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Henry Springer Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Springer
87 Entries
Alex Gasporra
October 13, 2024
Coach Springer was a great man, coach and mentor to hundreds of young men. He and my junior high school physical education teacher made a big influence in my life. I became a physical education, in junior high school, as well, for 12 years, and finished my last 27 years as an administrator. Thanks coach, for always being there for us!
Jerry Root
October 13, 2019
Ill never forget Coach Springer! In this crazy world, he made kids feel like they mattered!
Buck Walker
February 2, 2009
He was a Great Coach and one that will be greatly missed, especially by those who were lucky enough to play for him. Having him for a Coach was something I will never forget.
Tim Schuldt
August 17, 2008
Coach Springer was a big man with a big heart and a great coach.He meant alot to me in high school and i am grateful that i was able to play football for him.May God bless his family.
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Steve Roderick - '67
June 17, 2008
I had the priviledge of being mentored by Coach Springer as a B and C track performer. A truly wonderful man and coach who kept his athletes focused on their potential and life in general. He will be missed but never forgotten. My heart felt condolences to his family.
richard brewer
June 10, 2008
There was a time when I kenw not, and a time of regret. See you coach.
edward f laurell,jr
March 22, 2008
Coach Springer became my emotional father when I was at HPHS.He gave me a heart and a chance when others would'nt. I played QB for him in 1968 and our team went 7-0-1 and were Eastern league champions. I also was on his Track teams from 67-69 and was MVP for the B and C levels. I also went on to East LA College and CSULA and became a successful football and track coach at La Canada high school. I also knew his 2 sons Marc and Brian. Its such a huge loss for all of us that were lucky enough to be coached and taught by him. Hopefully there will be another day when ill hear coach Springer telling me "laurell hold 2 inches higher and drive your last 3 steps" God bless you coach and thank you
GARY WISKUS
January 16, 2008
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE SPRINGER FAMILY. HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND A CARING COACH, EVEN THOUGH, THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN, COULD NOT MAKE ME A FOOTBALL OR A TRACK STAR. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED FOREVER BY MANY.
GARY WISKUS HPHS S64
Bob Boyd
January 6, 2008
Coach Springer was a real inspiration to me. I was a sports editor on the Spartan Shield. He encouraged me to write stories but more importantly asked me to help announce track meets. From there I always had an interest in track and even now I am a CIF track starter still doing meets. Coach Springer should also be remembered for being
the City Champion in the shot put for three years at South Gate High School. Bob Boyd Class of S59
Carol Perry
January 6, 2008
My sympathies to the Springer family. I taught at HPHS for many years, and I enjoyed timing track meets and working with Hank.
Frank Quinones
January 5, 2008
My depest sympathy goes out to the Springer family. I was exposed to coach Springer as a skinny 15 year old from the other side of the tracks! I owe him the deepest gratitude for seeing something in me that I didn't see in myself, the ability to lead. Football talent is one thing, but as a young man to be shown human traits and strenghths you never knew you posessed is magic. Hank Springer broght those magical attibutes to the suface! I am blessed to have been taught by one of the finest motivators I have known. I look at Hank Springer as the architect who contracted Ray Vernoy to build his project. God Bless you and a never ending gratitude.
Dennis Wiskus
January 2, 2008
It was a privilege to know Coach Springer. My condolences to the family, especially Brian whom I have the privilege to work with. I am sorry for the lateness of this note. I was shocked to hear the news only minutes ago.
Karen Everett Hilborn
January 2, 2008
Unfortunately, us girls never had the opportunity to know this highly respected coach....our loss.
Karen Everett Hilborn S'65
Debbie Mc Bride
January 2, 2008
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Hank. My sympathony, thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He was dearly loved at HP.
Debbie Mc Bride
Ray Sandoval
November 19, 2007
Coach Springer was a great coach and fine human being. He showed kindness and patience to his athletes, and in so doing, taught us the same.
Mary Jo and Ken Lewis
November 6, 2007
Dear Doris, Brian, Marc and family, So sorry for your loss. We send our deepest sympathy.
Pamela Richardson
October 25, 2007
sorry for the loss of Hank my heart goes out to you god bless and take care from the HP Family "class of 81" former track and field runner "Pamela Macias" Richardson
Mike Perez
October 25, 2007
Coach Springer was not only my football and track coach, but also a person who taught me about life, committment and dignity. Those were hard lessons for me at a tough time in my life, and I never was able to express my appreciation for the sincere concern that coach showed me, inspite of my brash attitude. My wish is that Coach Springer's family find comfort in the knowledge that he touched so many young lives in a positive and lasting manner, and that our lord has found favor in his deeds. Fight On!
