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Mort Tenner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mort Tenner
Norma Quartz-Lewis
June 19, 2025
He was my teacher at South Gate High School
Karen and Janet Trivers
July 13, 2023
So sorry my condolences are delayed. Our father, Paul Trivers, Worked with Mort for all those Franklin HS years. In retirement they breakfasted together wirh the other FARTS (franklin association of retired teachers). wonderful man, our father enjoyed their frienship. The FARTS are all together again.....Mort, Paul, Alex, Larry- RIP
Kathy Castro Lujan
June 7, 2023
I worked in the office with the switchboard back then. He would always greet me with a hi and a friendly smile. He would even smile when I would disconnect him which was quite a bit. Years later I would attend some football games, there standing by the fence was Mr. Tenner watching the game. Everytime he would see me he would say have you disconnected anyone lately? We would both laugh. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed by me and everyone else who knew him. Thank you for being a part of my high life. Class of 71.
Michael Morrison
April 29, 2023
Mort was a good friend of my father's who was the assistant principal. Alex Morrison. Dad and Mort spent time together a bit after they both retired and had great mutual respect. Rest in peace Morton say hello to Dad
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Jim Hanley
December 9, 2020
I was saddened to just hear of Mort Tenner's passing. I'd like to share one of my memories of this fine man.
For those of us track officials, like Mort, who volunteered for years giving 100% to plan for and conduct the 1984 Olympics in a way that in which the entire world would be proud, this time was one of the highlights of our lives. Naturally, we would like to have had a souvenir or two from this very special time--especially so for a die-hard track fan like Mort. After the conclusion of the Games, the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee had everything from officials uniforms, to medal presentation podiums to Olympic flags, etc. for sale to the general public in a huge warehouse. While waiting in line to get in, I saw Mort behind me in the line, waived to him and said hello. A few minutes later a TV crew showed up to do a story on the event. When I looked back again, Mort had vanished. My guess is that he was playing "hooky" from school and couldn't be seen doing so!
Mort was one of the great track fans of the era who could describe Olympic races in detail from many years past. But more importantly, like the 84 Olympics, he used sports to build character and bring people together. Mort loved his students and did far more than his share in making the world a better place for us all.
My condolences and prayers to Mort's family.
Star Tomlinson
July 31, 2020
I was a student at Franklin High School. Graduated in 1982. About 5 years after graduating I came back to Highland Park to visit some friends. I stopped to get some gas and looked across to the next gas pump and saw Mr. Tenner. I walked up and said "Hi, Mr. Tenner, you probably don't remember me?" He looked at me and said "Hi Star, of course I remember you." I was shocked and pleased. We chatted for a few moments then we were both off on our way.... Rest in Peace Mr. Tenner. Thank you for making this girl feel pretty special that day... My condolences and prayers to the Tenner Family.. I know he will be sorely missed.
Paul Fogle
July 10, 2020
He was a good man he knew my dad Edward P Fogle and attended my Dads funeral 23 years ago
Paul Fogle
July 10, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sharon Redford Francis, 84
July 1, 2020
It was a huge privilege to get to know Mr. Tenner my senior year at Franklin High School. Throughout that year I met with him once a week to talk about topics for me to include in the column I wrote about FHS for the local Highland Park paper, the News-Herald and Journal. Mr. Tenner was always good-humored, friendly and very encouraging. I remember being surprised when I learned he was retiring that year; he just didnt seem that old. Condolences to his family and friends.
Norma Lewis (Quartz)
July 1, 2020
He was my teacher at South Gate High in 1955.
Marsha Scully
July 1, 2020
He was my history teacher st South Gate High in 1956. He opened my eyes how to view stories in the bible as allegories and told to teach lessons, not actual fact.
Margaret Allen
June 30, 2020
He was a teacher at South Gate High for several years. He met his wife Mary there. Prayers for his family.
