What`s Up???" 2nd edition

Class of 1964
50 Years
WHAT'S
UP?
October 2014
Second Edition
Bonnie Abrams Rohman
Carolyn Acker Amaral
Sacramento, CA
San Mateo, CA
cdamaral@pacbell.net
Gloria Adornetto Underwood
gloria.underwood60@gmail.com
Don Ahlert
Lafayette, CA
udonahlert@yahoo.com
Bruce Ahlvin
Forestville,
CA
bruceahlvin@me.com
Judy and I have been blest on our life’s journey. I’ve owned an Advertising Agency
(Adlantis) for the past 35 years. My two biggest clients were The Bedroom waterbed
company, and Pick-n-Pull, the world’s largest Auto recycler. I also briefly taught
Copywriting at San Jose State University, my alma mater. In my business career, I was
on the team that created the San Jose Ad Club, which is now the Silicon Valley Ad Club.
I am also a member of a Christian Trio called SPECS. I play 12-string guitar and do
vocals. We produced two cd’s. Judy, the love of my life, was a school teacher for 24
years, and then answered a calling and became an Ordained Deacon in the Episcopal
Church, serving in several Episcopal Churches, and as school Chaplain for many years.
Our daughter, Greta, is a Speech Pathologist, and our grandson, Henry, just turned four
years old. We retired in 2010 and moved to our summer home on the Russian River in
Forestville. Our daughter, and son-in-law, Scott, a Director of Engineering at Cisco,
bought our Morgan Hill home we built in 1978. We recently returned from a delightful
Mediterranean Cruise celebrating our 45th Anniversary. Attached is a photo of us, as our
ship entered the harbor in Barcelona.
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James Akin
Redwood City,
CA
jakinmath@comcast.net
Robert Allen MD
Sacramento, CA
rhallenmd7@aol.com
Rick Allen
Dennis Anderson
Bob Anselmo (Keller)
SanAndreas,CA
San Mateo, CA
bkeller@eagle969.com
Lee Ashby
Sandy,UT
ashbylee@gmail.com
Patricia Jean Aslanian Bartl
West Hill, Ontario, Canada
I graduated from Berkeley in 1968 in math & physics, then went to work for the U.S.
Treasury Department. I was married that same year. In 1971, my husband & I travelled in
Europe for 9 months. In January, 1972, we moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where we
still live. I worked for Burroughs Corporation for 10 years, then Bank of Montreal for 27
years, before retiring in 2008. We have continued our travels over the years, having
visited most European countries, all 48 contiguous U.S. states & all Canadian provinces
except Newfoundland (soon!).
Bracey Avery-Tiede
San Jose, CA
braceytd@yahoo.com
Jean Ayers
Joe Ballard
Chico, CA
chicojoe2@aol.com
Following Aragon, I attended CSM for a year or so, then entered the Army, where I spent
two years, including one in Vietnam. After the service, I went on to Chico State College/
University in 1970, ultimately earning an MA in psychology in 1975. I met and married
my wife Nancy while in college. Following college, I took a job at the local Social
Security office, which turned into a whole career and ended in retirement in 2002. Nancy
and I have two wonderful daughters and a couple of Lake Wobegon grandkids. We still
live in Chico, a pretty wonderful town in the Sacramento valley. We also have a condo in
the Bay Area, as both my daughters and grandkids reside there. My avocations include fly
fishing, cycling and maintaining a large summer vegetable garden.
Diane Banks Test
Santa Rosa, CA
dtest@sonic.net
Diane Test (Banks) – “ I get around” - My life since Aragon!
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Unfortunately I haven’t lived in the Peninsula area since 1967. Since graduating in 1964
I attended San Mateo JC for one year then met my first husband, Ed Sohl, from Pacifica
(Terra Nova High) and we were married in 1966. During that marriage we lived in
Puerto Rico, Fairfield, Arizona, and then Santa Rosa, California. I worked as an Escrow
Officer. We adopted a beautiful baby girl (age three weeks) who is still the love of my
life, Natalie, who is now 34 years old with husband and two small daughters.
In 1985 I divorced, took more JC classes and then attended and graduated from
University of San Francisco with a degree in Public Administration. I worked as a
project manager for a large non-profit which built sweat-equity housing for low and
moderate income families. I then met and married my current husband, Donald Test.
Don and I bought a small home on two acres in Sebastopol, California which then began
our “country farm” lifestyle for nine years. We had cats, a dog, three chickens, lambs,
and abundant wildlife. Don was Executive Director of a local tourism bureau. Don and
his brother own residential zoned land in Las Cruces, New Mexico and have sold many
of their lots to local builders. We now live in Santa Rosa, California.
I retired in December 2012 after many years as a commercial insurance broker and am
still getting used to retirement. Don and I have traveled to Europe many times and we fly
to Arizona every two months to spend time with our two granddaughters (ages 2 and 4)
and frequently go to New Mexico to review our real estate project there. I enjoy
gardening, managing personal projects, dabble in fused glass making, and exercise four
days a week. I have been blessed with good health, wonderful family, and good friends
(including classmate Karen Garcia, formerly Heyden).
Alan Barich
Santa Cruz, CA
Alan.Barich@barichbiz.com
Michael Walker Barnard
Santa Monica, CA
mwb@boltpix.com
Dennis T. Barry (Barriga)
ebarriga@shaw.ca
Julian F. Barry-Smith
Clermont, FL
jbarrysmith@cfl.us.com
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Hello Everyone! It is hard to believe that 50 years have passed since our days at
Aragon. Life has brought many changes in my world. After graduation I spent a short
time in San Mateo, but moved to Miami, Florida to join my family. There I met the love
of my life, Linda. We married in 1968 and had two children, Michael and Karen. I spent
a short time in the Dade County Police Department and then worked for National
Airlines, Pan American Airways, British Caledonian and British Airways. I survived
years of airline mergers and shut downs and finally left that industry for a Sales Manager
job with Amadeus. The airlines were a tough industry, but offered lots of travel perks!
In 1982, we moved to Houston, Texas. Texas was good to us and the years
seemed to pass quickly. We were the usual busy parents with Football, Baseball and all
the fun of enjoying our children though high school and college. Both are now married
and I am the proud grandfather of 5 beautiful boys. In 2006, both of our children moved
to Central Florida and not wanting to be long distance grandparents we quit our jobs and
sold our home relocated to Florida as well. I love watching the little ones play soccer,
football and baseball. I also spend a lot of time with them in the pool and enjoy our mini
vacations with them. They are the light of our lives!
We have been fortunate to have traveled extensively. We have spent time in Italy,
Switzerland, Austria, France, England, Belgium, Amsterdam, Ireland, Norway, Denmark,
Sweden, Greece, Canada and Egypt. We still have several more countries on our “Bucket
List” and look forward to these journeys in the future. The most amazing thing happened
on our honeymoon trip to Italy. I was walking down the street and ran into Mr.
Therkelsen, Mr. Rittenour and Mr. Armstrong. They were on a class trip. Funny how you
move to the other side of the country and run into someone from your past at exactly the
same time in a foreign country.
I have been retired for 3 years and am enjoying a mix of the easy life and a bit of
part time work at Disney Cruise Lines. I love the job and meet some of the most
interesting people from all over the world. My golf has slowed down due to back issues
and several surgeries, but I am working on getting back into the game. I love driving my
newly restored 1966 Mustang and plan to join an Antique Car Club this fall. Reading and
gardening are my other hobbies, as well as looking forward to my 47th Wedding
Anniversary in April.
So, all in all, I must to say that my life has been good since I left the halls of
Aragon. I am sorry that I won’t be able to attend the reunion, but I would love to hear
from you. You can reach me at Jbarrysmith@cfl.us.com. All the best to you and have a
great party!
Diana Barturen Trondsen
San Jose, CA
Maggie Barturen
San Jose, CA
dianatrondsen@gmail.com
Marv Bass
San Jose, CA
marvinbass69@gmail.com
Larry Baumann
Haddam, CT
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Steve C. Bechtold
Rocklin, CA
scb@bikerider.com
Beverly H. Becker Ludlow
Janice Belson
Pollock Pines, CA
bev@bevludlow.com
San Mateo, CA
janiseb2000@yahoo.com
John P. Bem
Johnstown, CO
bembem@q.com
Carol Bennet Ladd
Lawrence Joseph Bernard
Concord, CA
Boring, OR
cpbernard194@aol.com
Stanford (Stan) Bingham Jr.
San Ramon, CA
sbing46@icloud.com
Bob Bjurman
Clarkston, MI
bobbjurmanllc@comcast.net
Greetings from the Motor City - - actually Clarkston, Michigan, 40 miles due North of
downtown Detroit.
After Aragon I attended CSM for one year then Gogswell Engineering College in San
Francisco and finally graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Mechanical
Engineering. 92 hours after receiving my diploma from Poly, I was sitting at my desk in
the Industrial Engineering Department at the big General Motors assembly plant in South
Gate, California to start a 37-year career with GM. As a car enthusiast, what a blessing to
get paid for my hobby with many difficult but wonderful assignments in: auto factory
design, production management, advanced vehicle engineering, avionics engineering,
purchasing, military trucks, patent development and global engineering coordination
retiring in 2008 as Manager, Global Engineering. From the Aragon parking lot in my
little 1951 Chevy (which I sold to Gary Rocklege for $175) to flat-out on the Autobahn in
a twin turbo Opel to lapping the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Camaro Pace Car to
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off-roading in a Military Spec Pick-up to having dinner on the company jet with the GM
CEO, I was so fortunate to have such a fulfilling career. I still miss it.
During Aragon and CSM I raced Go Karts. After college, I raced stock cars for 14 years.
In 1986 I started doing inmate counseling. I have been locked-up in county jails, state
prisons and federal penitentiaries all over the country. This has been a totally humbling
and life changing experience. In 2010 I had a heart attack and a quad by-pass. All fine
now, but will probably never get back in a race car. Currently, I am teaching Algebra and
Geometry part time at a high school for at-risk kids in Flint, Michigan. What a difference
from our Aragon days!!
I married a cheerleader!! I met my future wife, Debby, at a wedding rehearsal. Her
Uncle married my Cousin - - she was a bridesmaid and I was an usher. She was engaged
when we met to one of the original programmers for Apple (he is now a jillionaire), but I
whisked her away. As of this writing, we have been married 42 years; have two kids (boy
and a girl) and three grand kids (two girls and a boy) and counting.
In 1989 I was transferred from Placentia, California to GM Headquarters in the Detroit
area. We live out in the country on a lake, which will freeze to 14 inches thick in the
Winter. Our little town of Clarkston was the location of Henry Ford’s experimental farm
back in the 1920’s to test his tractors. Main Street Clarkston is two lanes wide, one block
long and a world away from the Detroit you see on the evening news.
When reminiscing about growing-up in the 1960s, our days at Aragon and living in San
Mateo, I would label those times as Camelot.
Warm regards to all my Aragon classmates, Bob
Harry Bobbitt
Pasadena, CA
magician2@earthlink.net
After graduating from Aragon, well almost finished Aragon but the parents (both now
passed on) wanted to move to Fresno for business reasons so of course I tagged alone and
graduated a second time from Fresno High. How many of you can say that?
Spent a year or so at Fresno City, made the deans list at the opposite end of the list and
decided to join the Navy 2 days before my draft notice came.
Spent 1 year in the Med, volunteered to recommission a hospital ship in New Orleans,
went through the Panama, stopped in Vallejo for repair and then to Viet Nam for 13
months.
Because I volunteered I had choice of duty so I selected San Diego, finally, West Coast
duty and ended up playing for the Navy Golf Team there. Just call my Golden Boy!
Went back to City College then to Fresno State earned a Teachers Credential.
Just after graduation I was offered a job in sales for Moore Business Forms and spent 15
years with a subsidiary called Rediform. Moved the next 25 years from Sanford (sharpie
markers, etc.) International Enevelope (Tyvek confidential envelopes) and finally ended
up working for an architectural/engineering firm selling labs and cleanroom to high tech
firms.
Now retired and living in Pasadena, Calif. I’m working on my golf game, have a great
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wife and one son, 34, living on the east coast, married, with two children, one boy and
one girl.
First wife passed away, dated for 11 years, lots of fun, and remarried to a women I met at
the Magic Castle in Hollywood. She is retired now but worked as Senior Vice President
in Finance for Warner Bros. Has a Masters in Home Economics and another in Finance.
So how lucky can one man be married into money and food. Life is good!!
Louis Bogdan
O'Brien, FL
patward2006@windstream.net
Kenneth Frances Bojarski
Thomas Bollinger
Parma, ID
idahoegramoe@hotmailcom
Carpinteria, CA
pjbollinger@cox.net
Claudia Bolls McGibben
Loveland, CO
mcmftcollins@comcast.net
Hi everyone! We wish we could join in the fun for the 50th reunion but look forward to
hearing all about it and also reading the little life stories that are being contributed for the
publication that is being put together.
Some of you might remember that Mike McGibben (Aragon Class of ’63) and I were
high school sweethearts. We will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in 2015!
We have two sons and five granddaughters. The girls range in age from 13 to 17; five
granddaughters in four years! Our family is our greatest joy and where our focus has been
all of these years.
We raised our family in San Jose. Mike retired as a teamster in 2005. I was a legal
secretary for many years. I retired in 1998 to care for our infant granddaughters on
weekdays, and continued with “Grandma’s daycare” for seven joyful and eventful years.
In 2005 our youngest son moved his family to Loveland, Colorado. Our oldest son had
already been living with his family in Bozeman, Montana for several years. With all of
them gone, we had no desire to remain in California so we sold our home of 31 years,
stored our belongings in a vacant part of our son’s home in Bozeman, bought a truck and
a 5th wheel and traveled the country for a few years. We had planned to travel longer but
our son moved back to Marin County (leaving our “stuff” without a place to reside) so we
moved to Loveland. We live just a few miles from our other son and enjoy spending time
with his three daughters. We supplement visits with our two California granddaughters by
chatting regularly on Skype. Mike was a little bored after we settled in Loveland so he
started driving a school bus, met other bus drivers who are also semi-retired, and gained
some golfing buddies! When I retired in 1998, I was asked by an attorney friend if I could
do some typing and transcription work for him. I have continued working for his growing
law firm since then and have acquired a few more clients (all in the Palo Alto area). The
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work goes back and forth over the Internet. My home-based transcription business keeps
my mind in working order! I have various hobbies (sewing, genealogy, gardening) along
with family activities to keep me busy. I am contemplating starting a small sewing
business (heirloom style christening garments and other pretty little things perhaps).
Mike and I enjoy the quiet pace of living in Loveland. We return to California
periodically to visit family. Looking ahead, Mike and I intend to do more traveling. Our
favorite place is still the beautiful island of Kauai; we will probably celebrate our
anniversary there next year. Mike and I send all our best wishes to all of you!
Warm regards, Claudia (Bolls) McGibben. 5486 Nantucket Court, Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: 970-685-4401
Dannette Bonin
San Francisco, CA
David R. Bonnett
Vista, CA
Gail Bonomo Ford
Walnut Creek, CA
GailRFord@comcast.net
HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS – WHY?
Why? What is the point? What relevance can they have to the present? These
questions can be tossed around when the topic comes up in conversation. I have thought
about this at times during the past year as I have had the pleasure to reunite with fellow
classmates in the planning and organizing of our big 50th! It has been great to rekindle
old friendships, jog special memories, reflect on where we were, things we shared, and
the influence this has had on who we are today.
After graduation, I had planned to attend UCSB. A strange and lengthy illness that
summer changed all of that. It was course altering, but fortunately not serious. I ended
up attending CSM for two years, and then, wanting to venture outside of California,
transferred to the University of Colorado. There I met Bob, a law student at CU. We fell
in love, married in February of 1968, and graduated together in June of that same year.
We lived in Denver for about a year, but Vietnam was looming, and Bob, facing draft,
joined the Navy JAG Corps. That afforded us the opportunity to live in Newport, Rhode
Island, and then Jacksonville, Florida. I taught fourth grade for the two years that we
were in Jacksonville, which was during the early years of school desegregation. That
brought many challenges and incredible experiences. Our final duty station was Treasure
Island, including a brief assignment in Japan. It was great to be back in the Bay Area!
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We lived in S.F. for six years and loved it. Our son was born in 1973, and twin daughters
in 1976. Seeking warmer summers, and good public schools, we moved to an
unincorporated area of Walnut Creek/Lafayette which is where we remain today.
I went back to teaching when our children were off to college. Then, after a couple of
years, I left classroom teaching to start my own tutoring program. I have been running
Upward Bound Tutoring now for over 15 years. Bob still practices law in San Francisco.
Our children are all married. Our son Bryan and his wife live in Livermore. Daughter
Lauren and family (2 daughters) live in San Juan Capistrano, and daughter Allison and
family (3 daughters) live in London. Our five granddaughters range in age from 2 to 9,
and much of our free time is devoted to travelling to spend time with them. We also
have enjoyed much European travel, with favorites being in Italy and France. Love great
food and wine! In fact, we built a Bocce ball court in our back yard, and enjoy hosting
Bocce dinner parties.
I have the good fortune to continue to enjoy a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.
I
have many fond memories of Aragon, special friends, and times! I look forward to
seeing many of you in October! Cheers!
Ali (Alice) Borchers Bohnhof
James William Boyd
Citrus Heights, CA
Weldon Spring, MO
0007jim@gmail.com
Diane Bremer Cava
Danville, CA
dbremer@globalreachlogistics.com
David Breuer
Monte Serena, CA
DRbreuer3@gmail.com
Bill Briggs
Morgan Hill, CA
wbriggs@fullerton.edu
It's wonderful reading about the (mostly) happy life experiences of Aragon classmates. I
mourn the fact that a sixth of our class has passed away. I salute the veterans among us
and give a high-five for all the grandparents. For me it's been a rocket ride fifty years too
short. After high school I plowed through CSM and then Stanford, along with Conrad
Hamako, Tom Steiner and Ed Menges. I spent my senior year in England. After
graduation in history, I spent three years in Army intelligence, including Vietnam.
Coming home led to a masters degree in journalism from San Jose State, gigs in print and
broadcasting and some community college teaching. A doctorate in education from USF
secured a professorship at San Jose State where I worked 26 years, founding two
international institutes and directing the School of Journalism for six years. I capped my
career with four years as Dean of the College of Communications at Cal State Fullerton,
in Orange County. I retired this past June.
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Two weeks before going into the Army I ran into Kathie Dado in a San Francisco bar.
Five years later we married. We've lived in Morgan Hill for 34 of our 41 years, where
we raised two wonderful daughters, now both married with families of their own: a
grandson each and a granddaughter on the way. We've lived on some acreage with fruit
trees, a vineyard , large garden and assorted livestock, dogs and cats—sort of 60's "back
to the garden" meets the 21st century. We've had great trips, especially on some of the
world's rivers: Nile, Amazon, Yangtze. Danube, Volga. As a family, we lived in England
while I taught in Bath.
My highlight reel would feature leading Santa Clara County delegations to Taiwan;
meeting the Dalai Lama; building Habitat for Humanity homes in Mexico with Jimmy
Carter; being in Bhutan for the coronation of their king; a visiting professorship in Hong
Kong; and taking multimedia students on several medical missions to Asia and Central
America.
Since I've only just retired I'm still adjusting. I'm busy with home/farm projects but will
soon be looking at more fulfilling activity. Everything in the rear view mirror has been
great; health is good and family is strong. The journey continues to be a good one.
Maxine Broner Bonnette
Atherton, CA
mommymax@sbcglobal.net
On June 10, 1964, I had no idea where life would take me. What an incredible journey it
has been!
My life after high school was sprinkled with Aragon classmates. I attended San Jose
State and roomed with Kathy DeVore Brezovec freshman year and lived in the same
dorm with Diane Goldblatt Hamako. Was active in my sorority and married my husband,
Dave Bonnette, two weeks after college graduation. Then on to graduate school.
I taught first grade at Kennedy School in San Jose with Kathy Dado Briggs. Loved the
innocence and enthusiasm of those 6 year olds! After 5 years in San Jose, we moved to
Northridge where I taught first grade in Simi Valley.
We started our family and several moves later ultimately settled in Atherton where we
have lived for 31 years. My married life has been centered on family, friends and
community. After our first child was born, and missing being in the classroom, I became
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active in PTA’s, Foundations, and other volunteer opportunities. I now teach Art in Action
in my grandchildren’s kindergarten and second grade classrooms.
Like many of you, I have done my share of traveling. Some of my favorite adventures
were family barge trips down the canals of France, visiting Israel with my father, and
spending 3 weeks in Egypt with girlfriends. Dave and I celebrated our 40th anniversary
with a golf trip to New Zealand.
Now, it’s lots of Golf, Bridge, and Investment, Book, and Garden Clubs.
And best of all ..........GRANDCHILDREN!!!
