In Memoriam

 

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In memory of those classmates who are reported to be no longer with us.

If you would like to honor anyone else please contact the webmaster.

If you would like to say something in remembrance of a classmate send the webmaster your contribution and I'll
add it to this page. Fond memories are welcome.

If you know anything about the circumstances and date of passing please let me know as many people
have written wanting to know more about their friends. I'm sorry about the scarcity and lack of precision
but I've included what little information I've been provided with.

Name Date How Remembrances
David Amorena

9/4/1993 Illness We called him 'Zamora' for no particular reason. I think Mr. Gonzales started that. He was a talented musician, though I don't think he had learned to play an instrument. One night, I think it was the Spanish Club just-came-back-from-Mexico party at Celeste Woo's house, David and I sat at her grand piano and composed a little jazz tune. He told me how it should sound, and I played it for him. I still play it sometimes at performances. Does anyone know if he ever got a piano? -- Will Leaver
Dale Anderson

7/6/1996   Dear Jolie Barron,
    Thank you for sending the reunion announcement. When my husband Dale A. Anderson and I attended 5 years ago and we were the most recently married couple. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! However, I do have some sad news to share with you and your classmates. Dale passed away on July 6, 1996, in Placer Co, just before his 42nd birthday. He had been employed as a facilities maintenance man at Sierra College for 11 yr. The college gave him a wonderful memorial service in his honor in the Deirich Theater, on the college campus and allowed all staff to attend during working hours. While he was there, there wasn't a single employee that he, at one time or another, didn't lend a helping hand to. It was quite a moving service, and we will all miss him.
    While he was alive one of his main goals was to get his AA degree. He accomplished this in 1993, with a degree in Management. Dale had many talents. Furniture building was one of many, as he thoroughly loved to work with wood. He built a walnut roll top desk with wood that he cut and then milled fom an old orchard. lt truly is a work of art. He loved to hunt and fish and be outdoors, as it seemed to give him the air and space he needed to unwind.
    I just wanted to take a moment to share this with you, because I have certainly learned that life is the most valuable gift we have on earth.
    I wish you much success the reunion project, I have planned many an event myself and understand the complications that arise.
                                                         Sincerely, Pat Anderson

Sacramento Bee, July 17, 1996
DALE ANDERSON
   Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, July 18, 1996 at 8:30 AM at the Dietrich Theatre on the Campus of Sierra College for Dale Alan Anderson, 42, of Lincoln. He died July 6, in Lincoln. Born July 19, 1954 in Sacramento, Dale worked in facilities maintenance at the College for 12 years. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and diving. A "Jack of all trades," Dale possessed many talents. He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Lincoln; his step-daughter Crystal Correia; his parents, Georgia and Jack Anderson of Sacramento; two sisters, Terry
Anderson and Patty Anderson, both of Sacramento; four brothers, Doug Anderson of Texas, and Brian, Tom and Kenny Anderson, all of Sacramento; father-in-law Herbert Huffman and mother-in-law Ernestine Huffman of Loomis. At his family's request, memorial contributions may be directed to the Sierra College and referred to the Wood Shop for Continuing Projects.
11/29/00

Oliver "Ollie" Bell

6/5/85 in Sacramento Accidental Siblings Kenneth, Barbara, Robert and Brian Bell.
Paula Marie Bell

10/4/55 to
9/24/75
Accidental Sacramento Bee, Sept. 25, 1975
Woman, 19 Dies; Youth Faces Murder Count
   James David Jeter, 19, of 2929 Edison Ave. is charged by sheriff's officers with murder in connection with the death yesterday of Paula Marie Bell, also 19, of 2181 Fairfield St. Detectives said she may have suffered a fatal injection of cocaine. The coroner's deputies, however, reported the cause of her death is undetermined pending completion of laboratory tests. The sheriff's investigators said she collapsed in Jeter's apartment. She was taken to the Sacramento Medical Center, where she died a short time later.