Susan Andrews Kunze
June 27, 2020
Mr. Tenner was principal when I attended Franklin High, starting in the fall of 1968 to my graduation in spring, 1971. He encouraged both students and teachers towards excellence and provided an outstanding example of leadership with caring. Even after retirement, Mr. Tenner continued to support students from Franklin through the Franklin Educational Foundation. He made time to join us at a Franklin football game as our class had gathered for a reunion celebration. I know that Mr. Tenner was integral in providing students like me with an incredible educational opportunity at Franklin High. Wishing his family comfort and wonderful memories of this fine man now and always.
Susan Andrews Kunze Class of 71
Frederick N. Merkin
June 27, 2020
I had the good fortune of befriending Mort during perhaps the last 15 years of his wonderful life. We met at the Los Angeles Athletic Club and quickly discovered that we shared a passion for track and field, a sport in which Mort was intimately involved and as to which he was a recognized authority. So, from time to time over the years, especially during the track and field season, we would share information and stories about the latest performances or track meets we had attended. I attended the 2008 California State High School Championship meet as his guest. I was privileged to learn from Mort so much about the sport from the inside. He regaled me with stirring stories of athletes, coaches, and officials from the past, often speaking as if these remarkable events had just happened. Morts endearing amiability and unusual generosity with his time made our conversations an absolute delight. I will sorely miss him.
joseph y campos
June 27, 2020
A very kind ,professional and respectful man, Los Angeles was very lucky to have him as a administrator.
Nellie Rios-Parra
June 27, 2020
My condolences to the Tenner Family. Thank you for sharing him with my family and thousands more for many years. Mr. Tenner served as a direct role model to my 5 siblings and me from 1977-1984. I graduated in 1985 and my youngest sibling graduated in 1989. We all have stories and memories to share. One memory that stands out for me is the Annual Canned Food Drive. All students were asked to submit names of worthy recipients. I thought of an elderly neighbor whose husband had passed. I forgot all about it, until I saw Mr. Tenner parked in front of her house lifting a box of canned goods out of his trunk and walking it to her house. I was impressed that he made the delivery himself and spent time to chat with Mary. It was in the evening and I thought it was benevolent and considerate of him to deliver the goods. His care for others was evident daily as he seemed ubiquitous. I admired him for taking care of business while leading with his heart. I wrote a paper about his effective leadership style in my coursework at UCLA while completing coursework for an Administrative Credential. I will continue to aspire to be a servant leader like Mr. Tenner. May he Rest In Peace.
Doug Nickel
June 26, 2020
Principal Mort Tenner made his way to the next dimension yesterday at 4pm. 92 years of age. Was the the kind administrator from 1967 - 1984. The man knew everyone at Franklin it would seem. I had no idea he knew who I was, yet he nominated me for Boy's Day which let me spend a day with a Superior Court Judge, then later he chose me out to hand over a wad of Blue Oyster Cult tickets to share as I might (and I mean a wad), finally, as graduation approached, he recommended me for a Los Angeles Times grant of $500 dollars which helped pay for my text books in college. And that was just one student. The man was instrumental in helping hundreds of youngsters over the years with his support and later his support of the Franklin HS Educational Foundation. Years ago he was summoned to work downtown at LAUSD head quarters. The neighborhood threw a fit and he remained at Franklin for several more years. I met him again a couple of years ago at one of the Franklin Educational Foundation fund raisers at Santa Anita race track. Mort, thank you for all you have done for all the students you were kind enough to care for over all the years. Thank you for your involvement with Jack Wright and all the others with the Foundation. And most of all personally from me, thank you for looking out for a kid who had no idea of how in the world you knew him out of hundreds of others. Thank you Mort. I hope that the next adventure suits you well.
Joanna Jimenez
June 26, 2020
Mr. Tenner had a reputation that preceded him. He dealt with violence in such a way that Franklin was a safe place to go to school. Many friends of mine went onto top colleges. Class of 1986
Joanna Jimenez
June 26, 2020
His reputation preceded him in the community of Benjamin Franklin. His way of handling violence made the school safe. Under his tenure, many friends of mine went onto respected colleges.
