The Class of 1965 has invited our class to attend their reunion . Jack Jacobs invitation follows:

May 15, 2025

Dear Nordhoff Class of '65 Alumni & Friends:

2025 marks our sixtieth anniversary, and we will be celebrating on the weekend of August 15th. I have no idea how the years went by so quickly. The festivities will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday with a tour of the “old” Nordhoff campus where we graduated on El Paseo and the “new” Maricopa Highway campus in front of the hospital. The pre-reunion party will take place at the Ojai Brewery on Friday evening at 5:00 PM, and the actual reunion will be held in the Soule Park banquet room on Saturday night from 5:00 PM (no host bar) to 10:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. Final goodbyes will be at Claudia and Wyatt Harris’ on Sunday morning at 8:30 AM.

We have no plans to have music at any of the events so that there will be plenty of time to talk with each other. You can attend any or all of these events as you wish, and the only prepaid charge will be the actual reunion dinner at Soule Park. Drinks are no host.

The tour of the two campuses will be led by the Superintendent of the Ojai Unified School District, Dr. Sherrill Knox, and will, of course, be casual. Sherrill will be talking to us about the shrinking school district and it’s future. This event is free, and we will meet in front of the newly remodeled cafeteria at the old El Paseo campus. Bring your questions for Sherrill, and don’t forget to look for the Class of ’65 senior fountain and benches that we gifted to the “new” campus behind the administration building for the second half of the tour.

The Ojai Brewery pre-reunion party will be held Friday, August 15th at 307 Bryant St., Ojai, CA 93023. There is no cost to attend. We will be sitting outside at picnic tables, but you may want to bring your own chairs. You can purchase sandwiches and drinks if you wish. The weather should be great in August, but don’t forget that Ojai can get cool in the evenings. You might want to bring a jacket.

The reunion party, on Saturday evening, August 22nd, will be held inside the Soule Park banquet room at 1033 E, Ojai Ave. Cocktails are at 5:00 PM and dinner is at 6:00 PM. There will be plenty of parking in front of the building. The cost for the complete dinner buffet will be $75 per person. You must remit the attached reserva with payment by July 15th so that we can give Soule Park an accurate idea of the attendance count. To reach the Soule Park banquet facility drive east on Ojai Avenue and turn right into the Soule Park golf course just past Shady Lane.

We will give you your tickets when you arrive at the reunion, and there will be a paid list at the door. Since there is always the possibility that your reservation could be misplaced, you should bring your cancelled check or other proof of payment.

On Sunday we will meet at Claudia and Wyatt’s house with family and friends for final goodbyes and chat from 8:30 – 11:00 AM. Claudia and Wyatt have graciously offered to provide a beautiful outdoor setting for our use as well as coffee and pastries.

To get to Claudia and Wyatt’s drive East on Ojai Avenue, North (Left) on McNell Rd., and East (Right) on Thacher Rd to 4011 Thacher Rd.

We have done everything possible to locate class members while at the same time trying to respect their wishes if they are not interested in attending. However, if you know of anyone whom we may have overlooked, and you have their email address, we would be happy to send them an invitation.

Once again, we would like to remind you that we have to receive your reservations, and checks by July 15th. If you have other questions, you can reach me by e-mail at jacknmn@gmail.com or (805) 646-4321 Ext 104 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Also, I will have copies of all of our Nordhoff and Matilija Junior High yearbooks at my office at 603 W. Ojai Ave, Suite A, on those days during the week of the reunion if you want to stop by and refresh your memories of names and faces.

Take care,

Jack Jacobs

Don Burt was a Nordhoff grad class of 1965. As such many of us knew Don. Following is his obituary from the Ventura Star:

This can't be real. We lost Donald (Don, Donnie, Dad, Grandpa) Burt on May 16th. His family was with him at home to say goodbye. He had a laundry list of health problems, but we could never anticipate how it would end. It was too fast, unfair, and we weren't ready. Unfortunately for us, God had other plans for Donnie.