Our daughter Amy, 37, UCLA, is married with 3 children: John David (7), Sarah Maxine
(5), and Holly Elise (2). She and her husband Jeff live next door. Every grandmother’s
dream!!!
Our “baby” son, at 6’4”, Brian, 33, UC Davis, is married with a 3 month old baby
(Charlie Morrison). He and his wife Alyssa live in Redwood City.
Married for 46 years, what a lucky person I have been.
I have loved working on this 50th reunion. I want to thank a fantastic committee, Bob
Graham, Nancy Rosenberg, Paula Linden, Gail Bonomo, Ted Dumke, Ed Menges (who
published this amazing book), Diane Goldblatt, Bruce Hellman and Gene Esposto and
everyone else who so generously helped. I hope everyone has a wonderful time.
Sharon Brook Woodward
Las Vegas, NV
Swwoodward@aol.com
After College I married and stayed in the bay area for 10 years. I gave birth to beautiful
sons of which I lost to car and motorcycle accidents; Brian was 18 and David was 30. I
was single for 7 years before I met the love of my life, my husband Woody, who at the
time was 30 yrs. retired from the USAF and working for the government. We met at one
of the piano bars I happen to be singing. We have been married 26 years and in the last 8
years we also lost Woody's daughter to cancer and his only son to a another motorcycle
accident. We raised Dion, one of our 6 grandchildren who is now a Copal in the US
Marine Corp, and we have one great-grand daughter who will soon be 3 years old.
Woody has a daughter living in Iowa and another daughter living in San Jose.
Not being able to pinpoint what I really wanted to do when I grew up, I sort of tried it all.
I've owned three businesses, worked as a Cosmetologist, I've been a private secretary, a
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real estate secretary, a travel agent, a bookkeeper, a floral designer, a wedding singer and
I am an artist. When we lived in England I took eight months of semi-private cooking
classes in the home and restaurant of a TV chef. I love and enjoy cooking and
entertaining my friends and family. For me it's about...the preparation, the color, the
beauty and the design, the fun and the laughter..the whole enchilada! I'm a realist but I'm
also such a prissy romantic and I love the beauty of all things and bringing it together.
We currently reside in the Sun City Summerlin Golf Community of Las Vegas NV. We
moved here 16 years ago after much European travel and Woodys work. We have lived
in Burlingame CA, Sunnyvale CA, So. Lake Tahoe CA, Alexandra Virginia, Reston
Virginia, Harrisburg West Virginia and Godmanchester England. We love to travel, snow
ski, play golf and tennis and we are very involved in our Church and Community and
both sing in the church choir.
Before I came to Aragon my sister Shirley and I had lost our parents; Ivar & Dorothy
Upvall and had moved to a different area, where we were being raised by my father's
sister Eleanor Upvall Broock (Sandy). My Sandy Aunt and Uncle who were about to
adopt a baby girl, inherited 3 children in a two week period. During my high school
years I was lucky enough to meet some very wonderful kids in the San Mateo area that
befriended me, and that friendship and kindness coupled with a brilliant woman's love for
her only nieces, taught and helped me become the person I am today. I am grateful and
Blessed to have a strong character, good health, wonderful friends and a loving husband
who is always there for me and his friends and family.
Carol Ann Bryant Nystrom
Redding, CA
After graduation I went to work at B of A. I remember having to get a work permit from
Aragon because I was only 17.
A year and a half later, I took a leave to go to Italy with my grandmother and sister. My
grandmother was afraid to fly, so we went by train to New York City and and boarded a
ship to Europe. My sister's and my luggage was never delivered to the ship by the train,
so my sister and I went 10 days with just the clothes on our back and a small carry-on.
Imagine 2 teenage girls going without a wardrobe. We did get our luggage in Naples. We
spent 2+1/2 months in Italy visiting relatives and site seeing. I have many stories of our
adventure.
When I returned home, I went back to work at B of A for another year and a half. I then
went to work for Beneficial Finance. Two of my co-workers got me to go bowling. I was
in a league when I met my husband, Sept./Oct. 1971. We started dating - our first date on
a motorcycle - and eloped, with immediate family in tow, in Reno in January 1972. We
had a gas station in Mt. View for about a year, and I still worked for Beneficial. We
returned to Burlingame a year later, and Phil, my husband, went back to school for
accounting. In early 1973, he found out that his uncle in Reno was in bad health, so we
went to see him, We found out that Phil had family in Sweden. So we went to Europe
that summer. We landed in Brussels, went to Paris to get a rental car and spent the next 2
months in Europe, going through 10 countries, camping and staying with relatives. The
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whole trip cost us less than $2,000. Again, I have more stories.
Returned home and I left Beneficial and went to work in the air freight industry. Phil
went to work for a small accounting firm in S.F. that did books and taxes for bars and
restaurants, that was fun. We bought our 1st home in Daly City and 3 years later bought
a home in Burlingame. In 1984, I went to work for U.S. Sprint, head quartered in
Burlingame. I was in the Corporate Relations Dept. and learned about government
relations and affairs, community relations and affairs, donations and meeting and event
planning. In 1985 I had to opportunity to go to Washington D.C. to help with the Holiday
Christmas Party Sprint held for the Congress staff members at Folger Library. There
were approximately 1500 invitees. While I was working, Phil went site-seeing and went
to Gettysburg and became a big fan of the Civil War. Over the passed 30 years we have
traveled back East and visited many of the battlefields and monuments of the war. We
are also members of the Civil War Trust which works to save the battlefields from
developers.
In 1989, we moved to Redding. We had been going to No. Calf, and So. Oregon,
boating and camping for several years and decided that was where we wanted to live
when his mom passed. We both quit our 9-5 jobs and purchased 2 four-plexes in
Redding. So we became landlords, doing the majority of the work ourselves. Being
landlords was not alien to us since both of our families had been doing this for many
years. We built a house overlooking the Sacramento River and are still there. We sold
the units about 9 years ago and are now completely retired. We thought we would have
more time to relax - ha, ha!
But, we joined a few organizations which take up alot of our time: Moose, Elks, VFW,
American Legion, Legion Riders, Redding Harley Owners Group, just to name a few. I
recently step down as Treasurer of the VFW Aux., after 6 years, got a little burnt out.
Phil also belongs to RMUG (Macintosh Users Group), Amvets, Viet Nam Helicopter
Pilots Assn., SIRS (Sons in Retirement) and River Tsalmi Golf & CC. We do a lot of
riding (I ride behind him) on short trips and finally made it back to Sturgis last year. Phil
wants to go again next year for the 75th Anniversary. Phil tells everyone that the touring
bike (we have 2 cycles) is mine and he is the chauffeur.
We never had children, but have had and have dogs (5 over the past 42 years and 2
now), keeps us busy. All of my brothers and sisters (5 siblings) are well, I lost my father
in Oct. 2010 and my mother is currently living at Atria in San Mateo.
There is probably a lot more I could write about, but 500 hundred words is not much.
If you have any questions please call me (530)244-7155. This e-mail belongs to Phil. I
do not have an e-mail address.
Carolyn Ann Buetow
San Mateo, CA
carolynbuetow@yahoo.com
14
500 WORDS OR LESS...?? THAT WOULD BE ABOUT 10 WORDS SUMMATION PER YEAR FOR
EACH YEAR OF THE PAST 50 YEARS..OMG..NO CAN DO..ALLRIGHT LET'S DO THIS....AFTER I
GRADUATED.I WENT TO COLLEGE.STUDIED DENTAL SURGERY. I WORKED FOR MY
OWN FAMILY DENTIST FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS..I MARRIED...HAD TWO BOYS.BOBBY AND
TOMMY...WENT BACK TO WORK AT LENKURT,.ASSEMBLING CIRCUIT PANELS.ONLY SO
MUCH U CAN DO WITH A NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS AND A SOLDER
SUCKER..DIVORCED..REMARRIED..THEN GAVE BIRTH TO A THIRD BOY,JOHNNY..YEAH I
WANTED ''BOYS''..GOT 'EM !!!..DIVORCED #2....MARRIED #3.. BACK AGAIN TO
WORK...SMARTER THIS TIME THO.....I NEEDED TO THINK OF MY 3 SONS AND MYSELF FOR
A CHANGE..SO I WENT TO WORK FOR THE
''SAN MATEO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION'''.OK NOW I HAVE FULL MEDICAL,DENTAL
AND A STRONG UNION BACKING ME..I WORKED THERE FOR 25 YEARS..WITH JUST ABOUT
EVERY ''DISABILITY'' A CHILD MAY HAVE.I FOUND MY NITCH IN ''SPECIAL EDUCATION''..
WORKING WITH ''A U T I S T I C'' CHILDREN....RETIRED.. THEN WATCHED MY 3 SONS
PRODUCE OFFSPRING.OMG,,DID THEY EVER ....''8'' GRANDCHILDREN....''3''
GREATCHILDREN....AND ANOTHER GRANDBOY DUE NOV.23,2014..SO OUT OF 15
OFFSPRING....ALL ARE ''BOYS' 'EXCEPT FOR ''4'' GIRLS..AMAZING..I AM
BLESSED...ALLRIGHT..LET'S DIGRESS....MY BIO IS LIKE A FEW..''FAIRYTALES''...AFTER
ARAGON (AA)...I EXPERIENCED THE OUTSIDE WORLD ,AS IF I WAS LIVING THE CLASSIC
TALE OF...''ALICE IN WONDERLAND''..
BELIEVE ME...THAT ALONE WOULD RUN WAY PAST 500 WORDS..I ''SURVIVED''..WENT ONTO
THE NEXT CLASSIC...''SNOWWHITE AND THE 7 DWARFS''..THAT WAS ME WORKING WITH
MY SPECIAL ED STUDENTS AT SCHOOL AND ALL MY CHILDREN AT HOME....YOU CAN
PRETTY MUCH FIGURE THIS OUT...MADE THE MISTAKE OF EATING AN APPLE .. SOME
LADY DRESSED IN BLACK GAVE ME.....A KNIGHT IN TIN ARMOUR KISSED ME AND WOKE
ME UP..I WAS COLD SO HE PUT A RED CAPE WITH A HOOD ON ME.WE BEGAN WALKING IN
THE DARK MOONLIT FOREST TOGETHER CAME TO A FORK IN THE ROAD..ONE WAS
YELLOW BRICK. THE OTHER WAS DARK ,DINGY AND FOREBODING. I TOOK THE ROAD
LESS TRAVELED BY.(and for that it's made all the difference in the world)THE TIN MAN SAID HE
HAD SOME FRIENDS TO MEET UP WITH.SO WE PARTED.BESIDES HE HAD AN ENGRAVED PIC
OF A WOLF ON HIS CHEST.IT READ.'TRUST ME....SO I WALKED THE LONESOME VALLEY BY
MYSELF..MADE FRIENDS WITH 2 WITCHES AND A YOUNG WOLF..(named him 'TIMBER',not
Toto). .I TRAVELED ALONE WITH TIMBER FOR 12YRS.I LEARNED 'UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE..THE SAME MY MOM AND DAD HAD FOR EACH OTHER AND FOR ME AND MY
SISTER..SO I RETURNED HOME..TOOK AN EARLY RETIREMENT TO CARE FOR ALL OF THEM
AND ALL MY CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN. (''IF YOU BELIEVE IN
COINCIDENCE..YOU'RE NOT LOOKING CLOSE ENOUGH') I'M HOME..BUT STILL ''FLYIN''
AGAINST THE WIND.. (MIZ PAH) ..
Diane Sharon Buono
San Carlos, CA
phairleonard@gmail.com
Don Burnham
Groveland, CA
don@donburnham.com
15
Don Burnham graduated Aragon HS and attended UC Berkeley, where guitars and music
ultimately prevailed over other studies. Drafted in 1968, Don served in the US Army in
South Korea 1968-70. He is best known to music audiences as the leader of the all star
California Western Swing band, LOST WEEKEND, (since 1985). Don was honored upon
his induction into the Western Swing music Hall of Fame, in 2005. He is married to New
Zealander, Sarah Duckworth, and the musical couple live in Groveland, CA, near
Yosemite.
Tom Cameron
Kingsville, MO
tbcameron2002@yahoo.com
Tony Campagna
Roseville, MN
tscampagna@me.com
Played basketball at CSM for 1 1/2 seasons after high school.
Enlisted in US Navy in 1966 and became a Hospital Corpsman and Operating Room
Technician.
Served with the Marines as Corpsman in Viet Nam for the year of 1969.
Married to my fiancee Suzanne Kemper in Hawaii on while on R & R in August of 1969.
Discharged from the Navy in 1970 and moved back to the Bay Area.
Son Jason born in 1971 and daughter Lisa born 1973.
Graduated from Foothill College as an Orthopedic Physician’s Assistant in 1975.
Born again spiritually in 1975.
Worked as an Orthopedic PA at San Jose Medical Clinic from 1975 until 1981.
16
Joined 3M Company’s Orthopedic Products Division as a Sales Representative in the San
Jose area in 1981.
Moved to 3M Global Headquarters in St. Paul, MN in 1983 to become the Technical
Service Coordinator for Casting Products.
Received a Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication Management in 2000.
Served in multiple capacities supporting Casting Products until retiring from 3M in 2008.
Suzanne and I are continuing to live in Minnesota near our children and four
grandchildren.
Laure Elizabeth Campbell
Mary Jane Canadas
Mill Valley, CA
Moss Beach, CA
canadas@pacbell.net
Stan David Canales
San Mateo,
CA
Olivia Joan Cantor Schwartz
Carolyn N. Cantua Bussell
Los Angeles, CA
olivia@chaicenter.net
Fair Oaks, CA
carol.bussell@att.net
I was born in San Francisco and lived in the “avenues” until we moved to San
Mateo where I went to kindergarten. My family moved around a lot in the ‘50s -- mainly
in the Bay Area. I lived in Carmichael (near Sacramento) with my grandmother during
my parents’ divorce. Then we moved to Sunnyvale, San Francisco (Candlestick Cove),
Pacifica and back to San Mateo. The class of 1964 attended Burlingame High for only
1/2 of our freshman year because the new Aragon campus wasn’t ready for students.
I enjoyed my years 1961-1964 at Aragon and made lifelong friends. I was known
for my long ponytail that reached to my waist. I was delighted to be in A Capella Choir
and know Mr. Denton. I remember the day Don Masuda announced during choir that
President Kennedy had been shot. What harsh news for our generation. I think we
realized that the world had just changed.
In 1962, I had been having a horrible headache for about two weeks, when I woke
up and began vomiting up blood. I collapsed and was rushed to the ER. After emergency
surgery it was determined that I had a bleeding ulcer… at the age of 15! I missed a lot of
school but learned who my friends were. Some even donated blood.
In 1963, I met my late husband, Jim, on a blind date. We doubled with Aragon
alumni Judy Rickett who was also in choir. We were married in 1965 and moved to South
Lake Tahoe where we lived for over 35 years. He had already retired from the South
Lake Tahoe Police Department when he passed away in July 2001. Our daughter, Bridget
Diane, was adopted in 1975 and became the highlight of my life. She now has given me
17
3 grandchildren: Diego (15), Joseph (12) and Arianna (9). They still live in South Lake
Tahoe where Bridget is a dealer at the Harrah’s/Harvey’s Clubs.
I learned how to water ski in Tahoe where we had a boat. I wore a wetsuit—water
is always 42 degrees! I also learned how to snow ski and became a ski instructor at
Heavenly Valley. I met John Denver during one of his charity fundraisers. One day I rode
the ski lift with Sonny Bono when he was mayor of Palm Springs. That was before he
was a congressman. I was teaching a private ski lesson at Heavenly the day Sonny had
his fatal accident.
While I was a concierge at Harrah’s I visited with Neal Sedaka, Phil Everly, and
Tennessee Ernie Ford. I even received an unsolicited hug from Smokey Robinson
backstage!
As a LVN (licensed vocational nurse) I worked at Barton Memorial Hospital in
South Lake Tahoe for many years. While in the Emergency Room I took care of dancer
Juliet Prouse’s newborn son, as well as an Olympic skier and George Clooney's late aunt
Rosemary.
Currently I live in Fair Oaks, a suburb of Sacramento, and continue work as a
nurse to severely handicapped patients.
Rosanne Cardinalli Gotelli
Newark, CA
rosanne222@comcast.net
John Carr
Clearlake, CA
jcarr@mchsi.com
Lois Carter Trusty
North Little Rock , AR
califlois1@aol.com
Skip (Arthur) Caswell
Iron Mountain, MI
acaswell4238@charter.net
Donna Cavero
Annette Coker
Christine Chong Gong
Wes Chun
Oakland, CA
Sacramento, CA
WesChun@yahoo.com
Donald Allan Cofer (c/o Judy Cofer Linn)
Minden,
NV
William Paul Cole
Jack Collins
Oakland, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
jchbsurf@gmail.com
18
Dennis Collins
Michael Lewis Collins
Paul Contreras
San Mateo, CA
Berkeley, CA
Pleasant Hill, CA
tifdpaul@att.net
Judy Cook Lucas
Mardella Springs, MD
jeffry7915@hotmail.com
James Craig Cooke
Richard (Dick) Cooper
Los Gatos, CA
Nevada City, CA
dcooper9123@yahoo.com
To honor the spirit of my years at Aragon High School, I shall attempt to sum up half a
century of living with just enough effort to keep my parents (may they rest in peace) from
grounding me.
After graduating from Chico State, having to the best of my recollection, majored in
drinking, I married my college sweetheart and we moved to the small town of
Brownsville, Ca. to launch our careers as elementary school teachers. Thirty-two years,
two amazing children and six dogs later, we both retired and moved to our current home
in the fabulous town of Nevada City. My wife, Cathy, spends a good portion of her time
sculpting while I play my sports and roam our town listening to music of all sorts. We
feel blessed.
James Earl Coryelle
Milpitas, CA
jimbmw328@sbcglobal.net
Barbara Costa
Mt. View, CA
cat94020@gmail.com
Bonnie Cheryl Costantini Philpott
Petaluma, CA
bonniecp@att.net
(50 Years in 500+ Words)
19
Otherwise known as 10+ words a year!
Still like to have fun, see the humor in life, & think I am only 22, in spite of all of the
evidence to the contrary. Friendly, kind, & hoping to find love some day!
I earned a BA in Political Science, & minored in Psychology. Many moons later I earned
a Certificate in Event & Meeting Planning. So, if you are running for office & are
anxious, I could be your Campaign Manager!
I was married to a truly wonderful man in my first marriage. Due to a tragic incident with
circumstances beyond my control, “darkness, darkness,” our marriage was a casualty.
I am fortunate to have two sons, healthy & gifted. Having planned to stay in a happy
marriage, “with two cats in the yard,” my second husband, “walked on by” with his
drinking problem & another woman. I was a “lonely girl” raising two sons without a Dad
to tell them, “Do not speak to your Mother that way,” & “Call your Mother once in a
while when she is 67.”
Number 1 son, Mark, is a musician, a college graduate, has worked with foster children
12 to 18 in group homes, & now works at Santa Rosa Junior College in the Disability
Department. He has a big, kind heart!
Number 2 son, George, is a golfer, a college graduate & has been designing golf courses
all over the world for 14 years. He is the father of my Granddaughter, Lucy.
Miss Lucy is almost 12 years old, lovely & talented. She excels in school, loves acting,
stage dancing, video/photo photography, & has many friends. She is in 7th Grade & I
love her a lot!!!! Life with Lucy has been wonderful. Ballets, plays, dance recitals, trips
to San Francisco…all giggles & good! I have encouraged her to be who she is, not to
forget to laugh & once a year, to have a silly lunch!
My work career took me to Marin County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, an
Advertising Agency, my own business, “The PR Lady,” a High Tech Corporation, & to a
School District as an Assistant Business Manager. After serious neck surgery (minus two
discs & one vertebrae & “a partridge in a pear tree”) I slowed down a bit. For 2 years I
volunteered as Director of Sonoma County Junior Miss Scholarship Program, raising
more money than raised in the past, & giving out more scholarships. Also, during that
time, I took many wine studies classes, & learned the art & complexities of winemaking.
For three years I rented a space in an Antique store in Healdsburg & sold antique
furnishings. During that time “dem bones, dem bones” connected to my hipbone needed a
full hip replacement, whereby I crowned myself, the Titanium Neck & Hip Queen. Not to
be mistaken for a necking, hippie queen.
Things people may not know about me… I spent most summers at our cabin at the
Russian River, perfecting the art of mud ball making. I am half Italian and grew up
listening to Italian Opera al fresco, and watching the family making wine in the barn. I
learned to dance holding my doorknob in my room, “American Bandstand swing style.” I
enjoy music, opera, ballet, plays, art, museums, Ferrying to San Francisco, 49ers &
Giants (especially when they win), I can be silly, and laugh until I cry!
