Chaffey District Mourns the Passing of Clyde Francisco

The Chaffey Joint Union High School District is mourning the death of former school board member Clyde Francisco, whose long relationship with the district dates back to his days as a Chaffey High School student in 1941.

Mr. Francisco passed away on Wednesday, January 9.

“Mr. Chaffey, as he was affectionately known, is an integral part of the history of the Chaffey District and he will be greatly missed by the many of us who considered him a friend, teacher, coach, and role model,” said Mathew Holton, Chaffey District Superintendent.

Mr. Francisco’s tenure with the district spans 60 years – as a student, teacher, coach, athletics director, counselor and board member. On September 18, 2007, the Board of Trustees took action to name the south gym on the Chaffey High School campus the Clyde C. Francisco Gymnasium in honor of his many contributions to the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, the CIF Southern Section and his love of athletics.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Mr. Francisco earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, eventually returning home to become a math teacher at Chaffey High in 1953. He also worked as a counselor and coached football and baseball at Chaffey High while also coaching tennis at Chaffey College, located at that time on the Chaffey High School campus.

Mr. Francisco helped to open Ontario High School in 1967 as a physical education teacher, athletics director, and baseball coach.

He returned to his alma mater in 1972 as a physical education teacher and athletic director until his retirement in 1987. He was named Tiger of the Year (in 2002) by the Chaffey High School Alumni Association, a prestigious award given only to those who have shown sincere dedication to the Chaffey community.

More than dedicated, Mr. Francisco was a leader in the community serving on multiple community committees and being honored with a Life Pass by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section while serving on their Executive Committee. He was a passionate supporter of Chaffey District athletics for all of his adult life.

Elected to the District’s Board of Trustees in 1997 and serving three times as President before retiring in 2010, Mr. Francisco was highly respected as the sage of the Chaffey District.

Mr. Francisco is survived by his wife Barbara, three grown children (Lynne, Robin, and Brian), four grandchildren (Lindsay, Farren, Garret, and Tyler), and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death in 2004 by his grandson, Andrew. His daughter, Lynne Kempf and his granddaughter, Lindsay Spencer both currently work as proud members of the Chaffey Family.