Marion Bentley
President; Class of 1961
What makes me happy? Enough time and good enough health to enjoy time spent with family and friends. A good book or movie or video and someone to share it with. Music. Gratitude that I have a family that not only loves me but loves each other. And shows and expresses that love openly.
What am I doing? A lot of walking and hiking Cache Valley trails. Service in our local ward and River Heights community. A slow read of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy. Keeping body and soul together as best I can.
Who is "in my corner"? Carolyn for almost 60 years .Our four children who continue to inspire me. My oldest brother, the two of us the sole survivors of the family we grew up in. Good friends over the years including many from the BY High Class of "61.
A favorite BYH memory? Memories of football and basketball games. A basketball game at Lehi where I was thrown out of the game and people listening to the game on the radio thought that it was Coach Arnold that got tossed. Or Alec. Memories of Pickle Week. Our class assemblies. Our Indiana thespian trip. Charlie Floyd. "All I could see from where I stood was three long mountains and a wood..."
A teacher who stuck by me? Julia Caine and Frank Arnold. One helped me see the greater picture of what was possible in the world we lived in, the other the importance of focus and discipline and working together for a common goal.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? You've got this! Enjoy and magnify this time of your life. Build and nourish and reenforce the friendships you make during these years. Take advantage of opportunities to expand and grow, to push the envelope. Cherish these days, keep a journal or diary of your life, your thoughts and feelings.
What do I look forward to? More of what makes me happy, time with children, grandchildren and great grands. Time with dear friends, time to walk and hike Logan Canyon trails, time for a slow read of War and Peace, time to finish writing my life story. Taking time to provide meaningful service that makes a difference. Time to travel to Barcelona and Budapest. A little more time and good enough health to use it well.
Sonnie Jacobsen Haymore
Beckie Jones Shepherd
What makes me happy? Seeing how much fun our children and their families have when we get together. Seeing our children living the gospel and teaching it to their children.
What am I doing? Living a good life without any health problems. Staying active by walking and going to exercise classes with friends We have four grandchildren on missions. Three of them are girls. I look forward to their letters every week. Dan and I live close to one of sons and enjoy being able to go to our grandkids activities. We have 19 grandchildren and are happy that our first great grandchild is due in October.
Who is "in my corner"? My husband Dan and my children. They make sure that I'm well taken of.
A favorite BYH memory? Because we were at BY High , we were able, each year, to go to the Manti temple and do baptisms for the dead.
A teacher who stuck by me? Donna Lee Turley. I worked for her and the other counselor for a few months after we graduated. I was at the high school when President John Kennedy was shot. We all went into the library and watched it on TV.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Enjoy your life . Do the best you can. Have fun with your friends but do good things.
What do I look forward to? Because of the Atonement I look forward to seeing our son Michael again and other loved ones.
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? My family. I love getting together for holidays to play games, reminisce, and just enjoy being together.
What am I doing? Retired and living in Arkansas. I keep busy documenting our family history, including writing my own life story and preserving my children's memories through pictures.
Who is "in my corner"?
A favorite BYH memory? Traveling and performing with the Hi Steppers. Winning the Western States Championships in Idaho and performing at the Seattle Seafair are wonderful memories, but the lifelong friendships are what I treasure most.
A teacher who stuck by me? Ms. Turley, our guidance counselor. She always lifted me up and made me feel confident. I never forgot her telling me I was a well-organized person—that trait ended up shaping my entire personal and professional life.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Be more involved and truly get to know your peers. Take the time to learn about their dreams, goals, and who they are on the inside, rather than just what you see on the surface.
What do I look forward to? Maintaining my independence, traveling, and watching my children continue to succeed and accomplish their dreams.
Class of 1961
Roy Taylor
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? Engaged in the purpose of life.
What am I doing? Trying not to act my age.
Who is "in my corner"?
A favorite BYH memory? Graduation and class social trip to the National Parks that followed
A teacher who stuck by me? Teachers that influenced me: Sister Caine and James Mason
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Serve others
What do I look forward to? Serving today so as to meet many friends tomorrow.
