Richard Streeper

Ron Hill

Sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I always remember him as smiling , good natured  claasmate and good football player. I do not much of Ron's life after Odgen High School but it seems he had a good life. My thoughts go out to his family and wish them the best

Madeline Pappas (Coleman)

Dear Classmates,

      The 60th Class Reunion is now somewhat being planned and just wanted everyone to mark this date, so you can possibly

make plans to attend the 60th.

60th Class Reunion will be held Auguest 28, 2021, remember, 2021,

at: The Timbermine Restuarant in Ogden, Utah

5 PM to 8PM

Every three months you will receive notifications to keep reminding us.

June of 2021, now again, remember 2021, you will be sent your menu choices,

the expense of your meal, and whom you will your check or money order to.

Your payment will be your reservation.

Too excited, even though we are into next year of 2021.

Madeline Pappas Coleman

801972-5622

madeline1943cmhc@outlook.com

Lynda Cawley (Goucher)

Thank you Madeline for making these arrangements.  Stay well and happy.  See you at the next luncheon.  Hugs.  

Betty Ball (Allen)

Mike, you were my first crush, sorry not to have seen you again when my brother passed.  I  look forward to seeing you again, being 16 was fun.  143 Betty Ball Allen

Keith Westbroek

Nothing against Mike Stoddard, but why are you holding a special memorial celebrating of his life when you have never held a special memorial for any other classmate?  If that’s the case we should have a special ceremonial for all of our classmates.  All lives matter!!!!

Brent Clark

Dennis Gladwell

To  Brent and Keith.  Why a celebration ?

Mike, among other OHS grads in our class, gather for a lunch about every 6 weeks give or take. Eddy VanSweden is the informal "chair."  Mike was a regular member of the "group".  Mike was very sick. He had been on dialysis for 4 years, and was a former shadow of himself.  When he suddenly died 4 weeks ago, if you might remember, his obituary was about two inches in length and said almost nothing.  The back story was that his sister had composed the obit without input from Mike's wife- but there was no viewing or funeral. And what obit there was,  certainly did not do justice to the to remarkable life Mike led. 

Thus, without a funeral or a viewing, there was no way to "pay our respects."  Mike was a close friend of mine, and the "luncheon group" felt we should invite his wife to a celebration of Mike's life, and give some of us an opportunity to say good bye to a good friend, and to let her know that many of us old guys cared about him. 

So that is what we did.  About 15 of us attended.  Mike's wife, Carol, came, and a couple of his nieces. It lasted about 50 minutes. You both were welcomed as were the other 100 class-mates who did not show.

Call Eddy and he will put your name on the e-mail that gives us a place and a date for the next lunch. It is so informal that anyone and noone comes each time.

I am preparing a Trust and Will for Carol, Advanced Medical Directives and a Special Power of Attorney.  I trust you will not object to that effort on the basis that I have never provided these legal services for any other class member.    Hope to see you soon.  Dennis Gladwell

Brent Clark

Keith Westbroek

👍 Well said Brent!

Jim Whited

I think it is a shame the announcement of a Celebration fo Life lead to the comments made. It is my understanding any next of kin or friend do this for any classmate. Since I don't live in the area, this website is the only way, other than a call from mutual friend, that I learn of someones passing. Personally I,d like to see more as these announcements.

My thanks to Garth for staying on top of this.

My thanks also goes to Dennis, Richard and the others.Perhaps if you would have been there, you could have mentioned Carolyn, because after the 50 minutes ,we did talk of other classmates that have passed.

Bill Wade

This was discussed prior to the "celebration" of Mike Stoddard. I was concerned about the possible backlash someone might post. I discussed it wth Eddy and he sort of agreed but left it up to the enertia to take over.

Now as for the actual event. It was very low key. We did reminis and talk not only about Mike and his reputation but about many othe people we can still remember, and that part is getting harder and harder. Dennis has certainly aided Carolyn, Mike's wife, and that is extremely helpful and gracious of him to do that for her. I do know there have been others who have graduated with us who could have used the same sort of help if any of the rest of us had had the ability, knowledge, awareness, and gumption to do it.

I don't begrudge whast we did in Mike's honor. He certainly was an icon of our times and in retrospect was the "Fonzie" of our class. I do wonder, however, how many of our other classmates have been or soon will be forgotten simply because they weren't "Fonzie". 

