Coronado Foundation for the Future, Inc.

In Memoriam - Coronado Foundation

In Memoriam - Clyde Kidd
In Memoriam - Roger Allen Balcom
In Memoriam - Davalene Niehaus McClain
In Memoriam - Keith Plummer
In Memoriam - James J. Stipanuk

In Memoriam - Clyde Forrest Kidd (1922-2007)

Coronado's first principal, Clyde Forrest Kidd, 85, passed away August 14, 2007. Born in Forrest, Ohio, he served WWII with the 233rd AAA Anti Aircraft Artillery Searchlight Battalion, in the Pacific theater. A life-long educator, prior to his years at CHS he'd been Ass't Principal at Scottsdale High, prior to leading CHS into state recognition in academics, athletics, fine arts, and student leadership admired by CHS staff and students. He later served as principal for Bisbee and Prescott high schools. Retired in 1983, he resided in Prescott but kept in touch with several former CHS faculty. His children, Gary & Lori Kidd live in Prescott; Holly & Chris Wetz live in Riverview, FL. Clyde had 3 grandchildren. His dear wife, Patricia Ann died before him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Prescott Samaritan Village, or to Johns Hopkins Hospital, for Cancer Research.

In Memoriam - Roger Allen Balcom (1946-2007)

Roger Allen Balcom passed away on August 13, 2007 at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 61. Born in Los Angeles, CA, he moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1958 where in '64 he graduated from Coronado High School. Roger was a member of the Astronomy Club, an interest that never waned. After attending Phoenix College, he served in the U.S. Navy from '66 through '74 during the Vietnam era.

He worked most of his life as an electronics technician in the aerospace industry. In his spare time he developed "Shot in the Dark," an archery system for the blind and volunteered as an advisor for a Junior Achievement group. Roger loved hot rods and a good chilisize. He was an active member of the Z Club of Arizona and wrote a technical column for their news letter. Most weekends in the late eighties to mid-nineties found him racing his S/C roadster,"Sorcerer," as one half of the race team once known as the "Arizona Smothers Brothers." Roger was a unique, one-of-a-kind indivual; a true original. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Balcom CHS '65, sister-in-law, Nicki Balcom, niece, Jaime Boyer, nephew, Cameron McGuire, great niece, Harley Boyer, and his dear friend Joyce "Korky" Patterson. Friends and family will gather in September to celebrate Roger's life.

In Memoriam - Davalene Niehaus McClain

Davalene Niehaus was born November 7, 1913, in Bradley, Oklahoma and died October 29, 2004, in Sun City, Arizona. She graduated from Oklahoma College for Women in 1936 and taught in Elgin High School, Elgin, Oklahoma, from 1936-1941. In 1941 she married John ("Bob") C. Niehaus, a career Army officer. As an Army wife, Davalene traveled with her husband and continued to teach in the American schools in Germany and Okinawa, as well as schools in Louisville, Kentucky and Oklahoma City. When John Niehaus retired from the Army, they settled in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Davalene retired after fifteen years teaching American History at Coronado High School in Scottsdale. The quintessential lady, Davalene always had time to chat with her students and cared about each one. She was supportive of every Don!

Mr. Niehaus died in 1975. Davalene married Walter J. McClain in 1986. He was a retired electrical engineer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. McClain died in 1998. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Roy and Ray. She is survived by a niece and nephew in Texas, several great nieces and nephews, and the children and grandchildren of Walter J. McClain.

In Memoriam - Keith Plummer (1934-2004)

Keith Plummer, 69, well-loved coach of wrestling, football and track and long-time teacher of American History at Coronado passed away on March 14, 2004 after a valiant struggle with cancer. His delightful sense of humor was evident as he and other CHS alumni and faculty joined in the 90th birthday celebration of fellow teacher Davalene Niehaus in the summer of 2003. According to his family, Keith "truly loved his "kids", treating them with respect and encouraging them to be the best they could be. He enjoyed following the careers of his students and athletes and took tremendous pride in their accomplishments."

Born in Sapulpa, OK to Clyde and Naomi Plummer on April 3, 1934, Keith graduated from Black-well High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Navy. After his Navy stint, he continued playing football while studying for his B.S. in Education at East Central State University. He received an M.A. in Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlaquah, OK. and taught and coached in Cushing, OK,and Clarksville TX, before coming to Coronado High School. He retired from Coronado in 1992.

Family and friends will always remember Keith for his quick wit and humor. Keith is survived by his wife Rosalie, two sons: Bob Plummer of Houston, TX and William Plummer and wife Teresa of Carlsbad, CA, grandson Kevin Plummer of Houston, TX, brother Eugene Plummer and wife Judy of Sapulpa, OK, nephews Jeff Plummer and wife Lorra of Sapulpa, OK, Bruce Plummer and wife Melinda of Sapulpa, OK, and Marshall Plummer of Norfold, VA, and many more beloved family members. Keith will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and former students. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church or to your favorite charity.

Keiths obituary was published in the Arizona Republic on 3/17/2004 from which the above was adapted.

In Memoriam - James J. Stipanuk (1945-2003)
Coronado High School Class of 1963

A member of the second graduating class at Coronado, James J. Stipanuk, passed away on Oct. 12, 2003. He was 58. Jim was a leader on campus, a member of Letterman's club, the captain of the basketball team, an outstanding scorer and an outstanding student! He was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the second winner in the State Math Exam, and the winner of the State Mathematical Association of America's contest in his senior year.

Throughout his life, Jim was known for his kindness, enthusiasm and intelligence. He is survived by his wife Jan, sisters Jane and Jeane, brother Tim, many in laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. Also Jim and Jan's animals, Reavis, Stella and Elvis. Memorials can be made to the Az. Humane Society 9226 N 13th Ave Phoenix Az 85021 or the United Cerebral Palsy Association 7337 N 19th Ave Phoenix Az 85201.

Jim's obiturary was published in the Arizona Republic on 10/16/2003, from which this was adapted.