*** WINNER OF WEB SITE AWARD: Best smaile and fewest words!
Alec Andrus
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? My family, especially Linda. Volunteering for family, church and community. Beautiful things in nature, including human nature. Words that matter. Good conversation. Linda says, "Alec's a bird brain." Yup
What am I doing? Working in a Family Search center and the Boise temple. Hiking and photographing beautiful things. Drawing faces. Trying to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Who is "in my corner"? Linda; she has been for as long as I can recall, forever.
And Praise be to God: Jesus Christ.
A favorite BYH memory? Working in the band under the imcomparable James Mason! and with good friends all around (Dennie on Tenor, Roy on cornet, Elin on clarinet, Mary on flute, Glen on baritone and so many others. ) Playing a solo in Scheherazade in the Provo Tabernacle. It wasn't great by Bro Mason gave me props anyway.
A teacher who stuck by me? Ward Magleby, who kept telling me I could be a good man. I believed him. And Gus Clark! who was in everyone's corner.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Endeavor to persevere. Treasure the tender mercies and make good choices. Be grateful for good people and support them.
Always be humble and kind (Linda's consistent, long-suffering advice.) Be a good disciple and don't let your many stumbles overwhelm you.
What do I look forward to? The resurrection; being able to run, jump and bend. Another day. Good conversation with people here and on the other side of the veil. One more wonderful bird, (or mountain or tree or flower or creek or stanger who becomes a friend or so many other things.
Carol Gerber Allred
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? My family and friends. Working In Positive Action with my son, Alex. Traveling; I am always packed and ready to go. Time in paradise (Maui). Visiting Brian's peaceful grave. Listening, singing along Enjoying good books. Getting into nature. Watching birds. Zoom calls with beloved classmates of BY High
What am I doing? My heart is where my children and grandchildren are So I spend time in Boise with Brad and darling 4year old grand daughter, Cora; with Keith and 3 amazing grandchildren in DC; and Alex and his beautiful family.
Who is "in my corner"? My family, good friends and BY High classmates.
A favorite BYH memory? I loved all the opportunities but particularly loved making lifetime friends and the rush of activity: classes, assemblies, sports, dances, dates, drama, cheerleading, leadership meetings, state FHA, parties.
A teacher who stuck by me?Donna Lee Turley: my teacher, advisor, counselor, and a great friend. She believed in me! I was fortunate to have her in my life.
What would I tell my 18 year old self?Be true to yourself and sieze every opportunity to learn and grow. Be grateful for your goodly parents. Do the good you can and make the world be a better place. Be humble. Understand that life is a test. Work hard for worthy goals. TNurture family and good friends. Enjoy the blessings of life. Treasure your relationship with your Father in Heaven.
What do I look forward to? Enjoying every moment left to me on this side of the veil and the promise of life beyond with people I love.
Leaving a legacy of joy and love.
Paul Gilbert
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? Without equivocation, what makes me the very happiest is being with my wife, our 4 children and their spouses and our 21 grandchildren. We get together often and it is always a joyful occasion.
What am I doing? I am still practicing Law.
Who is "in my corner"? Unequivocally, my wife of 58 years, Susan. We are each other’s biggest fans
A favorite BYH memory? So many great memories from BY High but my association with you, special classmates, continue to be a real highlight. A pleasant and nostalgic memory for me was when our high school debate team won the state championship. We had stiff competition. Our two main debate teams were Julia Jensen and Elaine C. and Ned Ashby and me. This was a significant accomplishment for a school as small as BY High
A teacher who stuck by me? Three, Anna B. Hart, Julia Caine and believe it or not Garth Allred. We didn’t treat Garth as well as we should have but he put up with a lot of ribbing from us, but I always liked him as a teacher.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? I would tell my 18-year-old- self to spend less time worrying about problems. Most of the time the problems get resolved favorably or never materialize.
What do I look forward to? I look forward to completing my recovery from recent open-heart surgery and spending more time with my wife and family.