Although he was born in Northern California, he was still an infant when his family moved back to Ojai and remained here his entire 77 years. He attended school in Ojai, graduating from Nordhoff in 1965. He may have earned the nickname “Turtle,” but his memory was like an elephant's and we'll miss his stories of the town, his many jobs as a teen and his family and friends.

He worked for 40 years at the City of Ventura and retired as the supervisor of the wastewater division with many accomplishments under his belt. While at the City, he was most proud of obtaining the Grade V certification as a wastewater operator - a very difficult achievement.

It was hard not to love the man and he developed many friendships that lasted decades. Our mom, Janet (Rose), loved him more than anyone. They were the epitome of a happy couple. It may sound cliche, but in their case, it was true. It's almost impossible to separate the two. Married for nearly 57 years, they were a team and everything they did was for one another. His "jokes" made her laugh until she cried - even if they weren't very funny - it was his delivery and commitment to the punchline! And he unintentionally made us all laugh with his complete lack of rhythm and inability to clap to the beat. He's known best for his friendly, impish spirit, but he was physically and emotionally very strong with oodles of intelligence and talent. His hobbies may have been modest - drag racing, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching Jeopardy! and reading Steinbeck, but to be fulfilled, all he needed was our mom.

Don and Janet have two daughters, Mona and Corinne, and three grandchildren, Donny, Jaidyn and Lydia - all of Ojai. Over the years, he has brought home many kitties, our beloved mutt, Rufus, and, of course, a turtle. He had deep roots here, with a lot of family growing up with him. His cousin, James Carriger, is not only family, but a constant friend to us all. His niece, Julie Largen, a nurse at CMH, made sure to visit our parents. Her knowledge and kind heart are deeply appreciated. In addition to his relatives, he was like a dad to many of our friends. It's been heart-warming to see so many people reaching out to offer condolences, support and help. A testament to a truly good man. We're incredibly proud of him and thankful we were lucky enough to have him in our lives. We wish we had more time and as our mom told him, "We had so much more to do."

We could go on forever with tidbits and tales, but, in the end, we think he'd like to be remembered as an honorable man who, despite the odds being against him, made a fulfilling life for himself and his family.

To honor Donnie, we’ll have a celebration of life on September 13 in Ojai (details to come). We'd love to hear your memories and stories, as he was such a story-teller. In lieu of flowers, Donnie loved animals and any donations can made to the Ojai Humane Society in his memory.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: scroll down to view older announcements.

The Nordhoff Class of 1964 60 Year Reunion

Did you miss the Reunion held May 30 & 31, 2024? We documented it with lots of pictures. This is what a successful reunion looks like:

Want to see more? Click here for more than 170 photos. We invite you to add your own photos to the gallery. Detailed instructions for adding your photos are included.

Joanne Wickline RIP

I discovered Joanne's death notice in the Ventura County Star today. There was no obituary, only a death notice. While searching for clues about her I discovered she lead a very active life in Ventura County. I provide some of those details on her In memory Page and I invite any of you who knew her to provide additional information about her life. Her death was reported on February 25, 2020 but she died on February 12, 2020.

Blair

Clive Leeman RIP

Clive attended Nordhoff during our time at Nordhoff having started in 1962. I visited him recently at his home in the Taormina part of Ojai. We had a vibrant conversation about college after he learned that I was a Trustee for his college district.  His wife is Dr Rupp's daughter. The following obit is from the Star newspaper:

Clive Leeman, born August 7th, 1943 in Durban, South Africa, passed away quietly in Ojai on November 7th, 2023. He struggled with poor health for some time, but always most happily rallied to communicate with friends and family. Outgoing and social, Clive loved people. He taught at Moorpark College and spoke and wrote about issues of social justice and inclusion.

Despite being a self-described 'migrant laborer in the groves of academe,' he developed his style of teaching writing, "The Helping Circle," and "Writing Without Fear," and found immense joy and fulfillment in helping his great diversity of students tell their stories.

