Welcome...
classmates and friends to the Rancho Alamitos High School Class of '62 Website. Our purpose is to stay in touch. We need your help! Please send pictures old and new, old newspaper clips, news updates, bios, suggestions or comments, etc. to us at info@rahsclassof62.org

Make new friends but keep the old,
One is silver and the other is gold!

July 3 2009
Happy Independence Day! For a special Independence Day egreeting click here: www.jacquielawson.com

July 3 2009
What's new? John Wordes, Golden West College's Coordinator Special Events and College Historian, has provided us with photos, news articles and press releases in honor of our RAHS foreign language and history teacher, Fred Garcia. (Thanks also to Walt Unger for contacting GWC.)

More old class photos have been added to the Memories section, and also to the Scrapbook section, thanks to Barbara Beard, Georgene Hurst, Annette Espen and Barrie Smith.

Also, check out new bios for Jim Wilson and Barbara Beard.

June 5 2009
What's new? In mid-April 2009, Barrie Smith and Walt Unger visited Scott Brown at his home in Grand Junction, Colorado, and recorded his story. Please see Scott Brown's very inspiring story here: rahsclassof62.org/classmatesnow/scottbrown.html

Another new addition to our RAHS Class of 62 website is a section on the history of Garden Grove by Walt Unger. Please see: rahsclassof62.org/gardengrove.html

Finally, we have added a "Memories Photo Album" here: rahsclassof62.org/memories.html. We would love to have copies of any old photos of classmates you would like to share. Please email photos to: info@rahsclassof62.org

May 25 2009
Happy Memorial Day in honor of those who have died in our nation's service!
Inspired by the poem "In Flander's Fields", in 1915 Moina Michael wrote the following poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

April 23 2009
On April 8th, Walt Unger flew to Indianapolis to meet Barrie Smith and from there they began their journey to California, stopping to visit many classmates along the way. To view their "Cross Country Reunion" photo album and journal, please click here. You can also see some photos of their Penn Valley visit here.

April 22 2009
There is a rumor that Walt Unger is now a full fledged Medicare Beneficiary. Happy Birthday Walt! Go here for a birthday photo. Happy birthday also to Joy Arthur Facio who shares the same birthdate!

April 22 2009
The newly formed Alumni Association headed by Kenny Hedgpeth (RAHS class of '76) is putting on an "ALL ALUMNI PICNIC" on Saturday, the 2nd of May from 10AM to 4PM. The picnic will be held at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley (picnic shelter #15). For more information please click on the following link:
freepages.school-alumni.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rahs/picnic_info.htm

March 24 2009
Note from Ronnie Guyer, class of '60: "March 25th, 2009 America's nearly 100 still living Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients will be posthumeously honoring 9/11 lifesaver RICK RESCORLA at the Arlington National Cemetary. RICK served with us in the Battle of IA DRANG-1965, A battle brilliantly depicted in the Randall Wallace Motion Picture WE WERE SOLDIERS. For more, please see RICK's 9/11 Widow Susan Rescorla's website: rickrescorla.com."

March 22 2009 VAQ Sightings
Rick Hain reports that a couple of wandering Vaqueros were sighted near his home in Buenos Aires Argentina for about 2 1/2 hours sampling local cuisine and talking very fast! The Currens and Rick and Dory had a beautiful lunch while catching up on the last 47 years.

It has been reported that the wandering VAQs are now about 100 miles north of the Falkland Islands at this writing: 57 degrees West by 47 degrees south.

March 18 2009 Janet Buell in Press Conference!
Yesterday Janet (Bessa) Buell spoke at a press conference held to release the latest Orange County Grand Jury report on the subject of gang prevention and intervention (Janet is currently serving on the Orange County Grand Jury).

Today, a video of a portion of the press conference showed up on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQUtW1Y-ciI The entire report can be found at www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/gang-intervention/Gang-intervention.pdf.

Congratulations on a great report Janet!

March 17 2009 Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play-
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song-
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long!

Feb 14 2009
We are sad to report the loss of our classmate Diane Ward Ferguson. Diane passed away on Valentine's Day. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2009, in the Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary Chapel, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 (Tel: 714-633-1442 or 1-800-653-2287) URL: www.fairhavenmemorial.com

Feb 14 2009 Happy Valentine's Day!
Grow old along with me,
The best is yet to be! ...Robert Browning

Feb 6 2009 Website Remodeling
"We" are gradually changing to a new format over the next few days so please bear with "us". If you have any problems please let the webmistress know ;-). Your bios and photos are appreciated...please keep them coming!

