Unfortunately we've lost some of our classmates much too early. If you are aware of any other classmates who have passed away, or would like to share any memories or photos, please send an e-mail to richfield1987@comcast.net and we will post them.
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Amy (Nelson) Bentley 1969 - 2009
Submitted by Lita (Norrell) Simanis and Laura Telander-Graf Amy (Nelson) Bentley passed away November 5 from natural causes at her home in Tucson, Arizona. She was 40 years old. Amy was well known for her intellect and her zest for life. She was an honor student, an avid reader, a tennis player, a music lover and a friend to animals. She also spoke French, loved to dance and was a movie buff. Above all, Amy was a passionate clinician, a spiritual soul and a loyal friend.
After graduating from RHS in 1987, Amy moved to Tucson and attended the University of Arizona, where she studied molecular biology. She graduated and moved to California where she earned her master’s degree in physical therapy. Amy married while living in California, but moved to Arizona in 2003 on her own. Most recently, Amy developed an eye for photography and found peace in the outdoors.
Amy's living will stated her wishes to be cremated and have her ashes scattered on Mount Lemmon in Arizona, which was done recently by her family. She also has asked “Please say the following about me: She knew how to love, she knew what love is.”
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Jesse Kanz passed away on Thursday, November 20th after a brave 2-year battle with esophogeal cancer. We were so lucky to have been able to see Jesse at our 20th reunion. He was, as always, genuinely interested in his friends and finding out how everyone was doing and what changes were happening in their lives. He spoke proudly of his daughter Kayla, referring to her as his "best buddy", and was grateful that they got to go on many adventures together.
Jesse never had a bad thought or word about anyone, always seemed to have a smile on his face, and was able to bring the fun to just about any event he was involved with. He had an awesome sense of humor and wonderful outlook on the world. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed by so many. "Never shall I forget the time I spent with you.
Please continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." Thanks for all the wonderful memories, Jess. Rest in Peace, my friend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Submitted by Tammy (Johnson) Nelson (June 18, 2007) Lynn Ladonna Fitch Peterson: a daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. On Sept. 13th, 2006, Lynn went to be with her Dad. What a gift she was to everyone who knew her. Her great big beautiful smile and that addicting laugh was enough to warm anyone's heart. She was a role model to her 4 beautiful girls and a devoted wife of 13 years. Lynn spent most of her days chauffeuring the kids to and from all their activities, working at Blue Cross Blue Shield where she was in charge of the Indigenous accounts at most of the casinos and was always lending a hand to anyone who needed her help. Throughout the years Forever Friends
The meaning of true friendship is simple to explain It’s when a friend is with you in laughter, love and pain
Always there to lend a hand no matter what you do But most of all always there to love and comfort you
We shared in many laughter's we cried so many tears It felt like I had known you throughout your living years
Yet our time we had together was cut short for reasons why As no-one can explain just how you left and made me cry
Its reasons only God can give can put my mind at rest For then I'll maybe realize its true he takes the best
You'll always be a part of me, within my heart you'll stay Its you I'm always thinking of each night and every day
I wish I only had the chance to see you just once more To tell you friend I love you like I should have done before
So with deep regret and sorrow and all my love to you I send For heavens such a nicer place the day God took my friend....
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Submitted by his Mom, Phyllis Manning 8-7-07 Kevin was my son, my husband Wayne’s stepson, and Chuck’s brother. He was born in Minneapolis, April 22, 1969, in St. Barnabas Hospital. He passed away on November 6, 1992, at the age of 23 years.
In November of 1992 he decided to return home to Minnesota, go to school and discover a career. But, that was not to be. While driving to Minnesota, he drifted off to sleep in northern New Mexico and went off the road. His truck rolled about three times and he was killed instantly.
The sorrow we all felt on that day cannot be described. We can only be thankful for the memories we have of Kevin – like his excitement and infectious smile when he got a new bike for his birthday or skis at Christmas. In fact he became an excellent, daredevil, downhill skier. Kevin, Wayne, and I made several trips to Colorado for skiing and have great memories of those times. He always liked to ski the double black diamond runs with Wayne – and they’d both challenge Mom to come with them. I did sometimes but they were both much better skiers than I was so it was quite a challenge. But, oh the fun we had! Skiing Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin – we skied them all. Kevin also loved water skiing which we did at every opportunity. The summer before graduation, Wayne and Kevin had a great time when they went on a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters. Paddling quietly along, fishing, campfires and oh yes, those darned tortuous portages with the Minnesota state bird (mosquitoes) attacking them! Kevin was also an excellent photographer and took many beautiful and interesting photographs. I continue to use his old Canon camera. Many of Kevin’s friends may remember him as a gifted listener who always had a shoulder to lean on or to offer a bit of advice.
The poem “A Road Less Travelled”, was read at the 1987 class graduation and we had it read at Kevin’s funeral because it was so fitting. It seemed like he took the road less travelled and because of that he is no longer with us.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost
We also had a guitarist who played and sang “Tears In Heaven” at Kevin’s funeral. So long Kev…….we all miss you so much.
Love Mom
Tears In Heaven
Would you hold my hand, if I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand, if I saw you in heaven? I'll find my way through night and day 'Cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven Beyond the door, there's peace I'm sure And I know there'll be no more tears in heaven Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven? Would you be the same, if I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on 'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven Eric Clapton
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Submitted by Richard Morrissette For all those that knew Bob Hughes, he was killed in a car accident on Jan. 5. 2007. He touched many lives in the short time he was with us. He was the life of the party wherever he went. Sometime in the near future we will be having a benefit and a celebration of his life. Info will come as I get it. Please keep Bob's family in your thoughts and prayers. Some of you may have known his little sister, Missy. She graduated a couple years behind us. June 6, 2007 Edited to add: I'd like to share some memories of Bob Hughes. He and I stayed friends up until his untimely death. I don't think it's common that a person remains friends with someone from his childhood to adulthood. Bob was an outgoing, fun loving guy. He wasn't afraid to meet new people. He touched so many lives while he was with us. He always had a joke, sometimes not always real funny, but a joke none-the-less. He was the life of the party. At the bar, you knew he'd walk in. Kinda like Norm from Cheers. And he'd smile that big smile of his. I have this one story that maybe some of you will remember. We has a class together in 6th grade with Mrs. Thomas, I think. She was giving some lecture about something. Any ways, I sat next to Bob. I started hearing these sounds like explosions and machine guns firing. I look over and he's drawing a little battle scene on the bottom of his notebook. Well, Mrs. Thomas hears this and stops talking. Now the only sound is that of Bob and his sound effects! He realizes then that the teacher has stopped talking and looks up. She asks him if he'd like to come up front and demonstrate his sound effects for everyone and he simply says, "no" and shuts up. Bob was a big part of my life. He was my best friend. I will miss him deeply. Rick Morrissette ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Aaron Sinykin 1969 - 2002
Aaron was born in Seoul, South Korea October 24, 1969 (Oct. 24th was the day he arrived from Korea). He passed away April 29, 2002 at the age of 32 years. The service was held at Minnehaha Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, May 11, 2002. Interment in Wisconsin. Aaron's friends have so many good memories of the time spent with him. Aaron was such a good, decent, and genuine friend. |
