AGUILAR, SAM
ALEXANDER, PAUL
ALLINGHAM, PAT  ALUTIN, BOB
ARMAS, PAUL
ARNOLD,  DONNA    
BEAUCAIRE,  ARLENE
BECKSTROM,  ERIC
BOLLINGER,  BOB
BOWER,  MARTHA   BRIDGEMAN, LEON
BROWN, CRYSTAL
BROWN, CURRY
BURMEISTER, GAIL
BURT, WALTER
CAMPBELL, ROBERT
CARPENTER, JAMES
CLARK, PATTY FRANZ
CLARK, ROBERT           COLLINS, CHARLES "CHUCK"
COLLINS, GEORGIA
COOPER, PHYLLIS CARPENTER
DASNEY, SHARON
DAVIS, MARILYN
DAY, JAMES
DE GROOT, MARLENE JOYCE
DENKEWITZ, JACK
DUARTE, VIVIAN
EASTIN, JEANNIE
ELLIOTT, KATHLEEN
ELLIS, DON
EVANS, WALTER
FRANKLIN, MYRTLE
FULKS, VALERIE
GENTRY, THOMAS
GOODELL, HARRY
GREGORY, LARRY
GRAY, CHARLEEN
GROOM, DONALD
GUSSETTE, ROBERT
HALL, JAMES
HAMILTON, JEAN ROBERTA
HAMILTON, PATRICIA
HAMILTON, ROBERT
HARTMANN, RONALD
HARVEY, TOM
HARWICK, CLYDE     HENRY, KATHI
HIGHTOWER, NEIL
HOLMES, LOIS JEAN
JELINEK, GEORGE
JEREMY, JOHN
JESSEN, EILEEN
JESSEN, TOM
JEWELL, PATRICIA     LOU
KENDALL, ART                            KIPP, ROBIN 
KIRCHGESTNER, MARGOT
KLINGER, RICHARD
LANGDON, ANN
LARSEN, KEITH
LEWIS, TOMMY
LORENZINI, RAY
LOWRY, LANDON
LUTES, GERALDINE
MACHADO, RAY
MATHEWS, THOMAS
MATZINGER, MARTA
MC CAUGHNA, DAN
MC CLANAHAN, ARLENE WILSON
MC COY, CHARLES          MEYER, GEORGE MARSHALL
MUSCAT, JOHNNY
NIENDORFF, CHARLENE GRAY
NISSEN, BEVERLY
NOWA, HAROLD
OSTERGAARD, DEWARD JERRY    OVERMAN, MARY BETH
PARKER, PHIL
PASLEY, LAREE
PELOS, BUDDY            PLIMPTON, RICHARD WAGNER
PURBAUGH, GLEN
PURBAUGH, JIM
ROBERTS, DONNA
ROENNE, EVELYN
ROSS, CAROL
ROTH, CHRISTINE          SCHOLFIELD, MARILYN MINER
SHARP, PEGGY
SHOOK, JOHN                SIEGRIST,  BILL
SIDEBOTHAM, ROBERT
SMITH, WILLIAM IVAN
SPANN, MARJORIE
SPERL, DAVID
STICH, ROBERT
STOLTZE, JEAN
SWANSON, JOHN             

TOWN, DICK                     TUTTLE, DONALD  Tyron, Valerie
USSERY, GLORIA
VIGGERS, JAMES
VINING, RICHARD           WALLING, DAVID
WATENPAUGH, JOHN
WILLEY, MYRNA            WINNETT, EARLINE
WOEHLER, WALLACE
WILSON,ARLEEN
WRIGHT, JACK                   

 WYNN, PETER MATFIELD
YORK, JANICE
ZATINSKI, MELVIN



 

'53      

David George

dsueii@gmail.com

David George here in Auburn CA. If you followed high school golf or attended reunions 10, 25, 40, 50 or the most recent joint year bash at Santa Anita we may have run across one another. I hope a few of you out there remember me. Here's the big news: I've volunteered to try my hand at editing our 1953 class page. There's a Super Bowl and an election this year too but they're of secondary importance.

 

Though I can't replace dear Kathi's creativity, enthusiasm, dedication and literacy, I can try to keep our boat afloat even though the rowers are getting scarcer. When my spouse Brenda died in 2001 I had the privilege of renewing an acquaintance with Kathi and frequently promised her assistance on the newsletter while only delivering an article or two. Consulting work kept me too busy to really be of help to her in preparing updated pages so I've decided to repay her now by keeping what is realistically her page going....hopefully.

 

Reading this '53 page regularly as I've tried to do, I've always been interested in what our classmates have posted. Like all of us I've often been saddened by seeing so many good friends from MAD days leave us behind. I've been heartened by the financial contributions made by many to the scholarship fund. The stories about your travels and your families along with your accomplishments or those of your spouses and children have often been inspiring and always interesting. Credit Kathi with much of that.

 

To do this in a meaningful way, I need your help and I'm sure you expected me to say that somewhere. Living in the Sacramento area isn't conducive to staying in touch with those who have remained in the general area or attending events like Monrovia Days. My daughter lives in Fullerton and I do visit her and also friends living at the beaches, in the low desert and elsewhere south of here. So I'm down there four or five times a year and I've been spotted wandering around Santa Anita Golf Course a few times. I like to relive temporary glory. That's probably not a really big help to this end.

