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Known Deceased Members of the Class of '57:
OBITUARY NOTES:John Stainley Cowdell – AFS exchange student from New Zealand, July 2010, from a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His year in the US influenced him for the rest of his life. John enjoyed photography, read many books on American politics, and loved American cars. He bought a new Cadillac last year and was able to drive it for six months before his health declined. John is survived by his wife, Margaret, children Stephanie, Richard and Staury, and their children. Susie Cumins Newell adds that John’s granddaughter, also an AFS student, made a scrapbook with her grandfather of his year in Arcadia. His parents kept all the letters he wrote during that year and they were like diaries. Susie has photos included in John’s memorial program. If any of you wish to see them, you can email her. Charles Barry Williams – July 2009 of heart disease. Ron Cummings wrote this about his good friend (paraphrased): “Barry became my friend in 1956 while attending AHS. We became interested in sports car road racing, and Barry became a seriously good, winning racer. Later he collected famous old racing cars and had a successful Porsche salvage business. His cars were featured in highly acclaimed auto magazines. While serving in the Marine Corp Reserve, he received shooting honors, and became a skilled hunter and fisherman, traveling all over the world to pursue his hobby. Another interest was the history of the Old West and Plains Indians. Barry’s wife, Ann, died 12 years prior. To quote one of his favorite sayings, knowing Barry Williams was ‘a bit of all right.’ I miss our old buddy.” Robert ‘Bob’ Kerske - July 2008 of cancer. Rene Caron and other classmates were with him in the last few days of his life. He is survived by his wife of 44+ years, Evelyn. Bob and Evelyn came to the 50th reunion during the time he was undergoing cancer treatment. Bob served in the US Marine Corps, and a military funeral service will be held in Fullerton, July 26th. Rene Caron: “Bob was a remarkable guy and a longstanding and dear friend. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and loved him.” (7/08) Judy Ramsey Shriver - April 2008 of cancer. Linda Stewart Little spoke with Judy’s husband at First Presbyterian Church in Arcadia and told her the news. He was attending that particular Sunday, because he and Judy were married there 50 years ago, and he wanted to come in her memory. They have two grown sons and three teenage granddaughters. Thank you, Linda, for emailing us. (7/08) Fred Petersen - June 2004 of cancer. Fred had a successful construction estimating business and lived and worked in many parts of the country. He and his wife, Vicki, were living in Cincinnati, OH when he died. (Thanks to Gary Salyer, Fred’s “old best buddy,” for writing to tell us.) John Nicholais – October 1979, Los Angeles, at age 39 of Hodgkin’s Disease. At the time of his death, John was already considered among the youngest and best known of the world’s architectural photographers. He spent most of his early years photographing buildings in and around Los Angeles, and developed a pictorial essay of the city. Although he trained as an architect, professionals in the field found his photographs so inspirational that he began devoting more and more time to his pictures. At the time of his death, he had more than 50,000 slides to his credit, which were in demand across the country. He contributed to the architectural design work of the Otani Hotel in LA. (Thanks to Tupper Petit who sent us John’s obituary.) Karen Johnson Madden – 2006, of lung cancer. Laurie Ann Williams Breckel – March 25, 2004, of a heart attack. Dale Wullner – July 24, 2005, of cancer. On July 31st a memorial gathering of over 100 people was held in Marin County, CA for our dear friend and AHS classmate. Dale fought bravely with cancer for five years, and until shortly before his death, remained busy and active--dreaming new dreams, designing plans and building homes. His wife, Sharron, and his three children were with him at home when he died. We will remember his irrepressible humor and personality, and David will miss his close friend of 53 years. (8/05) Gary Barron – July 17, 2004. He attended our 40th reunion, and more recently the reunion of several AHS classes in Laughlin, NV. He was a resident of Sacramento. The following is taken from the Sacramento Bee obituary page, 7/22/04: Gary and his former wife raised three children. Surviving him are his brother, his children and their spouses, and ten grandchildren. Gary led an active life, serving on boards and volunteering his time for numerous charities and children’s athletic and educational endeavors. Throughout the community he was known as a popular and charismatic emcee. Memorials to honor his life can be made to the American Heart Association, Friends for Kids, and organizations for Cystic Fibrosis. Tom McKibben – April 24, 2004 at the age of 65, after a 1½-year battle with esophageal cancer. He and Marylee Grant Goyan renewed an old friendship (from elementary school!) at our 40th reunion, and romance soon followed. Marylee, his partner in the final years of his life, witnessed his valiant struggle, as did many of their friends who gathered around them. Tom ran the family travel business in Arcadia, and was active in the community. In 1998 he moved to Coronado, CA, eventually retiring in 2002. Along with Marylee, he embraced the sport of sailing with great energy and enthusiasm, and until shortly before his death, remained active on several committees at the Coronado Yacht Club. His ashes were scattered at sea from his beloved Catalina Capri sailboat, Aurora. He is the father of two grown sons. Lynn Cole Stubblefield – September 4, 1992, from a rare form of cancer. Jack Jordan – July 24, 2001, of multiple systems atrophy, a disease similar to Parkinsons. He and his wife, Betsy (Barclay), lived courageously with the disease for some time, diagnosed shortly following our 40th year reunion. His entire family, including grandchildren, was at home with him when he died. A memorial service was held at Arcadia Presbyterian Church.Jim Bryant, classmate and husband of Marilyn Madinger Bryant – February 2001. Marilyn was one of the coordinators for the 40th reunion. Diane Boisot Hardgrove - of cancer, November 29, 1999. Diane attended the summer reunion in Newport Beach in August 1999. She was able to reconnect with old AHS friends following the 40th reunion in 1997, which she said gave her enjoyment and encouragement after many years of illness. Joyce Consentino Macartney - of cancer in October 1999. Joyce attended the 40th reunion. Barry Waylett - in May 1999 of cancer. The news was given to us by Denny Keyes Alspach. Barry, who had been living in Riverside, CA, attended the 40th reunion with his wife, Dianne. Joan Prestin Tunney - in 1998, after a long struggle with cancer. Some of us were able to be in touch with her by phone, letters and cards before and after the 40th reunion. Graham Stubblefield - November 10, 1998, of a heart attack. He and his wife and classmate, Lynn Cole Stubblefield, attended the 40th reunion. Frank Hejtmanek - on February 8, 1998. Frank sent us a biographical sketch for the 40th reunion. HOME |
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