Henry Alfred Talifer

Henry Alfred Talifer, 74, attorney at law, PHD and long-time Conejo Valley resident, joined the hand of God in heaven on Monday, August 5, 2013, after a brave fight with cancer. Henry was born in San Francisco, Calif., to Henry and Regina Tagliaferri. He graduated from Los Angeles High School. During his early college years, he met his first wife, Mary (Howe), with whom he had two children. Henry later married Lucille (Hoffer) and they shared his final years together traveling and living in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

In 1961, Henry became a Reserve Commissioned Officer grade of Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States and also received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science from the University of California Los Angeles. He continued his education at Santa Clara University and received a Degree of Juris Doctor in 1967. In 1969, he became an attorney and counselor of law. Three years later, in 1972, Henry became an attorney and counselor of the U.S. Court of Appeals as well as an attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court. With a true passion for education, he proceeded to obtain a Master of Arts Degree in education, social, and philosophical foundations in 1972 from California State University, Northridge. In 1979, Henry earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in education from the University of Southern California. He later received a Master of Arts Degree in philosophy from California State University Los Angeles in 2005. Throughout his career, Henry was recognized for his ongoing contributions as an advisory board chair and attorney volunteer for Volunteers in Parole. He also volunteered with Friends Outside throughout the Los Angeles region.

Henry was a practicing attorney with the Los Angeles City Attorney's office at LAX, and an active member of the State Bar of California. Throughout his work and personal life, Henry fostered discussions with friends, family and students alike. He thrived in teaching Psychology of Education courses at California State University Northridge where he received the Professor of the Year Award. He continued teaching higher education courses, including various philosophy courses at Moorpark College, University of Redlands, California State University Los Angeles, and California Lutheran University. He was known for his unique classroom 'antics' that captured the attention of his students.

His zest for life and exploration was apparent in his travels throughout his lifetime, having explored Northern and Southern Europe, Russia, Alaska, Hawai'i and other parts of the U.S. With a twinkle in his eyes and a charming lilt in his speech, he loved to share stories, jokes and anecdotes that brought warmth, smiles and laughter. Favorite pastimes of Henry's included his love of baseball (especially the Dodgers), movies and books - ever-the-one to keep learning, and taking a left turn instead of a right because he just hadn't been down that way before. Fascinated by human nature, some of his stories spun just from observing others.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Lucille; daughter, Jean; son, John; son-in-law, Brendan; two grandsons, Ryan and Jack; and stepchildren, Kim, Michael, Bonnie, and Simon.

Friends are invited to join in the celebration of Henry's life that will be held at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Please call 818-889-0902 for more information.