Anaheim Union High School Class of 1940 graduate Virginia Mae (Dinkler) Wilbur passed away on Sept. 19, 2013, in Fullerton. She was born in Anaheim on May 23, 1922, to Reinhold and Jennie Dinkler. Virginia is survived by her son, John; daughter, Susan; sister, Marian; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Oct. 1, 2013 from 9 – 10 a.m.; followed by a service at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, Fullerton.
VIRGINIA MAE (DINKLER) WILBUR -1922-2013
September 25, 2013 by
George Dena – Class of 1956
September 23, 2013 by
Class of 1956 Colonist George Dena, whose high school football career in Orange County spanned six decades, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, due to cancer. He was 75 years old.
Growing up in Anaheim, Dena was an All-Sunset League quarterback for the legendary Colonists football teams under coach Clare Van Hoorebeke. After playing on the junior college level, Dena entered the coaching ranks at the newly-founded Servite High School in Anaheim. He was an assistant on the Friars coaching staff in its first season of varsity football in 1960, as Servite went 8-2-2 and earned a share of the CIF-Southern Section Small Schools championship. For the next 11 seasons, Dena served as Servite’s head coach and earned three CIF-Southern Section playoff appearances and two Angelus League titles in 1964 and 1967.
In addition to his success on the field, he was also the originator of one of Orange County football’s most memorable traditions: the Servite Hut Drill, which has been performed by Friars players after every game ever since Dena introduced it in the early 1960s.
In 1972, he returned to his alma mater, and was an assistant on Van Hoorebeke’s final Anaheim team. He continued coaching continuously as a varsity level offensive coordinator at Anaheim (1972-1980, 1987-1988, 2000-2001), Brea Olinda (1989-1991, 1994-1999), Foothill (1981-1986), and Servite (1992-1993) before retiring from coaching in 2001. During his 42-year coaching career, Dena’s teams made the CIF-Southern Section playoffs 29 times and dozens of his offensive players earned all-league, all-county or All-CIF honors.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, and his daughters Darcie and Kelly and sons Ron, Dan and Kenny.
Long-time AHS Teacher Jo Kent – 1931-2013
August 5, 2013 by
Long-time Anaheim High instructor Jo Carolyn Woodward Kent died peacefully on July 26, 2013. She was born April 29, 1931, in Cave City, Arkansas. She received her undergraduate degree from Lyons College in English. She went on to receive a Master’s in Education from Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University. She met the love of her life, Alvis Guy Kent, in 1947.
She enjoyed a long career as an educator, teaching literature and composition at Anaheim High School for 38 years. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. Anaheim United Methodist Church, where she was a member. Her remains will be buried in a private ceremony at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier.
Jo Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Sue Kent; grandson, Gregory Kent Mitchell; sister, Mary Elizabeth Shaver; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by family, friends and the Colonist community.
KEITH BURNSIDE – 1943-2013
July 2, 2013 by
|
Black and white photo from the 1973 Fremont Junior High School Yearbook courtesy of the AHSAA
Shirley (Pannier) Eberhard – 1936-2013
June 23, 2013 by
Shirley (Pannier) Eberhard, a Class of 1953 Colonist, passed away peacefully at her home in Newport Beach on June 19. Born Shirley Louise Pannier, Feb. 7, 1936 in Anaheim, to Edna and Milton Pannier, Shirley spent her childhood helping her parents on their orange ranch and playing with her many cousins who lived nearby. When she was 6, she welcomed her brother Loren into the family. She also began playing the piano, something that would lead to a lifelong love of music.
After graduating from Anaheim High, Shirley moved to Los Angeles to attend Occidental College. She chose Oxy on the recommendation of her piano teacher and graduated in 1957 with a degree in education. The same year, she returned to Anaheim to marry Erland Eberhard, whom she had known since kindergarten.
Shirley taught 4th grade at Roosevelt Elementary in Anaheim during her first year of marriage. She gave birth to her daughter Laurie in 1958. Sons Craig, born in 1959; Jeff, born in 1961; and Brad, born in 1969 followed. While raising her children, Shirley taught piano lessons in her home. Starting at the age of 15, she played the organ and piano each Sunday for over 60 years until her retirement from Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church in 2011. She also played for hundreds of weddings and memorial services throughout Orange County. Her family kidded her that almost anywhere they would go, someone would know Shirley either from her days as a teacher or because she had played music for their wedding.