Richard Colton
June 26, 2020
Mr. Tenner was my English teacher at South Gate High School. He was one of the Good Guys. Very approachable and helpful. Its nice to know he had along and successful life. Class of 56
John Holstein
June 26, 2020
RIP Mr Tenner the world is going to miss you ,My deep condolences to your family from the class of 79 Backpack club we will always remember.FHS
Robert Medal
June 26, 2020
I attended Franklin High School 79-81. Mr Tenner was always active with all the students. Very friendly man. RIP Mr. Tenner
Bill Selditz
June 26, 2020
Hello Mary. Mort was a good friend of mine at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. We also enjoyed listening to jazz together., So sorry for his passing. WILLIAM Selditz
Leota Shimabukuro
June 26, 2020
It was 50 years ago this month that Mr. Tenner shook my hand in Oxy Bowl and sent me off into the world. He improved our lives, and we as human beings, and uplifted our academic standard at Franklin, giving many a window on opportunities and experiences never before imagined. You are greatly loved and respected, and will be remembered well. Thank you for your inspiration.
(Hi Nancy, I am very sorry for your loss, and hope you are doing well. ❤ Leota)
Angie Garcia { Class of 84 }
June 26, 2020
My deep condolences to Principal Mort Tenner's wife Mary, their Children and their Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Michelle Kinder
June 26, 2020
I was lucky to be at Franklin with Principal Tenner in the early 70's and although he was on a sabbatical my Senior year, he shared his experiences of the Munich Olympic Games. Sharing his experiences gave him great joy. Thank you for all you shared.
Michelle (Martinez) Kinder
Class of '73
Joseph M. Lane
June 26, 2020
He will be missed. He was the best role model for many High School students.
Esperanza Muñiz Borrero
June 26, 2020
y deepest condolences to Mr. Tenners Family. I am from the graduating class of 1976 and had the pleasure of seeing his smile everyday. I worked in the Counseling Office after school and he would always walk into the office and give us a big smile and a great hello. Rest In Eternal Peace Mr. Tenner, thank you for being an awesome Principal
Maria del Rocio (RC) Cano
June 26, 2020
I am so sorry to hear that t.g his wonderful man is no longer with us, but I'm so happy to know that he was in my life for 4 good years. He looked out for me and wrote a beautiful letter of reference that I still have in my memory box. My condolences to his family and God bless. Class of 1979.
Ron Pascual
June 26, 2020
Principal Mort Tenner taught me how to be a humble thoughtful leader during my tenure as ASB President in his last year as our Principal. I am thankful for his guidance during my formative years. RIP and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. Ron Pascual Zenithians 1984
William Fernandez
June 26, 2020
You can be proud of the amazing influence that you've had on so many students lives Mr. Tenner, even though some may have not realized it until much later in life. Rest in Peace and content in your accomplishments. You we're a "Real Life" Influencer!
Lori
June 26, 2020
So sorry for your loss Tenner Family, he was my HS Principal such an Amazing Mentor, would always greet you w a smile asking how your day was as well as how are your classes.going always had an open door policy if I had issues, I remember Graduation day I told him Thank you for keeping me on the right track and completing my yrs. At Franklin, he told me you reached your goals now you have a new chapter in your life Congratulations . Lori class.of 1981
Maurene Brown Winslow
June 26, 2020
My principal at FHS for 1969-1971. I had no encounters with him for negative reasons , but he was always positive and congratulatory to me for my achievements. Great principal! My sympathy to the family.
Steve Lang
June 25, 2020
I would like to thank Mort for getting me involved in track and field.Mort was an Administrator at John Adams middle school in the early 60s.He showed a video of the Olympics and from that day on I knew track and field was my sport.I was blessed to win many championships and coached many state,and national champions,as well as world record holders.Thank you Mort I love my sport.
Tom Walsh
June 25, 2020
Condolences to the Tenner family. Mort was a very special man with so many talents. He will be missed!
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