Robert L. Rodriguez
October 24, 2007
My deepest sympathies go to the family of Coach Springer. He was my football and track coach at Huntington Park High. Coach Springers influence on me taught me to believe in myself and taught me what hard work can produce in the face of doubt. Although it has been more than 45 years since he coached me, to this day I cannot speak of Coach Springer without getting choked up. We had an email conversation about four years ago and he remembered me. A great man he was, someone I will hold dear for the rest of my life. God bless you coach. I know he will be showing the saints how to Shot Put in heaven.
Daniel and Sara Partida (Alatorre) Avila '75
October 24, 2007
Mr.Springer was the type of coach and mentor that will never be forgotten,no matter how many years have passed us by. And although our own personal lives have changed since those memorable high school years, we came together once again now to thank you for sharing this very special "tall angel" with us and with so many other students at HPHS. We pray that the beautiful memories that you have emblazoned in your hearts will help carry you through this very difficult time.
Frank Carruana
October 23, 2007
Coach Springer he was my “B” football coach and mentor at H.P.H.S in the early 1970s He was a very influential person in my life. He taught me many things; like never to settle for second best, to believe in myself, and most importantly to have faith. He made my high school years playing football memorable. I will miss him greatly and he will always have a special place in my heart.
Frank Carruana
October 23, 2007
Coach Springer he was my “B” football coach and mentor at H.P.H.S in the early 1970s He was a very influential person in my life. He taught me many things; like never to settle for second best, to believe in myself, and most importantly to have faith. He made my high school years playing football memorable. I will miss him greatly and he will always have a special place in my heart.
Class of 1973
Gordon Fitzel
October 23, 2007
I was on Coach Springer's track teams(B & C levels) from 1955 to 1958. My dad would'nt sign the papers for football, or I may have played FB for him also. He was such an impact on my future. I went on and competed at L.B. State. After college graduation I started coaching track and cross country, both at the high school and college levels. I am retired now, but I still volunteer coaching track at the college I retired from. Thanks, Hank Springer for the inspiration you gave my life.
Mary Moode
October 23, 2007
Mike and I both have wonderful, fond memories of Coach Springer. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of his family and close friends.
Mike and Mary (Burger) Moode
HPHS-S'62 and S'64
Randy Amante (Bustamante)
October 22, 2007
My deepest sympathy. May God bless you during this time of loss.
Alex Gasporra
October 22, 2007
It is with great sadness of the passing of Coach Springer. I was captain on his B football team in 1956 and ran track for him for four years. I can honestly say, that he was one of the main reasons that I went into coaching. He was such a nice person, even when he was upset, he still wouldn't yell at you. I used him as a role model in my style of coaching as well. He coached a couple of my brothers in track, but knew of my older brothers who competed in the late 40's in track and would try to motivate me to be as good as them. Unfortunately, thru no fault of his, I didn't quite live of to his exectations. However in football, I was fortunate enough to play in college and get my degree, in physical education, no less. I will never forget the poem that he wrote about our class of W'58. He had one line that will stick with me forever when he wrote, "Gasporra's mile only made him thinner, forgive me Alex, last of your clan, but what a man." So long coach, until we meet again!
Sue Kroener Rodier
October 22, 2007
My deepest sympathies go to the Springer family for their loss of Coach Springer. As part of the Girl's Athletic Association, I scored many of his football games and had a chance to observe his love of coaching, sports, and the impact he had on so many students. This genuinely gifted and sincere man will be missed. HPHS Class of S'64.
Tom Kaiser
October 22, 2007
Played B football and ran track for Hank in 59 and 60 - He took me to the emergency room in 59 after a guy by the name of Hughes spiked me on the track running th 440 - God Bless you Hank Springer you were a great coach.
Bob Cline
October 22, 2007
First day of football, Coach Springer took myself, Curtis and Ratliff over to Coach Vernoy and said these boys belong on the Varsity. More quality time was spent during detention and films. Thanks Coach. 66/69
Juanita Meraz
October 21, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Springer
family. He always donated to the Huntington Park High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Our students were very appreciative.I know because I am the college counselor at HPHS.
Stephen Heffernan
October 21, 2007
Coach Springer is a man I have remembered throughout my life. He was fair and an example to all of us whom he coached.
