James Tomlin

Profile Updated: May 15, 2023
Class of 1961
Currently residing In Irvine, CA USA
My Website & Facebook/Media facebook.com/1JTomlin1
Spouse/Partner Sheila Fischer since 1966 56rd Anniversary
Children, Grandchildren Jeffrey born 1967 All CIF Water Polo, Navy Waterpolo, Captain US Navy Neurosurgeon, Norfolk Naval Hospital, More…UC San Diego Faculty

Matt born 1970 All CIF Soccer, Navy Soccer, former US Navy SEAL, now Director Crown Castle

Sarah born 1981, Villanova Graduate interior designer

Grandchildren
Margaret 30 Sony Music Executive Nashville
Fiona 27 Liason for NATO, Washington DC
Charlie 24 US Navy
Sheila 21 Senior Bucknell University 1st Team All CIF Water Polo


Samantha 25
Tyler 21 Graduate Colorado University, Computer Engineer
Trey 19 Sophomore Colorado University 2021 All Sate Goalie Soccer

Emily 21 Senior Cal State Northridge
Andrew 19 Sophomore Moorpark JC Business Owner Auto Detailing
Occupation Title teacher/coach retired
Current Paid Member of SPHSAA

Expired 2022. Renew by 9/30 to receive Tiger Tales 2023. See Home Page for easy payment options.

Occupation(s), Career Details

Head Varsity Track Coach 1977-1989 99-6-5 Nine Varsity League Championships, 5 CIF Top 5s

Also coached football, soccer & basketball

Taught social studies, and advanced placement us history. Program grew from 22 in 1992-3 to 125 in 2006 with 90% passing rate.

Further education, training, certification(s) since High School

BA University of Redlands '65
MA University of Redlands '66
MA University of Connecticutt 1970

Other South Pasadena schools I also attended

Las Flores Elementary
Marengo Elementary
South Pasadena Junior High

Different places I have lived

South Pasadena 1947-1965
Redlands, 1961-65
Hemet, 1965-1969
Willamantic, Con 1969-1970
Costa Mesa 1970-1973
Irvine 1973-2023

Family history living in South Pasadena

My parents separated in 1946, moved to SP to live with aunt and uncle in 1947. Went through SP Schools K-12. My lucky life not to have grown up in Philadelphia

Family members who also went to SPHS

Andrew and Sheila Gafvert

Other SPHS graduates I keep in touch with

Marty Gafvert, Bill Little, Kent Warner, Dave Moore, Mary Gill, Felix Gutierrez, Tom Bernard, Jeff Howe, Rob Feder, Dolores Brown, Rob Feder, Al Kinser, Roger Clark, Ray Solari, Ken Swift, Craig Brewerton, Marjorie Buck, John Ludlow, Jan Newcomer, Bill Purves, Dick Maryatt

School Memories

Homecoming Dance 1958, dancing with a princess. Some great teachers who really cared about me. The best coaches in CIF. Ditching a class for the first time and my mom sent my lunch, which was delivered to that class. Watching Al Kinser steel pole vault over 12 something and land in about 3 inches of wet sawdust. Thinking how he could have been the top guy in any event, running or jumping, why would he want to vault? Watching 5'6" Frank Z run perfectly over 39" hurdles knocking wood chips off the top, and in competition winning most of the races aided by perfect form and two tight jockstraps. Beating Harriman in the 220 at league, [I've got the photo] and having the judge call it the other way. Thanks Mr Green for arguing for me. Never wanting to race John Kovak in a 440, and succeeding. Watching Kinser do bear crawls like a cheeta as he passed me going the other way on a BIG 3. Two interceptions in the Eisenhower game. Tackling Matt Hudson twice on kickoffs. Bounce pass, Temple City 40-41. Moore to Canfield with almost no time on the clock, SWISH San Marino 61. Catching Dave Dickson in an American Legion baseball game when Donnie hurt his thumb and having a sore hand for the rest of the summer. The cold fear when Donnie handed me his glove and asked if I was wearing a cup. The warm unconditional friendship of Marty Gafvert, Bill Little, Kent Warner, Chuck Hubbard and Dave Moore. Tackling Donnie, well OK, having him run over me and trip on my body. Playing varsity quarterback and completing 6 straight passes. OK, two were to Bell Gardens guys, but hey, they were open? Finally being tall enough to dance with 61' girls. Setting the school record in the relay with Todd, Paul and soph Bill Patrick, thanks Coach Swift for making us believe we could do it, the record was 10 years old. A crush on a 61 girl since 1955. Having Jeff Howe help me learn to play safety after he was hurt. Beating San Marino 1960 in the relay with senior teammates, Randy Wilson, Micky Furtado and Ed Loosli... who made me run last. Not understanding chemistry, physics or Trig despite the best efforts of Mr Gruhn. Having Coach Solari say, "We're counting on you," and being really worried about that. Actually being with Weikel during some of his more tame adventures. Having Miss Spellicy tell me I was smart. Seeing Reece beat the crap out of the scumbag who stole my wallet. The hell with the 4 dollars, it had a picture of ...... in it. Did she even know I had it? Forgive the person who put hot rub [not me, but he knows who he is] on Skeeter's jockstrap. Beating SM in football, basketball & baseball, but not track :( Being able to say I was a teammate of Dickson, Johnson, Curry, Forster, Ritchko, Reece, Clement, Kinser, Brem, Moore, Kovac, Paris, and Little. Seeing Toby attired in a cape in Garfield Park in 1951. Looking under the hood of my car in 1960 having no idea what anything did. Taking an eye exam and reading the letters

