whipple have returned from an 8-day trip to Colorado (in general) and Colorado Springs (in particular). They enjoyed visits to the Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, a cogwheel rail ride from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak (14,115'), and three days travel in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park.
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(06 August 2007) We're pretty sure about this. Gleaned from the Social Security Administration Death Index: IN MEMORIAM - Lawrence (Larry) L. VanDuker (1937 - 2006). We could not find a published obituary, but certain details are available on Larry's Senior Photo page.
(15 August 2007) A note from classmate John Hansen. John writes of sending his daughter to college in Atlanta, his wife to college in Hayward, and of his January 1, 2007 "retirement" as a fulltime partner in his law firm. The complete text is posted to his Senior Photo page.
(22 August 2007) Another article has appeared about Peter Ueberroth. It is another story about Peter's business successes, but takes a refreshing slant about why he has had so many successes. It can be found on the Class Constituents page of this website.
(02 September 2007) IN MEMORIAM: Jeanne (Guichot) Kirsch, (1937 - 2007). Jeanne's obituary is posted on her Senior Photo page.
(05 September 2007) IN MEMORIAM: Hazel Ann (Mott) Michaelson, (1938 - 2007). A brief note from her husband is posted on her Senior Photo page.
(12 September 2007) IT'S A BOY! - Congratulations to Mike and Kathleen Johnson, proud grandparents of Grant Daniel Reed Johnson, born to Mrs. Rosemary (Johnson) and Dr. Kevin Breger, MD. The Bregers live in Brentwood where Kevin is doing his residency at UCLA Medical Center. The Bregers also have a daughter, Grace.
(04 October 2007) Dateline: Sunriver OR - Twenty classmates and spouses gathered for a Fall Retreat at the Sunriver Resort in North Central Oregon. Committee persons were Diana (Umland) Swenson (resident of Sunriver), Mike Johnson, and Grey Whipple. Joining them were spouses Lloyd Swenson (married to Diana last April)., Kathleen Johnson, and Lillian Whipple. Other couple attending were Rich & Karen Keehn, Jim & Lynn Conner, Barbara Hewitt & John Basye, Ron & Margi Winter, Ed & Evon'56 Steele, and Elva & Rich Hoogner.
Some interesting tidbits about your classmates. Diana and Lloyd Swenson probably have been married the shortest time - about 6 months. Ed and Evon have just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Rich and Karen Keehn brought a supply of some of their gold medal wines with the McDowell label. Jim Conner's career in labor management has taken an interesting turn. Jim has been certified as a labor mediator for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The FMCS is an Agency of United States Government that handles arbitration and mediation of labor disputes and contract negotiations.
Our first night at Sunriver Resort was a welcoming party hosted by Diana and Lloyd in their home. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and good wine made for a pleasant evening. Our second evening was a dinner party held in the Hearth Room of the Lodge. Feted during dessert was Rich Keehn celebrating his birthday that evening - 71 years. Jim Conner, a long-time friend of Rich, going back to grammar school, told some stories about that friendship. On our last night at Sunriver, Diana invited us to join her and Lloyd to the South Bend Bistro in Sunriver to celebrate her husband Lloyd's 73rd birthday. By the end of three days, Lloyd was very comfortable with Diana's classmates.
Alas, all good things must end and the frosting on the cake was the arrival of snow on Thursday morning. Grey and Lillian left at 5:00 am and reported driving through snow for about an hour on southbound Hwy 97. Photos are being collected and are beginning to appear on a Sunriver Retreat Photos page.
(19 October 2007) We don't get to say this often enough, but it is always such a pleasure when someone from our past discovers this website and gets in touch. Today it was Paul Goldman, BHS'54, looking to get in touch with Nan-Susan (Gruman) Brown. We can only surmise that Paul had not heard about Nan's moving from Burlingame to Sunnyvale. Anyway, in a call from Nan we learned that the Goldman's and Nan's family were very close, and Nan was pleased to talk again with Paul. Paul Goldman and Grey Whipple both played percussion in the BHS band, conducted by Eugene "Prof" Brose.