I saw him at my 30th reunion 11 years ago and had the pleasure to talk with him about fishing which is also a passion of mine.
Rest in Peace Coach and thank you for the lessons in life they have proved valuable tools.
Stephen Heffernan Class of '66
Dale & Marcy Allenbaugh
October 21, 2007
Dale and I are sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved huband,
father, father-n-law and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and will be in the days to come as you travel and process this trying time in your lives. Our love, Marcy and Dale
Paul Anderson
October 20, 2007
We have lost a wonderful and dedicated coach, teacher and friend. May God Bless his family. Hank, go with God.
Paul L. Anderson 1962
Kitty Cockrell
October 20, 2007
Our condolences go to the Springer family. May GOD guide you through this trying time of your loss.
H.P.H.S. S-65
Kitty (Gikas) Cockrell & Richard Cockrell
Teresa Ruiz De Esparza
October 20, 2007
Coach Springer was an awesome motivator and encourager. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched and that extention is the wonderful legacy he has left us. May the grace of God be upon those he left behind, especially his family. My deepest sympathy to you and I will keep you in prayer. class of "73"
Kay Ratliff Johnson
October 20, 2007
I wish to express my sympathy to the family of Coach Springer. What a wonderful legacy he has left his family with the knowledge of all the students he motivated.
Gloria Villanueva
October 20, 2007
My deepest syphathy to the Springer Family. Coach Springer was loved by many he will be missed dearly.He leaves many memories at Huntington Park High.
Class of 1973
GARY KOBASA
October 20, 2007
Gary Kobasa,
He was a good man, we work hard in his class he was also fair teacher,glad to have had him as a teacher. Prays with family. class of S'1969
Robert Bruton
October 20, 2007
My 1st. year at HPHS I played B-football for Coach Springer. He also coached me the 3 years I ran track. He was a very good coach but most of all he was great person. My wife (Cathie Ferguson Bruton) and I just attended our 50 year renuion for the class of W/1957 and there was something missing when Coach Springer wasn't present. He and Coach Vernoy had made the trek to the 45 year reunion and it was good to see them there. Coach has touch so many of us that had the opportunity to attend Huntington Park under his watch and I know all came away far better from it than we were before. Thank's coach, I can still see you on the field towering about all around not from your height but because of the person you were and are. Thank's again Coach.
Robert Bruton, Class of W/1957
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Emmit Luther
October 20, 2007
I want to give my deepest sympathy to the Springer family. Coach Springer will be missed.
Emmit Luther - class '73
Susie (Class of "94") Hernandez
October 19, 2007
HPHS has lost a Great Fellow Spartan, and Now He is in god's glory.My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. God bless you.
Jesus Antonio Perez
October 19, 2007
Mr. springer was my PE teacher in 74 & 75. Didn't matter what it was we were doing, he always encouraged us to do our best. May he rest in peace.
Bill Walker
October 19, 2007
Coach made it possible for me to play football, track and dive. I graduated in 1963 and thanks to him I went on to Chico State and played sports and furthered my education.
Coach Springer was my mentor and always my inspiration. One summer he took me fishing with his son. That's where I got the idea that someday I would own a fishing boat.
I am retired and I do own a fishing boat now...and I take people out just like he did.
My thoughts are with all of you.
My heart is heavy with loss, but filled with the greatest memories any man could ask for. Bill "The astronaut" Walker
Jim LaFayette
October 19, 2007
Be at peace Coach. You will be missed.
Class of '56'
Ernest Avila
October 19, 2007
My prayers are with the entire Springer family. Coach Springer was truly a wonderful leader at HP, and I have always remembered him fondly and with respect.
Ernest Avila Class of 1970
Lisa Gallick (Garcia)
October 19, 2007
Coach Springer believed in me and pushed me to do my best in the shot put in the spring of 1980. Thank you for inspiring every athlete/student that came in your direction. May your family and friends find comfort in your memory.
Lisa Gallick (Garcia) 1980
Brad Ohm
October 19, 2007
Coach Springer was my freshman B football coach. He set the standard for myself and many others to be successful at H.P., not only in sports but in life. Thanks Coach! You will be remembered! Winter 60 class
Robert Hendrix
October 19, 2007
While I was on the swim team, I knew Coach Springer from being associated with the PE Dept. I helped manage the football team under him one year and worked alongside him in the office. I'm very sorry to hear about his passing, but know he led a very rich, full, and rewarding life. It sounds like he loved his family very much, and they can be very proud of a man like him. He obviously loved coaching, mentoring, and his students immensely. The world is a better place for having had him in it. Men like him are sorely needed and terribly missed when they're gone. My condolences to the family and friends who will miss him.
