In Memoriam

It's been 35 years since graduation. As we come together to renew old friendships, share special memories and make new ones at our Reunion parties... let's not forget our fellow graduates below who can only be with us in spirit.



 

Kirk Elliot Holladay Kirk Elliot Holladay, loving and adored father, son, brother, uncle and friend, of Austin, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2009, in an untimely car accident driving home from doing what he loved best--rock climbing at Enchanted Rock. Avid outdoorsman, adventurer, and dedicated father, Kirk was only 40 years old. Kirk was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on January 25, 1969, and moved to Austin in his early childhood. He graduated from Westlake High School and then attended Texas State University. He worked for Austin Energy for over 10 years and co-owned Rock-About Climbing guide services. Kirk served his Country in the Gulf War in the 82nd Airborne Division. Kirk was known for his zest for life and adventure. His warm, loving spirit touched us all. Kirk's passion and love for the outdoors is evident by his contributions and role in the climbing community's goal to secure access to parks such as Reimers Ranch and Enchanted Rock. He participated as a member in various committees that worked with the public to keep access for rock climbing at parks in Central Texas and Mexico. Kirk left an indelible mark in the rock climbing community and was committed to the improvement and preservation of parks and wildlife. Kirk was an amazing father and beloved "Tio" to his niece and nephew. He is survived by his daughter, Sophia; parents, Judy and Don Holladay of Austin, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Amber and Dwane Belaire of Lake Charles, LA; niece, Sadie Belaire and nephew, Parker Belaire of Lake Charles, LA and mother of his child, Christy Clark-Holladay of Austin, TX. A celebration of his life will be held at The Ladybird Wildflower Center on Thursday, July 2nd, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the nonprofit organization, Friends of Enchanted Rock. Friends of Enchanted Rock 16710 Ranch Road 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830.685.3636 www.friendsofenchantedrock.com

 

Chris Balcezak

Christopher Thomas Balcezak M.D., 34, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2003 in Topeka. He was born July 25, 1969 to William and Sharon Lewis Balcezak in Wilmington, Delaware. He married Carol Lynn Foster on April 19, 1997 in Kansas City, MO. 

Dr. Balcezak received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas School of Medicine and completed his residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was a partner with Urology Associates of Topeka, P.A. 

He was a member of the American Association of Clinical Urologists, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Urologist Association, American Urologist Association-South Central Section, Kansas Medical Society, Shawnee County Medical Society, University of Kansas Alumni Association, University of Notre Dame Alumni Association, University of Texas Medical Alumni Association. 

He is survived by his wife Carol, three children, Hannah, Benjamin and Grace, parents, William and Sharon Balcezak; Austin, TX, brother; Michael Balcezak and his wife Kristi, Austin, TX, sister; Heather Hodes and her husband Ted, Austin, TX ,three nephews and two nieces.


 

Jim Hall

Jim Hall March 4, 1969 - Jan. 31, 2005 Jim - So much has happened since you left on June 5th, 2004. More than words can ever say. Then on January 31st, 2005, we learned that you were not returning but had gone on to live in a better place. We know that you are there with family that loves you. It helps to know that, but it does not take away the emptiness that we now feel. You entered into our lives 35 years ago and brought such joy and happiness to us. You were a wonderful son. Then you become a big brother. You and your sister were so very close. As the years went on you made us proud of all you accomplished. Good grades in school, watching you play baseball and football, sharing your dreams with us and being so much a part of this family. We thank you for the memories that we will cherish in our hearts forever. You graduated from college, married and had two beautiful children. First a boy to love, care for, carry your name - tho you called him "Padze," and even teach to play golf at three years old. Second a girl that stole your heart, who could do nothing wrong, put dreams in your mind, and was so full of energy that you called her "Monkey." Jim, they miss you so much. While they do not understand what happened, in time they will. They will know that their Daddy loved them so much and never wanted to leave them. We want you to know that the ache in our hearts will never go away. You were so very much a part of what we are today. We will hold all the love that we will build in our hearts until we are able to share it with you again. You may be gone, but we will never forget you. All our love forever and always, Dad, Mom and Lori


 

Rob Goldberg
 

We understand that Rob passed away on December 16, 2009, in a car crash.