I look forward to making my old friends my new friends and I continue to have a dream
to travel to Italy and France.
20
Que le début
Janet Cufaude Johnson
Yuba City, CA
janiann@sbcglobal.net
Kathy Dado Briggs
Morgan Hill, CA
muteacher2000@yahoo.com
Because I always wanted to be a teacher, I made my way to San Jose (State College) and
stayed for a fifth year to get my credential. I student taught in San Jose's Franklin
McKinley School District and stayed in that District for 41 years, at three schools, as a
classroom teacher, reading specialist and project coordinator. I trained in teaching
dyslexic children and was active in the local teachers' union. I retired in 2010.
Bill Briggs and I married in 1973 and have lived most of the time in South Santa Clara
County in a beautiful rural environment. We have two daughters: Christina is the
Economic Development Manager for the City of Fremont and her son Owen (5) is our
pride and joy. Alysia is a corporate vice president for Viceroy Hotels in Los Angeles,
living in Redondo Beach. Her boy Will is almost 2, and she's expecting a baby girl this
Christmas. Both our sons-in-law are great guys.
We've done lots of travel, some of it related to Bill's job. We spent time with our
daughters when they studied abroad (Toulouse, France and San Sebastian, Spain). And
we had great vacations in conjunction with their destination weddings (Tuscany and Cabo
San Lucas). We enjoy river cruising. But we also enjoy our home and our get-away at
the beach in Santa Cruz. In 1984 we took in a British exchange student and remain very
close to him and his family.
Now retired, I find myself busy with two professional teacher sororities, reading clubs, a
walking group and spending time with our grandson every day. When Bill was working
in Fullerton, he'd commute home every other weekend. It was very hard on all of us.
Now that he's home and retired, we're looking forward to more trips ( two or three
already booked for next year), more time visiting our daughter in Southern California,
and looking forward to whatever comes next.
Jonathan Edward Dalley
Whitehorn, CA
jndalley@gmail.com
Marcia Maria Darrone
Charles Daniels
Los Vegas, NV
daflen@hotmail.com
21
WHAT’S UP – Charles M. Daniels
On July 1, 1964 and two weeks before my 18th birthday, I enlisted into the US Air Force
for a period of four years. During my active duty years, I was assigned at Mt. Laguna Air
Force Station (AFS) in San Diego County, Almaden AFS on Mt. Umunhum in the Santa
Cruz Mountains and the last year of enlistment was spent at Nha Trang Air Force Base,
Viet Nam. After separation from the Air Force, I obtained a Civil Service job with the
Dept. of Defense (DOD), got married, raised four boys and eventually retired in Jan.
2002 after 37 years of Federal Civil Service. Much of my work career, I lived and
worked on various islands in the Pacific Ocean. I spent nine years in the Philippines,
eight years in Guam and five years in Hawaii. While in the Philippines, I survived the
June 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and while on Guam, I survived the 8.1 magnitude
earthquake in Aug. 1993 and in Dec. 1997 the strongest Category V Typhoon ever
recorded over land. According to land based wind measuring instruments at Anderson
AFB, peak wind gusts from Super Typhoon Paka were recorded at 236mph. As you can
imagine, I will have lots of “talk story” regarding these experiences.
After Civil Service retirement, I sought employment in the private sector and in May
2002 was hired by CH2M Hill Constructors, Inc. as Utilities Manager and Deputy Project
Manager for the operations of all Navy Public Works functions at Naval Air Station in
Pensacola, Florida. Subsequent to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in Aug. 2005, I
was the senior CH2M Hill manager working with FEMA for a seven month period to
provide temporary housing for those affected by Hurricane Katrina in the State of
Alabama. In Sept. 2008, after Hurricane Ike raised havoc with the Eastern coast of
Texas, I was again assigned as the Senior CH2H Hill manager to work with FEMA for a
period of nine months to again provide temporary housing for those affected by
Hurricane Ike. For the past two years, I have been semi-retired, working a total of 3-4
months a year on short term projects that CH2M Hill requests my assistance on.
In Nov. 1969, I married and started raising a family. Concurrent with working full time, I
also attended college part time. In 1972, I earned an AA degree from Grossmont Junior
College, a BA degree in Mathematics from San Diego State University in 1977 and a
Masters of Systems Management degree from the University of Southern California in
1987.
Since getting married, I raised four boys, have three grandsons and a great grandson.
Consequently, the Daniels family name will live on. Fortunately, by the law of
22
probability and the science of ultrasound, I expect to be the proud grandfather to my first
granddaughter who is due in late Sept. After all these years with only boys in the Daniels
family, I am anxious and excited to meet my granddaughter and to spoil her over time.
Judy Dell'Osso Brooks
San Mateo, CA
judyb277@gmail.com
Kathy S. DeVore-Brezovec
Manhattan Beach, CA
ksbrezo@gmail.com
Richard Charles deWood
San Mateo, CA
RDeWood@floorcrafthome.com
Sandra Dittman
Michele Dierkes Carville
Greenup, KY
Scottsdale, AZ
lcnmichele@aol.com
Sue Doherty Peterson
Paradise, CA
taftandsue@sbcglobal.net
Carolyn Elizabeth Dowd
Donna Lyn Dukes Holcomb
Levelland, TX
dholcomb1@hotmail.com
Ted Dumke
San Mateo, CA
edumke@astound.net
College: not a fun time for a Conservative to be on campus.
1969 Grad SF State BA History/ Poly Sci and Teaching Credential
1970-71 taught Crestmore High
1972-75 attended Episcopal Seminary in Berkeley, Grad with Masters of Divinity.
loved living on North Side, brilliant professors especially the Jesuits, best time
since High School.
Did Clinical Pastoral Training at St. Mary's Hospital San Francisco--worked with
cancer patience, did death and dying and the psych ward.
1975-77 Canon Pastor Trinity Cathedral Sacramento with wonderful parish family.
23
Behind the scenes with Patty Hearst during her time in prison and trial
intense!
1978 National Chairman "The Committee For The Release Of Patricia Hearst" -- lots
of TV and radio shows, learned a lot about the Press, the legal system and the
workings of radical terrorists. We had committees in all 50 states. We gained
supporters across the political spectrum: Wm F Buckley, Ceasar Chavez, Ronald
Reagon, N.O.W, Senator Hayakawa. The SF Board of Supervisors, a host of
editorials, 48 members of Congress, the Catholic Church etc., etc. and thousand of
people who rote the President. Our greatest ally was Congressman
Leo Ryan who was tireless in his support. Ironically his tragic death brought
Patty's plight into sharper focus and on Feb. 1st 1979 President Carter granted
clemency ending the five year nightmare. Patty was freed into the loving embrace
of her family, friends and her fiance Bernie,one of the nicest guys and best
friends I have ever had. I still mourn his death last December.
1970s and 80s served on the Board of The Peninsula Half Way House with the mission
of helping newly released prisoners. Also, co-founded UBCAR, The Upper
Barneson Committee For Alert And Relief. Our neighborhood has changed over
the years still as always remains full of wonderful supportive neighbors.
1978-82 Assistant at The Church Of The Transfiguration in San Mateo--again a great
congregation!
1982-85 St.Dorothy's, a summer camp and conference center in Camp Meeker near the
Russian River served as on the Board and helped close friends revitalize this
beautiful 100 year old Camp, loved living in the Redwoods where I had worked
as a camp counselor during college years--hard work, great spirit, much fun!
1986-2000 taught and substituted High School--Mills, San Mateo and Aragon and
cared for aging parents. In the late 1990s Dan, Mom and only Brother died. Also
wrote a book:"The Serpent Beguiled Me And I Ate" published by Doubleday
2000 to present: retired, wrote a novel "Into The Eye Of The Dragon, A San Francisco
Saga", traveled and spent time with my dogs and garden.
Travel has been one of my a great pleasures and have been very lucky: Europe: four trips,
mostly England, Paris and Austria. Canada: great train trip from Montreal to Vancouver-Oh Canada! Hawaii; all the Islands, Old Mexico: San Miguel and Oaxaca for The Day
Of The Dead. East Coast: almost yearly to New York and New England--love the Big
Apple! two summers camp counseling in The Finger Lakes Region, D.C. for the Bush
Inauguration in 1989. Far East: Hong Kong, Singapore,Thailand, Nepal and India which
was fantastic. I read "A Passage To India" for Mr. Price in my senior year which had a
profound influence on me--' Stretching my line across the Void I pondered'. I confess a
life long attraction for EasternReligions.
California: No matter where I've roamed California is always the best---Christmases at
Tahoe, Thanksgivings with Doris at Sea Ranch, Fall hunting at San Simeon, Pebble
Beach--fun weekend house parties, The St. Helena Ranch weekends during seminary
years with long inspirational walks with my spiritual advisor Dr. Max, over 30 summers
of magic at Wyntoon, always trips back to St Dorothy's--reflections in the Redwoods,
24
Beverly Hills with Doris --I studied under her Father, The Uhuuhu Guru of Knieblich
Con-sciousness! and my favorite The Beach House at La Guna--days on the beach,body
surfing,and sleeping at night to the crashing rhythm of the ocean.
Along the way I have been so blessed to make so many good friends who have given
love, support and understanding along with laughs and much fun--have lost some but
they live in my heart and memory. And among my best friends have always been my
Dogs--always there giving unconditional love and amusement. I hope they are waiting for
me this side of the Rainbow Bridge so we can cross over together.
T.S. Eliot tells us that " Old men ought to be explorers." Oh to be " still and still
moving into another intensity, for a further union, a deeper communion."
"And I dance with William Blake For Love, for Love's sake; And everything comes to
One, As we dance on, dance on, dance on." Roethke
"I inherited the title of Uhu Uhu Guru of Knieblich and devote much time to teaching
people how to give und."
Richard “Doc” Durden
Reno, NV
doc.durden@yahoo.com
Greg Edison
Reno, NV
fedison@washoeschools.net
Art Eisen
Hayford, CA
art_eisen@yahoo.com
Richard Elvfing
Hillsborough, CA
Stargate099@gmail.com
I am now currently taking courses at H & R Block to do income taxes next year. I am
already quite experienced at this doing taxes on Turbo Tax for my wife and I and our son
Daniel. I also do business taxes for a long time friend. I also have done volunteer work
as a Treasurer since 1972 for the Baha'is of San Mateo and now Hillsborough.
I became a Baha'i after reading the Bible cover to cover and discovering all the
prophecies therein. I studied the scriptures of all the world religions for more than 15
years; reading the apocrapha of the Old and New Testament plus the pseudepigrapha of
the Old Testament. I am an expert on Bible prophecy and appeared on cable TV six
25
times. I also did a TV show on pyramid power showing off my seven foot at the base
copper plumbing pipe pyramid with polished apex piece. It totally healed me of my
extreme fatigue illness for which I had to drop out of college for two years until I got
married 32 years ago.
Lynne Engle Eising
Murphys, CA
thomaseising@comcast.net
Gene Esposto
San Mateo, CA
jetesp1@att.net
Jim Esten
Rancho Murieta, CA
Correctcon@aol.com
It all began with an over-night stay at Hillcrest Juvenile Hall in San Mateo when we were
Juniors. Since then I have spent time in 28 of California’s Prisons as well considerable
time in Prisons in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Florida, New Jersey and Virginia. But
you never go directly to Prison; you are sent to the County Jail first. I have been in nearly
100 County Jails, all over California and the Country. You see, in 1973 I went to work as
a Vocational Instructor at Soledad, home of the original Black Guerrilla Family, members
of the Aryan Brotherhood and other “fraternities.” At that time folks were dying at the
rate of one-a-month. I left the Prison System in 1992 and became an Independent
Correctional Consultant. I testify at Parole Hearings, Death Penalty Trials, wrongful
death civil cases and on just about anything having to do with Prisons and Prisoners.
And, yes I’m still at it. I have 12-15 cases in the queue now.
I was in the USMC for three years and spent some time on China Beach. I was also a Life
Guard stateside for a period of time and this is where I met my Renee. She was a military
dependent and came to my pool one day and then another, and another. She still talks
about the Speedo I wore back then; much the same as the suit the swim team wore at
Aragon, (they no longer fit). We have been married for 45 great years and have one son
and two Grandsons. The little guys are in the photo with their “Papa Jim.”
I still like fast cars and have had a whole succession of them.
I do not believe I have ever interviewed a former Aragon student/inmate in all the time I
have spent in custody; there is something to be said for that. On the other hand, I know
26
more inmates on Death Row than classmates from my undergraduate and graduate
colleges. Figure that one? If you ever need assistance in my area of expertise; I don’t do
pro bono work, but I can refer you to some great “jailhouse lawyers.”
Richard Joseph Estudillo
Palm Springs, CA
Randy Evans
San Mateo, CA
Carol Fasano Zanutto
Fort Bragg, CA
CZanutto@aol.com
Lenore Felker Rounsaville
Hillsborough, CA
ashlindmom2@gmail.com
John Fellman
Grass Valley, CA
LaidBackinGV@aol.com
Mary Ruth Ferguson
Larry Fields
Sue Fife Stauffer
Cotati, CA
lgfields@sonic.net
Scotts Valley, CA
suefstauffer@yahoo.com
I currently live in Scotts Valley and love it! I was married in 1969 after graduating from
San Jose State with a BA in English and a teaching credential in both regular and special
education. I lived in Santa Clara for 25 years where my husband and I raised a boy, Joel
and a girl, Laura. Laura was born with developmental disabilities. She lived in group
homes until just a couple years ago when she moved into a semi-independent living
situation in an apartment with a roommate in Sunnyvale. Joel received his BA from
SJSU in radio, film and TV and has been working at KSBW, a local TV station located in
Salinas, where he now lives, ever since. My husband and I split up in 1986. I retired
about 3 years ago and currently spend lots of time at the beach listening to live music and
enjoying art and wine festivities.
Lyle Fifield
Milpitas, CA
l_fifield@sbcglobal.net
Lars Flodihn
San Mateo, CA
leflodihn@sbcglobal.net
Joe Florez
Folen, Joe
Redwood City, CA
Jacksonville, AR
budiii@comcast.net
Judy Fondren Ahlvin
Forestville, CA
jahlvin@me.com
27
Judy and I have been blest on our life’s journey. I’ve owned an Advertising Agency
(Adlantis) for the past 35 years. My two biggest clients were The Bedroom waterbed
company, and Pick-n-Pull, the world’s largest Auto recycler. I also briefly taught
Copywriting at San Jose State University, my alma mater. In my business career, I was
on the team that created the San Jose Ad Club, which is now the Silicon Valley Ad Club.
I am also a member of a Christian Trio called SPECS. I play 12-string guitar and do
vocals. We produced two cd’s. Judy, the love of my life, was a school teacher for 24
years, and then answered a calling and became an Ordained Deacon in the Episcopal
Church, serving in several Episcopal Churches, and as school Chaplain for many years.
Our daughter, Greta, is a Speech Pathologist, and our grandson, Henry, just turned four
years old. We retired in 2010 and moved to our summer home on the Russian River in
Forestville. Our daughter, and son-in-law, Scott, a Director of Engineering at Cisco,
bought our Morgan Hill home we built in 1978. We recently returned from a delightful
Mediterranean Cruise celebrating our 45th Anniversary. Attached is a photo of us, as our
ship entered the harbor in Barcelona.
Cathy Forman Platin
cathyformanplatin@gmail.com
Dave Fredericks
Santa Cruz CA
rob@bigfireplace.com
Karen Lynn Free Howell
Sacramento, CA
klhowell82@gmail.com
28
Scenes from an Aragon Graduate: Class of 1964
Act 1: The Innocents of Youth
Scene 1: Moved to Sacramento in the hot summer of 1966
Scene 2: Graduated: Sacramento City College in 1967
Scene 3: First Job: Bank of America 1967 to 1982
Scene 4: Married in 1968
Scene 5: Mother of two: Daughter 1972 and Son 1976
Act 2: Stronger and Wiser
Scene 1: Second Job: Golden 1 Credit Union in 1982
Scene 2: Single since 1992
Scene 3: Retired from Golden 1 Credit Union in 2012
Act 3: A New Kind of Beginning
Scene 1: To be determined 2014 to...........
Post script: My mother lived to be 94. I am certain, with her rich blood coursing through
my veins; that I will be in attendance for our 75th Aragon Reunion. I hope all of you can
join me in 2039 for my Act 4. For now, best wishes to all of my classmates. I am looking
forward to seeing you in October. Have a wonderful and safe summer until we meet
again.
(Fade to black).........
Entire production Directed and Choreographed by: Karen (Free) Howell
Sharon Freitas Peros
Fresno, CA
energeticgranny@gmail.com
Cheery Hi to all former Aragon classmates! “Fatty Freitas” lost 40 lbs. (25 lbs. by
graduation day). Travel was my passion from age 10. After 2 years plus some night
classes at CSM, I became Executive Secretary to Regional Managers of national
companies in USA, and Directors of International companies based in Honolulu and the
South Pacific, British Columbia, and South Africa. Regrettably I have not traveled to
Australia or New Zealand, but I have journeyed to 12 European countries, 2 African
countries, Canada and Mexico. I have also had the pleasure of working as a weekend
model at professional platform shows for Clairol in 11 western states. I lived and worked
in British Columbia, Canada for 7 years and South Africa for more than 4 years. I lived
in Honolulu for one year and worked part of that time as Secretary to the Station Manager
29
at KHON-TV (an NBC affiliate). During that year I met my first husband, Giovanni,
who was the grandson of a Venetian Count (Count of Quadroipo) and a civilian attaché to
the U.S. Navy and Air Force, specializing in aeronautical computer navigation. Sadly
that epic romance ended after 7 years. In February of 1980 Alex Peros, D.C.
(affectionately known as “Doc”) and I were married. Our only daughter, Evangelina, is
happily married to Deputy Sheriff Christopher McGrew. They have 2 young teenagers,
reside in Siskiyou County, and work in Mt. Shasta. Evie has successfully devoted herself
to her family and a banking career. Doc and I have had 2 businesses that we “laid to
rest”. During the ‘80s he and I were especially blessed to witness miraculous healing
among natives, while we were living, working and ministering (unofficially) for six
months in a little country called Venda that no one we have encountered in the USA has
heard of. During the next 4 years Doc was the head of the Science Department and a
school principal on the Rand, near Johannesburg/Pretoria in South Africa. Everyone in
our family is now born again, for which I am eternally grateful. I was 30 when I gave my
life to Christ. May all of you find peace in Him too, I pray. (P.S. Although I wear glasses
now, this 5 ft. 6 in. woman has managed to keep a steady weight of 115 lbs. for 50 years.
So I am very thankful to everyone who chided me for being overweight during the school
years, because those taunts motivated me to lose the fat and keep it off.)
Carole Friday Young
La Quinta, CA
carolefriday@netzero.net
Tom Galbraith
Durango, CO
tgalbraith@frontier.net
Never having to submit a CV for a presentation, nor a resume for a job the prospect of
composing a "Bio" seems daunting. I wish I could boast a first ascent or a round the
world voyage, but only that I've spent much time in the mountains and only sailed in
around a couple of the seven seas.
Don Ahlert and his family introduced me to the backcountry of the High Sierras and John
Carr led me into the world of traveling overseas and thanks to them I've spent most my
life enjoying the fruits of those early planted seeds.
By the time I'd live most of my nine vocational lives as:
Air Force – programmer
Outdoor Recreation Company – Europe
Restaurant/Hotel owner – Silverton
Electrician – Gold Mine Silverton
Paramedic – Durango/Farmington
Programmer – Durango
EMS Coordinator – Durango
Hospital Administrator – Durango
Real Estate Company Owner – Durango
I decided to retire early, 1991, buy a sailboat and take my family sailing since I was more
30
interested in avocations than vocations. This was, in part, due to an encounter with a real
estate client who was never available and told me, in no uncertain terms, once I tracked
him down at the lake on his sailboat, "My dad died at 45, I'm 40, how many summers do
I have left?" This has become my mantra and byline to my blog.
So I guess my Bio for the last 23 years has been retired and pursuing my avocations:
Outdoor recreation
Hiking
Backpacking
Cycling
Cycle Touring
White water rafting
Cross Country Skiing
Blue Water Sailing
Computers
Mac Zealot
HAM Operator KG0JS
All home remodeling and repair
Helping friends with projects
Michael Charles Galloway
Thailand
mginthai@yahoo.com
After graduating from Aragon, I went to CSM for 2 years. In '66 I joined the Navy
Reserve to avoid going to Vietnam in the Army. I then took a break from school and
worked at the S.M. Post Office til I went on active duty in Sept '67. I did end up in
Vietnam waters but on a Navy Destroyer in the summer of "68. After my 2 yr active duty
finished I went back to the S.M.P.O.