Many of you are aware that I made a prediction a couple of years ago about the time we have left on this earth. The projection is holding pretty much as was then and the Covid-19 virus is certainly going to accelerate my predictions.

About all I can say now is Love each other, be kind to each other, remember what we can and be safe for as long as we can hold on.

Bill Wade

Madeline Pappas (Coleman)

Dear Classmates that were possibly offended by the celebration of MikeStoddard's life:    You should be totally ashamed of yourselves for even posting negative remarks simililar to Black Lives Matter.   Every classmate

was invited to attend that could, and I personally sent out mail to those that do have email, some back South, Arizona, and California. Why Mike Stoddard and never anyone else?    Those that have complained, wouldn't be nice for example Brent Clark stating about Carolyn Corry.   It was I that notified Garth about Carolyn, then,

Garth posted her death.    Why don't you the complainers go ahead and make someone's celebration and we will all attend?    We love and respect all classmates, and try to include everyone for special things.    All you classmates, why don't you get a Luncheon Group and do what you think all classmates would appreciate.

Brent Clark, I for one have invited you to functions, and Keith W. you know I have kept you informed.   It was actually a Luncheon group's idea to help Mike's wife out, and celebrate his life, but they wanted everyone included.    

In ending, we all have Freedom of Speech, so say what you want, but think first, and for heaven sakes, never

degrade a deceased person and their family unless you know the exact circumstances.    I attended the men's lucheon one time and I personally loved what they do, and all their great stories and dedication to one another.  To Dennis Gladwell, you are a 10, and God sent you some how to help Mike and Dave Gray out.   Keep up your great dedication to people that deserve it.

Jackie Downs (Smith)

WELL SAID MADELINE.  LOVE YOU ALL.

Brent Clark

Carla Havas (Baruch)

Being on the "outside", meaning I live on the East Coast and can't make it to class get-togethers, I do read and follow the "61 website. I find it petty that anyone would be upset by honoring a classmate who has passed away. Isn't there enough bad stuff going on in our world right now that any comfort given to ANYONE is welcome. There are fewer and fewer of us left from our OHS graduating class that we should be grateful for any kindness shown to anyone. 'nuff said.

Carla Baruch (Havas)

Keith Westbroek

To all classmates,

I was totally  missunderstood.  I was not against you having a celebration for Mike.  My point was, I feel if you do it for one, you should do it for everyone. 

Keith Westbroek

Madeline Pappas (Coleman)

Keith, I know exactly what you meant with no offense to Mike or his wife.   Why don't you plan celebrations for classmates instead of just few thinking of everyone, RIGHT?   Many live in St. George now, 9 that I personally know of.

Do something yourself personally.    I really understand what you and Brent Clark are trying to saying.   My point is, why even post such a pos, comparing it to almost Black Lives Matter.     It was distasteful and very out of place, especially being and old man of 77 0r 76.   How very unfortunate since you are both very good LDS goer's.

I bet your bishop would not be proud of either of you.   Judy Cartwright Banks, was a former Class Officer,

and you can bet your sweet selves, when the Virus leaves, Judy will get a clebration everyone will remember.

Will you and Brent be attending?   The reason I ask is, not to be a smart butt head, but to prove a point, we do things for many classmates.

Judy Robb Stanley had a stroke, and we made sure she was contacted and flowers sent.   Where were you and Brent to send at least a card?

Gartth posts almost everyone's passing and I have seen neither you, or Brent even send a stamp.    So, in

my febel uneducated mind, I wonder why Mike's celebration set you and Brent off to post such a viral  post that both of you did?

Bill Wade

In retrospect, just after returning to Utah, I was interested in looking up Sam Merrill. I put it off for no good reason but laziness. Then one day i heard from someone that he had died that day and that a celebration of life was being held in his backyard. I don't remember how or who told me but I do remember the  rermorse I felt for not following up and visiting him. 

I am grateful that I had a chance to see his wife and visit with some of our classmates while honoring Sam.

We are all here for such a short time so please don't wait for someone to plan a celebration for your friends. Reach out. Give them a call. Send them a message. Tell them you are thinking of them. Don't wait until you have to say you wish you had. 

