In Memorium

Jeff Tagami (July 4, 1954-June 23, 2012)

We lost Jeff Tagami to pancreatic cancer on June 23, 2012. Jeff taught in the English Department at Cabrillo College since the 1990’s, bringing his passion for social justice and his love of language to all his classes. As a colleague, Jeff’s serenity and quiet strength was a wonderful reminder of what we were here to do: teach and help students learn what they needed in order to have better lives. Jeff was a groundbreaking Filipino American poet, dedicated to bringing to light the experiences of Asian Americans, marginalized workers, and his own rural childhood. A volume of his poems, October Light, was published in 1987, and he was one of fifty American poets featured in the 1995 PBS series The United States of Poetry. He leaves behind his wife Shirley Ancheta and their two sons, Miles and Travis. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. (From the announcement for a college celebration of his life and work on November 17, 2012.)

Vera Pulido (April 4, 1947 - December 11, 2012)

In 1975, Vera joined the faculty of Cabrillo College. It was her "second home" for 35 years while she devoted her life to students as an instructor of health, physical education and recreation. Her intelligent and stalwart leadership propelled her appointment to Chief Negotiator for the Cabrillo College Federation of Teachers and her acumen in educational administration eventually secured her promotion to Division Chairperson. As a champion of college athletics, Vera dedicated 10 years to coaching the Cabrillo Women's Softball Team, selflessly serving as a mentor and sage to countless numbers of young women. After retiring from Cabrillo College in 2010, Vera loved spending time with her three adorable dogs: PJ, Lola and Molly. She enjoyed taking vacation cruises and traveling with friends. She was an avid reader, a computer enthusiast, a spirited poker player and an accomplished seamstress. Vera is survived by her step-mother Mercedes Pulido, brother Richard Pulido, sister-in-law Carol Pulido, nieces Vanessa and Courtney Pulido, nephew Scott Pulido, beloved pet companions and scores of dear friends. (From her obituary in the Santa Cruz Sentinel Dec. 23, 2012).

Barbara May England (December 17, 1933-December 19, 2012)

Barbara England passed away peacefully on December 19, two days after her 79th birthday. An adjunct dance instructor at Cabrillo for over 10 years, Barbara was well loved by students and colleagues. A respected dancer, she had a long and varied career that included performing with Matt Mattox and appearances in films such as the Hollywood movie Oklahoma. Her teaching career included Rockland Community College in New York, UCSC and Cabrillo. Barbara's husband, jazz musician and professor J. Carter England, passed away in 2005. She is survived by her sons, Norman and Stuart; her stepdaughter, Leslie Cirillo; and her older brother, Harry Logan. Barbara provided inspiration to many at Cabrillo and in our local community through her dancing, continuous good cheer despite challenges, and her unfailing kindness. (From her obituary at the Neptune Society and reflections by her colleague, Sharon Took-Zozaya.)

Donald Eugene Jenson (February 6, 1936-March 14, 2013)

Don was a beloved Mathematics teacher and a great unionist—he served as CCFT Treasurer from 1993-2004. Born in Tulare, California, Don and his family moved to Watsonville, California, when he was in the fourth grade. Don attended Hall District School, Watsonville High School, Westmont College, San Jose State, and the International University in San Diego. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Westmont, and his Master of Science in Computer Education, and he taught math at Watsonville High School, Winnett High School in Montana, Monte Vista Christian High School, Watsonville, Gavilan College, and Cabrillo College. Don was known for his kindness, integrity, and service to others. He was very involved with his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed helping them solve math problems and fix just about anything. He was adored by all of them. Don is survived by his wife Charlotte of Watsonville (also a Cabrillo instructor and CCFT rep), sons Tim (Carole) of Martinez and Greg (Heather) of Scotts Valley, and daughter Donna of Portland, Oregon, as well as seven grandchildren, his sister-in-law Nancy, brother-in-law Terry, nieces, nephew, cousins and many dear friends. Don died on “Pi Day,” an appropriate day for a mathematician. (From his extended obituary forwarded to the college on March 16th)