Rancho Alamitos High School Class of '62 and Friends

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 jrtonner@gmail.com

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



July 27, 2022

Hello Rancho Class of '62 - it's been a challenging time these last two or three years. Hope everyone is ok.

The Reunion Committee is busy planning our Rancho Class of '62 60th year anniversary reunion! Let's get together!

When: SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 ~ 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Where: MILE SQUARE PARK GOLF COURSE BANQUET ROOM
10401 Warner Ave ~ Fountain Valley, CA, 92708
What: Casual & Relaxing Buffet Dinner ~ No host bar
$68.00 per person**
Plenty of time for conversation and reminiscing
Bring pictures - mementoes - to share

Looking forward to seeing everyone - let's make this a great 60 year reunion!

Hotels in the area for those travelling:

Ayres Hotel Fountain Valley
17550 Brookhurst Street
Fountain Valley CA 92708
ReservationDesk.com:833-425-1171

Courtyard Marriott
9950 Slater Road
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-968-5775

**Please send confirmation and payment by August 20, 2022

Please send your payment to: Trudi Covey - 18957 San Antonio Street - Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Or send to Zelle account 714 392 4191

For questions call or text Denise: 209-985-1862 or email: deniann62@yahoo.com

May 3, 2018

Happy May Day/Lei Day!

Who's going to the Annual Alumni Picnic? unfortunately I'm not going to be able to make it this year but we would really appreciate any photos you can take of the event. You can post them to our class facebook page (Rancho Alamitos High School Class of '62) or send them to me (Jan) to post on the class website. Picnic details are below courtesy of Darla Green:

The Annual Alumni Picnic on June 9, 2018 from 11 AM – 3 PM is an easy way for alumni to mingle with their classmates each year. Invite friends you have contact information for and let’s get together for a day to reminisce. Preregister at http://ranchovaqueros.com/the-annual-kenny-hedgpeth-all-alumni-picnic/early-registration-form and come spend a few hours with friends. There will be an after party too! More information on that will be available soon.

July 18, 2017

September is drawing closer! We hope you’ve marked your calendar for the RAHS Class of 1962 55th Reunion to be held at the Dana Point Marina Inn, in Dana Point, California, on Wednesday and Thursday, September 13th and 14th! This is a reminder and an update of the plans for our reunion in September.

Family of ‘62 grads and RAHS friends are welcome to join in all of our activities.

ACTIVITIES: There will be three casual activities. The cost is $20 per person to attend any one (or all) of these activities.

1) Salad and Dessert Potluck Lunch: on Wednesday, September 13th, 12 noon to 3 pm in the Marina Room at the Dana Point Marina Inn. Each couple or person is requested to provide a salad or dessert to serve 4 to 6 persons. Drinks, rolls, and table service will be supplied. We have the Marina Room all day for those who want to stay until the evening event. We encourage you to enjoy the nearby Golden Lantern Park, or take a walk around Dana Point Harbor or Doheny State Beach. Dinner is not provided.
For restaurants and things to do and see in the Dana Point Harbor, see: http://www.danapointmarinainn.com/
2) An Evening of Music, Friends and Time to Catch Up: on Wednesday, September 13th, 6 pm to 10 pm - There will be an unstructured evening with music, coffee, hot chocolate, and juice provided. No program is planned. This is a time for everyone to relax, talk, dance and enjoy catching up on life. Liquor will not be provided, but you may bring your own; BYOB.
3) Continental Brunch, on Thursday, September 14th, 10 am to 1 pm - An event called ‘Sharing Life’s Latest’, hosted by Janet Buell, will be held during a brunch of pastries, coffee and juice. We hope you will be there to listen and share in the stories and meaningful moments of our ’62 RAHS ‘Family’.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW BY AUGUST 15th:

It is important that we get a count of how many people will be attending each of the activities listed above. Please respond before August 15th to Barrie Smith by e-mail (Jsbv955@gmail.com) or phone (208-859-0475, 208-365-6660) with the following information about your plans:

Please check which of the reunion activities you plan to attend:
Potluck Luncheon on Wednesday afternoon, September 13th.
An Evening of Music, Friends & Time to Catch Up on Wed. evening.
Continental Brunch and ‘Sharing Life’s Latest’ on Thursday morning.

