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Former Loara football coach Dean Lappin, who became the third coach in program history, is being remembered for his teaching skills and tight connection with his family after he died from cancer.
Lappin, 69, died on Nov. 13 after fighting two forms of cancer, his wife Kelly said.
Lappin took the coaching reins at his alma mater in 2006 from John deFries and guided Loara for nine seasons.
Lappin compiled a 35-58 record with three CIF-SS playoff appearances, including 2012-13.
Loara’s best season under Lappin was 2010. The Saxons captured a share of the Golden West League championship and reached the Division 9 quarterfinals.
It was the school’s first league title since 2000.
Lappin also taught special education math at Loara. His ability as a teacher helped him excel as a coach, family members said.
“He loved to teach the game,” said Kelly, his wife of 48 years. “He loved (coaching). It was his passion.”
Lappin shared the pursuit with his brother Dave, who teaches at Loara and formerly led the baseball program for 24 years.
The brothers helped coach each other’s teams. Dean served as a lower-level baseball coach while Dave helped with football.
The siblings often shared lunch together at Loara.
“He was my best friend,” said Dave, now an assistant baseball coach at Servite. “We both loved what we were doing and we were doing it together.”
“I’m extremely grateful for (our bond),” he added.
Dave said his brother’s coaching career by influenced by legendary Loara football coach Herb Hill, who coached Lappin in high school.
“He cared deeply for his players,” Dave said of his brother.
Lappin earned all-Sunset League honors as a quarterback at Loara.
He is survived by his wife and children Archie, Amanda and Lauren.
Archie was a standout quarterback at Loara, breaking several of his father’s records. Amanda teaches special education at Katella. Lauren helped the U.S. softball team claim an Olympic silver medalist in 2008 and is an assistant coach at Arizona.
Last year, Loara retired Lauren’s No. 37 in a ceremony attended by her parents.
Lappin was one of the five siblings and had four grandchildren.
A celebration of life is scheduled for the Long Beach Yacht Club on Jan. 3.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a transplant assistance fund for Amanda.
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