It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Camden High faculty member Will Finck June seventh at the age of seventy-seven. Death was sudden, the result of a heart attack. Will taught at Camden between the years of 1959 and 1980. After leaving Camden he continued to teach as well as serving as a school counselor. In retirement, Will continued to work with young people in a volunteer capacity until his death. Will also established The Camden Foundation in 2001 and served as its president. I worked with Will at the foundation and found him to be one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.
In 2001 I asked Will to write an article on his life for issue number seven of the online version of Cougars’ Tales. That article, as well as three photos of Will taken in the sixties, the seventies and the year 2001, can be found at www.cougarstales.com/issue/7/.
I regret to announce the passing of Camden High faculty member Dennis Craig at age 63 from an apparent heart attack on June sixth. Dennis was a popular teacher who began at Camden in 1966 and continued teaching through 1979. He was a regular attendee at the annual Camden All Year Reunion and enjoyed speaking with former students there. A memorial service is planned for 5:00 pm, Friday, June 15th at the Adam's Apple Grill & Bar, 923 West Hamilton Avenue in Campbell (across the street from the Mervyn's department store.)
Today June 16, 2008 Diania Kaeding from the Class of 1968 passed away from a heart attack. She was a loving Grandmother and sister of Sam Kaeding, Ray Robertson and Sheila Barrett. She will be greatly missed by all of us.
Vincenzo "Vince" Marin Cusella May 13, 1952 - June 23, 2008 Vincent Cusella, 56, met final comfort in the arms of our Lord on June 23rd, 2008. Vince, a native San Jose resident was raised by his parents Giovani and Jean Cusella who both proceed him. He attended Camden High School where he played sports and was a graduate of San Jose State. In 1991 he founded General Lighting Services, Inc. It was a profession Vince proudly practiced for over 30 years, and his name recognition stands strong as an outstanding service member in both the private and public sector. On August of 1993 he united in a loving one-of-a-kind marriage with his beloved wife, Christina Amara Cusella. It was a union like no other, and their precious daughter Amara Gianna Cusella soon followed. His unconditional love, examples of strong family values, and devotion to faith shall forever guide Christina and Amara now and forever. Vince had a significant influence at St. Frances Cabrini parish where he was a life long parishioner. He served on the parish and finance council for many terms. Vince was a member of various organizations including; Italian Catholic Federation governing committee, Men's Club, School Advisory Committee, Men's Prayer Group, Eucharist ministry, Adoration chapel, and Fiesta Bocce committee. Among all of this he helped create St. Frances Cabrini Bocce courts, for it was his favorite pass time. Vince used the courts and his enthusiasm for the game to instruct young students who were recognized by the US Bocce Federation Group. Vince was a man of great charity, working tirelessly to raise money for Cooley's Anemia Foundation, The American Cancer Society, and many others. Vince was a gracious, humble man who respected everyone and harbored no ill will towards anyone. Our lives are forever changed by all that he did. When you attend St. Francis Cabrini know that he provided the church with the power to illuminate through-out and also from within. His reflection will shine for all to see for many years to come.
Andy Rimbault from the Camden Class of 1968 passed away on June twenty-third after a long battle against cancer. The 1966 Memini lists Andy as a member of the varsity football and baseball teams, Choir Representative and a student council and 7/11 member.
Scott Irwin of the Camden Class of 1965 passed away on September eleventh, seven days after being diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Scott was a ski instructor for 38 years at Alta Ski Resort in Utah and also taught middle school in Salt Lake City.
(Class of 1976) - Thomas Michael Bohn Oct. 15, 1958 - Oct. 29, 2008 Thomas Michael Bohn, beloved husband, father and son passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday October 29th, 2008 in Gilroy, California at the age of 50. Tom courageously and wholeheartedly fought his battle against cancer until the day it finally took his life. Tom was an incredible loving, caring man who had a passion for love, life, family and God. Tom cherished his family, friends, work and even golf! Tom lived his life just as he loved God, with honesty, conviction and faith. Tom believed that God has a master plan and accepted his role as a faithful son and servant in this grand plan. Throughout Tom's illness, his courage, spirit and faith remained strong and unwavering. Tom was a well-respected member of the San Jose Fire Department and took great pride and dedication in his work and more importantly to the people he worked for and with. Tom grew up in and around the San Jose Fire Department. As many little boys, Tom was thrilled when he realized his dream to become a fireman just like his father. Midway through Tom's career he went back to school and obtained his Master's degree in Business Administration to further focus his talents on business aspects in Fire Department Administration. Tom is survived by his best friend and wife of 25 years, Robin Bohn, his daughter Angelica (Angel) Bohn, his son Aaron Bohn of Portland Oregon, his granddaughter Lorena Marie Rosl of Hahnbach süss, Germany and his parents Theodore and Dorothy Bohn of Redmond, Oregon. Tom touched many hearts and will be lovingly and fondly remembered and deeply missed. Funeral services will be held Tuesday November 4th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Morgan Hill. Tom will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos. The San Jose Fire Department is also planning a memorial service to celebrate Tom's Fire Department life and career on Friday November 7th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica in San Jose. This is also the church in which Tom was baptized and where Tom and Robin celebrated their 25th Anniversary wedding mass. Donations can be made in Tom's honor to the Published in the San Jose Mercury News on 11/2/2008
Dan Galloway from Camden's Class of 1973 has passed on, the obituary below is from the Mercury News. Tom Rose, 74
Daniel Louis Galloway 07/30/1955 - 11/25/2008 Beloved husband for 33 years to Lydia Curiel Galloway. Dear father to Daniel, Paul , Sabrina. Loving grandfather to Angelica, Paul, Daniel, Isaiah, Angel, Richard. Loved by his father Bert and wife Rose, Son of Bert and (the late) Victoria Galloway. Brother to Pat, (the late) Bert, Loretta, Dolores, Eddie, Roxanne, Roseanne, Richard, Gloria, Tish, Sean. Memorial Service Mon. 12/1, 6:30 p.m. at Chapel of Flowers 900 S. Second Street, San Jose. Last viewing Tues. 12/2, 11:30-12:30 pm. Graveside service and burial at Calvary Cemetery, Alum Rock Ave. Tues. 12/2, 1:00 p.m.