  Paula passed away tragically only a couple of years after graduation. Although it's been almost 23 years, I think of her often. Some of my fondest memories are the times spent with Paula and Nancy Patton. The Three Musketeers! She'll be in my heart forever.
  Connie Hall

Teresa Blodger Wallin

1-23-1978 Homicide Murdered by Richard Trenton Chase, the Vampire Killer
Joseph "Joe" Patrick Busby

12/5/02 Cancer Born December 15, 1954, bravely succumbed to cancer on December 5, 2002. He is survived by his loving mother, Joann Busby; his father, Robert Busby; his sisters, Cathleen Crader and Laura Vosti; brother-in-law, Roger Vosti. He is also survived by his nieces, and nephews, Kristina Stedham, Lacy Vosti, Jennifer Zeiher, Heather Crader, Danny Bechtel and Lucas Zeiher. He was preceded by his grandparents,
Dorothy and Taylor Roberts; and brother, Bruce Busby. During his illness, he was visited faithfully and supported by lifetime friends Christopher, Tracey, Wes, Mark and Pat. He also received attention and assistance from Chuck and loving, patient care from Denise. Joe was an avid 49er fan and camping enthusiast. He was known for his great stories about his various adventures. His creative jewelry and neon displays are also well known. In respect of his wishes, no funeral services will be held. A private memorial gathering will be hosted
in the Spring for his family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Valley Ridge Hospice Foundation or American Cancer Society. Sacramento Bee
12/17/02
Joe was the kind of guy who never had a negative thing to say about anyone else and as long I knew him(since childhood) he never had an argument or falling out with anyone.
We grew up together ..camped, fished  and traveled to far away places. If you knew Joe, you know he was a great cook and was known for his ribs.He liked to Bar-b-Que. Also "home fries" in camp that you could smell up and down the canyon. He liked football and was a strong 49ers fan. He loved the Beatles especially John Lennon. He was also an excellant Chess player.There was one thing however, that he did not like...flying. He did o.k.on big aircraft...and visited me overseas once. But, he did not like the smaller planes..One funny story comes to mind.... We were flying to Costa Rica a few years back and there was a high mountain just out of the Capitol city that you had to fly over. As you head for it there are strong thermals that sometimes throws the plane around a bit. As we approached the mountain the plane dropped sharply and cabin alarms went off and a computer voice blarred "PULL UP! PULL UP!". I looked at Joe and his face was a couple of shades
lighter by this time. He grabbed me by the neck and said,"I can't believe I let you talk me into this"! Both pilots were laughing because this happens with nearly each trip. Anyway, we laughed about it many times later. Joe was also a story teller and very good with his hands doing so. All who knew him know we have lost one of the best of the best. I, as so many others will miss him profoundly. He was my best friend.....There was no funeral service but we are planning a celebration of his life in the spring.  Most respectfully, Patrick Dunn
1/12/03
Kevin Conlan

9/4/93 in LA county   I remember when he transfered in at Jonas Salk. Jr. High was a rough period for me. The teasing and bullying I'd experienced
at Sierra Oaks got worse. I wanted to be liked and fit in. I wanted to
be classically pretty when I just wasn't born that way. I had to 'find'
myself in this life and it would take years. But, I've also learned to
laugh at myself. I remember Kevin as if it were yesterday. He was SO cute to this 8th grade girl. I made the mistake of leaving him a
Valentine that year, with my name on it (kick me, I was stupid) and he showed it off to everyone and I was a laughingstock, yet again. So sad to see that he, too, died so young. Pax et bonum, Kevin.
Danalee Lavelle
Robert Alva Cooper 12/20/02
in Mesa,AZ
Cancer COOPER, ROBERT ALVA
In Mesa, AZ, December 20, 2002 at age 47, after a courageous battle with Melanoma. Survived by his beloved wife, Sarah, daughter Monica of Phoenix, AZ, parents Alva & Barbara Cooper of Sacramento and sister Jill Coulter (Pepper) of Tampa, FL. A graduate of Encina H.S., Cal-Poly University and John F. Kennedy University in Oakland with a Master's Degree in business administration. A memorial mass was conducted on Monday, December 23rd at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Phoenix, AZ. Remembrances may be made in Robert's name to Cancer Research, American Cancer Society, 1765 Challenge Way, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95815.
Lee Elliott

3/11/02
in Sacramento
   
Carolyn Hacken Dean

7/6/83
in French Camp, San Joaquin county
Auto accident Siblings Robert Hacken, Richard Hacken, Joan Hacken Carter and Susan Hacken Thornton
Marcia Harris

2/76    
Lloyd Hickey 5/26/00
in Sacramento
Liver/kidney failure  
John Keeling 4/28/07 in Sacramento   KEELING, John A.
Passed away April 28, 2007. John was born on February 15, 1954 and resided in Sacramento his entire life. He graduated from Encina High School and retired from San Juan Unified School District. He leaves behind his loving wife Brenda, and cat Mr. Piper; his mother Gloria Keeling, brother Bill Keeling and sister Karen Keeling-Moore, as well as nephews Keith Mickelson, Will Keeling and niece Kate Monroe. Funeral services will be private. A service celebrating his life will be held at a later time.
Published in the Sacramento Bee on 5/3/2007.
Geoffrey "Toad" Masier

