Oxnard Union High School, Class of 1956November 23, 2020May 11, 2021

BILL AND JAN HELF’S NEWEST DOMAIN

Above Posed 12-5-1005.

We hope that you get some pleasure from visiting our Oxnard Union High School Web Site. If you have short or lengthy comments, photos, gossip, idle chatter or anything that you would like to share with your 1956 Classmates, please get it to us so that we can post it for all to enjoy. All Members And Friends of the Great Class Of 1956 are welcome and encouraged to participate. All of this will be at no charge to you. E-mail is probably the best way to send photos and “stuff.” (stuff is good). The Senior Editor’s E-mail Address Is: bill@bill-helf.us. All contributions, photos and stuff (stuff is good) may be sent to this E-mail Address. The more givers that participate, the more fun it will be for everyone – participants and non-participants alike.

For Those Few Of Us With Short Memories, We Want To Recognize And Pay Our Respects To Our Senior Class Officers. They Served Us Well.

Dates for the 50-Year Class Reunion were September 29th, 30th and October 1^st, 2006

Top Row, LEFT to RIGHT: Judith Boswell, Betsey Philbrook, Gail Gilson, Eve Elmelund, Annis Vaca, Emalee Rogers, Unidentified, Unidentified, Jo Ann Mooney.

Bottom Row, LEFT to Right: Unidentified, Audrey Bako, Sonjia Clarke ???, Mary Sue Mason, Carol or Carolyn Black, Pat Prindle, Nancy Harmon.

This wonderful photo, contributed by Classmate Audrey Bako Beasley belongs right up front. If any of you recognize yourself or a fellow Classmate, please let us know and we will do our best to identify that person in this photo. These young ladies were in either the fourth or fifth grade when this photo was taken. A Special “Thank You” to Gail Gilson, Judy Boswell and Audrey Bako for identifying all but three of the young ladies in this remarkable photo (taken well over 50 years ago). Please e-mail Audrey Bako at audrey.beasley@ez2gofast.com if you can identify our mystery ladies. Thank you.

Here Is Another Invaluable Photo. Just About Every Single Classmate Is Recognizable. Thanks To: Jim Frisk, Class of 1956.

If You Have Photos That You Would Like To Share, e-Mail Good Scanned Copies To Us. If Scanning Is Not Available To You, Send Us The Photo, We’ll Scan It, Post It, And Return It To Your At No Charge. Please Give Sharing Some Thought.

Hueneme Elementary School, 7th Grad Class. Mrs. Chevers was charged with keeping order at the highest level. Stern, but compassionate and very wise to all the tricks and distractions that 7th Graders can cause. Some of the cherubs pictured conducted unauthorized spit-ball and rubber band fights during class. Not very many got away with that kind of activity for very long. This photo was taken in 1950 and was in very poor condition when we received it from an anonymous donor. If you happen to have your Class pictures (even in poor condition after 50+ years), please consider making them available for all of us to enjoy. There is never a cost to you and we return all photos promptly after we scan, tweak and post the copy. Thank you for your consideration.

Over the past four years several fellow Classmates who are admitted “Takers” have, in essence, asked me the following: “Bill, why do you even bother with this Web Site, nobody cares about what you are trying to do, so why waste your time?” Well, following this are a couple of good reasons why I enjoy doing this Web Site. The “Givers” will understand and it doesn’t matter to me anymore what the “Takers” think. The following is a good example of walking the walk.

The following is an example of a fellow Classmate that is facing a very real crisis. Those of us that are fellow “Givers” may be moved to send a note of encouragement to fellow Classmate George Jackson, Class of 1956. e-mail: syoldduck@msn.com

As you warned, cancer has a habit of coming back from remission. I am afraid it came back on me in the worst possible way. It is in my spinal cord and there is no real way of treating it. They are giving me radiation to allow some quality of life for awhile. I have great life and wife and am not bitter. Hope to live it in happiness and appreciation for whatever time is left. See you.
George

Hello George. As a so far cancer survivor (I take nothing for granted) I am going to lay it on the line for you. Once we have experienced a great life with a great wife (a Red Hat, to boot) we are among the fortunate ones. We are all going to have to go sometime and as far as I am concerned, the way we have to go is not that important. What is important is that we are prepared to go at anytime. Take time right now to be with and love Pat and your children and grand children. That is the most important thing that you can do at this time. Do not put this off. It is very important to them to be able to remember the “good times.” Please, do not tarry in this endeavor. It is not you that will suffer, but your loved ones. Never, ever give up. Even though you may feel like you are on death’s door, do not let go. None of us know what God has in store for us. So, it is important that we hang tough. If you wish to remain in contact with me for whatever reason, please do. Go and give Pat a big hug right now and tell her how much you love her. She needs that even more than you do.