(26 October 2007) In November 2005 and March 2007, the (California) Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) mailed fact sheets informing the surrounding community that a cleanup of soil containing PCB (polychlorinated Biphenyls) and lead based-paint residue was being conducted at the Burlingame High School (BHS). The removal of the PCBs and lead was completed in June 2007. The last phase of the ongoing cleanup is the arsenic removal that is proposed in various areas on BHS property. Elevated levels of arsenic were found in the athletic field located on the southeast portion of the site during the modernization of BHS. Site investigations were conducted between December 2004 and March 2007. The source of contamination at the site is unknown, but may be from the historical use of arsenic-based pesticides at the site. The maximum level of arsenic detected at BHS is 531 parts per million. The cleanup goal for the arsenic is 10 parts per million. To read the entire report, visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/Schools/Projects/upload/Burlingame_Arsenic_FS_DRAW_100407.pdf
(13 November 2007) The Fall/Winter 2007 Panther Postscripts is in the mail. The Alumna of the Year is Irene Simpson Neasham, Class of 1933. Read her biography on the Alumnus of the Year page on this website.Burlingame High School Principal Matt Biggar is in his 6th and final year as Principal at BHS. He moves on to be the Interim Associate Superintendent for Instruction in the San Mateo Union High School District. BHS seems to be doing very well by State Performance Standards. One of the school's long-term goals is to, among other things, promote good mental and physical health and a strong sense of personal values...to make the choice to be consistently honest in their academic work, act with integrity and develop a strong sense of ethics...
(15 November 2007) We have just posted a photo of Jayne (Wright) and Tom Lasley and family. The Lasleys were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last August in Newport Beach with sons & daughter, spouses, and grandchildren. Check it out on Jayne's Senior Photo page.
(16 November 2007) The Burlingame-San Mateo Little Big Game is now scheduled to be the last game of the regular season. This year the game was played on November 11 at San Mateo. Results of the 80th Little Big Game: Burlingame 42-San Mateo 10.
(19 November 2007) Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to classmate Alma (Bunce) Alber and her husband, Richard, and their extended family on the passing of Alma's brother, Richard L. (Dick) Bunce 'BHS59. (March 2007).
(20 November 2007) We note that Karen Key, widow of classmate Bill Key, is on the committee planning the Burlingame Centennial Ball to be held on Friday, June 6th, 2008. Current plans call for a cocktail hour, sit down dinner, birthday ceremony, entertainment by Danny Marona, a spectacular fireworks show, followed by an evening of music and dancing.
(23 November 2007) In Memoriam. Diane Louise Dougherty ( 1937 - 2002)
(27 November 2007) See above November 13. We have added a link to this website's Alumni Association News page. Click on it to view page 1 of the last Panther Postscripts. It displays as a .PDF file.
(28 November 2007) Classmate Dixie (Eason) McCarthy has updated her Dixie McCarthy Art website. Read |About the Artist| for an autobiographical sketch of her art career. Recommended reading.
(22 December 2007) What a delightful Christmas gift; a telephone call from Robert C. Burnes, 7th grade teacher for classmates from Washington Elementary School. We each had our 7th grade website class photo in front of us, and we talked and told stories about all of you. In spite of a rocky year with him, he has fond memories of us and of his teaching years in Burlingame. Mr. Burnes is now 87 years old and lives in Palo Alto.
2008
(24 February 2008) Classmates met in Burlingame to discuss and approve a proposal to hold or 55th Reunion at Asilomar State Conference Center in Pacific Grove, September 2010. Grey Whipple will lead the charge. A new page has been added to our class website about reunion plans.
(05 March 2008) A letter posted to classmate Ann Marie Turner Lindenberger of Half Moon Bay came back "undeliverable". A search of the web cannot find Ann. A search of the SSDI lists a Robert E. Lindenberger of Half Moon Bay (b.6/18/1932, d. 6/14/2005). If this was Ann's husband, she may well have departed to be closer to friends or family. In 2005 our mailings to Ann were still finding her in HMB. (26 June 2009) Subsequent Internet research found that Ann Turner's husband was Robert E. "Lindy" Lindenberger, a flight captain for Hughes Airwest.
(24 March 2008) We are once again in contact with Nancy (Nyeland) Ritter. She lives in Redwood City CA. It's always nice to move a name off the Missing Classmates list. Visit her Senior Photo to read a brief bio of her life. Conctact Grey for an address.
