Embedded Files
Watsonville High School
Class Of 1957 Newsletter-"HIGH TIMES"
1999 Winter Original written and edited by Betty Bjur
VOL.9 E-editions by John Higaki
Can't believe we are ending another year & will be soon celebrating the year 2000!!!
Don Armstrong writes:
I attended Wats, schools K-10th. During the summer between 10-11th, my mother left
my father & we moved to No. Cal where she had relatives. When school resumed in
Wats., I was working in a shoe factory in Healdsburg to help make ends meet. We
couldn't return to Wats. & I to school. We returned to Wats, one year later. I tried to reenroll
in WHS, but I was 18 & the school wasn't very cooperative. I joined the Navy.
Following 4 years in the Navy where I completed my high school requirements, I
moved to San Jose. After receiving an AA degree from San Jose CC, I began a career
in sales & later sales management. I joined my current company, DialAmerica
Marketing, in 1971. Following 6 corporate moves all over the US, Phoenix became our
permanent home in 1986. My job responsibilities are to evaluate new business
opportunities/relationships & marketing strategies. This involves traveling about 30-
40% of the time in the US, Canada & Mexico. Since I enjoy my work so much,
retirement is several years away. Peggy, my wife & I have 4 children & 4
grandchildren. I enjoy golf & play at every opportunity. Through the years I have kept in
contact with Don & Evonne Baldwin Sebring, Frank & Audrey McCombs & Noel &
Mary Jane Fuller. I spoke with Tom McGee recently, we served in the Navy together.
We plan to get together the next time I visit San Diego, where he lives. I look forward to
the next Newsletter.
Effie Pritchard Gandy's new address is: 1024 Breton Fairfield, CA. 94533.
Mary Lee Colaw writes: I started school at Mintie White, went all through school
with the same classmates, & although I did not join in the graduation ceremony due to
my family moving away, I always felt like a member of the WHS, Class of '57. I live in
San Luis Obispo with my husband Ralph. We have 4 children. I am recovering well
from a stroke five years ago. I earned my Associate Degrees in Accounting & Business
Administration. I am a life member of Delta Theta Chi. Bobbie Smith sent the last
Newsletter to me where I read about Dr. Ruth Frary. She was the doctor that delivered
me. I remembered many of the names in the Newsletter.
Dick Hardy's son Rick was married July 31 to Carrie Arthur. Rick is a teacher at
Redwood Christian School.
Betsy Wong traveled to Europe in June, visiting London & Paris. Saw all the sights
that she has read about for years. She is still teaching but will probably wind down
soon.
Ed & Adrienne Fagalde went to the Plumas County fair. Just as they were getting
out of their car, they saw Bob Dieterich & his wife Jamie. They went to their house "
for lunch & Bob showed them his 60 acre ranch. Bob's home is on the side of their
pasture & pine forest. So gorgeous.. Later in the week, Grant Wrathall flew up for
the weekend. Bob & Jamie fixed a great BBQ for them.
Clarice Giberson's daughter Gina & her husband, Sean Kennedy have moved to
Rome, Italy. Sean will be the UN project director of International Fund for Agricultural
Development. They are on a two year assignnment. Gina's goal is to learn Italian.
Russ Bonnema's brother, Glenn died May 5th of lung cancer. Glenn was in the
class of '52. He leaves his wife Julie; four children, Sandy, Sherri, Jerry & Ron; & many
grandchildren.
Sharon Trafton's mother, LaVerne Campbell Trafton died July 16. She was 85
years old. Mrs. Trafton was raised in Watsonville. The Traftons are an old Pioneering
Family here in Watsonville. She leaves her daughter & son-in-law, Sharon & Kim
Kliewer, granddaughter, Tammera; grandson Kraig; three great granddaughters,
Sarah, Austen & Elli. Mrs. Trafton was preceded in death by her husband, Charles
Edmond Trafton.
Adrienne Marmo's mother, Nellie Marmo a resident of Watsonville since 1929,
died at her home Sept. 19. She was 99. Mrs. Marmo belonged to the Watsonville
Women's Club & the local quilting club. She was preceded in death by her husband,
John Marmo, Sr., in 1966. She is survived by son, John Marmo, Jr.; daughters,
Giovanna, Gloria & Adrienne & many grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
Wayne Clough, a native & lifelong resident of Watsonville, died at his home from
ALS. He was 56. Wayne was a graduate of WHS & worked many years at Heights
Market & Fairway Market. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; two daughters & a son.