Kathy "Kaye" Gunn Roberts
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? Each new day! My family; grandkids and siblings. Enjoying nature. Walking and gardening
What am I doing? Living with my son and 6 grandkids. Volunteering at Rock Canyon; their school and where i taught. Visiting my other grandchildren in Maryland. Serving in the Provo temple and attending the temple regularly with my ministering sisters.
Who is "in my corner"? The Lord, my family, and inspiring friends and neighbors.
A favorite BYH memory? Lunch under the trees by the beehive with friends. Cheering at ball games. Model UN! The thespian trip to Indiana. Being part of "The Curious Savage" and "The Taming of the Shrew!"
A teacher who stuck by me? Donna Turley "if you get to know another, you will learn to like them." Omar Hansen "think, don't just memorize." Wallace Allred who taught math so I could get it. Mrs Williams who taught me to love tennis; a lifetime love.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Take time to enjoy life! Have fun. There's more to life than studying.
What do I look forward to? Learning to live with my older self. Letting go of things I cn no longer do. Finding ways to contribute and bring other's happiness
Ken Workman
Class of 1961
What makes me happy: A good life in Hurricane. Red rocks and warm, blue skies
What am I doing?
Who is "in my corner"? Christine, the joy of my life!
A favorite BYH memory?
What would I tell my 18 year old self?
What do I look forward to?
Classmates
Class of 1961
Ruth Burdett Roberts
Connie Cloward Parsons
Marcia Dean Crockett
Carol Fisher Harer
Mary Halliday Lindsey
Julia Jensen Hansen
What makes me happy? Helping my family with projects. Knowing that my two children are in their own homes and there is a fully employed member of their family. My oldest child WILL TURN 37 in December. My oldest grandchild WILL TURN 10 in October. My family’s ages are not like you old people’s families.
What am I doing? I am busy doing very little, which is very different. I pay attention to my ancestors’ need for temple ordinances. I am focusing on cleaning out, giving or throwing away the valuable junk in my house and shop so my two children won’t have to when I am gone. I like getting food from my garden.
Who is "in my corner"? Over the years, in one situation or another, Jesus Christ and the gospel fundamentals have been the stable thing and still are. AND, along with that, my family members (Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, both the girls I married, and even my two children) as time has gone on, have filled my corner with all kinds of help, support, blessings and happiness. I have always had the best friends and neighbors who have been in my corner through remarkably wonderful times and through difficult times life has given me, as life gives to us all.
A favorite BYH memory? I will always remember that our senior class subbed for Santa for two families. To raise school spirits, our senior class sponsored two weeks of “National Pickle Week” separated by a week or two. Our class won assembly of the year for three years, 10th, 11th, 12th grades. BOTTOM LINE: OUR CLASS TRIED TO MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY!
A teacher who stuck by me? James Mason, the band teacher, helped me improve my playing skills. He had me direct the pep band at the games. He got me into a BYU summer band that had a world famous baritone player as the director. He also got me into the Utah All-State Band. My two older brothers played in the all-state band too. My older brother played the bassoon in the all-state band with Dallin Oaks, who played the oboe.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Work less and play more. However, after high school, I think I made good choices by not waisting time: I went to BYU for a year, served in the military for six months (basic and advanced training), went on a mission (had three birthdays on my mission), then started at BYU again. And I really enjoyed the year at BYU when Paul Gilbert was student body president. He was great…as usual.
What do I look forward to? More projects. I love helping my two children (and others) complete projects that make their lives more enjoyable and happy. I guess work is in my DNA. And like Alec and Sonnie, I look forward to seeing my family members who have moved on to better health and better understanding. To see family members running (flying), jumping, pain free, and in such a good place, is just exciting to me. I hope I can stay with them and not be cast out.
What makes me happy? Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. My girls dressed in white dresses and blue satin sashes. Crisp apple strudel and brown Amazon packages tied up with packing tape. These are a few of my favorite things,
What am I doing? Seems like I'm on a train bound to nowhere staring out the window at the darkness looking for an Ace that I can keep before God calls my hand. Hopefully there are a few more rounds to be played before we are "all in".
