Max Christensen - March 1, 1976

Max will be remembered for his likeable personality, love of people, inexhuastible energy and enthusiasm, and outstanding accomplishments. Max died on March 1, 1976, of complications from diabetes and the flu. Max was born February 11, 1950, in Logan, UT. He graduated from BYU with a degree in communications and sociology in 1973. He served as freshman class president. Max served on an LDS mission in Argentina. He married Carol Skinner July 23, 1971. They lived in Provo, and in 1973 moved to Orem. Max owned and operated Independent Sales Consultants of Orem. He was selected outstanding new agent for Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. in 1975. He was nominated for Outstanding Young Man of America for his civic activities in Orem. Max was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he was president of the Elders' Quorum. He was survived by his wife Carol: and three children: Max B. Jr., Cynthia and David Ralph. -- reprinted from the 10-year reunion memory book.

Christina Cline - November 1, 2023

Christie was a true diamond - not "in the rough", but totally polished and shining. I was in art classes with her at Borah, and her friendship continued to enrich me for the next (almost) 60 years. When I was in the dumps at one time in my life, she used to make me a cup of coffee and build up my confidence by using her honest, truthful, and uplifiting straight-forward talks. The obituary is very true to the type of person she was. I will miss her. -- Curt Stoddard

Chris Curtis - July 1, 1993

When I moved onto Bedford Drive in the 9th grade, Chris became one of my first friends at South. He lived just up the block and we did a lot together. His older brother had a Jaguar convertible (a '57 I think) and I was so envious! I remember when Chris got his nose broken in a fight at South and I took him to a doctor on Overland on the back of my motorbike. Little did I know that he'd bled down the back of my shirt, so my claims of "nothing happened" to my parents rang fairly untrue. Chris and I used to go to dances at the Eagles Teen Club - and to be honest, we did more drinking than dancing. But we always managed to get home okay. In the terminology of the day, Chris was "a good head", and I miss him. -- Curt Stoddard

Cindie Davis - 1968/1969?

Cindy died in an head-on collision on her wedding day. Memory says it was in 1968 or 1969, in Sun Valley. -- Beth McNees Bissell

Rich Hutchins - January 29, 2012

Richard Lynn Hutchins was born in Portland, Oregon on March 22nd, 1950. He had two older siblings: a brother Thom and sister Elaine. The family moved to Boise in 1957 and Rich attended Franklin and Jackson Elementary Schools and then West Junior High. During his teen years Rich became a well-known competitor in junior golf circles in Idaho. While at Borah High, he was a valued member of the golf team. But it was during his time at Borah that he discovered something even more interesting than golf: a high school sweetheart! On Friday the 13th in January 1967, at the old Rathaus Pizza Parlor on the corner of Emerald and Orchard, Rich was introduced to a beautiful young lady named Krystal Spitzler. They went steady throughout the rest of their high school years, and were married on September 10th, 1971 at the First Baptist Church in Boise. After graduating from Borah in 1968, Rich went to Boise State College. He began his career as a Golf Pro in 1970 as the assistant at Crane Creek Country Club. Eventually Rich played a couple of seasons on a PGA mini-tour called the Grapefruit Tour. But when Krys became pregnant with their first child, Rich decided to give up playing golf for money. He regained his amateur status, and became Golf Course Superintendent at Crane Creek. Rich and Krys had two children: Sarah and Richie. They both loved and admired their Dad. For 38 years, Rich was a highly committed Golf Course Superintendent, taking the utmost personal pride in each course he managed. After leaving Crane Creek, he went to the Yakima Elks Country Club in Washington State. In 2001 they nominated Rich for the National Superintendent of the Year for his expertise, dedication and loyalty. They called him the "Messiah" after he had turned their rather poor looking golf course to a much healthier one in just a year's time. Krys helped spruce things up, too, by planting and taking care of flowers on the course. Eventually Rich and Krys moved back to Boise, so they could be nearer their family. He worked at Eagle Hills Golf Course as Superintendent for six years before moving on to Scotch Pines Course in Payette in February of 2010. Rich was passionate about golf and golf courses. Rich had a great sense of humor, often combined with a touch of gentle sarcasm. He liked the music of the Beatles, Moody Blues, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Diamond, and Marty Robbins. He enjoyed the Oregon Coast, watching the New York Yankees play baseball, watching the old Little House on the Prairie series, and reading history, especially about the early American Pioneers and Native Americans. He wasn’t too happy about how a lot of the Indian Tribes were treated. On January 26th, 2012 after his second day of cancer treatments, he passed away at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Boise. He is survived by his loving wife Krys, his daughter, Sarah Hutchins Perdue (and husband Robert); and his son Richard Lynn Hutchins, Jr. (and wife Rachelle); and three beloved grandchildren: Hannah, Audrey, and Richard Carson Hutchins. He also leaves his sister Elaine Hutchins Brady, and his mother-in-law Ila Spitzler, as well as many nieces and nephews. -- Submitted by Tom Warner