In the 1970s, Shirley returned to teaching elementary school. She continued to teach in the Anaheim City School District until her retirement in 1998. Despite being “retired” Shirley continued to play the organ on Sundays, supervise student teachers through Cal State Fullerton and play as an accompanist for voice students. Being retired also gave her more time to enjoy her garden, to travel, to attend music and stage performances and to spend time with her six grandchildren. She also donated her time and money to causes she believed in, including Habitat for Humanity and Free Wheelchair Mission. In 2009 Shirley was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This did slow her down somewhat but with surgery and other treatments she was able to lead a very full life for almost four more years; spending time with family and friends, enjoying music, movies and good food.
Shirley is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and brother, Loren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 29th at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church (190 S. Fairmont, Anaheim, CA).
Published in Orange County Register on June 23, 2013
Alumni Celebrate at Flag Day Membership Drive Party
June 15, 2013 by
The AHSAA celebrated its 2013-14 membership year with a June 14 Flag Day Party at Marie Callender’s at the Anaheim Plaza. Some 60 Colonists, ranging from the Class of 1936 through the Class of 2014, came together to support “Old AU.”
Thus far, the organization has donated approximately $60,000 to the school in scholarships and to school programs and activities. All alumni are encouraged to become active members of the AHSAA. Click here to view/print DONOR FORM 2013.
To learn more about the accomplishments of the AHSAA and the AHS Student Body during the 2012-13 membership year, please click on the following link: 2013 Membership Drive Letter. All of the successes listed are possible thanks to generous donations from Colonist graduates and the support of many local businesses and community members. Questions may be directed to anaheimalumni@yahoo.com.
Enjoy these event photos and be sure to save the dates of Oct. 4 (Homecoming) and Oct. 12 (AHSAA 3rd Annual Colony Classic Car Show) and join the fun:
-
- 2011-12 grads Jose Chacon and E.J. Saucedo with AHSAA President Jerry Woodward from Class of ’59
-
- ASB President Itzel Estrada, Secretary Vanessa Valladolid and Treasurer and AUHSD Ambassador Karen Reyes
-
- Patricia Montelongo, Cindy Brazda and Eydie Zajec
-
- Class of ’36 Jeanette Van Delden with Class of 2014 ASB officers
-
- Geri Kirk Bumpass ’58 and Dee Ann Chance Goodwin ’64 serve on the AHSAA Board of Directors
-
- AHS retired teacher Joe Carter and his wife Helen attended the Membership Drive Kick-Off Party
-
- Dave Flores ’73 and Gary Wimberly ’63 share Anaheim High memories
-
- Jeanette with Jo An Burdick Gottlieb ’51, Geri Kirk Bumpass ’58, and Bonne Van Delden Stevens ’55
-
- A crowd of 60+ alumni gathered at Marie Callender’s for a membership drive kick off party
-
- Jeanette Van Delden ’36 and her daughter Bonne Stevens ’55 enjoy evening of celebrating with fellow grads
-
- Ginny (Major) France ’62 and Melinda (Roberts) Miller ’65 were among attendees at alumni event
-
- Debbie Vidana ’75 and E. Diane Rodriguez ’77 show blue and gold spirit and Colonist gathering
-
- Toni Francis Coniglio ’62, Phil Anton ’63 and Jerry Magee were among AHSAA supporters attending annual membership drive kick-off party
-
- Ryan Ruelas is embraced by his former students Jose Chacon and E.J. Saucedo
-
- David Long ’79, a AHS Drum Major (far left) with Robin Shima Costin ’78.
-
- Mandy, an AHS cheerleader from the 1980s, shared B&G spiritwear
-
- Gary Wimberly ’63 and Jerry Woodward ’59 are AHSAA Directors
-
- Colonist ladies from Class of 2014 helped add young spirit to alumni event
-
- Honorary Colonist Al Rodriguez and his wife Estella ’56 attended with their daughter Diane from Class of ’77
-
- Joe Carter, a former AHS teacher visits with AHSAA President Jerry Woodward ’59
G. HOWARD MESSAMER – Aug. 17, 1919 – June 8, 2013
June 13, 2013 by
Galen Howard Messamer, a long-time Anaheim High woodshop teacher, passed away June 8, 2013, at his home in Long Beach. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 14, at Hilgenfeld Mortuary in Anaheim.
