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H.C. "Skip" Fenn Obituary
A true hometown boy, Skip lived a full life, devoted to the community and its youth. He attended Lemon Avenue Elementary School and La Mesa Middle School before graduating from Grossmont High School and signing a pitching contract with the Boston Red Sox. He played professional ball with the organization for 7 years. In the off-seasons, he worked part-time as a Recreation Leader for the City of La Mesa's Parks and Recreation Department while attending San Diego State College and earning a B.A. degree in Recreation Administration.
Skip transitioned into full-time employment for the City of La Mesa when an injury sidelined his baseball career. He then worked his way up to become the Recreation Department's Director of Community Services, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Later, he went on to enjoy his post-retirement years in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas and Saint George, Utah.
Likely remembered by many for his towering height, and nearly always having a camera around his neck (he was an avid and skilled photographer), Skip's love for the game of baseball remained a lifelong passion. A passion surpassed only by his love for his family. Skip is survived by his wife, Nea, and his 5 children - Sharon, Ted, Kelly, Natali, and Clint; as well as his 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Fenn Fach, and his parents Vera and Harry Charles Fenn, Sr.
Plans are underway for a Celebration of Life to be held at a future date. In the meantime, the family asks that in place of flowers, you take a moment to enjoy a ballgame, a sunset, or a quiet evening with loved ones.
P.S. "You will forever be in our hearts, Dad. We miss you so much."
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Jim O'Grady
October 16, 2024
I had t he privilege to work with Skip from 1984 till he retin 1993. Skip was a goft to the entire community. RIP Sip and condolences to his entire family
Jim O'Grady
David Shaw
September 28, 2024
I was saddened to read of Skip's death today in our La Mesa paper. I credit Skip and Jim Putney for mentoring me beginning when I was only 10 years old at the minor field at Lemon Ave School. Skip took me under his wings and taught me so much about baseball and I think of him when I pass by La Mesa National LL Field. Putting a little vaseline behind my ear when I pitched was great. When I coached at LM National I used a few of the plays that he taught us when he coached Gustafson's Furniture. I believe the last time I saw him was at that field when I was coaching my son Derek. He played shortstop also and Skip told me that he was watching "me" play short while observing Derek. That was such a thrill to me and I just reminded him of that story today. I was so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be coached by a professional baseball player. Such wonderful memories.
Darlene Fenn
August 26, 2024
One of my first (and funniest) memories took place on the golf course on November 16, 1986. Not only was this the elusive "Herpes Open", but it was also the weekend of Ted & my first anniversary. With a quick photo-op distraction, Ted was able to switch out the ball on the tee with an exploding chalk ball. With what was in later stories to become 'the perfect swing', the ball became a big poof of chalk! Since that day, anytime the talk of golf came up, all we heard was, "My swing was never right after that!" He was a great sport and despite a slightly bruised ego, shared in the laughs - a laugh that was deep and hearty -- a laugh that will sorely be missed.
Natali Langham
August 26, 2024
Dancing on my Daddy´s feet to "Unchained Melody" I love you Daddy.
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Shari Fenn Winet Rodriguez
August 25, 2024
Dad's Grossmont High School senior yearbook write-up... who's Betty?! We need to find her! Love you, Dad.
Shari Fenn Winet Rodriguez
August 24, 2024
My brother, Ted, and I were lucky to have such a young Dad. Especially one who worked at the Recreation Center (as we called the City of La Mesa Community Center back then). We got to enroll in every sports program; take every dance class; hang out at the Sun Valley golf course, high school gymnasiums, and the community ball fields; swim in the municipal pool, and participate in every activity the City offered (Hobby Shows, Talent Shows, Track Meets, you name it). We even had our birthday parties (as well as at least one wedding shower and one wedding reception) in Nan Couts Cottage. Plus, we had bragging rights because our Dad was in charge (he might as well have been the President of the United States in our eyes... we believed he was that well-known!).
Matthew Winet
August 22, 2024
One of my first memories with Papa Skip was off on the baseball field, of course.
He came to one of my games at Kulkhen when I was in little league. After the game I was expecting a hug and a "good job". Well, I got that. But I also got 2-4 things to work on.
This began as a conversation, but a few minutes in, he said "actually, let´s just work on it now".
We spent 20-30 minutes after the game working on throwing mechanics, arm slot, and being more athletic on the baseball field.
I´ll always remember how much he cared about me, and cared about me getting better at something we both loved. Baseball.
Betsy Fach Fontenot
August 22, 2024
Always had fun with my uncle! He kept us laughing!
Judi
August 22, 2024
My first memory of Skip is June 23, 1956, when he and another Red Sox baseball player arrived at my parents' home to rent a room for the baseball season.
Ted
August 22, 2024
So many......but one of my very favorite was sharing time with him working on photos in the darkroom. I was so thrilled when the day came that he actually trusted me to print some of his beautiful photographs. He gave me my first camera which started me on a great journey! Love you pops!
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