Our very own Debbie Selden Pugh is pictured in last Sunday's Seattle Times, in a story about women racing motorcycles. See https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/wa-motorcyclist-blazed-a-trail-becoming-queen-of-the-desert/
Contact information for members of the class of 1969, Franklin Pierce High School, Tacoma, Wash. Keep up with us via this blog and the class Facebook page (see https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Pierce-High-School-Class-of-1969-56533981379/).
Connie Kazda (thank you!) follows a western Washington history page on Facebook and guess what it recently featured? US! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067205563626
Cindy's daughter Stephanie has posted this to Facebook:
"It is with a heavy heart that Rick, Mike and I would like to let all of her many friends know that mom passed away peacefully Friday September 12th at 8:12pm at Good Sam Hospital. We would like to thank them for taking care of mom and our family. She was surrounded by her family and is now pain free. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was such a fighter and was braver than anyone I know. One thing mom prayed for was for our family to unite become stronger and not take any moment for granted and live life to the fullest. Rick, Mike and I would like to sincerely also thank all of you for praying for her, visiting her but most of all loving her. Mom we miss you terribly but you are at peace! We love you forever! Her Celebration of Life is Friday September 26th at Maylee Farms in Orting 12-5pm."
Got junque? The group raising funds to convert historic Parkland School into a community center needs your donations and you as a shopper for its May 30-31 rummage sale. Donations (good stuff only!) are being accepted from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays before the regular group meeting. And mark your calendar to shop the sale! P.S. Cash contributions of any size are welcomed by the group. See https://sites.google.com/view/savethehistoricparklandschool/home.
This is Linda Carlson. I received a notice from Classmates.com that Irene was trying to send me a message. Not being a paying Classmates customer, I can't read it. So Irene---and anyone else trying to reach me via Classmates---try a different method. The class of 1969 also has a Facebook page and it's easy to comment there.
Linda Cheetham, among the Parkland Grade School alumni donating to save the building, found a photo of herself and her mother in a 1954 issue of the Times Journal weekly paper. It was part of a special advertising section supporting the Parkland Round-up and included Linda's mother's store. Linda reports, "Found it [the ad] in the T/J 'extra' issue in one of the May issues leading up to the Parkland Rodeo in 1954. The shop was called The Blessed Event at 328 Garfield." If you haven't checked the archives that can be accessed via plu.edu, that's where you'll find several issues of the weekly paper serving the Parkland area in the 1940s and 1950s.
Just a few of the classmates pictured in the K-6 photos in Landmark: Parkland Grade School 1908-1982. Lots of those before and after us, too, from other graduating classes. Even some of our parents---Linda Cheetam's and Linda Carlson's among them---are shown in 1930s class photos! Last chance to place a pre-publication order. At last count, only about 30 books remain unspoken for. This is almost for sure the only compilation of Parkland School class, team and faculty photos that will ever be created.
Now, right now, get your order in for "Landmark: Parkland Grade School 1908-1982." A contribution of at least $125 will get you a copy of a 600-page history of the school, packed with class photos from the beginning of time (well, the early 1900s), including dozens from our era. You can watch your favorite teachers age----we even have Dale Storaasli's boyhood photos! For more info, see the Parkland Elementary Grade School Facebook page.
As a fundraiser for the historic Parkland School building, to create a community center and not allow demolition of the structure
, we need your help gathering old class photos for a memory book. If you or your parents or siblings attended Parkland and have class photos, please share high-quality scans of them on the Parkland FB page (in comments). Or email to lindacarlson@earthlink.net. Some photos were taken on the steps or in the auditorium; others are a compilation of the head shots. Oh, and if you can ID the kids in the photos, a HUGE thank you!
We regret to announce the death of Marlene Potter in mid-March. Please see the class Facebook page for the tribute by Holly Hartwell.
More honors for Cindy Stefani Tripp's son! She writes us, "Congratulations to my son Rick Tripp, Franklin Pierce Class of 1990. He was honored for the second year in a row as Head Coach of the Year 2023-24, basketball, 4A NPSL." See the class Facebook page for photos, too!