In Feb "71 I got initiated into meditation in Palo Alto by an Indian guru and my life
changed. I quit the P.O. and moved up to Seattle to live in an ashram teaching meditation
and yoga for the next 6 months, before returning back home to SM. I then went back to
college on the G.I. Bill. One more semester at CSM and then one at Canada College in
Redwood City which got me an AA Degree in "73. The following year I went back to
Seattle and worked in a vegetarian rest for the next 4 yrs. From there my girlfriend and I
discovered Hawaii and we fell in love with the islands and had to live there. It didn't
work out to stay then, so we went back to live in Santa Cruz for the next 6 years ('79-'85),
31
before moving to Hawaii for good. I Lived on Maui for 13 years followed by the Big
Island for 5 years. I did lots of different part time jobs over the years just to cover my
living expenses, such as working at a produce stand, a small post office, ran my own
cleaning service, drove for an airport shuttle company and delivered pizzas. I also made
lots of money during my Hawaiian days marketing lots of different health related MultiLevel products. I was groomed as a public speaker and trainer. I also ran for the Mayor of
Maui in 1990. I didn't get past the primary, but it was a great experience.
From Hawaii I went to Thailand in 2002 to check it out as a place to retire to and decided
that it was. I've been here ever since, only going back to Hawaii once in 2006 to close out
my storage locker. I found out that by being a native English speaker, I could get a job as
an English teacher. Not teaching grammar, but just conversation by getting the Thai kids
to speak English to each other in a classroom setting. A very rewarding experience. 3
years into my 10 years of teaching I met my true love, my soulmate. Between Calif,
Seattle, and Hawaii I never met Thee One, because as it turned out she was in Thailand.
After 2 years of dating and then living together we got married (the one and only time for
me). I was a bachelor for over 60 yrs. One and a half years later we had a son (my only
child). I was 64 yrs 9 months when he was born. He will be 3 on Fri Oct 10th, the first
day of the 50th Reunion celebration, so I won't be there, but here with him.
Now I'm a farmer growing coconuts, bananas, papayas, mangoes, rice, and some
vegetables, greens and herbs.
If anyone has any questions about Thailand, feel free to contact me by email
at michaelghawaii@yahoo.com
Nancy Louise Ganino
San Francisco, CA
Janice Leone Gardelius Vance
Tracy, CA
janicevance95@yahoo.com
Nona Gardner-Weiner
San Jose,
CA
nonnanona@sbcglobal.net
Steve Gatchel
Madison, SD
goldcowboy@gmail.com
Jean Bennett Geddes Pricolo
Richard Gervasi
John Giehm
San Jose, CA
Redwood City, CA
Yuma, AZ
jgiehm@sbcglobal.net
Sue Gilmore Murray
Sonora, CA
flytynmom@yahoo.com
Leroy Gilmore
Colorado Springs, CO
leroygilmore@comcast.net
32
Larry Glenn
Rocklin, CA
lglenn46@aol.com
Ben Glick
San Jose, CA
benglick@earthlink.net
Diane Goldblatt Hamako
Watsonville, CA
dhamako@aol.com
After Aragon, I attended San Jose State College, graduating with a degree in
Occupational Therapy. In 1969, I moved to Los Angeles to complete my post-graduate
work and marry Conrad. I began my life-long career working with physically
handicapped children. In 1977, our first son, Eric was born. We moved to Watsonville in
1979. Our second son, Kevin was born in 1982. Eric graduated from Stanford and
recently earned his doctorate in Education at UMass. He currently teaches at Shoreline
Community College in Seattle. We are happy to have him back on the West Coast! Kevin
graduated from West Point and served two tours in Iraq. He works in Federal law
enforcement.
Watsonville:
We live in the country, surrounded by our olive grove - 141 trees and Conrad’s enormous
hardscaping projects. On the weekends, Conrad can be seen driving his tractor and
moving the earth around.
We recently celebrated our 45 anniversary.
We look forward to our 50th reunion and hope this finds everyone well.
Dennis Goldstein
Ashland, CA
dgoldstein-alas@yahoo.com
Richard Edward Gossett
Fairfax, CA
rgossett63@yahoo.com
33
Al Grant
Bob Graham
Las Vegas, NV
DDLVR@aol.com
“THROUGH THE YEARS - I HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED!”
Once upon a time...it was good enough for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I was very
fortunate to have Aragon in my life. Between some outstanding Teachers, Coaches and
Classmates my foundation for the future received a great start! Not knowing what I really wanted to do next, lead me to CSM. After a year and a half of
academics and football, I received a scholarship to the University of Montana. During my
three years there, my life had many demanding changes:
• A good football career that garnered a look from the K.C. Chiefs.
• A wife, with Goldilocks Hair and the strength to be my hero for almost five decades,
she kept me on the Dean’s Academic List my last two years at the University, worked a
full-time job, and started our Family on July 4, 1969 with our son Michael. He lives in
Northern Virginia, with our three Grandchildren, and is an excellent sales representative
for a Hydraulics Fluid Connector Company.
• After graduation and a BS Degree, Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S.
Army, being married, and having a son, we decided that I would try throwing hand
grenades, instead of footballs.
• A few years in the Army, turned into a twenty-three year career. Along the way, my
hero grew stronger and so did our Family. Our daughter, Stevie was born December 5,
1973. She lives in Southern Virginia and is a cat and dog lover, and an outstanding
pharmaceutical sales representative.
• I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that throughout the years we added a few more
Family Members. Six black and one red, four legged, with fur - Dobermans. We now
have Jake Valor and Honor America.
• During the twenty-three year career “we” moved nineteen times to locations called
Home: Kentucky, Georgia (2), Germany, Panama, Viet Nam, Laos, Korea, Texas,
Minnesota, Indiana, Colorado, Florida, West Virginia, Virginia (2), Washington, D.C.,
Oregon, and Washington. No, Peggy, Mike, and Stevie didn’t make all those moves with
34
me...and I’ll bet, you can guess which ones. • Prior to retiring on September 1, 1992 I received a MA Degree from Pepperdine
University, which would be used in my future endeavors.
• I lasted about a year in retirement and wanted to be some place warm, so we moved
from Oregon to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1994. • My carry-over sports of football, wrestling and diving, were not real conducive for
me at my age and point in life, so I attempted to learn Golf - not so good! So...I turned to
Teaching and Coaching at the high school level. I did that for fifteen years and retired
again in 2010.
Now, Peggy and I do volunteer work with high school student-athletes, trying to assist
them with scholarship applications, and conditioning. I am proud to say that my
Goldilocks has helped procure twelve million dollars in scholarships in the last fifteen
years, for hundreds of high school students. I have been fortunate to see some of our
athletes on Sunday Afternoon TV. We also, enjoy our time (here or there) with our
Children and Grandchildren.
This is what has been going on with me for the last five decades. I am happy with my
life. I had a lot of help along the way...to all of you - Thank You! I work everyday at
being a good man - Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. I have truly been Blessed
throughout my Life. I am very Proud of my Family and I am living the Dream, every
day! My tenets of life continue to be a Sense of Urgency, Attention to Detail,
Anticipation, and A Good Sense of Humor. WE ARE LIVING HAPPILY EVER AFTER...not the end...THE CONTINUATION!
PS---Goldilocks is Peggy and the Three Bears are Michael, Stevie, and yours truly. Your
Classmate - Aragon Class of 1964, Hooah, Hugs, & Pay It Forward - Bob
James H. Grant
Redding, CA
sgrant123@sbcglobal.net
Susan Lynn Granzin Smart
Joan Helene Greenblatt Miner
Sonoma, CA
Greer, SC
joanminor@charter.net
35
Ok, here is my life since high school. After going to San Diego and San Jose State, I
went to work for Phillips Petroleum for seven years. Figured out that working out of an
office was not real Iy my thing. So I went into sales so that I could get paid for talking. I
sold eye wear for many years until I moved to South Carolina. After living in California
for forty five years, I got swept away to the east coast. At first I thought I had left my
country, but it turns out Greenville, South Carolina is a very nice place to live.
I started selling advertising here. Then eight years ago started my own greeting
service. I have never had children, just a lot of shih tzus. My husband, John Miner, has
two daughters and four grandsons. So that has been nice for me to share his family.
We still have ties in California, a lot of family and friends. So we are part owners of a
time share at the Beach House in Half Moon Bay.
I am sorry that this wasn't a good time for us to come out to California. But I wish
you a successful reunion!
Roseann Marie Guilliano Myer
Foster City, CA
rgmyer@yahoo.com
Chris Gustafson
Stephanie Haines
Redwood City, CA
Carmel Valley, CA
srhxrt@gmail.com
Mike Hales
Laguna Hills, CA
mghales@live.com
Conrad Hamako
Watsonville, CA
dhamako@aol.com
36
After Aragon, Conrad attended CSM, Stanford and UCLA Medical School, followed by a
residency and fellowship at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. He specializes in
Ophthalmology, with a sub-specialty in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Conrad opened his private practice in Watsonville in 1979 and continues to work 4 days a
week, easing into retirement.
Watsonville:
We live in the country, surrounded by our olive grove - 141 trees and Conrad’s enormous
hardscaping projects. On the weekends, Conrad can be seen driving his tractor and
moving the earth around.
We recently celebrated our 45 anniversary.
We look forward to our 50th reunion and hope this finds everyone well
Diane Hancock Masciana
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
d.sheehy@att.net
Pat Hanen
Cleveland, OH
patriciahanen@gmail.com
Steve Hanleigh
Campbell CA
stevehanleigh@gmail.com
I transferred to Aragon as a sophomore, after moving from Illinois with my mother… (A
lot of you knew her…a pretty special lady). The first 3 weeks were at San Mateo high,
which she decided was not the right place for me. Having no history with anyone, and no
memories to share with any of you, it was pretty “intimidating” walking into a new
school without knowing a soul, (especially at our ages, when we were all emerging
slowly out of adolescence into young adulthood). But we had moved around a lot when I
was a kid (Australia, France for a while, then Chicago), so I’d been through it before.
It was one of the best transitions of my life, and all because of you guys. Bill Sandemann
Al Grant, Conrad, Bobbie E, Cooper, Lynda W, Roseann C, Sandy P, the “clan”, and a
host of others all welcomed me into the magic of Aragon, let me into their circles and
gifted me a truly great high school experience…… Friday night boozing and going to the
37
“Y” (remember Johnny Mathis b4 he got really big?), cruising El Camino, “Kibby’s”,
dating, dances, games (especially basketball), ”borrowing” that little sports car, Senior
Hill , walking the “track” around the quad, hitting on the new freshmen girls as a
senior…, all that stuff is now the best treasure in my jewelry box.
Thanks to everyone for all that. (Plus we got pretty well educated as well! Anyone else
remember Drobac’s writing class where we learned how to write “Pearls”…? That was a
true and lasting gift he gave us). Oh yeah, I just remembered that party my mom let me
have…the one with kegs of beer and a cop at the door!
Went to college at UCSB in 1964, pledged a fraternity, and consequently got kicked out
of school for my first semester as a sophomore. (My future college sweetheart, and later
my first wife, covered for me as I jumped a wall and snuck into a dorm room one
night…). The payoff was I got a job that summer of ’65 working at the Cow Palace when
the Beatles were on their first tour. They came in and did sound checks while we were
setting up chairs for the show… a private concert and a very special memory!
Then back to UCSB, folk music and protest songs, trips to Tijuana and Ensenada, a lot of
beach parties, a degree in Economics and more lifetime friendships. (Anyone remember
“the summer of love”?)
After graduating, getting married, and working in the corporate finance world for 3 years,
we decided to go to Europe to figure out what we wanted to do. Spent 4 months in a VW
Camper, driving all over the continent, until returning to Los Gatos, where we had
purchased a small home before leaving, (for the huge sum of $33K). Without even
realizing what was going on in Santa Clara County, I got a real estate license and started
selling houses, and got pretty good at it. I became a broker and opened an office in
1976, dumb as a rock, but luckier than a leprechaun. It was right down the road from the
new IBM plant. We were able to build it into an 80+ agent operation, selling houses
between $30K and up, (as time went by). A few of us bought rentals, and were able to
keep them during the tough times, and up until now.
I sold the business in 1989, and returned to working on my own as a broker. Been doing
that ever since, until finally retiring about 7 years ago. (I finally admitted it just recently).
During that period, I was fortunate to get very involved in organized real estate, became
president of the Santa Clara County Assoc. of Realtors, and chaired various policy
committees of the state association (CAR) and the national association (NAR). It’s in
those various roles of real estate volunteer work that I’ve found a personally rewarding
avocation that allows a lot of travel and “connection” to a career I still enjoy to this day.
Along the way, I’ve had a grand time…ski trips, boating, cruises to special places, trips to
mystical places (Bali, Fiji, Ephesus, Singapore, the BVI’s, Lichtenstein, Aitutaki,
Mallorca, Queenstown, Bangkok….). Best of all though, I had a son, Keith, who has
given me two gorgeous grand-daughters, and I found Valeri.
I’m not always sure why, but she agreed to marry me and we’ve enjoyed the last 14 +
years together. As I like to say, and she agrees, this time I really “married up”!
The game plan now is more travel, (we’ve got about 50 countries under our belt so far),
spend more time with Dyllen and Kaelyn, (my granddaughters), continue to share
opinions, and help shape the future of the real estate industry. We still have a small office
38
where Bonita, (my backstop for 33 years) does the backend work of our property
management business. That becomes my “cave” a few times a week, and a place to
pretend I’m not retired. We have had various 2nd homes, but finally decided to spend
more time in the Monterey area, where we recently bought a place on the beach.
Please, if you’re coming to San Jose, or Monterey, look us up…maybe we can share a
lunch and a few war stories about our days together during the 60’s. E-mail is
SteveHanleigh@gmail.com
AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO BOB GRAHAM AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO
PUT OUR 50th REUNION TOGETHER….IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!
Fred Happich
Belmont, CA
fhappich@sbcglobal.net
Jim Harris
San Mateo, CA
jharris@sanmateolumber.com
William Ernest Harris
Terry Hart Cicone
Carmichael, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
tcbysea@socal.rr.com
Michael Arthur Hartman
Las Vegas, NV
LVwoody@yahoo.com
Valerie Lee Hawes
Pescadero, CA
valeriehawes@ymail.com
Jason Heller
Bruce Hellman
Carmel, CA
San Mateo, CA
bruceh1409@aol.com
After leaving Aragon went to CSM then drafted into the U S Army. Went to Germany got
married to Theresa Sanchez in 1967 still married to the same wonderful lady. Upon
discharge from service in may 1969 I took over my dads radiator and a/c business. I have
2 children Brian and Lisa. I retired in 2005 and still live in San Mateo . I have a home in
Goodyear Arizona to spend a lot of my time playing golf. Thanks for the wonderful
friends I still see from Aragon enjoying retirement
Dianne Henderson Gonsalves
Modesto, CA
diannecgm@aol.com
Linda Henricksen Dreher
Merry Henson Haveman
Marcia Ann Hettinger Peltier
Reno, NV
San Mateo, CA
Hayfork, CA
mapeltier525@gmail.com
39
Holly Hewitt
San Mateo, CA
hhhewitt@aol.com
Karen Heyden Garcia
San Jose, CA
klggarcia2@aol.com
1964 was a very important year for me - not only was I graduating from Aragon, but met
my future husband, Rich Garcia. Two and a half years later, October, 1966, we were
married.
Soon after our marriage, we traveled a bit with the Army - first to Fairbanks, Alaska and
then onto Dugway Proving Grounds, outside Salt Lake City. I say "we" because I
consider these years shared experiences with the Army.
After our tenure with Uncle Sam, we re-located in the southbay, San Jose, where Rich
worked on his degree in Clinical Psychology and I started my marketing career in
electronic distribution.
Our first child, Maya, was born in 1975 and now is the Regional Director for Partnerships
in the Gulf Region, residing in Dubai with her husband. Our second child, Matt, entered
our life in 1981. He is a chef, working in San Francisco and just recently moved to San
Jose with his wife.
About seven years ago I decided I had enough of marketing and managing and decided it
was time to let go of my career and spend more time doing things that I enjoyed and also
helping with Rich's practice.
The decision was a good one - I enjoy watching cooking shows and experimenting in the
kitchen - golf outings with friends, including keeping up with my good friend, Diane
(Banks) Test, and also some traveling.
Life has been good - my family and I are healthy, happy and blessed. Rich and I will
celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary in October.
Rosemary Hill Snearinger
Jackson, CA
rosenbud@sbcglobal.net
Betty Hillpisch Byrne
Doug Hodges
Magalia, CA
40
digdug2020@sbcglobal.net
Susan Holmes Snydal
San Jose, CA
ssnydal@gmail.com
Bob Honerlah
Kathleen Adele Hoover Bouton McKelvy
Mary Hornung LaCom
San Martin, CA
Madison, WI
West Sacramento, CA
lacombonthelake@gmail.com
George "Trig" Horton
Hillsborough, NC
georgehorton@bellsouth.net
Henry Hoyt
Kalispell, MT
mt46hank@yahoo.com
John M. Hughes
Kualapuu, HI
hughesjmh@aol.com
Gary Humphrey
San Mateo, CA
dahump@astound.net
Rich Humphreys
Salinas, CA
richhumphreys@comcast.net
Valerie Huston
Beverly Hutchings Hall
John Ice
Bob Izmirian
San Jose, CA
Taft, CA
Hillsborough, CA
rizmirian@comcast.net
Jerri Lynn Jacobs Farnsworth
San Jose, CA
jerrifarnsw@aol.com
Kit Jacobson Hein
Martinez, CA
kjhein@comcast.net
41
Short and sweet:
60’s – Fresno State College, BA Drama; Peace Corps, Brasil. Don’t remember much (it
was the 60’s)
70’s – Hawaii (lived on a boat); Univ. of HI – Prof Diploma Education; Married Paul
Hein; Pleasant Hill, CA; 1st child Abigail; 2nd child Emily; active in co-ops of all kinds:
food, babysitting, books; AAUW
80’s – Hong Kong; 3rd child Benjamin; Martinez, CA; Super volunteer: Co-op preschool, elementary school parent club, soccer mom/coach, swim team, baseball, AAUW;
4th child Christopher
90’s – More of the same; 3 high school graduations in 5 years; back to school: San Jose
State-MLS; 1st ever full time job: middle school librarian
00’s – Alpharetta, GA; high school librarian; travels to England, Ireland and all around
the Southeast; back to CA; 1st grandchild!!; children returning home; high school
librarian
10’s- retired 2013; currently preparing to move to Capitola and maybe a second home in
the Southeast. Continue to be active in the American Association of University Women
working for equity and education for women and girls. Playing mahjong and pickle ball
in my spare time.
Barbara Nel Jensen
San Mateo, CA
Kit Johnson Brinkerhoff
San Jose, CA
kbrink8746@aol.com
Norm Johnson
Foster City, CA
norm_johnson@me.com
Jeanne Marie Wallace Johnson
Crescent City, CA
touch_of_sweet_angel@yahoo.com
Gail Jordan Cooper
Sonora, CA
sonoragail2000@yahoo.com
Larry Alan Juchert
Lakeport, CA
ljuchert@gmail.com
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Theodore Steven Kacludis
Ann Marie Kalaveras
Lenoir , NC
jkacludis@yahoo.com
Grass Valley,
CA
Dick Kamrar
Gig Harbor, WA
richardkam@yahoo.com
Susanne Kane
Roberta Kanefsky
Craig Karpilow
Foster City, CA
Hamilton, Ontario L8R 1E2 Canada
swdoctor@hotmail.com
• Dr. Craig Karpilow, author of "Cruise Ship Crime"- A Medical Murder Mystery
• Graduate of Aragon High School 1964
• Was trained in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine in Canada, United Kingdom,
and the United States
• Cruise Ship doctor for over 10 years
• Is currently a director of a medical specialty group in Ontario, Canada,
Dr. Karpilow's books and lectures are based on his 35-year career as a medical doctor.
• He writes under the pen name of Dr. Paul Davis
• Vol. 1: A Medical Murder Mystery
• Vol. 2: The Curious Cargo of Bones
• Vol. 3: The German Intrigue
• Vol. 4: Murder at Northwest Passage
• Vol. 5: To be released this Fall
• In the Cruise Ship Crime Mysteries, Dr. Alan Mayhew is a retired cruise ship doctor
who is about to go on---a cruise! He's grieving the loss of his wife, and his family feels a
cruise is just what he needs to move on---to take his mind off of missing her. Once on
board, he meets some of the eclectic folks that make up the passengers and the crew
inclujding Tiffany, the beautiful cruise ship director. With her, Dr. Mayhew helps solve a
series of on board crimes, including murders.
