Teacher, camper, world traveler

Longtime Claremont resident Frank Sowin died from heart failure on February 10, 2016. He was 84.

Mr. Sowin was born on August 20, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan and was educated there. Shortly before graduating from high school, he began dating his future wife, Vicki. They both attended Wayne State University where they received bachelor’s degrees. Five years after their first date they were married in New York at Rockefeller Center on a television program, “Bride and Groom.”

Mr. Sowin served two years in the army in Texas and Louisiana. Having lived in a warm climate for two years, Frank and Vicki decided to move from Michigan to California with their four-month-old son Frank Jr. A second son, Jack, and a daughter, Julie, were added to the family in the next few years.

At Pomona High School, Mr. Sowin taught world history and social studies and, during the summer, driver training. While teaching, he attended UCLA extension courses and obtained a counseling credential and an administrative credential. Mr. Sowin held the position of dean of students at Garey High School for seven years. He returned to teaching at Pomona High School until his retirement. He was honored as Teacher of the Year in the year he retired.

In the summer of 1965, Mr. Sowin acquired a 15-foot camping trailer so he and his family could enjoy the wonderful parks in California. The family camped in many campgrounds in California as well as other states. His children recall these trips as the highlights of their youth. Two trips were made to the East Coast and Canada.

Travel to England and Europe was another interest Mr. Sowin and his wife enjoyed. Their trips included visiting relatives in England and Germany, and making new friends wherever they went.

Mr. Sowin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Victoria; his sons, Frank Jr. and Jack and his wife Jojor; his daughter, Julie McNeil; and his grandchildren, Amy and Matthew Sowin and Kaylee and Jack McNeil.

A celebration of his life will be scheduled in the future.