S Z E R D A H E L Y I.

Then thinking, "READ IT, HELL I know HIM." Spending hs having no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but enjoying the fact that the pool of available females increased each year.

Moon River

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossin' you in style, some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way.
Two drifters off to see the world;
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end;
Waitin' 'round the bend;
My huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

In fall of 1961, after graduating from South Pasadena High School, I was about to leave for college at the University of Redlands. Some of us had actually been together since kindergarten. It seemed there had never been enough time, so many things had been left undone and unsaid, and now all the time was used up. I can recall wandering around on the football field after the graduation ceremony looking for the mortarboard I had launched into the air, a new altitude record for hand-based headgear. I was thinking about our last day at school, that it had been over too fast, and that people I wanted to say goodbye to were vanishing, heading to their own graduation celebrations with family, vanishing like a wisp of smoke in the wind. Our world was changing, and I had never in my life wanted so much for it to stay the same. Once our days had stretched out before us seemingly as numerous as the grains of sand upon the beach, if we wasted some of them carelessly, how could we know?
As I prepared to leave childhood behind, I remember thinking that nothing would ever be the same, and I would no longer be able to postpone the inevitable. Real life loomed ahead, away from our somewhat sheltered existence in “Our Town,” South Pasadena, and so I spent a Friday night, three days before I was to leave, with a girl I had known well and sometimes dated the last year of high school. She was going to be a senior, and so did not share the weight of the rite of passage that loomed before me the final days before departure. Nevertheless, she understood and was in tune with the moment, and it was great to be able to share it with someone who understood.
We went to the carnival that had always visited South Pasadena the week before the beginning of the public schools, cruised Henry’s Drive-In for a burger and then went back to her house for a last goodbye. She had a new record, and we played it over and over while we held each other and danced.
"Moon River" is a song composed by Johnny Mercer (lyrics) and Henry Mancini (music) that very year. It won that year's Academy Award for Best Original Song in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. Although it has been performed by many artists, notably Andy Williams, nothing can match the magnificence and the beauty of the original score by Henry Mancini.
The power of Mercer’s lyrics, combined with the music of Henry Mancini, exactly captured the feelings of romance, nostalgia and optimistic anticipation that thousands of about-to-be freshman felt in the fall of 1961. We wondered what was “waitin round the bend,” and so we clung to each other and slow danced till the magic hour of 12:00, our curfew in those simpler days.
The experience was so compelling I bought the 45rpm record and repeated the experience again the next night with a different girl.

Organizations, clubs, sports, other groups I've been in at school &/or since

Boys League. Didn't everyone? Well not the girls. Varsity Football, Basketball & Track. I think I might have been in the Spanish Club photo.

Milestones & Epiphanies

Retired 2006 after 41 years teaching/coaching high school.

Pastimes & Hobbies

Photography

Writing 2 books and some short stories of high school memories

Enjoying grandkids and camping/hiking/backpacking/boogieboarding

Sometimes nothing, and there's not enough time not to do it and it's hard to tell when you're done

Favorite Music, Songs, Bands

Kingston Trio
Celtic Women, Celtic Thunder
Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Enya, Alison Krauss
Chris Wall, who I coached with at Corona del Mar HS

Favorite Books, Magazines, Movies, TV, Websites, YouTubes, etc,

Enjoy my library, including the book I'm coloring in right now

[Date] What's happening in my life now

Travel, writing, grandkids, working on my daughter's new home as chief landscape architect [gardner]

One last comment...

Thanks for this website it's great to have a way to reconnect with old friends, and to make new ones based on the shared experiences of life's early journey. I once wrote about Coach Solari, "If you played for Coach Solari you're a teammate even if you've never met."