1/16/03
in Sacramento
diabetes complications
Sacramento Bee, Jan. 26, 2003
MASIER, GEOFFREY 'TOAD'
     Passed away in Sacramento on January 16, 2003, at the age of 47 years. A lifelong resident of Sacramento. Beloved son of John Masier. Loving father of Dustin Masier. Also survived by his loving mate of 13 years Jennifer Baldock. Preceded in death by his mother Ruth Masier. A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2003, at 10:00 AM at East Lawn Andrews and Greilich, 3939 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento. Inurnment will be private.

I am so sad to hear of Geoff's death. We grew up together on Ellington Circle and he was a dear friend during the early seventies. Karen Yoder was his first girlfriend. I dated Gary Yoder, so the four of us were inseparable. Later, Geoff was close friends with David Dellinger and we all spent a lot of time together in the late seventies and early eighties.
This Saturday, I went to my parents' house, who still live on Ellington Circle, for my sister's birthday party. I drove past Geoff's old house and thought about him...wondering how he was and wishing we'd kept in touch. How ironic that his obituary would appear in the paper the next day.
I remember Geoff as a gentle man with a sweet personality. Sadly, I will be out of town on Wednesday and unable to attend his service. If anyone is going, please extend my love and condolences to his family. Thank you.
Geoff, I will miss you!
Lucia Churches, Class of 1973

I recently drove through Ellington Circle where he was raised and thought about Geoff; how he was, what he was doing, and the fact that I had lost all contact with him. He and I were inseparable for many years. We became friends at Cottage School which continued through Jonas Salk and later to Encina. We attended church together, (yes, believe it or not) and Boy Scouts. I have great memories of our countless adventures as well as misadventures. I will miss him. Geoff had a love of life, was a talented inventor, possessed and irascible appetite for a great adventure, and had a great sense of humor topped off by an infectious laugh. Another secret of Geoff's was that he was very well read and quite articulate.  Thanks Lorna and Lucia for your thoughts and observations.

 I wish I could have said goodbye.
Chris Heimburg

I returned a few minutes ago from Geoff's Celebration of Life service. His family had pictures of him from when he was a little kid up to a few years ago. His Father, both brothers and his son as well as Jen were there along with lots of his friends and relatives.
Lorna Cline Gragg

Claire Mower

9/17/97 Illness I met Claire Mower in May 1984 at the Shire Pub (I think that's the name of the bar) when I was 23 years old and stationed at Mather AFB.  Claire was my very first girlfriend.  I was a shy, naive young guy from a small town in Massachusetts.  Claire was the smartest woman I ever met.  She knew about politics, movies, books,art, people, life in general.  I learned so much from her.  She had a opininion about just about everything, I could never win a debate with her, it was beautiful, she was beautiful, so artistic and as I reflect on her now I realize how
much of a wonderful free spirit she was.  She really helped me to relax since I was such an uptight New Englander at the time who didn't know anything about women. I tried my best to cheer her up whenever she was sad. But we had so much fun: partying, hanging out, watching movies on her BETA (remember those?), we went to a Rod Stewart concert and saw a classic film together--The Gods Must Be Crazy.  I remember she was going to court reporting school and I remember when she first got the job for the state legislature.  She introduced me to some of her friends: Cathy, Gary, Woody and she had two cats, I can't remember their names.  I think I broke her heart when I got out of the military and moved back to Massachusetts, probably a mistake on my part, even though we kept in contact with cards, letters and phone calls and I visited her one time and we went to Disney Land. She would send me photos of her at different zoos she'd visit.  I remember she sent flowers to my job on one of my
birthdays (no woman's ever done that for me).  Anyway, I remember when she first told me she had cancer, I was shocked, she was so young and full of life.  She knew she'd beat her illness.  Then her Mom left a brief message on my parent's answering machine that Claire had passed. I'd had a feeling that Claire had gone because months had gone by and I hadn't heard from her, she hadn't answered any of my letters.  Anyway, I still think about Claire daily and wonder if she's looking down. Sydney Webbe

I met Claire when I was in the 8th grade and from the first day she'd only call me "buckwheat", but she'd never tell me why. In 1969 she introduced me to Cindi Connell and though Claire and I lost touch, Cindi has remained my best friend, and I thank Claire for helping us meet. Claire also got me my first job, working in a elderly-care home. I couldn't handle the job and quit after 2 weeks. But Claire enjoyed working there and with her free spirit took loving care of the aged, the sick and the infirm. She treated them all with love, respect and kindness. Many times I've wished I had her strength. She left us much too soon.
-- Mark Garcia

