Oz Simmons
January 26, 1957 - September 02, 2019
Dana Point CA
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Oz Simmons
January 26, 1957 - September 02, 2019
Dana Point CA
Obituary
Please Join Us in Celebrating the Life of
Oz Simmons
on Thursday, September 26th, 2019 at 4:00pm
in the Dana Hills High School Gym
>> Sunset Paddle Out to Follow <<
Celebration of Life Program
3:30pm Gym Doors Open, Seating & Guestbook
4:00pm Celebration of Life for Oz
5:30 – 8:30pm Dinner Reception in the DHHS Mall
6:00pm Paddle Out at Sunset
If paddling, please bring your boards, trunks, swim suits & gear!!
Celebration of Life information may also be viewed in the Memories Timeline below.
An article about Oz was published in the Dana Point Times and can be viewed at https://www.danapointtimes.com/no-one-like-oz-legendary-dana-hills-volleyball-coach-oz-simmons-dies-62.
Oz Simmons
January 26th, 1957 – September 2nd, 2019
Oz grew up in Laguna Beach where his life-long love of water and sports began. He attended Laguna Beach High School and earned nine varsity letters: four in swimming, three in water polo, and two in volleyball. In 1975, his senior year, Oz’s volleyball team won the CIF Championships in front of a crowd of 1,100 at UC Irvine. He was Athlete of the Year and class valedictorian.
Oz attended USC on a volleyball scholarship. His team reached NCAA “Final Four” during his 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5thyear at USC. He graduated with degrees in mathematics and physical education.
After graduation Oz moved to Ohio in 1980 to assist coaching with Bob Yoder for The Ohio State University team’s run for the 1981 NCAA title. Upon his return to O.C., he received his teaching credential from UCI. He coached for 1 year at Newport Harbor High School before he began teaching math at Dana Hills High School in September 1982. That same year he started as the men’s volleyball coach. Oz led the Dolphins boys volleyball team to the 1985 CIF-SS Division 4-A title game and the 1986 Division 4-A championship and was the architect of 10 league championship teams. He also coached the DHHS girls volleyball team for many years. Oz taught and coached for a total of 36 years and was one of the most beloved members of the faculty. His humor, and mischievousness was unmatched and will be missed.
Oz is survived by his wife Cindy, children Evan and Kelsey, son-in-law Oscar Aquino, granddaughters Opal and Juniper, and his sister Deb Simmons. He also is survived by sister-in-law Diane Grant, niece Whitney Welgan & her husband Jeffrey, as well niece Erin Rayson & her husband Nicholas.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: September 26, 2019 (4:00 PM)
- Venue: Dana Hills High School
No Charities & Donations
14 responses to Oz Simmons
Jacob Watt says:
September 8, 2019
Will greatly miss your presence in this world!
Erin Rettino says:
September 27, 2019
He was the best math teacher I ever had. Literally, the only one who actually cared enough to help me, anon math person,grasp algebra. I remember even during tests he would help me. It was more important to him that I got the concept then the dumb test. Those moments I have carried with meever since. That was 20+ years ago and I still remember his kindness. May you rest in peace and hope you are rejoicing up there in heaven.
Kim Hamnquist says:
September 11, 2019
Love you OZ. Thanks for being such an outstanding human and showing all of us how to live a full life. Class of 1990 loves you
Hung Tran says:
September 12, 2019
I hated Algebra but you made being forced to learn some shit I never have ever used in my life bearable and I used to ask when am I going to use this shit in my daily life? I loved you as a human being. You where like the Anthony Bourdaine of volleyball and algebra. I remember your cool demeanor and your natural style. Only you could rock pink tropical flora Ryne Spooner shirts, loose fitting jeans, and classic Rainbow sandals everyday to Dana. I remember your pod was next to Dickman’s horticulture and you guys had that unspoken teacher comradery. I remember that I had some crazy shit going on during a final in my life and you talked to me a like a parent to a son a never had and said “fuck the test how are you doing this is more important than any test.” I always thought of you with a reverse Back to the Future Mr. Strickland. Man I didn’t expect to read the news today it hit me like a Beatle song. I hope you you are at peace I hope you know that you as person have affected so many people in your life by being a true teacher. The Wizard of Oz you could have been the Dali Lama RIP I hope they have all sorts of math shit in heaven and deluxe volleyball courts.
James Blair says:
September 16, 2019
Oz you were and are so instrumental in my athletic life and in my personal growth as a human being you will be sorely missed. You were a great coach and mentor.
Hung Tran says:
September 12, 2019
Hung Tran
Scott McCarter says:
September 17, 2019
OZ – I have known you since you were a youngster. You were the absolutely smoothest swimmer I have every known. You made it look like you were barely trying but you were going fast ! I have tried to imitate your swim stroke with absolutely no splash but I could never do it. Tons of great memories of playing volleyball down at Emerald Bay and then later talking to you while walking our dogs on the beach. Not sure if you ever got mad but I never saw it. Oz – I always felt like we were close friends even though we didn’t see each other more than a couple times a year. You lead by example and you were a great example. Scott McCarter