(19 April 2008) IN MEMORIAM. Dr. Peter Wilkins Brill, M.D. of Dos Palos CA ( b. 5/24/1937, d. 4/10/2008, age 70) Dr. Brill leaves a legacy of service to the community of Dos Palos. It is recommended reading. See Peter's Senior Photo page. (Thanks to classmate Carolyn Lanning Vierra of Los Banos CA)
(08 May 2008) Burlingame High picks new principal By Will Oremus / Burlingame Daily News Staff Writer. "Burlingame High School's next principal will be Chris Holleran, who has led Tamalpais High School in Marin County for the past seven years The hiring was approved unanimously by the San Mateo Union High School District's board of trustees at a special meeting Wednesday evening. Holleran will replace Matt Biggar, who had already been working part-time in his new post as the district's associate superintendent for instructional services....Holleran, 51, grew up in Orange County and got his first job as an English teacher in Los Angeles County 27 years ago. He was principal of Kelseyville High School for one year and of Healdsburg High School for three years before coming to Tamalpais...."
(16 May 2008) A note from Denise Delaney-Barton, daughter of classmate Gail Delaney. She will receive her MS in Journalism & Mass communication from San Jose State next week, and will begin teaching there in the Fall! Denise and husband, Bill, live in Half Moon Bay.
(06 June 2008) The City of Burlingame concluded a year of festivities celebrating its 100th birthday with a Centennial Ball held at the Burlingame Hyatt Regency Hotel. The program included dinner, entertainment, fireworks and dancing to the music of the Mid-Life Crisis Band. Karen Key, widow of our classmate, Bill Key, was the Chairperson for the event. Seen at the party were Barb Hewitt and John Basye, and Grey and Lillian Whipple. Also seen was our physics insructor, Charles Mink.
(21 June 2008) Vickie (Laughton) Carder - IN MEMORIAM (1937 - 2008) . Vickie was one of the Hillsborough Elementary School kids. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove on August 12, 2008. Contributions may be made in her name to the American Diabetes Association. Read about her life on the Constituents page of this website.
(18 July 2008) OOPS!. In August 2006 we reported the passing of Anna Alexander, mother of classmate Carol Alexander. What we did not realize at the time was that Anna Alexander'31 was named Burlingame High School Alumna of the Year in 1975.
(10 September 2008) Larry James Bianchi - IN MEMORIAM (1938 - 2008) In Ukiah. See Larry's Senior Photo page for details about his life.
(26 October 2008) The Burlingame Historical Society dedicates its new Burlingame-Hillsborough Museum located in the Southern Pacific Train Station. Live music of the West Bay Community Band set the mood and champagne flowed. Decorations included strings of red and white balloons (we're not sure there was any connection to the high school colors). We are reminded of the efforts put in by classmates Bill Key and Marilyn Dickman in 1994 to organize the celebration of the station's 100th birthday.
Not too long ago the CalTrain Rail Authority completed remodeling the tracks and loading platforms and the Station has become the crown jewel of all the local stations between San Francisco and San Jose. Seen at the ceremony were classmates Barb Hewitt, John Basye, and Grey Whipple. Also there was Jo-Ellen (Arnaudo) Ellis '58 (Alumni Association Membership Ctee). This was also the weekend of the Class of 1958 fiftieth reunion.
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(Fall 2008) From Panther Postcrips, Fall/Winter 2008, Richard "Dick" Dunbar (deceased) '49 is named the Burlingame High School Alumnus of the Year. His biography is posted on the Alumnus of the Year page on this website.
(06 November 2008) Nora Lee (Scheuermann) Payne - IN MEMORIAM (~1937 - Oct 2008) in Taos, NM. Nora is survived by her husband of 35 years, James (Jim) Payne.
(15 November 2008) 81st Edition of the Burlingame - San Mateo Little Big Game. Burlingame tops San Mateo, 32 - 21. Burlingame has now won 46 games to San Mateo's 31. When the LBG is held at Burlingame, the BHS Alumni Association hosts the BHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This year, the 1940 Varsity Football Team and nine other athletes were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. There is a separate page on this website where you can read the biographical sketches of the honorees.
(25 November 2008) A new page has been added to this website and can be found on the Home Page. Next year, 2009, is the Centennial Celebration of the Burlingame Public Library. A link will take you to the City of Burlingame Public Library page for an excellent historical exhibit. Those of you who did research at the library during your elementary and high school days in Burlingame will not want to miss this visit to the past.