I went to your memorial service, dear friend. We'd lost touch over the years; but your passing brought back my own mortality. Your brother Garth, may he rest in peace just having passed himself, kindly spoke with me as your parents were devastated. Claire, Thank you for your friendship and being a part of my life...Claire befriended me in 5th Grade at Sierra Oaks when my family moved mid-year from Seattle to Sacramento. She was one of the few who did. For many of my classmates, I was just a target for teasing and bullying. Me, I was just terribly lonesome, having moved so far from home, and a nervous wreck. But, Claire, somewhat of a loner herself, became my friend. I'll never forget her. When I went off to St. Francis for high school I lost touch of many classmates. Danalee Lavelle

Sacramento Bee, Sept. 19, 1997
CLAIRE ANN MOWER
   In Sacramento September 17, 1997, beloved daughter of C. Arthur Mower and Ann Mower; loving sister of Garth C. Mower; devoted niece of Teresa L. Mower, Jack H. Mower, and John H. Pedler. Claire was a fourth generation Californian and a Sacramento native. She graduated from Willamette University where she was a member of Delta Gamma. She worked many years for the State of California Legislative Data Center. Claire was a lifelong nature lover and a longtime docent for the Sacramento Zoo. She visited many zoos of the world. Donations may be made to the Sacramento Zoological Society, 3930 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822.
11/29/00

Loretta Pine Schroeder 3/13/01
in Sacramento
cardiac arrest
PINE, LORETTA A. In this city March 13, 2001 loving mother of Charity L. Horn & Joseph Schroeder. Beloved sister of Jo Lynn Pine & the late John R. Pine. Beloved daughter of Joseph C. Pine & the late Mary K. Pine. Loving grandmother of Abigayle Horn. A native of  Sacramento age 45. Friends are invited to attend funeral services Monday, March 19, 2001 at 2:00PM at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger, 5401 Folsom Blvd. Interment East Lawn
Cemetery.
Linda Corinne Russel

3/12/02
in Sacramento
  LINDA CORINNE RUSSEL
Born 11-24-55 - Cheyenne, WY
Died 3-12-02 - Sacramento, CA
   Linda joined her sister Cynthia in Heaven while leaving her family, Anthony and Corinne Russel, Janet Russel Mason, Michael and Ellyn Mason, with wonderful memories of love and friendship. Linda especially enjoyed children and was known as "Aunt Linda" to many. She enjoyed a rich variety of musical and artistic tlents, a dry sense of humor, and using all 7 Scrabble tiles.  Her credentials as a true and ready friend are innumerable. Linda was a graduate of Encina HS; California State University, Sacramento; and Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA. A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, March 23rd at 2 PM at Fremont Presbyterian Church, Carlson Drive at H Street. Remembrances can be made to American Heart Association, 2007 O Street, Sacramento, or Younglife, 3053 Freeport Blvd, Ste. 166, Sacramento.
Wallace "Wally" Sheppard

2/3/91
in NYC
Illness  
Steven Smith

c 1971
sophomore year
Overdose  
Eric Thompson

     
Neil Twarry deceased 8/22/87 in Placer County Suicide  
Lynne Vasquez

1988 to
8/29/89
Illness Sacramento Bee, Sept. 2, 1989
   Lynne Vasquez, a longtime Sacramento resident who had been in poor health the past five years, died Tuesday at Sutter Memorial Hospital. She was 34. A native of France, she spent most of her life in Sacramento and in recent years lived with her parents, Richard and Rosemarie Vasquez of Sacramento.
   A 1973 graduate of Encina High School, Miss Vasquez participated in school drama and musical productions both in high school and at the University of California, Davis, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and creative writing. She moved to San Francisco after college where she was office manager for a retail clothing store and active in Republican Party activities.
   In addition to her parents, she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Laura Jeanne Lavalle of Sacramento and a brother, Richard J. Vasquez of Ohio.

I remember Lynne as being a great person and having a wonderful singing voice. She was in choir with me and of course, she was also in the Madrigal group. It sad to hear that she's gone. -- Patty Michael

Too short a life for a lovely young woman! She was warm, funny, creative and I never saw her treat anyone badly. I was saddened to read she died so young. Danalee Lavelle

Glenn Vranas

2/1/95 in Mountain View Accident Brother Venny Vranus Jr.

