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Roy Vujovich Obituary
November 14, 1926 - October 23, 2010
Roy Vujovich, loved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and coach, passed away at his home the evening of October 23, 2010, in North Hills, California. He was 83 years old. He leaves behind his beloved family, an incredible network of friends, and a legacy of love, determination, strength, humor, passion and compassion.
In 1943, Roy enlisted in the United States Navy and continued Navy maneuvers in the Pacific for the next three years. After the war, Roy pursued a teaching credential at UCLA. He played football and pole-vaulted at the collegiate nationals in track. He was proud to be on Coach Red Sanders' first football team and lived at the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house.
In 1951, Roy continued his graduate work and his position as head football and track coach at Harvard School for Boys. He was delighted to be named head football coach and Physical Education teacher at Glendale High School shortly thereafter. In 1954, Roy's popularity soared as Glendale High School won the League Championships and went on to the regional play-off games. In 1957, "Educational Tours of America" was born. The "share the expense" bus tour of the United States and Eastern Canada with 80 students annually continued for over two decades.
His rugged good looks and booming voice also led him to Hollywood, where he appeared in commercials, television and movies as his teaching schedule allowed.
In 1962, Roy was honored by the football association of Southern California and by the Glendale community as "Coach of the Year." In 1966, Roy moved forward to teach at Glendale Junior College. In 1967, he accepted a position with a furniture business in San Francisco. In 1969, Roy was simultaneously offered a partnership in the furniture firm and an invitation from the Glendale Unified School District to return to teaching and coaching in Glendale. He opted to return to teaching and coaching, and also resumed "Educational Tours of America" each summer.
During the 1980's, Roy successfully pursued a career in real estate and traveled extensively with friends and family. His explorations took him to Maine, Hawaii, the Caribbean islands, Hong Kong, Russia, China, Sri Lanka and Serbia.
In 1990, Roy experienced a life-saving quintuple bypass. He decided to fully enjoy his new lease on life and celebrated with retirement and marriage to Christina Holland in 1991. Roy delighted in the company of Christina in North Hills and being a "house husband." It brought him immense joy and a sense of rebirth to help raise his grandchildren, Andrew and Christian Cotter, who lived with them for several years. Poppy and/or Grandpa Roy loved to attend the functions of his other grandchildren as well, including sports games, dance recitals and parties. He treasured and lived life to its fullest, appreciating and focusing on all of its beauty, joy and comedy. He lived, until the end, with compassion, striving to make the road a little easier, or a lot more fun, for someone else. He was, quite simply, a true success.
The Vujovich family is indebted to Rafael Magaling, Roy's faithful caregiver, for making his days fulfilling and peaceful. Their mutual love of cooking and food gave them many hours of Food Network viewing, with Roy trying out many recipes over the months.
Roy is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Christina Holland Vujovich of North Hills, sisters: Patricia Talbott (Frank), and Beverly Wolff (Harold); children: Christina Marie Norris (Peter), Janja Vujovich Seretti (Philip), Mila Vujovich-La Barre, Bron Vujovich (Ava), Denise Marie Lowe (Kevin), Brian Holland, and Matt Holland; grandchildren: Laura Norris, Chuck Norris, Giovanni Seretti, Branko Seretti, Danica La Barre, Jorja La Barre, Mirjana Vujovich, Christian Cotter, Andrew Cotter, Tyler Holland, Christina Holland; great grandchild: Arabella Seretti, and numerous nieces and nephews hold his memory and teachings close to their hearts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Sam Vujovich and John Vujovich.
His ashes will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Services will be private. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.
Contact:
Christina Vujovich
[email protected]
Cell: (818) 486-1753
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roy Vujovich
AL ROSSO
October 21, 2021
COACH WAS "THE BEST"..
Deborah Wells Fabricant
October 21, 2020
Great guy!!
coach Roy V.
al rosso
October 21, 2019
my coach GHS 1953, 1954 and 1955...