Who is "in my corner"? My Angel Karma has been in my corner since December 1962 and has done a phenomenal job keeping me "in shape" for these many years. However there is a threat approaching in the form of an old man who is trying to get in. He is getting closer. He looks like a much older me. This may not end well but I have heard the "knock-out" will be glorious!
A favorite BYH memory? So many! I have enjoyed shared memories with other classmates. I have never forgotten the ill-fated "let's stuff school" trip to Roosevelt with Nick Boshard, Scottie Anderson, Leslie Ripple, Karren Shaw, Sandy Thompson, et al, to watch the football game at Union High school. We had to pay the price by cleaning the restrooms and scraping the paint off windows with razor blades. Humiliating but worth it.
A teacher who stuck by me?
Addie Jean Fuhriman transformed my attitude about literature and opened a window in my soul and a new perspective about ideas and life lessons learned through other’s words revealing the profundity and complexity of this world and its people.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? So many things but I doubt that I would pay any more attention to myself than I paid to advice I given then by wonderful counselors, teachers and parents. Had I followed more of their advice, it would have robbed me of experience and knowledge gained through mistakes I made. As the great philosopher Willy Nelson said, "I could cry for the time I've wasted but that's a waste of time and tears and I know just what I'd do if I went back in time somehow, ....... regret is just a memory written on my brow and there's nothing I can do about it now".
Carolyn Terry Faux
What makes me happy? My family, my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and Gene my partner in life.
What am I doing? I am a caregiver for Gene. I’m trying to keep myself and him healthy.
Who is "in my corner"? My family, especially my children and good friends.
A favorite BYH memory? My cheerleading year as a senior with Kaye Gunn and Steve Grow. Cheering for our high school team who did win a few games.
A teacher who stuck by me? Donna Lee Turley. She was a wonderful teacher and a good friend.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Along with getting my degree in Elementary Education, I would say to specialize in Speech Therapy.
What do I look forward to? To sunshiny days, good health and loved ones close. And reunions with wonderful, life-long friends.
Class of 1961
Dennis Wood
Class of 1961
Glen Miller
Class of 1961
Classmates
Class of 1961
Kathy Martin
Judy Matson Eastman
Cathi McKinnon Darrington
Pat Pang
Maraley Redd Rasmussen
Carol Reeder Ebright
What makes me happy? Spending time with my grandchildren. Taking our dog to the park with Barbara. Hearing the voice of an old friend on a telephone call and not "this number has been disconnected."
What am I doing? Writing a book about American popular music; the 20th century as a snapshot of the golden times when "all boats were rising." Active in a dart club of good old boys at our lake where we throw darts and pontificate on the great matters of the day.
Who is "in my corner"? Our daughter (Nicole) and son (Sean) living in Missouri so our lives are still a close shared experience.
A favorite BYH memory? From the time I was a pre-teen through high school, I would annually climb the biggest tree to the top. The summer before my senior year, I climbed so high I was looking down on the BY High building's roofs. Up in the top of that tree, I somehow always felt closer to all the people and history that came before us at our beloved school.
A teacher who stuck by me? Julia Caine, she lived the American and World History she taught. What would I tell my 18 year old self? Follow the life path that I have blazed for the past 65 years. While you are young, seek every possible adventure while gaining the education and skills to pursue a life passion.Do not assume the responsibilities of marriage and family bread-winner until you have gorged yourself on life. Around 30 after you have tried it all, find a life mate, start a family and build a happy life together.
What do I look forward to? Seeing my children continue to succeed and my grandchildren grow into adulthood. Hearing Glen's Bottle Band. Seeing Allen Dixon, a classmate after 65 years.
Norma Broadbent Nielsen
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? Faith, Family, Friends, Reading, Sewing, Traveling, Volunteering (Alphabetical order because I’m OCD -Old, Cold, Deaf)
What am I doing? Book Club, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, volunteer grandma one day a week in a kindergarten, Primary teacher, Empty Nesters, cheerleader to grandkids and greatgrands , quilting classes, and enjoying each day (especially the days I don’t have to cook.)
