September 7, 1923 ~ June 23, 2003
Resided in:
Manhattan Beach,, CA
On June 23rd, 2003, Mahlon ''Bob'' Fish, loving husband, devoted father, and prominent educator, passed into God's hands. After growing up in rural Minnesota, Bob moved to California to join the Merchant Marines. During WW II, he served in the Pacific as a Liberty ship officer. Following the war, Bob returned to school, completing his undergraduate and masters degrees in education at UCLA. During his 35-year public education career, Bob taught at Redondo High School and served as Vice Principal of Aviation High School. In the mid-1970s, he led the transformation of the South Bay Adult School into a first class educational venue. Mr. Fish capped an honorable career of public service as the last Principal of Aviation High, before the school closed in 1982. An avid outdoors-man, Mr. Fish loved hunting, camping and golf. Most importantly, Bob was fully committed to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Jane, sons Mark and Jim, daughter Lynn, and grandchildren Michael, Brock, Steven, Dane and Caralynn. Services will be held Thursday June 26th 10:00AM at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the Fish family wishes that donations be made to the Manhattan Beach City Schools Educational Foundation, 1230 Rosecrans Ave Ste 400, Manhattan Beach CA, 90266.
Guestbook
Mr. Fish (as I knew him back in 1958) was my advisor and counselor at Redondo Union High School. He was kind enough to write my recommendation for my application to Pomona College. I went on with my life and am planning on retiring in a few more months. His passing is noted with sadness, but knowing that he touched the life of many students, as he did for me. Sincerely, Juan Matute Redondo Union High Class of \’59 and Pomona College Class of \’63
Mr Fish was one of those guys the school system needed more of. He was my high school counselor. I graduated from Redondo UHS in 1966. In addition to helping me get through the normal trials of those difficult years of high school, he was particularly helpful and supportive after the one time I got in “trouble” with the school administration. In 1965 I wrote a satirical newsletter about the RUHS school scene. It was totally harmless, but in an area of political unrest, this was viewed as threat to the status quo. I was called into the office and confronted by 4 top andministrators and told I would be kicked out of school if my newsletter was found on campus again. I was 16 or 17 and totally devistated, being a B student who had never gotten in trouble with anyone. Mr Fish couldn\’t change what happened, but he was able to counsel me and help me through this difficult period in my life. I wish every high school had a counselor like him. What a great guy. My best wishes to his family. Laurie Dreizler Sacramento