H. A. Dellis

H. A. ("Hoss") Dellis It took 78 years to do it, but H. A. ("Hoss") Dellis finally completed his remarkable life on November 10, 2010. He was an absolute rock. Dignified and ethical, whip-smart and hilarious. And, some say, quite the dancer. He was born into a fine family of modest means (after all, it was the Depression) on May 24, 1932 in Decatur, TX, to Lawrence C. Dellis and Jamie Ruth McCarter Dellis. As a kid in Corpus Christi, he spent the WWII years with his buddies, watching for U-boats off of Padre Island and test-flying homemade aircraft (okay, wooden crates with lumber wings) pushed off the roof of a barn. Surprisingly, he survived the war. Following graduation from Corpus Christi High School, Hoss enrolled at Del Mar Junior College, where he studied Elementary Education, participated in student government, and (per his yearbook) was a constantly smiling "swell fellow." The student community voted him their "Favorite Sophomore." After finishing junior college, Hoss joined the Air Force (wisely, he never mentioned his previous experience with "homemade aircraft"). Stationed in Chaumont, France, with the 494th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, he was Senior Crew Chief for the "Skyblazers," an elite aerobatic team. He was also the star pitcher on the squadron's champion softball team. After his hitch was up, Hoss took advantage of the G. I. Bill and enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin. As one of the few males (no fool, he) in the Elementary Education program, he joked and charmed his way into the good graces of perky coed Eleanor Ann Atcheson Ellison ("Ann"). They married in 1957. Upon graduation, Hoss and Ann quickly learned that living on a teacher's salary was no small feat. Finding decent housing proved difficult in Texas, and their frustrated realtor offered this sage advice: "Either get out of teaching or get out of Texas." So they moved to Arizona. The happy couple soon found their Tempe, AZ, home cluttered with offspring (Mark, Deborah, Bruce, and Dub). While raising these tykes, Hoss taught science at Whittier Elementary in Phoenix. The district recognized him as an outstanding teacher, selecting him to teach other science teachers through Arizona State University as an adjunct professor. Hoss was also the recipient of two National Science Foundation grants: one to study astronomy and physics at the Colorado School of Mines; and the other for climatology studies at the University of New York at Potsdam. As neighbors and friends can attest, the Dellis home was a fun place to be. The house often shook with laughter. Hoss and Ann would strum guitars and sing odd folk songs ("Willie Got Drowned in the Deep Blue Sea"). Hoss would always be up for a game of pool ("Rack 'em, punk, and I'll beat ya!"). And thanks to their occupations, the family was able to take very long trips during the summers. These trips nurtured Hoss' "travel bug" - which would bloom full-flower in later years. Eventually, Hoss earned a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from ASU. He moved into the administrative ranks in the Phoenix Elementary District, working as vice-principal and principal of several schools. He wrapped up his educational career with a highlight: as principal of Faith North Elementary - the special education school in the district. He retired, happy and exhausted, in 1988. The following year, Ann was selected to participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange, and so Hoss spent his first full year of retirement living with Ann near London, England, where he served as house-husband, trip-planner, cook, left-sideof- the-road driver for Ann, and golfed and pub-crawled his way across Great Britain. Upon their return, the children found wonderful spouses (Dana, Rusty, Connie, and Louise) and a gaggle of grandchildren soon tumbled forth (Andrew, Brian, Maggie, Katie, Blaire, and Devany). Hoss spent his retirement years with Ann in a whirlwind of global travel and loud family gatherings. Their cabin in Heber was a welcome respite from the blistering summers, and their new community (Friendship Village) was - and is - a genuine source of warmth and social bustle. At Friendship Village, he served as vice president of the Kiwanis chapter, cochaired (with Ann) the Welcoming Committee, and was involved in many volunteer efforts. When he completed his life on that Wednesday morning, he did so precisely the way he would have wanted: teasing and joking right up to the end. He was first-rate guy and a top-notch teacher; an adoring husband and an amazing father and grandfather. And, as mentioned before, quite the dancer. Here's hoping we all have lives that full. There will be a celebration of Hoss' life on Wednesday, December 8th at 3 p.m. in the Skirm Auditorium at Friendship Village, 2645 E. Southern Avenue in Tempe, AZ 85282. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation (of money, supplies, or time) to your local public school.

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