Sadly we report the passing of BHS '67 alumni, Ron Bayless last month. May the Lord bring comfort to Ron's family and friends.
2/4/2010 1:09:00 PM
Obituaries: Ron Freeman Bayless
Nov. 1, 1948— Jan. 28, 2010
source
Ron Freeman Bayless, 61, formerly of Frazier Park, Calif. died at his home in Joseph.
He was born to Bennie Freeman and Edyth Dennis Bayless in Arcadia, Calif. and grew up and lived in Burbank, attending High School there. He was scouted for pro baseball. He joined the army and served in Germany and Vietnam.
In 1982 he met Bonnie Marler at Universal Studios, where he worked at the time, and they were married August 9, 1987 in San Padro, Ca on the Buccaneer Queen at a pirate style wedding.
The couple moved to Frazier Park, Calif. where they lived until 2004. They retired to Joseph.
Mr. Bayless' work included working as a teamster for Universal Studios as a dispatcher at tours, a captain on movie productions and as a heavy equipment operator until 2002. He also worked for a refrigeration and heating company.
He was a member of a duck hunting club in Delano, Calif. known as Machinist and Farmers Duck Club.
He was baptized January 23, 2010 at St Mary's Medical Center after suffering from cancer.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Joseph; brother, Bernie and his wife Sue; nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held Feb. 2 at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Enterprise. Bollman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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From 1967 Ceralbus
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Leland Frederick Freeman
November 8, 1948 – February 14, 2010
With a heavy heart, we share the sad news that our classmate and friend, Lee Freeman (BHS '67), passed away, yesterday. May the Lord bring comfort and strength to the family during this painful time of loss.
Doug (BHS '66), his brother, wrote:
Hi Cathy.
Lee left us Sunday morning at 2:30 A.M. He died after a long bout with cancer. He put up a good fight for several years.
I don't know of any service that will be held as of yet. Some of his bandmates may be having a memorial soon. I'll keep you posted.
Luv ya.
Thanks for being there.
Doug
My personal memories of Lee are most vivid from elementary school. He was one of the funniest guys in our class and always great to hang out with. We would trade comic books and goof off in class which usually got us in trouble - lol! I was so proud of him when I discovered he made the big time with his band, Strawberry Alarm Clock, and would brag that he was my classmate. Lee's memory will live on and he will be missed by many.
6th grade at Joaquin Miller Elementary School, Burbank, California
1961: Wendy Rickard, Lee, Cathy Palmer
Strawberry Alarm Clock
1969: Gene Gunnels, Lee Freeman, Ed King, Paul Marshall
PREVIOUS POST on Lee Freeman
In Loving Memory of our Classmates and Friends...
Memorial: R.I.P. Lee Freeman of Strawberry Alarm Clock; February 14, 2010
And had to add this great photo from the SAC message board:
What a cutie!
UPDATE
Just received the following email and GREAT pics & vids from Lee's friend, Roy/Frog - Thanks Frog!
Hi Cathy Frog AKA Roy Simison here. I have been Lee's friend since 1963 so Lee's passing has had a great effect on me, he did say goodbye as he passed and told me everything was cool so I am good with that. I thought a couple more pictures to what you have already posted might be of interest.
Paul Marshall Lee Gaffney and Lee Freeman
http://usera.imagecave.com/rws/sac/leepaullee1.jpg
The Vectors
Lee Freeman Steve Rabe and Cut Johnson This was his first band before Thee Sixpence.
http://usera.imagecave.com/rws/sac/victors-copy.jpg
Lee and his brother Doug
http://usera.imagecave.com/rws/sac/ffb-copy.jpg
Another picture of that smiling face
http://usera.imagecave.com/rws/sac/leecat.jpg
Lee playing harmonica with Lynyrd Skynyrd Live from Winterland San Francisco, CA 1975.