 

Unless you provide me with updates of your lives, careers, news of others or scoop in general, email address shown here, I can't do much more than write about myself and having traveled last year to Thailand and Vietnam and Germany, all places I was stationed while in the USAF, I may do some of that. I can also write about a few friends of importance to me that some of you know, many don't. I'll probably do that also.

 

One of them is Robert "Rocco" Irone and I mention him now because he strongly encouraged me to take on this task. I don't think I would have done it without his prodding. So, please help Robert not make a fool of himself and let's keep this thing going. For Kathi, for all of us.

 

 

 

1953                 2010

KATHI PHELPS HENRY

EDITOR

Mariellen and I attended Kathi Phelps Henry’s funeral services last Tuesday.  Many of our ’53 & 54 classmates were there.

The picture below which Kathi painted was on the cover of her services folder….

 

* * * * * * *

Pat Pilon Garman and I thought it would be good if Kathi had a dedicated seat in the newly rebuilt MHS Auditorium.  Her daughter, Kristi Simon, agreed.  So far Kristi, Lasley Scholl Biven, Marilyn Nolack Spears and Mariellen and I have made tax deductible donations for Kathi’s seat.  Please join us. 

 

Make a tax deductible contribution to:Monrovia Schools Foundation-Kathi Seat and mail to MSF, attn: Bruce Staller, P.O. Box 2447, Monrovia, CA 91017.  A receipt will be sent and you will be honored on the ’53 webpage….Bruce Staller…stckpkr13@gmail.com

 

In addition to or instead of the auditorium seat Kristi suggests that you may wish to make contributions in Kathi’s memory to:

 

* * * * * * *

 

11-30-11

Very sad to read about Kathi's passing.  She was a real sweetheart.

 

 In high school she was a regular in our youth group on Sunday evenings at the Arcadia Presbyterian Church and I remember her and Sue Childress were the "sweeties" and the "lookers."  She remained a devout Christian all of her life as evidenced by all her writings on the webpage. 

 

Virginia and I sat with her at some MHS dinner or reunion about 5-6 years ago and Virginia and her "clicked" together immediately and throughout the evening.  Virginia only met her that one time but remembered her each time I mentioned her or the '53 webpage.  I still have some of her art work and photos taken on her trips.

 

Her webpage was always upbeat, loving and had wonderful thoughts.  Though living miles away and only seeing her a few times over many years, I always felt I knew her well and loved her.  I will miss her writings and her enthusiasm for people. I'm so sorry we will miss her service tomorrow, Tuesday. (11-29-11)

 

Bob Huntington '54

* * * * * * *

Sad News, Kathi passed away 11-17-11, here is the information from her daughter Kristi.

Kathi Henry, my beloved mom passed away unexpectantly and peacefully on the evening of Thurs November 17th.

 

It appears to have been her heart.

 

In remembrance  10-15-01  Issue #1 Class of 1953 she wrote

My passion is people

MY ethnic background is bicultural ( Irish).

My legal last name ( Henry) is my mothers maiden name .

My home during high school was in Arcadia down the street from the fire station on Wheeler street.

My education after MAD, where I was an art major, was in anthropology, archaeology and history.

My interests are in art, photography, music, drama, travel, and writing.

My family includes a daughter and 3 grandsons ( 12,15 &18)....now (22,25,28)

My goal is to pay off my debt and retire from the Auto Club in 2003 ( that, she did).

My latest enjoyment is being editor of our page, 1953

 

" I haven't accomplished a lot but have had a great time living"

 

A daughters editorial correction :   My mom accomplished more than most, she enriched and touched, with her heart and laughter so many. She was a fabulous mother and grandmother. Her spiritual life with the Lord was unrelenting.  And Yes she had a GREAT time living right up to the last minute!!

 

See attached photo taken the night before she passed away PAINTING. on Nov 16th  

 

I will truly miss her, we will miss her.

 

Services

Tues Nov 29th 11:00 am

Hope Church

6116 N. San Gabriel

San Gabriel, ca 91775

 

A luncheon following

   

She will be missed, note the pix was taken the day before she passed away.

 

 

 

 

Any classmate out there wish to carry on for Kathi, I am sure she would like the '53 page to continue. Kathi is the first editor to pass away. If interested, contact Gary from the '50 page. Thank you Kristi.

 

 

OUR PAGE, 1953

 

It is a great pleasure to be you editor!!  I enjoy writing to you and for you. 
Some of the information is joyful and some sad.  From now on there will be
no more seascape break.  The information will be dated and end with four
asterisks ****  Enjoy your summer!!!

 

****

11-17-11

 

CONGRATULATIONS CLASSMATES as of September 30, 2011 we have $25,997.40 in our MAD Scholarship fund!

 

Kathi Phelps Henry

 

****

10-16-11

 

Valerie Tyron Watenpaugh

 

1935/36  to  October 12, 2011

 

 

Kathi,

Many thanks for posting the message about my mom Valerie Tyron Watenpaugh.  I reconnected with one of her long time friends Lillian Budworth, whom I had heard about growing up.

 

I'm saddened to share with you that she died this past Wednesday, October 12, 2011.

 

The doctors and staff at UCSF were unbelievable.  They were fantastic.  Her surgeon came by everyday - what I learned today is that every time he left see in her, he would weep as he walked away - he felt as though he had failed her.  During her time in the hospital he would come very early, and on one of the days she complained that her hair looked bad.  He helped her comb and spike her hair so she looked "presentable"- he was a true gem.  