Richard Herrera died July 29. He was 60. Mr. Herrera was born in Watsonville &
graduated from WHS. He leaves his wife; two daughters; three brothers, Angel, Frank
& Manuel; one sister, Marie.
Carole Hiatt was named Woman of the Year by her sorority, XI ESPILON Chapter.
Carole has been a member for 40 years. The Chapter is active in Charities; Hospice,
Salvation Army & Women's Crisis Center. After Carole's retirement, she took golf
lessons, computer & photograghy classes at Cabrillo.
Jim Clark & his wife Carolyn (Dempsey), class of '59 are grandparents again.
Nathan Scott Clark was born June 30 to their son Tom & his wife Deirdre. Jim &
Carolyn make their home in Aromas.
Marilyn Bogisich celebrated 40 years of marriage to Ed Furtado. They make their
home in Dunwoody, Georgia. They have three children. Marilyn writes: Our long
awaited 40th anniversary trip finally arrived. Victoria & Vancouver were more than we
expected. Tea at the Empress was a special treat. First stop after we got on the ship
was Ketchikan, we were met at the pier by Peggy O'Farrell & her husband Glen. We
instantly recognized each other. The tour they gave us of Ketchikan was wonderful.
The halibut croissant sandwiches & fresh shrimp Peggy served in their lovely home
was the best ever. On the ship, they serenaded us with the Hawaiian Wedding Song.
Mt. McKinley was fantastic. They say it only comes out from cloud cover every 8 days
but it was out the 3 days we were there. A wonderful trip.
Nancy Wynne & her husband, Bob hit the vacation trail for a month leaving Sept. 13.
They visited Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin & Colorado and
visited many college friends that have stayed in close contact for some 30+ years who
all have one common bond, teaching!! They took a River Road trip up the Mississippi
to view the Fall colors & visit Bob's boyhood town of LaCrosse. They are now back
home enjoying their grandchildren & doing a little substitute work.
'Need a great Christmas gift? Helen Fowle is producing & marketing "Lady Bags" a
very handy garden apron in a variety of fabrice, selling for $25.69. Contact her @530-
346-2343 or FAX 530-346-7304 or e-mail, martooni@gv.net
Peggy O'Farrell & her husband had a great trip & put 9000 miles on their truck.
They visited family & friends, starting in Prince Rupert, BC Sept. 5th going south to
Watsonville, then east as far as Illinois & then north to Edmonton, Alberta, heading
back home, Oct. 29th. In Watsonville they visited with Jeannine Hubbard & her
parents, Jean Pogue & went to the Santa Cruz Fair. The corn on the cob was as good
as ever. Peggy loves retirement, no more Mondays & dead lines.
Jane Sullivan's husband, Ross Cobb died of cancer July 31st. He battled cancer
for 13 courageous years. Jane & Ross were married for 37 wonderful years. "He was
the bravest person I've ever known & he faced death with such peace & grace." Ross
had made plans for their family to be in Hawaii for Jane's 60th birthday in Oct. so the
whole family went, 2 daughters & 5 grandchildren & spent 10 days in Kauai. It was a
bitter-sweet trip but they felt Ross with them.
Ed Fagalde & Marvin Byers were seen recently at the Social Security office,
wonder why??????
Carolyn Jensen writes that her son, Kit is finishing his Masters Degree in St. Peters
burg, Russia. He has published articles in Russian journals that have brought him job
offers that will finance his Ph.d. Carolyn is heading toward the end of her career as an
Occupational Therapist. She & her husband enjoy growing roses, are busy & happy
with their lives.
GEISER FIELD
Nov. 10, 1961, WHS dedicated their football field to one of the greatest coaches Santa
Cruz County has ever seen, Mr. Emmett Geiser. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, Mr.
Geiser began his reign as Head Football Coach in 1930. For the next 25 years, Coach
Geiser guided his Wildcatz & established that hard work, execution & the willingness
to prepare would be the difference in his program. As a tribute to Coach Geiser, a
tradition was established by the coaching staff at WHS that each player, upon entering
Geiser Field, would touch the engraved monument, located at the north end of the
football field, as a reminder that hard work, execution & preparation is the standard for
WHS Wildcatz football. Alumni Night, Oct 9, was held in honor of the former WHS
Varsity Head Coaches. The following coaches were saluted at half time:
1956-67-Gene Johnson
1968-72-Ron Gallino
1973-75-Gerald Strong
1976-83-Jerry Walters
1984-90-Ron Myers
1991-95-Mike Spitzer
1996-98-Dave Bunton
1999-"-Norm Brown
Also, honored that evening was Edna Peterson, Class of 1919.