HPHS Class of '70
Margie Turner (Loudon)
October 19, 2007
My prayers are with The Springer family in your time of grief.
Charles Mason
October 19, 2007
To The Family Of Henry Hank Springer my condolences to you all at the passing of your husband father and grandfather. it was my please to have had him as my pe coach and he taught me many things about how to get along with others as well as myself i know that he is in heaven now and still coaching for God's team there. he will be certainly missed by alll thos ewho had the pleasure of knowing and having such a wonderful inspiration in their lives.
Randall Robinson
October 19, 2007
Coach Springer has been on my mind and in my dreams the last few weeks. He made an impact of my efforts in football and took time to reach out when he saw I need him to be there, and it is this I been feeling of late. A true wonderfull man and inspiration. My thoughts to the family. (HPHS 1964)
Ino Rivera
October 19, 2007
My deepest sympathies goes to the Springer family. Coach is in heaven doing what he liked to do most, coaching, fishing and camping. Coach helped developed me into the runner that allowed me to compete at the highschool and college level. I ran track and xcountry for three years from '75-'78. To this very day I run, and still think about coach and the advice he would give me. A true coach and mentor. Ino Rivera Class of '78
Walter Jones
October 19, 2007
Was my privilege to get a picture of Coach Springer with Coach Vernoy at one class reunion back in 2001. I will always remember Mr. Springer's smile and kindness back in my final 2years as a yearbook and newspaper photographer ('57-59), and with duties in P.E.office. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time.
Michael Duarte
October 19, 2007
Coach Springer, he was an inspiration to us all.He will be missed but not forgotten.I thank him for getting us ready to play varsity for Coach Vernoy.God bless Coach Springer and his family.
Thank you,
Mike Duarte
Class 0f 1973 / Beat Bell !!!!
Jim Scott
October 19, 2007
Thanks Coach, you helped make it easy for many Boys to make the transition to Young Men. May God bless your family knowing you've answered that call to continue teaching on a higher level. (HPHS Class of 1960)
RAUL PEREZ
October 19, 2007
Coach Spring was my PE teacher in 1973 and will be remembered as an old school type coach who always had time for anyone and everyone. A living, flickering light of good memories gone by and extinguished, a person remembered who will be missed.
Pete Peterson
October 19, 2007
Coach-Thanks for the memories!
Semper Fi and Fight On!
Pete Peterson
Class of S'64
Danny and Laura Rodriguez
October 19, 2007
Coach Springer was the nicest coach
HPHS ever had. Everyone loved and respected him. A true lost to all those who knew him.
Ernie Bradley
October 19, 2007
Class of 1960
Robert Schenck
October 19, 2007
It
was a very sad day when I heard the news. Not sad for the coach because
he will be in a much better place but sad for me. I will miss him dearly.
Coach will be missed and
remembered not only as a very good coach but and awesome person. It's
not the date when you were born or when you pass, it's how you
lived the dashed and he did a fine job of livng the dash.
Walt Harris
October 18, 2007
You were a great coach, mentor, and family friend. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sylvia Rodriguez
October 18, 2007
May God comfort your family in knowing that Coach Hank will live through many young lives that he touched.
Hollis Pincock
October 18, 2007
The world needs more good people like coach Hank. He was such a fine teacher/coach - and inspired many to perform to the best of their abilities. Thanks to HPHS and Hank Springer, I will always have fond memories of Huntington Park.
rudy martinez
October 18, 2007
I had Coach Springer for the last semester of my high school career. He made that time very fun and enjoyable. He will be missed but not forgotten...