Who is "in my corner"? My husband, Clyde. He tells people that the way we work well together is that he is the recreation department and I’m the police department.
A favorite BYH memory? The friendships—BY High was the third high school I attended and I am grateful that you were and still are good, caring people.
Our senior trip was classic!
A teacher who stuck by me? Miss Hatton, the Home Ec teacher, told me I was talented at sewing and that small compliment was a big for me.
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Be and do your best and everything will turn out right in the end. Follow Jesus!
What do I look forward to? Many more adventures with family and friends.
Nick Boshard
Class of 1961
Steve Nelson
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? My family! Spending time with my seven children, 25 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Our family is spread from Hawaii to Boston, so I especially enjoy traveling to visit them. and making memories together. I enjoy a good hike or an evening walk with Gina.
What am I doing? This summer, we had a wonderful week-long family reunion at BYU Aspen Grove with 51 family members including my children, grandchildren, and great grandchilden. We enjoyed fun, adventure, and making memories together while celebrating Gina’s 80th birthday. We have these big family reunions every three years, and they are always very special.
Who is "in my corner"?
A favorite BYH memory? I especially remember the assemblies in the auditorium and the fun of just being together with our friends. Those were special times that I still remember fondly today.
A teacher who stuck by me?
What would I tell my 18 year old self? Say yes to life-changing experiences. Serving in the Peace Corps in Malaysia with Gina and a church mission with her in New Zealand were most meaningful experiences. Embrace opportunities and enjoy the adventure.
What do I look forward to? More adventures and traveling with Gina. We have been fortunate to travel to all seven continents, but there are still so many places around the world we would love to explore.
Jerry Baum
Aluminus and beloved class mate
What makes me happy?
What am I doing? Living in the shadow of the Payson temple.
A favorite BYH memory? Nick Faulkner giving me rides to school on his bicycle. Playing football with the boys on the team.
Classmates
Class of 1961
Jerry Sandstrom
Barbara Kay Smith Rytting
Sandra Thompson Clark
Julie Van Wagenen Aidukaitis
Gordon Walker
In Memoriam: Those who have gone before
Class of 1961
Richards Durham 1973
Gary "Hoss" Yorgason 1994
Scott Anderson 1997
Janet Kirkman Hixson 1998t
Leslie Ripple Riggins 2000
Johnny Harker 2001
Martha Anderson 2005
Bonnie Curtis Walker 2006
Bryant (Alan) Jolley 2006
Gilbert Davis 2007
Douglas D Wilkinson 2015
Elin Crnkovic Sorensen 2017
Ned Ashby 2017
Charlie Floyd 2019
Dale Stephenson 2019
Barbara Barnett Harris 2019
Kathy Clarke Williams 2020
Shirley Gregson Mullins 2020
Karen Shaw Ackemyer 2021
Nicholas Faulkner 2021
Linda Kimball Runyon 2021
Jim Chaplin 2023
Annette McAffee Hansen 2023
Leslie Hansen Brown 2023
Blaine Yorgason 2024
Janice Bonnett Pearson 2025
Marie Keeler Blanchard
Class of 1961
What makes me happy? My Great-grands make me happy. I write stories with them as characters. My daughter illustrates them with ChatGPT.
What am I doing? Trying to age gracefully. (I’m a complete failure.)
Who is "in my corner"? My kids (age 62 an 60!) Both techies. September zooms with me to fix my Mac problems. Perin, a software engineer, says, “Mom, I only do Windows."
A favorite BYH memory? College Hall and the Catwalk. Both have played in my dreams over the years. Any symbolism there?
A teacher who stuck by me?
Even now I can’t address them with
first names... Mrs (J) Caine, Mr (W) Magleby, Mr (W) Allred ❤️, Miss Berry (so kind) and Mr (G) Allred (felt so sad for him; born 50 yrs too late.)
What would I tell my 18 year old self? In 5 years you’ll be beautiful.” My 30 younger self: “Girl, give it up.”
What do I look forward to? Aging gracefully. (I’m an abject failure.)