Debbie Lee - July 15, 2018

Art LeTourneau - Spring, 2015

Art and I weren't close in school, although we spoke on the bus a time or two. Years after, I got arrested one time (well, possibly more than once, but for purposes of this story...once) and since I had no money for the fine, was sent to the Boise City jail to work it off ($X per day, don't remember the rate). The first night I was in the main holding cell with drunks and other unsavory types. The next morning, about 5:00 a.m. with shift change, a new jailer came on duty. Yep, it was Art, who was a criminal justice major at Boise State, I think. Part of his internship was to be a jailer. He made me a trustee, so I got moved to another cell, which was unlocked all day so I could do my chores, which included kitchen and trash detail, as well as sweeping the sidewalk outside - ah, sunshine and fresh air! Also, trustees earned slightly more than $X per day, so my sentence would be shorter. I sat in an office and had long talks with Art for several days. He was an interesting fellow and never judged me - although he did jokingly point out the irony of our respective situations, having lived just a few blocks apart in high school. We laughed about it, and I didn't feel uncomfortable at all about the "good guy / bad egg" scenario. I did my time as a trustee and went on my way. Never saw him again, but I've told this story many times, always adding that I really appreciated what he did, how he handled it, and that he was probably going to make a decent cop who was fair and unbiased. I think he was a good guy and I hope he had a good life! -- Curt Stoddard

Doug Madison - January 8, 2022

Of course, being a "car guy", I have to mention my memories of Doug's famous Chevmobile (a mashup of a Chevy and Oldsmobile) that was pretty unique in the day and a very nice car. But more importantly, I want to memorialize what a really decent guy he was - not only in high school, but in the many years afterward that I ran into him and spoke with him. I was a customer at Madison's Furniture and remember talking with Doug when it came time to sell the family biz - he was torn, but he knew it was time. I know that he became a solid family man and was very active in his church. It's a measure of a man to read what people comment on his obituary page, and Doug's contains some real heartfelt appreciative memories from people he helped throughout his lifetime. Gone too soon? Yeah. But at least he left some big marks on the world around him before he went! -- Curt Stoddard

Mike McPeak - January 2, 2019

I don't really know how to express myself here. There is too much to say. Mike is a person that almost defies a description or a category - he was just so unique. It has been my good fortune to be friends with him these past 55 years. I fought next to him, drank and ate with him, laughed and cried with him. And I am not alone - he touched so many people in so many ways. I was extremely honored to be asked to speak at his services. There were hundreds of people there - from every stage of his life: from grade school to tire customers. It was amazing to see and hear how many people cared so much for him - and it was all due to the fact that he cared for THEM. I know this is going to sound like a cliche, but it's the truth: We could all be better human beings if we live using him as an example. -- Curt Stoddard

Randy Moon - December 27, 2006

The thing that sticks with me about Randy is what a gentle, loving soul he had. I went to his home to pick him up and hang out. I watched his interaction with his family and it was striking how affectionately he spoke to his siters and father whom he called Bill (never heard the reason.)

I didn't understand until much later that he, his sister and father had a congenital heart issue and that all were living on borrowed time, as it were. His father and the oldest sister both passed away before Randy.

He was a good friend with a quirky sense of humor and could keep up with his sharp tongued group of friends up to a point. We knew which buttons to push and did it often just to get him riled.