Things you probably don't know about me: I was a trash collector summer 1969; I picked fruit summer 65; I worked in a gas station summer 61, 62, 63, 64

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15
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April 2010. Whole Family.
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Jim Tomlin, Craig Brewerton, Rudy Friendt, Tobe Hitchcock, Rich Lincoln,Jay Lord, Rob Feder. Al Kinser
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With Chuck Hubbard, 1989
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With Sheila Tomlin. Maine 1980
James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Martin Gafvert.
May
08
May 08, 2023 at 10:16 AM

Martin R Gafvert Feb 22, 1943 – April 7, 23

I first met Marty at Garfield Park in the summer of 1954, we were 5th graders, just 10. He had moved to South Pasadena from Duluth, Minnesota. Sheila and I passed through Duluth in 1980. It was so beautiful, and I seized the occasion to call Marty and tell him how beautiful it was. After a long silence, he replied, “Jim, it’s the middle of August.”

In 1954, it was the middle of August. . . . in California. During the summer months, the City of South Pasadena sponsored free kids shows at the Rialto Theater, I took Marty, first to the free kids’ show, and later to the Plunge. In 1954, Summer was forever, Marty’s phrase. We became lifelong friends. He passed away in this, the 69th summer of our friendship.

Marty has always been described by those who knew him as hard-working. His mother worked as a school librarian. Whatever he or his sister Jane wanted, they had to work for it, and Marty was extremely generous to his beautiful sister. During our high school years, as a result of Draconian savings Marty was able to purchase a series of barely mobile vehicles. Often with the help of friends Bill Purves and Frank Szerdahelyi, he restored their mobility and enjoyed the liberation of personal transportation or a profit from the sales.

My aversion to, and lack of an automotive skill set is well known. Not surprising, I was of no help in these projects and pleased not to be counted upon. On one occasion, when Marty and Bill had completely reassembled an ancient engine, they were able to get the vehicle running and drove about for a bit. Upon their return, they discovered what they hoped to be some non-essential parts in the driveway. Marty may not have restored the “possibly non-essential” parts to their proper places.

Marty was self-reliant as soon as he could walk. He might be the only one of my South Pasadena friends to work his way through college without parental funding or a scholarship, first at Pasadena City College and later at UCLA. While he did other jobs, his main income came from an LA Times paper route while at PCC, sometimes wearing ankle weights and running route while surviving on [maybe] 5 hours of sleep. I once told him I was sleeping for him. Kent once accompanied Marty on the route [Why?] and spoke philosophically, eloquently and metaphysically about the Sunday folding process.

Marty continued the route after graduation from UCLA, and during his years at Air Research. How he managed to work these jobs and still maintain excellent grades is a tribute to his abilities and perseverance. Rising at 4:30, he never “slept in.” He drove to the LA Times distribution mother ship to fold the papers and then into the pre-dawn darkness. I should add, through rain, hail and sometimes sub-30-degree temperatures. There were, of course, no sick days.

In addition, during his time at UCLA, and early years at Air Research, he served as a “guinea pig” [his words]. He worked first as part of test teams for Air Research, analyzing various systems and equipment that would eventually fulfill President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s promise to, “We ah, propose to put a man on the moon by the end of this decade,” a bold challenge. Marty tested the real space suits and endured stress tests in a centrifuge, incredibly maintaining consciousness. Usually.

These tests simulated what our astronauts would face as the run up to President Kennedy’s bold challenge. President Kennedy didn’t live to see that day, but millions of people across this globe did, thanks to people like Marty, the astronauts stayed alive just a few feet from a subzero, airless, unforgiving environment only a few feet away. He was often asked after a test, “Did that hurt?”

Marty once met an astronaut on a trip to the Space Center in Houston. Learning that Marty was part of a team that tested equipment and systems, he literally leaped up to shake Marty’s hand.  In what Marty described as an emotional voice, thanked him profusely for those years of testing those systems and equipment, a task not without risks.

Later, after transitioning to Garrett Industries, Marty spent the remainder of his career as a technical editor drafting proposals for the company technical proposals. When accepted, these brought jobs for many. Marty retired in 2012.

Never one to have just one job, during his years at Air Research, he also began buying and fixing up homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings to rent or resell. Anyone who has ever been a landlord knows how stressful and contentious these interactions can be. For me a tough week might be produced by fear of losing a track meet to Newport. [we never did] While I labored trying to bench press 200 pounds, Marty was carrying 200 pounds of sheet rock up a 12-foot ladder.

Marty rarely played practical jokes. My lack of automotive knowledge made me particularly vulnerable, yes, thanks Purves for disconnecting my spark plugs. However, once on our way to find an open gym [or one that COULD be opened] for basketball, Marty told me he had to stop off at one of his rentals to collect rent. Knocking on the door, a large, formidable looking man answered, and the encounter went like this.