(27 December 2008) Hoover School Thanks to Carol Baccigaluppi Clarke, John Hansen, Diana Montgomery Lavagnino, and Roger Peterson for providing missing names to the 1948, 1949, and 1950 class photos. We picked up most of the names.
(29 December 2008) Each year since 1965, the BHS Alumni Association has honored a BHS graduate as the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year. The Class of 1955 has been well represented: Bill Key, 1971; Elaine (Bjorgan) Duxbury, 1989; and Marilyn (Dickman) Short, 1995. There have been a couple of revelations this year. Classmate Carol Alexander’s mother, Anna Cook Alexander’31 was Alumna of the Year in 1975. And now we learn that classmate Diana (Montgomery) Lavagnino’s father, Edward Montgomery ’29 was Alumnus of the Year in 1966. It seems so appropriate that Diana Montgomery would be co-editor of our Panther Tracks yearbook, honorary "Page 1" editor for the “graduation” edition of the Burlingame “B”, and a recipient of the Quill and Scroll Award. Diana’s father was a Pulitzer Prize journalist. You can read all about these notable BHS graduates on the Alumnus of the Year page of this website.
2009
(17 January 2009) First post of the new year. The BHS Class of 1958 has a website with a page featuring the faculty in 1958. Most of those teachers were ours, as well. When you visit our own Faculty and Staff webpage, you will now find a link taking you to faculty photos on the Class of 1958 website.
(15 March 2009) This note is mostly for our classmates who came to BHS from Hillsborough Elementary School. One of your classmates was Christian de Guigne IV. Early this year, Christian proposed to subdivide the 47 acre family estate. We have added another page to this web site to cover this contentious proposal. Go to the Hillsborough Elementary School page; then, under the 8th grade class photo find the three links that are related to Christian. The new page offers a satellite view of the property and several newspaper stories covering the subject. It is very interesting reading.
(12 June 2009) IN MEMORIAM - KAREN LEE (McKENZIE) SMITH (Sept 1937 - June 2009). Karen's obituary can be found on her Senior Picture page of this website. A memorial mass was held at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Yuba City, June 16.
(15 June 2009) It’s gratifying how this website attracts BHS graduates from all walks of life. Most recently, we have been contacted by Donald Lagerberg, class of 1954. Many of you will recall Don’s artwork appearing in the school newspaper and the yearbooks. The little Panther graphic was of his doing during his last year at BHS. We suspect that our Yearbook has a page of his cartoons labeled “Senior Poll”. Last year, Art Professor Lagerberg, of California State University – Fullerton, retired from full-time teaching. Don is a fan of our class website, and given his rich experience in the world of art, that is a nice compliment.
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(24 June 2009) IN MEMORIAM - CARLA JOANNE HENDERSHOT (June 1937 - May 2009). We knew of her seasonal work for the State Park System at Mission San Juan Bautista and encouraged her to attend our reunions, but she never made it. Her obituary is posted on her Senior Picture page on this website.
(26 June 2009) An earlier post dated 05 March 2008 posed that Ann (Turner) Lindenberger's husband passed away on 14 June 2005. That information has been confirmed. Ann's husband was Robert E. "Lindy" Lindenberger, a flight captain for Hughes Airwest Corp.
(10 July 2009) IN MEMORIAM - EUGENE EDWARD "GENE" HELLAR (October 1937 - July 2009). Gene's obituary and a current photo (2005) are posted on his Senior Picture page of this website..
(18 July 2009) Peter Ueberroth is among many dignataries gathered for a 25th Anniversary Celebration of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, held at the LA Coliseum.. Accolades for Peter just keep on coming. Thanks to Joan "Bunny" (Fieldhouse) Leon for the heads up on this.
(28 July 2009) Grey Whipple is now in his 5th year as a volunteer at the Concord Police Department. Today he was selected as the CPD Volunteer of the Year. Presentation and reception follow on 06 August 2009.
