Encina High School Class of 1966 homepage

40 Year Reunion

Date: Saturday, September 16, 2006
Place: Swallows Nest Clubhouse in Sacramento
Time: 5pm The 40-year reunion of the Class of 1966 will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2006, at Swallows Nest Clubhouse in Sacramento. (This is the same great location as our last reunion!) Dress is casual.

The event begins at 5:00 p.m. with a no-host bar and light appetizers. Bob Rhodes will have many class photographs from our elementary schools on display, and there will be plenty of opportunity for chatting. Be there by 6:15, when we prepare for our group photograph!

The early bird price is $30 for those who register by September 5. The price includes buffet dinner and group photograph. For a registration packet with maps, lodging information, and complete details, please send your mailing address to registrar Elayne Roberts Anderson at [email protected]

Available this year will be a photograph package for $20 that includes the group photograph, your personal photograph, and the reunion photo directory. If you can't make it to the reunion, this would help you keep in touch with classmates!

If you were a close friend of a classmate who died, we would appeciate hearing from you. We are collecting remembrances that provide a more complete picture of our classmates than just the formal death notice. Please contact Kathy Cooper at [email protected]

We are looking forward to seeing you in September!

Kathy Cooper '66 and the Reunion Planning Committee

Dawn Marie Lauppe Panton
Dawn Marie Lauppe Panton died on Sunday the 16th of July with her husband and two sons by her side. Dawn was born on November 26, 1948 in Sacramento to her loving parents, Lorris and Margaret (Bell) Lauppe. She grew up in Sacramento and was a graduate of Encina High School. She attended UC Davis, where she met her husband Peter Panton, and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1970. She treasured the friends and family in her life and was known for her incredibly thoughtful and giving nature. She was an active volunteer with the Sacramento Children's Home Guild for many years, a Cub Scout Den Leader, and a member of the PTA. More than any hobby or pastime, she sincerely cared about helping others. Dawn will be dearly missed. She is survived by Peter Panton, her husband of 46 years; her son Scott Panton, his wife Kyrie, and their two children; her son Tim Panton, his wife Amanda, and their two children; and her brother Daryl Lauppe, and his wife Mary. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Donations in her memory can be sent to the Sacramento Children's Home or the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on July 21, 2017

Penny Bishop wrote:
Occupation: Registered Nurse , retired 2015
MaritalStatus: Divorced
Spouse: Greg Michael Soderlund
Children/grandchildren: Larry  Soderlund born 1973, Anna Soderlund Johns born 1979
Hobbies: piano playing , swimming grandma activities.
Kids: Wonderful daughter and son  graduated from rival school in Sacramento , El Camino High.  
GradeSchool: Cottage school
MiddleSchool: Jonas Salk
MemorableTeachers: So many -Mr. Day, Mr. Psiahas, Mr. Figenshu, Mr. Farmer, Mr Carey, Mr. Sander, Mr. Will Stephens, Ms. Saladen, Ms Prindle, Ms.Wilson - they were enthusiastic in their subjects, demonstrated interest and  high standards in their daily teachings. 
Siblings: ,brother Bill Bishop - 1951, and brother Jeff Bishop 1955
9/11/17

Charles “Chuck” Meyers passed away March 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Chuck was born June 6, 1947 in Stockton, Calif.  His family moved to Sacramento when he was very young.  He graduated from Encina High School in 1966.  At Encina he was active in photography for the school.  After graduation he enlisted in the US Army for Military Police training.  Chuck did two tours in Viet Nam and was a POW for 9 months.  He spent 18+ years in service to his country.  He always wanted to live in Las Vegas and moved there after he got out of the Army.  He did security work at hotels and also provided personal body guard service to many celebrities when they were in town.  Later he ran his own business.  Chuck was very active in the local theater and arts groups, doing photography for them and helping in production.
Chuck is survived by his wife Lee and daughter Ami (husband Alan), all in Las Vegas, and his daughter Tina and granddaughters Rachael and Sidney, all in Georgia.
Chuck was bigger than life in his love for people.  He freely shared his time, his stories and his genuine self with everyone he met.  Chuck always had an encouraging word to say or a big hug to give.  He loved life and left us way too soon. Ardis Duensing Riley '66.