Please check which dish you plan to bring to the potluck luncheon:
I plan to bring a SALAD to serve 4-6 persons
I plan to bring a DESSERT to serve 4-6 persons

WHERE TO SEND YOUR $$ ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1st:

Monies are due by September 1st.
Please make your check payable to RAHS Class of 1962 ($20 per person) and mail to Barrie Smith, 955 E. Black Canyon Hwy., Emmett, ID 83617
We look forward to being with you! Barrie Smith – RAHS Class of 1962

A block of rooms is being held until August 1, 2017, for our RAHS Class of 1962 Reunion at the Dana Point Marina Inn. To reserve a room, please contact:
Dana Point Marina Inn,
24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive,
Dana Point, California 92629
Phone: 1-800-255-6843; Email: info@danapointmarinainn.com
URL: http://www.danapointmarinainn.com/

You can download a copy of the flyer here:
Reunion Flyer and Response Form

Hope to see you in September!

April 12, 2017

The 2017 RANCHO ALAMITOS ALL ALUMNI PICNIC will be held on Saturday June 10, 2017, 11am to 3pm. The picnic will be back on the newly renovated campus and we will be celebrating its 60th year. There will be memorabilia, food and drinks for sale by the booster groups, demonstrations from the Silk Screening Club, Engine Tear Down, Cheer. The Art Dept will be selling ice cream and handmade ice cream bowls made from clay that the alumni have donated. We hope to see many classmates from the class of 62!!! For more information go to the alumni website, 2017 Annual All Alumni Picnic Info.

November 19, 2016

Congratulations to Larry and Jeannie Graves Giddings on their June 18th wedding in Eugene Oregon. Jeannie is a 1961 graduate of Rancho and the sister of our 1962 classmate Moira Hodson Taylor. See picture here: http://rahs62.org/sightings/page99.html

Walt and Marti Unger were sighted attending Walt's 50th anniversary reunion of his graduation from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. See picture here: http://rahs62.org/sightings/page100.html

Another year has come and gone and it is time to think about our 55th anniversary reunion in 2017. Please see the following letter from our "esteemed" leader and talented event planner Barrie Smith. Thank you Barrie and wife Jan for all your hard work and devotion to your Rancho family! Letter from Barrie:

November 2016
Dear Classmates,

There has been some interest in holding a 55th Rancho Alamitos Reunion in Southern California. I am following up on this idea with dates and an agenda. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that venues can be secured and invitations can be sent.

RAHS Class of 1962 55th Reunion:

• Dates: Wednesday and Thursday, September 13 – 14, 2017
• Place: Dana Point Marina Inn and Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point

Activities: Pot luck picnic lunch in the beautiful Lantern Bay Park overlooking Dana Point Harbor on Wednesday; Refreshments and socializing at the Marina Inn on Wednesday evening, and Brunch on Thursday morning at the Marina Inn.

Cost: $20 per person for any or all

We have left dinner on Wednesday evening on-your-own, feeling that many may prefer finding their own place with their own group. The Marina room in the Inn is open for our own refreshments, our own music, and our own layout for whatever works best for our group. It is very flexible. We know that some will make only one or two of the activities, which will be fine. This offers those from out of town the opportunity to spend the weekend in Southern California as they like.

I personally think that this would be a fun, casual way to spend (perhaps) our last reunion together.

Sincerely,
Barrie Smith

P.S. For information about the Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point, see: http://www.danapoint.org/department/community-services-and-parks/parks/parks-trails/lantern-bay-park

For information about the Marina Inn in Dana Point, see: http://www.danapointmarinainn.com/

There are many other hotels and motels in Dana Point. The scouting committee chose the Marina Inn because of its proximity to Dana Point Harbor and relatively low cost.

July 22, 2016

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of a friend and fellow class of '62 classmate, Richard Francis Remmel. According to his son Brian, Rich suffered a heart attack and passed away on Wednesday, July 20th, while playing golf with close friends and family. Brian is setting up family services. Rich attended the 50th reunion as well as the 52nd. Our deepest condolences to Rich's son Brian and the rest of the family. RIP Rich!