He is survived by his wife, Marion; his son, Philip and granddaughter, Isabella, from Los Angeles; his son, Thomas, daughter-in-law, Linda, grandsons Joseph and Benjamin from Sacramento; chosen son Sher Singh from Malaysia, and wife Maria from Delicias, Mexico, and their three children, Luis, Sanjay, and Sherlyn; twin brother, Kevin, from London; brother, Craig, from Perth Australia; nephew Grant, from Sweden; and brothers in law, Stuart and Daniel Rupp and their families in California.

Some of Clive's poetry and other writing can be found at cliveleeman.com, which was lovingly created and maintained by Ken Bash.

Clive attended Nordhoff High School in 1962 as an exchange student from South Africa. In later life he made Ojai his home.

Posted by Larry Kennedy

Dave and Crysal Anderson aranged a Nordhoff 64 gathering in Camarillo on November 20, 2023 for Charles Reuter on his visit from Alaska. He and Pam are well and he plans attending our 60th reunion this coming June 2024. Gary and Mary Desgagnes and Larry and Joanne Kennedy also attended. 

Dan Cole Passed Away

Dan Cole will have a Celebration of Life at Soule Park banquet hall on Saturday 10-14-2023 from 2:00 - 5:00. There will be an opening by his cousin Christine Madruga of La Quinta, California. Most of us know that Danny has no siblings and Christine has honored him with the planning of this event. Her brother has created a short slide show of Danny's life followed by an open mic for anyone who would like to speak about Danny. Refreshments will be served consisting of a Mexican buffet witha choice of beer or wine. Please respond for planning purposes to me at larry@kennedytoday.com by 10-7-2023 if you are able to attend .

The following obit appeared in the Ojai Valley News:

Known by his many friends as “Spanky,” Danny Cole died in his sleep of natural causes Monday, June, 5, 2023, at Community Memorial Hospital Ojai, one day after his 77th birthday. He was born June 4, 1946, in Port Hueneme, California.

His love for sports began in Little League and continued through high school, where he graduated from Nordhoff High School in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in February 1965, serving as electronics tech instructor, until his honorable discharge in May 1970. He then began a long career with Pacific Bell until his retirement.

In addition to being a financial supporter of Ranger sports for years, he served on the Ojai Parks and Recreation Commission during the 1970s. His passion for music, golf, softball, bowling, the Dodgers, and USC football continued throughout his life.

A longtime member and treasurer of the Soule Park Men’s Golf Club, he posted three holes-in-one and a double eagle along with other athletic achievements.

Danny Cole was an organizer. As a power drummer, he was the driving force behind Ojai’s ’60s rock band, The Raiders, which reunited in 2007 to play at Nordhoff’s 40th reunion at Soule Park. He also played in another Ojai group, West Coast, in the ’70s and early ’80s.

He cofounded the Ojai Labor Day softball tournament with friend Jim Coultas, and the legendary Shake ’n’ Bake golf tournament in Palm Springs, California.

He took immense pride in refurbishing his childhood Grand Avenue home, to which he returned in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his father, James; mother, Mary; and stepfather, Harry Leon; and survived by cousins Christine Madruga of La Quinta, California, and Michael Waugh of Cypress, California; and his beloved cat, Boots.

I hope to see you at the celebration,

Larry Kennedy

Thanks to all of you who have updated your Profiles!

Have you looked at your Yearbook lately? I just reviewed mine page by page searching for the best, the funniest or my favorite autograph. Here it is:  "I expect a world tennis champ, i.e., if not a Pulitzer Prize Winner." signed - Llwellyn.

What is your favorite?

Blair

Fred Core may he rest in peace

Fred Core passed away a few days ago. He had been battling parkinsons for years.

This message was sent to us by Scott Peddicord. If anyone has more specifics like an Obit or any details like the date of his death, please pass them along so we can post them on his In Memory page.