(07 November 2009) We are saddened by the passing of BHS grad Mary Ella (Rose) Brentlinger, Class of 1956. Those of us who participated in the Burlingame Methodist Youth Fellowship remember her as a happy fun-loving participant. Mary Ella was born Jan. 29, 1939, in Redlands, Calif., to Kent and Florence Merredith Rose. She married James Brentlinger on Aug. 19, 1960, in Burlingame, Calif. She was a 1976 graduate of Vanderbilt University and was a certified nurse-midwife. She worked at the Alaska Native Medical Center and was a missionary with the United Methodist Church. Her father, Kent Rose, operated the Primrose Lanes bowling alley on Howard Ave. Her passing was noted in the The Register-Guard newspaper of Eugene OR. (d. 10/23/2009, age 70)
(13 December 2009) This date friends and family gathered at the New Almaden Community Club in San Jose to celebrate Lee and Peggy Melbourne's 50th wedding anniversasry. The turnout was huge. Seen at the event were classmates Barb (Duncan) Hewitt and John Basye, and Grey and Lillian Whipple.
(21 December 2009) Christmas news from Alma (Bunce) and Richard Alber. This year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
2010
(4 January 2010) Reuben Beltran (1922-2010), Spanish Language teacher; see obit on Teachers Page.
(21 January 2010) IN MEMORIAM: Doris Ann (Potter) Keoppel, (1938 - 2009) No obituary could be found.
(22 January 2010) IN MEMORIAM: Joseph (Joe) Wilson Lasseter, (1937 - 2009) See story on Class Constituents' page of this website.
(26 January 2010) A note from John Hinners says that he and Linda have moved to Duluth MN to be near their daughter, son-in-law, and 6-year old grandson. Says John about Minnesota, "Life here is great for the active with lots of canoe camping in the BWCA, kayaking in (Lake) Superior, biking, hiking, X-C skiing, and music and other arts. "Minnesota Nice" is not a myth -- the folks here are wonderful." BWCA aka Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
(February 2010) Long-time friends gather at Lake Tahoe: Jim Harris, Bill Knorp, and Roger Peterson.
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(24 March 2010) IN MEMORIAM: Nancy Hoff (Nyeland) Ritter, ~1937 - Mar 2010
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IN MEMORIAM, WILLIAM JAMES WALSH, SEPT 1915 - APRIL 2010. BHS Faculty Member to the Class of 1955. See his obituary on the Faculty and Staff page of this website.
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(1 May 2010) The Spring / Summer 2010 edition of Panther Postscripts reports that the Carter brothers, Ted('55} and Jim, have been selected for induction in the BHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Induction will be in November at the Little Big Game.
(4 June 2010) The Burlingame-San Mateo Little Big Game is scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday, November 13, 2010. The BHS Athletic Induction Ceremony in years past has been held in the BHS multipurpose room. Your ticket to the Induction Ceremony typically includes a continental breakfast and a ticket to the game. Details are usually published in the Fall edition of the Panther Postscripts
(17 July 2010) Classmate Dixie (Eason) McCarthy is an invited artist at the San Diego Art Department 4th Annual Student Awards Exhibition. Her artwork will be displayed July 17 through August 15.
(7-9 September 2010) 55/55 Reunion, the 55th Reunion of the Class of 1955. Classmates, spouses and friends gathered at the Asilomar State Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove to renew acquaintances and enjoy the beautiful beach-front setting. Attending the opening night dinner and reception were Carol Alexander, Pete Altieri, Reed Baird, John Basye (Ctee), Barb (Baumeister) Super, Elaine (Bjorgan) Duxbury, Sandra (Brandt) Wild, Maren (Browning) Gilliland, Jim Conner, Barb (Duncan) Hewitt (Ctee), Gaven Dunn, Dixie (Eason) McCarthy, Dick Fields, Mike Johnson, Carolyn (Lanning) Vierra, Elva (Ledwith) Hoogner (Ctee), Jim Manwaring, Ron Marlin, Margaret (Mattock) Bianucci, Joyce (McConkey) Williams, Lee & Peggy Melbourne (Ctee), Kevin Monahan, Dick Pfarrer, George Schroeder, Bill Seawell (Ctee), Diana (Umland) Swenson, Jess Undlin, Grey Whipple (Ctee), and Ron Winter (Ctee). Also serving on the Committee, but unable to attend, were Ted & Patty Treu.
(8 October 2010, IN MEMORIAM, MICHAEL JAMES LANGSTON (1937 - 2010) See obituary on his senior photo page.