“Are you here for the rent?” he asked belligerently.

“Yea, you said you’d have it two weeks ago,” Marty replied.

“I haven’t got it, what are you going to do, kick my ass?”

“Of course not, I brought Jim for that.”

The three of us had a good laugh then, one of us enjoying it a little less than the other two. Of course, I was glad not to have to hurt the much larger man, who as it turned out, was a long-time friend of Marty’s.

Despite Marty’s always sleep deprived schedule, he always found time to play some basketball, earning the nickname “The Worm” for his uncanny ability to steal the ball from you even when you were expecting it. Marty often beat me even when I brought an all-league player from my high school to the game; a rebounder who could pass to me for open but often unsuccessful shots. Considering the amount of time we spent playing basketball, honing essential life skills, we should have been a lot better. Victories, and defeats, were celebrated at the local Taco Treat in South Pasadena. Meals of “Two Tacos and a Coke” have never been equaled anywhere else since.

Marty was well liked for his kindness, his wry humor, and his sage advice. A psychology major, he would sometimes try to help you solve a dilemma by beginning sentences with, “And how did this make you feel?” He agreed we both married above ourselves, beautiful sisters. It was great being his brother-in-law, and I was glad I played a small part in bringing Becky and Marty together.

Marty enjoyed seeing his outstanding children, Andrew and Sheila grow into fine adults. We were always talking about our children, and he was so happy to be a Dad. He loved them greatly and worked hard to give them a good start in life. Later he was so proud of Kevin and David, and so glad they were being raised by loving parents, Sarah and Andrew. and hearing about their lives even with the restrictions of the pandemic.

No one could have taken better care of Marty these last few difficult years than Rebecca, surely an Angel. It’s no exaggeration to say he would never have been able to enjoy these years without her constant love, support and 24-hour care. His close friends were all glad to be able to celebrate Marty’s 80th birthday with him just a few short weeks ago. Not long afterward, I noticed a photograph on Becky’s small corkboard of a now long-ago class gathering in the 1970s. Every one of the six people in the photo was at the birthday party. Truly Remarkable, and the definition of how meaningful relationships, nurtured with continuous care are the most important elements of our lives.

I am not exaggerating when I say that Marty’s passing leaves, for Sheila and I a hole that can’t be filled, in our world and in our hearts. How appropriate are the words of Diane Warren, sung by Faith Hill,

When I think back on these times
And the dreams we left behind
I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed to get to have you in my life
When I look back on these days
I look and see your face
You were right there for me

In my dreams, I'll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart, there'll always be a place for you for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am, there you'll be

As Marty departs this world, it's good to remember it's like a ship disappearing over the horizon. The ship disappears from our sight. Even though we may climb to a higher deck, or up the mast to see further, the ship still disappears from our view, but the ship is not gone, it is merely out of our sight. As Marty ventures from our sight to the shores of the other side, as Christians, we know that the Lord of us all is awaiting his mooring alongside the next pier. He's not gone, only waiting on the other side beyond the blue ocean depths. He will be there to greet our ship when our time comes.

Rest in Peace old friend…the newspapers have been folded…the projects have kept our astronauts safe, and your dear Bride was by your side, at last you can take your rest.

I am reminded of a song by the Irish singer Enya Brennan, “On my way home, I’ll remember all the good days. On my way home, I’ll remember all the best days.”

And Marty, we have all shared the best day, with you, today.

 

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Martin Gafvert.
Apr
10
Apr 10, 2023 at 10:21 AM

I first met Marty in the summer of 1954, our 10th year. He had moved to South Pasadena from Duluth, Minnesota. Sheila and I passed through Duluth in 1980. It was so beautiful, and I seized the occasion to call him and tell him how beautiful it was. After a long silence, Marty replied, “Jim, it’s the middle of August, come back in December.”

In 1954, it was the middle of August. . . . in California. During the summer months, the City of South Pasadena sponsored free kids shows at the Rialto Theater, a structure that is still standing. I took Marty to the kids’ show and later to the city swimming pool. We became lifelong friends. He passed away in this, the 69th summer of our friendship.

Marty has always been described by those who knew him as hard-working. His mother worked as a school librarian. Whatever he or his sister Jane wanted, they had to work for it, meaning Marty for the most part, and Marty was extremely generous with his beautiful sister. During our high school years, Marty was able to purchase a series of barely mobile cars, and often with the help of friends Bill Purves and Frank Szerdahelyi, restore their mobility. My aversion to, and lack of an automotive skill set is well known. On one occasion, when Marty and Bill had completely reassembled an ancient engine, they were able to get the vehicle running and drove about for a bit. Upon their return, they discovered what they hoped to be some non-essential parts in the driveway.

