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In Memoriam

Though time may pass, the memories of those we've shared our lives with remain timeless.

As we say goodbye to friends we've grown up with, their spirit lives on in our hearts

and in the stories we carry forward.

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1967 - 2017

Laura (Booth) Tanner

Tribute coming soon Lived in Campbell CA where she taught school.

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1967 - 2020

Marty Cooper

Martin Leroy Cooper was born to Leroy and Cheryl Cooper in February of 1967 Marty had all the looks and athleticism one could wish for I met him doing practice starts at a motocross track called PAL in Alviso California in late 1980 Him and I were almost inseparable for many years. He even moved in with me and my family in 1982 so he could attend Saratoga high We did pretty much everything together both good and more often than not, not so good. He was a dedicated friend that always had your back. We lost touch for a few years but then he moved back to Santa Cruz and we reconnected. We were surfing and he was enjoying his sobriety. Then one day he apparently got a call from an old friend and I unfortunately never saw him again. I really miss my old friend! - Chris Stewart

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1967 - 2012

Howard Just

Tribute coming soon

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1966 - 2022

Vernon (Peddle) Prestia

Tribute coming soon

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1925 - 2013

Tim Haggerty

Timothy F. Haggerty, aged 87, died February 16, 2013, with his family and friends nearby, at the San Jose Healthcare and Wellness Center, where he lived for two years, following a fall and surgery that resulted in multiple complications. His family extends gratitude to the staff for the care Tim received. Born and raised in San Francisco, with its many theaters, helped Tim develop his serious interest in the performing arts. Tim majored in English at San Francisco State, followed by graduate study at Stanford. He also served in WW II. He arrived at Saratoga High School in 1963 where he would stay until he retired in 1989. Tim was able to influence the principles that established the school's excellence. Insistent on school being what he described as a "place for the care and feeding of the mind," Tim inspired his colleagues and his students in English classes to push themselves intellectually, always demanding their best effort. His main extra-curricular work was director of the school play; he often challenged his drama students by selecting a Shakespearean play for performance. In !984 as a tribute to his successful teaching of Shakespeare, Tim was rewarded by being selected to participate in a summer institute on "Shakespeare: The State of the Art". The program was designed for secondary school teachers of Shakespeare. It was held at the University of Maryland's Center for Renaissance and Baroque Studies. He was also very actively involved in many faculty groups, especially ones focusing on political issues, diversity and social responsibility. Tim's dedication to teaching came from his reverence for what it means to be a teacher. Again, his words: "This always humble, often thankless, sometimes disparaged job can at its best be so much more...when it's done diligently, faithfully, thoughtfully, and kindly, teaching is an honorable, perhaps...the noblest, calling." Many of his students became lifelong friends, and Tim cherished these relationships. After retirement Tim enjoyed travel as a means of following his interest in opera and theater. His volunteer work included teaching reading and writing to adult prisoners. Always wanting to stimulate his thinking, Tim was seldom without a book that he was reading and discussing with family and friends, a recent New Yorker, and his treasured journal. Tim is survived by his son Tim (Elaine) Haggerty, their sons Timothy and Alex and his son Kevin. And he is also survived by his companion Gretchen Gregersen. He was preceded in death by his former wife Jean West Haggerty (1982) and his second wife Ann Wilson Haggerty (2007).

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1967 - 2020

Diane (Bortle) Sexton

Diane attended Marymount College for 2 years after high school then transferred to Mt. Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles for her teaching degree. Diane taught elementary school for 34 years. She was passionate about her students and always tried to find new ways to help students who struggled. Her greatest joy was the birth of her daughter, Jaylynn. It was difficult when she divorced and became a single parent, but everything she did was for Jaylynn’s benefit. After her cancer diagnosis, her faith and determination helped her endure 4 months of chemotherapy. Diane is lovingly missed by her mother, four sisters and especially her daughter. ~ Mary Wilson Diane was one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have ever met; she personified the gift of friendship. In her short life, Diane got a master's degree and taught in Orange County schools and raised a daughter, Jaylen. She was a true Irish rose, born on St. Patrick's Day and as loving and giving as she was beautiful. I am lucky that she touched my life. Diane Patricia, you will always be missed. ~Claire Tinsley

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1966 - 2018

Tim Duprel

Our loving angel, Timothy Edward Duprel, passed peacefully on October 1, 2018 after a fighting battle with cancer of the throat, lungs and brain. Tim was only 52 years old. Tim was a remarkable husband, father, brother, and friend who loved to spend time with his girls. He was always doing things for others and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, hiking, boating and other outdoor activities. Tim grew up in Saratoga and moved to Roseville, CA about 11 years ago. Tim retired in 2017 after 29 years as a Deputy Sheriff for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. Timothy is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Duprel, and three daughters, Katelyn (20), Amanda (17) and Brianna (13). Timothy is also survived by his brother, Douglas Duprel, brother-in-laws, Greg Ryder, Jeff Ryder, and sister-in-laws Kimberly Duprel, Renee' Duprel, and Michelle Ryder. Preceding him in death were his mother and father, Silvana Zanotto-Duprel and Carroll Duprel, and brother, Leonard Duprel.