Age 93 at the time of his death, Messamer was born Aug. 17, 1919, in Chicago to Orlo and Margaret Messamer. He was the youngest of their seven children.
Howard grew up in Adel, Iowa. After graduating high school, Howard headed west with $5 in his pocket. He worked as a ranch hand, pulling from his years of experience being raised on a farm, while simultaneously putting himself through school. He attended UCLA, where he received a bachelor’s in teaching and went on to CSU Long Beach for his masters.
Howard met Alice Gallagher on the tennis courts of Santa Monica and soon married her in 1943 in Long Beach. They were happily married for 63 years. Their home was a destination for family events and holidays, and all were welcome.
Howard signed up for the Naval Reserve V-7 program in 1942, commonly referenced by him as “the 90 day wonders.” The Navy was a huge part of his life and he felt strongly that “anyone who could be of use should answer the call.” He lived every aspect of his life that way-with a generous, loving heart and service to others- his family, friends and country.
He taught industrial arts, woodshop, mathematics, machine shop and drafting in at Anaheim High and in Redlands for more than 37 years. He was at AHS for more than three decades.
In his free time he enjoyed discovering the many wonders of the USA through weeks of camping, yearly passes to Disneyland to watch the parades with his grandkids or dance to the big band music with Alice. And let’s not forget all those nights of playing cards with his close group of long-time friends.
Howard is survived by his daughters Janet Ferguson (Dale) and Bonnie Womer (Jim), six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at Hilgenfeld Mortuary, 120 E. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805, at 12:30pm, Friday, June 14, 2013. A visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:30-12:30. Burial will follow the funeral at Fairhaven Cemetery, 1702 E Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705. A reception will follow, at the home of his daughter, Jan Ferguson, at 4827 E Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814.
Published in Orange County Register on June 13, 2013
JOE NAKASHIMA – CLASS OF ’42 COLONIST
May 27, 2013 by
Anaheim Union High School Class of 1942 graduate Joe Nakashima passed away May 23 at age 88. An actor who appeared in movies and TV, including “50 First Dates,” Joe was a regular attendee of the Anaheim Alumni Breakfast and will be greatly missed by his classmates.
Jo proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, joining after he and his family were detained at a temporary processing center located in the Santa Anita Race Track for approximately five months. His family was then sent off by train to a “War Relocation Center” located in Rohwe, Arkansas.
While in camp, Joe desperately wanted to serve his country and after passing rigorous testing with flying colors, Joe served in the European Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946.
A Gardena resident, Joe also attended Horace Mann Elementary School and Fremont Junior High.
Services will be held June 5, 11 a.m., at Green Hill Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes.
1980’s BAND & COLOR GUARD ALUMNI REUNITE, RAISE FUNDS
April 14, 2013 by
Members of the AHS Band and Color Guard from the class years of 1980-1985 gathered recently for a reunion that not only included an evening of sharing memories, but also raised $4435 for today’s Colony musicians.
Attendees, including Zig Kanstul, the band director from 1980-1985, shared memories of the hundreds of hours of practicing and performing in parades, half-time shows and numerous competitions, between bidding for silent auction items and purchasing tickets for the opportunity drawing to raise funds for Anaheim High’s Colonial Regiment.
The planning committee was headed by Dan Barragan. He is working to bring AHS Band, Color Guard and Drill Team members from all class years together to support current students in the AHS band program. He can be reached through “The Anaheim High School Band & Color Guard/Drill Team Alumni Group” on Facebook or via mrdano32@sbcglobal.net.
-
- Rick Garvey and Dan Barragan, ’80s AHS band alumni, present check for $4435 to current Colonist musicians.
-
- Faith Sadler Chocran ’80 was the winner of a door prize donated by a ’62 Drill Team member Jacqueline (Mills) Nolan.
-
- Joyce Pease and Teri Little.