 

Over the past week my mom shared with us that all she wanted to be certain of is that she was a good mother, a good grandmother, and that she had raised children with personal strength, confidence, a sense of humor, and the courage to do whatever each of us chose to do.  She was very successful.   My dad's death 9 years ago left her saddened and at a loss.  Although she took great interest, pride and engagement with her three grandsons and our families, she definitely missed dad.

 

This week when she was struggling with the realization that her final days were upon her, she was down right pissed off.  She said, "I'm not done yet!!"  When I spoke of the potential that my Dad would be waiting for her, she said, "If that is true, I'd be the happiest person on the planet."  I am imagining them together now.

 

She passed away at 1:17 on October 12, 2011 surrounded by her children, and her two sisters.  She had a 180 degree view of San Francisco on a beautiful sunny day.  She was no longer in pain, her face was peaceful, and she passed after taking a last breath, with no others to follow.  She just let go.  I'm happy she was able to die in comfort with those she loved around her.

 

I've attached a collage of some fairly recent pictures of her. As you know, she was an amazing, delightful and funny woman to the end.  It is still unbelievable to think that she is gone….

 

Thank you,

Mike

 

Mike Watenpaugh

 

 

 

10-12-11

Dear classmates of Valerie Tyron Watenpaugh please pray for Valerie... she has thyroid cancer and is very close to death.  See the message below from her son Mike.  Her family is with her. 

 

Greetings,
Both my Mom (Valerie Tyron Watenpaugh) and my dad (John Watenpaugh) were 1953 graduates from MAD.  As is known, my dad passed away in 2002.  I'm sorry to report that my mom Val, is in the final stages of battling anaplastic thyroid cancer.  She was diagnosed in May 2011, and despite an optimistic treatment plan - the anaplastic cancer has grown aggressively.  She is at UCSF in San Francisco, and her life expectancy is no more than a week.

 

She is surrounded by there three children, myself (Mike), Lynne and Brian. Her son-in-law Jeff, our sons Jacob (age 12) and Sam (age 9) and Lynne's son Dex (age 7)  Her 97 year old mother Helen is still alive and living independently nearby.  Her siblings Cheryl, Steve and Tina are also all here

 

If you have wishes or words you would like passed along.  We are happy to share them with her.  It's truly a tragedy - she has remained a vibrant, smart, enthusiastic and powerful figure in our family.  Her sense of humor has infected all of us, and her pending loss is unbelievably premature and sad. 

 

Her comment today was "I have so much more living to do" followed up by the comment 'Its too early, I'm not done yet".  Our family is holding together, but it is very challenging.

 

She and my dad both had fond memories of MAD, thanks to any and all who positively contributed to her life.

 

Mike

 

Dr. Michael Watenpaugh watenpaugh@me.com
Superintendent of Schools
San Rafael City Schools

 

****

 

 

Hello  KATHI PHELPS HENRY

EDITOR

Monrovia Med Cats Home Page.                               August 18, 2011

Sierra Madre, California

Please post this statement about Larry B. Merlo:

My name is Winfield J. Abbe.  I grew up in Sierra Madre.  This morning I noticed an article about one Larry Merlo, President and CEO of CVS Drug Company.  This article reminded me of my friends Larry B. Merlo and David George from our chemistry class at Pasadena City College in 1957.  I put his name in Google and to my dismay discovered Larry had died last year, but David wrote a great tribute to his memory.

I spent many hours studying chemistry with Larry and David at the house in Bradberry.  Larry’s parents were wonderful people  too and always welcomed me there, and were very kind to me.  It was a fabulous place in a fabulous time in paradise in Southern California in the 1950’s.  We were all enrolled in Mr. Hammock’s Chemistry Class there.  Mr. Hammock was a terror but a top teacher.  David always said his goal was to be a lawyer, but I lost contact with both of them.   He was a wonderful person too.  Both helped and were very kind to me.

Larry was a most interesting and courageous person and a friend.  He would do anything for anyone.  He told unbelievable stories from his time in the “Corps”.  I can’t repeat them here.  He loved to help others.

We built a hot rod together.  It was a four door open Model T with a full race Chrysler engine.  Luckily we never finished it or likely  we would both have ended our lives sooner.

He loved pulling pranks.  He got his horses drunk on wine.  He was a top athlete and tennis player too.  He possessed enormous personal courage and many skills.

Some Sundays he had dinner with my parents at our home at 515 Manzanita, Sierra Madre, where I grew up from 1943-1966.  He usually arrived in his dad’s 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood sedan with the clacking valve lifters.    I was born at Cleveland, Ohio in 1939 but my parents moved to California to avoid the cold weather.  They were from Minnesota.  My parents liked Larry and enjoyed talking to him about his many fascinating  odysseys and exploits  around the world.  Larry also had enormous respect for others.  He was a very intelligent person as are so many others for which the myopic educational system was unable to recognize then and now.

My last memory of Larry is when he worked doing welding jobs at the muffler shop on Huntington Dr. in Monrovia some time about 1958.  Larry was a top citizen and a top human being.  He made a difference for the better in this ugly world of today.

Rest in peace Larry.  I wish I could have communicated  with you one more time.

