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Alan Edward Oppenlander (71), known as "Oppie" to his friends, died at his home in Bulhead City, AZ, Sunday, May 2, 2010 after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his daughter, Shelli Oppenlander (Colorado Springs) his wife Nancy, two step sons; grandson Ralph Redmond Jr.; granddaughter Janece Redmond; his sisters; Kay Devers (Longmont), and Shirley Davis (Indiana); three nephews; Mike, Mark, and Tony Esposito; niece Lenae Esposito; and their children. After his family relocated to Kansas in 1952, Alan attended Harrison High School in Colorado Springs and was instrumental in helping coordinate Harrison reunions for classes '50 -through '60, providing videos and music. He joined the Navy in 1956 and was assigned to the USS Saratoga. Oppie retired from AT@T in 1989, living in Denver until he relocated to Bullhead City AZ. He loved the desert and enjoyed four-wheeling with his friends in Bullhead. He was an amateur photographer/videographer and provided many movies and videos of their excursions; which he shared online and with his many friends. Oppie will be greatly missed by his family and friends. No services are planned per Oppie's wishes.
Published in The Gazette on May 23, 2010
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Ron Roehrich (1957)
He was known as Oppie to the pioneers of HHS. There has never been a more independent cuss on the planet and yet one of the most generous with his time and talent. He was quick to give and never asked a thing in return. I have been privileged to call him friend, schoolmate, classmate, a fellow Panther and to have shared many a story over a burger and cold frosty adult beverage.
Oppie was a key member in the planning and execution of the 50th class reunion for the Class of 1957, His creativity talent was never better demonstrated than in the Video he created /produced to honor and recognize all those in the first five classes at HHS, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. A most memorable occasion for the pioneers of HHS.
Teila Carroll (Tankersley) (1981)
I met Oppie during the planning of our 2009 All Class Reunion. What a kind and giving person. He shared stories with me of his life and as confident as he sounded he was was humble. He told me that he'd been a rebel in school to some extent, yet he spent years regretting that he was in any way disrepectful to some of the key adults in his life.
When you meet someone like Oppie you realize how short life is. Oppie helped our committee out with ideas, videos and stories. I was so elated when I found out that he was going to attend! He was so supportive and became such a friend to us all.
One day when I calledto interview him for an article, he was in the midst of helping a neighbor with his computer, just got back from three wheeling and yet he made time for me.
I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Oppie and yes, he gave us permission to call him that..... And, althought I know he was a rebel of sorts in high school per his own admssion, I also saw that he genuinely cared about his friends, family and neighbors.
I know him as a fun, kind and generous man, Hope to see you in Heaven one day......... Life is short and thankfully there are those in this world that go out of there way to be kind and productive, thanks Oppie for adding to the 2009 All Year Reunion and for being so supportive of all your HHS friends no matter the decade in which they graduated.
With respect and sincerity,
Teila Carroll Tankersley Class of 1981
Nancy Bradfield (1958)
Alan/Oppie and I had a 57 year history dating back to 1953/54 where we met at Harrison and dated most of the remaining years left until he joined the Navy. We married, had a daughter, divorced, but continued to remain close until he left us. He was one of the funniest and kindest people I've known, he could be tough but always tempered with fairness. He always was there to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it, we shared many great memories and I will miss him so very much. He would want me to thank everyone who has been so supportive, although he was a private person and did not want me to "tell the world", which I did anyway to another person that he was close to, so maybe I will just say thank you from me. Bon Voyage Alan, thanks for sharing the journey with me.
Nancy Bradfield ('58)
Pat Bartholow (Smith) (1957)
I didn't enter HHS until the last six weeks of my junior year, so didn't meet Alan until planning for our 50th reunion. What fun that was working together with him, Carolyn and Ron, and it was as if I had known him forever. He was smart, talented, and had a great sense of humor, and you knew that as a friend, there was nothing he wouldn't do for you. When I saw his name on an e-mail, I knew I was going to get a good story or joke, sometimes with his "devil" motif. Alan, you will be greatly missed - you already are.