I am doing all those things but I thank you for the confirmation. I want to remain in contact and unfairly use you as a channel to those who might be interested in my status, etc. You are a great guy Bill, sometimes a little sharp but I got use to that and love you. Hopefully I will beat the odds and get to the 50th and see you.

Bye now. ( I have never been very wordy)

Your friend George

Hello George. I am honored that you wish to use me in any manner. I think that you know by now that I will not B.S. you or feed you Pablum. You are facing a very serious issue and mush doesn’t cut it in my opinion. I prefer to deal in reality and the truth. I will do my very best to help in any way that you request. Never, ever give up. Suffering does build character. Incidentally, those “Red Hats” are Special Ladies. Do not forget that!

I have been in a bad way for 3 weeks. I had bad headaches, dizziness and pains in my side, knee and calf. The doctor called yesterday and said I had bad anemia and is scheduling a transfusion. My bone marrow has not recovered from the radiation. I am getting the results of my MRI tomorrow so we will see if the little monsters have remised. June 2, 2005.

You may contact George at: syoldduck@msn.com You may wish to send a note of encouragement to George’s wife, Pat Spykerman Jackson, Class of 1957, to the same e-mail address.

From: Bill Helf [mailto:bill@bill-helf.us]
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 5:14 PM
To: George Jackson (syoldduck@msn.com)
Subject: Just Checking.

Hello George. I’m checking to see what the MRI results indicate? Did you have the blood transfusion? Are you feeling better or worse?

From: George Jackson [mailto:syoldduck@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 7:28 PM
To: ‘Bill Helf’
Subject: RE: Just Checking.

Bill I will have to go into the hospital for specialize Chemo treatments tomorrow. The Radiations did not get it all so if I do nothing the Lymphoma will just grow back and prosper.

I will not be on the network for awhile but please keep the mail coming.

George

I am sorry that the Radiations did not get all of the Lymphoma. I am very pleased to hear that you are not going to just roll over but are going to fight it with special Chemo treatments – and, fight it with what ever it takes to beat it. Never ever quit fighting. Never ever give up. All great victories require a great struggle – otherwise they would not be great victories. A strong positive attitude is important. This is a great challenge for you and you must prepare yourself for the biggest, most important battle of your life. If you believe that you can beat this enemy of your body, you can! You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you enter the hospital. Perhaps Pat can keep us posted. June 7, 2004.

Bill

—–Original Message—–
From: Bill Helf [mailto:bill@bill-helf.us]
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2005 5:05 PM
To: George Jackson
Subject: Just checking.

Hello Patty. How did it go for George today? Is he hospitalized for a certain period of time for his treatment or is he a day care patient and can come home each night? Do you get any relief or do you have to be there 24/7. Are members of your family living up there so that they can “spell” you? Do you/can you get any help for “Visiting Nurses?” I hope that it’s going better for both of you. If I can be of any help, please let me know. Did Darryl Mortensen and George get to visit by phone? I hope that you guys have a peaceful and restful evening.

Thank you, Bill. The hospital called about noon today for him to come in. He will be staying there 4 to 5 days depending on how his body processes the chemicals. He will be repeating this every two weeks for 8 to 10 treatments. (4 to 5 Months)

I come and go visiting him during the day. But at home it is 24/7. I do have family here and they are a true blessing. Add to that the best neighbors in the world and we are doubly blessed.

They will be sending home health nurses once a month to evaluate how we are doing and provide the necessary support as we go on this journey.

Darryl and George did not get to visit as yet. However, we are looking forward to that happening.

All the best to you and yours, Patty

—–Original Message—–
From: Bill Helf [mailto:bill@bill-helf.us]
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:18 PM
To: George Jackson
Subject: Just checking

Hello Patty. How is George doing? I estimate that it is about time for him to come home for two weeks. Classmates are asking about George. I try to pass on any information that you give me. The very best to you guys.

Thank you for asking. George is still in the hospital. They hope his counts fall into the normal range so he can come home today. They have rescheduled his next treatment a week later. This, as we have found over these past months, may change again. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.

—–Original Message—–
From: Bill Helf [mailto:bill@bill-helf.us]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2005 12:14 PM
To: George Jackson
Subject: Just Checking.

Hi Patty. How is George doing? Is he home for a while? Please let him know that we are all pulling for him.

