FRIEND, John Homer

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Saturday, October 04, 2014 John Homer Friend, 71, died September 17, 2014 in San Diego, California. He was born on March 11, 1943 in Fulton, Illinois. His mother, Gladys (Hastings) Friend was from England, and his father Homer C. Friend was an osteopathic physician from Iowa. John Friend attended elementary school and Catalina Junior High in Tucson and Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo, Illinois. He later attended Eastern Arizona Junior College, and graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He recieved a master's degree from Northern Arizona University. He began his teaching career at Des Moines Technical High School in 1968. In 1969 to 1989, he taught at Coconino High School . Early in his career there he was an assistant wrestling coach, and later was instrumental in bringing soccer into the high schools in which he coached several undefeated seasons. From 1990 to 1996 he taught at Sinagua High School and coached soccer until he retired in 1996. Mr. Friend was an extremely popular and beloved science teacher in addition to receiving special recognition from colleges throughout the United States for preparing his students for the rigors of college level chemistry classes. His legacy will be carried on by the achievements of his students throughout the nation and world. Mr. Friend was also a forerunner in the development and use of educational software, inticing his science students with one of the first computers in the district. John Friend was a beloved father and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Friend; children Jason and Ross; grandchildren Evan, James and Adam, all of whom are in California. A tribute to Mr. Friend will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona at 1702 N. 4th Street from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on November 8th. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.