Class of 1973
ERWIN SPITZ
October 18, 2007
I remember Coach Springer well, he was an inspiration to me during my attendance at Sparta 1960/4. He was always updeat and a pleasure to have as a coach. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
John Doumani
October 18, 2007
Coach Springer was my B football coach and shot put coach. I especially have fond memories of coach trying to teach me the spot put. May God rest his soul and may his memory be eternal
Jerry Root HPHS '68
October 18, 2007
Boys need heros. At a very formative time in my life coach Springer was one of my heros. He was my football and track coach. He cared about his athletes; we were boys, he treated us like men--at least he made us yearn to be good men--we longed, if it was at all possible, to be a man like him. I will never forget the hours he spent with us pole vaulters on the track team. As long as we were willing to work he was willing to coach. He made us feel like we mattered to someone. He had time for us. Coach Springer was years ahead of everyone else in his profession. He used video equipment on the field--before most people even knew video existed--to analyze performance precisely and then accurately coach according to the individual need of his athletes. It wasn't unusual for him to have some world record holder or Olympian show up at practice to add aditional insight and encouragement. Coach, and his son Marc, became friends of the Root family and my dad, brother Jim and me would often go deep sea fishing with the Springers. It added opportunity to learn even more from his example. Kids mattered to coach. My life is better for having known him.
Lupe Rodriguez-Vazquez
October 18, 2007
Mr. Springer was not only a great coach, but a great person as well. He was my X-Country and Track Coach at Huntington Park High for my 9th and 10th grade. I remember him always encouraging us to be better and never to give up. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Class of 1984
Jennifer Sanchez-Johnson
October 18, 2007
Coach Springer was my coach at Carlsbad High 1989-1990. He encouraged me to pursue the discus and shot put even though I was half the size of everyone else. I will always appreciate his coaching and encouragement. My prayers go out to the family. He will be missed.
Richard Hostin
October 18, 2007
A good friend and mentor, you were always part of a great athletic department faculty during my years. Sorry we didn't connect in later years though we lived so near to each other.
Dick Hostin, W '56
Clarence Thompson, Jr
October 18, 2007
Hank, our blessing are with your family, I enjoy have lunch with you around the 80's.
Clarence Thompson 1958
Linda Loya
October 18, 2007
So sorry to hear the news. Doris and Hank are fondly remembered by so many staff and former students of Huntington Park High School.
Ed Ortega
October 18, 2007
I played football and my older brother and I ran track for Coach at H.P. in the early seventies and the one thing that stands out in my heart about Coach is that he NEVER turned anyone away and gave everyone a chance to try out for the team. I remember his big smile he had when joked with us and he would always get on the line and run a play to show us how he wanted it done. I thought of Coach afew days ago and now I know why. Psalms 1:3 reminds me of Coach:He is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not whither. Whatever he does prospers. Coach yielded alot of fruit in the lives he encouraged. Ed Ortega,Class of 1973
Jerry Bailey
October 18, 2007
Hank Springer was my track coach at Huntington Park High School and also my coach in "B" Football. We was a very good coach.
Jerry Bailey HPHS S'57
Louann "Limpus" Rogers
October 18, 2007
Deepest Sympathy from my family to yours
HPHS W'1965
George Ligmal
October 18, 2007
Had Mr. Springer as my P.E. Coach at Sparta 1960-64. He was a really great inspiration for me. A real life person. God bless you & your loss. I remember him "well".
Donald Ord
October 18, 2007
Hank was my track coach, class of 1955. He was very well liked and always up beat. 52 years ago was a long tme ago but I will always remember him. He was an inspiration to me and alot of my track mates. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Patricia (Cook) Conrad
October 18, 2007
One of my favoite teachers at HP
Eric Bolin
October 18, 2007
I remember coach springer while I was in the marching band in the drum section my mates and friends played football. may GOD by with you coach
WILLIAM LIPSCOMB
October 18, 2007
Bill - Class of W - 56
Donna Laremore, Rodgers
October 18, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dolores Quintanar (Jacobson)
October 18, 2007
With the deepest of feelings and the greatest of memories for a great coach.
My thoughts are with the family.
MICHAEL NUNEZ
October 18, 2007
AS MY GYM TEACHER & TRACK COACH HE WAS ALWAYS THINKING AHEAD!
October 18, 2007
Our best wishes for his family. As part of the Huntinton Park Class of Summer 1957, we thank coach Springer for all his years of teaching. Mike & Dianne Adams (Combs)
Evelyn George
October 18, 2007
Thanks for all the wonderful memories of watching HPHS football.
Ben and Joan Costantino
October 18, 2007
We will always remember you as a heck of a good coach, pinochle partner and friend.
Cindy & Dennis Duncan
October 18, 2007
We will all miss you Hank. You and your family have played such a part in our family. You have been such a wonderful friend to my dad and mom all these years in Carlsbab. My dad has lost his best friend and we have all lost a warm, caring, and kind man who has given so much to others over the years through his coaching and friendship. Our hearts go out to Doris and your family as we all grieve your loss.
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