Beloved Los Gatos High School Educator Ted Simonson Dies at Age 87

Longtime Los Gatos educator Ted Simonson died Sunday morning at the age of 87 after a courageous battle with cancer.

According to friend and fellow member of the Los Gatos Lions Club Carol Musser, Simonson began teaching at Los Gatos High School in 1951 and then became vice principal and principal much later. 

"He was a remarkable and wonderful dearly loved man in our community," Musser wrote in an email to this publication. "He was unique. His life was full, accomplished and always from the heart. He will be missed by all."

Simonson's memorial celebration of life will be held 3-7 p.m., Sunday, June 10, at the home of Los Gatos resident Patti Hughes, 23107 Summit Rd., Musser said.

"He touched thousands of students in his career," Musser said, adding that Simonson's contributions to the education of Los Gatos students spanned almost half a century.

On the Los Gatos Lions Club Facebook page, many friends and former students of Simonson had left notes of condolences Monday after hearing the news.

Ginny Kooper wrote: "Lots of memories from school with Mr. Simonson as our counselor back in the '60s. He was one good person, should be more like him in school now. My Mom said he was called Tiger because of his personality. Rest in peace, Ted."

On Monday during Memorial Day, as the news spread about his death, many former students and fellow Lions were expressing their sympathies remembering Simonson for his volunteerism and serving in the Army during World War II with the 42nd Rainbow Division Infantry.

"He was a longtime well loved and involved person in this community," Musser added. "He was a very active Lions Club member and he was so influential because he touched thousands of lives through Los Gatos High School."

Musser said Simonson was instrumental in taking LGHS to a new level forming a great team of teachers who went above and beyond their responsibilities to serve local students.

Simonson did the work along with Al Simon and Hughes, who also worked at LGHS as teacher and who, at the time of this death, was his caregiver, Musser said.

On Aug. 21, 2010, Simonson received the LGHS's Lifetime Achievement Award for his service. A bench was dedicated on the school grounds with his name and school's fitness center bears his name as well.

Editor's Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.