Oz Simmons

Oz Simmons

January 26, 1957 - September 02, 2019
Dana Point CA

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

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14 responses to Oz Simmons

  1. Thank you for being such a great teacher and coach to our son Matthew, you will be missed, our sympathy to the family.
    The O’Connor family .

  2. Oscar Alfred Simmons III, aka Oz. It takes a unique man to grow into names like that and Oz certainly did so, in spades. They didn’t break the mold after he was born, there simply wasn’t a mold to create such a dynamic yet unassuming individual. He spent countless days shaping and guiding the youngsters he taught and coached into the next stages of their lives, never looking for credit, acknowledgment or undue compensation. He was a throwback to a golden age that never existed in the real world and his legacy transcends even the fantasy of such. Icon, legend, hero, but unfortunately not immortal. His passing leaves a huge void on so many levels, yet inspires all he touched equally. Rest In Peace Oz, you will always inspire!

    1. Mona Ferner says:

      Oz…I remember all of us shoved in Mr Yoder’s car to get up to USC to watch you & Bob play.
      Back then I would say, if you want to learn the perfect hitting technique watch Oz. Technically perfect. Like a machine!
      Always a humble man years later. You would always greet me with a smile & hug even in the middle of coaching the Boys at the beach. Kindest Man Ever. DHHS was LUCKY to have you as their Boys Volleyball Coach. You always had a heart for the game & those boys were so lucky to have you in their lives.
      Much Love,
      Mona Ferner

  3. Dear Cindy , Debbie and children and grandchildren,

    My fondest memory of Oz was when he would walk toward us on the beach in Emerald Bay. Oz had a cheerful, radiant smile that reassured me that all was well. He had a wonderful command of the ocean and loved volleyball and his students. He truly taught way more than technique, he knew it was all about life.
    His courage was exemplified during the Laguna fires, when he swam around the points and saved their house with water.

    When he met Cindy , things brightened up even more.

    He and his sister Debbie still hold swimming records at the pool named for their dad Al Simmons. Theirs was a family that knew how to have fun in creative ways. Al was the Indian who was pAinted by local artists.

    Their dedication to their Christian Science church was always given in such a gracious and selfless way.

    Thank you for showing us how to love & live each day fully!
    Though you’ll be missed dearly, I for one will strive to embody some of your admirable qualities daily.

    All my love,

    Leslee Godfrey Allen

  4. Susan Boyd says:

    Thank you Oz for your generousity, you would have given the shirt off your back to the boys. I remember meals and rooms and adventures you happily paid for. Thank you for teaching the boys more about life than about volleyball. How calm you always were…that taught them that there were more important things in life. Taught them that their friendships for one were more important. I’m sure many of them were influenced by your values. I as a parent in the stands was always so honored to have a coach like you represent my son and his team and his school. With class and integrity…
    You were a great man.

  5. Ozzistan,

    I think I called you so many versions of your name, but this one stuck. Thank you for just simply being you! Thank you for the influence of kindness to ALL, no matter what! I will remember the “Ozzisms” forever! God bless!

    Coach Higgs

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