LINK: https://youtu.be/Zbszl2dAxwg (go to 40 min)
Lee, you were more than my brother-in-law in the late 60’s - you were my best friend and the father of my nephew Evan…
As I was preparing to deploy to Vietnam you were supportive, and ever positive.
Upon my return, the 1st time I saw you was at my folk’s garage ( 736 Andover Dr .). I was trying my new reel-to-reel tape recorder. As it played Chicago doing “Only the Beginning” you walked up the driveway with your broad infectious smile looking like an original “Fabulous Furry Freak Brother.” We hugged and sang “only the beginning…” It was late in the year, and I’ve been prone to melancholy that season since, but you helped me so much shake-the-blues.
You encouraged me to help with the equipment of the Strawberry Alarm Clock, and I recall taping you live at a gig in Huntington Beach . It also resulted in accompanying the band to the wedding of Russ Meyer & Edy Williams from your work on the sound track for Meyer’s film “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.” I remember we shared a table with Hugh Hefner and his lady. There were just so many happy memories: shooting pool at Chris Burke’s, softball at the park, Yosemite trips Memorial Day & 4th of July 1970 (survivors of the Stoneman Meadow incident [riot]; ironic that I went on to a career with the National Park Service and ended up a Regional Special Agent), from a SAC concert tour down south you turned-me-onto the Allman Brothers Band before they’d been heard of nationally, being roomies together with your brother Doug on East Verdugo where we had use of the band equipment stenciled with “THE ROLLING STONES” across the back (you told me: “they obviously had 1st right-of-use when they are in L.A.”).
Of course, there was the tragic Christmas morning (’72) when your mom and sister were murdered. Many of us felt the loss for having them taken away so pre-maturely and swiftly. I know it was hard times for you, but every time I saw you thereafter you always shared a smile and kindness: of course I recall your trip to Tonto Basin when I was stationed there, going to the Upper Dwelling with Evan and Ranger Phil.
Though the years floated into decades apart, as I followed my trail, you were always in my thoughts. I still use some of the things we learned together amigo. Y
Your son (Evan) is working on his Masters in IT Management at Arizona State University- you have three grandchildren (William, Emily & Andrew). Their maternal uncle Carlos (Noriega) is with NASA, and flew a couple of shuttle missions (got to take a walk too). Meme & I are God parents to Emily. Anyway, just wanted to let you know and THANK YOU for so many great memories… We love you Lee… Phil ( Santa Fe , NM)
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Phil also sent this link:
good source of info re: SAC: http://www.classicwebs.com/strawber.htm
Februray 17, 2010 UPDATE
Neal Hershenson BHS '67 sent this this morning - thanks Neal!
A former coworker and now 30-year friend recalled my blabbing about my tangential connection to Strawberry Alarm Clock and my pride in knowing Lee Freeman. His memory was jogged by his current coworker, George Bennett, who was also in the group! So, late last year, my friend presented to me a recent photo of the group. Honoring my wish to relay a message, I was later told on the relay's return of Lee's serious illness. And so the Wheel of Life turns - We All are glad we met you, Lee
Love,
Neal
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February 25, 2010 UPDATE
A few days ago, an LA Times reporter contacted me via Tim Lemm (BHS '67) asking for family contact info to confirm the death of Lee, so I passed the info on to Doug and below we have a great photo with an obituary:
PASSINGS: Lee Freeman, Betty Lou Keim, Menachem Porush, Thomas Michael Eggers, Judith Paige Mitchell
Freeman, Strawberry Alarm Clock member, dies at 60; Keim, actress, dies at 71; Porush, Israeli rabbi, dies at 93; Eggers, former Dana Point councilman, dies at 61; Mitchell, writer, dies at 77
February 24, 2010
source
Lee Freeman was an original member of the Strawberry Alarm Clock from the days when the band was called Thee Sixpence. He played rhythm guitar, sang and wrote lyrics. (August 31, 1991)
Lee Freeman
'60s band had No. 1 hit
Lee Freeman, 60, a member of the 1960s' band Strawberry Alarm Clock, famous for its flower-power anthem that became a No. 1 hit in 1967, died of cancer Feb. 14 at his home in the Bay Area, his brother, Doug, said in an e-mail.