Richard Kendell

I thought I would add a comment just for the sake of background and context.  About 8 months ago I got a call from Mike Stoddard ( out of the blue) to join him and a few others for lunch.  I really valued his reaching out to me. This lunch/get together is open to all OHS alums.  Since then I have attended 5-6 lunch meetings and enjoyed each one of them.  I learned that Mike had experienced som poor health but I didn't know any details. Later, the announcemwent was made that Mike had passed away.  I waited for an announcement of a viewing, funeral, or graveside service.  None was forthcoming and I learned that Mike was laid to rest the day after he died.  At one of the luncheons the suggestion was made to contact Caroline and see if a few friends could do something to recognize his life.  She agreed and a date was set for a get together to pay our respects.  About 240 invitations were sent out.  About 30 of us got together at Mount Ogden Park.  There was a moment of silence in Mike's honor and introductions and comments from all who attended.  It was a nice event, thanks to many who reserved the bowery, sent out notices, and provided signage for the event.  I think the family members in attendance appreciated this gesture very much.  The legal help and other related activities led by Dennis Gladwell resulted from the early contact with Caroline and other close friends like Mike Daz.  There are some needs in this case and luckily several OHS alums could help out. Of course we should do this for every classmate who has passed away and not had the opportunity for a funeral or similar service.  Our failure to do this for others results, I think, from just not knowing who has passed away and the circumstances experienced at the end of their lives.  Please count me in to recognize and help with others.  I am sure that this sentiment will be felt by virtually everyone.. Best wishes to you al..  Rich Kendell OHS '61

James Nichols

Some of you may remember me as Nick or Nicky. I live on the east coast so I do not have the opportunity to participate in any of the lovely events the class has. Maybe I will be lucky  one day when I am visiting Utah and can attend one of the men's luncheons. I have been following the posts concerning the celebration of Mike Stoddards life and I feel that it is time to put this to rest before more things are said that will be regretted. We should just focus on showing love for each other and being supportive especially during the difficult time we are in with the pandemic. Stay safe everyone and have long and healthy lives. 

Nolan Archibald

I just wanted to add my voice to that of Madeline's, Dennis, Richard, Bill, Jackie and all the other positive comments about having a memorial and paying tribute to Mike Stoddard. I think what Richard Kendall and Dennis Gladwell did for Mike's wife was fabulous. if there ever was an icon for our class it was Mike Stoddard. I always wanted to "be like mike". May he rest in peace and comfort to his dear wife. 

Madeline Pappas (Coleman)

Thanks Nolan for your reply.   You were a 10 always and never had to be like

Mike.   We have all loved you since trying to get you in Edna Hardy's class at

Polk School.   But Mr. Ellis would never give you up.    May I have a correct email

address for you.

See you at the 60th in 2021.

Nolan Archibald

Madeline, my email address is:
nolan.archibald@bdk.com

Gene Newman

I would like to say thanks to those who pulled together Mike's memorial; especially Dennis, Madeline, Richard.  Since about the 30 year reunion I have  enjoyed working with many of those who have been responsible for our get-togethers.  I have observed that it has been the same people (about 30, maybe 40 total) who have been the "doers."  They are all volunteers.  For the 50th reunion, which I was asked to chair, we started with five at the first planning dinner at my house and ended up with about twenty who were the "doers" that brought about one of the best reunions I have heard of.  It was amazing the support I got in asking those who came together to pull it off.  We have a great class.  This website that brings us together has been the great work of Wynn Phillips.  He is one that is always there making things happen with little recognition.  Dennis Gladwell did an amazing job on the 30th reunion.  Madelline is amazing; we all love you.  Garth is another.  Aloma (rip) kept the history of every classmate as they made the news and she contributed that.  Lynn Van Wagenen, by himself without even being asked, made a keepsake video of our 50th reunion at cost.  Bill Tribe, the one-man band and MC...amazing.  Claudia R and Judy Mc--  What an amazing sock-hop, not to be forgotten.  Kent Coleman for his bowling alley.  John Nelson, Linda Fowler and Madeline our entertainers-  We will always remember the "little things".  Our thanks to all you "doers" and a special invitation to all others who have good ideas and thoughts to join in and participate yourself with the "doers".   WE HAVE A BIG 60TH COMING SOON.  

Dennis Gladwell

Dear Class of 61.  I was just informed by the Legacy house, that our very good friend, Dave Grey, died three days ago. I have no further details.  We should all hope for a viewing or a celebration of life from his sons who have been pretty devoted to their dad this last year.  Dennis Gladwell