By Traci Newell

Mr. Tolbert

Former Los Altos High School Vice Principal Louis Tolbert, director of the El Cajon project serving at-risk students, died Sept. 26 after a long illness. Mr. Tolbert was 43.

Mr. Tolbert, also a former Mountain View High School counselor, was known as a passionate advocate for local students. He joined the Los Altos High School community as a vice principal in 1995.

Nearly five years ago, Mr. Tolbert left the district to begin working on the El Cajon program, which offers students who struggle with traditional curricula an opportunity to gain hands-on culinary experience.

Mr. Tolbert was diagnosed with cancer 14 months ago. Nearly three months ago, he and his wife relocated to Washington state.

“He enjoyed people,” said Regina Tolbert, his wife of 17 years. “He really took the time to listen to you. I think that is why people loved him so much.”

A zest for school, cooking, sports and living life with gusto was evident in Mr. Tolbert’s youth and flourished through his work as a counselor, administrator and businessman.

“He wanted to give the students better lives,” Mrs. Tolbert said. “That is what he did.”

Mrs. Tolbert said her husband was always thinking of others, and even in his final days, was thinking of how he could help the students and community.

Born in Tuskegee, Ala., Mr. Tolbert journeyed to California shortly before his first birthday. He graduated from Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill and received an undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University.

Mr. Tolbert is survived by his wife; his parents, Louis Sr. and Mattye Tolbert; his brother, Kenneth; and 1,500 local students he always considered his children.