Lynn Horiye San Mateo CA Death and Obituary – It is with deep sadness that the community of San Mateo, California, mourns the passing of Lynn Horiye, a beloved educator, mentor, and longtime coach at Saint Francis High School. Coach Horiye, who retired last spring after nearly four decades of dedicated service, leaves behind a powerful legacy defined by excellence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the students and athletes he served. His passing marks a profound loss for Saint Francis High School and for all who were inspired by his guidance, kindness, and passion for teaching.
Lynn Horiye’s career in athletics, particularly in gymnastics, was nothing short of extraordinary. As head varsity gymnastics coach at Saint Francis High School, he led his teams to an unprecedented 20 Central Coast Section (CCS) championships, earning him recognition as the winningest gymnastics coach in CCS history. These achievements reflected not only his deep technical knowledge of the sport but also his ability to motivate, mentor, and develop young athletes both on and off the mat.
Former athletes remember Coach Horiye as a teacher who balanced discipline with encouragement. He was known for his patience, attention to detail, and genuine care for every student under his guidance. He celebrated victories with humility and treated setbacks as opportunities for growth, instilling resilience and confidence in his athletes. Many credit him with shaping their character as much as their athletic skill.
Before joining Saint Francis, Lynn built a strong foundation in coaching at Kutsher’s Sports Academy, the Sunnyvale Gymnastics Club, and as an assistant girls gymnastics coach at San Jose State University. This wealth of experience enriched his coaching approach and allowed him to make a lasting impact on the San Mateo athletic community.
Beyond gymnastics, Lynn Horiye’s influence reached nearly every corner of Saint Francis High School. He coached JV and varsity girls tennis, contributed his time to the Dean’s Office, served as a prefect and substitute teacher, and meticulously kept statistics for countless Lancer basketball and football teams. Through these roles, he became a trusted mentor, advisor, and friend to generations of students.
A native of Deweyville, Utah, Lynn attended San Mateo High School, studied at the College of San Mateo, and continued his education at San Jose State University. These experiences shaped his lifelong dedication to education and service. Colleagues and former students fondly recall his humor, steady presence, and ability to make everyone feel valued.
One former gymnast shared, “Coach Lynn didn’t just teach us gymnastics—he taught us how to believe in ourselves and push through challenges in life.” Such reflections capture the lasting impact of a man who truly embodied the spirit of Saint Francis High School and the Brothers of Holy Cross.
Coach Lynn Horiye will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his integrity, generosity, and profound influence. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, honoring a life well-lived and a career devoted to the success and growth of others.