Ellen Kristine Bussell VALENTINE

Steven Edward Syftestad (1948-2016)

Steven Edward Syftestad passed away at his home in Citrus Heights on Monday, August 22, 2016. Steven had been in failing health for the past eight months, suffering from mobility issues and the early stages of dementia and the effects of agent orange exposure during the Vietnam War. He was 68 born in Sacramento on June 6, 1948 to Gene and Joyce Syftestad of Roseville. His parents still reside there. He is survived by his partner, friend, and spouse of 32 years, Gary Lenhart, also of Citrus Heights, who were legally married on July 31, 2013. Surviving children are: Colin Syftestad, Lincoln, CA; Whitney (Syftestad) Wilson of Lincoln, CA; Taylor Syftestad of Lincoln, CA, Mindy Lenhart of Houston, TX; Josh Lenhart of Idylwild, CA; and Kip Lenhart of Pine Cove, CA. Seven grandchildren to include: Maggie Lenhart of Carmichael, CA; Chase Wilson, Gannen Syftestad, Gavin Baird, all of Lincoln; Cayden Syftestad Gray of Bay City, OR, and Carter and Callie Gray of Bay City. And one brother, Mark Syftestad (Carmen) of Citrus Heights. Several nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles in the area survive. He was preceded in death my one daughter, Kelly Lenhart, who passed away on August 9, 2010 in Port Hueneme, CA. He graduated from Encina High School in Sacramento, a graduate of Sacramento State with achieving his undergraduate and Masters Degree in five years. Got his Doctorate in Law from McGeorge School of Law on May 31, 1975, after which was a licensed and qualified attorney having passed the California State Bar on December 15, 1975. Steven enlisted in the military on February 15, 1969 in the army and achieved the rank of Captain during his tenure service to his country. Service to his country was one of the most cherished and honorable efforts in his life. During his working career, he held positions in several law firms in the Sacramento region and lastly worked for the Dept. of Defense just prior to his retiring in January of 2011. Cremation was performed by Simple Traditions in Carmichael, CA. There will be a private memorial and celebration of his life by invitation only on September 18, 2016 to be held at the family residence in Citrus Heights. Burial will be in the family plot at the Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling, IL, at a later date. A memorial gift in Steven's name is being made to the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to recognize Steven's life and his passing may send monetary contributions for the benefit of this memorial to Gary Lenhart, PO Box 970, Citrus Heights, CA 95611.

Larry A. Vickers (1948-2015)
Born June 7, 1948, in Sacramento at Mercy Hospital. Passed away unexpectedly December 26, 2015, in Fairfax, CA, due to injuries from a fall. Larry enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1966 and was honorably discharged as an E-5 Sergeant in August 1968. Larry belonged to the Seafarers International Union for many years, sailing as Chief Steward. He was survived by his mother Elsie Mrvos, twin brother Jerry (Ruthanne) Vickers, and sister Sandee (Jeff) Mountain. Services will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, on March 2, 2016, at 11 AM. [Sacramento Bee, Feb. 13, 2016]

Gregory Kent Zeka
My brother Greg passed away in his sleep on March 15, 2013. He had moved backed to California from Utah upon his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his daughter Julie and her family, and his son Michael and his daughter. Timothy Zeka 67

Allan J. Coppock died suddenly on his beloved sailboat, “Mirage,” on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in the British Virgin Islands.

He was born in Canada on Feb. 26, 1948, and spent his early years on a cattle ranch outside Calgary, Alberta, with his parents, Gertrude and Kenneth Coppock, and his sister, Carolyn. There they attended the Indian reservation school located on the ranch.

After moving to California with his family, Allan became devoted to sailing, spending much time on the San Francisco Bay and out to Hawaii. His love of sailing continued all his life, whether racing on Lake Champlain or cruising in the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines.

Allan attended the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School, rowing for Penn during most of his time there. While at Penn, he spent winter weekends in Stowe, working at the Round Hearth.

He eventually moved to Stowe, becoming a member of the famous Black Knights (otherwise known as the ski patrol) and serving as the first male “waitress” at The Shed Restaurant. He was involved in a number of businesses in Stowe, and after volunteering and working at the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club, started a sports timing business, Precision Sports Timing.

During the past 12 years, he and his wife, Kitty, spent several months each year sailing in the British Virgin Islands, where they had many dear and caring friends. They also enjoyed years of traveling to Africa, India, Nepal and Bhutan, as well as many other countries.

Allan served on the Stowe Development Review Board for 20 years and was on the Copley Hospital Foundation, Helen Day Art Center, and Axa Insurance boards.