I am saddened to report that Judy Rush from Camden's Class of 1966 passed away yesterday evening following a long illness. Judy was very active as a student at Camden and lived a very interesting and sometimes unusual life. She remained a big supporter of Camden throughout her time here on earth, she was one of the originators of the annual All Year Camden Reunion and served on the board of The Camden Foundation from its inception. She will be greatly missed.
There are a few i needed to add sincd its been a few years since I have contributed. Alex Furmanski class of 72 passed away in August 2007 in Oroville Ca. He was my best friend as children growing up in Campbell. We attended Farnham Elem School together, i moved in 1966 but we kept in touch an reconnected when he moved to No Cal in1986. He is sorely missed. William Mercer who would have graduated in 1960 died in Dec 2005. He was my ex brother in law. God bless both of them
Linda Wooten from the Camden Class of 1972 passed away last week. The Memini lists Linda as being in the GAA Commission and a member of the Teen Club. The obituary below is from the Mercury News. Tom Rose, 74
Linda Darleen Stephenson Sept. 12, 1953 - May 6, 2009 Born Linda Wootton at Hamilton Air Force Base in San Rafael, CA. She spent her very early years traveling from base to base with her family. They finally settled in San Jose where she graduated from Camden High School in 1972. Linda was a dedicated and beloved employee at Crestwood Center in San Jose for 32 years. She lived life to the fullest - always celebrating with friends and family. Linda and Jeff were married on August 29, 1987. She is survived by her husband and her brother, John Wootton. Viewing will be Tuesday, May 12. Funeral service will be Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 am at the Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose.
I have been informed that Kevin Erik Hill from the Camden Class of 1976 passed away recently. Kevin is listed in the yearbook as a member of CSF, the Letterman's Club, Frosh Soph and Varsity Baseball, Frosh Soph and Varsity Basketball and Frosh Soph Cross Country.
Leland "Lee" David Draper Dec. 1, 1950-Sept. 9, 2009 Lee found his way Home on 09/09/09. Lee is survived by his sisters' Sue Shirley and Deni Silberstein, his wife and best friend Sue 'Susie', his extraordinary children Matt, Kelsey, Jeremy and Mandy, and his most adored grand children Kadelyn and Jameson. Lee planned an event for Sat., Sept. 26, in Scotts Valley. Please contact: kelseybelles@sbcglobal.net or call (831) 440-9218 for details. In lieu of flowers the family hopes you'll consider donating blood or platelets at amandac@ meadegroup.biz or the Red Cross.
Published in San Jose Mercury News on September 20, 2009
I just wanted to pass along the information that my cousin, Ron Lampreda who graduated from Camden in 1960 passed away last week. I believe it was the 7th of January. He died in Banning, CA where he lived with his wife Pat. He is survived by his wife, Pat, son Ron and his daughter Kelly, his Mom and two brothers Hank and Bob. We all went to Camden. They had a memorial service for him today in Banning. If I can get any other information I will pass it on. I know Ron & Pat were big supporters of Camden sports when their kids were going to school at Camden also. Mary-Anne (Lampreda) Ward Class of 1965
Ruben Albert Cabrera Resident of San Jose Oct. 4, 1953 - Mar.15, 2010 Loving husband, father, son, and loyal Giants fan. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sadie; parents, Ida and Albert; children, Chez (owner of Eclipse Tanning and Fitness) and Adrea; grandchildren, Landon and Donovan; and his sister, Ada. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, March 21 from 5-8pm at Transfiguration Catholic Church at 4325 Jarvis Ave., San Jose. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 10am at Transfiguration. Arrangements by BEDDINGFIELD FUNERAL SERVICE
Ruben was well liked at Camden and was voted "Best Dressed" in his senior year. He was a hair stylist who worked in the Campbell area.
I have been informed that Barry Schlaeger was from the Camden Class of 1975 although I could not find him in the yearbooks. Below is his obituary from the San Jose Mercury News. Tom Rose, 74
Barry (Bear) Schlaeger
Resident of San Jose
Born on 11/27/56 in Mpls MN. Died on 8/5/10 in San Jose, CA. Barry was kind, creative, artistic and mechanically inclined. He was a free spirit. Say hi to everyone, grab a beer, and we will see you when we do. Love you, the Schlaeger family, relatives and friends. Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on August 10, 2010