By Daily Press staff
Leonard Forrest Vincent, a 37-year-old veteran of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, died recently after several years of poor health.
He was born on September 15, 1933 in Hollywood. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he enrolled at Santa Monica College, and went onto take a bachelor’s degree at UCLA and a master’s degree at USC.
Vincent began his nearly 40-year run in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District in 1960 at the Juan Cabrillo School in Malibu, and from 1966 to 1985, he taught U.S. government at Malibu Park Junior High.
Transferring to Santa Monica High School in 1985, he continued to teach classes about government until 1992.
At Samohi, he was named Teacher of the Year several times and was elected to the High School Hall of Fame.
In 1995, Vincent returned to work at Malibu High School as a part-time teacher until his retirement in 1997.
“Leonard personified the best qualities of a teacher,” said Harry M. Keiley, president of the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association. “Not merely a fine educator who gave his students a strong working knowledge of how local, state and federal governments operate, Mr. Vincent urged his students to become involved with their school, the local community and society.
“Leonard was a tireless advocate for his students, a source of wisdom, encouragement, and humor, a moral compass for those he taught, and a true friend. Leonard’s example of love, inspiration and commitment has transformed the lives of literally thousands of students, parents, administrators and his fellow teachers.”
A memorial service will be held for Vincent on Sunday March 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Santa Monica High School Humanities Center, 601 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica.
A scholarship fund has been established. Contributions should be sent to the Leonard Vincent Scholarship Fund c/o SMMCTA at 1508 18th St., Santa Monica, Calif. 90403.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 20, 2004. Read the original PDF.