Now, you can add Betty Sue's son, Greg Bjur to the list of WHS varsity football
head coaches. Norm Brown was fired in the middle of the season due to abusive
language & behavior towards the team. Greg is a WHS graduate. He received his BA
at Westmont College & teaches PE at E.A. Hall School. Greg has four children. Last
year, he coached the frosh team to a championship & they have won all of their games
this year as JV's. Next year looks like it will be a good season. He is very excited
about his new position & the team & parents are very supportive. Go Wildcatz!
Lots of news came my way about the Big 60 Birthday Parties!!!
Adrienne Marmo, our Little Miss Firecracker, born on July 4 in the USA, celebrated
her big day with 55 friends & family at a Pool Party with a catered BBQ. WHS friends
included Grant Wrathall, Carolyn Pettus, Betty Sue & Adrienne's husband Ed. Her gift
from Ed was a 3 week vacation to the Southwest.
On July 24, Grant Wrathall was given a surprize party by his friend, Barbara. He
was picked up at his home & blind-folded & taken to the Watsonville Airport where they
celebrated his BIG 60. WHS friends attending were Ed & Adrienne, Don Beukers &
Jack Marceron. Grant also retired the same day as a pilot with United Airlines, based
in Alaska. He is presently building a home in Aptos.
Norma Williamson turned 60 on Aug 8th. She & her husband celebrated the big
event with a trip to Isreal & Greece. Norma, retired in 1995 as a clerk for 23 years at
Luckys. She started working at the age of 32 after her husband was in an accident at
Crosettis.He was hospitalized for 90 days. Norma has two children, P.J. & Mamie & 2
granddaughters. P.J. has taken over the family business "Lincoln Street Radiator &
Muffler."
We heard by the grapevine that even Don Beukers couldn't escape the BIG 60.
Sept. 2 was the day for him to enjoy his party at his home in San Jose with friends &
family. Longtime friend, Grant Wrathall was included in the celebration.
Carolyn Pettus, her husband, Adrienne & Ed joined Betty Sue & her husband at
their home in Klamath Falls, OR for four days of birthday fun.The highlight was dinner
at Rocky Point.A beautiful, rustic restaurant on Klamath Lake. Rocky Point was
featured in the Sept. issue of Sunset magazine.
Sylvia Armstong had 3 separate celebrations. She flew to Lake Almanor for dinner
with Ed & Adrienne, came back to Watsonville the next day & had lunch with Betty
Sue & Adrienne on her birthdate, Sept. 24, & had dinner with her family that evening.
Frank Harris & his wife Carol had a Mexican Fiesta at DeLaveaga, Oct. 16. They
both turned 60 this year. I won't say who is younger....Enjoying the great food &
dancing along with many of their friends & relatives where WHS friends, Betty Sue &
Tom Molina.
The same evening, Oct. 16, Clarice Giberson had a lovely dinner party in her newly
remodled home in Watsonville. Clarice was actually born on Oct. 17 & turned 50 on
the day of the Big Earthquake! WHS friends included, Charlene Corrigan, Betty Sue
Sharon Trafton, Sally England, Bud & Kathy Mann & Sylvia Armstrong.
Going into her birthday yelling & screaming was Betty Sue on Oct. 19th. Twenty of
her friends & relatives spent 3 days in Las Vegas. After dinner at the Stratosphere,
1100 ft high, the only thing left to do was ride the roller coaster that was 2 flights up
from the restaurant, 1500 ft. high. It was great fun. Everyone went to see the Smothers
Brothers & a ride on the gondola at the Venetian Hotel. WHS friends who helped
celebrate were Sally England, Adrienne & Ed, Les & Joyce Roth, Marilyn Morgan, Pat
Hewett & Carolyn Pettus.
The two Kens, Blanton & Dobler celebrated their birthdays together on Nov. 20
with a Mexican Fiesta. Seen at the party by my hired spy were, Bill Perez, Ray Harris,
Jerry Summers,Boyd Youmans, Phil Sousa, Bob Ronsse, Tom Molina, Mike O'Connell
Ray Hermosillo, Virginia Powers, Jane Sullivan & Bud & Kathy Mann.
