Class of 1945
If you would like to post an obituary of a San Dieguito alumnus, please let us know.
Louis Randolph Hunt, also known as Randy or Louie Hunt, passed away in the arms of loved ones Sept. 29, 2008, in Montrose after complications from pneumonia. He was 80. Randy had resided at San Juan Living Center since he had a severe stroke in November 2007.
Randy was born in La Jolla, Calif., on Feb. 28, 1928. He was the beloved only child of the late Randolph Hunt and Harriett Jessie Bible Hunt. Randy spent his childhood in Leucadia, Calif., and graduated from San Dieguito High School in 1946. He moved to Ft. Collins, Colo., in 1954, to Flagstaff, Ariz., about 1970, to Ouray in 1976 and he then made Montrose his final home in 1988. He was married for a brief time in his 30s, but never had children.
Randy had a lifelong passion for the railroad and photography. By age 27, he was a published author of a book on the railroads of Colorado. His book, “The Silverton Train: A Story of Southwestern Colorado’s Narrow Gauges,” was first published in 1955 with a second printing in 1957.
Randy spent his most of his career as a grocery store produce manager at Safeway, usually working the night shift. He later worked for local grocery and hardware stores in Flagstaff, where he met Merritt Shumard, who has remained a loyal and true friend for over 38 years. In Ouray, he worked at Apteka Drugs and several gift shops. He always had an interesting story to tell and thrived on visiting with people.
Randy was a wonderful example of someone who “bloomed where he was planted.” He plugged right in wherever he lived and worked his way into the hearts of many, many people. With his quick wit, impish grin and warm heart, he was absolutely adorable. His eccentric quirks made him even more interesting. Few knew Randy casually as he had a way of really connecting with others and growing close to people. He was an inspiring example of giving service. He constantly extended himself beyond what was common. Randy helped countless people throughout his life and delighted in doing much of it anonymously. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a greeter and a counselor to his dear friend, Harry Hawks, in the Sunday School presidency for many years.
He will be missed by his many friends in Ouray.
A memorial service and celebration of Randy’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2030 Stratford Drive in Montrose (corner of Stratford and Hillcrest). Cremation has already taken place. Call Kay Gerke at 249-5929 if you have questions.
Richard “Dick” Anthony Johnston ENCINITAS — Richard (Dick) Anthony Johnston died Friday, May 7th 2010 at home. He was born January 16th , 1927 in Washington DC, and moved to Encinitas in 1932. Dick served as a signalman in the Navy during World War II, and received a Purple Heart for injuries received in Okinawa. He retired from General Dynamics in 1989 after 37 years of service. He enjoyed traveling, but always returned to Encinitas, where he had many lifelong friends. Dick is survived by his sister, Candy Hayes of Encinitas; a brother, Garry Johnston of Oceanside; three children, three step- children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Encinitas Historical Society.
Note: The Alumni Association does not have commencement lists for much of the 1940s; therefore, Mr. Johnston’s placement within this class is based on his birth date. According to a family member, Mr. Johnston left school early to join the Navy and returned to Encinitas to finish his schooling after he was wounded and may have graduated from the class of 1946 or 1947. As soon as we confirm his graduation year, we’ll place him within the appropriate obituary pages.
—From Legacy.com
She may have been “Queen of the Fair” one special summer more than half a century ago, but Gloria Lakin never dwelled on her place in the Del Mar Fair’s history.
She even got a bit embarrassed when anyone brought up her stint as the first queen to reign over the fair after World War II, following the county fair’s four-year hiatus when nonmilitary activity at the fairgrounds was on hold. The area was known as the Del Mar Turf Club Aircraft Division from 1941 to 1945.
By June of 1946, San Diego County residents were ready to enjoy the fair, which marked the return of peacetime activities to the region. The queen contest consisted of young women dressed in long gowns, parading through the patio of the old Del Mar Hotel on the arm of an escort while the audience clapped and cheered. Eighteen-year-old Gloria O’Rear, as she was known then, drew the loudest applause.
She went on to marry Bill Lakin on a national radio show and raise a family in Allied Gardens.
Mrs. Lakin died of complications from an acute intestinal obstruction July 14 at Mercy Hospital. She was 82.
—Del Mar Fair’s first post-war ‘Queen’ stayed humble, by Blanca Gonzales, August 12, 2010, San Diego Union-Tribune
