Lee Overbeck
March 1, 1942 – June 2, 2014
Lee Overbeck, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley High coach and athletic director, died June 2, 2014. He was 72.
Lee was a Santa Cruz County resident for 45 years and had lived in Ben Lomond for the past 39. He was born March 1, 1942 in San Francisco and attended school in Milbrae, San Bruno and San Jose, graduating from Willow Glen High School in 1959. He joined the Army as a radio operator and was stationed in Germany and France before being honorably discharged after two years.
Lee was a walk-on addition to the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo football team and received his Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and a teaching credential from San Jose State University, and a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Cal Poly. He joined the staff at San Lorenzo Valley High School in 1969 where he met his soon-to-be wife Gail Bashor.
Lee taught P.E. at SLVHS for 34 years. He was Athletic Director for 31 years and coached football, softball, soccer, wrestling and track and field.
In retirement, Lee created and maintained numerous websites, including the SLVHS, SLVUSD and SCCAL websites. He frequented sports events throughout the county, volunteering, taking photos and supporting his many coaching friends. He was installed as an honorary member of the SLVHS Sports Hall of Fame in April, and told his mother-in-law it was “a highlight of my life.” Lee was also one of the founding members of the Seahawks Rugby team. Lee’s favorite pastimes included bicycle riding and downhill skiing, as well photography. He loved spending time in South Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and traveling with his wife, family and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Elnora OVerbeck and his sister Karen Storm. He is survived by his wife Gail Overbeck of Ben Lomond; his children Brittany Overbeck of Ben Lomond and Joeben Overbeck (Malinda) of South Lake Tahoe, CA; and his granddaughter Payten Overbeck.
A celebration of Lee’s life will be held at The River House in Ben Lomond, off of Highway 9 and Holiday Lane, on June 29 at 2 p.m. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to visit www.rugby8man.blogspot.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Lee to the SLVHS Athletic Boosters, PO Box 616, Felton CA 95018.