Wendy Kay
San Jose, CA
wendy.kay@sbcglobal.net
Alan Keys
Kathleen Diane Kiel Parker
Sunnyvale, CA
Sacramento, CA
kdparker2003@yahoo.com
Bryan Paul King
Orlando, FL
bpk6671@yahoo.com
Judy Klarenback Dell Ara
Redwood City, CA
judith.dellara@sbcglobal.net
Valerie Patricia Kneese Conklin
Malvern, AR
43
Paul Kohlhas
Paulette Koizumi
Orange, CA
paulkohlhas@yahoo.com
San Mateo, CA
pmkoizumi@sbcglobal.net
Where did the 50 years go?
Graduated from the following schools:
• College of San Mateo
• San Francisco State
Career with Pacific Bell:
• Enjoyed various supervisory/managerial positions for 23+ years (forte was Human
Resources.)
• Took an early retirement offer, however, was contracted back to conduct training for
additional 2 years.
• Extensive personal travel: Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, Mexico, Canada
and many mini vacations to Hawaii.
Short –lived retirement of 4 years:
• Discovered fun activities and classes lacked fulfillment.
• Realization of “too young” for full-time retirement.
• Decision to obtain part- time employment close to home.
• Sales position at Macy’s in Fine China/Crystal Dept.
• Transferred to Big Ticket Sales working as a sales associate in the Furniture Gallery.
Current status:
• Enjoying life with my partner, George, of 20 years.
• Happy and making an ordinary day a celebration.
• Awaiting the arrival of the third grandchild in October.
• Retirement in 2 years
• Continued adventures and travel.
My wish to Aragon Classmates of 1964:
• Health and happiness.
44
• Happiness is truly is a wonderful thing. It is the one gift we can give ourselves and the
most precious gift that we can wish for others.
Julie Rachel Konijn Goodman
Walnut Creek, CA
jergoodman@mac.com
Marie Ann Koplen Lindenberg
Linda Kotake Spence
Mountain View, CA
mlindberg77@yahoo.com
Sausalito, CA
LSPenceDSN@aol.com
Kathleen Amber (Kitty) Kovac St. Germain
Steve Kracht
Marysville, WA
seakracht@aol.com
Marcia Kraus Thomson
Danville, CA
marremthom@aol.com
Kreider Bill
Las Vegas, NV
bill@nevcm.com
Madalyn Ann Kurant Blumenthal
Foster City, CA
pawnme@aol.com
Glenn Irvin Lang
Orcutt, CA
glenn.lang47@yahoo.com
Kathy Lanstyak Sheffield
Koloa, HI
konakathy@yahoo.com
Adrian LaRosa Krauss
Menlo Park, CA
akrauss@gmail.com
Mary Patricia Larson
Roseville,
CA
Pamela Lawrence Davis
Cordes Lakes, AZ
pdavis414@icloud.com
Linda Marie T. Leavitt
San Francisco, CA
leavittl@msn.com
Carol Leavy Karp
Orinda, CA
carol@karp.ca
45
Amazing what memories and thoughts flood in when looking back on 50 years. Having
never sent a family “Christmas letter” or written a personals ad, this doesn’t come easy.
Don’t want to start every sentence with “I”.
Of the last 50 years, I’ve been married to the same man, Larry, for more than 45 of them,
which is arguably my major achievement. We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. My
first two years of college were at Vassar (art history major). I spent the next summer
working on a kibbutz in Israel, and I finished at U.C. Berkeley with the professional
degree in architecture. I’ve been a licensed architect most of my married life and am a
sole practitioner with Larry who is also an architect as well as an engineer. We live and
work in an unusual house with studios we designed and built almost 40 years ago. No
commute, just field trips to building sites which means we almost never leave “work”.
When I was a senior at Aragon I wrote a paper extolling unilateral disarmament. I’m still
a liberal Democrat but far more skeptical these days.
One of the most challenging things I’ve done is hike the John Muir Trail, to celebrate my
50th birthday. Since then I feel I have nothing to prove and have celebrated subsequent
birthdays more sensibly. I do love the wilderness and have derived great pleasure from
painting en plein air. Other pleasures include reading, theater and movies. Don’t much
like the aches and pains that come with age, but I am grateful to be here and to have had
such a privileged life.
Carol L. Karp
Architect AIA
100 Tres Mesas
Orinda, CA 94563
T. (925) 254-6676
F. (925) 254-5111
C. (415) 860-7090
Bill Leffler
Milpitas, CA
lefco1@aol.com
Renee LeRoy Otte
Sacramento, CA
Rockinotter@comcast.net
46
John Leth-Nissen
Benton, KS
john.leth-nissen@aeroflex.com
MarySue Lewis Fulgham
Ridgefield, WA
msfulgham@yahoo.com
50 Years at a Glance
Aragon 1964
College of San Mateo 1964-66
San Jose State 1966-68
Stewardess Western Airlines 1968-87
Flight Attendant Delta Airlines 1987-2002
International flight attendant 1990-2002
Retired as a Sky Goddess 2002
Married 3 times
One son Scott Compton 1974
With my third marriage I acquired 2 adult sons and 3 grandchildren
First grandchild born Jack Compton 2004m
Second grandchild born Luke Compton 2009.
Traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia
Cruised the Inland Passage to Alaska for 4 months 1997
Cruised the West Coast from Washington to Manzanilla, Mexico for 10 months 1998-99
Cruised to Southwest Alaska, Queen Charlotte Islands, Vancouver Island for 4 months
2000
Spent 7 weeks traveling through Italy with son, daughter-in-law, and 2 teenage
granddaughters Truly an eye opening experience for the parents of boys! 2010
Walked 4 marathons and 4 half marathons
Grandchildren are all in school Samantha, 21, UCSB; Kevin, 20, Cal Berkeley; Sydney,
18, Cal State Long Beach; Jack, 10, fifth grade All Saints; Luke, 5, Pre-K All Saints.
Looking back over the last fifty years so many amazing things come to mind. I have
been fortunate to travel the world for pleasure and in my professional life. I met
incredible people many of whom were famous and many more that were just salt of the
earth folks. I have been blessed with a loving family and I take great strength from their
love and support.
Jim Lewis
Pleasanton, CA
ptownlynn.lewis66@yahoo.com
Phoebe Lewis Farley
Glendale, AZ
trykeryder13@comcast.net
What has happened to me in the last 50 years? Nothing much and a lot. Depends on how
you look at it.
47
I was working for my Dad when we graduated and continued to do so afterwards. That
fall, I started at San Francisco State. Although I got through 3 years, I didn’t finish.
Marriage was in my plans then and, even though that didn’t work out, I was making some
good money at the phone company and just didn’t go back to school.
I did meet and marry my first husband in 1968 and had our daughter in 1972. He was in
the Navy and was gone for months at a time. He got out of the service in 1974. That
marriage fell apart after 17 years . By that time, I was looking at management positions at
American Express. We were living in Phoenix, AZ and that’s where I met hubby #2.
I now have 1 daughter, 1 step daughter and 1 step son. Between the three of them, we
have 5 grandkids, ranging in age from 21 down to 11. They all live in various places in
the country…none of them close. They are all good kids and don’t get into any kind of
trouble and, for that, I am grateful.
I was in the first group of Amex employees to be laid off in 2001. Although it was
devastating to be let go after 17 years, being in the first bunch did give me a severance
package that allowed me to go back to school and train to be a medical transcriptionist. I
had a job even before completing the training. And that led me to my dream job…
Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office. Loved the job, but management got to me
after a couple of years. Our office manager had no business working with people. So I
left for another transcription job where I stayed for 8 months.
We’ve been retired for 8 years. When Allan told me he was going to retire from the Post
Office, I knew it meant a move to northern Washington State. We relocated in the
Bellingham area and lived there for 6 years before we realized we really missed Arizona
and really didn’t like the cold, wet weather in the Pacific Northwest. We listed our house
and moved back. We’ve been back for 2 years now and know this was the right decision.
For us, sun and heat are better than cold and overcast. Our health is better, too.
Paula Linden
San Mateo, CA
paulita1@juno.com
In the fall of 1964 I went to college at the University of California, Santa Barbara
graduating in 1969. It took five years because of a year off to travel and study in Europe.
This experience planted the travel bug. I then worked as a black jack dealer in South
Tahoe to accumulate funds and left for the South Pacific to join my brother who was
48
leaving the Peace Corp. I was out of the country about four years – 4 months in Fiji, a
year plus in Australia, a year in New Zealand, a 10 month overland trip back to Europe
and six months in Spain. It was a wonderful time. I had experiences I will never forget
along with seeing fabulous sites and visiting areas in the world where you cannot travel
today.
Once back home, it was time to knuckle down and work. Just co-incidentally, I had a
interview with Bank of America. Timing is everything, as the Bank had been fighting a
class action suit brought by women in it's International Division. I got hired in Bank of
America's International Credit Program which allowed me to get an apartment and settle
in San Francisco.
I had a 20 year career with Bank of America, advancing up the corporate ladder and ever
fighting the glass ceiling. I was competing with MBA's and took many classes in
business, accounting, financial analysis, etc. I relocated three times. First to the Bank's
Mexico City Office where I was the first women officer it ever had. Then to Los Angeles
to the International Banking Office and the L.A. Corporate Office, which lent to U.S.
multinational companies. In 1983 I was transferred back to San Francisco into a
department which was in charge of U.S. corporate and commercial real estate problem
loans. It was an exciting time dealing with lawyers, consultants, law suits, bankruptcies
and workouts. Basically, I loaned out the Bank's money for the first half of my career and
tried to get it back the last half!
I took a leave of absence from the Bank in the early 90's, due to family obligations, and
never went back. I had a decade of care giving which brought me back to San Mateo. I
have been with a wonder Greek man, Harry, for the past 20 years who has family in
Greece. My two older brothers have resided outside the U.S. for the past 40 years. In fact,
we are all on different continents. Consequently, I still do a lot of traveling which I love.
If someone had told me 50 years ago, upon graduation from Aragon, that I would be back
on the same street I grew up on in San Mateo in 2014, I would have told them they were
crazy. But here I am, along with way too many cymbidium orchids to tend , fruit trees,
vegetables, partridges, chickens and bees. I am happy and well.
Frank Merrill Linehan
Seal Beach, CA
linehanf@gmail.com
Gale Lockhart Taylor Hardy
Bakersfield,
CA
gtaylor@bak.rr.com
Adrian Lucia Lonzarich
San Mateo, CA
alonzarich@att.net
Lloyd Loomis
lloydloomis@yahoo.com
49
Vance Love
Healdsburg, CA
c3loves@sbcglobal.net
After High School, I attended the JC for 2 years, graduated and transferred to San Jose
State. I attended San Jose State for 2 years and got a call from the electrical workers
union to become an apprentice electrician. I accepted that call and four years later
became a journeyman electrician. I worked at the trade for 42 years and retired in 2010.
I worked in California, Nevada, and Montana on large construction projects. I married
my wife Chris in 1974 and my daughter, LaurieAnne was born in 1979. We settled
in Healdsburg, Ca. in 1980 and have been here every since. My daughter and her family
also live in Healdsburg. We have been blessed with 4 grand children and they keep
Grandma and Grandpa busy in our retirement. We also have enjoyed traveling, Alaska,
Europe, and many trips to Montana as my wife grew up there. I'm still getting used to
every day being Sunday!!
Gloria Lucas Marsiglia
Phoenix, AZ
gmarsiglia@mindspring.com
Karen Ann Luke O'Okeefe
Pacifica, CA
kananddaren@yahoo.com
Ron Ma
Foster City, CA
ronma2@yahoo.com
Larry MacDonald
Santa Rosa, CA
larry@larrymacdonald.com
Jerry Scott MacLure
Encinitas, CA
maclure6@hotmail.com
50
Like many of us, I attended CSM for two years and then transferred to San Jose State.
Upon graduating in 1968 I moved up to So. Lake Tahoe and worked as a ski lift operator
at Heavenly. Once I had saved up enough money, I flew to Frankfurt, Germany on one of
those cheap student five month charter flights. Following tips from John Carr who had
just returned from Europe, my friends and I rigged up a used VW bus for camping and
began our very rewarding trek around Europe and North Africa. Back to reality and
broke, I landed a job for the USPS at SFO. My goal was to return to San Jose State and
earn my teaching credentials. I applied for jobs all along the California coast and was
lucky to be hired by the Del Mar Union School District in 1971.
In the meantime I made surf trips to Baja and Hawaii with Rob Olmo and Jim Vallier. In
1973 we partnered up and bought a lot on the North Shore of Kauai. I took a one year
leave of absence in 1974. So the three stooges were off to Kauai to build a house. What
an adventure, we worked a little and surfed a lot, then, worked a lot and surfed a lot.
In 1975, I returned from my leave, back to reality. It was a challenge to go from Kauai
time to teaching again. Shortly after I returned, I met Martha, the love of my life. We
were married in 1978, settling in Leucadia (Encinitas), CA. Our daughter, Jenny, was
born in 1981 and our son, Ryan, was born in 1984. I was fortunate to be able to enroll
our kids in the Del Mar District, so we all went to school together through the 6th grade
for both children. We were able to spend quality and fun times together.
After working at the same school for so many years, I started teaching the children of the
children that I originally taught. In 2003, after 32 years of teaching, I retired. I now
spend my time surfing, traveling,
Both our children graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Jenny is a college
consultant, and owns her own very successful business. Ryan is working as a civilian
engineer for the Navy. Both our children work and live in San Diego, so we are able to
stay close to them. Martha continues to work as a bookkeeper and is starting to look
forward to retiring.
We spend our time between Leucadia, South Lake Tahoe and occasional trips to Kauai.
Life is good!
Marilyn Suzanne Macy Dirks
Carmel,
IN
Gloria Mancini Marcucci
Petaluma, CA
glormrcc@aol.com
51
After graduation from Aragon I enrolled in Healds Business College in San Francisco
and received an AA degree in Secretarial Science. I then went to work for the Southern
Pacific Railroad general office in San Francisco. I started my career as a general secretary
and before long I was the personal secretary to a man who became the President of the
company. I left the company and San Francisco in 1984 and headed North to Sonoma
County (Petaluma to be exact). I spent two years working as a rental agent for a large,
new apartment complex in Petaluma and in November 1986 married a childhood friend
whose family had a 200+acre ranch 10 miles south of the city of Petaluma. It was a first
marriage for both of us and we were both 40 years old. I had done quite a bit of traveling
during my years at Southern Pacific and my husband had left Petaluma and the ranch to
teach in a high school in a town called Kerman (between Fresno and Madera), so we
were both ready to settle down and start a life here in Petaluma. He became a rancher
and I a rancher's wife. I learned how to drive a tractor, take care of cows, and everything
else that goes along with ranching. We even grew our own oat hay for the beef cows for
several years. After five years of marriage, in 1991, we had a beautiful daughter. As I
was almost 45 years old, she was my miracle baby. Today we own this beautiful ranch
that has been in my husband's family for over 100 years. We still have our beef cows and
the responsibility of it all. We no longer grow our own hay--we buy it and it is trucked in
and put in the barn for us which makes it a lot easier for us. Our daughter is in Chico
continuing her education toward a BS degree in Animal Science. I can honestly say that I
have lived both lives--city and country--and I would not trade this life I have for
anything.
Kathryn Marlowe Morehouse
Ukiah, CA
Michael P Marron
Scotts Valley CA
Maryann Maskevich Flanagan
Mill Creek, WA
maryann.flanagan22@gmail.com
After graduation I went to work at United Airlines in the Bay Area. I met my husband
Bill in 1966 and we were married in 1969. We started life off in Cupertino, CA where I
worked as a school secretary for the Cupertino School District. In 1985 we moved to
Mill Creek, WA and I took a position at the University of Washington as Program
Assistant in Teacher Education. In 1990 my husband had a job opportunity with AT&T in
Dublin, Ireland. We were there for 3 years, enjoying every moment of it. Being a
52
“traveling spouse” has its benefits. When we returned to the United States I became the
care giver for our aging parents. I am retired now and loving it.
We have two children and no grandchildren. My husband and I will be celebrating 46
years of marriage in February. We are “snow-birds” living between Mill Creek, WA and
Mesa, AZ. Life is good!
Don Masuda
San Mateo, CA
adusamnod@yahoo.com
Carol Eileen Massey
Jonesboro,
GA
Pat Mattos Gatchel
Fairfield, CA
pattysjetta5@yahoo.com
Michael G. Matze
Palo Alto, CA
matze@mindspring.com
“My
height, just average, my weight, just average, my IQ, just what you’d estimate: just
average . . .” (Blossom Dearie, jazz vocalist, 1950’s) penned as good a description of my
high school life as any – especially given that I graduated Aragon with a 2.0 gpa,
guaranteeing me admission to the College of San Mateo.
I have distinct memories of sitting in Mr. Bennett’s guidance office and his telling my
parents that I should be looking at a vocational program, as I didn’t have what it takes for
college. Given the fact that, to this day, I can’t tell pliers from a hammer, I must have
been terrorized into making college work.
At the end of this year, I am closing the psychotherapy practice (mostly group and
couples therapy with some individual work) that I have been running in Menlo Park,
licensed for just short of 40 years. Along the way, there have been the shaping influences
of fraternity life at Chico State College; three years in military intelligence in West
Berlin; a year of teaching in an open classroom school – grades K-8 in one room. Add
two years working as staff in the Juvenile hall at Hillcrest and combine that with two
master’s degrees and one doctorate and you have most of the last 50 years of my
professional life. Thank you, Mr. Bennett.
53
I
have been blessed with two kids: my daughter (Phi Beta Kappa from Wesleyan – not
average) and my son (Learning challenges with a self taught gift for relating to people –
not average). The loss of my first marriage (yes, marital therapists lose marriages!) was a
derailing learning experience that turns out to have been a gift in teaching me to be a far
better partner in my second marriage. The best continuing education course I have ever taken was a six-week walk about two
years ago on the 500 mile Camino de Santiago in northern Spain – twice in two
years. As a result, we will be selling our home in the next few months in the service of
my wife and I moving to Portland, OR. People say, “Oh, you’re retiring . . .” No, just
moving on to a new, next chapter, while there is still time.
I don’t want to end this update without acknowledging my appreciation of Dick Bell and
Pat Bell. Mr. Bell had the insight/intuition to see a just average kid, give him a special
place in the Drama Department; a community in which to belong; and they opened their
home and family to me in a way that was truly generous. Other complications aside, he
let me see myself as not just average.
Curtis Mauroner
Richmond, CA
cjmau@yahoo.com
Michael Mayeau
Spokane, WA
mmayeau@msn.com
Mike McCann
Belmont, CA
ExSMFD@aol.com
James Carl McCarty
San Carlos, CA
pat_mccarty@sbcglobal.net
Patty McGinnis Wright
Olympia, WA
wright.p@comcast.net
After graduating from Aragon I enrolled at CSM and took a part time job with Pacific
Northwest Bell. By 20 I was married. By 21 I had my first and only child, Michele. By
28, divorced.
54
I have lived in Washington State for 46 years and in those years my life has been blessed
by incredible people coupled with exciting experiences. Best of all is my husband Ron, a
remarkable person who has been the main ingredient in a truly fulfilled life. I am a dental
hygienist and Ron a dentist. Together we have completed countless expeditions to third
world populations providing dental care to children in destitute environments, as well as
maintained private practice in Puyallup, WA. After retirement in2006 we continued with
humanitarian dentistry. Most of our work has been in South America although our last
trip took us to Nepal. Next trip, Africa 2015.
We also belong to a group called the “Flying Dentist’s Association”. It’s a great family
oriented group of over 200 dentists, from every part of the country, who also happen to be
pilots. The group puts on several meetings throughout the year. We have a Cessna 182
and it’s a fun way to see the country and collect Continuing Ed credits at the same time. I
also serve part time as CASA/GAL for the state of Washington in Children’s Services.
I have one daughter, two step-children, six grandchildren between us, two greats… and a
dog. We have a second home in Gold Canyon, Arizona where we spend winters and
juggle visits between family and friends.
Ron and I attended the 40th reunion and, since it was the only one I have ever attended, I
describe the experience as “magical weirdness”. I loved it all! I will not be attending this
reunion as one reunion satisfied me, but hope you all have a wonderful and memorable
time!
Marilyn McGuire Hausladen
Reno, NV
marilynehaus@gmail.com
Hi graduates of 1964! Reading your profiles has been enlightening. Such amazing
stories of education and job successes, children, grandchildren, travels, joys, and
sufferings.
Schooling/ Work:
Attended UCSB, UCLA, Syracuse University, and graduated from Arizona State in 1971
with a BS in Geography.
Thirteen years later I went back to school in Texas, and ended up as a Licensed Clinical
Social Worker, completing my final internship in Reno. I worked 25 years in three
places--- a trauma center hospital, as a medical social worker, an inpatient psychiatric
hospital, and as a Clinical Supervisor at Family Counseling Services. I also supervised
graduate and post graduate students preparing for state licensure. I amcurrently doing
part-time work.