Click on the following: http://www.bill-helf.us/Third%20Page%20Of%20Photos%20That%20Bring%20Back%20Memories.htm and then scroll down.

From: George Jackson [mailto:syoldduck@msn.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2005 5:59 PM
To: ‘Bill Helf’
Subject: RE: Just Checking.

Thank you for asking, Bill. George is home. He is getting stronger daily. We are in a ‘holding pattern’ for two weeks whilst they evaluate his progress.

Kindest regards, Patty—–Original Message—–
From: Bill Helf [mailto:bill@bill-helf.us]
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 8:58 PM
To: George Jackson
Subject: Just checking.

Hi Patty. How are things going?From: George Jackson [syoldduck@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 8:44 AM
To: ‘Bill Helf’
Subject: RE: Just checking.
This is George. I am still hobbling around on this bum ankle and expect to for the next 6 weeks . The Chemo was a bummer I think but we will take a look on the first. My remaining kidney did not respond well during the treatment and we do not want to lose it. The doctors are seeking alternatives.Thanks for your concern as always.George

From: “Bill Helf” <bill@bill-helf.us>

To: “‘George Jackson'” <syoldduck@msn.com>

Subject: RE: Just checking.

Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 20:32:20 -0700

What’s wrong with your ankle? Is that somehow connected with the other

problems? Hang tough!

—–Original Message—–
From: George Jackson [mailto:syoldduck@msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2005 8:22 PM
To: bill@bill-helf.us
Subject: RE: Just checking.

Hello, Bill. I am sorry, I thought I let you know that on June 4 George

slipped and fell and fractured his ankle in two places. He cannot put any

weight on it until further notice. As you can imagine, I have been quite

busy as a result.

They decided the risks of surgery to put a pin in it, at this time,

out-weighed not doing surgery. We will be going in on the 5th to remove

this cast, have his ankle x-rayed and then see what they feel is prudent

course of action. He is certainly facing many challenges at this time.

We will let you know what they decide.

Kindest regards, Patty

Pat and George Jackson have a new e-mail address: patngeo@sbcglobal.net

Bill Helf <bill@bill-helf.us> wrote:

Hello Patty. You guys have been on my mind (what little I have left) for a week or so. How are things going? Is George in/out of the hospital? Has the cast from his foot been removed? How did the bones heal? I hope that they did so you can put that behind you. Basically, I’m just concerned about how things are going for both of you.

Received Tue 8/2/2005 9:18 PM:

Thank you for your concern, Bill. George is home. His pain was such that they have given him some new medications that his body is taking its own time adjusting to. Meanwhile, Hospice will be coming in tomorrow to set up a plan of care and support for his care as well as my own. I will be a bit busy for a while, so do not think I am ignoring everyone. Finding time to get on the computer lately is difficult. Our best to you and yours. Kindest regards, Patty. patngeo@sbcglobal.net

Received Sat August 6, 2005:

From: Patricia Jackson [mailto:patngeo@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 9:53 AM
To: Bill Helf
Subject: Re: Can You Tell The Difference?

Thank you for the chuckle this morning. I really needed it.

We have hospice coming in practically daily to help. George is in and out of this and the next world. He is kind and has that keen sense of humor he is known for. This makes for a nice bond with the nurses and care givers.

Regards, Patty

Bill Helf <bill@bill-helf.us> wrote: Subject: Can You Tell The Difference?

From: Bill Helf [bill@bill-helf.us]
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 11:02 AM
To: ‘Patricia Jackson’
Subject: RE: Can You Tell The Difference?

Hi Patty. I just want to let you know that you have a lot of support out here. The problem is that many of us just do not know what to say, so we say nothing. What you are going through is not only difficult for you and your family; it is also difficult and stressful for all of us. It is something that all of us will have to face sooner or later. What matters is how we face it. Hopefully a fair number of George’s friends and Classmates have been able to express their support. I know that that means a lot to you and George as you face what lies ahead. If we can be of any help, please let us know. We humans are not wise enough to have all the answers and certainly not intelligent enough to know the future. All that most of us can do is to take it day by day – sounds rather trite – but when you really think about it, nothing of any real significance in life is in our control. Patty, you are a brave and loyal lady. You and George have had a wonderful marriage; blessed with family and friends that care about you and love you. You have had many blessings. I sincerely hope that you can concentrate on the good times as you go through these challenging times.

From: Patricia Jackson [mailto:patngeo@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 11:04 AM
To: Bill Helf
Subject: RE: Can You Tell The Difference?

You have expressed it all very well. Thank you.

