George G. Key

George Key Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for George G. Key
Start: 2014-10-24T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Rolling Hills Covenant Church's north campus

George Gilman Key, Jr., long-time resident of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, gently passed away at the home of his daughter on October 14, 2014. The only son of George G. Key, Sr. and Hannah Ipsen Key, George Jr. was born May 6, 1921 on the property of the family home, George Key Ranch in Placentia, CA. His family later moved to Lomita, CA where he spent his childhood. George married his Narbonne High School sweetheart Olena Lucile Morris in 1945. He is survived by his devoted children, Susan Key Tanji, Thomas Allen Key, Mary Lou Key Eroen, 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and sister Dorothy Key Jensen. A WWII veteran, George served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and after his honorable discharge he began his lifetime career as an educator and administrator with the Centinela Valley Union High School District. A celebration of George's life will be held Friday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Rolling Hills Covenant Church's north campus, 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the "George Key Memorial Fund" supporting the Children's Ministry of Rolling Hills Covenant Church. Please make the check payable to "Rolling Hills Covenant Church" and in the MEMO section write "George Key Memorial Fund." Mailing address is 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Oct. 17 to Oct. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for George Key

14 Entries

March 24, 2015

I only knew George during his last years as a neighbor. He was a wonderful person with positive energy and an understated kindness and wisdom - I was honored to have known him and mourn his passing.

Danny Petrick

October 22, 2014

I saw Mr. Key at the Lawndale High School 50-year reunion in the summer of 2012. He looked as sharp as ever and still had his quick wit and infectious smile. He insisted we call him George, but that was hard to do because all of us had so much respect for him, Mr. Key just seemed more appropriate. I first met him in 1958 when I was a freshman at Leuzinger High School. The following year I was one of the students who transferred to the new Lawndale High School and be part of the first graduating class. We were so fortunate he came too as our Boy's Vice Principal. I participated in student government where he was the student advisor and taught us how to properly run a meeting, follow Robert's Rules of Order, get things done on time and treat everyone with dignity and respect. He was always kind, fair, firm and empathic and prepared us for many of life's lessons. He was a man who truly changed a lot of kid's lives for the better and will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him ~ Danny Petrick, LHS, Class of 1962

October 21, 2014

thanks for all the Gold Wing years and the dinners at your home
rest in peace my friend Terry Taylor

Mike Clark Lennox Class of ‘66

October 21, 2014

So Glad to see he lived a long & wonderful life! I did not know he was a Marine as mentioned here, but looking back it makes sense, ALL GOOD! Was well liked & always treated us fair. Stan's words were very touching. I only hope I can be known as half the man Stan mentioned about Mr. Key!

Angelina Moller

October 21, 2014

I had the pleasure of being one of his students at Lawndale High School when it first opened in 1958 and he was vice principal. What a wonderful man! Always smiling. I also had the pleasure of eating spagetti with him on Monday evenings at "Eat at Joes". He would come with his beautiful family! We shared many wonderful memories. My family and I will miss him!

Marilyn Koons Hansen

October 20, 2014

Mr. Key was boys Vice Principal at Lawndale High School which I attended, 1960-1964...he was the nicest person at the school. Treated us kids with respect. We returned it back to him. In later years he was the Principal at Hawthorne High during the time my husband attended there.... said he was a very nice man. I remember him as being a gentle man.

Lynn Silva

October 20, 2014

Mr. Key was the Vice Principle of Lawndale High way back when Lawndale opened and we were first to attend the best school ever. What I remember about Mr. Key was, he was so darn nice...always had a smile for the students. Thanks to the Key family for sharing him with us..

Janice Irvine Bailey

October 19, 2014

Mr. Keys was the principal at Hawthorne High my senior year. He was also the principal at Lennox High while both my sister's attended. We all have good memories of this wonderful man. Rest in peace Mr. Keys, and my condolences to his family.

Wyneva Chenault-Flores

October 19, 2014

Mr. Key, it's been so long. Knew you at Leuzinger High as boys counselor (but helped us girls from time to time) and hated to see you move over to Lawndale when they opened up (My sis, LaDonna was there); then, I dated a guy with a Gold Wing and met you again (and your terrific wife). The years may have gone by, but fond memories of you remain and will always be so for anyone who may have interacted with you. Expect to see you have everything in order when it's my turn to move on.

Pam Nishime

October 19, 2014

George Key was my favorite memory from my years at Lennox High School. I had an office duty class senior year that allowed me to spend time with him every week. I always looked forward to those times. Years later I was surprised to find myself in a mommy and me class him. When I first saw him with a young baby I was shocked; then I met Mrs. Key and found out they were their with their grandchild! He was one of the good ones. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Charlene and Ken Gordon

October 19, 2014

We'll always have fond memories of George and Olena riding down the road on their Gold Wing back in the mid 80's. We met them through GWRRA at Chapter U meetings. George was such a nice man and he was well loved by the other members. Though we haven't been in contact in many years we do remember him fondly. Keep the shiny side up!

October 18, 2014

My condolences for your loss,

Dan Hernandez

October 18, 2014

Condolences to the family & friends. He was a well liked Principal to those of us who went to Lennox High during his tenure.

Stan Bosler

October 18, 2014

I could write several pages about my friend George, he taught at Leuzinger HS, went to Lawndale HS, then as Prinicipal at Lennox HS, and Hawthorne HS. He took me with him to Hawthorne HS to create a career program. We went down the Colorado River on a raft for a week in 72. He could have been superintendent, but did not want to make unpopular decisions. He is the greatest living man I have ever known. He is a legend that will not be forgotten, He took care of so many people including his wife Olena,the Asian child he took to school daily, and me. He will be remembered forever in our lives.

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