Marty might be the only one of my South Pasadena friends to work his way through college without parental funding or a scholarship, first at Pasadena City College and later at UCLA. He did this by starting to throw an LA Times paper route while at PCC, sometimes wearing ankle weights to enhance his jumping ability, and often ran the route to increase his endurance, surviving on [maybe] 5 hours of sleep. I once told him I was sleeping for him.

The route continued far into the years after his graduation from UCLA, and his years at Air Research. Up at 4:30, he would fold his papers and then set off into the pre-dawn darkness. In addition, during his early years at Air Research, he served as a “guinea pig” [his words] simulating what our astronauts would face as the run up to landing JFK,s challenge to put “a man on the moon by the end of this decade.” President Kennedy didn’t live to see that day, but millions of people across this globe did, thanks to people like Marty. Later, he worked for Air Research as a technical writer until his retirement in 2012.

During his years at Air Research, he also began buying and fixing up homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings to resell. I was unsure of his scheduling, but Marty always found time to play some basketball, earning the nickname “The Worm” for his uncanny ability to steal the ball from you even when you were expecting it. Marty often beat me even if I brought an all-league player from my high school to the game; a rebounder who could pass to me for open but often unsuccessful shots. Victories, and defeats, were celebrated at the local Taco Treat in South Pasadena. Although the Taco Treat is now just a South Pas memory, the meals of “Two Tacos and a Coke” have never been equaled anywhere else since.

Marty was well liked for his kindness and his humor, and agreed he married above himself, as I did also. It was great being his brother-in-law.  He enjoyed seeing his outstanding children, Andrew and Sheila grow into fine adults. David and Kevin , sons of Andrew and his wife Sara, brought many happy visits to Grammy and PaPa.

No one could have taken better care of Marty these last few difficult years than Rebecca, surely an Angel. It’s no exaggeration to say he would never have enjoyed these years without her constant love, support and 24 hour care.

I think I am not exaggerating when I say Marty leaves a black hole in my existence. We lived far enough apart that we couldn’t see each other as much as we would have wished, but we always knew we were there. Rest in Peace old friend, at last able to sleep.

I have a few comments from his close friends to share:

With this sad news I feel so grateful for the time we all had with him recently on his 80th birthday.  He was so happy to see us all.  Instantly, my mind goes into the many memories I have of him as a wonderful neighborhood friend & the magical times we had as scouts together.  My heart is with his family now and I pray for them.   Dick Maryatt 61’

Marty - What an amazing life.  Even as a clueless adolescent I had the feeling that Marty was always working harder than most of the rest of us.  The fact that he maintained that pace for a lifetime, through thick and thin, is truly remarkable.  Becky’s love and devotion certainly contributed mightily to Marty’s unyielding perseverance.  Both are extraordinary folks, worthy of our admiration and emulation.  Marty will be missed.  Dave 61’ & Louise Moore  

The news of Marty's passing is received with great sadness and brings back memories of the good life he lived, the family he and Rebecca created, and the many friends he made along the way. María and I send our deepest condolences and sympathies to all family members.  The SPHS '61 gathering to celebrate Marty's 80th birthday was a very nice way to share our friendships and feelings for him. Best Wishes, Always, Félix Gutierrez  61’

So sorry for Marty and your families.  It is probably a blessing but difficult for all.  Please pass on Joan’s and my condolences to Marty's family.  Craig Brewerton 61’

 

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Raymond L Solari.
Mar
24
Mar 24, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Coach Ray Solari 02/13/28-03/17/23
 
Although Coach Ray Solari left over 40 years ago, he remains a legend at South Pasadena High School in his 94th year. The Coach will turn 94 on February 13, 2022. Coach Solari came to Espee in 1954 and took over as Head Coach in 1955. I was on his 6th team in the season of 1960, and SPHS football, and Coach Solari, remain an important pillar of my life, as it has for teammates from all his teams. If you played football at SPHS for Coach Solari, you’re a teammate even if you have never met.
 
Coach Solari was originally from the Bay area and played three years of varsity football at the University of California at Berkeley. At Cal he played guard opposite Los Angeles Ram great Les Richter and played in three Rose Bowls. Despite a bad back, which forced him to coach the 1959 CIF Championship game against Mater Dei on crutches, during my senior season the Coach could still demonstrate forcefully proper blocking and tackling techniques.
 