It's sad to hear that Glenn is gone. He always had a great sense of humor and I think that's something that we all need to keep going in this world. -- Patty Michael

David Wagaman

11/12/99   DAVID PARKER WAGAMAN
Unexpectedly departed November 12, 1999. Born to Mary and John Wagaman, February 23, 1954 in Sacramento. The significant part of his life began in the early sixties when he was introduced to the Carmichael Fire Department by then Chief Dan Donovan. During the following years he became an ardent admirer of the men and women providing fire protection in the greater Sacramento area. A fire buff extraordinaire, he became somewhat of an expert in fire fighting procedures and equipment. He was also a devoted volunteer and trusted friend to the developmentally disabled population. Remarkable in his kindness and selflessness, he will be sorely missed by his family and friends and the many who's lives he touched. Remembrances may be made to the Sacramento Association for the Retarded, 2100 21 Street, Sacramento, CA
95818.

Love affair with fire engines lasted a lifetime
By Steve Gibson
Bee Staff Writer
(Published Nov. 20, 1999)
   David Wagaman's love affair with fire engines began when he was 10. He would stand in front of his Carmichael home in the morning and salute as the local fire chief drove by. "Finally the chief came
up to our house and said he wanted to meet the little boy who
saluted him every morning," said Wagaman's brother, John.
   That meeting with Fire Chief Dan Donovan in the '60s led to a
continuing relationship between neighborhood firefighters and
Wagaman, who despite a developmental disability lived independently until he died last week at the age of 45.
   He wanted to be a firefighter so much that he became a regular at
Engine Co. 109 in Carmichael, visiting and sometimes eating lunch
with firefighters.
   When he was a student at Starr King Middle School and Encina High School, he stopped by the fire house in the afternoons and
firefighters would help with his homework.
   Because of his disability, he couldn't do simple math, but he
could use the Internet, read technical manuals and repair personal
computers. He lived on Supplemental Social Security and kept a
scanner in his apartment tuned to the American River Fire District
dispatch channel.
   That way, whenever the firefighters from Engine Co. 109 were
rousted out, Wagaman heard it.
   "If we were going down Fair Oaks Boulevard, he'd be out on the
street to give us a wave or a salute as we went by, even late at
night," said fire Capt. Brian Rice, his voice cracking with emotion.
"He just loved the fire department. He used to say, 'I know I can't
be a fireman because I'm different.'
   "That didn't stop him from coming in and talking about fire
department stuff," Rice said. "He loved us, and we loved him. He
knew every fire engine the . . . district ever owned, all the way back.
   "He was such a gentle person, just a good, good guy. I don't know
how I'm going to put into words how I felt about him. If we all had
the same attitude about life, we'd all be better people."
   Rice is to deliver the eulogy at a memorial service for Wagaman,
scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at Lind Brothers Mortuary, 4221 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael.
   As part of the service, Rice said he will present Wagaman's mother, brother and sister the American flag that flew at half staff over
Engine Co. 109 on Nov. 12, the day Wagaman died.
   Wagaman, who lived alone in his apartment, was sitting in front of
his computer reading a letter from his brother when he collapsed
and died Nov. 12, said family friend Don McKenzie.
   Cause of death wasn't immediately known, family members said.
Results of an autopsy are pending.
   Wagaman always knew he was different from the other children he
grew up with, but he embraced life with dignity, McKenzie said.
   In high school, where he had a perfect attendance record over four
years, bullies would sometimes "force David into the bathroom and
work him over," McKenzie said. "They'd beat him up.
   "But David had such a big heart that his response would be, 'Well,
they must have been having a bad day.' He was not only forgiving,
but as generous as could be."
   Wagaman's interest in firefighting led to his father, the late John B. Wagaman, serving on the governing board of the American River Fire District.
   Though his disability kept him from holding a regular job, Wagaman
was able to volunteer three days a week at public libraries with a
group called Employment Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled.
   "He couldn't make change for a dollar, but he could surf the Net
and work in the library," his brother said. "He wanted to be useful."
   Disarming people with his sincere smile and cheerful greeting, he
made the rounds in Carmichael nearly every day, stopping to visit
with business owners, sometimes at the Chamber of Commerce office.
   "He made his own world out there," said his mother, Mary Klingbeil
Wagaman. "Since he died, I've gotten calls from so many people I never knew anything about. He had a severe handicap, yet he communicated with nearly everybody in the community better than we did.
   "He made you want to love him. I am so proud that I could be the
mother of David. He taught me so much. He made me realize that the
disabled world is full of gentle and loving people."

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