It’s been 2 years since you left us and it really doesn’t get easier as time goes by. I miss you so much.

Broeck with Catalina girls from the late 80s (A friend posted this 7 years ago, and it came up as a FB memory today of all days). Still missing this guy every day.

Broeck is so missed. These pictures are lovely.

Here’s a Christmassy photo from 1998 - in the science lab. Of course!

Broeck did not mention the young lady's name but said that she was as big a Charger fan as he.
I think the T-shirts they're wearing were for an event long before she was born.

It has been a year since you left for the Biggest Search ever. We have the call now , RIP my friend. Sam -CERT

Just like that a year is gone.
I was thinking a few days ago of how much I miss talking to you about things military.
Good memories that I'm hanging on to.
I do wish my grandsons had known you.

Semper Fidelis,
Vic

I just learned of Mr. Oder's passing in the Catalina magazine. I will never forget your humor and commitment to your students. You made me feel welcome and cared for even when no one else did. 
I'll never forget introducing you to my twin sons, and corresponding with you many years later via email. 
You will be missed.

Mr. Oder, we were all so blessed to have you in our lives. I remember meeting you when I visited Santa Catalina and sat in on your class--as an awkward 13 year old homeschooler, I instantly felt so welcomed.  I was in my senior year at Catalina on September 11, 2001--your no-nonsense updates and plainspoken announcements in Study Hall that morning made an incredibly terrifyingly sad situation somehow just a little more bearable. All the stories, jokes, and activities in your U.S. History class--re-enacting Burr/Hamilton ("... you didn't think I was going to let you play Burr, did you? He's the guy who LIVED!"), listening to you talk about actively seeking out jury duty (and then actively seeking to be elected jury foreperson), waiting until after the A.P. exam to bring juice boxes and peanut butter crackers to class as we discussed the grassy knoll theory in the Kennedy assassination (aka "finally had a little fun"), so very, very many idioms and phrases I will never forget ("Joe Dumb Slob American," "the 12th of Never"), maybe-probably not-so-true stories about hiding up in trees so you could drop down behind any boys foolish enough to try sneaking on to campus during school dances, how BIG you smiled and how gosh darn PROUD you were of us at those very intense self-defense class graduation ceremonies ... 

... years after I graduated (and years after I worked as resident faculty while in graduate school), I was so glad I got tell you about getting my martial arts black belt. I am so grateful you were in my life--in all our lives--for as long as you were. It wasn't long enough--was not nearly long enough--but we are all so, so grateful.

May your memory be a blessing.

Mr. Oder was my favorite teacher, a cherished confident, my greatest ally and, inevitably a dear friend. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Without his wisdom and leadership, I wouldn't have developed many of the strong values that I hold so dear today. I know that he bestowed these same gifts to many of the girls whom he helped to raise into the thriving women we've become.   Broeck Oder will always hold a special place in my heart. After nearly 30 years, he remained one of my favorite people in this world, and he likely did not know it. 

"'Duty' then is the sublimest word in the English language. You should do your duty in all things. You can never do more, you should never wish to do less." --Robert E. Lee. Broeck, you did your duty in all things. You taught your students, friends, and family the same. I will miss you, dear friend. 

It is with deep sadness that we, the members of CERV, express our heartfelt condolences for the loss of our friend and colleague, Broeck Oder.  Broeck was an esteemed and dedicated leader of Pacific Grove CERT, known for meticulously recording minutes during CERT advisory meetings and generously offering his time as a volunteer for CERV, a non-profit organization. Whenever CERV organized community events, Broeck's unwavering presence and willingness to contribute were always evident as he tirelessly promoted Community Emergency Preparedness.
We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of walking alongside Broeck throughout the years.  We are just a few of the many individuals who have experienced the warmth and friendship he shared with others. Broeck possessed a smile that not only radiated through his eyes but also extended to everyone around him, never expecting anything in return. 
Rest assured, dear friend, that CERV will continue its mission in a  manner that honors your memory and legacy. We stand united, ready to support one another, as we  move forward.
Community Emergency Response Volunteers of the Monterey Peninsula (CERV of the Monterey Peninsula)
Lee  Whitney, Gene Rizzo, Sarah Blackstone, Harvey Pressman and Mike Brassfield

The Santa Catalina School Class of 1999 would like to send their deepest condolences to the Oder family. 