Also, hello David.  Please contact me if you can:  wjabbe@aol.com

Yours sincerely,

Winfield J. Abbe, Ph.D., Physics

150 Raintree Ct.

Athens, GA 30607

Formerly of Sierra Madre, Califonria

Pasadena High School 1956

Pasadena City College A.A., 1958

UC Berkeley, Physics, A.B., 1961

California State University at Los Angeles, Physics, M.S., 1962

UC Riverside, Physics, Ph.D., 1966

Institute of Science and Technology Fellow, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,  1966-1967

Faculty member with lifetime tenure, University of Georgia, Athens Physics Department

1966-1978

Investor and landlord and businessman, 1978-present.

 

 

Larry Brent Merlo

David George

 

****

8-20-11

 Two young ladies each were awarded $1,000 from the Mai Le Gray Memorial  Fund.

Pictured is Duane Gray and Shi-an Eckerman.

Miss Eckerman will attend U.C. San Diego.

Not pictured is Sarah Williams who will attend U.C. Santa Barabara.

Congratulations.

****

 

AUGUST, 2011 UPDATE ON OUR SCHOLARSHIP

 

       

The Scholarship fund stands at $30,512.07 as of August, 2011.  A $1,000 scholarship was given in June, 2012 to ELIZABETH C.  MITCHELL, who has enrolled and will be attending Long Beach State University.  See her

 thank you letter already posted on OUR PAGE, 1953.

           

Background on the fund established at our 50th reunion in 2003.  Duane Gray volunteered as chairman and suggested that everyone contribute $200 and we could reach our goal of $60,000 to keep the scholarship operating in perpetuity by the interest generated. Based on the current economy we know it may not be possible to contribute this amount.  Whatever you are able to give will be tax deductible.

   

The Monrovia Schools Foundation invests your money conservatively to keep it safe. The $1,000 will be awarded annually to students until the account is depleted.  The WOW was established if a contribution of $1,000 or more is made.

To Send A Donation to our 1953 Class Scholarship Fund:
Make your check or money order payable to:
MSF (Monrovia Schools Foundation) Class of 1953
P.O. Box 2447
Monrovia, CA 91017

Be sure to indicate the name you graduated with.  If you wish to remember someone with your contribution please so indicate.  The number after a name indicates how many contributions.  If underlined it is a recent donation.   New contributions total $875.00.

We thank and honor the following contributors (note gals are listed by
their maiden name if we have it).  Some have donated in honor of another as written in italics.  We have 95 contributors as follows:

Anonymous - 2
Alfred Alarcon - 2
Richard A. Alutin
Robert Alutin - 2 (deceased)
Carol J. (Anderson) Wilmsen
Noma E. (Andrews) Foltz - in memory of her sister, Carol Andrews Fuller
Meredith (Babeaux) Brucker
Thomas R. Bandy - in memory of  Thomas M. Harvey
Jerry & Celeste Binnings
Jack W. Beschta - 4

Cynthia (Billig) Davis  - 2
Nancy (Billman) Thompson and George Thompson
Eugene Bishop - 4
Donna (Bliss) Vinton (deceased)
Richard R. Bolton - 3
Lee Brown
Wanda Joanne (Bullard) Bartlett - in memory of husband,
 David L. Bartlett  5  HURRAY !!!!
Keith Burns
Mary Jo (Burns) Dalmont
Kay (Carrol) Collins - 2
Kazon (Collins) Allen
Katherine (Coopland) Horn - In memory of Charlene Gray Niendorff and
Carol Sue Ross King - 3
Evelyn (Cox) Carpenter & Dennis Carpenter In memory of Phyllis
Carpenter, MHS '57 - 2
Dennis Carpenter - In Memory of Don Ellis - 3 (see above)
Audrey (Crellin) Beatty - in memory Helen & Bert Luebbers - 2
Marg (Crusan) Stockett
Hugh Davey

Katherine (Delaney) House - 2
Sandra Dunn – in memory of Eileen Jessen
William Dyer
Sally (Eggstaff) Welsh
Loween (Falcon) Mayer - in memory of Myrtle Franklin
Paul  Floth & wife, Oleita
Patricia (Fortner) Kinnan and husband Jerry - in memory of Vivian Elmgren - 2
Viola (Fuehr) Panman - 2
Joe Garcia
David George
Janet (Gervais) Crandall
Charleen (Gray) Niendorff (deceased)
Duane W. Gray 3  HURRAY Mai Le Gray Scholarship
Jack E. Groat - 2
Richard "Dick" Grund- in memory of Robin Kipp
Pat (Herr) Overshiner
Joy (Hobbs) Friedmen
James J. Jameson
Veeva (Hamblen) Presnell - in memory of Patricia Hamilton & Patti Franz -2
Ann (Hayes) Hobbs - in memory of Patty Franz Clark
Joseph R. Henry
Susie (Hester) Taylor
Richard Hoon - in memory of Roger Hoon and Diane Hoon
Gail Howard - 4
Stan and Jolinda Hughes - 2
Robert Irone Jr. - in memory of those mates that are no longer hanging
around to contribute - 2
Gretchen (Kambeitz) Cacciotti
Arthur Kendall (deceased)
R. J. & Diane Koch
Shirley J. (Martin) Minter
Mariellen (Matthews '54) Armas Staller - in memory of Paul Armas '53
Dennis C. Mavity
Kathy McClanahan - in memory of Arlene Wilson
Fleur Mitchel
Marilee J. Musgrove-Brown - in memory of Phyllis Cooper
Bert and Arlene Munsell
Rene (Napier) Eder - in memory of Vivian Elmgren, MAD History Teacher - 2
Marilyn (Nollac) Spears - 2
Nadine Nutt Snelson

