Nearly three decades of Point Loma High School students recall with fond memories their days in the advanced and honors English literature classes with a teacher who was both demanding and enthralling.

Kermeen "Punky" Fristrom was recruited, while a graduate student on the Harvard University campus, to cross the country and teach in San Diego. He and his wife Anne looked at photos of Balboa Park, sunny blue skies, and pristine beaches and elected to accept the school district's offer. He was assigned to PLHS where he began in the mid-1950s.

Fristrom died on Jan. 3.

When they arrived in San Diego, Anne was thrilled when she was assigned to Cabrillo Elementary School. The couple bought a home on Dixon Place in Point Loma where they lived until moving to a retirement community several years ago.

Fristrom had a student teacher, Dorothy Sprungman. She was hired at PLHS and they formed a memorable classroom team. Later Fristrom developed the Gifted and Talented Seminar program at PLHS with fellow teacher Mike Lorch.

Despite contracting polio earlier in his life, Fristrom became an outstanding Pointer football coach after he asked legendary head coach Bennie Edens if he could help.

During his 24 years at PLHS, Fristrom estimated he taught and coached over 10,000 students.

 He is survived by Anne and two sons.