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
14 responses to Oz Simmons
Stephanie Neutz says:
October 17, 2019
Oz,
You taught me how to swim. You were so patient, funny, and kind.
Thank you,
Stephanie Neutz