Jocelyn (Orth) Pyle - 2
Joanna (Payne) Jones - in memory of Gail Bermeister - 3
Kathi (Phelps) Henry - in memory of Charlene Gray Niendorff - 2
Pat (Pilon) Garman
Roger Pollard - in memory of Gary Adams ‘54
Joe Rayle - in memory of Clyde Harwick and Chuck Collins - 2
Mary Ellen (Romney) MacArthur, Ph.D. - in memory of Thelma Thompson, mentor and friend
Sally Ann (Scharfe) Jacobs
Lasley (Scholl) Biven - In Memory of Art Kendall - 3
Barbara (Scott) Ruff
Fred Selin, in memory of his wife, Norma Selin - 5
Kathleen (Shepherd) Campbell - in memory of Patty Franz Clark - 3
Patricia (Shimp) Mordecai
Larry Shoberg - 2
Bob Shugert - In honor of Phil Parker
Carolyn (Snyder) Jordan - In memory of Muriel Holmgren, Robert Long, Ed Ryan - 4
George Soetje - In Memory of George Meyer - 2
Charles and Mariam (McFarland) '52 Stein - In Memory of Bernice Carpenter- 4
Marilyn (Strauss) Carpenter - in memory of Peter Wynn, Pat Hamilton, Patti Franz and Art Kendall
John A. Sturgeon - in memory of Art Kendall -  5

Marlene (Teigen) Weaver - 2
Marlene Town - in memory of her husband Dick Town
David Walling & Waly - 2 (deceased)
Bruce Wasserburger - in memory of Art Kendall
Carol (Weber) Bryan
Stewart Weitzman
Peter Wynn (deceased)

Thanks to all of you!

Go Green MAD!  Those that want to go for a “Hurray” ($1,000 or more)
will have “Hurray” and your name in GREEN on Our Page, 1953.  +

Many thanks to each one of you!

 

Go Green MAD!  Those that want to go for a  “Hurray” ($1,000 or more) will have “Hurray” and your name in GREEN on Our Page, 1953.  But, Only if you wish.

 

 

 

****

8-4-11

Dear Kathi:

Frieda Alutin asked if you could you list on the MAD Class of 53 website the memorial service for Bob Alutin as follows:

---

Robert C. Alutin (July 1935 - July 2011)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Robert C. Alutin 

on July 18, 2011.

You are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday,

August 5, 2011 at 4 pm at the Brick Church, 91st Street and Park Avenue, 

New York City

--- 

Sincerely,

Colin Neblett

 

****

 

7-29-11

 

The Class of 1953 awarded the 2011 Scholarship of $1000 to Elizabeth Michel in June. 
Below is her thank you letter to all you WONDERFUL 1953 CLASSMATES that make this possible!!!!  

 

Sorry, I do not have a photograph of Elizabeth.

 

 

****

 

 

Our classmate Bob Alutin passed away on July 18, 2011 as reported by MAD graduate Duane Gray who received a
call from Frieda Alutin.  Robert leaves behind his wife Frieda, daughter Michele and brother Richard. 

 

Bob wrote in our 50th Reunion book, "Retired from Wall St but keep busy in NYC.  Favorite pastime is visiting Manhattan
auction houses for beer steins and German Brauhause items.  Diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2000 but my wife and I still
travel regularly in USA and visit her family in Switzerland/Germany.  Enjoyed a trip down memory lane while watching
'Seabiscuit' since we lived a block from the track and sold newspapers there every season."

 

We all extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

As MAD graduates we too take a "trip down memory lane" when we remember our classmate Bob Alutin.

 

 

Dick Alutin, Cynthia Billing Davis. Bob Alutin

Courtesy of Lasley Scholl Biven.

 

 

 

Memories about Dick and Bob Alutin during grammar school from Mary-Jo Burns Dalmont:

That hurts!!  He was very special. I was closer to Bob than to Dick. Bob played clarinet and
pretty much sat next to me in band/orchestra where Dick was way over in the trombone section.
Both special. My Mother was very close to Mrs Alutin. And dont we all remember the day at
Holly Avenue School when our teachers called us in from the playground to tell us about
their father?  

 

Perhaps you were in DV. But we kids were all at PE out by the tennis courts when the whistle
blew and Mrs Best gathered us around her to tell us that the twins had been picked up from
school for the day. The war was over and Mr Alutin was on the plane with others of his war
unit from the Aleutian Islands, all coming home after the Victory, and their plane crashed and
all were killed in the crash. Can you imagine, war over and then that happened?!!  Anyway,
I hope I'm remembering it correctly; I don't think I dreamed that!!!  Mrs A then had the twins
and the younger sister (I cant recall her name) to raise alone. She was one fine person - and
both boys certainly turned out well!  Right?

  

 

 

****

Our Cruise out of New Orleans

 

My daughter Kristi Simon and I flew to New Orleans and boarded the Norwegian Spirit
on June 26, 2011.  That same day we left at 6 pm headed down the Mississippi River.
The ship traveled all night. When we woke we were in the Caribbean Sea.  It was party
time for a full day at sea as we headed for the Island of Costa Maya.  But...oh dear...Rain. 
A hurricane had preceded us.   We found shelter in a cantina.

 

Next stop was the Honduran Isle of Royatan.  My daughter and I zip-lined over the
jungle.  The beach was beautiful and the water an extraordinary blue. 
Kristi snorkeled. 