Sad news, classmates. Here's what Mike Stoltenberg's daughter posted about her brother on Facebook: "It is with PROFOUND sadness that I announce the passing of my amazing and most wonderful brother Seth. On Nov. 15, Seth had a sudden medical event leading to cardiac arrest while driving to his massage appointment. It is with extreme gratitude that I thank the crews at CPFR on my and my families behalf for going above and beyond for my brother this day. Seth was a volunteer firefighter with Riverside, North Puyallup, and briefly Orting Fire, who before resigning left at the rank of lieutenant. He worked at MBCH as an ER tech and EMT for Rural Metro before joining the army reserves after 911 because he wanted to serve his country. He served 8 years before exiting the military and perusing a career as a union carpenter and welder. Seth was a decorated Army veteran who served two tours, one in Iraq the other in Afghanistan."
Services are to be arranged. In the meantime, if you have contact information for Mike, I'm sure he'd appreciate a note. (This is your blogger commenting.)Cindy sends us this update: "Retired nurse of 22 years. I still live in Puyallup. I have 3, successful grown children, 7 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. I am very blessed. My health has really deteriorated as I have terminal kidney cancer. I count each day as a huge blessing. I think of our class often! It has been so many years and just seems like a dream. I pray God blesses each of you with good health and many more years. A picture of my healthier days!"
Mike Buffelen suffered a fatal heart attack shortly before Mother's Day, we learn from Mike LeDuc. He was the father of two, a daughter Michella, and a son Rich. If you have memories to share, Mike tells us that the family can be reached via Rich's email, rcbuffelen@comcast.net.
OK, this is Linda, and I am bragging! First time ever to be published in WSJ! https://www.wsj.com/articles/too-many-parking-spots-not-where-i-live-139c447c#comments_sector
The TNT has an obituary for Dick Larson, who taught biology in our time. See https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tribnet/name/richard-larson-obituary?id=37033614
Join the fight to save Parkland School! See https://sites.google.com/view/savethehistoricparklandschool/home
Ruth Olsen Peterson is among those involved in the opposition to the sale and demolition of Parkland School. Touch base with her if you can help...maybe you didn't attend Parkland, but one of your parents or siblings or cousins did. I (this is Linda Carlson) have written the Tacoma News Tribune regarding my concerns, which include the following. Use any or all of this info when you write your own letter to the county council or the TNT or Prairie Post or local radio or television stations:
Please see class FB page and Parkland School FB page for additional information from Jani Hitchen.
For alumni of Parkland School and members of the Parkland community, past and present:
Paul Skones writes to tell us of Dave Ott's death last October:
Trinity Lutheran Church's newsletter carries the information that the memorial service for Ruth Olsen Peterson's husband Jon will be Saturday, March 5 at Trinity Lutheran at 11 a.m. I (Linda Carlson) have Ruth's address if you wish to send a note or card.
Kevin Cady, our very own Buckwheat Catapillar, shares this photo of himself with Gary Isenberger----maybe they were heading to a prom?---and asks if anyone has heard from Gary in recent years. The photo is dated June 1969, but that's when the film (remember film?) was processed, not necessarily when the photo was taken.
For friends of Ruth Olsen Peterson, I am so, so sorry to share this message from Trinity Lutheran:
Dear Trinity Family,
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Jon Peterson, husband of Ruth Peterson, died suddenly last night of natural causes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and her family as they come to grips with this tragic news. May God’s peace be with them.
Many of you may recall Jim Scearce, who spent his career as an educator in the district, mostly (if not all) at Parkland School. Due to his health problems, he has been included on the Trinity Lutheran prayer list, so I checked with one of his friends in the Men's Prayer Group. He said he knew Jim, now 85, would appreciate hearing from former students, and we were given permission to publish his home address here. I (Linda Carlson) also have his phone number if you want it. (PM me.) The address: 914 121st St. S., Tacoma 98444.
Your blogger is MOVING (anyone want to buy a house in Sequim?) and cleaning out memorabilia left from way back when.