Freeman, who played rhythm guitar, sang and wrote lyrics, was an original member of the band, which was called Thee Sixpence when it was formed in 1966. None of the band members wanted to sing lead on "Incense and Peppermints," intended to be released on the B-side of a single, so a friend on hand for the recording session volunteered.
The group also supplied music for the film "Psych-Out" in which it also appeared.
Freeman, born Nov. 8, 1949, in Burbank, continued to play with the band during reunions.
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April 23, 2010 UPDATE
Stumbled upon this LA Times article from Feb 27, 2010:
Afterword
Musing with the news obituaries staff
source
Lee Freeman, Strawberry Alarm Clock's gentle soul
February 27, 2010 | 11:23 am
Lee Freeman, a founding member of the 1960s group the Strawberry Alarm Clock, was "a gentle soul and free spirit," said bandmate George Bunnell. "You can hear it in his songs." Freeman died Feb. 14 of cancer. He was 60.
I asked Bunnell during an e-mail conversation for a story about Freeman that was connected to a specific song. Here is part of his reply:
"We were asked by Dick Clark to take part in his movie 'Psych-Out.' He asked us not only to appear in it as ourselves, but to provide several songs as the landscape.
"More importantly he asked us to write the theme song. He had been using Simon & Garfunkel's 'Sounds of Silence' as the temporary theme. He wanted something along those lines as the central character played by the late Susan Strasberg was deaf and blind.
"Lee immediately had an idea for the lyrics and along with our guitarist Ed King they wrote and sang one of the most gorgeous pieces of psych pop ever recorded, 'Pretty Song From Psych-Out.' Not the title they had intended the song to have ... but, oh well. It was released as a single (the B side to 'Sit With the Guru') and appears on both the 'Psych-Out' soundtrack LP (but performed by a group called the Story Book ... oddly enough?) and on the Strawberry Alarm Clock's 'Wake Up It's Tomorrow' LP."
Above you'll find a video to another song from the "Psych-Out" soundtrack, "Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow." And you can find Freeman's obituary here.
-- Keith Thursby
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LINKS
R.I.P. Lee Freeman of Strawberry Alarm Clock; Nov 8, 1949 - Feb 14, 2010
Photos from Lee Freeman's memorial celebration, March 20, 2010 and HERE and HERE and HERE
Another Lee Story
Lee and Jane
Note from Katy Leigh Freeman
Cards and letters for Jane Freeman can be sent to:
P.O. Box 802 in Millbrae, CA 94030
Donations in his name can be sent to the hospice that helped so much http://www.pathwayshealth.org/index.htm
or to your local humane society because Lee was a great lover of cats and dogs and he would like that.
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LINK TO FIND A GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48220353/leeland-frederick-freeman
Please share your comments below - thank you.
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FROM MARK LITTLETON, JOHN MUIR '64/COSTA MESA HIGH '67
One of the sweetest and most intelligent people I have ever known. She was destined for great things. Kathy would have graduated with the Burbank High class of 1966. Sadly she was struck by a drunk driver as she was crossing the street in front of BHS in 1964 and passed away a few days later. Bless her soul and family.
Kathy Kelly lived on my street in Burbank as we grew up. We kind of became boyfriend and girlfriend for a short time (you know how those things went at that age) when we were at Muir but she was a grade ahead. Probably my first awaking to girls which has been my downfall ever since – ha-ha. She was so much more wise then I, beyond her years. Smart and beautiful, and I, a young fool.
