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Richard L. Flem
Obituary
Dedicated local vice principal, dies at 55
By Melissa Matchak
Richard L. Flem, a teacher and vice principal who spent more than 30 years working with children, died on June 3, from a massive heart attack, at age 55.
Flem was born on Feb. 23, 1946, in Bakersfield, Calif. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history from UC-Berkeley in 1967, and received a master of arts degree in educational leadership from California Lutheran College in 1978. Flem held credentials in administrative services, standard secondary teacher and standard elementary teaching. He also held teaching authorizations in history, English, German and math.
Flem began teaching in 1968, and spent more than 30 years making children a priority in his life through his work in education.
The San Francisco resident began his position with the Campbell Union School District on Nov. 6, 1995, as vice principal of Monroe Middle School. Before that, he was a teacher and summer school principal in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. While teaching in the 1980s, Flem was also an insurance inspector for D.G. Burleson & Associates in San Jose. For a short time before that, he was a self-employed insurance agent in Fresno, Calif.
As Monroe's vice principal, Flem was responsible for student discipline and assisting with overall administration for grades five through eight. He was usually the person to whom students were sent when they broke a school rule.
Colleagues said Flem was a fair, honest and compassionate person who truly cared about the students. He also supported academic excellence and encouraged students and faculty to do their best.
Monroe Principal Bess Johnson said Flem was instrumental in helping the middle school earn the 1999 California Distinguished School Award. Johnson said Flem also spearheaded the school's annual penny drive that raised money for the Special Olympics.
Flem is survived by his sister Marjorie Morovich, her children and many friends.
Nearly 1,000 students, staff and community members attended a memorial tribute held on June 7, at Monroe Middle School. Funeral services were arranged by the Green Lawn Mortuary in Bakersfield. Donations in Flem's name may be made to the Special Olympics Penny Drive at Monroe Middle School, 1055 S. Monroe, San Jose, Calif., 95128.
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Campbell, California