November 21, 2010
This is to "Roy's Boys" and I think they know who they are...I started going to Roy's games at around the age of 5 years old...so sixty years ago. I got over my disappointment that being head coach meant wearing a suit and standing on the sidelines, for goodness sakes, not one of the cool guys on the field wearing black and white, blowing whistles and throwing down flags. He did all right. Many great games and great memories, but one in particular I must note...Roy was coaching Hoover...they played their games in the Rose Bowl then...during the game, quite spontaneously, a group of guys stood up...fists in the air and yelled "UDRIGA"!! My mom and I were ecstatic...I have never forgotten that it happened...you know who you are and I thank you. Beverly Vujovich Wolff
Sid Stark
November 15, 2010
Every coaching day of my life I have flashbacks of one of my "mentors", Coach Vu's voice, booming in my mind. The funny thing between Coach and I was all he had to do was look at me and knew if he "liked it" or we had to "run it" again. Coach was great role model as a coach and I will always use a part of his "style" in the way I coach... There are many, many coaches out there that he has influenced. We are part of his legacy.
Hoover '73
Larisa Meschi
November 14, 2010
Knowing Roy was truly a gift. I feel sorry for any child - especially any young man who didn't get the benefit of his guidance and direction. Roy truly lived life to the fullest - embracing every moment. He was fearless and loving, strong and gentle, truly exemplery of the Greatest Generation. It didn't matter if he was defending his Country, making a star football play, nurturing a child or shopping for food -- he lived each moment as though it were the most important moment of his life. His vibrant laugh and sparkling smile will be imprinted in my heart forever. Thank you, Roy for all the gifts you've given to me and my family. I'm so honored my son had the opportunity to meet you. You are truly the stuff heroes and legends are made of. I'm saddened you are gone and only find comfort that you are no longer in pain.
November 9, 2010
The two teachers whom I remember best from GHS were Coach Vu and Mr. Buonaguidi. I went on the bus tour in 1959. It changed my life--made me want to see more of the world. My fondest (funniest?) memory of the trip is in New Orleans at a Bourbon St club where Blaze Star performed and the tassel dancer spotted Vu and did her act in his face. We were all hysterical with laughter. Such a great man, a real loss.
--Julianne Jedeka Williams, GHS '60
Baker City, OR
Marty Meeker
November 6, 2010
Family of Coach V...
I was one of the kids on Coach V's second "Tour of America" in the summer of 1958. Some of the fondest memories of my life are still with me from that tour. Tasting rum in Havana, drinking from "whites Only" drinking fountains in the South and racing the girls bus across the country...with their bras hanging out the windows. What a great time. Coach V was a tremendous fellow and a fine gentleman...only wish I knew he lived so close in SLO. Your family lost a wonderful person and the world lost a real human being. Go in peace my friend...you will always be Coach V to me.
Sandi Altman-Knowles - GHS "61
November 5, 2010
Coach Vu always knew when someone needed to talk & with a caring way listened. May not have said what we wanted to hear, but sure was the right guidance I needed.
He influenced many. Was respected by everyone.
May you and your family find comfort and peace in knowing others share your loss.
November 5, 2010
Hard work, team work, leading a clean life – these are old-fashioned virtues that never go out of style. Coach Vujovich taught all that and I have never forgotten – and I wish I could say I always followed his teaching. Whenever a daunting task comes up, I think of the preparation it took to win games and try to apply it to whatever I am doing.
I have one anecdote about how his reputation thrived. I played football at UCLA as a freshman (until an injury put an end to it). At the time, UCLA played a single wing formation as we did at Glendale. The play numbering was almost identical, with one exception. I am not sure about the exact numbering but I am sure about the event. At Glendale, a sweep to the weak side could be done either with the tailback carrying the ball or the wingback (the position I played). At Glendale, play No. 11 (?) had the ball handed off to the wingback. When the tailback carried the ball, it was play No. 10. At UCLA, it was the reverse. So during scrimmage at UCLA, play No. 10 was called and when the ball was snapped, I dutifully ran past the tailback, leaving him standing there, flummoxed, and trying to hand me the ball. I kept on going. The coach was very unhappy – then he yelled at me, “You’re not at Glendale anymore!!” He knew Coach Vujovich, the system he ran, etc. etc. and had great respect for him. And I had Glendale’s play No. 10 firmly imprinted by a great coach and a real teacher.
