In Memory

Mr. Gene Elsdon VIEW PROFILE

As reported to me by Callie (Reed) Main, class of '68. Mr. Elsdon has returned to Moreno Valley to walk with those who preceded him in the "Halls of Valhalla".  Back to a time when he taught us Biology, or Coached us in PE or on the football field. I remember him well and have often thought how much he influenced me on and off the field and in the classroom. He will not be forgotten on this site.

Gene Elsdon Our cherished dad, Eugene "Gene" Elsdon, left this earth
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April 13th, 2016, to join his beloved wife Jane, who preceded him in death 11 days earlier. Theirs was a love that knew no bounds. Gene was born in Pelly, Texas, and lived there as a young boy until his family moved to Southern California. During high school in Compton he excelled at sports and academics. It was there that he met his wife Jane. As newlyweds they traveled to the east coast where he attended Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving a Masters of Divinity. He served as a Presbyterian Minister for several years and then returned to grad school at the University of California, Riverside, where he earned his Secondary Teaching Credential. The first six years of his teaching and coaching career were spent at Moreno Valley High School in Sunnymead, California. In 1971 he moved his family to Atascadero, where he taught biology and coached football, basketball and golf at Atascadero High School for 25 years. In 1996 Gene retired as Vice- Principal from Atascadero High School. Upon retirement he developed his talents as an artist. He was a gifted watercolor painter and has created many award winning, beautiful works that have been displayed in several locations throughout San Luis County. In 2012 he combined his talents with his wife Jane to publish "Pause on the Path," a book of his art and Jane's poetry. A solo exhibit featuring his work from the book appeared at the San Luis Museum of Art. Gene loved nature, the ocean, photography, sports, fishing and golf. He was a quiet, kind and gentle soul. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Jeff) DeCou, Cindy (Robb) Lundskog and grandchildren: Lynsey, Joel (Gretchen), Megan, Austin (Elli), Tiffany (Brooks) and Emily as well as great-grandson Jacob. In memory of Gene, a celebration of his life will be held at a future date, details will be available through Chapel of the Roses.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Parkinson Foundation or your favorite charity.

Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries
Published in San Luis Obispo Tribune on Apr. 16, 2016



 
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04/24/16 08:58 PM #1    

Terry Sweeney (1968)

Coach you are already missed but not forgotten... Believe it or not I did learn from you and have always looked up to you... Today I reflect and think 'How much more I could have learned had I not been so lazy in turning in my assignments on time." None of which were your fault. You were a awesome teacher and football coach and I am sure that others will share my sadness you have passed!


04/25/16 02:23 AM #2    

Piermario "Ringo" Corino (1968)

Oh Coach,I am so sorry to hear about your passing away.I remember you very well when after about a week of staying in California without understanding a word of English you took me in your varsity football team and you were staying with me for hours trying to explain to me how to kick an extrapoint.And I always remember your words on the Bus coming back from North HS after we lost the game that enden our season.you are in my heart and I send my condolences to your family.A big hug. Pier "Ringo"Corino exchange student from Italy 1967/1968

 

 

 

 


04/25/16 05:25 AM #3    

Gayle Crawford (Peters) (1966)

I remember Mr. Elsdon when I took Biology. He was a enjoyable teacher. Prayers to his family

 


04/25/16 06:24 AM #4    

Paul Breitkreuz (1966)

I'd received this notification earlier through email and was truly saddened to read this update. Mr. Elsdon was one of the truly wonderful instructors at MVHS during the years I attended classes there. To me he was a very talented Biology teacher; he had to be to get me through that genre. Although I think he was a bit kind to me with probably a passing grade of "E" for effort, I did come away with enough information stored up to also make my way through Biology in college years later...........wink

As I was part of the MVHS basketball team Mr. Elsdon was an excellent coach who made even the practice sessions fun. I can recall being involved with a tie ball with another player one time and jerking the ball away from the other player. During the event the player fell on his butt and when I saw the smile that erupted on Coach Elsdon's face it was priceless. I was glad to have given you a good chuckle for the day, Coach. 

Truly an excellent Teacher, Coach, and an all-around genuine good person. 

R.I.P....Mr. Elsdon


04/25/16 07:27 AM #5    

Charles Vizthum (1967)

Remember him from biology class like him. Meet his father while deer hunting in Bodie about 1973 with my brother Tom Vizthum


04/25/16 08:54 AM #6    

Robert Howell (Howell) (1969)

 

Coach Elsdon was above all a great human.  He led with quite confidence and always showed concern and compassion for his players.  His style was to be admired.  He also showed the same concern and compassion in the classroom.  You will be missed.  Bob Howell  '69

 

 

 


04/25/16 09:55 AM #7    

Steve Modrzejewski (1968)

I recall a gentle, patient fellow.  He taught me the correct pronunciation of San Joaquin. I learned about phylums, flatworms, paramecium, amoeba, pithing and dissecting frogs.  I can still smell the formaldehyde.

Good teacher, nice person.    

 

 


04/25/16 07:49 PM #8    

Jim Scott (1968)

Coach Elsdon was more than a coach of sports....he was a teacher of life.  I was first introduced to Coach Elsdon as a freshman playing football for him.  He gained the respect of everyone that year with his enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to make us a team. We started as a miserable lot but that all changed over time and by the time we were seniors, we were his team.  He gave us direction and showed us what pride and hard work can do. He showed us that winning games and winning in life is an outcome of the traits he help build and instill in us.  You will always be fondly remembered. May you rest in peace Coach.


04/27/16 08:32 PM #9    

John Orr (1968)

I have tremendous respect for Coach Elsdon as a football coach and teacher. Taking Biology & Adv Bio from Coach Elsdon lead me to become a Biology major in college and become a teacher of Biology & Chemistry at MVHS. I had the pleasure of talking with Coach at an NSTA conference several years ago. God bless you Coach!


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