Lonny Carr, who was extremely passionate about teaching, coaching and caring for his student-athletes, has died.

The longtime Bonita High School cross country coach, 60, died Friday morning from complications from melanoma at his home, with his family at his side. He coached the Bearcats for 23 years.

“He was cross country’s and track and field’s Mr. Bonita,” assistant principal and former football coach Eric Podley said. “He was a father figure to a lot of these kids. When it was announced, innumerable kids were in tears and meeting with counselors. Even though they knew he was sick for awhile, the reaction was that he had made a big difference in a lot of people’s lives.”