April 28, 2016

The annual All Alumni Picnic will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 11am to 3pm. Due to the continued renovations, the picnic will be at the Garden Grove Park in the big pavillion near the Bolsa Stadium. For more information and a picnic flyer go to the alumni website, ra3vaqueros.com. Hope to see you there!!

March 13, 2016

Note from Barrie Smith:

In collaboration with several of our classmates, I have been considering ideas for a possible 55th Reunion in September 2017.

Age is creeping up on each of us, so perhaps a big reunion (like our 50th) may be less attractive now than a simple, casual and low-cost one.

Please download the document below in your preferred format and reply to either me or Jan Tonner with your level of interest in each of four 55th reunion options.
Document in Word format
Document in PDF format

We are considering holding our RAHS62 55th Reunion in mid-September 2017 in the Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point, California.

This beautiful hilltop park overlooking Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach and San Clemente is attractive for its:

  • Spectacular Pacific Ocean View
  • Many shade trees and large grassy area
  • Picnic Tables
  • BBQ’s
  • Restroom
  • Ample free parking
  • Amphitheater
  • Nearby hotels and restaurants
  • Playground
  • Basketball Court
If you would like to check it out, here are five helpful websites:
  1. See Lantern Bay Park photos on Google Search: Click Here
  2. See Lantern Bay Park on Google Map: Click Here
  3. Yelp photos & reviews of Lantern Bay Park: Click Here
  4. Lantern Bay Park on mydanapoint.com: Click Here
  5. Parks on danapoint.org: Click Here
Nearby hotels/inns include:
  1. Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort
  2. Dana Point Marina Inn
  3. Dana Point Harbor Inn
  4. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach – Dana Point
  5. Best Western PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
  6. Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
  7. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
  8. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
The first six hotels/inns listed above are within a one-half mile walk from the Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point. The Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort is immediately adjacent to the Lantern Bay Park.

There are many restaurants in and near Dana Point Harbor.

Popular places within two miles of the Lantern Bay Park include: Please let us know if you have (1) other ideas for our 55th Reunion or (2) comments on our proposed September 2017 date and place. We appreciate your suggestions.

I look forward to seeing each of you again, either individually or at a Reunion.

With best wishes,

Barrie Smith

Alternatively, please respond to Jan Tonner via email.

January 29, 2016

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! We're always happy to get your news, photos, thoughts, events, etc so if you have something to share, please email us at info@rahs62.org. Here's to a Happy Healthy 2016!

May 10, 2015

The date for the "The Annual Kenny Hedgpeth All Alumni Picnic" has been set for June 13, 2015 - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Due to the renovations at Rancho High School the location has been changed to Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Ave Garden Grove, CA 92844. All classes and current students are welcome to join the fun. For details, go to the RANCHO ALAMITOS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (RA3) website: www.ra3vaqueros.com. Hope to see you there!

September 23, 2014

Thanks to all who made our class of '62 52nd Anniversary Reunion a great success! Friday we gathered with some old friends (and some new) for a buffet dinner at Don the Beachcomber's in Huntington Beach. There was a very nice crowd, entertainment by the talented Doug Beauchamp and The Tremble Clefs, dancing to music provided by Barrie Smith, a beautiful cake that took us two days to eat, and some great conversation! (And did I mention great conversation?)

Saturday morning brunch was hosted by Jim and Connie Silva at their beautiful home in Huntington Beach! And what a brunch! The weather was beautiful, the view was gorgeous and Kathy Beauchamp was even brave enough to attempt stand up paddle board for the first time (and she didn't get wet!) Thank you so much, Jim and Connie, no one wanted to leave!

Finally Saturday afternoon we had a weenie roast (thanks to Joe and Jo Probst) and some great apples! ;-) I for one have not had a hot dog in years so it was a real treat!

Thanks so much to all who had a hand in putting this reunion together especially Barrie and Jan Smith who managed to organize the whole thing in spite of being out of state. We appreciate you for all you do!!

Pictures of the reunion are posted here: 52ndreunion. If anyone has photos they would like to share, please email them to me at info@rahs62.org. There are also some photos posted on our new Rancho Alamitos High School Class of '62 facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/287442548112118/.

Hope to see you all again at our 55th Anniversary Reunion in 2017!