Yes (although still at Muir 9th grade) I happened to be hitch hiking to Glendale in front of BHS with Jim Burnham when the car threw all the girls into the air. I don’t know but somehow believe the Lord put me there for a reason, it baffles me to this day. The only other time that I have had that sense that the Lord was surrounding me and or the situation was when my father passed away. I ran to Kathy and cradled her head while Jim watched the drunk guy and his 55 Oldsmobile (what a tank of a car). Kathy’s mom leaped from her car a few feet away. Bruce Fossler my old friend from the same neighborhood appeared (he was in Kathy’s class) and ran to call for help. At first they told us she just had a broken leg but not long after she passed of a brain aneurism or something to that effect. There were at least two other girls, I did not know, that were struck. I recall one had landed up against the curb and her face was covered in blood. I never heard of or recall their status afterwards but I believe they both recovered.
I know I am biased, but honestly, Kathy was something special and would have made all of us proud to have been associated with her.
What a heart break for her family.
FROM MIKE JUSTL, BHS '67
I thought that I would respond to Mark's comments on Kathy since I also knew her pretty well. First of all she lived on my street before she moved to Mark's street in around 1961. So, I lived near her for about ten years. Our families were quite close, so we kept in touch until after Kathy's death. He said that she was quite smart and I agreed with this. I remember she would ask me questions on certain boys that she liked on what I knew about them. She liked some boy named Lee around 1960 or 1961. Our TV broke one week, and my mother asked Mrs. Kelly if I could watch Ozzie & Harriet and Donna Reed at their house. She said that would be OK, since Kathy watched it also, so we watched it together one Wednesday or Thursday night. I always thought Kathy had class, and with her brains would turn into a person of importance in the future. She would have been someone like Jackie Kennedy, very beautiful and talented.
We called the Kelly family the next day after Kathy was hit by the car to find out how she was doing and was shocked to hear from her grandmother that she had passed away. We were told of the details and I have a different spin on things. She was hit walking accross the street in the cross walk to meet her mother who would always drive her home in her white 1959 Ford. Kathy was alert and seemed not that bad after the accident, and was talking to her mother. She apparently hit her head when the car threw her in the air, and suffered what the actress Natasha Richardson did in her ski accident last year. The family was quite upset that the doctors did not realize this until it was too late since the proper treatment
could have saved her. Her mother took it quite hard and refused to drive after this and the family had to move out of their Keystone Street home because it reminded them of Kathy. Kathy lived in the room addition with the bedroom on the second floor over looking the back yard. We ran into her mother at Von's in around 1966, and she seemed in good spirts. I guess she started to drive again. When we were kids, Kathy's mother would drive us to the park or where ever we wanted to go, since her family had two cars.
I did not know many people of my class knew Kathy since she was older and one grade ahead.
FROM ALAN LANDROS, BHS '70
Kathy Kelley, (yes it is spelled with a second "e", Kelley), was the older sister of Tom Kelley, who is in my 1970 class. I remember this story. I don't think I ever knew that two other girls were also hit when Kathy was killed. She was crossing in a crosswalk at Glenoaks and Grinnell after school to go across the street to where her mother was parked and waiting for her. I remember that her mother saw the incident happen, and was never the same for the rest of her life. Later, after Tom finished at BHS in 1970 the parents moved to New Mexico in the 70's. I don't think their father ever fully recovered either after Kathy's death. I believe both of them have passed away. Tom and our friend, Dave Phinney, also BHS '70, went on an African safari together in the 70's. Also on that trip in their group was a young lady from Tasmania (Australia) that Tom and Dave met and got to know. That young lady and Tom Kelley later married. They lived here, and Tom was an Air Traffic Controller until 1981 when President Reagan "re-configured" the Air Traffic Controllers. After that they moved to Tasmania where they have now lived for over 25 years, raised their children, and where Tom has worked for the Forestry Dept./Forest Ranger for all these years. In 1990 he came to the 20 year reunion for the 1970 class, and may attend our 40 year reunion this June.