JimWeeks
Potomac, MD
Class of 1960
Jamie Lathrop-Gunning
November 4, 2010
Mrs. Vujovich-La Barre,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You may not remember me but you were my HS Spanish teacher (I was a rotten student!) I think of you and Danica (pronounced like pizza! I will never forget that lol) often. May the joy of the memories comfort you. And know that after 20 years you did make a difference in my life. You are a wonderful woman! God Bless you and your family~ Jamie Gunning (Lathrop)
greg figge
November 4, 2010
I remember Coach for many reasons, but the most vivid memory is seeing him in tears when we heard that John Kennedy had been assasinated. Walking down the main hallway at GHS crying his eyes out, was truly a remarkable sight considering how tough a man he was. We all respected him in a big way.
Dennis Keller
November 3, 2010
Dear Christina:
High School football days were fun times-and anyone who played for Coach Vu thought the world of him. Coach Vujovich has been and continues to be a strong inspiration for me: on the field in Oregon, in the Court Room and in life. His words of encouragement and positive attitude fostered a desire to give it all we had.
It was a real honor and pleasure to know and play for Roy and to be one of his tailbacks. A few years back he sent me some photos of the old days and was always thinking of others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for the loss of a great man who has touched so many.
Dennis Keller 1962
Bruce Tedone
November 3, 2010
Mila,
Bruce Badrigian said it so well - your father is the model the rest of us aspire to. I will always remember his warm smile and zest for life. He will be missed.
Diana Barnard, Bennett
November 2, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Vujovich. I did know him from Glendale High. I went to Catalina with him and 28 other classmates for two years in a row for water skiing during the Easter week. What a wonderful roll model he was for all who knew him. He will be missed.
Roy and Christina - 2000
Christina Vujovich
November 1, 2010
To Those Who Might Want To Attend:
A memorial to celebrate the life of Roy Vujovich has been planned for November 14, 2010 (Roy's birthday) at the Glendale High School Auditorium in Glendale, CA at 1 PM. The family would welcome seeing you and hearing your thoughts, stories, experience and memories.
Judith Sivertsen Meidinger
November 1, 2010
Christina: So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Roy. My memories of Coach were as the friend and girlfriend of several of his players. I truly never heard any of them utter a negative comment or expletive about him, and that's saying a lot given the teenage boy mentality. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Patrick Shea
November 1, 2010
Always instilled self-confidence in the students he taught or were around at Hoover High in my 1970 graduating year. Always thankful to have meet him.
November 1, 2010
I played football for Coach at Hoover 1969-70. His coming to Hoover began a small revival of the program as he modernized it practically overnight. He did a great deal to lift the football program, the athletic dept., and the entire school. I'm pleased, but not at all surprised, to see that his life was so full and productive.
Jeannie Leonard
November 1, 2010
The BEST coach and teacher I EVER had........
GOD has made a special place for this wonderful man.
V / R
Jeannie Leonard
Hoover Class of '70
Kathy Gonzalez Lemke
November 1, 2010
I was one of the lucky ones who spent a summer on the bus with Coach Vu. It was the summer of 1970 and we had a blast. I'll never forget coach guiding us through the crowds, his big booming voice yelling "Lady with a baby!" and they parted and he would march us through. I'm am so sorry for your loss.
Deborah Courtney
October 31, 2010
Spent THE best summer of my life with Vu - I think it was the 13th educational tour - can't recall but it was the summer of 1964. I was 17 and had the best summer. I was not big on going initially but my best friend Eunie Reynolds Hubble was going so I was going too. It turned out to be just wonderful. The two "coaches" were so much fun.
I had no idea he lived in SLO. Was surprised to read about his passing in the TT.
Deborah Courtney
Hoover High School
Class of 1965
October 31, 2010
To The Family of Roy Vujovich,
As a coach at Pasadena High for 25 years, I always admired Roy Vujovich, his teams were always well coached and well disciplined. When we had Foothill League meetings and Roy spoke, everyone listened as his words were meaningful and always with the thought of what was best for the kids.
