Gilbert E. Dyrr

On March 29th, 2026, Gilbert Eugene Dyrr of Riverside, CA, passed peacefully overnight from his earthly life at the incredible age of 90, following complications from a stroke in February.

Gil was born on July 12, 1935, during the Great Depression, to parents Appoline Virginia (Gilbert) Dyrr and Ejnar Harold Dyrr, in W. Hollywood, CA. Gil grew up in various parts of southern California in his younger years, including the Los Angeles area and Lake Arrowhead. He graduated from Bell High School in 1953, where he was both a student body leader and varsity athlete. In the fall of that year, he entered the University of California, Los Angeles, where he lettered as a collegiate track athlete and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1957. He then earned his master's degree from UCLA in 1958. Just weeks after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Boxdorfer, on June 29th. Also, within weeks, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego and Los Alamitos, CA.

Following his Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces, Gil and Janet moved to Riverside, CA. Gil began a lifelong career in Education, spanning coaching, teaching, administration, and counseling. He first worked as both a cross-country and track coach while teaching at Colton High School from 1960 to 1967. He then joined the Riverside Unified School District, where he first served as Vice Principal at Gage Middle School, then as the inaugural Vice Principal at Arlington High School. During February 1972, their daughter, Joanna Katherine, was born. Missing his love for coaching and wanting more time to raise a family, he eventually returned to teaching and counseling, first at Ramona High School and then at Riverside Poly High School, where he was also head cross-country and track & field coach, retiring after nearly 40 years in 1997. He could not sit still for long and began working for the Riverside County Office of Education. Lastly, he spent nearly a decade advising and counseling student teachers at National University.

Throughout his career, he remained active as Chair of the Inland Empire UCLA Alumni Association, where he oversaw the annual distribution of scholarships to students; he also helped recruit several well-known athletes to UCLA. For decades, he supported the Bruins as a season ticket holder for both football and basketball and ensured that Joanna, their only child, grew up loving sports! He was very active in their church community, taking part as an usher and attending Bible study groups. His years in the school system made him a mentor to many, and he maintained close relationships with former students and athletes; most refer to Gil simply as "Coach." His enduring passion for running continued throughout his life, eventually turning into walking and exploring the nearby hills in their lovely Canyon Crest neighborhood. He kept a well-manicured yard, filled with citrus trees, plants, and rose bushes - a love he inherited from his own mother, with the backdrop of Mt. Baldy and its occasional dusting of snow.

Gil's main devotion was to his wife of 68 years, his daughter and husband, William Wagner (married in January 2004), and his two grandchildren, Lauren Ariel (born the day after his birthday on July 13, 2006) and Nolan William (born July 31, 2009). He and Janet would travel up to northern California to see their grandkids participate in as many activities as possible, be it theatre or sports. Many vacations were spent with Joanna's family in parts of Mexico, Palm Desert, or on the beaches.

Gil is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Ejnar Dyrr; his brother, Clayton (Thelma) Dyrr; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Boxdorfer. He is survived by his wife, Janet, daughter Joanna (William) Wagner of Orinda, CA; grandchildren Lauren and Nolan Wagner; brother Ejnar Jr. (Diana) Dyrr of Huntsville, ID, sister Christine Smith of Murrieta, CA, and sister-in-law, Kay Boxdorfer, of Placentia, CA - plus multiple nieces and nephews. Gil will be forever remembered as a kind, honest, patient, caring, and humble man - a husband, father, grandfather ("Popi"), brother, friend, mentor, and "Coach" to many.

Those wishing to honor Gil and celebrate his life are invited to Immanuel Lutheran Church - Riverside on April 27, 2026, at 10:00 am. A private burial will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park following.