Feb 3 2009 Summer Vacation South of the Equator
Rick and Dory Hain celebrated their 42nd anniversary with a trip to Bariloche and Villa La Angostura. Happy Anniversary Rick and Dory! To see their vacation photos (click here).

Jan 27 Note from Barrie Who Is Currently Stationed in Indiana:
A Great Day To Be A Soldier
I woke up this morning to 5 inches of snow from a night time mid-western storm. My routine changes dramatically when I am activated. My day starts at 5 am. I am usually a night person, but Uncle Sam insists that a real day starts before day light and is done by 4 PM. I have enjoyed my time so far. We process troops both leaving and coming from War Zones. The moral is very high. Soldiers are feeling a real sense of accomplishment lately. They see much progress since the beginning of the war.

I was working out with a soldier in the gym and talking about the meaning of serving our country. He is a company commander and said that he has never been prouder to be a soldier and seeing the selfless dedication of his men. There are many things that trouble our country but the sense of mission in these young men and women is very inspiring to me.

Jan 9 Happy Birthday To You...
Happy Birthday To You... Happy Birthday Dear Janet...Happy Birthday To You!
Have a great day Janet (Bessa) Buell!

Dec 26 Memorial Service for Mabel Houdyshell
Dana Kuller, class of ’65, invites us to help celebrate the life of her mother, Mabel Clare Macbeth Houdyshell. On January 17, 2009, there will be a memorial service honoring her life at the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church in Costa Mesa at 10 AM. For more information and to RSVP click here. Mabel served as the school nurse for Rancho for eight years until 1973. She slipped away on August 10th of 2008 after a lifetime of accomplishments.

Dec 20 Happy Birthday Jim Currie!
Jim - Hope your day is special and you are celebrating in some fun exotic place!

Dec 19 Cheers!
Walt and Marti Unger are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary today. We wish you a Very Happy Anniversary Marti and Walt!

Dec 5 Note From Janet
Janet (Bessa) Buell is loving her time on the Grand Jury! Janet writes:

The people are fun and it is always interesting. We’ve done 21 criminal indictment hearings so far and our first big investigative report (on Orangewood Children’s Home, the County’s home for abused and abandoned children) will be out in about two weeks.

The reports are all posted on the County’s website (http://www.ocgrandjury.org/) as they are issued along with the responses received from the agencies and government officials who are given recommendations in the report. I was the primary author on this one so if it is controversial (and it will be), I will enjoy seeing the responses.

Nov 18 Cruisin'
Barrie and Jan Smith just returned from a romantic cruise on the Mexican Riviera. They enjoyed hanging out together and meeting some great people! While passing through Southern California they also took the opportunity to visit some old friends and classmates Walt and Marti, Betty Barry, Janet Buell and Mike Lewis.

  For Cruise Photos Click Here

Nov 11 Bill and Lois Are Back!
Bill and Lois Curren are back from their eleven days of R & R in paradise! They had a beautiful view of Diamond Head from their top-floor "deluxe ocean front" room. Bill could hardly wait for the grass skirts - we hear he took his lawnmower!

Oct 17 Welcome Home Walt and Marti!
Walt and Marti Unger are back from their month long trip in England. They had a marvelous time: great people, delicious food, wonderful hospitality and awesome cathedrals, castles, manor houses, museums and scenery. They also had a great visit with Peggy (McFadden) Smith and her husband Richard, a Cambridge University professor. Peggy and Richard live in Clare. Welcome back Marti and Walt - we missed you! Did you "mind the gap"?

Sept 25 Note From Barrie
Barrie Smith and his brother just returned from a 5 day bicycle trip along Idaho and Washington rails to trails. They were doing 70 miles in about 5 hours. Move over Lance!

Sept 21 Happy Birthday Marti!
If all is going according to plan, Walt and Marti Unger are celebrating Marti’s birthday "across the pond" in the Peak District National Park in England with a visit to Chatsworth House on September 20th and a visit to Haddon Hall on September 21st. They are also planning a visit with Peggy (McFadden) Smith and her husband Richard. Can't wait to hear about your trip Marti and Walt!

Sept 8 Happy Birthday Bill!
Lois and Bill Curren are celebrating the occasion with a road trip back east (i.e. TN, VA, WV, and KY), then back home for a minute to dump the coats and pack the bikinis and hop on a plane to Waikiki, then...

August 14 Jazz With Jim This Saturday
Classmate Jim Currie will be performing on the drums with a jazz trio at Jason’s Restaurant on 4th Street near Ross (near the downtown Santa Ana Civic Plaza) this Saturday and one Saturday every month. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in! Band plays from 7:30-11:00.

