FRANK BLUA

Frank Blua has been described as "larger than life," "tough as nails" and "indestructible." But for those who knew him well. he was truly a gentle soul who cared deeply about his family, friends, students and players.

The late Brent Carder once said, "Frank was very aggressive, very tough and kind of your prototype nose guard. He was dependable. He was one of the leaders, the kind of player that makes coaching very fun. From the ground up, he was a football player."
From the ground up he was a football player, and then later a coach, through and through.
As one of the longest tenured coaches from Antelope Valley College, Blua coached football for 27 years and taught for 37, while still teaching health as an adjunct professor at Pierce Community College Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, a most proud moment. Although his impact was great on his thousands of players and students over the years, if you asked him what he was most proud of, he's say his daughter, his garden and the Los Angeles Dodgers, depending on how they performed that year.
Born in Palmdale, California, Blua grew up with his brothers Andy and Matthew on their family farm, where he learned to love the land and in retirement, became the ultimate backyard farmer. He spent hours tending to rows of lettuce, squash, zucchini, eggplant and his famous tomatoes of every variety.If you were ever lucky enough to be the recipient of his harvests, you know how much love went into growing and then gifting his veggies.
He was an incredibly devoted husband and was married to his sweetheart, Gayla for 40 years. Together they enjoyed the simple pleasures such as morning coffee, afternoon episodes of "Gunsmoke" and freshly prepared dinners each night.
His daughter Ashley fondly referred to him as "Coach," and he taught her to love the same things he did, like fishing on the Owen's River, how to make the perfect spaghetti, and how deep to dig a hole for a tomato plant.
Frank passed away too soon on Friday, December 3rd, joining his mother Evelyn and many beloved friends in heaven. He leaves behind so many who cherished him, including his father, Andrew Blua, brothers Andrew Jr. and Matthew, daughter Ashley and wife Gayla.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his spectacular life on Saturday, December 18th at Antelope Valley College Gymnasium from 9am - 11am.