Carol Hale RIP

Sad news. Glenda Rust McConnell notified the class of the loss of Carol Hale, wife of our classmate Ken Hale. She came to our reunions regulary and engaged us with so much enthusiam that we should consider her one of our classmaates. The Ventura Star posted this Obit today:

Carol A. (Pemberton) Hale, 73, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 26, 2022, with her husband and friends by her side. Carol was born in Fullerton, CA on June 9, 1949, to Robert and Alice Pemberton. She moved to Camarillo in 1963. She graduated from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 1968. She was a retired CNA Home Health Aide, having worked in the field for 22 years. She last worked for Assisted Home Hospice, Ventura. Carol was a devoted and faithful member of Jubilee Church in Camarillo for 32 years. Carol thoroughly enjoyed travelling the world with her husband, Kenny. She loved to "Prayer Walk" everywhere they went. Carol had an angel's voice and loved to sing. Carol was very talented at making jewelry and loved making it for family and friends. She also enjoyed collecting dolls and teddy bears. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Alice Pemberton, and grandson Leo. She leaves behind her husband Kenny, son Raymond (Selene), granddaughter Zoe, grandsons Luis and Patricio, sister Sandy, and brother Robert. She also leaves behind sister-in-law Betty, nieces Janna, Amy, and Lori (Scott), grandnieces Kailyn and Kylea, nephews Tom (Cookie) and Bryan (Melissa), grandnephews Cody and Lance, and great-grandniece Lexi. A very special thanks to Valerie. We also wish to thank Assisted Home Hospice, their nurse Jennifer, aide Rocio, and social worker Susan. We wish to thank our special caregivers Debbie, Deysi, Omie, Emelina, Ramona, and Menelyn. Visitation will be at Griffin Family Funeral Chapel, 1075 E Daily Drive Camarillo, CA 93010, from 10AM to 12 PM on Tuesday July 12, with Service to follow from 12 PM to 1 PM, and burial at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 N. H Street, Oxnard, CA 93036. A reception will be held at 3 PM at Jubilee Church, 1169 Calle Suerte, Camarillo, CA 93012. Carol, you were an Angel on earth, and we know you are with Jesus and singing with Angels now. We will miss you. Rest in Peace.

Larry Kennedy

ALLEN STEPHENS In Memory

Allen Died on June 22, 1967 (the anniversary is coming up soon). His full name was David Allen Stephens.

I took this photo of his name on the Wall at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. in 2009.

Take a look at his In Memory Page here.

Blair

In the Summer of 1961 Cheryl Kellogg Reacted Quickly and Took Decisive Action

You probably didn't know or maybe you didn't remember that Cheryl attempted to save a stranger's life on Catalina Island.

Chris and Fred Dance 1959

Several years ago Chris Glazer sent me her high school scrap book. Here is a photo that I found in it. If anyone else has interesting old photos like this they'd like to see published on our site. Please send them to me. Blair

NO MATTER HOW YOU GET THERE, MAKE IT TO THE POLLS & VOTE

Carol Bintz Stone wants to share the poster that she, Leah, Jill, Cheryl and Stephanie used to get out the vote for them as JV Cheerleaders in 1962. It worked! This same message is an appriopriate one for our upcoming National Elections on November 3, 2020.

Carol Bintz Stone just sent me these photos of some of our classmates. She asked if we are still posting photos to what was called the "Way Back Machine". We haven't done that for a while. But now that now we are all sheltering in place, with plenty of time on our hands, it seems like a great time for each and every one of you to pull those old boxes of photos and find some choice ones to share with the rest  of the class. Thanks Carol. I'm now waiting to get great photos from each of you. Blair

Here's what Carol said and here are the photos she wanted to share:

Hi, Blair!  Hope you and your family are safe and well!  Didn’t know if you were still doing “The Way Back Machine” but thought you might like these!  Two of them are of Brenda Marshall, Carol Bintz (me), Nary Nelson, Jill Houston, Pat Ladd, and Stephanie Brown in my backyard on Easter Sunday.  My parents served us an Easter morning breakfast after we all attended Sunrise Service at Thacher School!  The other pic is of Gale Busby, Carol Bintz (me), Brenda Marshall, Mary Nelson, Pat Ladd, and Leah Edde in the Matilija cafeteria following a fashion show we had participated in, wearing something that we  had made in Mrs. Roller’s home ec class.  I thought everyone would enjoy something, at this time, that isn’t so emotionally heavy. 