Of course, he was so much more than a coach; our memories of him stronger than the outcome of any game. By example he taught his players leadership, integrity and what it means to be a man. As Pete Westerlind [56] writes, “Ray Solari was a man of courage and honor.” He had a presence that summoned you to be the best you could be. This theme is repeated over and over in the comments of former players who responded to my request for insight. Bill Little [61] writes,
Ray Solari was my Coach, Mentor, and later my friend. Coach commanded respect as soon as you stepped on the practice field. He encouraged me, challenged me, and made me a better player and person. By example he taught me to go for the gold. One of the greatest moments for me was at the Coach of the Century celebration: Coach looked at me in my mid fifties and said “You look ready to suit up.” I replied “Let's Go.”
 
 
 
Pat Forster [61] adds,
As an adult, one often looks back on which teachers had the greatest impact on your life during your impressionable teenage years. Coach Solari was more than a great football coach. He taught me what it meant to be part of a winning team and what type of leadership style it takes to create such a team
And Peter Warner, the All RHL quarterback from the 1963 CIF champions reflects,
One of my favorite memories of playing for Coach was during our final practice prior to playing Temple City, for the Rio Hondo League Championship. Two years earlier they won on the infamous "bounce pass game," and the next year they won again for the title. We were gearing up to avenge these losses and Coach was pumping us up as we were doing our stretching. He got to a point where he said "...are we going to win tomorrow?" In a testosterone-fueled chorus the team growled "YES" . Then he asked .... "Is talk cheap?"....a pregnant pause ensued prior to the humbled response of ......." YES." .......what a motivator he was for us - in every way, in football and for life after football. I still blurt out BALL! when I'm watching a game and there's a fumble - it's ingrained forever.
And Jim Harris [59] says,
The Duke of Wellington after leading the British to the key battle of Waterloo is purported to have said “The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton.” If men are indeed formed by high school playing fields, our general, our Wellington, was our coach, Ray Solari.
 
John Ludlow [59] writes
Coach taught us self-discipline, to work hard to achieve something, to never give up. We were the first team to wear the Silver and black uniforms, which I think SP still wears.
 
Most of the coaches in the 1950s, 60s and 70s had served in the military during World War II or Korea. They tended to treat their players like drill sergeants who attempt to weed out the weak. Coach Solari wanted to raise you up to be strong. One lower level coach apparently assumed most of us were hearing impaired. We were grateful the week he lost his voice. Coaches like that were perhaps feared, but never loved. I never saw Coach Solari use profanity, demean, or ridicule a player. Usually he explained what had been incorrectly done; a blown assignment, a missed block or tackle. Once he said to me, “You’re better than that,” his strongest admonition. He made us want to be better, mostly so as not to disappoint him: a valuable lesson in leadership. Baseball, basketball and football standout Bill Archer [56] writes of Coach Solari,
In order for me to compete I had to work myself up into a state of hyper aggressiveness. Trying to practice and play this way gave rise to a lot of confrontations. Coach Solari took the time to talk me down and try to help me compete intensely but avoid reaching the point where my conduct would cause the inevitable hostile reaction.  
Bill’s younger brother Mike [57], an All CIF selection, adds,
I know without his tutelage and encouragement I wouldn’t have come close to these honors. I remember the day he was passing out our orange game jersey’s and he tossed me mine saying, “somebody has to wear this” – no. 69 – the number he wore at Cal, an honor.
 
I once hit a San Marino receiver in the end zone, separating him from the ball, and hoped at film review to receive special mention. The hit didn’t appear nearly as good on film. Afterward, Coach asked me to stay and ran it for me again, pointing out that I had left my man open, and Mike Paris appeared to have the receiver adequately covered. It was a reminder that there are 11 guys out there and every one of the moving parts had to be in sync. When praise did come, we knew it was well deserved, and it meant that much more, another lesson in leadership. You don’t get a trophy just for showing up. The Coach had an uncanny ability to recognize what some of the lesser players could do well, and then put them in a position to shine. Fred Romero [60], who started in football, basketball and baseball and was a Weldon Award winner, writes that Coach believed,
Every Kid is Coachable. Mr. Solari's optimism and belief that you could nudge anyone in a positive direction was paramount in his coaching. He emphasized preparation and execution. With enough repetitions (and conditioning) even the average kid could shine and one day, make a play.
 