 

We planned to take tours in Belize.  That hurricane still dogged up and we
could not make land.  There is no port in Belize City and the water was too
choppy to ferry us to land.

 

Cozumel was fun and we shopped, saw a Mayan ruin, and swam
in more clear and beautiful blue water.  
Here we are disembarking.

 

Back in New Orleans we saw the fireworks over the Mississippi River on
July 4th.  We enjoyed a swamp tour complete with alligator on the boat. 
Dixieland music was great on Basin Street.  We road around on the Street
car.  The city tour took us through the devastation from Hurricane Katrina
and to a very old cemetery.

 

I was back in Sierra Madre on July 6, 2011.  Boy it is difficult keeping up
with Kristi!!!  But Great Fun!!

 

 

 

****

 

Marilyn Nollac Spears writes:

 

 

WHERE HAVE YOU TRAVELED?

 

Marilyn Nollac Spears went to France early this summer.  The tour took us to
the Loire Valley, Brittany, Normandy and then Paris.  I liked the small towns
and countryside the most.  We visited many chateaus, churches and beautiful
gardens.  Of course, we had many samples of French wine.  I did climb all the
stairs at Mont St Michel's.  We had a wonderful day (the 4th of July) at
Pointe du Hoc, Omaha beach and the U.S Military Cemetery.  Then the tour
ended with 3 days in Paris.  Some Belgium friends came to spend an afternoon
with me in Paris.  The last evening we had a dinner cruise on the Seine.

 

 

Ed. comment:  Thanks Marilyn for the synopsis and pictures of your trip.  It sounds Great!!

 

****

7-12-11

Peter Matfield Wynn

  |   Visit Guest Book

Wynn, Peter Matfield
July 8, 1935 - June 16, 2011
Peter Matfield Wynn, 75, of Los Angeles and Chicago, passed away on Wednesday June 15, 2011 after a determined fight with pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Peter was born July 8, 1935 in Arcadia, California to Carol Glen Wynn and Dora Matfield Wynn. He began his life-long love of ideas at Stanford University, where he studied engineering and graduated with a BS in 1957. He pursued postgraduate work at King's College, Cambridge University and completed an MBA at the Harvard Graduate School of Business, where he graduated cum laude in 1959. After graduate school he explored a second passion - travel - through his work with the Department of State as a Foreign Service Reserve Officer. The family spent two years in Munich, Germany, and four years in Athens, Greece.

He continued his government service in later years as Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Addiction Services Agency and the New York State Department of Social Services. He then served as Vice President for Finance and Administration at the New York City Transit Authority. In 1985, he moved to Chicago where he was in senior management at the University of Chicago Hospitals and the Museum of Science and Industry. At the museum he was introduced to IMAX films and went on to both produce films and develop a prominent IMAX theater in Sydney, Australia. This work began twenty years of successful real estate projects. Notably, he co-founded MetroPro, a Chicago real estate brokerage firm, and Eminent Domains, a property development firm.

His most personally fulfilling role began in 2001 when he became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mills Land and Water Company, a real estate investment company with properties in California and Arizona. His leadership led to the successful redevelopment of Huntington Beach property, which belonged to this family-owned enterprise for over 100 years.

Throughout his life, Peter was an avid reader - continuing his love of learning and ideas - a devotee of classical music, and a supporter of the arts. He is survived by his wife Joan, and children Diana, Matthew, James, Mandy, Benjamin and Lara and grandchildren Devorah and Gavin. He will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, generosity, calmness, and compassion.

A private memorial service is being planned for later this summer. Donations in his memory can be made to the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (1-800-233-2771).

 

Published in the Los Angeles Times on June 26, 2011
 

 

 

Below are some photo courtesy Lasley Scholl Biven taken at our 50th
reunion in 2003:

 Peter Wynn on the right standing with Bruce Ballard.
Bruce was ASB President and Peter was ASB Vice President in 1953.

 L-R Kay Shepherd Campbell, Peter, Marilyn Strauss
Carpenter and Cynthia Billig Davis.

Our Page, 1953 extends condolences to his wife and family.  Peter will be
missed

****

7/14/2011 

This is an 8th grade picture from First Avenue School.  Harry Yates sent it.  He left MAD when
he was a sophomore.  It includes some folks who are still around and some that are not.  Still
around: Duane Gray, Steven Black, Nancy Billman and Lillian Budworth.  Deceased: Bimp Merlo,
Patti Franz, and Melvin Zatinski

 

 

****

 

 

5-29-11

 

 

Kathi Phelps Henry, Duane Gray and Jacki Jacobs Boardman.   Committee for the
1953 Scholarship Fund and the Mai Le Gray Scholarship Fund.

 

 

Paulette Dunn Smith and Honorary Wildcat husband Don will be there  for the
Charles Dunson memorial scholarship award.  Class of 1954 will present an award. 

Monrovia High School Scholarship Awards Presentation 6:00 pm Monday,
June 6, 2011 at Clifton Middle School 

****

Midway Madness All-Class Reunion Now On DVD

 

For those that missed the All-Class Reunion last October, or for those who
want to relive the memory, a colorful 21 minute DVD is now available.
Just send a $15.00 (or more) check made out to The Monrovia Schools
Foundation and mail to P.O Box 2447, Monrovia, CA 91017, ATTN:  Bruce Staller. 
And yes, it is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

 

 

 

=****

 

 

Along with the 8th grade picture I got from Mary-Ann Lewis Holt shown below she sent
me a book.  The title is "Irish Wit and Wisdom."  Mary-Ann knew that I would get a laugh
out of it.  I am half Irish.  Here are several of the items I chuckled over.  I hope you will too.