Mr. Oder was much more than a US History teacher to us; he was a mentor, a role model and a truly good man. He will be missed terribly by those of us lucky enough to be educated by him.  A fellow classmate so eloquently described the impact Mr. Oder had on his students, “I borrowed his confidence in me when I didn’t have any.” 

Rest In Peace Mr. Oder. Please know how greatly you will be missed and what a profound affect you had on our lives.  We will miss seeing you next year at our 25th Reunion! ❤️

Broeck was one of a kind. The kind of teacher every teacher dreams of being - bringing a subject to life and encouraging students to love it right along with them. Movies are made about his kind! When you talk about him, others (quite rightly) genuinely regret that they never had him in their lives. I’m so glad to have known him as a teacher and ever so much more for the care and love he poured into me and my family over the past two years especially. Words cannot express the heart that he gave or the love that he had for anyone who knew him. His life mattered and he spent it bettering others. Thank you, Broeck,  for loving us all so well. 

Broeck was an invariably encouraging colleague and friend for 32 years! On one occasion, when I expressed discouragement with world events, he had a present for me the very next day:"The Optimist's Guide to History"! Beyond his quick sense of humor, I knew always truly cared as a friend.

It was with shock and sadness that I learned of the passing of Broeck Oder, my trusted compatriot and best bro when the two of us were teaching history at Santa Catalina. Broeck truly loved his students, and his favorite time of the year was Alumnae Weekend, when legions of his former students would flock to his office to reminisce and catch up. 

I'll always cherish the memories of coming to work in the early morning and listening to the glorious sounds of Dusty Springfield, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and Patty Loveless pouring out of his office and down the hall. I'll miss his encyclopedic knowledge of things worth knowing, especially mid-20th-century American music and baseball (which remained a passion with him despite his unfortunate unrequited love for the San Diego Padres). Since retiring, I've missed sitting with Broeck during Study Hall, where we'd occasionally force each other to bite back on our laughter, and visiting with him in our offices where we could laugh out loud. 

I wish our communication had been more frequent in the past few years. Somehow, I thought we'd have more time. 

Broeck never found it all that humorous when I referred to him as "Mr. Chips", but I always thought it fit.

Not sure about the all pink outfit though.

In the parlance of Louis L'Amour, "He was a man to ride the river with."

Mr. Oder was a legendary history teacher, who made history fun and exciting and a rigorous academic pursuit, for generations of women at Santa Catalina School. He was very kind and deeply cared about his students, from their education to the self defense classes he coordinated, as well. His signature pink attire was a hint of the generous loving heart under the many academic, advisory and emergency coordinator hats he wore. Thank you Mr. Oder, for all you gave to Santa Catalina and your community. Prayers and condolences to his family, rest in peace. 

I forget the occasion. Broeck's family and mine having a quiet night together.
Barron was a good match for Broeck in brains, brawn, and sense of humor.
Jolene was the love of his life who was never far from his thoughts. He wrote of her recently and he still loved her completely, even though she left this world in 1979.
After all these years, they are back together again, and that is a thought worth holding on to.

The jacket was a gift from his students celebrating his 25th anniversary at SCS.
It came in a letter describing how much he loved teaching there.

Blessing to you dear soul.  Dr. Oder was one of my most favorite teachers of all time; to this day, some decades later I can recite parts of his modern European history lecture.   As an adult attending class reunions at Santa Catalina there was no question:  I always signed up to visit his classes. His warmth, kindness and genuine devotion to his students is legendary; he will be greatly missed.  Watch over and gently guide us to be constantly learning, like you so lovingly coached us.  (And we will always be sure that we exercise wisdom so we are not “swimming the backstroke in the sea of life”)  Blessings to you dear friend.