 

James Morehead

James Dawson Morehead, III, 45, of Austin, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. He was born on November 4, 1968 in Austin, Texas. James graduated from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, in 1987.

James was a gifted artist and an avid comic book collector. He was a tender soul who tread the earth lightly but left big impressions on people’s hearts. He was loved by many people of diverse interests and backgrounds, and he saw people for the souls beneath their skins.

James is survived by his mother, Nelda White of Austin, Texas; brother, J.B. White of Austin, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Holly and Tim Gehrt of Sammimish, Washington; sister and brother-in-law, Kaylea and John Cyran of Denver, Colorado; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and T.J. Fimmano of Southbury, Connecticut. He is also survived by two nieces and three nephews.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Dawson Morehead, Jr.


 

Charlie Brown

Robert "Charlie" Harold Brown Jr., age 46, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. He was born April 2, 1969, in Austin, Texas, to Robert Harold Brown, Sr. and Bess Ruth Helton Brown. On December 19, 2008, Charlie married Michele Bourgault Tucker in Fort Worth, Texas. Charlie pursued a college baseball career playing for Mary Hardin Baylor and then University of Texas at Arlington, graduating with a Bachelor in Business Real Estate. Charlie was a life-long learner and was often passionate about each new pursuit. He was a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. He was very generous regarding his talents and would teach others who wanted to learn. He also enjoyed swing dancing with his wife and friends and was often at hangar dances or any place that had live music. Over the last three years, Charlie discovered a love for SCUBA and he and Michele became certified and Charlie went on to become a Dive-Con, assistant instructor. In honor of his Scottish roots, he was in the middle of pursuing a dream of learning the Gaelic language with his wife. Charlie was a Master Mason and a member of the Panther City Lodge #1183 AF & AM. He was a Shriner serving in the Bedouin division. But at the heart of his life, Charlie was a deeply devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He poured himself into his family first and was an exemplary example of steadfast love and strength. His humor, smiles, love, and great big bear hugs will be greatly missed. Charlie is survived by wife, Michele Bourgault Tucker Brown; beloved sons, Brett Tucker, Steven Tucker and wife, Teala, Drake Tucker; beloved grandchildren, Dayton Tucker, Gage Tucker, Tristan Tucker, Aimen Tucker, Nayeli Tucker, Carlie Tucker; sisters-in-law, Susan Bourgault and Nancy Bourgault Smith. Charlie is also survived by his father, Robert Harold Brown, Sr. and his mother, Bess Ruth Helton Brown; sister, Jeanne Brown-Howard and brother-in-law, William Howard I; niece, Jennifer Howard-Cameron and nephew, Paul Cameron IV, nephew, William Howard II and niece, Allison Howard; grandniece and grandnephews, Kinsley Cameron, Cooper Cameron, Jack Howard; and many dear friends.


 

Jeff Zombola

Jeffrey George Zombola passed away after a short illness on January 04, 2012. He was born in Austin, TX and lived here all of his 42 years, a true Austinite. Jeff was employed as an independent golf representative his entire career. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathryn Zombola and is survived by his fiancée Cheryl Bartos, stepmother, Karen Zombola, brother and sister-in-law Michael and Amie Zombola, and his niece and nephew, Bliss and Pierse Zombola. Honorary pallbearers will be the best friends Jeff loved so much: Greg Smith, Noble Haden, Britt Vealey, Scott Burgess, Sean Murphy, Mark Schotz.