When the Kelleys moved from Keystone they moved to 848 Birmingham, where they lived while Tom went through Muir and BHS from 1964 to 1970. Tom went to Horace Mann while they lived on Keystone, and not Jefferson which Birmingham kids attended. Tom was the only other child besides Kathy. Tom was also very smart in school, and rather reserved and quiet. He is about 6'4", and played Varsity Basketball for Coach Loutensock while at BHS.
February 9, 2010 UPDATE
FROM BRUCE FOSSLER, BHS '66
I last saw Kathy Kellley on the day of the accident. She was one of the neighborhood kids and for a time was Mark Littleton's girlfriend. I was there on the day of the accident. In fact, I was waiting for her to ask for a ride home. I saw Kathy, but she was with two other girls and I was too embarrassed to ask for a ride. I was standing outside the gym against the wall. They continue to walk down the street. It began to rain and I decided to catch them and ask for a ride home. I saw the girls crossing the street. Then it happened. Bodies flew everywhere. I still remember seeing Kathy's mom getting out of her car and Mark Littleton holding Kathy. He looked up at me and he said, "It's Kathy Kelley". She laid in the middle of the street. Another girl, Barbara Woods, was covered in blood. She had hit the curb. I was in shock. I still can see those girls flying through the air. It was a moment that will forever been with me.
Just a response.
Bruce Fossler
Class of 66
PS Would like to hear from my classmates. Please email me at fossler@att.net
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February 28, 2010 UPDATE
Today was copied on an email exchange between Mark Littleton and Tom Kelley, Kathy's brother and have posted it below:
Hi Tom – This is Mark Littleton. We used to live together on Keystone St in Burbank back in the 60’s. I happened to be looking at a Burbank High School blog, particularily related to memorials of those in the class of 67 that have passed away and it brought back memories of your sister Kathy to me. I was drawn to add my own little memorial to Kathy on my site at Classmates.com. Well Cathy Palmer picked up on it (she is the one that so diligently keeps her Burbank High blog so current) and she wrote me for more information. I am forwarding recent communications that have transpired and if you scroll down to the bottom of this email and work your way back up to this note you will see what has transpired. Anyway, Cathy was going to set up a memorial to your sister Kathy on a couple of her blogs and we were lacking the dates of Kathy’s birth and passing. Wondering if you might recall. You may want to write a bit about Kathy and your family as well so Cathy Palmer could add that to the memorial.
God Bless Tom
Praying all is well with you and yours.
Mark Littleton
EMAIL REPLY
Hi Mark,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I want to thank you (and Mike) for all the nice things you said about Kathy. She was a lovely person and I often wonder what she would have done with her life, where would she be now, if the accident had not happened. I remember you of course living about half way down the block and across the street on Keystone. I also remember Mike Justl and his family from when we lived on Meyers St before moving to Keystone. In elementary school I was good friends with Mike's younger brothers, David and Dick. Your recollection of the accident seems to agree pretty well to mine, although I either forgot or never knew that you were there at the scene. There seems to be reference to three girls, but I thought there was only one other involved - her name was Mary Wood, she was Kathy's best friend and she was ok as far as I know.
Kathy was born in Glendale on July 1, 1948. Her death was on April 1, 1964.
Kind regards,
Tom
Burbank Review, Wednesday, April 1, 1964
GIRL STUDENTS INJURED WHILE CROSSING STREET, AUTO HITS STUDENTS IN CROSSWALK
Two Burbank High School students were injured, one of them critically, when they were struck Tuesday afternoon by an automobile at Glenoaks Boulevard and Grinnell Drive, shortly after leaving school. The motorist, Harry Miller, 34, of Saugus, was charged with felony drunk driving, according to Burbank Police Traffic Lt. Alan Ostroff.
