Roy Diederichsen

Jan 1, 1922 - Jul 27, 2015

Roy Diederichsen, was the first baby born at his San Francisco hospital on New Years morning 1922 to parents Monroe and Leota Diederichsen. Early in life Roy spent many hours at the YMCA engaging in sports. He excelled in ping pong, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and boxing. In 1991 he was inducted into the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame as one of its top athletes of all time.

Roy attended San Jose State University where, as a freshman, he lettered in 4 sports; basketball, soccer, baseball, and boxing. He later was honored as an All American Soccer player. After being elected student body president, Roy met the love of his life, our mother, Jeanne Lessard. They were married at Stanford University Chapel in 1945 and remained married until her death in 2004. After graduating he taught at Lincoln and Mission High Schools and developed championship basketball teams. Roy started a very successful high school boxing program which included over 100 students. San Francisco City College took note and asked Roy to coach the soccer and tennis teams and develop a boxing program. They became perennial soccer champions with, at one time, a record of 80 wins, 1 tie and no losses. Roy is now in many

“Halls of Fame” including Soccer Coaches, Tennis Coaches and Boxing Coaches. Roy is survived by sons; Roy Jr. and Rick; grandchildren Katie and Tyler; and an extended family from Humboldt to Los Angeles to New York. Roy was an influential teacher, father and friend. He sold real estate in his spare time and loved his home at Lake Tahoe. His favorite pastime was horse racing and he owned a series of horses. Roy made friends where ever he went. He made friends at the bank, the grocery store, the yacht club, restaurants, everywhere. He loved people. His legacy will be written by those he touched throughout his life. We love you dad.