Family, Friends Remember Special Education Teacher

When asked if a special-needs middle schooler could join his basketball squad as a team manager, teacher Sean Lenihan more than obliged. He placed the student on the roster and let him play.

It's a gesture that the boy's father, Jon Elfin, will remember forever.

"I didn't know Sean well," he said. "But, honestly, at that moment I loved him."

Similar stories about Lenihan, a  teacher found dead in his home last week, were shared Monday afternoon at a memorial service at .

Lenihan, 48, a married father of two, was found at his . Police continue to investigate his death and are awaiting the results of a toxicology report.

Lt. Ava Garavatti said there were no obvious signs of anything suspicious happening to Lenihan and that "nothing glaring" was found in an autopsy.

Many friends and colleagues praised the teacher for treating every student with dignity, respect and love.

One of those students is 16-year-old Ryan Sturtz.

"Mr. Lenihan helped me with my learning disability and gave me confidence," Ryan said. "I'm doing good in high school because of him."

Lenihan was raised in Huntington Beach, where he developed an appreciation for helping students from his mother, Judy Lenihan, a retired educator.

"Sean admired my work with troubled kids and would always listen to my stories," she said. "He was such a happy spirit with a positive attitude."

Lenihan's family members said they were touched to hear the stories of how he affected other students and teachers.

"We are so happy seeing the impact Sean had here in this community," said his sister, Kelly Lenihan of Oceanside. "We wanted him to return home to Southern California, but after seeing this memorial I understand why he was here."