Kathy Kelley, 15, of 2848 N. Keystone St., and Mary Wood, 15, of 2722 N. Brighton St., were crossing Glenoaks Boulevard when they were struck by the car. The Kelley girl was given emergency treatment at Burbank Community Hospital and then taken to the Glendale Sanitarium with a compound fracture of the right leg and numerous abrasions and contusions. Doctors there described her condition as “critical” today.
Miss Wood was taken to Burbank Community Hospital suffering from a laceration of the forehead, contusions and abrasions of the face. She was released after treatment.
The girls told police they were walking east across Glenoaks Boulevard in the pedestrian crosswalk at the time of the accident. They said that they reached the center of the street before they realized that Miller’s car was coming too fast to stop before hitting them. They added that they tried to run across the street but were unable to avoid being hit.
Miller reportedly told police he was northbound on Glenoaks Boulevard, approaching the intersection of Grinnell Drive, when he observed the two girls running in front of him. The accident was one of seven which occurred within a two-hour period from about 3 to 5 p.m. as rain pelted the streets
Burbank Daily Review, Thursday, April 2, 1964
DEATH SNUFFS OUT A BRIGHT LIGHT – KATHY STRUCK DOWN NEAR SCHOOL
Young and gay and full of life. At the age of 15, Kathy Kelley of 2848 N. Keystone St. had so much to live for. She was an honor student, popular with her classmates and admired by her teachers. Now she is dead, Victim of a tragic automobile accident.
At 3:25 Tuesday afternoon, Kathy left Burbank High. Accompanying her was classmate Mary Wood, 15, of 2722 N. Brighton St. At 3:27 they started across Glenoaks Blvd. walking in the crosswalk at Grinnell Drive. Kathy waved to her mother, her laughter radiating sunshine on a rainy afternoon. Observing the girls in the crosswalk, motorists told police of slowing to a stop in wait for the girls. As the children neared the center of the street, they saw an approaching car and began to run.
Then it happened. It was over in an instant. Kathy lay in the street, critically injured. Her mother ran to her and clutched her daughter to her side. She removed her coat and placed it over Kathy. From somewhere bystanders brought blankets. There they waited for an ambulance in the drizzling rain of a cloudy, dark afternoon – made darker for those present by the tragedy that had unfolded before their eyes.
Kathy and her companion were taken to Burbank Community Hospital. There Kathy was to receive emergency care before being transferred to the Glendale Sanitarium where she died Wednesday afternoon, a little less than 24 hours after the accident. Mary was more fortunate. A step ahead of Kathy, she sustained contusions and abrasions and was released from the hospital after treatment.
Kathy’s teachers had described her as an unusually capable girl, with high standards and a desire to do more than was expected of her. Kathy’s grades bore out the opinions of her teachers. She was a member of the California Scholarship Federation, for which include a far above ordinary scholastic average.
Through in her first year at Burbank High School, she had already become active as a member of the Foreign Exchange Club and the school a cappella choir. Her activities didn’t stop at school either. She was an active participant in the Presbyterian Church youth organization and was supervisor of a Junior Achievement group.
The motorist, Harry Miller, 34, of Saugus, reportedly told police he observed the girls when they ran in front of him. Traffic investigator Jack Bell said he has been charged with felony manslaughter. Kathy will be buried in the same dress she wore to her junior high school graduation.
Burbank Daily Review, April 3, 1964
MEMORIAL TO KATHY KELLEY PLANNED
Contributions for a memorial college scholarship fund are being accepted in lieu of flowers for, Miss Kathy Kelley, a Burbank High School student who died Wednesday. Ralph Kelley, father of the student, said Mrs. Thomas Murphy, of 3037 N. Lamer St., will set as collector of the fund. Later, a committee will be set up with school people for distribution to a deserving student or students, possibly for study in the fields of Spanish or music.
Funeral services for Miss Kelley, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale. She is survived by her father and mother, Ralph and Lillie Kelley; brother, Tom; grandparents, Dr. R.H. Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Sutton and Mrs. Reba C. Kelley.