 

Wroe Lynch

 

Melinda (Gist) Lorenz

We understand that Melinda passed away on October 17, 2017, from cancer. Please keep her family in your thoughts.  From her church:  "We extend the love and prayers of the congregation to the Lorenz family upon the death of Melinda Lorenz wife of Steve and mother of Mark & Eric on October 17, 2017.  A service for the worship of God, a witness to the resurrection, and a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 22, at 3:00PM First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, Greenwich, CT 06830.  A reception will follow at the Church."

Melinda was a longtime Adjunct Instructor in the Department of International Trade and Marketing (ITM).  She was an active member of the college and her communiity.  She pioneered mentoring the students in the early stages of ITM's U.S. Ambassadors of Cotton competition, which provided the impetus for significant annual scholarship funding from Cotton Incorporated.  She also authored ITM's Career Guide and created several videos of alumni and students who completed the Office of International Program's semester abroad in China.  In addition, Melinda was an eloquent orator, frequently guest speaking in classes while also participating as a panelist in the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology's collaboration with the Retailing Program of the Wharton School of Business, University of PA several years ago.


 

Seth Thornton

Seth Donavan Thornton, 48, of Austin passed away on December 11, 2017. He was born in Austin on April 9, 1969 to Gary Jack and Mary Germaine "Gerry" Thornton. Gerry preceded him in death.

Seth attended Westlake High School and the University of Texas where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. He was an avid Longhorn fan and a proud Texas Ex. He met his wife, Beth, while they were attending U.T.

He began his homebuilding career with Legend Homebuilders. Later, he started the Donavan Paul Company with Tim Elbrecht, where he served as Vice President.

Seth was extremely involved with his children's lives, from coaching softball and baseball, to caddying for Shelby and Jaret.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Wood Thornton; daughter Shelby, a senior at Westlake High School; son Jaret who is a sophomore at Texas A&M University; father Gary and wife Nancy; brother Sean and wife Anne; and nephew Jack. In Laws Jim and Doris Wood; brother in law Robert Wood and wife Julia Stimson. Numerous and loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of his life visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar. Any memorial may be made to the Seth Thornton Memorial Fund, PO Box 2000, Pearland, TX. 77588.

Seth was a good, kind man with a gentle soul who would help anyone who asked.

 

Eric Sabo
January 6, 2018
 

Eric Stephen Sabo died on January 6, 2018 in Austin, Texas. After struggling with addiction for many years Eric succumbed to his illness. Eric was 48. Eric was born on February 12, 1969 in Phoenix, Arizona to John W. and Panola M. Sabo. The Sabo's moved to Austin in 1976 to open and operate Williams Insulation Company. Eric graduated from Westlake High School and attended the University of Texas, studying geography and economics. Eric lived in Dallas for nine years where he was a manager for Williams Insulation. In 1998, he moved back to Austin to work as a day trader followed by a brief period in home construction. Eric also worked in the family business where he oversaw his family's commercial and residential rental properties. Eric's hobbies were running, fishing, and flying. Eric was a friend to all he met, and always had a smile for everyone. He kept in touch with classmates from junior high and high school, and his friends knew him as passionate and loyal. In 2001, Eric married Cindy Horvath (Cole); they have 2 children together. Nathaniel "Nate" Sabo and Panola "Nola" Amelia Sabo. Eric is survived by his children, Nate and Nola Sabo; his father John W. Sabo, his sister Jennifer Sabo Willcott, niece Ursula Willcott, nephews Jesse and Bentley Willcott, and his grandmother Betty Alexander. Eric was preceded in death by his mother Panola M. Sabo. Eric will be missed by all who new and loved him. A private family ceremony will be held in Eric's memory. In lieu of flowers, please donate to water projects in Ethiopia through A Glimmer of Hope in Eric's memory. https://glimmer.org/campaign/memory-eric-sabo For those desiring, you may also access the online guest registry and obituary at www.wcfish.com.


 

Angela Middleton

We understand Angie passed away in 2018.