George Jackson passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2005. Raelene Brill Manzer e-mailed the following:I am forwarding an email from Patricia Jackson. As you will read, George passed away. Their mailing address is 848 Magnolia Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648.

>From: Patricia Jackson <patngeo@sbcglobal.net>
>To: Warren Manzer <manzerw@msn.com>
>Subject: Re: OUHS 56 regarding George Jackson
>Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2005 11:33:44 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Thank you for your kind words. I am sorry to say, George passed away this morning.
>Kindest regards, Patty

George’s great suffering has finally ended. Our deepest sympathies go to Patty, who gave him comfort in his suffering, and their children and grandchildren. We are honored that George turned to us for help and encouragement. May God receive his soul.

In Memory of our fellow Classmate, George Roger Jackson. He fought a good fight. Rest in Peace.

From: AUDREY BEASLEY [audrey.beasley@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 10:34 PM
To: Bill Helf
Subject: GAIL GILSON
HI BILL, YOU KNOW WHAT WHEN I E-MAILED GAIL AND JUDY THE OTHER DAY ABOUT THE OLD PICTURE WELL I WROTE A WHOLE LONG LETTER TO GAIL ABOUT WHEN WE LIVED A FEW DOORS DOWN FROM EACH OTHER IN OXNARD AND I REMINDED HER OF ALL THE THINGS WE USED TO DO THROUGH THE YEARS. WE USED TO PLAY JACKS AFTER SCHOOL THEN GO DOWN TO PATTI’ PRINDLE’S HOUSE AND PLAY. SHE USED TO LIVE ON MAGNOLIA ST AND I LIVED AROUND THE CORNER ON C STREET. THE REASON I SAY THAT IS BECAUSE SHE JUST SENT ME A LONG E-MAIL AND SAID THE NIGHT BEFORE LAST SHE HAD A DREAM ABOUT MAGNOLIA ST AND THEN WHEN SHE OPENED MY E-MAIL SHE COULDN’T BELIEVE THE COINCIDENCE OF ME MENTIONING MAGNOLIA ST. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT? PRETTY STRANGE HUH……AFTER ABOUT 58 OR SO YEARS WHAT AN OMEN. SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT HER LIFE FROM THAT TIME TO NOW. I AM GOING TO SEND HER A NICE LONG E-MAIL PROBABLY TOMORROW AND TELL HER ALL ABOUT MY LIFE. WHAT A BLAST THIS IS TO RECALL ALL THOSE GOOD TIMES WE HAD. I AM GLAD TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO GEORGE AND BE A FRIEND. ALSO GAIL REMINDED ME OF A LOT OF THINGS SHE REMEMBERED ABOUT THEN.. SHE SEEMED LIKE SHE WAS GLAD TO HEAR FROM ME,. SHE SAID TO STAY IN TOUCH. WELL, I GUESS I BETTER GET TO BED PRETTY SOON BUT I JUST HAD TO TELL YOUABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. TAKE CARE BILL AND YOU SEE YOU MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ALL THIS TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO THIS WEBSITE, I KNOW YOU HAVE MADE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAPPY INCLUDING ME. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AUDREY

So, may it be known to all; I shall continue with my effort to bring together the members of the Class of 1956, notwithstanding any person’s negative comments, and I shall continue to welcome contributions from friend AND foe alike.

50-Year Class Reunion
Committee Members:

Deronda Marchant Linder, Edith Hunnewell Hertenstein, Eloise Gerry Mansfield, Lee Martin, Gail Weller Brown, Jerry Brown, Bob Cheveres, Daryl Smith, Donny Burrows, Don Beckham, Betty Rapert Murray, Ann Meek Davis, Mary Lou McConnell Scott, Joni Wikum Swindle and Raelene Brill Manzer. Sid Johnson joined at a later date.

Dates for the 50-Year Class Reunion were September 29th, 30th and October 1^st, 2006

A surprising thing has started to develop. Some Classmates are beginning ask what it’s like to develop and post a Web Site or Domain. The following pretty well illustrates my experience. I have enjoyed doing the various Web Sites but the Oxnard Union High School Class of 1956 (not sanctioned or licensed by “The Committee”) has offered some interesting experiences. The following represents the most frustrating aspect:

An old man, a boy & a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey & the old man walked. As they went along they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking & the boy was riding.
The man & boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.

Later, they passed some people that remarked, “What a shame, he makes that little boy walk.” They then decided they both would walk! Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey. Now they passed some people that shamed them by saying how awful to put such a load on a poor donkey.

The boy & man said they were probably right, so they decide to carry the donkey. As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal & he fell into the river and drowned.

The moral of the story?