I think of him often to this day and try to live the kind of life that he would have enjoyed as well. -- Ralph Tiebel

Terry Nevins - October 19, 2017

I'll remember Terry for several things. First, I can picture him sitting in that white 'Cuda of his, parked in a lot, flashing the "V" (or Peace sign) if we honked or yelled at him. Never saw him race it - or hardly even drive it. He just sat there, watching everyone go by. Later, I lived next door to a guy who cast lead bullets and sold them to Terry for his ammunition business. They were both in law enforcement and shot in competitive pistol meets. I watched Terry shoot several times, and he was very good. But my neighbor (whom I've remained close friends with) told me that all one had to do to get Terry to miss was to tell him how good he was doing. That made him nervous and he started shooting poorly! Once, at a meet, as Terry unloaded gear from his trunk, I snuck up and booted him lightly in the rear-end. He threatened with assaulting an officer (he was in ISP). I thought he was joking, but after hearing how he had to get mentally "set" for a match I wondered if I'd really upset him. At any rate, he didn't win the match that day. I was talking with that ex-neighbor about Terry just a few days before I learned of his death, reliving some of the old ammo reloading and shooting stories. I still have a few boxes of Nevins Ammunition in my shooting stuff.  I’ll never use them up or throw away the boxes.  Instead, I’ll haul them out every so often and chuckle up a few fond remembrances of that big grin and “V” sign, showing out the window of that Plymouth! -- Curt Stoddard

Larry Powell - February 21, 2020

Ronald Reed - 1969

Ron was a fun guy. We used to work on cars together. I laugh now at some of the things we did as kids. He wanted to get an early start in life and went to school to be in the airline industry. Unfortunately, he lost his life in an automobile accident in Chicago in 1969.--
Bill Amlin

Dennis Smith - Before the 10th Reunion

For awhile I hung out with Dennis and remember that he was funny in a quirky way and always nice to me. He had a (I think) Pontiac Tempest and we rode around in that a lot. Denny lived up above the Hillcrest Country Club area, and his nice home was always open to his friends - I probably wouldn't have admitted it at the time, but it was always fun when his mom brought us cookies and milk (in High School!)... I remember what a shock it was to learn of his death. -- Curt Stoddard

Stan Smith - August 22, 2013

I'll always remember what a really nice guy Stan was to me in High School. Smith and Stoddard put us close in more than a few alphabetic lineups, and he was always a good guy to be next - or - close to. I was a poor 2nd or 3rd to him in several athletic pursuits, and unlike a few others, he was gracious and even mentored me a bit (in the shot put). Although his help didn't really make me better (not his fault, combination of genetics and laziness on my part), I was grateful to him nonetheless. He was capable of a smile as large as he was - and he was a pretty big guy. Our loss is large. -- Curt Stoddard

I just returned from Stan's funeral. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. We saw a slide show of pictures taken throughout his lifetime. He truly had a very full life even with all his health issues after the Vietnam War. I knew he had been injured in the war but didn't realize he was actually a Navy Seal. And, of course, was awarded a Purple Heart after losing his leg. While he was in the Service, he would spend his spare time visiting orphanages and playing with and helping the children who he grew to love, and they loved him. After he got out of the Service, he continued to live his life with courage and humor. He has a loving and beautiful family of three children and an amazing wife who was an elementary school teacher, and was always by his side through all the medical issues he was plagued with, for the rest of his life. During the service, his time as a Borah Lion and a superb athelete were mentioned often and we saw several photos of him in his football and basketball uniforms. My most vivid memories of Stan were that he was always such a "GOOD GUY" and nice to everyone and always willing to help anyone with anything. He was very handsome too!!!! Anyway, I just felt like sharing this with all you classmates, and even though it was sad to say good-bye to Stan, I feel comforted in knowing he is in a better place and finally free from the horrible pain he suffered with for so many years. -- Donna Stephens Kom

I will always remember Stan as being as kind and gentle of heart as he was big in stature. I have thought of him often and always with great respect. We are better to have known him for whatever time period. -- Victoria Mitchell Grant

Craig Stahl - September 30, 1970

Photo submitted by Bill Amlin

Donna Stephens Kom Rayburn - August 28, 2023

The spelling of our last names put Donna and I close together in many situations in High School (lots of alphabetical ordering and grouping). Her obituary paints a very good picture of how she involved herself in so many things and entertained so many people. She will surely be missed by many, and especially her Borah classmates. -- Curt Stoddard

Sherry Swenson Gardner - January 14, 2023

Bruce Vanderhoef - January 16, 2023

My deepest sympathy for Bruce passing. I've known Bruce longer than anyone in my life other than my family. Was one of my closest childhood friends. We went to grade school, junior high and high school together. He was one of the most artistic and organized people I've known in life. He painted a beautiful American Flag and Peace Sign for the spare tire on the front of my 1971 VW Camper which we also took a trip together in to Canada, in my search for different ceramic tiles for chess boards I was crafting at the time. He also had a VW Camper, so we shared lots of likes and fun times in the 70s. On a July 4th evening 1974, I was invited by Bruce, 3 Girls, his VW Camper, and a Bottle of Tequila, for a trip to the mountains to celebrate the holiday. That right then is where I met my wife Denise, so again Bruce, Thanks for the that precious moment. While life took us apart the last many years, my heart definitely hurts in your passing. Hope to see you again somewhere Bruce!! My love and condolences to all your Friends and Family. -- ERic Walters

