Our dear classmate, Tom Johnson, passed away November 9, 2022.

In late September a very high PSA test and a bone scan revealed that he had Stage 4 prostate cancer. It was a shock to his family because if Tom had been enduring any physical pain in the time leading up to the diagnosis, he never let on. Oncologists did what they could, but they caught it too late and were faced with another complication. Tom also tested positive for COVID 19, which further weakened his immune system.

Earlier this year I was fortunate to have visited Tom and his wife, Kay, at Lake Havasu, Arizona. He seemed in good spirits at the time– happy and healthy and enjoying life. Tom was a good person and will be missed.

In February our dear friend and classmate, Helen “Pinky” Elias Robinson, passed away. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. May Pinky forever rest in peace.

The following obituary was written on March 30 by Linda Felix.

“Helen Cecilia (Pinky) Robinson, 79, of San Marcos, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 21, 2021 with her family around her. Helen was born in Los Angeles, California in 1941 to Ernestine Felix and Albert Elias. She graduated from Azusa High School in 1960. After meeting the love of her life in school, Helen married Gerry Robinson in June, 1964. In 1976 Helen went to work for the San Marcos Unified School District as a paraprofessional in elementary and high school classrooms for eleven years. During her 48 years in San Marcos, except for a 7 year break in Evergreen CO where she realized her dream of opening a Mexican restaurant, Manana’s, Helen was actively involved with the PTA, San Marcos Little League, girl’s softball, San Marcos 4-H, San Marcos High School Cheerleading Squad, and Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her husband Gerry Robinson, children Rod Robinson (Lara), Matthew Robinson, and Gina Simmonds (Paul); and grandchildren Desiree Robinson, Devin Robinson, 1st Lt Cole Simmonds USMC, and Grant Simmonds.

Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was the caretaker, strength, and laughter for her entire family, and for so many others. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers one may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name.”

Victor “Vic” Subia, class of 1960, passed away February 2, 2021 from COVID-19.

Vic was a year ahead of us at Azusa High School, but many from our class knew him and have asked about his passing. I’ll share with you what I know about Vic’s fulfilling life and his untimely death— both from emails he sent and what I learned from his younger brother, Rick.

“Vic had serious lung issues from his time as a firefighter. He contracted COVID and that, and other health issues, were too much for his body. He passed in the hospital. Unfortunately, he was isolated. We were able to talk to him via phone but due to the breathing tubes he could not reply. My big brother is gone, and I will miss him,” Rick said.

Vic led a full and interesting life in his mission to serve others. His pursuit started early. At Azusa High School he was active in the Key Club, ROTC, and even worked on the big “A” on the mountain overlooking Azusa.

After high school Vic joined the army and later, worked with communities and organizations to help make them safer. In an email dated September 13, 2020, Vic said, “I am a retired firefighter. After the army I was an Azusa firefighter, then an Orange County Deputy Sheriff, then back to the fire service in Huntington Beach. After I retired I was a public safety and national security consultant to several US and foreign agencies including the FBI, Secret Service, Defense Threat Reduction Agency and several Olympic Summer and Winter Games.”

After years of working long hours and traveling the world as a security consultant, Vic settled down and bought a home in Rancho Bernardo, California. When a fire destroyed all of the homes on the block except his, and he was told the repair work to his home would be extensive and costly, Vic decided to pack it up and move to El Dorado County near Sacramento so he could be closer to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He said, “I’m close enough to see them often without becoming a meddling parent.” He was proud of all of his grandchildren, especially is granddaughter, Ashley, who followed in his footsteps and is now a Fire Captain with the U.S. Forest Service. Vic said, “I never encouraged my granddaughter to become a firefighter, it was all her idea and she is really good at it.”

After years of paying mortgages, home maintenance and repairs, living in crowded cities, and almost losing his home to a wildfire, Vic was tired and wanted to live a simpler life in his retirement. So when he arrived in El Dorado County he chose to live in a hotel where everything was taken care of. “Living in a house just wasn’t me. I like being alone, living free, and having someone else worry about replacing the toilet paper and fixing the roof and the plumbing,” he said.

When the pandemic hit, Vic’s worries were far from over. He had several friends from other countries who died from COVID-19, so Vic was aware of the dangers to the most vulnerable population. He said, “The COVID-19 issue is a nightmare. I have asthma so I have to be extra careful not to get exposed to the virus. I usually volunteer at the El Dorado County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), but not with the COVID-19 stuff around.”

Vic isolated at home, read mystery novels to keep himself entertained and only left when absolutely necessary.  “I don’t live close enough to stores that deliver so I have to shop once every two weeks,” Vic said. Sadly, despite his precautions, he contracted COVID-19.

Vic was beloved by all who knew him. He was always a gentleman and never a bore. And he loved to talk—especially about his worldly adventures and the famous people he rubbed elbows with along the way. He was considerate—always sending e-cards on holidays and special occasions to his friends. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Vic.

Jeffrey Richard Eby – 1943 – 2020

Our dear classmate, Jeff Eby, passed away November 6, 2020 and was laid to rest November 30 at Riverside National Cemetery following a private memorial service.

Jeff will be missed by all who knew him. One of his closest friends described Jeff as intelligent, a good speaker, and generous with a wonderful sense of humor. Jeff was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing as often as he could with Kathy, his wife of 57 years. He also loved hitting the greens with his fellow classmates, whenever he had the chance.

In his younger years he was a sailor in the United States Navy. Later, after graduating college, Jeff became a schoolteacher and a minister. Up until his death, Jeff was a lay pastor at the Arlington Avenue Church of the Nazarene in Riverside.

You can read Jeff’s full biography here.

Rest in peace, Jeff.