While working at men’s clothing store he met Sheila White and they planned to marry, an occasion interrupted by the Korean War where Richard served in the Air Force. Married as planned in 1953, the couple’s honeymoon consisted of driving to his new assignment. Richard was discharged in 1954 and enrolled at San Jose State, graduating with a degree in Life Sciences and later earning his teaching credential.While a SPUHS teacher Richard spent 18 summers working as a Ranger Naturalist for the National Park Service, a great experience for the couple’s four children who were allowed along as Richard taught nature skills and led hiking tours. Now retired, Richard and Sheila enjoy international travel and, when at home, time with their four children and 11 grandchildren.Richard, a dedicated musician and noted trombonist, plays with Seniors of Note, a lauded “Big Band” associated with the Pleasant Valley Recreation District. “Richard was a popular guy at SPUHS, both as a student and later as a teacher,” said Harding. “And, he plays a pretty mean trombone.” One of Richard’s fellow band members is John Bailey, his buddy from the days they were both students at Santa Paula Union High School.Remembered was the late J. Douglas Lazenby, who taught Drama, Public Speaking and English at SPUHS from 1952 to 1984. “He was an extremely popular teacher who was much loved by his students,” and he was honored by the alumni association in 1997, wrote Harding in the reunion program.Also remembered fondly was the late Tstumo “Ben” Taketa, Class of 1930, who was highly decorated for his service as a sergeant in the famous 422nd Nisei Division serving in Italy during World War II. A linguist, Ben even learned sign language so he could communicate with all the children he loved: “Ben loved Santa Paula and Santa Paula loved him,” noted Harding.
SPUHS: Bryson, SPUHS grad and retired teacher, lauded by SPUHS AA
October 27, 2006
Santa Paula High School
He graduated from Santa Paula Union High School and then this proud Cardinal came back to the Campus on the Hill to teach, dedication that was saluted at the annual SPUHS Alumni Reunion held October 7.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesHe graduated from Santa Paula Union High School and then this proud Cardinal came back to the Campus on the Hill to teach, dedication that was saluted at the annual SPUHS Alumni Reunion held October 7.Retired SPUHS teacher Richard Bryson was lauded by classmates and fellow teachers at the event, which also saw honors for Edward “Eddie” Fitzpatrick (‘43) and Betty Garner Fitzpatrick (‘47) as Alumni of the Year. Also saluted at the reunion - held at the Wedgewood Banquet Center - were SPUHS Classes ending in “1” and “6.”SPUHS Alumni Association President Beverly Harding served as the chief greeter for the hundreds who attended the event. “Every year someone else shows up who we haven’t seen in a while. SPUHS graduates have great spirit” when it comes to being true to their school, noted Harding (Class of 1946), who founded the Alumni Biography program.The unique program has profiled more than 300 alumni in biographies written by Harding - based on submitted material - and published regularly in the Santa Paula Times. “Won’t you share your life with your community?” is the lure that Harding uses to snag the information highlighted in the individual profiles.Sharing his life with the community has been the mantra of Bryson, a native of Ventura, who taught Biology, Science and Earth Science at SPUHS fulltime from 1958 until his retirement in 1988. Bryson has the distinction of also being a SPUHS alumnus, where he excelled in track and football and was active in CHA and Hi-Y.