I remember one time when we were all jealous of the rapport Roy had with his Glendale High Booster Club when they awarded him a new car.
We will all miss Roy and may God bless all of you.
sincerely,
Ralph Bush
Bruce Badrigian
October 31, 2010
Mila,
Your dad personified what many of us strive our whole lives to accomplish. A loving father, a dedicated teacher and coach, and a consummate individual who always believed in his family.
May his gusto for life be a lesson to all of us. And may you always be blessed knowing he loved you and remained proud of you up to his last moments on Earth. Now, your Dad is even closer as his Spirit knows no limitations or boundaries.
Soar on Roy--you will always be remembered.
Beverly Wolff
October 30, 2010
Boze pomozi...pomozime Boze...grlimte i ljubimte...za uvijek...(the little dark-haired girl)...Butchy
Katie Haupt
October 30, 2010
Christina, my dear friend, my heart goes out to you. You and your family will remain in my prayers in the days and months before us. Roy was a wonderful and an exceptional human being; interesting to talk with and full of fun and laughter; it was a pleasure being in his company and he made you feel very much at ease. He was always warm and welcoming when you stopped by to catch up.....You two had a relationship that one could only hope to have; it was wonderful to see the two of you banter back and forth with such love and affection and such admiration for one another.....I will always cherish the times we spent together and feel so blessed to have crossed his path in life. Much love to you and your family, Katie (Hollywood, CA)
October 29, 2010
Rest in peace Roy. You will be missed. You were one of those blessed men who somehow made us all better people, simply by being yourself.
~The Baldwin Family
Teesa (Reed) Fogerson
October 29, 2010
Christina;
What Deb said it true. Roy was the "real deal" and gave us something to cheer for in the 60's as well as many lessons in character. My prayers are for you and your family.
Deborah (Wells) Fabricant
October 28, 2010
Christina,
What a shock to hear about Roy. All of us girls at GHS had mad crushes on him and lucky YOU got him. And, lucky HIM!
Just know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. He was a true hero to all of us.
Be well and call when you feel up to it.
much love to you and your family,
Deborah (Wells) Fabricant
sis
October 28, 2010
Sis, you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts & prayers. You already know what I'm going to say... Because of you and Roy, I began to believe that life could be better. Your love for one another was incredible and will continue on forever. I love you.
October 27, 2010
Roy and I taught at Hoover HS together. He was a good man and loyal friend. So many happy memories of our children all playing together on the beach in La Jolla. He will be missed. Fara
Torrey Smith
October 27, 2010
Thanks for the memories. Trip to Havana, dualing grayhound buses on Daytona Beach. Night under the star in Pokipsee, NY Thanks again and good bye
Michael Murphy
October 27, 2010
Christina, so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing, He was truly a fighter all the way and a great Character. I know he will be sorely missed, but his next journey will be one of fun and joyous reunion. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Michael and Maria Murphy
October 27, 2010
I was one of many that took the trip
around the US. Something I will always
remember. Coach V was a great tour
guide.
Janie Fisher Matthews
Dave Lofftus
October 27, 2010
I remember him well. Class of 1959 at Glendale. My wife Sylvia remembers him at Hoover when she was there.
Shirley Crain
October 27, 2010
He was such a memorable gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
October 27, 2010
Christina and children:
I did not play football nor run track at GHS, but remember your husband and father so well. He left all of us with a lastng impression.
I remember the first day he walked across the quad at Glendale High and heard all the screams from the Junior and Senior girls. I asked a friend that evening and she said "have you seen the new coach?"
I remember all the football games with Coach V on the field, making us so proud to be students at Glendale High,and also remember him in the parking lot directing traffic with a little dark haired girl on his shoulders, just like it was yesterday.
There are so many wonderful stories about Coach V told by the young men that played football for him that we all enjoy.
My love and prayers to you and all your family at this difficult time.
We will all miss him.
Margie Patterson Spooner
Class of '56
Steve & Jeanette Fristad
October 27, 2010
So very sorry for Roy's passing. Our prayers continue for you and your family.
God bless.
al rosso
October 27, 2010
Roy will be missed by many...
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