“Teamwork, teamwork, & teamwork = Espee football,” writes John Kovac [61]. In those low tech years, Coach Solari had a single assistant and perhaps a friend to help with scouting. His halftime adjustments were the stuff of legends, and his preparation for games was a lesson in paying attention to detail. A great accomplishment was the defensive scheme that shut out offensive powerhouse and Bonita in the 1969 CIF Finals. Ed Loosli [60], a three sport star and a member of the 1959 CIF Champions, writes,
Coach Solari was a lot like Coach Wooden at UCLA in his total attention to detail.  From what kind of socks to wear to having everyone know each other’s assignments, nothing was left to chance.
I don’t know if the Coach was the first to say, “Luck begins with preparation,” but he lived it, from the appearance of our uniforms to the white socks on our feet. Nick Winslow [60] recalls,
Playing football at South Pasadena for Ray Solari was an important part of my adolescence. We worked very hard, we experienced some pain, we worked together, we worked for a common purpose, we played within the rules, we bonded and had a great time…….Everyone who played on that 1959 championship team was a winner and took that winning attitude with them as they moved forward in life. We all came out of the high school football experience stronger, more confident and with a truer moral compass than we had going in.
Dave Dickson [61], the quarterback who called and threw the play action TD pass to close out Mater Dei with two minutes left in the 1959 CIF Title game once said to me,
It wasn’t just about football, Coach Solari was showing you how to get the most out of what you had, and he believed in you more than you believed in yourself.
And Coach Solari wrote to me in 1986,
Thank you for the compliments. I cannot think of anything more rewarding in life than to have any kind of positive influence on the lives of young people.
 
Coach Solari was also my Driver Education instructor teacher, and accompanied by Bill Little and John LaPointe, we traversed the highways and byways of South Pasadena. Coach was a calming, patient influence. If facial expressions are a guide, the Coach was amazed by our lack of knowledge of what was under the hood of the vehicle, but he didn’t make us feel stupid. He did however, upon the completion of our week of behind the wheel training, disavow any responsibility for what any of us might ever do while driving. I think it would amuse him to know that John flew jets with the Air Force Thunderbirds.
 
Guys who played for Coach Solari share so much across the years of Tiger Football, and everyone who responded remembers the way we were, and can recall warmheartedly stories of “The Rock” as he was sometimes called after demonstrating proper blocking technique to Dave Black [59], a weekly “El Socko” selection. Without exception, former players expressed the sadness when it was over. Jim Sheffer [57], the top running back on the 1955, 1956, 1957 teams, remembers:
He was a good example and role model needed in the teen age years and as a reference throughout life. Way back in 1955, we were part of coach Solari’s first championship team – a great honor. Under his coaching More…SPHS won many Rio Hondo and CIF Championships.Wow, what a great history!
All agreed with Nick Winslow [60] about the hard work, wind sprints, bear crawls and a “Big Three” ending practice after two plus hours of drills, hitting and scrimmage:
Winning the CIF championship in 1959 set us apart from all prior teams. It was the ultimate reward for a bunch of guys who worked very hard in a system that allowed us to succeed.
And Peter Warner, the All RHL quarterback from the 1963 CIF champions reflects,
We were a fine-tuned machine, honed to win by a principled man who taught us so much about how to live our lives along the way. Thanks, Coach, for everything, you inspired emulation.
Many people forget that Coach Solari was also an outstanding baseball coach, and actually won more Rio Hondo League Championships [7] in baseball than in football [6]. His baseball teams won two CIF Championships in 1955 and 1959. There can’t be many coaches with that kind of record. Fred Romero [60] writes,
Baseball by The Book. Coach Solari had great baseball talent to work with, and he made it succeed. While not a baseball star himself, his attention to the fundamentals of the game were flawless. Springtime at the Arroyo Seco field made executing his endless ground ball reps almost a joy.
Coach Solari didn’t forget us when we graduated; he continued to be a source of guidance for me and for many others. I became a teacher/coach and even when I couldn’t call him up for advice, I was nevertheless able to ask myself how Coach would handle a problem, or what he would think about a particular idea. And of course, he was always there for you. Dave Currey [61], a captain on our 1960 team and the athletic director at Chapman University in Orange writes:
Coach was a teacher and second father to me in many ways. He helped shaped my life and future directions. I entered the coaching profession because of his example and dedication. He was always there to give advice and support with my career decisions. I owe him much credit for successes that followed. I am also honored to be his son’s God Father. His leadership, toughness, and ‘big picture’ attitude will always be remembered and cherished.
I think it’s fair to say that Coach Solari’s players got everything and more out of Tiger Football that you’re supposed to receive from athletics. Rob Phair [63], from the 1962 CIF Champions, sums it up well,
Being on the football team filled me with pride and confidence. I felt that I had to work hard and I trusted Coach Solari. He required that you maintain a focus on the field and off the field. I trusted his regimen. If you followed his program you would succeed. His respect, I believe was paramount. I feel it was a seminal experience for me to be on a team that won CIF. Just this week, I was explaining to my son-in-law (father of three of my grandsons) that the experience of being on a team at some point in your life that accomplishes the type of success that I was privileged to enjoy is a touchstone. It serves to show you what you can do and what it feels like.
 