Good News Eminating from Bad Times

Today, in the process of extending the subscription for our Nordhoff Class of 64 website for 3 more years, I communicated with 4 of our classmates by phone and by email. While doing so the discussion naturally turned to COVID-19 and the horrific and historic times in which we find ourselves. I complained to Glenda McConnell that lately all I found to publish on our website was the depressing news of classmates deaths. But when I asked her what was going on in Ojai, she gave me some amazing news that results from the present bad times. Thanks to Glenda I am passing on to you the good news out of Ojai. And I'd like to imagine that it is happening not only in Ojai but across our country and the world:

"It's amazing what a community can do together......There is a fabulous group of folks that are making "masks" for the Hospital employees as well as other Health groups.  The group delivered 300 masks today!!!!  They had been giving 30-50 a day so this is quite the record.  It's like an assembly line operation.  Fabric is picked up from various locations and delivered to the folks doing the sewing and they again pick up to be distributed to the location of need. There's a free food pantry at a parking lot in Ojai and arrangements can be made for food delivery.  It really does the heart good to see what a wonderful area we live in.

Take care, Glenda"

When I asked if I had her permission to publish this on our website and if she could provide more details, this is what she sent:

"Of course, you have my permission.....I'm very proud of our Valley.  The mask operation is called Team Corona Busters...Sheri Cecil is admin......Trevor Quirk is the head guy getting the food organized.  He was very instrumental during the Thomas Fire and has continued to be a leader at this time.  I didn't think about sharing this info with our classmates that live in other areas.  I'm sure they would be pleased with the contribution that our small valley makes at this crucial time.  Thanks for thinking of it Blair.  Good job! glm"

If any of you out there have more good news stories to tell, I'd love to hear from you so we can pass them along on our site. Good news is hard to come by these days.

Stay safe, practice social distancing and remain healthy,

Blair

OK, OK...I know you can't read the fine print. So, click here to view the document and download the full size PDF if you like.

Fred Core Loses House         in Camp Fire

Fred had only moved to Paradise a few months ago.

He lost his wife a few years back and now this! He must be feeling a great sense of loss. Fortunately, Fred has insurance so it seems as though there is no urgent need for monetary support. What he needs now is some compassion. 

Larry Kennedy called him as soon as he heard the news and Fred confirmed he had lost his house. He said he only had time to grab some pictures and a handful of clothes. He lost everything else. He plans on moving to Chicago where he has a daughter.

It would be great if some of our classmates would reach out to him and let him know he is in their thoughts. You can call him at 559-380-6871 (cell) or email him at fcore@aol.com.

Thanks to Scott Pedicord for the initial heads up and to Larry Kennedy for making contact with Fred for the details. Blair 16 Nov 18

Planning is underway for our

55 Year Reunion

Click here for details

Mini Reunions

Your reunion committee has set up  a new way of connecting. When out of town classmates are planning to visit Ojai, we request that classmate to notify us so that we can set up an evening or day gathering. Simply send a notice to Mark Hall,Blair Cooper or Larry Kennedy. We will send out an "announcement" to come and meet our classmate. Once we get responses we will set up a party at a restaurant or residence. It is very informal. Our first opportunity is coming soon when Blair Cooper visits. I will send it on a separate email.

Salute Jeananette and Bobby Parker...

...for their donation to the 50 Year Reunion.  Now it is your turn to donate to the "Nordhoff Class of 64" (Mark Hall, 2212 River Drive, Stockton, CA 95204). We have committed to a Photo booth! We also expect more surprises.