Ballard High School

Special Notices

It has come to our attention that Kathryn Payne has passed away. 1948-2024 More information when received.

Valentines Day 2024

Our beloved Gary Stewart passed away in his sleep last night. I am sure he was dreaming of his beautiful wife Evie and just couldn’t wait another day without her. He was a leader of our Ballard High School Class of 1966 and he loved each of us as we loved him. All of our reunion plannings were at his home and very often he would invite all of us over for a party just to gather once again. He will truly be missed by family, friends and the entire class of 66’ We will be gathering one more time with Gary and I will let you know once I hear when and where and as soon as I can stop these tears from rolling down my cheeks. So, so very sad.

Classmate Marilyne Olsen

It saddens us to the core after receiving an obituary listing for our classmate Marilyne Olsen Mead. Marilyne Olsen was an outstanding classmate at Ballard High School’s class of 1966. She was a Sec. Service Liaison in our Senior Cabinet, a Girls Club rep. and active in the Attendance Office. She will be missed by all and our thoughts of Marilyne will continue on throughout our remaining years.

The notice we received included “With her children, grandchildren, dog and great grandchildren by her side, Marilyne, age 75, passed away peacefully at home.

Celebration of life

Sunday January 14, 2024

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Floral Hall
802 E Mukilteo BLVD # 205

Everett, WA 98203

A highly contagious, fast-spreading new COVID-19 variant called JN.1 is on the rise in the United States. The JN.1 variant now accounts for almost two-thirds of cases in the U.S., and it may be intensifying the spread of COVID-19 this winter.

The symptoms of JN.1 appear to be similar to those caused by other strains, which include Sore throat, Congestion, Runny nose, Cough, Fatigue, Headache Muscle aches, Fever or chills, Loss of sense of taste or smell, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Nausea or vomiting and Diarrhea.

According to the CDC, the type and severity of symptoms a person experiences usually depends more on a person’s underlying health and immunity rather than the variant which caused infection. The current strain right now seems to be packing a meaner punch than the prior strains.

The new, updated COVID-19 vaccines, recommended for everyone 6 months and older, are expected to increase protection against JN.1, as well as other variants, the CDC said. Now is the best time to get vaccinated if you haven't already, the experts say. "The sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner you'll be protected and it does take seven to 10 days for protection to build up to the maximum.

Ways to help reduce spread, including testing for COVID-19, updating your virus vaccine, wearing masks, and increasing space and distancing.

Classmate Carole Fish passed away in August. Please see her obituary.

Classmate James Edward Stuart passed away on August 14th 2023. Please see his obituary.

Stuart Jones passed away on June 14th 2023 at his home on Vashon Island. Please see his obituary.

We were able to renew our class website for another 5 years due to the support that you have offered through our donations box. Our donations box has been instrumental in covering numerous expenses that have occurred throughout the many years of its existence. Be sure to look for it at all of our class reunions.

Thank you so much.

I have seen many high tides and low tides at Golden Gardens through the years but the King tide that occurred at 11:21 AM - December 27th, 2022 that completely devastated the beach was my very first King tide of this magnitude.

Thomas Edward Lentz

Thomas Edward Lentz
Tom was born in Seattle on October 27, 1948 to Phil and Irma Lentz. His hard-fought battle with Multiple System Atrophy ended on November 16, 2022. In the years between, he lived a life full of love and service.

There was nothing Tom loved more than being surrounded by his large extended family and those he thought of as family. He grew up in Seattle, graduating from Ballard High School. An Eagle Scout, Tom joined an engineering Explorer Post and found his life's work. He graduated from the University of Washington (go Huskies!) with a degree in civil engineering and went to work for WSDOT, leaving briefly to earn a Masters of Engineering at the Bureau of Highway Traffic at Penn State. After 35 years with the DOT, he worked another dozen years for Parsons Brinckerhoff (now WSP). He was a respected leader throughout his career.

Tom always led by example and gave his best. We, the Ballard High School class of 1966, want to send our deepest sympathy to Tom’s family during this time of sadness. We will continue to keep Tom in our thoughts as we travel on.

There will be a celebration of Tom’s life at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125, on December 10, 2022 at 11:00am.