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1967 - 2018

Brett Kanazawa

Brett’s birth carried an omen of the positive impacts and benefits that his life would have on his family and future friends and acquaintances: His birth provided the deferment of his father’s pending induction into the war in Vietnam and allowed his parents to begin their family intact and in peace. Brett moved with his parents to California at the age of two. Brett was raised in Saratoga, CA in a neighborhood filled with childhood friends and diverse families where he became the leader of the pack on his stingray bike. Regular runnings of the ‘Oriole 500′ were held on his parents’ partially paved circular driveway and the winner awarded a makeshift trophy. Brett was also the owner, publisher and writer of a weekly newspaper which sold for a discounted price of three cents per copy. He managed it for five years. The weekly paper included all of the latest news of the neighborhood, most of which was unremarkable, but a compelling read and much anticipated by its loyal subscribers. Brett attended Saratoga schools and became increasingly engaged in school activities and politics. He showed his ease and composure for public speaking in numerous settings and was chosen to give the address for his high school baccalaureate service. His speech was later featured in the San Jose Mercury News. Much to the delight of his Cal alumni parents, Brett chose to attend Cal and lived in Griffiths Hall as did his father and was elected dorm president. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1989 with a double major in history and economics and earned an MBA in 1991 at U.C. Irvine where he was recognized as Outstanding Student in his graduating class. Brett worked in human resources at Sun Microsystems and steadily developed his skills in all aspects of HR including mediation of management-employee issues. Incredibly, he remained at Sun for sixteen years including its downsizing.. Subsequently, Brett worked at several other computer technology companies in Silicon Valley who benefited from his unique set of skills. This included a commitment to the fair treatment of employees caught in the scrutiny of the performance appraisal process. In one instance Brett argued for, and won, an extension for an employee suffering a health condition that affected job attendance and performance. In another instance, he argued in defense of an employee facing termination for reasons that Brett believed to be unfair which precipitated in the firing of Brett. Brett never regretted his decision. Brett’s first and everlasting love was Cal. He served on the California Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council and subsequently was elected President of YAC. He joined the California Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and quickly thrived as a Board Member. He organized events and loved his involvement in the “We’re Going to Cal” program to help underprivileged students gain access to the Cal campus and to inspire them that attending college was a possibility. Based on Brett’s leadership, desire to achieve consensus, infectious personality, and generous contributions to the CAA, Brett was unanimously elected President. During the brief time he was President-elect, Brett learned about some allegations of misconduct by CAA leadership and asked for an investigation into the allegations. Although Brett was removed from the Board before he could serve his term as President, Brett had the courage to face the truth and to do the right thing because of it being right. Brett died on November 1, 2018 at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA after a two-year illness. He died at peace with his parents at his bedside. The loss of Brett is being grieved by his parents, Richard Kanazawa and June Kanazawa, his brother Curtis Kanazawa, his uncles, aunts and cousins in both the Bay Area and SoCal as well as the many friends he made throughout his 51 years of life.

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1967 - 2024

Melaine (Salmon) Schuler

Melaine moved to Saratoga at the start of 7th grade and joined those of us who went to Redwood. She seemed sweet and quiet. She was THE SWEETEST, yet in small groups or one on one, Melaine “Mel” was also a super fun rebel girl. She loved Ska, Punk, and any alternative music and always knew the latest, no small feat before the internet! Her favorites were The Specials, The English Beat, The Police, Prince, Black Flag, DK, Violent Fems and so many more. At home or in the car, her stereo was always BLASTING. Mel studied nursing at San Jose State (undergrad and graduate school) and became a nurse practitioner. In 2001, she married her college sweetheart, Mark Schuler and had three children, Kaley (now a nurse), Ellie and Aidan (both share her love of alternative music). She raised her family in a neighborhood up against the South San Jose hills where there is ample hiking, one of Mel’s favorite activities. In 2013, Mel was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a hereditary and slow progressing Neurological disorder in which the nerve cells in the brain break down over time. This presents similar to ALS . She continued to do her daily activities the first few years but then had to give up her job as well as driving but continued to hike daily. She passed away peacefully after a long and vicious struggle which left her facial features paralyzed and her strength completely diminished. Her friends and family advocate for Huntington Disease research and cure in her memory. Learn more at http://hdsa.org

