Lynn Aplanalp

Lynn Aplanalp passed away on September 28 from kidney issues following a July stroke. He said he lived a good life as he had worn out his parts. Lynn was born in Price, Utah on December 19, 1927 to William Lynn and Emma Bernice [Warren] Aplanalp. His Father died from a coal mining accident when Lynn was 3. His Mother moved to Southern California and many of the Aplanalps and Warrens followed her. Lynn said the only good thing about losing his Dad was that he had the opportunity to grow up in California. He was "shipped" back to Price each summer until he was 15. His 16 & 17 year old summers were spent working for the railroad in northern Arizona.

Lynn begin his football career in the 10th grade. He held the Los Angeles school record for number of touchdowns thrown in a game [6] for many years. Football played an integral part of his life for the next 30 years.

In February, 1947, the week after graduating from Wilson High School, Lynn joined the Navy and traveled to Guam. His assignment was to dump unused ammunition in the ocean. This work replaced his daily exercise routine. [He did 100 pushups each morning into his early 80's and did his daily mile on the rowing machine until his stroke.] Lynn was honorably discharged in 1948 and that fall he enrolled in Pasadena City College and began his quarterbacking career. He played many games in the Rose Bowl, as it was PCC's home field.

Then on to San Jose State college for two years. In 1951, SJS moved up to Division 1 level. Lynn was named to the All-American honorable mention team–a great feat coming from a small college. Lynn was called the "gallopin alp" — a triple threat as he could pass, punt, and run. His .633 pass completion average ranked him first in the nation at that time. Lynn played for the great football strategist, Bob Bronzan. Coach Bronzan was instrumental in forming the college AD association and coached two Super Bowl coaches–Bill Walsh and Dick Vermeil.

Lynn signed to play professional Canadian football, but changed his mind and stayed in Southern California. He never liked cold weather. He played 9 years of semi-pro football. With the ERAC's, Lynn played in the Aloha Bowl in Hawaii. His last game was at age 41.

Hundreds of young men had the opportunity to learn football from Lynn. He coached youth football for the next 11 years. His teams won the Southern Calif. Conference 3 times. He called his players 'hammerhead' and during his illness, he received many well wishes from those young boys who were now successful men. They all mentioned they learned as much about life and being a man as football from Coach Aplanalp. He taught them right and wrong, to be the best they could be.

Lynn's football career ended in 1985 after serving as a college scout for the San Francisco 49er's for four years. Lynn and Bill Walsh, the famed 49er coach, were teammates and fishing buddies at SJSC. Lynn had the opportunity to know, play, and learn from 4 Hall of Fame coaches.

Lynn worked for Pacific Telephone for 31 years. He started as a lineman and retired as a manager over the largest repair bureau in California.

Fishing and hunting brought Lynn to Gunlock in 1972. He taught the local kids how to water ski. Lynn retired to Gunlock in 1990 but continued to seek warmer weather in the winter–making Mesquite the primary home in 2000.

Lynn is survived by his wife of 34 years, Roxanne; son Ken, daughter Paula [Dean Mott], stepson Jack Robertson [Beth], stepdaughter Robin Miller [Steve], and 10 grand/4 great stepchildren. Also surviving are his children’s mothers Lee Aplanalp and Shirley Mitchell; two special cousins, Neil Warren and Lanny Aplanalp. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Jan, and Utah cousin buddies–Lee, Vern, and Bob Warren. Many thanks to David & Dona Despain who visited him weekly during these past few months.

Special thanks to Dr. Carlos Leon Forero and Sara Palmer Beck, APRN, who patiently and caringly assisted Lynn and Roxanne thru the maze these past 2 years. Also thanks to the Red Cliffs Rehab staff who tolerated his joking and not following the rules. Lynn requested to be cremated and no services. He asked that you remember him as he was during the fun times.