Tom VanHouten - August 6, 2014

On the afternoon of August 6th, 2014, Tom passed away at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, ID as a result of injuries received in an accident the prior day. Tom was 64 years old.Tom was born in Seattle Washington in 1950 and he was the third child, and the first son, of Bob and Jerrie Van Houten. Tom is survived by three sons Troy, Taylor and Taryn. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, all living in the Northwest. Tom loved the outdoors and worked for many years as a water well driller in Oregon and Nevada. He later worked in Boise as a draftsman for Morrison Knudson.Tom loved the Oregon coast and took every opportunity he could to visit the oceanside and even lived in Astoria and Cannon Beach for a time managing a pizza chain. In recent years, Tom lived near the Warm Springs and Park Center Bridge area.He would frequently be seen zipping around on his electric scooter with his faithful schnauzer dog "Houtz" in tow close behind.Tom was hard to miss as he would often ignore traffic rules on City streets and on the Boise Green Belt.For those that knew Tom, that's how he rolled and he was always "on the go" somewhere, even up to the very end of his life. Despite his many health issues, Tom was an example of resiliency and determination.He was a true survivor in a number of ways and was also an example of how life's obstacles can be overcome. A very special thanks to the staff members who treated Tom at St Luke's, St. Alphonsus, and particularly St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute. There are many medical professionals who are to be commended for their compassion and special care they provided to Tom over a period of many, many years. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and those near to him.We know his faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ has taken him to a better place where he will find eternal happiness and joy. We also know he's been greeted and welcomed to the other side by other family members who have passed before him - most notably his youngest son Tevyn, who passed away in 2011. -- Troy Van Houten (Tom's son)

Jeanette Wallace - 1968

Jeanette Wallace was one of the kindest, sweetest friends ever. She was quiet and shy and had the funniest personality. Jeanette died of cancer in our senior year and it was a very sad day for us...Kathy Chauvin, Cheryl Anderton and myself. She drove this jeep and would pick us up every morning for school when she was able, with the heat cranked up high. We always hoped she would make it to graduation, but not so lucky. She left a strong impact on me concerning morals, attitude and being strong for your family and friends. She was loved a lot by our little group and we missed her greatly. She will never be forgotten. -- Dar Nottage Jakomeit

Karen Ward Bates - August 11, 2022

Tom Warner - July 17, 2015

Steve Wasserman - July 23, 2014

I knew Steve when we both attended Lowell Elementary in Boise. When we met up again at Borah, he tried to fool me that he was a cousin of the kid I knew in grade school, who happened to have the same name and looked a lot like him. I kind of nibbled at that for a bit, but in the end, I didn't bite the bait and he finally 'fessed up. This was vintage Wasserman - pranks and jokes and wisecracks galore. I'll always remember Steve for the crazy sense of humor he had. I'd cite to you what he wrote in my yearbook as an example, but probably would embarrass a few people!
-- Curt Stoddard

Don Young - August 9. 2007

Don and I were good friends all through our high school years, and were nearly inseparable. We spent a lot of time together, souping up our cars and just mostly enjoying the life of teens in the sixties. In the 1967 Borah yearbook on page 7 we can be seen standing together at the left edge of the picture watching a "chariot race" behind the cafeteria. On page 98 we can be seen in the middle of the picture taken during an impromptu "pep rally" that some might remember. Don gave me a ride to and from school every day in his 1956 Ford Crown Victoria, and I regret to say that I never offered him a dime for gas. We enjoyed watching many Borah basketball games together. On one occasion, we went to a game held at Capital high with another classmate, Chuck Brady. We rode with Chuck in his VW bug. After the game we lost Chuck in the crowd, so we went and got in the car to wait for him. After a long time waiting for Chuck, we discovered a "Boise Braves" sticker in the back window...we were in the wrong car!

I stood as Don's best man at his wedding in December 1971. Sadly, Don passed away on August 9, 2007. He was a good, loyal friend. To say that he is missed would be a major understatement. One of the greatest lessons I have learned in this life is the value of our friends, particularly those of our youth. -- Garth Anderson