Mabel Houdyshell August 10
Dana (Houdyshell) Kuller, class of ’65 writes:
Our mother, Mabel, slipped away today at 12:25 PM Aug. 10th at the Veteran’s Hospital in Long Beach. She had a state-of-the-art room with a 4-star view overlooking Long Beach, where she and Dad had started their family in 1946, right after WWII. She died a peaceful death, after a lifetime of accomplishments.

Mabel Houdyshell was the school nurse at Rancho for many years. Our hearts go out to you and your family, Dana!

Forever Remembered, Forever Loved - July 9
Today we are saddened by the loss of our beloved teacher, coach, and friend, John Callard. After many ups and downs he passed away peacefully this morning with his wife Barbara at his side. He will be missed! Our hearts and prayers go out to Barbara, his loving wife.

Show Airing On Discovery Channel - June 26
Ronnie Guyer (class of '60) forwarded info regarding a new documentary premiering on the Discovery Channel called "Fight or Die". It's a documentary special that captures the personal experience of war from the point of view of the soldiers under fire. You can read more about it here

Update On John - June 22
Barbara reports that John has had a "roller coaster week" but she is encouraged by his progress. She writes: "We are grateful for your prayers and know that God is using his healing power to help John improve each day. We love the cards and emails. I read them to him every day."

John has been hospitalized at South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach since May 25th, and he is still recuperating there. Cards and flowers can be sent to John Callard (patient), c/o South Coast Medical Center, 31872 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Update On John - June 7
Barbara Callard reports that John has been in ICU at South Coast Hospital. Each day he is progressing a little. The Doctors say it will take time. It looks ok, but he is not out of the woods. Barbara says, "The most important thing is to keep him in your prayers. God has the healing power."

Jim's Gig - May 31
We heard from the "grapevine" that Jim Currie's "gig" went well. He did great! Many of his tennis friends turned out and they all enjoyed his performance quite a bit. Jim says "I was relieved and pleased and enjoyed performing, again..but not enough to actively seek out more gigs..if I get called, I'll play...but it's not such a big deal to me anymore. I enjoy the social aspect (and I'm still a bit of a ham)...and the extra money is always nice, but nothing more to prove (mostly to myself)." Thanks for the picture, Linda!

A Bad Day
On May 26th Barbara Callard writes: "We had a bad day yesterday. John fell down about 7 steps and broke 4 ribs and has a hairline fracture on his left hip. He will have surgery sometime tomorrow. The Dr. said it is the best of the worse hip fractures. He will have three screws to hold the femur together near the ball at the top. Dr. said 90% of those with this type of fracture have a full recovery. Keep him in your prayers."

Please send cards and flowers to John Callard, c/o South Coast Medical Center, 31872 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. South Coast Medical Center Tel: (949) 499-1311 www.southcoastmedcenter.com/content/ Or for his home address, please contact us.

John Callard was one of our favorite math teachers in the ’60s and we were all delighted to see him at the Golden Anniversary Celebration. Get well quick Mr. Callard!

RAHS Golden Anniversary - May 17, 2008
Rancho's Golden Anniversary Celebration on May 17 was a great success! Thanks to all who were involved in planning the celebration - especially Jason Lupei - RAHS Golden Anniversary committee chairman & history teacher. For photos of the event, click here. To contribute photos, add comments, make corrections, additions, etc. please contact us.

Happy Birthday Rancho!
All RAHS Graduating Classes are invited to attend the RAHS Golden Anniversary on May 17th. Please RSVP for the 50th Anniversary Celebration by going to the RAHS web site: ranchoalamitoshs.org ...and click on the link for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Sign-up. Hope to see you there!

Walt Unger Reports That...
Classmate Jim Currie will be performing on the drums with a jazz trio at Jason’s Restaurant on 4th Street near Ross (near the downtown Santa Ana Civic Plaza) on May 31st. Jim says, "I’m told from a trusted source that the pianist is a monster player (Jeff Jones). We will be backing a young Sinatra-style singer. Band plays from 7:30-11:30. If you want to pass on the info to other Rancho people who are local, it would be great to stack the place with friends."

Mini Reunion
Walt and Marti Unger hosted a small gathering of classmates at their home in Laguna for the benefit of Barrie Smith (class of ’62) and his wife Jan, who came down from Idaho for a visit. There was a good turnout and everyone had a great time. It was fun to get re-acquainted with old friends, some who have been hiding out for forty six years! Thanks to all who contributed photos! Check out the photo albums here.