 

Kim Morris Ross

Kimberley Morris Ross passed away on the 21st of May 2019 following a long battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Kim was born in Austin on April 14, 1969 to Truman Nicholas Morris, Jr and Molly Bunnell Morris. Kim graduated from Westlake High School in 1987 where she was very active as a cheerleader, member of the track team and choir. After high school, Kim volunteered for Jr. Helping Hand for Children and was presented as a debutante. She was also a member of The Austin Junior League, volunteering at CASA.

She then attended Texas Christian University where she was a Kappa Alpha Theta. Kim met her future husband Ronald Dale Ross while working at Doyle Wilson Homes in Austin. They enjoyed life in Austin while growing their family to a total of five. Then the Hill Country began its call, Johnson City first and finally Fredericksburg, where they have lived and reared their children.

Kim’s devout faith and spiritual identity were the pillars of her existence. Throughout her life, Kim was able to bring joy to many in her community.

By God’s grace Kim recently celebrated two years of sobriety. This was such an important milestone to Kim. We are all grateful to God for this precious gift.

Kim is preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hatton Bunnell, Jr. and Dr. and Mrs. Truman Nicholas Morris. She is also preceded in death by her cousin, Truman Echols Hornsby. Kim is survived by her children Nicholas Hudson, Robert Hatton, and Molly-Kimberlyn Faith Ross, and their father Ronald Dale Ross. She is also survived by her parents Molly and Truman Nicholas Morris, Jr. brother Truman Nicholas Morris, III and Lori Gann Morris and their children Anna-Nicole, Truman Nicholas IV, and Margaret Allyne Morris and brother Robert Bunnell Morris and Lesley von Rosenberg Morris and their children Durango Nicholas, Josephine Leigh, and Tyler Bunnell Morris. Kim is additionally survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.


 

Steve Sanderford

Stephen Monroe Sanderford, age 51, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 11th at his home in Grand Prairie, TX. A private service of celebration and remembrance was held at the Good Shepard Episcopal Church in Granbury, Texas, with Rev. Leslie Guinn officiating.

Stephen was survived by his parents, David and Chelia Sanderford of Granbury, his grandmother Helen Sanderford of Temple, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his girlfriend of many years, Melanie Kraft of Grand Prairie.
He graduated from Austin Westlake High School in 1987, and Long Beach City College in 1990 with a degree in Commercial Aviation. Over a period of time Stephen was a charter pilot for a "jet leasing" company, and eventually became a Chief Pilot of Gulfstream IVs. He flew noted celebrities to exotic locations. It was educational for Steve to take the Dalai Lama, and Mick Jagger to their scheduled events, along with many professional athletes like Nick Price (golf), and Mark McGuire (baseball).

Stephen spent the last part of his career as a flight instructor for Flight Safety International, where he won plaudits for his flight training with the Presidential Aviation Group, whose fleet of planes not only included Air Force One, but several Gulfstream planes that were Stephen's specialty. He was the only trainer specifically requested for this aviation group that flew high ranking governmental officials.

Steve was also survived by his faithful cat Mardi Gras. Donations in Stephen's name can be made to Austin Pet's Alive, Austin, TX.


 