Broeck was intelligent, funny, patient, and probably the kindest man I've ever known.  I don't think he had a mean bone in his body, never did I ever hear him complain, he always showed up and helped in any way that he could.  He was a very special person, and he will be missed by many.       Lisa A.   /  Cert

He was the best. Not sure I ever respected (and laughed with) a teacher more. 
A lovely human. RIP ❤️

Saddened to learn of Broeck's  passing. Missed the opportunity to share a conversation with him when I saw him last at our Monthly CERT meeting. Always so kind, helpful and gracious. Was able to work several CERT deployments with him. Such an asset to the City of Pacific Grove, the county of Monterey and CERT. We will miss him, yet will carry on as he would have wanted. You are in our thoughts and prayers Broeck. Please continue to watch out for us.

Scot Smythe
Carmel CERT Captain

A perfect photo of a truly fine man!  Miss you my friend.


Served on CERT with him many times. The Victorian fire was his last outing. The above we were monitoring traffic and were invited to help remove trees in January this year during the storms. 

We were teamed many times over the years reaching back at least 7 years. 

We had great conversations about history, and he was a great compassionate individual who was a good teacher and served the entire Monterey community as a citizen volunteer supporting the fire and police departments. I had the privilege to serve with him.

Mr. Oder made history come to life in the classroom. Truly an amazing teacher and human being and one of my daughter's absolute favorite teachers. 
He will be missed by so many people's lives he has touched. 
Prayers for family and friends that will miss him greatly.

Broeck was a wonderful man and always very kind to us. We are very sad. We will miss him immensely. 

Mr. Oder was one of those teachers whose memory will live on in every student he taught. I loved history before taking his class junior year but after his example I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. His example and diligence taught us so much and I am so grateful that I got to know him not only as a mentee but outside the classroom in office hours discussing not only history but current world events and just life in general.  I smile now thinking of him walking around the classroom with his yard stick prop either portraying the Burr/Hamilton duel and many other events. It is with an ever grateful heart that I say, Thank you Mr. Oder for  being a wonderful teacher and friend. I will miss you but know I will do my best to remember all that you taught us. May angels sing thee to thy rest!

Incredibly grateful to have had Mr. Oder as a teacher and very sorry to hear of his passing. Truly a once in a lifetime teacher. 

Mr. Oder….the best, most influential teacher I have ever had. You made me open my eyes to domestic and international policy during my years at Catalina. You were such a kind a patient man. You valued your student’s sense of eagerness to learn. You influenced a lot of us.
I was very happy to have become close to you again these last three years working side by side with you during our CERT trainings, call outs and meetings. I have no doubt you will continue to look out for us from above.
I shall miss you. Your sense of humor. Your willingness to help in any capacity. Your unwavering commitment and friendship. I send you my love. May you now rest in peace. 

One of the absolute best educators Ive ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was an amazing man and teacher. He will be very missed, and always remembered. Condolences to his family on such a great loss.  Thank you for everything Mr. Oder. 

Broeck was a great man to work with, I loved  talking with him about history. He will be greatly missed. RIP my brother, We have the call now.

Sam Balesteri Monterey CERT

Mr. Oder is a teacher that will always hold a special place in my heart.  I know that I am not alone when I say that history truly came alive in his class. His passion for what he did was unmatched. I feel so lucky to have learned under him. 
Thank you for all you did, Mr Oder. You will be deeply missed. 

One of the best history teachers ever. So kind and he had such a passion for teaching. Mr. Oder- you will be missed.

Rare does life give us the opportunity to know as fine a man as Broeck.  We became friends through the CERT program,  to which he showed an unyielding devotion.  His dedication to the community and CERT is an example for us all to follow.  His kindness and friendship will be sorely missed, but forever remembered.

Eternal Be His Memory.....

Demetrius Kastros 
CERT Training/Operations Coordinator 
Monterey/PG CERT 

OBITUARIO

Broeck Newton Oder

20 abril, 1953 – 7 junio, 2023

The Paul Mortuary

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