Not every one of Coach Solari’s teams won a CIF or RHL title, but to a man, even players on those teams feel the same way about the Coach and describe their experience in much the same way as do the CIF Champions. Jim Harris [59] an excellent quarterback on a 4-4-1 team, is eloquent in his description,
 
Coach Solari mattered! He mattered profoundly to the hundreds of young men he influenced over his lifetime. His memory abounds with their respect and gratitude. He inspired us to excel, and he inspired wisdom, dedication and commitment among his charges. Who could ask for anything more?
 
I talked to Coach Solari on the phone for this article. He was enthusiastic and excited, with total recall of players, games and of course the 40-41 “bounce pass” loss to Temple City that kept the 1960 team from participating in the CIF Playoffs. Coach recalled that the referee closest to play ruled that the ball bounced, but the back judge, farthest from the play, called it a catch. The head referee, Jim Tunney, later an NFL Official for 31 years, had the final decision and called it a catch. Instead of turning the ball over to us, Temple City went on to score the winning points. As for me, I knew a couple of Temple City players in college, one of whom said to me, “Yea it bounced, what did you want us to do?” To which Coach laughed and remarked, “Surely I will be presented with that trophy in Heaven.”
 
Without doubt, that’s the place he’ll be. A brief summary of Coach Solari’s time at South Pasadena High.
 
Head Football Coach Record 1956-1971: 116 wins 39 losses 5 ties
CIF Southern Section Football Championships: Four
CIF Southern Section Football Finalist Runner-up: One
Rio Hondo League Football Championships: Five
Rio Hondo League Baseball Championships: Seven
1969 LA Times Coach of the Year
Approximate Number of Students & Athletes that Attended Mr. Solari’s Classes from 1954 – 1772: 4,000.

 

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Wade Keith Duncan.
Feb
25
Feb 25, 2023 at 10:32 AM

Keith was a gentle soul. He was the most unathletic kid I knew, the last kid picked when choosing up sides. Since his interests were not shared by most of his peers, I don’t remember him “hanging out” with anyone. He passed away at the young age of 31 in 1974, and no one has posted in his memory. Nor could I find an obituary. Even as a teen, he was lonely, and reading parts of his book were sad to read. His shyness and manner made many people uncomfortable. But I only know that when I needed help with my book project, particularly the binding, gluing and sewing, Keith was ready to help. Without a doubt he saved my book and did the artwork on the title page, laughing quietly about the humor and pretentiousness of my title. I remember thanking him over and over, but not forming a better or more lasting friendship. He was a good guy.

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Wade Keith Duncan.
Feb
24
Feb 24, 2023 at 9:27 PM

Keith Duncan was a gentle soul. He was the most unathletic kid I knew, the last kid picked when choosing up sides. Since his interests were not shared by most I don’t remember him “hanging out” with anyone. He passed away at the young age of 31 in 1974, and no one has posted a remembrance in memoriam. Even as a teen, he was lonely. His shyness and manner made many people uncomfortable. But I only know that when I needed help with my book project, Keith was ready to help and without question saved my book and did the artwork on the title page, laughing quietly about the humor and pretentiousness of my title. I remember thanking him over and over, but not forming a better and more lasting friendship. He was a good guy.

James Tomlin has a birthday today.
Feb
17
Feb 17, 2023 at 1:33 AM
James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Jerry W Foster.
Sep
06
Sep 06, 2022 at 3:00 PM

Rest in Peace boots.

 

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Profile.
Apr 05, 2022 at 12:29 PM

Linda was a great friend when we were growing up, and Steve said it so well, the kind of person the world can most afford to lose. She moved so far away it was impossible to stay personally in touch. I see her now in my minds eye, forever smiling, forever young.

 

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Profile.
Sep 06, 2021 at 5:43 PM

An All American athlete and guy, one of the finest students to graduate from SPHS.

James Tomlin has left an In Memory comment for Profile.
Sep 06, 2021 at 5:41 PM

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Chuck Hubbard, Jim Tomlin, Bill Phegley, Bill Little, Kent Warner
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Prom 61 Brings meaning to Pat Boone's "A White Sportcoat, and a Pink Carnation. Bill Little, Jim Tomlin, Marty Gafvert, Bill Purves, Chuck Hubbard and Kent Warner with Carolyn Parker, Joan Derby, Janice Kramer, Jane Gafvert, Linda Coontz and Maryellen Sprinkle.
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Me, Todd Brem, Bill Patrick and Paul Johnson
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Jim Tomlin, Craig Brewerton, Rudy Friendt, Tobe Hitchcock, Rich Lincoln,Jay Lord, Rob Feder. Al Kinser
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With Sheila Tomlin. Maine 1980
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James Tomlin

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Father of the Bride Toast

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