Many of us attended informal reunions at Rollie's Tavern, owned by Rolllie Moore, a 1967 grad. His graveside service is Friday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Fir Lane, with a memorial gathering scheduled for Saturday, the 6th, at the tavern. You'll have to call the tavern for that schedule. In 2010, a military base newspaper featured Rollie, who had been in business since 1976: http://www.northwestmilitary.com/news/focus/2010/01/northwest-military-fort-lewis-ranger-newspaper-mcchord-airlifter-Tyler-Hemstreet-history-tavern-Roll/
LeRoy Bell is on the cover of this season's issue of "3rd Act," a regional magazine. He's also the subject of a lengthy profile that describes both his songwriting and his performances as a musician. See https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=3rd_act_fall2021&u=3rdactmagazine.
Oct. 9, at 11a.m. at Trinity Lutheran will be the memorial service for Pastor Bob Drewes, who with Pastor Erling Thompson conducted confirmation classes for many of us. He was the father of Dennis Drewes, husband of our classmate Rebecca Wise.
Kirk Potter, having retired from The Firs in Bellingham, has made a cross-state move to a single-level (retirement living!) house in Spokane's South Hill neighborhood. For the first time since their children grew up, Kirk and Debbie are near all three and their first grandchild.
The June 6 issue of the Seattle Times has an obituary for Jim Siburg, who you will recall was in a wheelchair due to MS at our 50th:
Your blogger did a Google search for Don Torbet, to check on something she was writing another classmate, and is so, so sorry to have to report that Don died last August. More info: http://rustonhome.blogspot.com/2020/08/donald-e.html. A tribute, which includes details about Don's post-high school adventures and business successes, is at http://rustonhome.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-story-of-don.html
Don and Beth's retirement was covered by the TNT: https://www.thenewstribune.com/entertainment/restaurants/tnt-diner/article221235440.html
Rebecca Wise has created a charming film about her hens and the eggs they provide for her husband Dennis's omelets.
From the funeral home website:
Richard W. "Rick" Giroux, lifelong Tacoma resident, passed away at his home on May 5, 2021. He was 70 years old.
His parents Lucille G. Giroux and Richard W. Giroux both preceded him in death.
A PGA Golf Pro, Rick was as passionate about his students as he was about his love of golf. He was a volunteer at American Lake Veterans Golf Course coaching students as well as working on the grounds. Golfers will remember him from his time at Brookdale Golf Course, Twin Lakes, Linden, Meadow Park, Charles Wright Academy and The Classic as well. His many years of teaching are represented throughout the golfing community and he will be missed on the links.
Rick had a lifelong love of hiking, the wilderness and guitar playing with his childhood buddies. Some of his best days were spent with them.
He leaves behind a brother, Riz (Sue) Giroux, sister Jan Giroux and his nieces Sandra, Ginny and Molly and nephew Aaron as well as great nieces and nephews Katie, Zoe, Lexi, Emma, Dylan, Cody, Kindra, Mario, Reece and Olivia. The laughter he brought to the family will always be remembered and missed.
(Thanks to Steve Elske for alerting us to Rick's death.)
Your blogger is re-reading Murray Morgan's history of the south Puget Sound area, and in it, both Nicholas Delin (Dahlin when he immigrated) and the Sales family are mentioned. I sent this on to Jami Sales, who replied with more information about her family (the first James being the first white child born in Pierce County) and with an update on her life on the Big Island. Besides it being wonderful on her rural acre, she writes, "We have deep friendships and a very satisfying life here. And, to make it just more perfect, Marlene Potter Simpson and her husband Mike moved here 3 years ago and it is just wonderful to have them here, just a mile or so away." Here is the link to a presentation that Jami did a few years ago at James Sales School: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4c1u9hszjv1pg2r/AABbQmP7Y68KD51m70U7wwI_a?dl=0
The News Tribune has an obituary for a former math teacher, Twila Johnson (March 9, 1941 - October 19, 2020). It reads, "Twila graduated from Clarkston High School in 1959. She attended Eastern Washington University where she received her BA in 1963 and Washington State University where she received her MA in 1967. She taught high school math at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, WA from 1963-1997. After retiring she taught math at Pierce College from 1997-2011."
Trinity Lutheran Church's newsletter reports the death of Robert Winters, long-time school district elementary music teacher. An outdoor service is planned for Aug. 29 at the Trinity cemetery. For more information as details are finalized, contact the church.