Survivors include his devastated wife, Kitty Lutz Coppock; his sister, Carolyn Coppock Relyea, and her children, Alicia Relyea-Swinney, Jenna Shephardson, Jessica Relyea, Kenna Bostic, and Justin Relyea, all of Texas; his brother-in-law, John Sammel Lutz, his wife, Pamela, and their sons, Walker, Athey and his wife, Maggie, and Jacob; and his sister-in-law, Betty Lutz, all of Parkersburg, W.V.; and a cousin, Marilyn Cintel, and her husband, George, of San Mateo, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Allan’s memory may be made to North Country Animal League, 16 Mountain View Meadow Road, Morrisville, VT 05661, or the Stowe Land Trust, P.O. Box 284, Stowe, VT 05672.

There will be a memorial gathering in Stowe at a later date.

BERNIE SLAUGHTER
Motorcycle Rider Dies
Bernard D. Slaughter, 17-year-old Encina High School junior, was injured fatally late Wednesday night when his motorcycle slammed into a stalled car at an intersection at about 70 to 80 miles per hour, according to the coroner’s deputies. Slaughter, son of Katherine E. Slaughter of 2225 Shaw Street in Carmichael, was reportedly thrown 40 feet when his cycle hit the stalled car of Wesley Young, 35, of Carmichael. Slaughter died in Sacramento Hospital five hours after the accident.  [Published in the Sacramento Union, Friday, June 11, 1965]
1/7/11

MICHAEL T. SCHIRLE
Girl, Youth Die in Separate Auto Mishaps [extract]
A 16-year-old Encina High School student and a 21-year-old San Francisco girl were dead Saturday as the result of two separate traffic accidents in Sacramento and Placer counties. They are Michael T. Schirle, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Schirle, 1404 Hesket Way, and Judith Lee Stelling, 21, San Francisco. Schirle, passenger in a 1938 car driven by Gary Dean Nibbelink, 16, of 3333 Holly Drive, was killed when the door on the passenger side of Nibbelink’s car flew open and he fell out. He was run over by a car driven by Louis R. Greene, 16, of 2111 Trimble Way. The mishap occurred at 12:20 AM at the intersection of Adams Road and Watt Avenue. Nibbelink, northbound on Watt Avenue, was turning left onto Adams when the door opened. Schirle was dead at the scene. Rosary will be said at 8 PM today in Lombard’s, with funeral services to be held at 9:30 AM Monday. Mass will be said at 10 AM at St. Ignatius Church. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Schirle was the brother of Ann, Thomas, Paula, and Brian Schirle.  [Published in the Sacramento Union, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1963]

ALFRED McMILLAN
Man Dies in Crash
A 38-year-old Sacramento man was killed Thursday morning when a car he was riding in went off the road and hit a tree, a Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy coroner said. Alfred D. McMillan died at the scene. He was the lone passenger in the car when it suddenly veered off Rio Linda Boulevard near Marysville Boulevard at 9:55 AM. The name of the driver was “not releasable,” a California Highway Patrol official said.  [Published in the Sacramento Union, Friday, Nov. 6, 1987]
1/7/11

KENT JENSEN
Fatal Desert Crash
Severe turbulence created by winds up to 72 mph may have ripped apart the tail of a private plane, causing it to crash Thursday near Mojave. The three men aboard were killed. The victims were Bruce Marlen Rempert, 36, the pilot; Leroy Moncrief, 66; and Kent Van Jensen, 36, all of Sacramento. Moncrief and Jensen were employees of Lawson Mechanical Co., a Sacramento subcontractor involved in building a 1,000-bed maximum security prison at the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi. Sheriff’s Sgt. Hal Chealander said the single-engine plane apparently left Sacramento early Thursday en route to Tehachapi. The westbound plane landed upside down, its landing gear extended, in brush about 200 yards east of Highway 58, three miles north of Mojave. There was no fire. Mojave Airport Manager Dan Sabovich said winds were clocked at 72 mph at 8:30 AM, about five minutes after the plane’s wreckage was found. “Coming off the mountains, those winds boil … it had to be extreme turbulence,” Sabovich speculated. “Those mountains were all covered with boiling clouds.” Officials of the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were at the scene to determine the cause of the accident. Chealander said three unidentified witnesses reported seeing the plane apparently flying into the head wind when it went into a flat spin and crashed. He said he assumed the pilot was “trying to climb over the mountains.” At the crash site, Sabovich said he noticed that a section of the airplane’s V-shaped tail was missing. He found the section in the desert, about 200 yards from the plane. “Once you lose that, you have no control,” Sabovich said. He said the tail section may have separated in flight because of excessive stress.  [Published in the Bakersfield Californian, Friday, March 22, 1985]
Three Area Men Killed in Plane Crash
Three Sacramento men en route to a prison construction site in Tehachapi were killed Thursday in the crash of a light plane near Mojave. They were identified as Bruce Marlin Rempert, 36, pilot of the single-engine Cessna; Kent Jensen, 36, and Leroy Moncrief, 66, both employees of Lawson Mechanical Contractors of Sacramento. The three were on their way to Tehachapi where the Lawson firm is working on construction of a state prison. Jensen was sheet-metal foreman for the firm, and Moncrief was general superintendent of plumbing. The Kern County Sheriff’s Department said the plane crashed shortly before 8:30 AM upside-down with its landing gears up, 100 yards from Highway 59 and two miles north of Mojave. The airplane did not burn. Jack Jensen, brother of Kent Jensen, said Rempert was hired to fly the Lawson company airplane. He said the airport at Tehachapi was fogged over, and the three were going to land at Mojave. He said it is standard procedure in bad weather to have a vehicle pick up passengers at Mojave when the Tehachapi landing site is fogged in. The Federal Aviation Agency and National Transportation Safety Board sent investigators to the scene. Kent Jensen leaves his wife, Lynette, and three children, aged 11, 9, and 4. Moncrief leaves his wife, Virginia.  [Published in the Sacramento Union, March 22, 1985]