Robert Dennis Kelly

Robert Dennis Kelly (Bob) was born on October 16, 1948 to Arthur and Marguerite Kelly in Seattle, WA. Bob was raised in Ballard, and graduated from Ballard High School in 1966. His hobbies included cars, winemaking, travel - both domestic and international - and home projects. Bob enjoyed so many things in life, but family was number one. When asked what he would like for his birthday, he would always say “just time with my family.” Bob passed away on September 30, 2019 in Shoreline, WA where he had lived since 1997.

Philip DePree

It saddens our hearts deeply to find that classmate Philip DePree has passed away. We will miss Philip along with his keen intellect and his terrific sense of humor. Rest in peace my friend and be sure to save us a place in line at the shuffleboard court.

A potluck memorial for Phil will be held at 4pm on August 19th at the Alger Community Hall at 17835 Parkview Lane, Burlington WA.

Michael Yates

Our dear classmate and special friend Michael Yates passed away on August 7, 2022. He was dealing with poor health for some time and succumbed to Leukemia, a cancer that currently has no cure. Michael found many friends at Ballard High School. He was active in numerous clubs and had an aura about him that seemed to draw people to him. We will think of Mike often and will cherish the memories we made together.

There will be a celebration of Mike's life on Sunday, August 21, 2022. If you are interested in attending it will take place from
12 o-clock noon and beyond.

The location and address is:

Circling Raven Golf Club
38530 S. Nukwalqw St.
Worley, ID 83876
800-523-2464

Marlene Olsen Lindstrom

We received a sad message today, classmate Marlene Olsen Lindstrom had passed away on May 6, 2022. Marlene fought a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Marlene is survived by her husband Per Lindstrom. God bless you and keep you, Marlene. May the Lord shine down upon you and bring you peace. We all love you and will keep the remembrance of you in our hearts as we travel on.

Pamela Engholm Humphreys

Pamela Engholm Humphreys
"It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the loss of the "love of my life." Pam was and will be the sweetest person I have ever known."-Ed

Pam passed away in her home with her husband of 51 years by her side. Pam was born in Seattle and was raised in Ballard. She was an excellent student at Adams elementary school, James Monroe middle school and was a member of the honor society at Ballard high school where she graduated in 1966. She always told us how she grew up with loving parents who taught her the importance of going to church and making family a priority. Pam was a selfless, patient, loving person who was known for being an exceptional listener who always made time for family. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and her BHS class of 1966.

The family will have a Celebration of Life service for Pam on Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 1 pm to 3 pm. at North Creek Presbyterian church 621 164 ST SE Millcreek, WA.

Gordon Merritt

Gordon Merritt, age 74, passed away at home after an unusually rapid case of ALS. He was a lifelong resident of the Ballard/Greenwood area of Seattle, graduated from Ballard High in 1966 and UW in 1970. Go to the Obituaries page for further information.

Kathy Blackburn

This sad news brings a tear to our eye in knowing that our classmate Kathy Blackburn passed away on February 8, 2022. Kathy was a very sweet and soft spoken individual that was loved by all who knew her. Kathy will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and her precious memories will travel along with us throughout our lives.

Steve Pierce

We have received word that Classmate Steve Pierce passed away a couple of years ago. We have no further information at this time but will pass on any additional information that we may receive.

PIKE PLACE MARKET

Things to keep in mind until the Holiday Season Covid-19 surge is over.

Get vaccinated including periodic booster shots. Follow the guideline’s including the 6’ distance and the washing of your hands.
Wear the right kind of mask. N-95 Be aware of counterfeits, ck with "Project N95" for 3M brand name.
Avoid large gatherings for now.
Avoid indoor restaurants for now
Avoid crowded stores. Shop at different days and times when stores are less crowded.
Postpone Travel. Wait for a month or two to see how far down the surge has dropped.

Tribalism Remains Mankind's Most Dangerous Instinct

We get so blinded by this tribal zeal that we support anything our side says or does. In sports your guys are always fair and the other guys are always either cheating, playing dirty or whining. We saw this in the 2020 American election. There is no shortage of blinded loyalty to your side and that's the danger of identity politics. Tribal thinking is a basic instinct that must be recognized as dangerous. We traveled that road many times in the last century and always to a horrific destination.