As reported in the News Tribune:
Thomas Edward Bondo, born June 29, 1950, in Tacoma, died on July 29, 2020, in Federal Way. Tom graduated from Franklin Pierce High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pacific Lutheran University. He was a member of Central Lutheran Church in Tacoma. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Miriam Bondo. He is survived by his sister Susan Barnard of Shelton and by other family members. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and his sense of humor. No service will be held due to Coronavirus. Memorial gifts could be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
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| Collins was another of the four that consolidated for the district. From left, Mary Marsillo, Diana Worley, Carmie Marsillo, Charlotte Doyle, Dave Bailey, Jim Fieber and Colleen Fahey. |
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| James Sales alumni: from left, Jim Goddard, Kevin Cady, Brian Johnson, Sandy Archer, Dave Rogers, Doug Koss and Morry Milsten. |
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| Harvard Elementary: Rick Andersen, Paul Jackson, Mark Vetter, Ed Kroneman, Terry McLean, Pauline Isakson, Tom Fletcher, Barbara Smith, Connie Kazda, Bob Bargetl and Gary Louderback. |
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| Lois Barnes, Karen Eley and husband John, Sally Gilbertson |
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| Jim Fieber and Steve Elske |
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| Jennie Kimmel and Sharon Severeid |
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| Foreground: Phil Johnston and Sheryl Brodahl. Background: Mike Stoltenberg and Carmie Marsillo. |
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| Rose Russo and husband Jon |
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| Wendy Ward and husband, and in the background, among others, Dave Dahlin, Kevin Cady, Mark Vetter, Sandy Archer, Doug Cail and Terry McLean. |
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| Tony White and his guest Lucy |
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| Debbi Selden and her husband |
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| Marcey and Connie |
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| John Ackerman, who biked down from Port Orchard. |
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| Bob Richardson and Wendy Lunde |
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| Ruth, Morry and Ron DeVany |
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| Wendy Ward, John and Wendy's husband |
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| Alisa and Kristie |
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| Ray Parker entertaining the Cox and Bargelt wives, both 1970 |
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| Chuck Hoffman, and the Parker brothers flanking Jeff Johnson |
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| Eddie and Steve Olson flanking (help!) is this Ben Smith? |
OK, classmates, your reunion organizers need H-E-L-P! Here's a list of those members of the class of 1969 for whom we have partial or no contact information. If you know any of these people, or are "friended" with them on Facebook, please forward contact information to Linda Carlson or send this blog address to the MIA's. (It's possible that some surnames of women are inaccurate.)
Anderson, Sharon
Armstrong Herting, Janet
Atwood, Allen
Bailey, Leora
Baker, Thomas III
Barrow Smith, Alice Jean
Bartley, Charles
Beeson, Shirley
Bench, Deborah
Bowman, Garry
Brewer, Gayle
Brewer, Pamela
Caple Olsen, Gail
Carmin, Shirley
Carver, Joann
Clark, Carol
Cowan, Wanda
Davey, Garry Stanley
Davis Pierce, Barbara
Davis, Gregory C.
Dickey, Dennis
Ellsworth, Peggy
Fleschman, William
Fungate, Raymond
Funston, Karen
Gentry, Russell
Hammeken Standish, Roseanna
Harkins, Jerry
Haskett, Mike
Hawkins, Judy
Henderson, James
Hendrickson, Tim
Howel, Jerry
Howerter, Patrick
Hyman, Deborah
Iverson, Linda
Iverson, Dennis
Jenks Jordan, Cynthia
Johnson, Jeff
Johnston, Sheila
Jones, Jim
Krett, Richard
Lester Mayer, Vanetta
Marecle, Cynthia
Maring, Michael
McLean, Sandra
McMeel Engen, Carol L.
Meade, Cheryl
Murry, Kathleen
Nelson, Linda K.
Nelson, John Jr.
Ness, Randy
Nickles, Daryl
Nordgren, Judy
Phipps, Donald L.
Purdue, Karen Sue
Rhoades Todd, Kathleen
Richardson, Jim
Roush, David
Shumway Ochoa, Lynn Marie
Smith, Gary
Stephens, Cheryl
Stewart, Harold
Stroupe, Richard
Titus, Angelika
Vert, Sheila
Wall, Rebecca
Weed, Barbara
Wellan Ratcliffe, Rita Christine
Woodley, John