Children:
Three children: Theo, the first, was born three weeks after a 16 day camping trip (a rope
covered with plastic) while moving from Syracuse to Texas. My OB convinced me that
any doctor could deliver a baby. Incredible trip! Brad was born two years later after a
move from Arizona to North Carolina; and Christina was born in California four years
later. All college graduates, Christina teaches at UNR, and the boys work in the financial
world. We have four grandchildren, two living in Ca. and two here. I babysit 15 hrs per
week for 15 months old Finn.
55
Travels:
To Canada, throughout the Yukon and Alaska. Saw the peaks of Mt. McKinley with my
dad.
Two trips to Europe with our young boys while Gary in the Air Force. Of course, when
Gary was flying in Viet Nam and Cambodia, I was campaigning for George McGovern
and teaching the GED program to GI’s.
A semester in the USSR with Gary, where the kids attended state schools. I could read
and write the language, but somebody else had to talk!
To every state in the union and parts of Canada.
While affiliated with National Geographic for 10 or more years, we traveled yearly (on
their dime) to some amazing places we had not traveled. We lost two dear friends from
National Geographic in the plane hitting the Twin Towers.
We traversed Europe several times when the kids studied overseas.
I traveled to India and Nepal in 2012 and to Nicaragua this summer to see my 70 yr old
brother marry for the first time!
Tough times:
Three family members died in our home. The most difficult being Gary, who died 18
months ago. Life and death are incredible journeys and I was blessed to have had the
honor to be present during these life transitions. We all know about suffering and loss
because no one escapes it. If we do accept that life is also about suffering, we can bring
ourselves back to the same joy and love experienced prior to our loss. We then become
thrivers again, not just survivors.
Healthy times:
Swimming with the Master’s Team for the last 20 years. Years of jogging, but, now, long
walks and hikes in nearby parks and the Sierra. Tai Chi and yoga help to keep me
grounded (uh huh).
Love, Life, Light
Mary Ann McKay
Lee's Summit, MO
mmaryann7@aol.com
Elaine McLaughlin Burdette
Oviedo, FL
ElaineMcLaughlin@aol.com
56
Jim McMahon
El Macero, CA
jmcmahon@omsoft.com
Julianne McManus
Chat McMurdie
C/O Sean J. McManus. Playa Del Rey, CA
Clearfield, UT
clmcmurdie@msn.com
Kathleen Mary McMurdo
La Honda, CA
minneyrain@aol.com
Richard Melconian
Belmont, CA
sferichoth@comcast.net
Boy, did time fly? It sure did for me! After graduation, I decided to take the Fall
semester off from entering college. Ever since high school, I had a strong desire to work
in Aircraft Maintenance. I attended the College of San Mateo starting in Spring of 1965
and graduated in 1967 with an AA degree. I had intentions to continue at San Jose State
with hopes of acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in aircraft maintenance
management, which did not materialize. I decided to return to CSM and attend courses
that would broaden my knowledge of general education and aviation.
In the Fall semester of 1971, I met a young lady named Brenda, who was studying
to be a Registered Nurse. We started dating and I asked her to marry me a year later. We
were married in June of 1973.
I started working in the aviation field in 1972. Because the Major Airlines were
not hiring at the time I took a job at an aircraft engine overhaul facility at the Oakland
airport. After my wife completed her schooling and received her RN license, she obtained
a job in a hospital in Oakland. Since both of us were working in the East Bay, we moved
to the East Bay and purchased our first home in Union City in 1974.
It was always my intent to work for a major airline, preferably United Airlines. I
applied and was hired in August of 1975. Our first child, Brandon, was born in October
of 1977. Prior to his birth, we made the decision to move to the West Bay. Our families
and most of our friends lived in the West Bay and I worked at UAL Maintenance Base at
SFO so it made sense to relocate.
57
We lived in San Carlos for eight years and had two more children. Our son, Ryan,
was born in January of 1980 and our daughter Breanne was born in April, 1983. My
oldest son Brandon and daughter Breanne are both Teachers. Breanne is a sixth grade
teacher in San Francisco and Brandon a Middle School teacher in Modesto, Ca. Our son,
Ryan, who went to College in Texas after high school, decided to stay and work there. He
is now coming up on four years working for the Union Pacific Railroad as a locomotive
engineer. In 1985, we moved from San Carlos to Belmont, and have lived there ever
since.
The day finally came on December 13, 2012. The day of separation from United,
and now my next journey, Retirement! I keep myself busy with projects around the house
and frequently indulge in my PASSION for Model Railroading! I also enjoy cooking and
eating!
Last Summer, my wife and I celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary and took
our family to Maui! My wife and I are also the proud grandparents of three beautiful
granddaughters, Kenadee, Kyleigh, and Ella.
Ed Menges
Aptos, CA
emenges@prodigy.net
Judy Ann Miller
Roger Miller
Aptos, CA
rm4@comcast.net
Rose Miramon Perkiss
Lafayette,
CA
I graduated from Cal with a bachelor’s in social welfare. I immediately began a career as
a social worker for Alameda County. I am now retired after a 40 year career. I married
soon after graduation. I am now widowed after a long and happy marriage. I enjoy
spending time with my son, daughter-in-law and two adorable preschool grandchildren.
Barbara Ann Mirch Griffin
Pleasanton, CA
barbg60@mac.com
Robert Mish
robert@mishinternational.com
Steven H. Mitchell
Rob Moore
Fairview, OR
rob.moore@sbcglobal.net
Enrico Morelli
Marilyn Morris
Jeffery Mortenson
Rome 123, ITALY
Petaluma, CA
Phoenix, AZ
jbmorte@aol.com
Sherry Mortenson Baker
Butte, MT
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Jeannine Denise Morton
Clovis, CA
jeanniemorton@hotmail.com
Cheryl Mullins
Piers Munro
Portland, OR
phmunromusic@hotmail.com
Wayne O. Myers
San Jose,
CA
William A. Nelson
Rapid City,
SD
Jim Norris
Port Townsend, WA
jnorris@olympus.net
Robert George Olmo
John Van Dyke Page
Encinitas, CA
Redwood City, CA
john@davidovits.com
Donna (Chrys) Pantaleoni
San Jose, CA
donnacp917@gmail.com
Steve Passey
Riverton, UT
callstevex2@msn.com
Sue Pattison Deher
Simi Valley, CA
hemicat1@yahoo.com
Frances Paster (Munoz) Metevier
Burlington, VT
ogranny_55@yahoo.com
As of Feb.1968 I am Frances Metevier. My husband is Hank Metevier. Some people
know this as we were at the tenth reunion. We had a son in 1969. Hank owned and
operated a tow truck co. and Texaco gas station in San Mateo until 1972 when we bought
a Texaco gas station in Chico and moved there. We lived there until the summer of 1983
when our daughter Marie, then 19,gave us our first grandchild and my father-in-law died
both on the same day.
Hard choices where made and Hank and I and our son Marty, then 14, moved to
Vermont to take over Hank's father's Electric Motor Sales and Repair business. We
worked hard to build the business into something from a 2 person shop to a 5 person shop
that is still in high demand. Hank is a good business man and taught Marty to be the
same.
We now have 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way. We
are both retired and Marty and his youngest son, Marty Jr., run the business now. They
are doing quite well.
We have a 50 acre camp up by the Canadian border where we live spring, summer and
fall. In Feb., which is traditionally the worst month of winter. We now travel to Las Vegas
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for vacation and have started driving there so it takes us about 6 weeks and when we get
back the weather is usually better. This year, however, we have only been home 4 days
and expecting a major snow storm tomorrow.
Life is good when you have a good business and a bunch of good and healthy kids
who all live close.
Hi to everyone from Aragon HS Class of 1964. Sorry we aren't there. Hope your lives
have all been as good as ours (or better). Have a great time.
Allan Wayne Peddle
Surprise, AZ
apeddle@cox.net
Marilyn Rose Pera
marilyn.pera@hotmail.com
Sharen Perrault Perrault-Garnett
Washougal, WA
sharengarnett@knpanel.com
Susan Pezzola McKeever
Loomis, CA
sbmckeever@yahoo.com
My senior year, I started working at Levy Bros. Dept. Store in San Francisco. After
graduation, I attended the College of San Mateo for two years while continuing to work
at Levy Bros., eventually becoming the buyer for the children's dept. I worked there for
14 years until I married and moved to the Sacramento area. In 1976 I had a son, Derrick
Bryant.
In 1979 I began a new career at San Juan Unified School District, in food services. By
1985 I was a supervisor at a high school. In 1993, I was promoted to the position of Field
Supervisor in the district office. There I was responsible for 18 schools. I retired in
September, 2007.
My son, Derrick, married Kandie Carisoza in June, 2000. Today we have two
beautiful granddaughters, Kailee Noel, age 12 and Lexi Ann, age 9. (see attached photo).
In Sept, 2001 I met my present husband, Glenn McKeever. We married Sept. 20th,
2003 at the Ponderosa Ranch, Incline Village, Nevada.
We have traveled extensively since our marriage, taking cruises to Alaska and the fall
colors of the St. Lawrence seaway and New England coast. Recent travels include the
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past 4 years to Scottsdale, AZ. for S.F. Giants Spring training (photo of Sue & Sergio
Romo, 2014); England/Scotland- Oct. 2012, Italy-2013, Hawai'i-big island-2014, and
Canada-July 2014.
I am looking forward to the Aragon H.S. 50th reunion!
Bob Pfeiffer
Oroville, CA
batopfeiffer@icloud.com
Leonard A. Phair
Marla Phillips Morris
Sandi Picone Murray
San Carlos, CA
phairleonard@gmail.com
Newark, CA
Granite Bay, CA
smurray@surewest.net
Cheryl Ann Pillard Pearson
San Antonio, TX
sabrokersam@gmail.com
Barbara Petersen Anderson
Stephen Vincent Pizzo
Ellen Plessner Padon
Sonora, CA
Moss Beach, CA
Vallejo, CA
ellen.padon@ucsfmedctr.org
Joan Pollock Trainor
Denver, CO
Meridenmor@aol.com
Robin Pritchard Federighi
Gary Lynne Proseus
Burlingame, CA
Barlett, TN
proseus@bellsouth.net
Rosalie Quadri Quadri-Mellish
El Cajon, CA
la-sinistra@cox.net
Married to Martin - 35 years
Middle School history & PE teacher - 33 years
Retired 2003; high school substitute - 11 years
Has volunteered for different organizations over the past 10 years
Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Board of Directors - 2 years
RCH Fuerte Hills Auxiliary unit member – 10 years
Legacy Circle Member - RCH
Board of Directors: School of Creative & Performing Arts - 3 years
Season ticket holder to SD REP Theatre
Supports social & educational programs including NPR, SD Zoo,
Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club
Proud parent of a 30 year old teacher
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Likes to travel, camp, explore & exercise
Enjoys sharing good times with good friends
Takes Italian lessons
The possibilities for each day are endless
I hope each & every one of you is following your “bliss”
Life is good
Jerry Joseph Quintana
Oakland CA
jerryquin@sbcglobal.net
Lisa (Sangita) Rasnick Moskow
San Rafael, CA
lisamoskow@rocketmail.com
MY LIFE in under 500 words Sept. 1, 2014 (Lisa) Sangita Moskow
The focus of my life has been as a musician/composer/song writer.
All my life I have been most heavily influenced by artistic experiences.
In high school it was literature and visual art. At age 23 after graduating
from UC Berkeley as an art major, I decided to study classical Indian music
with maestro Ali Akbar Khan. I also had married a man who imported
instruments from India and so I was surrounded by musicians in this
field. I studied for 18 years because I loved the oral tradition where
the music was composed on the spot. I took up sarod, a lute with
25 strings as my main instrument and later had the traditional instrument
modified into an electric sarod so I could sing with it. I have made my
living playing music for more than 40 years. I also have a talent for
“healing” so worked doing massage for many years.
These days I am reconnecting with friends from high school. Now
that most of our parents have passed, these people feel like family.
Some of us knew our families of origin. I have so much gratitude
for these people and the luck we had in being raised in a young
Aragon High with so many good teachers. These teachers were
my parents, philosophically speaking. I was also very influenced
by Michael Lemon, my boy friend for a couple of years who
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introduced me to so many artistic experiences.
Now it may seem odd that I would become so crazy about doing
music—myself being a very serious type of person involved in
what most people call the “entertainment business”. That is just
the twisted American perspective. Indian music is deeply spiritual
and all music is cultural—all music unifies. According to my
teacher music is food for the soul.
I am going to highlight some of the favorite parts of my life:
*My performing life where I have played for mostly small
audiences of fine people all over the world. Ten years plus
of European touring, coasts of the US, Mexico, Canada, Turkey.
I have enjoyed experiencing so many cultures and wonderful
people.
*Writing music, a mostly solitary practice, but one that functions
in my life like meditation does in the lives of many others.
*Living in my own house in Marin County for 40 years. Finally
after so many years I am feeling part of the land and people here
which has resulted in me making friends with my neighbors and
working politically for causes that benefit all of us.
*People in my life—so many wonderful people I know who are
so big-hearted and funny and fun. For those of you who knew
me in high school……I know I looked very “normal” and pretty
friendly and wore nice outfits and so on. Inside I felt like a
person from outer space—this was not terribly pleasant or unpleasant
but I noticed that the usual things we expect to experience in life
had no meaning for me—like having children, like mowing the
lawn, like watching TV, like spectator sports, like having a huge
amount of predictability and so on. I didn’t have a clue about
what I wanted to do in life. I knew that I was driven by a huge
curiosity and still am. I cannot take credit for anything wonderful
that has happened to me in my life—sure, I was big on trying for
this or that, and there is nothing wrong with exercising the “trying
muscles”, but something larger than myself is pulling the strings.
I guess that makes me a spiritual person (although not a religious
one).
In my 50’s I found out that I have Native American heritage:
Eastern Cherokee, Powhattan and Saponi (the last 2 are extinct).
So I am thinking that I am a “throwback”—I think I inherited
lots of DNA from these peoples. So my feeling of being from
another planet can be more positively thought of as being a
carrier of old values from cultures that were temporarily
conquered but currently reasserting themselves in the America
of today.
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Joan Shaw Rawcliffe Santaga
San Carlos, CA
jsantaga@comcast.net
Linda Reed-Ware
Half Moon Bay, CA
lware52@aol.com
Penny Reed Parsons
Olympia,
WA
penpar@excite.com
Since graduating 50 years ago, my life has been filled with travel, adventure, fun, and lots
of deep connections with people all over the country. I have been in every state except
Alaska and North Dakota.
After graduation I worked at my uncle’s summer resort in Estes Park, Colorado. It was
there I met my future husband. I moved to Boulder, Colorado, and was married the
following spring. He was drafted into the army and we lived in Germany for two years.
When we returned stateside to Washington our first daughter was born in 1969. We
moved back to Colorado where a second daughter was born in 1970.
We operated a service station in the mountains of Colorado at Georgetown for eighteen
months. I attended the service school to become a minor mechanic.
I went to Mt. Hood community college in Gresham, Oregon in 1973 and was divorced
soon after.
I joined the Navy in 1975 and became a hospital corpsman. After boot camp in Orlando, I
attended schools in Chicago and Oakland specializing in neuro-psychiatry. I was assigned
as staff at Oakland Naval hospital as a psych tech in 1976.
Also worked for several years at a private psychiatric hospital in Walnut Creek, as a
state licensed psych tech.
I worked in Berkeley from 1979 to 1983 with Dr. Joe Fabry and also Dr. Victor Frankl.
We established an Institute of Logotherapy based on Frankl’s work on meaning, I served
as the first vice president. Gave seminars, taught classes, and organized yearly
conferences.
Married a second time to a navy man in 1983, graduated with a B.A. from CSUH and had
a third daughter. We were stationed in San Diego for five years.
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I moved to Roy, Washington with my youngest daughter after a second divorce in 1990
and began my career as a freelance reporter for several weekly papers. Also did work for
the daily Olympian.
Started my own home-based nutrition business in 1994 sharing the food benefits of blue
green algae which I still do. Check online teamnewearth.com/superfoodsolutions.
In 1999, my daughter and I drove cross country to live in central Virginia, on a farm near
Charlottesville, for three years. Then we moved to Maine, state motto, ‘the way life
should be’. Maine was by far my most favorite state and also the longest I’ve ever lived
in any one place, almost 8 years
Present day: live in Olympia, Washington since 2009 near my three grown daughters.
Have one granddaughter who attends U of O in Eugene, Oregon.
For my birthday this year, which I celebrate all month, I got my first stamp in my new
passport for the Bahamas when I spent several days on Grand Bahama at Freeport. Then I
hung out in Florida with my best buddies, Ted and Ina from my old military days.
Current activities include travel, reading, knit and crochet, writing books, and I am a
prayer chaplain at Unity of Olympia.
Michael A. Reimers
Citrus Heights, CA
mikereimers@yahoo.com
Beverly Reynolds Floyd
San Jose, CA
bevfloyd@sbcglobal.net
Paul Reynolds
Jerry Richardson
jerry.m.richardson@comcast.net
Sharon Arlene Richmond Kattan
Carmel, CA
sharonkattan@yahoo.com
After I graduated from high school, I went to CSM for two years and then on to
Humboldt State, where I got a BA in Spanish. From there I moved in 1969 to Monterey
to pursue graduate studies in Spanish and Linguistics at the Monterey Institute of
International Studies. In 1970 I married a fellow student, Jorge Kattan, who was from El
Salvador and taught Spanish at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. We soon
headed for UC Santa Barbara for further graduate study in the Spanish Dept. By 1975 the
theses were written and we were back in Monterey. We bought a house in Carmel and
have stayed in it ever since (except for when the Carmel River overflowed into it twice in
January and March of 1995 and we had to redo the interior and then redo it again).
I began teaching English as a Second Language at various schools in the area, but that
came to a halt when our daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977. After a few years off, I took
up teaching again and continued until 1989. By then I'd had enough of teaching and quit
working until 1998 when I joined the office staff of a local realty company. It was
subsequently bought by Sotheby's International Realty and I continued to work there until
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I retired in 2010.
Jorge had already retired from the Defense Language Institute. Jessica had gone to the
East Coast in 2001, been through medical school and residency, got three years of
training from the Centers for Disease Control, and ended up as a public health doctor for
the City of New York.
And that is the story of my life so far.
Judy Barbara Rickett Shaw
Cupertino, CA
William Glenn Rivera
Doug Roberts
Gary W. Rocklage
San Mateo, CA
Fortson, GA
RNGR215@aol.com
Anthony M Romano
C/O
Susan K. Romano Rancho Cordova,
CA
Timothy Rosa
San Mateo,
CA
Nancy Rosenberg Bott
San Mateo, CA
nancybott46@gmail.com
50 years covers a lot of territory.
In the fall of 1964 I began a long journey to a college degree starting at UC Davis.
I lasted one semester there. I then thought maybe UC Berkeley would be more my speed.
Not so. Halfway through Spring semester I dropped out of school and traveled East and
to Mexico to visit a variety of friends and family before returning home to look for a job.
I found work at Levy Brothers in downtown San Mateo and moved into a house with
several other Aragon Classmates in San Mateo. I quickly decided that I needed to go
back to school to be able to open up better job opportunities. I enrolled at CSM in fall of
1966 and promptly met Howard, the man who would become my husband. We both
remained at CSM working days and attending school nights for several semesters,
marrying in January 1968.
Our daughters were born in 1970 and 1973.
We took a detour in our lives spending a year living in the small community of
Albion, just south of Mendocino on the California coast in 74-75. Howard had quit his
job with the Sheriff’s office in order to write and we thought this would be a great
opportunity to spend some time on the Mendocino coast. It proved to be a wonderful
experience but at the end of a year, unable to find a job to support the family, we decided
to move back to San Mateo. There were no jobs on the coast. All of the lumber mills had
recently shut down and lots of people were out of work.
I began a DayCare business which I ran for 3 years followed by our starting another
business doing a Therapy alternative which was part of the Human Potential Movement
of the late 70’s. We also both returned to school. I finally got my degree in psychology
from SF State in 1982 thinking I’d go into Counseling but some counseling classes soon
made me realize that I was much too active a person to be able to sit for an hour at time
listening to someone’s problems. I had, since High School, worked in various
66
bookkeeping capacities and taken some accounting classes. That avenue turned out to be
more up my alley.
In 1982 I chanced on a job at Gymboree Corp. At that time it was a small
movement-play program for mainly mom’s and their children. I was employee #5 hired
to run the Corporate owned play centers. It was soon apparent that of the employees I
had the Accounting aptitude and so any numbers related jobs became mine. In 1986 we
opened our first 2 stores. As Director of Finance and Administration I helped build the
financial models that enabled us to raise our first $6 Million to start rolling out more
stores. By the end of my 9 years with Gymboree I was in charge of Cash Management,
Inventory Control and IT for a company of over 1000 employees. What an amazing 9
years that was. I essentially earned an MBA on the job.