(13 November 2010) A big day for Burlingame HS athletics. This day was the 83rd Little Big Game with San Mateo. Burlingame won, 35-20. Before the game the BHS Alumni Association held its Year 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, honoring nine athletes and coaches for excellence. What made it special was our Classmate, Ted Carter, and his brother, Jim '54, being among the inductees. You can read their sports biographies on the Athletic Hall of Fame page on this website. It was classmate Bill Seawell who nominated the Carter brothers, a process that began in 2008.
(18 December 2010) IN MEMORIAM - Joan "Bunny" (Fieldhouse) Leon
Joan "Bunny," passed away on December 14, 2010. She is survived by her husband, Pete Leon; her children, Diane and Danyol and 4 grandkids, There will be a burial at sea in the new year. (Published in Orange County Register on December 18, 2010)
(31 December 2010) IN MEMORIAM - Peter Altieri (1937 - 2010)
Peter "Pete" Altieri passed away on December 28 of complications from pneumonia.
A celebration of his life will be held in Emeryville CA on January 6, 2011, 4-7 pm.
(12 January 2011) Never too old to party! Today Barb (Duncan) Hewitt hosted luncheon for classmates Carol Alexander, Carol (Clark) Roberts, and Nan (Gruman) Brown. In Burlingame for an Elder Hostel event was Elaine (Bjorgan) Duxbury (who was able to join them for lunch). Elaine wrote following her visit:
"I sat down at (Elder Hostel) dinner and shared my enthusiasm with my table mates--that I had spent the afternoon with high school classmates. One of the women said she had taught at Burlingame Hi from 1951 to 1954. I had not had classes from her, but maybe some of our group did: Phyllis Willits. She taught English. She is married to a retired professor from Stanford, and they live on the campus. We recalled names of some of the other teachers--small world. I asked for her contact info, in case others remember her. Phone: 650-857-0623. Email: phyllits @ gmail (dot) com "
We note that it is only the Faculty and Staff from our senior year that are listed on their own webpage (this site). So, Phyllis Willits is not among the notes about our teachers. If you had her for one of your classes and you wish to contact her, note that the e-mail address is poorly "coded" so robotic software may not find it.
(17 January 2011) IN MEMORIAM - Harold G. Robinson, Jr., d. 14 January 2011
Harold G. Robinson, Jr., known to all as just plain Hal, passed away on 14 January 2011 from complications from Parkinson's Disease and pneumonia. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann.
(13 February 2011) More information on Hal Robinson Captain Harold "Hal" Robinson Died on Jan. 14, 2011 from complications of Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, JoAnn. Hal was a graduate of Burlingame High School and spent three years in the Navy. He developed a love of ships, the sea, and travel. He spent his career following that path. He graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 1962 as a deck officer. Hal sailed with the merchant marines for twelve years and then spent eighteen years as a Panama Canal Pilot. He was a member of the local chapter of CAMM. He had many hobbies including keeping bees. A private family scattering of his ashes at sea will be at a later date. Donations in Hal's memory may be made to the California Maritime Academy, Hal & JoAnn Robinson Scholarship Endowment, 200 Maritime Academy Dr., Vallejo, CA 94590.
Published in San Francisco Chronicle on February 13, 2011
CAMM is Council of American Master Mariners
(28 March 2011) IN MEMORIAM - Carol Anne Alexander - (1937 - 2011), age 74
A celebration of her life will be held May 14, 2011, at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Burlingame.
Carol's obituary is posted on her Senior Photo page on this website.
(13 July 2012) IN MEMORIAM - Dean F. Sanders - (~1937 - June 2012), age ~75 years
Classmate Dean Sanders has passed to a better place in June after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. He is survived by his wife, Marcia.. Little is known about Dean's life. No obituary has been noted. We have class photos of Dean at Washington Elementary School through the 6th grade, followed by the 6th and 7th grades at McKinley Elementary School. The grayscale photo is his year book photo. The color photo was taken at our 50th reunion. See Dean's Senior Photo Page on this website. Staying in touch with the Sanders has been difficult since they have not had a home computer.
(25 July 2013) IN MEMORIAM - John Lee Matthews - April 25, 1937 - July 23, 2013, age 76 years
John's obituary is posted on his Senior Photo page on this website.