-
- Color Guard alum pose for photo.
-
- Happy times had by all at ’80-’85 AHS Band and Color Guard Reunion.
-
- Zig underwent the traditional tie cutting ceremony.
-
- Breysi Garcia, today’s band director and an AHS graduate, thanks attendees for their support of today’s Colonists.
-
- Zig Kanstul shares an emotional moment with his former students.
-
- Zig Kanstul speaks to his former AHS students.
-
- Photos found in band room provided a blast from the past for ’80s alumni.
-
- Memories shared!
-
- The slide show provided a blast from the past.
-
- Teacher and students from 1980s.
-
- Today’s band director Breysi Garcia ’90 and 1980s director Zig Kanstul at Eighties AHS Band Reunion.
-
- Dalene Miranda-Fulk in person and in 1980s photo.
-
- Valarie Miranda Lopez and Teri Little.
-
- Lots of laughs and Colonist memories shared at ’80s band reunion.
-
- Joyce with more blue and gold spiritwear.
-
- Color Guard Captain Joyce Pease
-
- Joyce Pease in her Color Guard jacket.
-
- Committee Chairman Dan Barragan – Class of 1980.
-
- Mr. and Mrs. Zig Kanstul. Zig was the band director from ’80-’85.
-
- Darlene Miranda-Fulk and Teri Little at AHS Band and Color Guard Reunion.
-
- Twenty-plus years later!
-
- Reunion attendees enjoyed evening of Colonist commardery.
-
- Mama Cozza’s was the site of Colonist reunion.
-
- Memories shared by ’80s alumni.
-
- Band and color guard alumni gather for fundraising reunion.
-
- Rick Garvey and other reunion attendees.
-
- The girls are back!
-
- Colonist Band and Color Guard Celebration raises funds for today’s Colonial Regiment.
-
- Classmates from ’80-’85 band and color guard reconnect at reunion.
-
- AHS band and color guard students were top performers.
-
- 1980-85 bands were led by Zig Kanstul.
-
- Memories of trip to Hawaii was among reunioin highlights
-
- Blue and gold band spirit was displayed at the reunion, along with numerous awards and trophies.
-
- Band spirit wear from the 1980s
-
- Band alumni from 1980-85 gathered recently for a reunion to reconnect and help current Colonist musicians.
AHS ‘ 59 GRADUATE LEAVES LEGACY AS LIFE-LONG ENTERTAINER
March 9, 2013 by
Anaheim 
High School Class of ’59 graduate Rudy Pena, professionally known as Rudy de la Mor, passed away March 5, 2013, at age 73. Rudy enjoyed a colorful and exciting life as a professional entertainer.
A classically trained pianist, de la Mor was a child prodigy who, as a teenager, performed with the Orange County Symphony Orchestra and the Denver Symphony Orchestra. He later performed at Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland.
Rudy was discovered by the late vaudeville, film and television star, Jimmy Durante. As Durante’s protégé, de la Mor became close friends with a number of stars of the era, such as Martha Raye, Alice Faye, Christine Jorgenson and others.
It was Martha Raye who was the impetus for the outrageous hats and sequined attire that became his trademark. After catching one of de la Mor’s early sets as a cabaret performer, she suggested that he focus on the comedic aspects of his act.
“What’s more, she suggested that I wear some of the curtains my mother might have had and change hats all night long,” de la Mor reported on his website.
He was known for his interaction with his audience and had the phenomenal ability to remember the name of everybody in the room in which he was performing. He became a Chicago (and worldwide) cabaret favorite and played to packed houses at the Gentry in Chicago for more than 20 years, as well as locations throughout Southern California.
On Feb. 5, he posted on his official Facebook page, “To all my dear friends: Thank you all so much for your kindness and support as I slowly recover from my illness. Your thoughts and prayers have given me strength and encouragement. I shall see you soon!! Woooosh! Love Rudy.”
He is survived by his sister Aurora “Penny” Pena Lucio, AUHS class of 1952.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 17, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim.
To view a video on Rudy’s life, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPOzgMsbtsI
For a video of Rudy’s performing, click on the following link:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=rudy+de+la+mor&mid=5DB221170FDF8A3406E65DB221170FDF8A3406E6&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1