In fall 1991 I started my own business offering bookkeeping and medical billing
services to individuals, businesses and doctors who wanted to outsource these tasks. At
the height of my business I had 14 employees. We raised our girls in the San Mateo
Highlands where we’ve lived since 1973. We still live in the same house only now our
housemates are our daughter, Kelah, her husband and their 2 boys ages 5 and 3. Kelah
and her Argentinian husband have lived with us since he came to the US in 2009. What a
joy it is to be part of the raising of another generation and to have our lives enriched by
theirs. Our other daughter lives in San Jose with her husband and their 2 children, a boy
9 and a girl who is 11. Their proximity allows me to help out on a regular basis. Family
is very important to me. I am blessed to have remained in close proximity to my parents
and our daughters.
Over the years I have volunteered in many capacities. My most current is helping
at my grandson’s school, Fiesta Gardens. I became an avid bicyclist taking a fabulous
bicycle trip through Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon and even racing in a NORBA
Mountain bike race in Mammoth. I love spending time in the Sierra Nevada at our
family cabin on Highway 50. Since I retired last year we were able to spend an entire
month at the cabin this summer. I enjoy walking and hiking with friends and have
recently joined a gym for the first time. Howard and I enjoy attending musical theatre. I
haven’t traveled nearly as much as I’d like to although we have been fortunate to have
visited Cuba, Italy, Israel, Greece, England and Argentina.
I feel fortunate that both of my parents lived active lives into their 90s.
A regret that I have is my very poor aptitude for languages. I’d really like to learn
Spanish so I can better communicate with my daughter’s in-laws. They stay with us for a
month or two at a time when they visit from Argentina and it would be so nice to be able
to better communicate with them. Maybe my grandsons will help me learn.
In all, my life has been full and satisfying with lots of opportunities to learn, grow
and help others.
Chuck Ross
Las Vegas, CA
Joyce Ross Shiu
Sacramento, CA
JPS8888@yahoo.com
I am sorry that I can not attend the reunion , but here is my brief bio. I married right after
high school, that lasted for eleven years ( we were a bit slow to acknowledge the mistake
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we made). I moved to Sacramento and married my best friend. We were married for thirty
four years. We had one child together and we raised his two children from a previous
marriage. I was a stay at home Mom, so I worked in my daughters school and when she
grew up I played golf and did volunteer work for various charities. My husband passed
away two years ago. I have three grandchildren, so I keep busy going to their sports
games and various functions. I play golf and do volunteer work. I am currently trying to
figure out the next stage of my life. I wish you all a wonderful reunion and wish I could
be there.
Paul Rosset
Bellingham, WA
paul@scdkitchen.com
Jean (Kitt) Royker Morris
Piedmont, MO
kittmorris@springmail.com
Linda Runkles Knox
lknox3@sbcglobal.net
Alan L. Rust
Vancouver, WA
alrust@comcast.net
Janet Lynn Rutherford
Bedford Hills, NY
janetjnt1948@hotmail.com
Suzie Saladin Bircheff
Hemet, CA
sbircheff@appliedearthworks.com
Bill Sandeman
Seattle, WA
william.sandeman@wedbush.com
After graduating from high school, I attended San Francisco State University and earned
a degree in Economics. Following graduation, I joined the army where I served in
Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. After leaving the service, I settled in Seattle. My wife
Georgia and I were married in 1975. We had our two sons, Dion and Dimitri , in 1976
and 1977. I have been a stock broker since 1977 and am currently a Managing Director at
Wedbush Securities. My main interests are traveling and owning thoroughbred horses.
Dennis Santin
Marina, CA
Ron Santos
Medford, OR
eewokofrock@charter.net
Susan Santos Group
San Mateo, CA
sgroup@comcast.net
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Claudia Drusine Schieber Perkins
Sebastapol, CA
candrperkins@comcast.net
Charlotte Schmidt Schmidt-Protze
Sequim, WA
olafp@prodigy.net
Roy Barth Schreuders
Santa Nella,CA
barth529@netzero.net
Ann Marie Schroeder
Viola, AR gochicago@yahoo.com
Beverly Sebanc Lerios
San Jose, CA
bevlerios@att.net
The usual after H.S.(for most of us)....College, marriage(5yrs),2 sons, divorce, travel,
great and fun adventures, career and a good life. I was an R.N. in the O.R. for 46yrs.
Worked as a staff nurse and then as an Educator in the O.R. The last 14yrs. I was a
Registered Nurse First Assistant. I loved this job! I worked for 10 General Surgeons at
Kaiser San Jose. My job included, cutting, sewing, tying, retracting, dissecting,(all that a
true first assistant does)...............enjoyed respect and great rapport with all team
members, and as always, a patient advocate. I just retired. I am LOVING it. I get up in
the daylight, have fun with my dogs, do water exercises, golf once a week, volunteer
giving health related classes to Domestic Violence Womens group and other charitable
groups. I am a survivor in more ways than one, but, I am still here to talk about it.
Reynold Charles Shadd
San Jose, CA
Dennis Sheehan
South Lake Tahoe, CA
sheehanpainting@aol.com
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The Last 50 Years of My Life in 500 Words or Less!
Shortly after our high school graduation my back was broken in an automobile accident. I
spent 3 weeks in Mills Hospital, 3 months in a body cast, and another 3 months in a
brace. I attended College of San Mateo for 2 1/2 years. During this time I married a girl
from Burlingame. The marriage was short lived and once again I was single. I discovered
Lake Tahoe. I worked for a summer in Harrahs South Shore Room. Then I hitch hiked to
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and traveled throughout Central Mexico. I returned to Lake
Tahoe, became a contractor, building spec homes. I took a boat to Juno, Alaska and fished
commercially. Once again, I returned to Lake Tahoe. I adopted the Tahoe Lifestyle of the
mid 70's to 80's. My activities have been skiing, hiking, fishing, biking, wake surfing and
a bit of gambling. In 1984 I married Kelly, somehow we have managed to stay married.
We raised 2 beautiful daughters here in South Lake Tahoe; Katie (29 years old) and
Colleen (27 years old). I still own and operate a Painting Company. In 2008, we bought a
local Bar & Grill; "Steamers" which Kelly manages. Oh! My best friend is my 7 year old,
French Bull Dog "Bellsha". Go Giants! Go 9ers!
Lynda Shimoff Barron
Beaverton, OR
lynvalles@yahoo.com
I graduated with a BA in Spanish from UCLA, after which I attended the Monterey
Institute for international Studies (with Sharon Richmond and her husband Jorge Kattan),
where I received an MA in Spanish Literature. I also returned to UCLA to earn a TESL
certificate and to become an ABA certified paralegal. I worked in all of these fields at
some point in time! However, I finally worked for the LAUSD first as a Spanish/ESL
teacher and then as a Bilingual/ESL advisor for all of the LAUSD secondary schools.
Then I earned a counseling certificate and became a HS counselor for over 20 years. I
finally retired 10 years ago and moved Beaverton, Oregon where I currently live.
During those years I also married and had 2 children, a son who lives in LA and is a
recording engineer, and a daughter who lives in Brooklyn and is a film editor. After I
moved to Oregon I became involved in everything that always interested me but for
which I never before had time: I became a docent at the Portland Art Museum, and a tour
guide at both the Pittock Mansion and the Chinese Garden. I started taking classes in
French, Italian, Japanese and calligraphy, which is my my true passion. I remarried a little
over 3 years ago and my husband and I have become avid salsa dancers. I am just starting
to retake piano, which I had abandoned sometime during HS. I only regret that there are
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not enough days in the year to do more.
I have travelled extensively but, more importantly, I have hiked extensively: the Lewis &
Clark Trail, the Camino de Compostela (which Richard Matze also walked), the Hill
Towns of Umbria, and this past summer I hiked the Swiss, Italian, and French Alps
around Mt. Blanc.
And lastly, but most importantly, I have been a practicing SGI Buddhist for the past 40
years. Life has definitely been, and continues to be, an adventure and a journey. I am
looking forward to catching up with all of you in October.
Paul Siebert
Santa Rosa, CA
Bruce Silliman
Las Vegas, NV
weabruce@gmail.com
Well this certainly exceeds the 500 word limit but possibly as a C- high school graduate
and a non-attendee I might be given a little slack so that you all can learn a little bit more
about me and where I’ve been.
Lack of planning is causing me to write this late and to also not be able to attend what I
had planned on for many years – our 50th Reunion. Alas, I am left with, “the rest of the
story”, which may come later.
After graduation I attempted the studying thing at CSM but too much watching the World
Series, playing basketball (Tony C: I had forgotten you also had tried out for the team)
and meeting girls led to my life’s first failures and with Uncle Sam breathing down my
neck I joined the Air Force in January of 1966. But what seemed like just a temporary
measure started me on my first career as I traveled from Texas to Japan to Guam,
California, Illinois, Maryland, Italy, Las Vegas (1980 and worked at Area 51), Germany
and then Japan again. This meandering took nearly 27 years as I retired (1st time) back
to Las Vegas in 1992. My entire career was spent in the weather business with highlights
in Guam chasing typhoons, living only 1 hour from Venice, supporting who knows what
when working at that secret base in Nevada (had to have a ‘need to know’) spending 4
glorious years in Heidelberg, Germany and finishing my career with 4 years in Japan.
Along the way I married Michiko in Japan in 1970 and our daughter was born there in
1971. We now have two grand children, Maureen who graduated from high school this
year and Gabriel who is 12. They also live here in Las Vegas with their mother,
Charlotte.
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During those years my passion for sports led me to officiate basketball and softball for
nearly the same amount of time and when I retired to Las Vegas I continued for another 8
years until I retired (2nd time) in 2000.
Retirement was not all that it was built up to be (I was 45) as I worked a few jobs here
and there but was not able to secure anything significant despite having earned a Masters
Degree in Safety and Systems Management from the University of Southern California
(yup I completed my additional 6 years of education while serving our country and
working 24/7, officiating all those games and traveling to some of the greatest cities and
countries of the world).
Loving to travel the federal government beckoned and Michiko and I volunteered for 3
years in one national forest and three national parks, the highlight was working in Denali
NP for 6 weeks in 1997. Then in 1998 I embarked on my 3rd career as I worked in three
national parks as a fee collector and purchasing agent, the last 8 years at Bryce Canyon
NP, Utah from which I completed my park service career of 10 years. We continued to
travel with two trips to Nepal and trekking in the Himalayas (Michiko went on a 3rd trip
by herself), two trips to New Zealand, a trip to extreme south Patagonia visiting Chile
and Argentina and finally a 2010 trip to Bariloche, Argentina hiking in the lakes district
of the country. Waking to Chilean condors just a few feet above your head surely got the
day started quite nicely.
My 4th and continuing career began in Las Vegas in 1996 when I began a job as a
security person working at special events throughout the town, most of which were
concerts at various hotels/casinos. After retirement from the park service in 2008 I
resumed this career and currently work at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as an usher,
getting to see the best groups from both the past and the present, and getting paid to do it.
Should any of you ever attend a show at the MGM in the next few years be sure to look
me up and I will be sure to upgrade your seating arrangements.
And so, this brings me to my current state of life which certainly has been one of less
success and accomplishment than the previous 46 years, resulting in my inability to
attend this most momentous occasion. I look forward to hearing from my classmates
attending the reunion on getting reacquainted with those they had such wonderful years
with while attending Aragon and only hope that Bob is willing and able to continue with
“Keep the Fork”. I will religiously reply to any and all that may email me to say hello. I
salute all of you for your accomplishments and pray for your continuing good health.
Well this certainly exceeds the 500 word limit but possibly as a non-attendee I might be
given a little slack so that you all can learn a little bit extra about me.
Diane Lynne Simms
Rod Smith
rnsmith622@comcast.net
Jim Smith
sandmn7442@aol.com
I walked off the Aragon campus in 1964, tassel in one hand, diploma in the other and
followed Sue through CSM and to San Jose State, clinging to retain the designation she’d
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won for us, Couple of the Year. In my junior year at SJS, she moved on. I had somehow
earned enough units to be a junior, so, not knowing what else to do, I stuck around and
graduated.
Two years later, three tassels on my rearview mirror, three diplomas on the wall in
my bathroom, and no self-concept, I took a job with the Peninsula Humane Society as a
dogcatcher. There I acquired a perspective of the world. I started my day in East Palo
Alto, went through Atherton and Woodside and finished in La Honda. I saw varieties on
the theme of life and after realizing that killing animals wasn’t the ultimate of my human
potential, I sought a higher purpose. When I realized that I had quit carrying about school
in elementary school, and the only job I’d ever stuck out was being a big brother, I
decided to reclaim my dignity and become a teacher, from the front of the classroom.
I quit my job and moved north with my new wife. Chico State, seemed to promise
the two things I valued most in life, partying (just like I’d done in Los Reyes, Y group)
and teaching (where I could get even with the educational system for my 1.0 GPA by
giving all the fun kids good grades and all the smart kids Ds).
I wasn’t in the classroom five minutes when I began to see similarities between
the dogs I’d been catching and teenagers – feisty, contrary, spirited, passionate, horny and
intense. Almost immediately I realized what was missing was from my education, me;
there was no personalization and no fun. Mahaffey’s Algebra 3 class showed me that
intellect was not my strong suit, but I knew I could compete with all of them in the arena
of having fun since the definition of fun at Aragon was Senior Hill, walking the quad at
lunch, Hill and Hawks and McGuire for PE. I decided that I would bring fun to new
heights and took a job teaching English in a town called Paradise.
At Aragon, I’d been intimidated by classes full of geniuses, when I was barely
able to remember my locker combination. Academic competition was over my head, but
mysteriously I acquired a stack of blank report cards. So rather than deprive the smart
kids of the good grades, I conceded all the As and Bs to those who cared and focused on
fun.
I spent thirty-seven years teaching English; every kid mattered and we had as
much fun as the law would allow before I retired fulfilled. Now I sit at a computer and
record stories for my grandkids, before my memory deserts me, and I’m left with only
my good looks.
Harriet Smith
Shelly Smith Warden
Fairbanks,
AK
shellywarden@hotmail.com
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Norm and I got married in 1968 and waited to have our baby girl until 1973 quickly
followed by the birth of our son in 1974. With Norm making his career in the HVAC
industry, I was able to stay home and raise the kids. We bought our first home in 1972 in
the Blossom Hill Rd. area of San Jose and bought our move up house in Willow Glen in
1976. We left San Jose in 1983 for Camino, CA which is just a 1000 feet or so above
Placerville. We spent 14 happy years there and when our kids’ college payment
responsibilities ended, we decided to explore the Northwest a bit and moved first to
Portland followed with a move to Seattle nearly two years later. We spent 10 years in
Seattle where I discovered crew. At age 57 I became a competitive athlete! Becoming a
member of the Sammamish Rowing Club and rowing competitively was one of the
biggest surprises of my life! This from the girl who hated P.E. and thought field hockey
was utterly pointless … still do, actually.
With Norm contemplating retirement in 2010, we decided to move to Fairbanks, AK to
be near our daughter and grandson (11 years old) while spending part of the winter
months with our son, his wife and our other grandson (8 years old) in Fremont, CA. That
arrangement has worked out so much better than we had even imagined it could.
Even though our moving so far North for retirement seems to buck the trend, we’ve
found living in Fairbanks has so many opportunities for learning and growing. Both
Norm and I take classes through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. I have become
very active in the University Women’s Assoc. of UAF. Now that spring is here and we’re
back from California, I am XC skiing several times a week. People here are
extraordinarily friendly and welcoming. We’ve seen the aurora several times and have
totally knocked out by the experience. We love our little house (the perfect Grandma and
Grandpa house, I’ve been told) and appreciate living in smaller community. Going to Cali
at least once a year satisfies the need for a Costco, Trader Joes, Sprouts and Whole
Foods. Living in Fairbanks makes you appreciate those kinds of luxuries. With both of us
in good health, thus far, we feel like these really are the best years of our life.
Donna A. Smith Vane
Redwood City, CA
Danna Solmonson Janatpour
San Leandro, CA
djanatpour@gmail.com
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Hello Aragon Alumni! What a treat to have a chance to connect after 50 years. Thank
you all responsible for such diligent efforts and for allowing me to attend your reunion. I
spent my senior year in Santa Clara, but my heart was where I was raised in San Mateo.
I’ve had a wonderful, gifted journey since high school and couldn’t have predicted
any of it. I’ve worked hard for my family and my career and feel very much appreciated
and truly blessed. I sincerely believe my personal success is due to the foundation
provided by my family and my community schools. Advice to grads: 1) When faced with
a difficult choice, do your duty first 2) You can only manage what you measure 3)
Always ask: “So what?”
My fondest memory at Aragon was in the Journalism Dept. We worked hard to
produce a good paper with interesting articles – some controversial. I spent a few hours
in the Dean’s office, several times. My proudest moments were organizing civil rights
marches. Good times.
From high school I attended two years at San Jose State. Circumstances interrupted
my education, but I continued to take courses aligned to my career throughout my life.
Never stop learning.
In 1968 I began a career in Medical Record Science under the tutelage of the
Daughters of Charity at O’Connor Hospital, Santa Clara. I was the first trainee for
CPHA (Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities) in a computerized
abstracting system commissioned by the US Gov. When we (my husband and two
daughters (1 & 3)) moved in 1970 to Boulder, Colorado, CPHA hired me to teach the
system to Colorado hospitals. This experience opened many doors and a variety of jobs
with the Feds concerning health care data systems, fraud and abuse investigations and
finally, quality management. In 1983, I returned to the acute hospital arena and worked
as the Director of Quality Improvement and Infection Control for 13 years at Sequoia
Hospital, Redwood City, CA. Since then, I’ve worked in a similar capacity at Kaiser, No.
California, San Mateo County Medical Center, and most recently at Chinese Hospital, SF.
I was a guest lecturer at Santa Clara Uni Law School for 5 years. After my name they put
the initials “ChK” (College of Hard Knocks). I retired in 2012. Know that there are
quality assurance professionals behind the scenes working hard at every hospital. It is
fascinating detective work and a privilege to facilitate the improvement efforts of health
care providers.
In 1966 I married Mohsen Janatpour, Math/Physics/Astronomy Professor at College
of San Mateo. We had two daughters, Mary and Jaleh. In 1973 we brought Mohsen’s
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family from Iran for political asylum and added 3 more children and a set of grandparents
to our nuclear family. We must have done something right: All five children are college
graduates, happy & healthy. We are blessed with two grandchildren and a bevy of nieces
and nephews. In 1989, Mohsen and I got the friendliest divorce in history.
My father was a gourmet cook. So, when I got married I had to learn to cook in selfdefense. I soon began to love it. Family/friends give me their orders weekly. I also enjoy
reading, dabbling in painting, pen & ink, woodcarving, and gardening. No requests for
the latter four– I have no talent.
Pride and joys: Daughter, Mary Janatpour, PhD (UCSF) in BioMedical Science,
Cancer Research; Son-in-law, Mark Brown, Draftsman EBMUD; Grandsons: Brenden
(17) & Cameron (14). Daughter, Jaleh Janatpour, Supervisor at UC Davis Primate Center
and her partner, Cindi Delany, DVM and person I admire most in the world. They also
run California Animal Shelter Friends, Inc. (a “no-kill’ rescue).
Nearly 20 years ago I moved to San Leandro excited that I was near the tennis courts.
Two months later I had a serious auto-accident crushing my left leg. It took me years to
give up my rackets. But, alas, I’m restricted to a cane, and often a walker. Fortunately, I
traveled a lot over the years before. I’ll not be dancing, but will enjoy visiting with you
all at the reunion.
Glenn Songagere
San Mateo, CA
Marilyn Sordelli Hasson
me47@astound.net
James St. Clair
Coon Rapids, MN
jpnagurski@aol.com
1964-65 CSM; 1965-66 SJ State (Major: Graphic Design) ; 1967-68 Danang, Vietnam,
USNR; 1969-71 SJ State U BA; 1971-75 Art Director, Robert Pease & Co, SF;
1973-1989 Instructor Graphic Design San Jose City College; !975 -76 Creative Director
George Opperman & Assoc Palo Alto; 1976-89 Creative Director AdDesign Assoc; 1979
married Susanne Mahony, 2 sons Jason and Robert;1989-94 Owner/ Opperator Northern
Lite Camp Ontario, Canada (a fly-in fishing camp); 1991-1999 Designer, Photographer,
Creative Director, North Star Publishing, International Falls, MN. Now the fun starts in
1999. Empty Nesters! So why not move to Hawaii indeed 1999-2005 Kilua HI, island of
Oahu. Been surfing since senior year in AHS. No waves in MN. Love at first sight.