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1929 - 2012

Lawrence Johsens

Lawrence was born in Oakland, CA, the son of German immigrants. He died from a heart attack following recent surgery. He lived in the Bay Area his entire life. While in the Army, he met Barbara Jeanne Boyce whom he ended up marrying later in life. In 1958 he married Vivian Knudsen and they had 3 children. He attended Elmhurst Jr. High School and Castlemont High School in Oakland. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1953 and began his teaching career at McClymonds High School in Oakland. He then taught at Edwin Markham Jr. High in Willow Glen and spent the majority of his career teaching English at Saratoga High School, retiring in 1985. He was very passionate about local civic issues. His most recent passion was working with Right to Vote on Desal in Santa Cruz. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Barbara Boyce Johsens, his 3 children, Kai Johsens (David) Billmaier, Karl (Hualalai) Johsens and Hans (Donna) Johsens, his former wife, Vivian Knudsen Johsens, Barbara's 4 children Diane Moore, Mark Moore, Michael Moore and Mary (Stu) Barragan, sister-in-law Charlotte Craig, brothers-in-law Bill (Marilyn) Boyce Fred Steward and his many grandchildren: Anna, Parker, Nainoa, Emmy, Kauwila, Kody, Leahi, Kapailani, Andria, Stephen, Jacob, Mahrysa, Hunter, Olivia, Luke, Taylor and Jordan. He was predeceased by his mother, father sister, sister-in-law Linda Steward and brother-in-law Bill Craig.

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1967 - 2009

Steve Carleton

Tribute coming soon ___ _

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1966-2006

Peter Fuller

PETER CARRILLO FULLER July 19, 1967 - September 11, 2006 Peter, you left us too soon. How we wish you were still here with us for we miss your brilliance and caring.

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1966 - 2016

Tai Marino

One of Tai's favorite quotes, "The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up". (Mark Twain) - I first met Tai when my family moved to Sobey Road in 1976. He quickly became my best buddy. He was an incredibly passionate and loving human being. May he rest in peace ~Chris T. -Tai was a force till the end, I appreciate the memories, Tai Marino. You loved the ocean so much. Soar high above it. Now you are at peace. Love always, Tai Marino! ~ Debi N.

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1966 - 1984

Jim Silberman

Jim sat a bit to the right of center in the room, toward the front of the row, behind Melissa, between Pam and Tracy and in front of Brian. Actually it wasn’t quite that way. It was I who sat a bit to the left of center. Kim was close by, a bit to the front; Stephanie just an easy and frequent turn to the right and behind, Casey and Virginia there, too. Leaning a little forward with a turn to the left, Jim could speak to Margaret and Lara. Jay and David were also nearby, back over his left shoulder. Turning in his seat or leaning forward with that vital intensity of his, maybe slumped down listening to something Jeff or Melanie were saying, or perhaps to a comment by Kerri or Vicki, it was Jim who was the sparkling center of our hour together each day. Those who have taught for any time know the curious phenomenon that occurs with classes, that distinguishing personality that develops out of the coming together of those many. With fourth period English there is no question of the source of the personality of our class, of the energy and light, of the curve and angle of that personality. It was Jim; it was Jim’s curiosity, his sincerity and decency, his temper and his blush, his intelligence, that did so very much to cast our hour together into its delightful form, into the open and young and alive hour that we were blessed to have for such a short time. There was no telling the final course of things for any hour of any day, at least not for sure. I always had an idea of what I’d like to spend our time discussing, but Jim would come in, with that gangly, bobbing walk of his, make some comment to Julie or Karen, Colleen would smile and Emily would have to dodge past him, for he was moving now, here and there, mimicking somebody or still working over something from the last hour. I’d usually get a question or some comment, frequently advice. (Note: I remember when Mr. Johsens read that line, laughter burst out in the Sanctuary.) Playful or serious, and Jim was off and moving, and we were off and moving, for another or our hours together. He was such a wonder, such a joy, such an excitement and challenge to be with, none of us diminished working in his light, all of us strengthened and enlarged in large ways and small. He was so earnest about life, so sure that it mattered, even the unimportant was importantly unimportant. He gave himself so honestly, so openly to all that was considered, even to his argument that Charlie the Tuna was really a catfish, a goofy little discussion that as far as I know evolved in his mind from some murky connection with our just ended discussion of Huck Finn. And there were discussions of truth and reality, right and wrong, and other such final concerns, Jim in the middle, those of us not exhausted by his energy trying mightily to contain him, to pin him to a concession, to work with him to an answer. He was such a challenging, amusing, delightful wonder of a boy, such an extraordinary expression of life. Last week, at the end of our last discussion, one of those about reality and such, Jim ended the hour asking me, in a moment of uncharacteristic reticence, if he could ask a question. (Another outburst of laughter, among so many, at the Memorial Service.) He wanted to know if I believed in God. I have no idea what I had been saying that led him to wonder, and I have no idea what he meant when, in response to my answer, he said, “That’s interesting.” It made me feel kind of biological or medical. Yes, Jim, I believe in God. Could any of us have known you as we have and not believe in God? Andy Andrew W. Silberman

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1938 - 2023

George Wightman

Growing up in Carmel, he was a stud athlete, avid body surfer and ran a bit on the wild side. He loved the outdoors and especially fishing, camping, playing basketball and running 10k races and marathons. He was a beloved high school teacher for 35 years teaching Driver Training, First Aid and CPR, and was a positive influence on all of his students. His warm smile and loving vibe made him many friends and he was affectionately called The Mayor of Capitola by his neighbors down in the village.

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SHS CLASS of 85 REUNION

Main event: Saturday September 27, 2025

5:00 pm - 9:30pm

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