Elton Martin Fessier

Elton Fessier, a World War II vet, honored teacher and coach, passed away at his Whittier home Feb. 4 at age 91. He was born to second generation Californians, Gustave and Marian (Bonelli) Fessier, on April 8, 1923 and grew up in Southern California.



He enrolled in Whittier College in 1941, playing basketball for Richard Nixon's former coach, 'Chief' Newman, and playing lead trumpet in the college symphony orchestra and jazz bands.



He entered Marine officer training in 1943 but, impatient to see World War II action, transferred to the Navy. He became a frogman - the precursor to the Navy SEALs -- learning to hold his breath for three minutes underwater without a wetsuit to disarm bombs. After the war, he served as an MP in China with Army Rangers in the tense days before China's 1949 revolution.



Discharged as a lieutenant, Elton graduated from Whittier College, married Barbara Ericson and began a 51-year teaching and coaching career in Whittier, culminating with Teacher of the Year honors.



He set up one of the Southland's finest county recreation programs at Sorenson Park, leading his county champion basketball teams to exhibitions during halftime of the NBA finals. He helped found the Whittier City Schools credit union, taught Sunday School at Whittier Presbyterian Church and, with his wife Barbara, and ran a successful family rentals business in Whittier and Joshua Tree.



His sweet but indomitable spirit also served him in his fight against Parkinson's Disease. When he lost his eyesight and ability to walk, he resumed playing the trumpet. His legacy was best summarized in a Whittier Daily News front page story announcing his retirement. A headline under his picture quoted him as saying, 'I only want to help people.'



Besides his wife, Elton is survived by his son Bruce and his wife, Jane Fessier; daughter Lori and her husband, Mark Gibson; grandsons Eitan and his wife, Hannah; Clay Fessier and Parker Fessier.



A memorial service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at the Whittier Presbyterian Church. Gravesite Services followed at 10:30am on Monday, February 9, 2015.



Read a story about Elton at the following link: http://www.whittierdailynews.com/obituaries/20150206/former-whittier-teacher-world-war-ii-elite-diver-dies-at-91