The Viking Huddle

Yo, Bruce!! Happy Birthday, man! Hope you're doing well and enjoying life!

My dear brother, Robert passed away on Nov. 10th, 2025. He was the kindest, most generous person i have ever known.

I was disappointed to hear about Tom's passing.  Tom was a big man who always made other people feel big. His calmness and leadership was remarkable.  I played football and basketball with Tom during my Junior year.  He always impressed me with his quiet and self confident way of being.   

Once in the spring 1997 try outs for varsity football in my sophmore year we were doing a tumbling drill together and he broke his right forearm. After the coaches stopped the drill I thought he said to me "Hey Taggart you broke my arm", immediately I paniced thinking my skinny 140 lb frame did it during the tumbling drill..  Image my sleepless night thinking he thought I did it to him.   The next day he laughingly told me that he actully fell on his arm rolling over.  Tom was someone who I greatly appreicated and admired.  My sincere wishes and support for Paul and Fred.  He will be missed.  

Its with great sadness, hearing that Tom, has passed away. Tom was always a rock along with being a good friend. Tom had nothing but positive virtures and an awesum charactor. When you hung out witth Tom you were always kept busy laughing with his sence of humor. 

I'm sure Tom's family no matter how small will miss him beyond any doubt.. Tom made his way to heaven before many of his freinds have. I have no doubt Tom will be there waiting patiently for his MVHS friends as they slowly make their way to Heaven, following their old friends journey.

Rest In Piece old friend, May God bless you upon your arrival    

Sincerely,

Ralph Von Ossko

Mr. Ricci so influenced much of my growth and development while at MVHS.  He got me chosen for the California State Honor Band, and and helped me learn improvisation on my horn.  By 10th grade, I was playing in nightclubs.  I have always been so grateful to Mr. Ricci for reaching out to my Dad to discuss how he could help me apply for a music scholarship.  As it turned out, my saxophone paid for my college education. What a guy!  I will forever be indebted to Mr. Ricci for his kindness, guidance and humanity.

One of the highlights of my Senior year was being in "Once Upon A Mattress" (as the Jester!) and getting to know Karen Daniel. I stopped by the school a couple years after I graduated and saw her doing rehersals for another play. She introduced me to the students as if I were a star! She made me feel like a friend, not just a former student. And that's what she was. Karen was my friend.