Week 259

Positive post Sunday, February 6, 2022- Week 259.

This past Friday, February 4th was a very special day for our family, bittersweet if you will. 6 years ago, we lost my father-in-law Mike Lomen (Michele’s dad), and 9 years ago my mother-in-law Fay Lomen. We miss them both dearly and we’re saddened that they are not still with us, especially for our children and grandchildren.

At this point, you might be wondering why this is a Positive Post. Here’s why. On Friday, the Eagle Rock High School gym was dedicated to Michele’s dad. The gym is now the Michael Lomen Gymnasium. Quite an honor as this was the first time any building at the high school has been named after someone. I was blessed to experience the dedication with Michele, a few of our children and grandchildren, my parents, Michele’s sister Cheryl, our niece Tracy, longtime family friends and many of Mike’s past students and colleagues.

Mike, or Coach Lomen, as he was often called, was recognized for a lifetime of dedication to academics and athletics, and most importantly, a devotion to the development of children and their future success. He spent over 36 years teaching, coaching and leading at Eagle Rock High School. The positive impact he had on the lives of countless students throughout his career is immeasurable. As testified to by his past students and colleagues, Mike was more than deserving of this honor. I recall one saying, it’s about time!

It was fitting that the dedication took place right before the girls varsity basketball game as Coach Lomen worked very hard to bring girls athletics to Eagle Rock High School and LAUSD. He must have been looking down on them with great pride as they won the game by 28 points.

Although I wish Mike was still here spending time with us and our children and grandchildren, I’m grateful we now have a landmark to visit, a place where generations to come can go to appreciate the legacy of academic and athletic excellence Mike has handed down to all of us. As Michele noted in her talk at the dedication, Eagle Rock High School will always be in our hearts. You see, in addition to the dedication and Mike’s legacy, our family would not exist without the school as that’s where Michele’s mom and dad met.

On a personal note, I’ve respected Mike since the day I met him some 40 years ago. Behind those gin and tonics was a highly intelligent, caring and generous family man who was full of experience and wisdom. He clearly made many sacrifices while raising 6 wonderful daughters who he clearly loved very much. Although I wasn’t there during the early days of his career, all I had to do was listen to the stories from Michele and her sisters to see that his teaching and coaching were not only in the classroom and on the field, but also at home. It’s no wonder he was and continues to be their “hero”. I will forever be grateful to Mike and Fay, and to the Lord for bringing them together at Eagle Rock High School. I have been given the greatest blessing and gift one man can give another, a daughter’s hand in marriage. Thank you Coach Lomen, may you and Fay be resting in peace!!

How have you helped develop our youth for future success?

What legacy will you leave our children?