Elwyn Charles Saferite

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Elwyn Charles Saferite who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Wyn was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Wyn knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

       His parents were Lee and Margaret Saferite. Wyn was raised in Neosho Falls, Kansas. Even as a youngster, Wyn learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Wyn was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Wyn was raised with three sisters. He had one older sister Grace, and younger sisters Louise and Betty Lee. Wyn had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Wyn, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Wyn's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Wyn enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Wyn took part in playing basketball. In his spare time he loved fishing and horseback riding.

      In school, Wyn was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Wyn was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Wyn's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Neosho Falls School in 1934. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Wyn's practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Wyn's orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Wyn saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his BA from Emporia State College. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters degree from Colorado State College and Doctorate of Education from UCLA in 1967. His favorite courses was drafting. Wyn worked very hard during the depression and could not afford to engage in other activities.

      Wyn was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Wyn was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn't afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Wyn came to expect his high standards of performance. Robert George was his best lifelong and childhood friend. Later in life, he became friends with Trent R. Henry and Marty Wensman.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Wyn reveled in the security of his family. On Wyn married Dora in 1995, and previously was married to Polly Frazer in 1942 (who passed away in 1993). Wyn exchanged wedding vows with Dora Myers at St. Bruno Catholic Church in 1995 of Whittier, California. One of Wyn's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Wyn was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Wyn would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Wyn was blessed with six children Rich, Linda, Martha, Gloria, Billy, and Angie. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Mica, Marney, Billy, Adam, Marisa, Caitlin,and Alina.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Wyn was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Wyn was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Wyn upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a college dean. He was employed for 24 years at Cerritos College, and prior to that he worked for Fullerton College. Wyn was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Wyn was an Army- Signal Corps. Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He served on the European front including the Rhineland, Ardennes, Normandy, Central Europe and Northern France. Wyn saw action for World War II from February of 1943 to January of 1946. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of First Lt., and was later named Captain during a combat situation. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including a Bronze Star Medal, Victory Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, and an American Theater Campaign Medal.

      Wyn approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, gardening, camping, playing cards, and family gatherings. Wyn was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Wyn to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Wyn played basketball and track. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and basketball.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Wyn liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Wyn was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, and became their president in 1964. He was also involved with Toastmaster International and received a Laureate Citation for the International Honorary Professional Fraternity in Industrial Arts and Industrial Vocational Education.

      A civic-minded person, Wyn was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Wyn was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the PTA. During these years, Wyn applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Wyn. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was raised Methodist and later attended The Brea Christian Church.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Wyn used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Wyn had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included traveling to all 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean.

      Wyn was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Wyn's favorites was Cannonball, a German Shepard. They were best friends for 13 years. His family was rounded out by his cat Chelsea and Husky dog, Ruff.

      When Wyn's retirement finally arrived in June 1, 1981, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Bellflower, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in joining the Long Beach Trailer Club. In many ways, Wyn loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Wyn passed away on February 22, 2008 at Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, California. Wyn passed away from pneumonia aggravated by Alzheimer's and congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife Dora, children Rich, Linda, Martha, Gloria, Billy, and Angie; grandchildren Mica, Marney, Billy, Marisa, Adam, Caitlin, and Alina; and sister Betty Lee. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home. Wyn will be scattered at sea by his loved ones.

      All who knew him would agree that Wyn was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Elwyn Charles Saferite did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.