Nordhoff teacher succumbs
by Lenny Roberts

The Nordhoff High School flag was lowered to half-mast Tuesday morning after word spread around campus that longtime favorite teacher Deno Lepas had died.
Diagnosed with a liver ailment two years ago, the 58-year-old, 35-year NHS veteran metal shop, auto shop and sculpture arts teacher died at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles Medical Center Monday after it was learned that he had developed pancreatic cancer last week, according to assistant principal Susana Arce.
"He taught here until June, and dragged himself to work every day," Arce recalled. "He taught so many students over the years. People in this town were absolutely crazy over him."
NHS principal Dan Musick had requested, and Dr. Van Riley, district superintendent, granted, that the Ojai Unified School District end Friday's classes at 11:50 a.m. so that students and teachers could attend Lepas' 1 p.m. funeral services at St. Demetrios Orthodox Church at 400 Skyway Drive in Camarillo, and the subsequent burial at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.
"He was just a very kind and easygoing, fun-loving person. His long illness, that was the sad part about it," Arce said.
Lepas was married to Debbie Lepas, and the couple had three small children. A memorial scholarship in his name and contributions should be sent or delivered to the Nordhoff office at 1401 Maricopa Highway.

Deno Lepas' obituary

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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