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BORN

1923

DIED

2015

Elton Fessier Obituary

Elton Fessier, a World War II vet, honored teacher and coach, passed away at his Whittier home Feb. 4 at age 91. He was born to second generation Californians on April 8, 1923 and grew up in Southern California. He enrolled in Whittier College in 1941, playing basketball for Richard Nixon's former coach, "Chief" Newman, and playing lead trumpet in the college symphony orchestra and jazz bands. He entered Marine officer training in 1943 but, impatient to see World War II action, transferred to the Navy. He became a frogman - the precursor to the Navy SEALs -- learning to hold his breath for three minutes underwater without a wetsuit to disarm bombs. After the war, he served as an MP in China with Army Rangers in the tense days before China's 1949 revolution. Discharged as a lieutenant, Elton graduated from Whittier College, married Barbara Ericson and began a 51-year teaching and coaching career in Whittier, culminating with Teacher of the Year honors. He set up one of the Southland's finest county recreation programs at Sorenson Park, leading his county champion basketball teams to exhibitions during halftime of the NBA finals. He helped found the Whittier City Schools credit union, taught Sunday School at Whittier Presbyterian Church and, with his wife Barbara, ran a successful family rentals business in Whittier and Joshua Tree. His sweet but indomitable spirit also served him in his fight against Parkinson's Disease. When he lost his eyesight and ability to walk, he resumed playing the trumpet. His legacy was best summarized in a Whittier Daily News front page story announcing his retirement. A headline under his picture quoted him as saying, "I only want to help people." Besides his wife, Elton is survived by his son Bruce and his wife Jane Fessier; daughter Lori and her husband, Mark Gibson; grandsons Eitan and his wife, Hannah; Clay Fessier and Parker Fessier. Funeral services are 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Whittier Presbyterian Church. Gravesite Services are 10:30am Monday.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Elton Fessier

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Rick Dominguez

October 17, 2016

I grew up in Whittier a couple of blocks from Sorensen park. We were so happy when they opened Sorensen Park. It was a cow pasture before. Although I went to St. Mary's school in uptown I played baseball and flag football at Sorensen Park. I remember Coach Fessier as a very kind and patient man. He taught us the fundamentals of sports and always stressed good sportsmanship. We goofed around a lot but he never yelled at us. He disciplined us fairly and in love. I also remember Mrs. Kelly who was in charge of all the Park activities.

February 13, 2015

My condolences are with your family. Take comfort in the words at Phillippians 4:6&7.

Renee Griffin

February 12, 2015

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father, Bruce. I was touched in reading of the rich and inspiring life he led. How proud you must be and blessed to have grown up with a true example of magnanimity. May God embrace you and your family in comfort during this difficult time.

Marjean Rosen

February 11, 2015

Your father was a very good man that I had the pleasure of substituting for at Dexter. He was always pleasant and a true pillar of our community. He cared deeply for his students and will miss seeing him at the Teacher Retirement Tea's. I am so sorry that I did not know about his passing or I would have been at his funeral.

Joy Brown Meredith

February 11, 2015

May memories of happy times bring your family comfort....

M Wilks

February 11, 2015

Mr, Fessier
Thanks for being a good teacher. I attended Dexter 82-83. He was a no nonsense type of teacher , but fair. Rip. I think I will run a 440 in his memory.

February 11, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Gayle hodges

February 9, 2015

So many men of the greatest generation are leaving us; Every time I see a World War II Vet I say Thank You, Bruce I am so sorry I did not get to meet your wonderful father. My Dad was 90 in Oct and landed on Normandy Beach and I was with him and I am thankful each day for these wonderful people who Are living history books. I send you loving supporting thoughts during this time of need. Gayle Hodges

Charlotte Rios

February 9, 2015

Peace manifests itself in many ways. We strive for it, pray for it, live and fight for it, and for some of us, welcome it at the end of life. I hope your Pop welcomed it and is resting in your memories, prayers, and heart. Thoughts and wishes, Charlotte Rios

Elizabeth & Bob Press

February 9, 2015

Bruce, Heartfelt condolences to you and family. His rich life reflects in your good years too for Palm Springs!

Tere and Dennis Britton

February 8, 2015

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the death of your father. What an amazing legacy he has left and you all are deeply apart of that.

February 8, 2015

Elton is joining Gabriel's trumpet section now. He'll be able to keep tooting now for the Lord. My condolences to you Bruce, Jane, Parker and trumpeter Clay..
>~iii<0 = Peace, Jimmy Ogden

Tom Zimmer

February 8, 2015

I was honored to have been chosen to give Mr. Fessier's retirement speech at the Whittier Hilton. I knew him as a student and teaching colleague of his. He was a person of great character who lived a fascinating life. The newsletter written upon his retirement read like a movie script. I fondly remember his teaching us to make a floating device out of a pair of jeans he had us bring from home. We had to tread water in the pool, tie knots in the legs, and blow air in the legs. His story about almost jumping in the water to disarm a mine until the ship he was on decided to use the mine for target practice instead was exciting. Few students or even faculty knew what an interesting life he had. They don't make men like that anymore. He taught for an amazing 51 years. When I asked him what he wanted to do after he retired, he said he wanted to tutor students at home. A few weeks after he retired we received flyers to pass out to students for just that purpose. Like he said,"he just wanted to help people."

Brad

February 8, 2015

My heartfelt sympathies go out to family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Amy Hathaway

February 7, 2015

Dear Bruce and Lori so sorry for your loss i so remember all of you growing up your dad was the kindest man My he fly with the angels

Audley Upton

February 7, 2015

So sorry to hear this,Bruce. I know how special he was in your life. My thoughts are with you and your family.

February 7, 2015

Dear Bruce, Like my father was, I am now speechless with the sadness of hearing about your dad's passing....
We Marxes send our love to you and Jane to help you through this difficult and surreal time.....
B & B

Abi Sahile

February 7, 2015

Mr. FESSIER was my teacher in Dexter Middle School. He was a good man and loved his job. Thank you for your hard work. ABI

February 7, 2015

Wow. What an amazing legacy of hope, strength and love, all put into action. I am glad to know of this amazing man, only sorry that it is in the context of your loss. The hearts of you and yours are steadily in my prayers, as you adjust to this world with his incredible presence missing from it. You honor him beautifully.

Carol Brockman Castro

February 7, 2015

Our sincere condolences to the Fessier family.

David Suss

February 7, 2015

Please accept our sincere sympathy on the loss of your father. David Suss & Sue Rappaport

Vincent Rosas

February 6, 2015

My condolences go out to the Fessier family.I was a student of Mr.Elton Fessier at Dexter Jr.High back in 1972.And years later as a contractor met with him at a property in Whittier.I was awarded the contract and as I worked on his property he asked where I attended school and to my amazement he remembered me.He was a man of integrity.My prayers go out to his family.

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