Melanie Sanford Gillan
 

Melanie Ann Sanford arrived home from Baylor hospital on October 1, 1969 - bearing gifts for her older sisters - toddlers then initially dubious about the family's new arrival. From those first moments (involving a jack-in-the box and a zither) to her final ones at Six Flags with her daughters on July 8, she was the light of the family: full of fun, grace, love and music. She grew up in Dallas and Austin, went to college at Texas Tech where she met the love of her life, David Gillan. They dated through college and married in Dallas in 1994. Their twins, Madeline and Elizabeth - named after her mother and grandmothers - were born auspiciously on February 29, 2000. Their leap year birthday celebrations are already the stuff of neighborhood legend. Mel maintained several of her most charming childhood traits - a little girl voice that prompted telemarketers to inevitably ask, "is your mother home?"; a tendency to be a romantic packrat: in addition to college love letters (she still had the gum wrapper from the first piece of gum David ever gave her); and a love for the poem "Good Night Moon." She loved teaching 6th grade Language Arts at Briar Hill Middle School and leading the preschool children's choir at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church. When she wasn't singing or teaching, she could be found shopping for matching outfits for the girls, finding the perfect DVD from the Seattle Art Museum to make impressionism come alive for her students and chronically trying to find things stuffed into "her abyss of a purse." With a glass of wine and the most subtle provocation, she could launch into memorable renditions of Petula Clark's "Downtown" and the entire soundtrack of Hairspray. Simply, in Mel's life, anything worth doing was worth having fun doing. Mel and her "darling daughters" spent her last week at the Broadmoor with her Dad's family, then in the hills of Lakeway with her Mom and sisters stringing beads, playing chicken foot, cooking and watching fireworks with her sisters and her Mom up high in the hills of Lakeway - a "perfect 4th of July" she said as they left to make the drive home to Dallas. Melanie is survived by her husband, David; daughters, Madeline and Elizabeth; sisters, Stefanie and Jaye; brother, James; mother, Jeanne White and husband Charles of Austin; father, Curt Sanford and wife Susan of Flower Mound; in-laws, Judy and John Gillan of Baltimore; aunts, Betty Crawford of Dallas and Jayne Buchanan of Austin; and grandmothers, Betty (Elizabeth) Sanford of Dallas and Madeline Shaffer of Austin. A visitation will be held at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home Thursday, July 10, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Melanie's name to the Children's Ministry of Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, 6101 Morriss Road, Flower Mound, TX.


 

Alicia Shipp Morgan

Alicia Lynn Morgan, 51, of Coupland, died January 13, 2021.  Alicia was born February 28, 1969 in Houston, TX to parents Virginia (Ginger) Adams & Homer Lee Shipp Sr. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Westlake High School. Alicia has been cleaning houses and businesses in and around Taylor for 20+ years. She married Tony “The Tireman” Morgan on March 13, 2009 and spent the last 11 years traveling the country with him and spoiling grandkids. She especially loved their time visiting Tybee Island, Georgia and was looking forward to their next trip. Alicia had a heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone and everyone she met. She enjoyed junking, going to the lake, and spending time with family.

Alicia was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Tony Morgan, brothers Homer Lee Shipp, Jr. (Andrea) & James William Shipp, sister Amanda Lorine Arispe (Sam), her children, Mitchell Erik Krumm (Mesha), Kristi Lynn Williams, James Aaron Krumm (Patience), & Ashley Ann Allison. She is also survived by 6 step kids, 24 grandkids, 6 great-grand kids, & numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other family friends and relatives.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 13th at 2 pm at the American Legion Hall in Taylor.


 

Matt Foster

Matthew Norris Foster, 52, died February 28, 2021 of Cirrhosis. He was born in Austin, Texas October 24, 1968. Matt was predeceased by his father, Lanier. Surviving him are his daughter, Kendall, son, Collin and two grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Claire and sisters, Cary and Suzanne.

Matt was a graduate of Westlake High School, The University of Texas, and The University of San Diego School of Law.


 

Michele Woods Wolff

A Facebook post from Michele's mom (Melinda Woods):  It is with sadness and joy I am posting that April 19, 2019 my daughter Michele died. Life was so hard, her mental illness was winning the race. She got to the point she could no longer live with the pain. The good news is God has her and has wrapped his loving arms around her, he is speaking in soothing words and saying welcome we have been waiting on you. She is at peace and happy for the first time in too many years I can remember. She is now with her greatgrandmother and grandmother, two people she loved very much. 

I want to thank all the people who were so kind to our daughter. Very few people understand BiPolor and having this disease makes it difficult to explain and understand.