Ballard Blossom moving to make way for a 7-story Hotel.

Ballard Blossom, which first opened in Ballard in 1927, was located on Market Street since 1984. The buyers of the old building plan to build a 7-story hotel at this location. The florist has reopened at a new location at 1111 NW 85^th Street.

TWELVE COMMANDMENTS FOR SENIOR
Well, these aren’t so much commandments as they are suggestions or observations…but they’re still funny.

# 1 - Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice.
# 2 - “In Style” are the clothes that still fit.
# 3 - You don't need anger management. You need people to stop making you mad.
# 4 - Your people skills are just fine. It's your tolerance for idiots that needs work.
# 5 - The biggest lie you tell yourself is, “I don't need to write that down. I'll remember it.
# 6 - “On time” is when you get there.
# 7 - Even duct tape can't fix stupid - but it sure can muffle the sound.
# 8 – Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?
# 9 - Lately, have you noticed that people your age seem so much older than you?
# 10 - Growing old should have taken longer.
# 11 - Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn't shut you up.
# 12 - You still haven't learned to act your age, and hope you never will.
And one more:
"One for the road" means going to the bathroom before you leave the house.

Jim Johnson

Jim Johnson
Today we received some very sad news. On October 23, 2021 Jim Johnson passed away. Jim Johnson was a close friend to many and has been in our lives since elementary school. Though we have not received the official obituary, it was told that he had succumbed to some kind of viral infection possibly brought on by a mosquito bite. May our thoughts and prayers reach Jim’s family as we bring back into one’s mind the many wonderful memories of Jim. We say good bye for now. Rest in Peace my friend.

Richard Arthur Stahl Jr.

Richard Arthur Stahl Jr.
Rick passed peacefully at home on Sept. 11, 2021.
He was born Dec. 21, 1947 to Richard A., Sr. and Marjorie Stahl. He graduated from Ballard H.S. in 1966 and attended the University of Washington where he met his wife, Nancy (Jepsen). During the Vietnam War, Rick proudly served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army. This experience led him to become a Registered Nurse, working his entire nursing career at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle.

Rick and Nancy eventually settled in Bothell where they raised their three children. Rick enjoyed spending time working on his 'lazy acre' and raising rabbits for show. He loved coaching his children in sports and supporting them and later his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy, his brother Bill Stahl, his three children who he adored beyond measure and his ten grandchildren who were the light of his life: daughter Diana (Schmer-Thorp) husband Gary, children Dylan, Ashley, Amanda Schmer and Katie Thorp; daughter Melissa (Small) husband Nate, children Joey and Jayden; and son, Richard A., III (Richie) wife Angela, children Richard A., IV and Chris, Jaci and Madi Fenrich.

Private service to be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Richard Arthur Stahl Jr.
December 21, 1947 September 11, 2021

The old Zestos building and currently closed down EL Camion Mexican Restaurant had a second fire. The lot was sold for over 3 million dollars in 2016 to developers who plan to build a 5 story 60-unit apartment building.

This is Greg Doering, class of 66.
Wanted to share my news. After a very long uphill slog I have published my book. It is available on Amazon in paperback. There will be a Kindle eBook soon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093MS78YF

I feel it is a narrow market, but hope I’am wrong about that.

The kind of support from classmates I need is understanding this is just me, telling my difficult story about surviving horrendous trauma. I have had much help to form my work into a readable, honest, heartfelt story.

I hope I can share a Link, and find interested readers that know me. People that read my work will know me differently I fear, but I still have the same spirit.

I would enjoy real time discussion when the restrictions lift. I am always kind to the past.

Cathy Anderson

We were just informed that classmate Cathy Anderson passed away on Thanksgiving Day November 26^th, 2020. It saddens us to lose another classmate and dear friend of ours. We offer our deepest sympathy to her family and we will keep thoughts of Cathy close to our hearts as we travel on.

Jan Wood

It is with great sadness that on January 14, 2021 classmate Jan Wood passed away. She was very popular and had many friends. She especially enjoyed her time with the ski club. We send our deepest sympathy to her family during this time of sadness. As time continues on we will think of her often.

