Richard TUTTLE

TUTTLE, SIGEL, JUDD, WILSON, PHILLIPS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/3/2014 at 16:07:31

September 8, 1932 --- October 6, 2014

Richard "Dick" Tuttle 82, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2014, after a lengthy illness at his home in Salinas, California. He was born September 8, 1932 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. Dick enjoyed a 32+ year career with the Salinas Union High School District as a teacher, coach and administrator. He also served as an elected member of the Monterey County Board of Education from 2003- 2009. In 2009 he was inducted into the Salinas High School's Coaches Hall of Fame in recognition of his 10 year's as the Cowboy's head football coach.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Pat, daughter Linda (Kyle): sons Jeff (Lori) Tuttle and Scott Tuttle; brother Robert Tuttle; stepsons Jason (Leticia) Sigel and Ryan Sigel; 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dick attended college on a football scholarship. He graduated from Buena Vista University, BA degree with a double major in Phys Ed and Biological Science- received an Iowa State Secondary Teaching Credential. He also attended San Jose State University, San Jose, CA where he received his State of California Elementary Teaching Credential; 1959 received his MA Degree in Phys Ed & State of California Secondary Teaching Credential. In 1974 he received his Administrative Credential from San Jose State Univ. and in 1980 received Life Time Credentials for all 3 State of Ca Credentials. His first teaching job was at Odebolt High School, Odebolt, IA 1954-1955, R.O. Hardin School, 1955-57, Hollister, CA, San Benito County High School and San Benito College Hollister, Ca 1957-1960. While in Hollister he was also a volunteer for both the San Benito County Sheriff's Dept. and the Hollister Police Dept. auxillary 1956-1960.

He moved his family to Salinas, Ca in 1960, when he got a teaching position at Washington Middle School and then Salinas High School. While at SHS he taught and was the head football coach for 10 years-longest tenure in the school's history. He transferred to Alisal High School as Asst. Principal for 16 years 1970-86. In 1986 he returned to SHS as Asst. Principal and retired in 1989. Upon his retirement he continued as a consultant with the SUHSD.

On a more personal level, Dick played fastpitch softball for 39 years 25 of those years in the Salinas area. He was a very dedicated founding member of the Board of Directors for the Committee for the Preservation of Fastpitch Softball. He also organized, financed and coached a semi-pro baseball team for adults with some support from the City of Salinas (1961-62) until pro ball returned. He also loved the game of golf. He was a member of the Northern California Golf Assoc. and Salinas Fairways Men's Golf Club (18 yrs) and served as Tournament Director for 9 yrs and club president for 3 yrs.

Dick was also a self taught guitar player and singer and enjoyed playing professionally in the area for many years. Above all of Dick's many accomplishments he will be remembered for the many young people whose lives he touched while teaching and coaching. No matter where he went in Salinas he would see a former student, football player, softball player, friend who would always stop to "remember when." He truly was a "man's man" a loyal friend and above all he had a beautiful soul.

He was preceded by his parents Lester and Elsie Phillips Tuttle, his first wife Barbara, brother Vaughn Tuttle and sisters Avis Judd and Lois Wilson. Dick was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be sorely missed by all.

A memorial and celebration of Dick's life will be 2:00p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Sherwood Lake Mobile Home Club House, 150 Kern Street, Salinas, CA 93905.

http://www.struveandlaporte.com/obituary/Richard-Dick-H.-Tuttle/Salinas-CA/1440142