 

 

"Do you have any mementos in your locket, Mrs Murphy?"

 

"A lock of my husband's hair"

 

"But he's still alive."

 

"Yes. but his hair is all gone."

* * * * *

 

Diplomacy is the ability to tell a man to go to

hell so that he will look forward to the trip.

 

* * * * *

 

4-4-11  Mary-Ann Lewis Holt's 8th Grade class at 1st Ave School. Kathi said most went on
to graduate from Monrovia in '53.

Anyone you know here?

 

****

 

 

4-2-11

 

 

Walter William (Bill) Siegrist

 

        Our classmate Bill Siegrist died on March 19, 2011 according to his friend
Jocelyn Orth Pyle.  Here is what he wrote for our 50th reunion:

 

"After leaving MAD, I attended one semester each at Pasadena City College and
Mt San Antonio College.  In 1954 I left for Arizona State University.  In 1959 and 1960,
I was an official for the U.S. Winter Olympic games in Squaw Valley.  In 1964 I attended
Chicago's Bauhaus School of Design.  Stayed in Chicago for fourteen years working as
Creative Art Director for agencies, studios and corporations.  Met and married my wife
Barbara in 1971.  Moved my business to Denver, Colorado, closer to BIG mountains. 
Retired in 1996." 

 

Bill listed winter skiing and painting as his hobbies.

 

Our page 1953 wishes to offer our condolences to Barbara, his family, and friends.

 

 

****

3-19-11

    David Oakley Walling

                                  MAD Class of 1953

 

David Oakley Walling, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Glendora on
March 8th with is family by his side from a short illness.  We send our sincere
condolences to his wife of 54 years his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. 

 

Dave was in the Air Force in Germany when he met the love of his life, Waltrad Lohr
(Wally), they married in 1956.  He lived his life with honor, integrity and pride and
never missed a chance to help anyone in need.  Dave retired on January 31, 2011
after 40 years of dedicated service as a Farmers Insurance Agent.  His memorial
service was held on March 16th at Oakdale Memorial Park.

 

Editor - Kathi Phelps Henry - this edited from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune

****

3-6-11

For those who may not have seen this before here is:

Julie Andrews  New words for Seniors

 

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.

Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things..

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short, shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted
over four minutes and repeated encores. Please share Ms. Andrews'
clever wit and humour with others who would appreciate it.

 

 

 

****

3-1-11  From Harry Yates, 1st Ave 8th grade class picture.

 

 

3-2-11

 

MAD 1953 Graduating Class-  Do you recognize anyone else?

 

I spot Duane Gray and Nancy Billman

 

 ****

 

 

Be encouraged by the 2011 wishes below. They are courtesy of classmate Harry Watt.     May you always make the right moves.     May your cup runneth over with love   MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND SHELTER FROM ANY STORM    May you remain good looking and looking good.    May you find the perfect diet for your body and your soul.    May you find perfect balance in the company you keep.    May you have as much fun as you can before someone makes you stop.    May the worst thing that happens to you come in slobbery pink and furry TAN.   May  you  manage  to  MAKE  time  for  siesta.   May all the new folks you meet be interesting and kind.     May your accessories always harmonize with your natural beauty!    Should your mouth ever be bigger than your stomach, may you have a chewing good time! May you always know when to walk away and when to run. AND MAY YOUR FRIENDS ALWAYS BRING YOU JOY REMEMBERING THAT LIVING WELL IS THE BEST REVENGE AGAINST MORTALITY           May 2011 be your BEST year EVER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-16-10

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hand painted by Kathi

 

 

Marlene Teigen Weaver & husband Ralph

 

Marilyn Nollac Spears and granddaughter Lindsey

 

Duane Gray and a Waho caught in Mexico

 

****

11-19-10

Kathy:

 

Correction on your comment:

 

  "It was a wonderful all-class reunion on October 2, 2010 aboard the Midway Aircraft Carrier.  We had a delicious meal on the flight deck under the stars. MAD classmates from the class of 1946 to 1987 attended."

 

Actually the earliest MADCAT was from 1937 and his "date" was one of our widowed ladies from 1947.

 

Hank  (47)

 

 

****

 

10-23-10  

 

  It is with regret and sadness that Our Page, 1953, advises you of the death of Donna Bliss Vinton at the age of 74.  She lived in La Mesa, California.  Donna had severe breathing problems. Our lovely classmate succumbed to related ailments on July 4, 2010. She is survived by husband Warren.  We extend condolences to other family members and friends.

 

 

****

 

 

10/15/2010

 

Here is a bit of bio on Kathi Phelps Henry:  I was born in 1935.  One of our first homes was in West Arcadia at 1122 Arcadia Avenue.  It was a chicken ranch and we sold eggs.  I was there when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.  My mother made dresses for me out of flour sacks.  I hope you enjoy this poem and photo.

