Bernard Garen, Longtime Torrance Educator and Legal Adviser, Dies at 65
Bernard Garen, a longtime South Bay educator and an authority on school legal affairs, died last week at the age of 65. Funeral services were Wednesday at Hillside Memorial Park.
Garen, a resident of Torrance, held doctorates in education and law. He retired last year as deputy superintendent of the Torrance Unified School District, which he also served as legal adviser and legislative analyst. Earlier administrative positions with the district included 14 years as supervisor of educational facilities and assistant superintendent for business.
In 1980 Garen, an inveterate cigar smoker with a gruff but kindly manner, left the Torrance district for a two-year stint as business manager for the Inglewood Unified School District. He began his teaching career in the Inglewood system in 1945 and later held teaching or administrative posts in Montebello, Barstow and Redondo Beach.
Garen is survived by his wife, Ruth, and son, Clark. The family has established the Barney Garen Scholarship Fund, Box 10416, Torrance 90505.
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