SPOTLIGHT ON
KEN BLANTON & LELAND SMITH & Ken Gray
Ken Blanton & his wife, Sandra (Davis), class of '59 are the legal guardians of two
of their grandchildren, Joshua, 10 & Zantz, 5. The boys attend Green Valley Christian
School in Watsonville. Joshua is a great baseball player, making the All-Stars this
year. He is also involved in soccer & plays the guitar & has found a new interest, sing
ing solos at Corralitos Community Church. Zantz loves to swim. All of these activites
keep Ken & Sandra quite busy, chauffering the boys around town. After graduation
from WHS, Ken attended Hartnell & played football & baseball. Ken & Sandra were
married in 1960. They moved to San Luis Obispo for one year where Ken worked as a
carpenter. They moved back to Watsonville & Ken went to work for his father-in-law at
Davis Auto Parts. Ken now owns the business. They have two children, Kenny, Jr. &
Michele & four grandsons, Joshua, Zantz, Michael & Marshall. Ken built their'beautiful
home on Browns Valley Rd in 1979. He enjoys golfing while Sandra pursues her
talent as an artist.
Leland Smith, Dr. Smith that is, has been a podiatrist for 23 years in San Mateo. He
recently invented his own plastic, moldable shoe insert that realigns the foot. The mold
is so pliable it can be adjusted by dropping it into a pot of hot water. The beauty of this
is that you can go in for an examination & instantly start using the orthotic. Leland is
currently negotiating with a corporate giant that would take over his company & give
sales a big kick with its worldwide sales force. The shoe insert is called MSB (Multi
Balance System). Leland received his BA in Psychology at the University of California,
Berkeley; Master. Degree in Education Administration at San Francisco State; and
doctorate in podiatric medicine from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in
San Francisco. Leland & his wife, Helene have been married 32 years. They have two
children, Sherrie & David.
Ken Gray serves as the Monterey Bay Region Area Coordinator for Make A Wish
Foundation. Sylvia Armstrong serves as secretary. Children, ages 3-18 with life
threatening illness or terminal illness are interviewed by two volunteers & given the
opportunity to "Make A Wish" for something they would enjoy seeing or doing. Ken
was introduced to this organization through his business, Gray's Stationary Store, 15
years ago. Ken & his wife Barbara, donated bouquets of balloons to the "wish team"
that was taken to the children' home along with small gifts for the interview. Ken states
that the children are the real heros. He is so inspired by them & gets so much in return.
Ken & Barbara (Unruh) , Moro, Class of 1960 were married in 1961 in the old St.
Patricks Church. They have three boys, Russ, Jeff & Matthew & two grandchildren.
Russ & his wife & children & Matthew live in Rockford, Illinois. Jeff lives in San
Francisco & was an exchange student with AFS to Portgual while at Aptos High. He
speaks 3 foreign languages & travels the world for his company. Ken works as a
Controller for Anderson Behel Company in Santa Clara. He is past president of
Christians In Commerce, now serving as treasurer for the Santa Cruz County Chapter.
The organization is active in our community giving help to the poor & needy &
challenging men to live their faith.
Kathy Crossno's son, Jake had Kathy's entire family over to his cottage in Davis for
dinner to celebrate Kathy's BIG 60. After dinner, Bud & Kathy went to a Bed & Break
fast Inn in Sonoma. Kathy loves being with her family so this was a very special day.
Diane Robey & Robert Niebling (class of 1949) left July 1st for Helinski, Finland to
attend the Soroptimist International Convention. There were over 1800 Soroptimist
from 71 countries in attendance. Other cities they visited were Terko, Rovaniemi,
where they got their Artie Circle Certificates, Tallin, Estonia & Tromso, Norway (Little
Paris of the North). In Sept.D/ane was appointed to the Board of the Watsonville High
School Foundation, which selects the members of the Hall of Fame each year & desinates
where all alumni donations are spent.
Neal Holbrook & his family are back in Thailand after spending several months in
Palm Springs. An update on Neal's health, he is still battling Lou Gehrigs disease. It
is now affecting his breathing & speech. He celebrated his BIG 60 in October here in
Watsonville.
James Pio, Class of '52 died Nov. 27. Jim grew up in Corralitos & attended local
schools. He served in the Korean War & was awarded many medals. He is survived by
his daughter Tammy, his sister Patricia & brother, Ed.
Y2K, here we come, ready or not!!!!
Betty Sue Henry Bjur
190 Bjur Dr.
Watsonville, CA. 95076
e-mail: GTObjur@aol.com
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