JACK MINGO, JR.
Mingo, Jack Jr. 60, of Wayzata, passed away May 10, 2009 surrounded by family at his home. Served in the US Navy during Vietnam. He was a much loved husband, father, papa, son, brother, uncle, co-worker, and friend to many, many people. Preceded in death by parents, Jack and Helene; brother, Rick. Survived by loving wife and better half of 38 years, Elaine; children, Shannon, Sara, Jessicah (Tim), Carly, Jack and Mesa; grandchildren, Katrina, Logan, Connor, Tyrese, Korey, Jaedyn, Eleanor and Harlow; sisters, Kathay and Lindsay; many other loving relatives and friends. Celebration of life will be held 3-5 PM Monday, May 18 at the American Legion Post 118, 949 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55391. In lieu of flowers, non-perishable food items preferred to be donated to: Interfaith Outreach Community and Partners and will be accepted the day of the service at the American Legion. Private burial Summit Cemetery, Wayzata, MN. Cremation Society Edina Chapel (952-924-4100).  [Published in Star Tribune, Minneapolis, MN, May 17, 2009]
1/7/11

MICHAEL TERRY JAURON
Mr. Jauron, formerly of Fresno, recently passed away in North Hollywood at age 59. He was a Los Angeles County Management Training Consultant. A Memorial Service will be at American Legion Hall, 3509 North First Street, Fresno, on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at 3:00 PM.  [Published in the Fresno Bee, Jan. 4, 2008]
1/7/11

STEPHEN AYERS
Stolen Coat Triggers Shooting
An argument over whether a 13-year-old youth took a landscaper’s coat containing a small amount of marijuana resulted in the shooting death of the landscaper and the arrest on a murder charge of the youth’s father Sunday afternoon. The shooting occurred in a parking lot near the New Horizons In Hair beauty salon at 10089 Folsom Blvd. about 12:40 PM. Stephen Ayers, 30, of 990 Acacia Avenue was shot in the left side of the neck and pronounced dead at Mather Air Force Base Hospital. Wilson Dayle Graham, 40, of 8767 El Toreador Way, Elk Grove, was arrested without resistance by Detectives Fred Homen and Gary Gritzmacher, who were driving by the scene seconds after the shooting. “That’s the second time in five years that I’ve come upon a murder like that,” Homen said. “We had the guy in custody in about two minutes.” “I’m the one that called. I’m the one that shot him,” Graham reportedly told the detectives as they approached him. The officers said they found an unloaded .25-caliber automatic pistol on a counter in the shop. A clip was next to the gun. Two expended shell casings were found outside. Graham’s common-law wife, Lorraine Olson, 30, works at the beauty salon. As Homen reconstructed the shooting scene, Graham was on one side of a vehicle and Ayers was on the other side when Graham fired one shot which missed Ayers. A second shot struck Ayers in the neck and he fell, mortally wounded. His brother Brian was watching as his brother was killed, sheriff’s deputies said. The shooting was triggered when Ayers claimed someone had taken his jacket from a site Ayers and his brother were landscaping at West La Loma Drive and Folsom Boulevard. Officers said Ayers checked at a nearby convenience store, where he found his jacket and was told he might find the youngster who took it at a nearby beauty salon. Ayers went to the salon and confronted Graham, officers said. Ayers reportedly asked Graham about his son and the theft of the marijuana from Ayers coat and was told, “Quit arguing about my kid and accusing him of taking your stuff.” Graham left the chair where his hair was being done and walked into the parking lot where he confronted Ayers. More words were exchanged and the shooting occurred, detectives said.  [Published in the Sacramento Union, Monday, April 10, 1978]
1/7/11

