November 3, 2006

Popular Rolling Hills P.E. teacher Brian Mayock dies suddenly at 56

By Julie Davis Berry
Executive Editor

Grief counselors were called in to Rolling Hills Middle School to meet with teachers and students on Nov. 1 when news of the sudden death of beloved P.E. teacher Brian Mayock’s death was announced.

Students at Rolling Hills Middle School created memorial posters for the family of beloved P.E. teacher Brian Mayock the day his death was announced. News of his death hit MySpace and many of his former students who attend Westmont High School planned to wear their Rolling Hills P.E. shirts to school on November 3 in honor of their beloved teacher.

Mayock, 56, died of a presumed heart attack while participating in a tennis class at West Valley College on the night of Oct. 31. After his collapse fellow students and the teacher attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful.

Rolling Hills Principal Kathy Gibbs said the news came as a shock to everyone at the school. “His death is going to leave a huge hole in our school community,” said Gibbs. “He was a great guy and he is going to be sorely missed.”

Often referred to as “the coolest teacher on campus” the popular Mayock had come to Rolling Hills as a fifth grade teacher, later teaching seventh and eighth grade physical education and had coached both boys and girls soccer in the last couple of years.

Grief counselors from other campuses in the Campbell Union School District and the Centre for Living With Dying were called in to council students and staff. Many students and teachers broke down upon hearing the news.

Gibbs said she was amazed at the outpouring of support from parents who, upon hearing the news, descended upon the school bearing boxes of Kleenex and blankets for students and staff to use while working through their grief. “As always they’ve really come forward to help us,” said Gibbs.

Mayock leaves behind a 17-year-old son, Logan.

Mayock’s memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6 at St. Lucy Catholic Church on Winchester Boulevard. at Budd Avenue. Gibbs said a memorial service at Rolling Hills will be held at a future date.