August 15, 2014

Dear Classmates,

Our Reunion in Huntington Beach on September 12th and 13th is rapidly approaching. The cost per person is $50. This includes all venues for both days except parking at the beach ($15) and hotel accommodations. In order to give the caterers a number for the dinner and brunch we need to have all monies in by September 2nd. If you plan to attend please have your money in to:

Barrie Smith
955 E. Black Canyon Highway
Emmett, ID 83617

If you have any questions concerning this event:
Phone – (208) 859-0475

DON’T PANIC JUST SEND YOUR MONEY!

We look forward to seeing you!

For more details, schedule, and map, click the link below:
52nd reunion 2014

February 8, 2014

Note from Barrie Smith:

Two years ago at our 50th Reunion it occurred to me that opportunities for us to reunite are fewer than ever. Waiting 5 years to see everyone again seemed too far off. This year we have the chance to finish off some of those conversations that were too short in 2012, and also start fresh ones with those who could not make the last one. Our classmates have been busy putting together venues that will offer something for everyone. They have planned two full days of activities. Please click on the 52nd Reunion 2014 link to review the schedule for times and places.

One of the great experiences of my life has been to reconnect with former classmates. Their lives and accomplishments are an inspiration to me. We have a great class.

Please plan now to attend!
Barrie Smith Class of ‘62

August 28, 2013

Heartfelt note from Marti Unger:

Karen Kessler Tillis and I attended a Celebration of Life for Tim Howard last Saturday at GG Park, next to Bolsa HS. His family hosted a gathering under one of the large covered picnic areas. It was an informal and yet such a very special event.

Tim's brothers, Mike and Tom, were there, sister Kris, his daughter and sweet little granddaughter, his wonderful Alice Carey, former Air Force and personal friends, and a few Rancho friends as well.

Those from RAHS included Doug Beauchamp, Ron Biener, Bonnie Hansen North, Andy Tabscott Gula and husband John, Pam Maxwell, Barbara Callard...not all from '62, and I know I'm missing a few others...

After several speakers shared special memories of Tim, two young uniformed military cadets (I think) performed a flag ceremony and then taps were played. Oh, my stars...so touching.

There were two tables of mementos and memorabilia, two laptops with photos, and a lunch provided as those present visited and reminisced.

I remembered that Tim had been an Eagle Scout, but was amazed to read an old newspaper clipping about the THREE Eagle Scouts in the Howard family. When Tim became an Eagle Scout, it was the first time in the history of Orange County that three OC brothers had attained that rank. Pretty special!

August 2, 2013

We are very sad to report that Tim Howard, RAHS Class of '62, passed away on July 12, 2013 in Lake Havasu City. Tim's family is having a Celebration of Life in memory of Tim on August 25th, 2013. They are asking for an RSVP so they can plan food appropriately.

Arrangements were made at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory in Lake Havasu City. Thoughts and condolences can be made at
www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tim's name to his alma mater, Rancho Alamitos High School Alumni Association at
www.ra3vaqueros.com/RA3-Working/home.htm

or the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) at
www.afassistancefund.org.

Tim's Memorial Page and Obituary
Celebration of Life Invitation

June 9, 2013

Walt and Marti Unger recently returned from a fabulous seven week European vacation to Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany and France. They picked up a new Peugeot car in Geneva and drove it about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) through an area smaller than the size of the state of California. Check out one of their nearly 2,400 photos here.

Welcome home, Walt and Marti, we missed you!

March 22, 2013

It's been a while since we've added any updates here but a lot has been happening.

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of Eloise Meador, much loved teacher and counselor at Rancho during the 60's and 70's and 80's. She passed away Tuesday, January 8 2013. Eloise had been seen at many recent alumni functions and always lit up the room with her smile. Our condolensces to her daughter Barbara Callard, RAHS Class of '64. Eloise will be missed.

Tim Howard, class of '62, is returning home to Lake Havasu from a hospital in Phoenix after extensive surgery and a few weeks recovery. Specialists removed his cancerous stomach and 9in of his esophagus. The doctors said he did well during the 5 hour operation! Prayers for safe, comfortable travels home to Lake Havasu - his sister Kris Cox says it's about a 4 hour drive. He will begin chemo and radiation in about 5 or 6 weeks in Havasu! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tim, his sister Kris, his wife Alice, and the rest of his family. Thank you for keeping us updated Kris!

