While his time at GHS was short, his impact was large as evident from two former student memories.  

Phil Kerig recalls, "Mr. Hoefer was my freshman Science teacher '69-70 and senior Physics teacher '72-73. The epitome of "tough but fair". Emphasis on the former.  I was class clown in every class but his!  His Physics lessons are with me still. We will miss him."  

Another alumnus Richard Hensel remembers, "I had him in '72-73 as 1/2 of a freshman chem/ physics intro course and also in '74-'75 physics class. Remember TTY punch tape computers?? Anyone remember the cream pie episode? He took it so well. We were very lucky with all the quality teachers at Grossmont High at the time. Thank you, John, for your dedication to your students. I cannot forget his white shirt, tie and pocket protector.”

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/name/john-hoefer-obituary?id=31999089

Tragically, Social Science Teacher and Soccer, Lacrosse, and Golf Coach John Neill passed away on September 10th.  After teaching at Grossmont for 19 years, John retired in June 2022.  A memorial was held to  honor and mourn his loss on September 25, 2022.  Here’s an online article about John early in his career at GHS.

Obituary

Before he retired, John contacted us to donate several items documenting his time as a coach at GHS.  These reminders of John’s passing are many team photos, clothing, and even a historic wooden lacrosse stick.

For 26 years, Ken Lehr guided the GHS Auto Shop program into acclaim and modernization. Grossmont’s program was the first Auto Shop in California to be National Automotive Teachers Educational Foundation certified. Lovingly nicknamed “Dr. Motor” by his students, Ken was twice named California Master Teacher. Ken’s favorite quote was “What is the four stroke cycle?”

In June 2014, a bronze plaque dedicating the new state of the art Automotive Technology Facility to Ken was unveiled on an exterior wall of the building.   At the dedication,  Ken was celebrated by former students, students he mentored in the field, including Jordie Lehr, who followed Ken as the GHS Auto Shop teacher, as well as retirees and staff members.

As a colleague of Ken’s for 26 years, Connie remembers the refuge and “home” Ken provided for students who needed a safe haven as well as the “tough love” that Ken provided.  Lynn and I remember our dad Marlin Baer, after his retirement in 1983, substituting for Ken and thoroughly enjoying it and the program Ken had built.

The caption to the attached photo from the 1986 yearbook reads, “1986 Auto Shop Program was named "the model automotive site for the state of California" with teacher Ken Lehr”, demonstrating Ken's impact on the program.

Gilbert Michael Farrar, born July 1, 1932 in San Diego, CA, passed away on May 6, 2013 at his home in El Cajon, CA. Mike was the son of Gilbert Francis Farrar and Frances Margaret Farrar and brother of Gail Walker (R.D.). He is survived by his wife of 48 years Judith Elaine Farrar (Wise); children Cassandra Gegax, Andy Farrar (Brenda), Stephanie McDonald (Mark), and Ryan Farrar (Elizabeth); six grand- children; sisters-in-law Arlene Wise, Dee Tucker (Ray); brother-in-law Dennis Wise; and numerous nephews and nieces. Mike was a native San Diegan who graduated from San Diego State College in 1955. He taught for many years at Grossmont High School (1961-1977) and Granite Hills High School (1977-1996). A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13th, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon.

GHS Social Studies Teacher 1969-1973, GHS Vice Principal 1974-1979, GUHSD Administrator until 1999

We received word of the passing of Mike Eddy.   Looking through the yearbooks and asking the retired GHS staff, we have discovered this information about his GHS and district involvement. 

Mike became a GHS Social Studies teacher in 1969, teaching until 1974 when he became a Vice Principal.  In 1979, a retiree believes he became Principal of Chaparral High School.  Later he moved to the GUHSD office, where he was the Grossmont Athletic Conference President for many years.  He was a Director in the district until 1999.

Mike and Curt Fauth were long-time friends.  Mike joined the Curt Fauth family for the dedication of Curt’s bench in November 2021.  Mike is seated beside Curt.

Retired teachers recalled Mike offering them advice and encouragement. 

Obituary