 

 

 

1930-40's flour sacks THE FLOUR SACK BY COLLEEN B. HUBERT IN THAT LONG AGO TIME WHEN THINGS WERE SAVED, WHEN ROADS WERE GRAVELED AND BARRELS WERE STAVED,  WHEN WORN-OUT CLOTHING WAS USED AS RAGS, AND THERE WERE NO PLASTIC WRAP OR BAGS,  AND THE WELL AND THE PUMP WERE WAY OUT BACK,  A VERSATILE ITEM, WAS THE FLOUR SACK.  PILLSBURY'S BEST, MOTHER'S AND GOLD MEDAL, TOO STAMPED THEIR NAMES PROUDLY IN PURPLE AND BLUE. THE STRING SEWN ON TOP WAS PULLED AND KEPT;  THE FLOUR EMPTIED AND SPILLS WERE SWEPT. THE BAG WAS FOLDED AND STORED IN A SACK  THAT DURABLE, PRACTICAL FLOUR SACK.  THE SACK COULD BE FILLED WITH FEATHERS AND DOWN, FOR A PILLOW, OR T'WOULD MAKE A NICE SLEEPING GOWN.  IT COULD CARRY A BOOK AND BE A SCHOOL BAG, OR BECOME A MAIL SACK SLUNG OVER A NAG. IT MADE A VERY CONVENIENT PACK, THAT ADAPTABLE, COTTON FLOUR SACK.  BLEACHED AND SEWN, IT WAS DUTIFULLY WORN AS BIBS, DIAPERS, OR KERCHIEF ADORNED.  IT WAS MADE INTO SKIRTS, BLOUSES AND SLIPS. AND MOM BRAIDED RUGS FROM ONE HUNDRED STRIPS SHE MADE RUFFLED CURTAINS FOR THE HOUSE OR SHACK, FROM THAT HUMBLE BUT TREASURED FLOUR SACK!  AS A STRAINER FOR MILK OR APPLE JUICE,  TO WAVE MEN IN, IT WAS A VERY GOOD USE,  AS A SLING FOR A SPRAINED WRIST OR A BREAK,  TO HELP MOTHER ROLL UP A JELLY CAKE,  AS A WINDOW SHADE OR TO STUFF A CRACK, WE USED A STURDY, COMMON FLOUR SACK!  AS DISH TOWELS, EMBROIDERED OR NOT,  THEY COVERED UP DOUGH, HELPED PASS PANS SO HOT,  TIED UP DISHES FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED,  AND FOR MEN OUT IN THE FIELD TO SEED.  THEY DRIED DISHES FROM PAN, NOT RACK THAT ABSORBENT, HANDY FLOUR SACK!  WE POLISHED AND CLEANED STOVE AND TABLE,  SCOURED AND SCRUBBED FROM CELLAR TO GABLE,  WE DUSTED THE BUREAU AND OAK BED POST,  MADE COSTUMES FOR OCTOBER (A SCARY GHOST)  AND A PARACHUTE FOR A CAT NAMED JACK.  FROM THAT LOWLY, USEFUL OLD FLOUR SACK!  SO NOW MY FRIENDS, WHEN THEY ASK YOU AS CURIOUS YOUNGSTERS OFTEN DO,  "BEFORE PLASTIC WRAP, ELMERS GLUE  AND PAPER TOWELS, WHAT DID YOU DO?"  TELL THEM LOUDLY AND WITH PRIDE DON'T LACK,  "GRANDMOTHER HAD THAT WONDERFUL FLOUR SACK!" All these girls' dresses were made from flour sacks.

****

 

 

 

GOD BLESS AMERICA

LAND THAT I LOVE

 

        It was a wonderful all-class reunion on October 2, 2010 aboard the Midway Aircraft Carrier.  We had a delicious meal on the flight deck under the stars. MAD classmates from the class of 1937 to 1987 attended.

 

     From our 1953 class I was privileged to exchange hugs with Marilyn Nollac Spears, Jacki Jacobs Boardman, Pat Pilon Garman, Sally Eggstaff Welsh, Mel Laub, and Duane Gray.  Other classmates attending included, Jayne Fent Henke, Sue Okey Carr, and Audrey Crellin Beaty. 

 

     Earlier in the day Marilyn Nollac Spears and I took a tour of the Midway.  It has been turned into a museum and has various aircraft on the lower and flight decks.  We climbed to the bridge and felt the wonderful cool breeze off the Harbor.

 

    

        After a rest at the Sheraton Hotel, it was off to the CLASSY ALL-CLASS REUNION on the flight deck. A beautiful sunset outlined young women passing out hors d'oeuvres.  large globes provided light when the sunlight diminished. We had balmy weather so giant warming lamps were used only by a few classmates.

     

 

  To whet the pallet, Classmate Gene Cameron and spouse Fran provided compli-mentary wine from their Oregon Winery.  Each of the tables had a bottle of red and white. It was tasty with dinner.

 

The blessing was given by Fr. James Miller '48. He has a special place in his heart for my home town. Before he joined the Catholic Church he began his ecclesiastic career as pastor of the Episcopal Church in Sierra Madre.  We had a nice conversation earlier.  

 

     What wonderful choices of food we had!

 

        There were three stations including: salmon and prime rib with vegies; Italian pasta with individually saluted, hand-created mixes; and, Mexican fajitas as you like them.

There was even a replica of the "Kitten Koop" with 6" cookies, drumsticks or an ice cream sandwiches, along with candy bars.  Yum!

 

        The band played great listening and dance music while couples danced. Special entertainment was great!

 

        Fireworks lit up the sky and brought on lots of enthusiastic cheers.

 

It was an unforgettable evening.  Thanks to Jim and Vangie Regan along with the committee.

      

****

 

10-7-10 Picture from the Midway. Marilyn Nollac Spears & Kathi Phelps Henry at the Reunion weekend with their MAD Hats.