Surfed every beach on Oahu except Bonzai and Wiamea. No No No. But Turtle Bay on
the North Shore and Haleiwa at 13 ft on the face. Stoked, yes, scared? no time once you
go. My wife Susanne is no Island Girl, move back to MN 2005. Grandson Arthur
influences Susanne and me. We follow son Robert, Wife, Arthur to VA, where Robert was
Assistant Professor of French at the College of William and Mary. Son Jason is to be
married this Aug 2014. Son Robert is new Professor of French Lit at Dartmouth
University, NH starting this Aug 2014. From farthest Western State to the East Coast, its
been a ride, and there's more to come. This is not a dress rehearsal (life) you get one
chance and take nothin but your board shorts with you. God Bless this AHS class of
1964. James St Clair, on FB, E-mail: jpnagurski@aol.com, anytime.
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Susan Stacey Schuster
Yuba City, CA
susanstacey332@gmial.com
Pam Stark
Bill Starrett
Redwood City, CA
Chico, CA
bstarrett0546@gmail.com
Merrill Jean Stevens Stevens-Mjaseth
Fate, TX
samitexas@sbcglobal.net
Bill Stevens
Lincoln, NE
Stevens_Bill@msn.com
The morning after high school graduation, I flew to Omaha, NE. From Omaha I
took a bus to Grand Island, NE and got a ride to St. Paul, NE. The next day I went to
work on my grandfather’s farm near Palmer, NE., spending the summer there. In
September 1964 I went to a business school in Grand Island, NE. and graduated in June
of 1965. I got a job picking up and delivering clothes for Liberty Cleaners. Then I went
to work at Midwest Sheet Metal Company as their bookkeeper. I stayed there until
March 1967 when I came back to San Mateo, CA.
In San Mateo, I went to work for Owens-Illinois in the mail room and then moved
to data processing. I attended night school at the College of San Mateo in 1968 and took
classes for a few years. In 1976, I transferred to the glass plant of Owens-Illinois in
Vernon, CA and worked in the shipping department. I also worked in the data room, cost
accountant and ended up being an assistant comptroller. During my time in Glendale, CA.
I started to take night classes in 1987 and finally got my Associate of Science degree in
Business-Accounting in 1994. I took early retirement in 2000 after 33 years of working
and moved back to Lincoln, NE. In Jan. 2001, I started working at Rosemont Daycare &
Preschool as a van driver. I retired in May 2011 but came back in Dec. 2011 working
part time. I am still working there now with the 4 year olds in the afternoon four days a
week.
I got married in Oct. 1980. Moved out in 1985 until I got divorced in 1990. In
April 2008, I brought my condominium.
I have been in and driven in all 50 states. I have visited 47 state capitols. My last
state to drive in was Alaska which I did earlier this year. I have visited Mexico a couple
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times and helped build a house in Tijuana. I have been to Canada (few times), Cayman
Islands (twice), Israel (2011) and to Australia and New Zealand (2014).
I am an avid fan of Nebraska football. I have traveled to all the away games since
2006 except for one in 2011. I have had season tickets since 2003.
I am a colon cancer survivor since Feb. 1988 and I thank the Lord for each day He
has given me.
I have been a mentor for 13 years with the TeamMates mentoring program. I
have mentored three boys. I was paired with my current mentee in the middle of his
fourth grade year. Currently, he is a freshman in high school. I have really enjoyed the
last fifty years and God has richly blessed me and I continue to look forward to more
adventures in the future.
Richard Stevick
Sonoma, CA
r.stevick@gmail.com
Sharon Stickney Caputo
Shingle Springs, CA
pooeysharon@gmail.com
This July 4th of 2014 I will have been married for 43 years to my wonderful husband
Steve. We lived in Campbell, CA for 15 years where I taught 3rd and 5th grade for 10
years at St. Joseph of Cupertino School, then moved to Shingle Springs near Placerville
where we have lived for 26 years. We have 4 acres and love the rural lifestyle. I continue
to teach part-time as a Spanish teacher for K-adults both in the public school system and
privately. Plan to teach until I cannot do it anymore! In the summers we and our dogs
enjoy our cabin at Clear Lake and have also enjoyed many world-wide travels. I am still
singing with my church choir and doing solo work and loving it. I especially enjoy
singing Spanish songs with my classes. Though we have no biological children, we have
hosted 4 exchange students through the years who have enriched our lives immensely.
Our first boy from Germany is now a pilot for Luftansa and we are proud second
"parents". Our second boy, also from Germany, is a successful businessman in Germany
and we will see him and his family this July after our Danube River cruise. Our third boy
was from Switzerland but he has lost contact with us unfortunately. Our fourth boy was
from Brazil and he decided to stay for college in the US, then became a US citizen and is
a loan officer for Wells Fargo Bank in Sacramento. We see him often and he has become
a real son to us whom we love dearly. I am still close with my best friends Don, Karen,
Renee, Carol, Carole, and Rosalie but am anxious to renew friendships with my other '64
classmates. Go Aragon!
Marsha Strach Condon
Foster City, CA
Christine Strzelczyk Singer
Portsmouth, VA
seasinger2009@yahoo.com
Frank Suechting
San Mateo, CA
cbreeze1177@Yahoo.com
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Tim Suggs
Novato, CA
ppss05@comcast.net
Ronald Joseph Summers Samaduroff
Elizabeth Swanson-Smith
Santa Rosa, CA
North Vancouver, B. C. Canada
libby3@telus.net
It's a Wondrous Life!
From English schools, I entered at Aragon mid-Junior year (12th school in 12 years).
Escaped scandal, attended CSM and married David Breuer December 1964. Two sons
born by 1971, we moved to the Midwest in 1972 for three years for his Episcopal church
training. Another geographical leap to Tucson, AZ meeting terrific people over the next
four years. Back in 1979 to westcoast, Sausalito, then a hearbreaking end to a good life.
I returned home to Vancouver, B.C. 1983 with boys following end of school year.
Rebuilt my life as a single parent over twelve years working as a bookkeeper for two law
firms. In 1994 by Divine guidance (another great story) I met Jim Smith, Presbyterian
minister, through Scottish Country Dancing. We married 2001 in a great celebration, I
became step-parent to four more plus seven grandchildren.
Life took off in a series of travel adventures: Coast to far coast by camper truck across
amazing Canada, holidayed in Cook Is., visited Japan, South Korea, circled the Western
states and drove all over and around Britain, including a week's narrow boating in Wales,
to reconnect with old school friends and parishioners. Retired in 2012 after twelve years
in jewellery business.
My first grandson was born in 2012, a true delight. Adventures now in babysitting and
Westcoast boating. Fifty years – a lot of relationships, lessons and blessings and through
all my journey a special Aragon friend, true and faithful, Ted Dumke. Life is good!
Donna Swickard VanDillen
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
donnavandillen@yahoo.com
After Aragon, I went on to college—took a break and was a stewardess with the airlines
—came back and returned to college. Graduated from San Jose State. Met my husband,
Paul, in college. He lived in San Mateo park and attended San Mateo High & we’ve been
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married for 45 years and have 3 wonderful kids (Alex, Kristine & Bradley) who are all
married and we enjoy our 6 (and counting) grandchildren. Paul and I moved from San
Mateo to Del Mar, Ca in 1987 with a job opportunity. I worked in the Sol Beach School
Dist. for 20 years and recently retired but continue to sub. Paul has worked in the
computer industry and still does consulting with a start- up company in Santa
Barbara. We enjoy traveling, playing golf, & spending time with our family. The one
thing I’m most proud of is my wonderful family.
John Tagliamento
Springfield, VA
johntagsr@gmail.com
Gail Thomas Ferraris
Woodside, CA
gailybawb@yahoo.com
Linda Titus Wollenweber
Saint Helena, CA
lindaltitus@att.net
James R. Todd
Darden, TN
jtretired48@hotmail.com
Dave Tomsky
Asheville, NC
dtomsky@charter.net
Richard S. Trafton
La Jolla, CA
Rich@newbrainforbusiness.com
Jack L. Tretheway
Gilroy, CA
tretheway@sbcglobal.net
Margaret Tubia
San Juan Capistrano, CA
noni3710@aol.com
Tyrone Tupper
Mike Umehara
Lakeport, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
momijinursery@yahoo.com
John Underwood
Niitani Barbara Uyemura
Jim Vallier
San Mateo, CA
Mountain View, CA
So. Lake Tahoe, CA
ejtahoe@charter.net
Marina Van Giesen Stariha
San Gregorio, CA
dmstariha@gmail.com
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Greg Van Hauser
gvanhauser@comcast.net
Bob (Robert E.) Van Iderstine
The Villages, FL
bvanider@thevillages.net
Patrick Vaughan
San Luis Obispo, CA
patshere@charter.net
Judy Venturini Sills
Livermore, CA
jlsills@att.net
Ken Vogel
Martinez, CA
kvogel1947@gmail.com
Priscilla Vreeland Andrews
San Mateo, CA
level116@att.net
Lynda L. Waddington Schnur
Beverly Hills, CA
lynda@tamc.us
Jim Walden
Linda Wanke Rapp
Torrance, CA
Wayne, NJ
RappL@wpunj.edu
Laura Watanuki
San Mateo, CA
lwatanuki6@gmail.com
Judy Wayne Soyster
Canyon Lake, CA
judysoyster@dslextreme.com
Graduated from High School 1964. Two years at San Mateo Jr. College. Received
Cosmetology Degree and licensed 1966. Worked at the Emporium Store Beauty Shop.
My family moved to Orange, Orange County and I moved with them. Worked at various
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beauty salons. Met my first husband, he was a jeweler and worked in downtown Santa
Ana. My father passed away from Colon Cancer he was only 55 years old. Decided to
become a shop owner, Colonnade with my mother’s help where several of us who
worked together moved to. Expanded the salon to include acrylic nails and facialist. My
Grandmother moved in with us until her passing. It was a special time getting to know
each other better. We owned two dogs Christmas, a labadore (a puppy jumped into our
car Christmas Eve and Turkey a Doberman both females. My Grandmother trained them
to become the best pets I ever owned. Sold the salon working for the new owner for a
year. Continued my schooling and received my Cosmetology Teaching Degree and
license. Pursued teaching the trade, working at several schools.
We would spend most weekends at Lake Elsinore. The flood of 1979 wiped out the
trailer park and our trailer. And so we moved out to Lake Elsinore on a half-acre.
We were having maitial problems and I left after two years at the lake. Moved in with
my brother who we were unaware at that time was having health problems. He passed
away from a heart attack a few years later. Met my current husband and we just
celebrated our 25th year wedding anniversary last year. He had two children from his
previous marriage and three grandchildren with two great grandchildren. We adopted a
five year old boy who is now a very handsome 26 year old. Bob is an Electrical
Contractor and I have run our office for 29 years now. We recently moved out to Canyon
Lake trying to retire a little. Still have jobs to do and so we cannot retire yet. If you go
on the internet look up James Goldstein. We have two men working there all the time.
They are the electricians and have done all the electrical work. Looking forward to the
reunion and
hope to run into people I knew. Do you remember the time when a group vaselined the
glass door, door knobs going into the hallways to get to class? That was us.
Charles Webster
Fremont, CA
charleswebster@comcast.net
Stu Weinstein
Walnut Creek, CA
troutfly1@sbcglobal.net
I haven’t thought very much about high school since I left home in 1964 and haven’t
stayed in touch with anyone but I do occasionally think about the fact that taking high
school Spanish started me down a path that eventually led me to a job where I travelled
extensively to Latin America and worked daily in a language that was not my native one.
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It was initially quite challenging, rewarding and fun but, like lots of jobs, got somewhat
boring so I left after 4 years. Her name escapes me today but I owe that job to the
advanced Spanish teacher. The other teacher that had an impact on me was the biology
teacher and wrestling coach. His love of marine biology rubbed off on me and we dove
the California coast and other spots for many years, all owing to having been exposed to
this teacher. I think his name was Mr. Brandeberry. Sorry about my memory. I have
trouble these days remembering what I did last week, let alone the name of a teacher I
had more than 50 years ago.
But getting to more current things, Kim & I are celebrating 45 years in September. Also,
our first grandchild born last week to our daughter Lynn and our son-in-law Tim and
there is another on the way in December for our daughter-in-law Mary and our son Brian.
I quite my day job in 2007 so I could have more time for fishing, golf, gardening, travel,
community service, etc. More time seemed more important than more money. It all
worked out ok even though the financial crisis intervened. We feel very blessed to have
had this time while we are still young enough and in good enough health to enjoy it. I
always thought that retirement would be the best job I ever had and it has met all
expectations. Had a major heart attack two years ago but was again very lucky, this time
to be near the Community Hospital at Monterey Peninsula and I got there quickly and
had great care. Recovered well and back to all of my activities within 6 months. Still
have a couple of board positions that pay the daily living bills but I am thankfully on my
last term with both and will be done in a couple of years. Been living in Walnut Creek
since 1971 where we moved when Kim got her first teaching position. We really like it
here and have no plans to leave.
Sharon Weishaar Rivalie
Tracy, CA
bigtonyr@yahoo.com
Patricia Wenner Buddress
Graig Westphal
San Mateo, CA
pbuddress@gmail.com
Hayward, CA
utmscssw@hotmail.com
Doug Wetmore
Chico, CA
dougwet@aol.com
Kent Whelan
Tom White
Raleigh, NC
kcwhel@gmail.com
Las Vegas, NV
tkjwhite@netzero.net
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Russell Whitlark
San Mateo, CA
I did not have an easy childhood. My father died when I was 7 and my mother never
remarried.
I had no use for school and as a result did not graduate with my class in 1964.
I joined the Navy right out of high school. I had an interesting time in the Service. I
worked in intelligence for the NSA. I did communications and electronic intelligence.
The target was the Soviet Navy and Merchant Marine.
Upon getting out of the Navy the CIA offered me a job. I declined as I did not want to
work in Washington , D.C.
Instead, I worked in the brokerage industry in the back office for 4 years. I have always
been fascinated by the stock market and here was a chance to see it from the inside.
I finally went back to college and graduated from San Jose State in 1975 with a degree in
Finance, This time, I worked at it and graduated with honors and was inducted into the
Business Honors Society.
After college, I worked for a CPA firm and then became controller/CFO of a
manufacturing company. I did that for 9 years until I started my own accounting firm. I
am still working in my field as I don't want to retire.
I have been married to my 2nd wife for 36 years. It's been great. I have one son who is
now 40 and is happily married to a great woman. He is a software engineer for a software
company in San Francisco and she is an upper level manager for Intuit.
I feel I have had a very rewarding and interesting life and look forward to many more
years and challenges.
Jeff Wiberg
Weaverville, CA
dwiberg62@gmail.com
Bill Wilson
Mill Valley, CA
wdwilson@netwiz.net
I graduated from CSM in 1966 and from UC Berkeley in 1968, with a degree in political
science. I married my life’s love, Marilyn, just after graduation, and found an induction
notice under our door when we returned from our brief honeymoon. I spent a couple of
years in the Army, including one in Viet Nam, repairing radios, and returned to the US
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and the unemployment line. After kicking around Europe with Marilyn for a while, I
lucked upon a job with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, which had just been
established. I spent my entire professional career with EPA, largely in the San Francisco
office, but also in Phoenix and Honolulu, working in water pollution prevention programs
and heading the hazardous waste program. My last years at EPA were spent working with
industry to reduce the use of toxic and hazardous materials. I took an early retirement
from Federal service to care for Marilyn, who suffers from Huntington’s disease. We
have one daughter, Colleen, who is a teacher in the East Bay. Currently, I do volunteer
work at the Mill Valley library and tend the herd of deer that live in our back yard.
Louise Wilson Hall
San
Mateo, CA
Charlene Wiper Hales Swenson
Eureka, CA
caswen3@gmail.com
Yup! Two marriages, two children, two stepchildren, and two grandchildren. The long
and short of it two colleges as well. Happily retired as of 2008 from Lockheed Martin
after 20 years as a Software Test Engineer.
Alan and I live in Eureka, California just a mile from our two granddaughters.
Points of interest in my life are truly only interesting to me and may tend to be boring to
others.
Dale Wong
Oakley, CA
dolphin18@aol.com
Dale Wong’s bio in 500 words or less I hope
Started high school with the opening of Aragon High in 1962 as a sophomore and
received my block “A” in track & field.
Moved to SF and attended George Washington High, graduated spring 1964.
1965, joined military Naval Air, deployed with VAW 13 air squadron on board USS
Constellation CVA 64 to Vietnam war zone in 1968-9. 1970, honorably discharged from
military service with the rate of 2nd class petty officer in aviation electronics. Received
National Defense; Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals.
1973, hired as first Asian California State Police Officer assigned to the SF office.
1976, promoted to sergeant. Trained for Protective Service duties (VIP physical
protection for government officials or visiting dignitaries)
1980, accepted offer as the first Asian to work with California Fish and Game as a Game
Warden assigned to the SF bay area.
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1985, Transferred and moved to the California Delta System as the resident warden for
the central delta area.
1991, transferred to the new Fish and Game Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program
developed after the tanker, Valdez, major oil spill in Alaska. First Responder/Investigator
to major oil spills in California.
2001, promoted to Lieutenant Specialist, as a regional pollution coordinator.
Retired from the state after 30 years of working as a LEO (law enforcement officer).
Involved with local Post of Veterans of Foreign War; American Legion Motorcycle
Riders; Warriors Watch Riders; elected president of local water company; elected trustee
of the Reclamation District 799 in the delta.
Any free time I have left, I catch and release fish in the delta as often as I can since I live
on waterfront property with a boat dock. I have been known to entered black bass
tournaments once in awhile.
And that is my story in a nut shell.
Dale Wong -contact #: 925 684 2630
Tom Wooldridge
San Mateo,
CA
smmachado@yahoo.com
Jon Woolf
Boynton Beach, FL
chapin5@comcast.net
I really enjoyed reading about everyone’s life experiences. What diverse paths our lives
have taken. In a nutshell below is what I have been up to for the last 50 years.
Following graduation from Aragon I dedicated four years to military service during the
Vietnam War (most of my time was spent in different parts of Asia and Latin America).
Returning to San Mateo I attended CSM with the objective of pursuing international
employment. After graduation I moved to Mexico and earned a BA in International
Relations from Universidad de las Américas located near the colonial city of Puebla
(south of Mexico City).
From Mexico I returned to the U.S. and graduated from Thunderbird in Arizona with an
MBA in International Corporate Management.
My career was dedicated to working for multinational corporations where I specialized in
creating and managing business ventures in developing countries.
Over the years I worked my way up through the ranks until I became responsible for
corporate affairs covering 25% of the world.
Between trips overseas I met my wife of 36 years who patiently tells me that I spent far
too much time on planes and too little time at home. She’s right about that and
regrettably my cumulative travel is the equivalent of being away from home for years.
All in all it’s been an incredible ride, and in the process I had the privilege of improving
the lives of millions of people.
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Now my wife and I are enjoying a well-deserved retirement, but looking back I don’t
think I would do anything differently if I had it to do over. I never dreamt that my life
would be as rich and rewarding as it turned out to be.
Kathleen June Wright
Barbara Wurzweiler
Sherri Young Halstead
Thousand Palms, CA
markscroll@msn.com
Cathy Zugay White
Vacaville, CA
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Susan Abrams Condon Gloria Adometto
Underwood
Christy Allan Brown
Ron Barrish
Kathy Benson
Winegarden
Diane Bernard
Mike Bobsien
Judi Bogni
Linda Byers Kaminski
Patrick Carson
Phil Chanteloup
Ron Cherrstrom
Ed Clarke
Jim Cocconi
Rick Coker
Marilyn Dean Kincaid
Pat Dean-Turner
McCristall
Gary Dekker
Mike Denton Mike Dunstan
Helene Enslow
Rich Espero
Geri Esten
Michael Fox
Shelia Gray
Larry Green
Penny Griffin Wilkinson
Curtis Gruber
Frank Hasty, Jr.
David Hollingsworth
Jerry Hosking
Jane Hull Bernal
La Rhea Jones Barker
Dennis Jordan
George Knottner
Bruce Langridge
Steve Langston Mike Lemon
Donna Leonard Sample
Wayne Lerios
John Lewis
Frank Marchi
Bill Marshall
Peter Matheu Rich Mazzoncini
Sheri McCaman
Craig Miller
Jim Miller
Frank Morain
Donna Mossmayer
Gjon Pauson
Kirk Phaling III
Jim Riederer
Frederica Robles
Carolyn Rose Slater
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John Class of 1964
Sierra
50 Years
Bruce Sivils
Ace Slaughteer
Frank Souder
Fred Starkey
We Honor these Deceased Classmates
Tom Steiner
Mark Swirsding
Peter Tamulevich
Bob Treffers
Kris Vucinich
Larry Wells
Dick West
Rodney Wilson
Vance Wood
Sue Woolfitt John Worbetz
Cathryn Wright
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