MARILYN DAY AUGUSTINE
1948 – 2007. After a 5-year battle with cancer, Marilyn has left this world in search of a pain-free resting place. She was 59 years old and is survived by her husband, daughter, and grandchildren. She is also survived by her parents and 2 brothers and 2 sisters. She has left a lasting impression on a very large extended family and many friends. The family is honoring her life in her favorite fashion, a luau to be held at a location that held her heart, Kirtian’s Silverbend. Festivities will be held from 1 PM until 4 PM on Sunday, December 9th, 2007. All who attend are asked to bring a plate of cookies for a cookie exchange as that was a yearly Christmas tradition she created. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Breath California in Marilyn’s honor. You can mail checks to 909 12th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Or you may call them at 916-444-5900 to donate by credit card.  [Published in the Sacramento Bee, Dec. 8, 2007]
1/7/11

DUVAL, Quinton Gibson
Born Nov. 6, 1948, in El Paso, Texas, to the late Charlotte and William Duval, died May 10, 2010 after a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Lee, brothers William (Kathi) and John Duval, and sister Clare Hansen. He was a revered professor at Solano Community College for 29 years, where he specialized in creative writing. On his retirement, the Humanities Division created the Quinton Duval Prize for Creative Writing, awarded annually to an SCC student writer. Quinton has published 3 books of poems. He was also editor and publisher of Red Wing Press and active in the local poetry community. A man of elegance, great charm and wit, Quinton could make a song out of anything. He will be missed by all who knew him. At his request there will be no formal service. Donations in his name may be made to the Quinton Duval Fund/Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.

Obituary: Quinton Duval, 61, noted poet who nurtured others 
Published: Friday, May. 21, 2010 Quinton Gibson Duval, a noted poet and teacher who was widely revered in the Sacramento literary community, died May 10 of cancer, said his wife, Nancy. He was 61.
Mr. Duval enjoyed sharing his love of poetry. He published four books of poems: "Guerilla Letters," "Dinner Music," "Joe's Rain" and "Among Summer Pines." He contributed to prestigious literary magazines and wrote art criticism for publications.
He printed quality chapbooks by other poets as publisher of Red Wing Press. He mentored aspiring poets and participated in readings, workshops and writing groups with other professionals.
"He would go to everyone's readings and support everyone's books," said Victoria Dalkey, The Bee's art critic. "He was so generous and kind and very supportive of everyone in the community."
Mr. Duval taught English and creative writing for 29 years at Solano Community College in Fairfield. He was instrumental in creating the Creative Writing Department and invited writers and poets to read their works to students.
In honor of his retirement last year, the college created the Quinton Duval Prize for Creative Writing. The award and a stipend are given annually to a student, whose poem or short story is published in the Suisun Valley Review.
"He was a wonderful teacher," said former student Albert Garcia, dean of language and literature at Sacramento City College. "He introduced me to poets that I continue to love today and presented poetry as something that everyone can appreciate."
Mr. Duval was born in 1948 in El Paso, Texas. He grew up in Florida and Southern California before settling in Sacramento and graduating from Encina High School.
He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing at California State University, Sacramento, and a master of fine arts degree at the University of Montana. He married Nancy in 1988 and lived in West Sacramento.
Mr. Duval's poems draw on ordinary events to evoke vivid images and powerful feelings. In "Morning Tea," one of his last published works, he sketches a lazy getaway:
We are heading toward somewhere
with a view
above a little town
where we'll receive mail and buy
three-day old papers to read.
The mood shifts dramatically in the final verses, about a journey's end:
One day
I suppose we won't be together.
You'll come to find me still in bed,
eyes like that fish we ate last night. …
After breakfast, find Bobo the fisherman
and his four sons. Tell them to bring rope
and a sheet of plywood. I've never had
a ride on plywood. I've never loved anywhere
as much as here, with you. I'd do it again
in a minute. You know me.
"It's strangely prophetic," his wife said. "But he says he'd do it all over again in a minute. He loved life, and his works were love poems."