November 15, 2012

Note from Jim Silva, California State Assemblyman and RAHS Class of '62 Classmate

A Final Note
Thank You
As you may be aware, my tenure in the State Legislature is soon coming to a close. Representing the people of the 67th Assembly District has been a privilege and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to be your voice in Sacramento.

During my six years in office, I had the unique and remarkable opportunity to work with two Governors and countless other individuals to accomplish great things for our region and our state. I am proud to have been a conservative and pragmatic Assembly Member that always did what I thought was best for our district. In recent times, our state faced many important issues, several of which remain topics of discussion. (Click here to read more)

November 2, 2012

Barrie Smith and his wife Jan have settled into their new home in Missouri for the next couple of years. He writes that driving around the area brings back many memories of his active duty days there in the mid 1970's. Barrie has been busy holding church services for the new soldiers and tending to their needs. They have allied themselves with the USO to be part of their regular program and also to work with the Wounded Warrior Unit.

Please note Barrie's new email and mailing address in the class directory. (If you need the login ID and password - please email us.)

August 10, 2012

We have had many positive comments on our 2012 Reunion and requests to start planning another in the future. Members of the 50th Reunion committee have positive feelings about planning another get together in the Fall of 2014. This would be a casual affair focused on the Huntington Beach area with an afternoon at the beach and an evening at a local restaurant. The cost would be approximately $50 per person. Please let us know if this would be of interest to you.

Barbara Beard has finished adding photos and slides of our 50th Reunion to the DVD that she produced for the Friday venue. This is now for sale for $20 (includes shipping). Anyone interested please send a check to Barrie Smith. The following are interesting facts on the DVD:

Approximately 1790 photos in show...give or take 10 to 20 either way
624 slides in show
Run time 1 hour 40 minutes....give or take 5 minutes either way
37 songs in soundtrack

Barrie Smith

August 15, 2012
(Note from Barrie) POST REUNION NEWS AND TRAVELS:

On March 18th Jan and I boarded a Carnival Cruise Line ship and visited the Mexican Riviera with Dave and Cyndi Rardin. Just 2 couples from our class but it was great. We enjoyed each other so much that we never got off the boat for excursions. When we returned to Long Beach we had a new grand son in Salt Lake so we headed to Utah for a visit. Cyndi's mom passed away and she remained for a while in Southern California. After a week in Salt Lake a grand daughter was born to my youngest daughter in Switzerland. So we packed up and spent two weeks "helping" the new mother manage her first born. We found Switzerland very quiet and peaceful, albeit expensive. I did daily hiking and biking - visiting Baden, Zurich, and Lake Constance. My German is very elementary, but I found that I could get along.

Last week I spent a week in the central Idaho mountains with my grandsons. We had a grand time. Grandma found the peace and quiet in a comfortable home was equally fun. Next week we return to Switzerland to visit the Alps, Lugano, Lake Como, Sweden, and Denmark. We have a return cruise from Copenhagen to New York the end of September. We will then spend two days in Manhatten and then return home on the 27th.

We are well and are having exciting times seeing new places and meeting new people.

I hope you are all well and enjoying this time of life.

Barrie

April 1, 2012
On March 16, 17, and 18 Rancho Vaqueros, class of '62 and friends came together at the Anaheim Marriott Suites from far and wide to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our graduation. The three day event was a great success and the pictures are in the process of being posted on the 50th reunion pages (please click the link below):
http://rahs62.org/50threunion/

If anyone has pictures he would like to share, please email them to jrt@rahs62.org. Please check back often as new photos are being posted daily.

February 20, 2012
Karen Kelso Robles, class of '62, passed away on February 19, 2012. If you would like to honor Karen you can continue to help her fight for a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by making a donation in her name to Muscular Dystrophy Association: mda.org/help/donate/,
click on "Gift in Memory" and fill in the form.

Karen was a remarkable woman. We are so sorry for your loss Laura and family.

February 16, 2012
Karen Kelso Robles's daughter Laura writes that her mother had quadruple bypass surgery on January 6th and has been in the hospital ever since. She is not doing well and has been moved to a hospice facility. We know how hard this must be for you, Laura, as well as your mother and our love and prayers are with you both.

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