Carol Tolleson

It has been brought to our attention that on March 4, 2021 classmate Carol Tolleson passed away. She was quite active during her time at Ballard high School and developed many friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as we revisit our memories of Carol.

Robin Craft
December 6 at 5:38 PM

I have been wearing a mask every time I go out in public. I’m not sure why being considerate to others for the common good is now being mocked by some who are calling it “living in fear”, but it needs to stop!!!... When I wear a mask over my nose and mouth in public and in the stores/Supermarkets/Pharmacies/Offices - I want you to know the following:

*I'm educated enough to know that I could be asymptomatic and still give you the virus.

*No, I don't "live in fear" of the virus; I just want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

*I don't feel like the "government controls me". I feel like I'm an adult contributing to the security in our society and I want to teach others to do the same.

*If we could all live with the consideration of others in mind, the whole world would be a much better place.

*Wearing a mask doesn't make me weak, scared, stupid or even "controlled". It makes me caring and responsible.

*When you think about your appearance, discomfort, or other people's opinion of you, imagine a loved one - a child, father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle or even a stranger - placed on a ventilator, alone without you or any family member allowed at their bedside.....Ask yourself if you could have helped them a little by wearing a mask.

I am inviting you all to copy this and post it on your wall as your post if you agree with me.

Thank you Robin, we will.

Ballard Recreation Center 1963 Seattle Park Department Champs

Veterans Day November 11

Crown Hill Hardware Store Demolition Project.
Making way for another multi-unit apartment complex.

Prediction:
There will be a minor baby boom in nine months and one day in 2033 we shall witness the rise of
the QUARANTEENS.

Just to set things straight!
The funny bone isn’t a bone; it’s a nerve.
Catgut isn’t made from cats; it’s made from sheep.
French Fries were invented not in France but in Belgium.
Koala bears aren’t bears; they are marsupials.
A ten gallon hat holds only about three quarts of liquid.
And lastly; all sales in a used record store are vinyl.
Oh, that one was bad!

New Addition to Ron and Sally Jo's place.

PICNIC INFORMATION
Sally Jo Clayburn, (Nardone)
22128 Paradise Lake Rd.
Snohomish, WA 98296 206-949-1299

Stan Edward Boreson

Stan Edward Boreson

May 25, 1925 ~ January 27, 2017

Stan Boreson, a veteran Northwest entertainer, musician, humorist and television personality, died on January 27, 2017. He was 91.

Stan was a contributor to our Ballard High School class of 1966 30 year reunion video presentation. Go to the bottom of "Stories and Videos to see Stan's video.

In true Stan Boreson style,

he would have wanted to end with a joke...so here goes.

Lena calls the newspaper and asked to speak to the obituaries.

"This is the obituaries, what can I do for you?"

"I would like to put an ad in your obituaries."

"What would you like to say?"

"I'd like to say, "Ole died."

"Just two words... "Ole died?"

"Yeah, well he did."

"We have a special this week...five words for a dollar. For the same amount you can have three more words. Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

"In that case," Lena said, "I would like to say, "Ole died boat for sale."

Earl R. Kelly

Earl R. KELLY Beloved Ballard High School Drama and Humanities teacher from 1954 to 1987. Founder and director of the Piccoli Junior Theatre Guild and the Director's Studio of Speech and Drama. Born to Caroline (Wheeler) and Earl Kelly, Sr. of Yakima, WA, March 25, 1925. Mr. Kelly attended the University of Washington for undergraduate and graduate degrees and also had the honor of being a John Hay Whitney Fellow in residence at Columbia University. Mr. Kelly passed away peacefully on August 8, 2007. He will be greatly missed by his many students over the years and leaves a rich legacy of appreciation and dedication to the arts. At Mr. Kelly's request, there will be no services. Remembrances may be made in his honor to the Ballard High School Foundation, PO Box 17626, Seattle, WA 98127. Soon to follow, please join us in celebrating Mr. Kelly's Life by visiting our memorial at www.mem.com. Good Show Mr. Kelly! Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

"Buholm's all in a row"