Former principal Jack Dillard died on Dec. 9 after a battle with lung cancer. He was 56 years old.

Dillard was hospitalized on Dec. 6 and taken to the hospice center Dec. 8 around 7:30 p.m.

“Mr. Dillard set the vision for O’Connor High School. Under his leadership, O’Connor High School has soared to heights of excellence,” said Cindy Rudrud, interim principal, in a letter to parents.

As the founding principal of OHS, Dillard’s death has affected students and staff alike.

Administrators composed a letter to staff that said, “The many successes of our school are tied to Mr. Dillard. He will be deeply missed.”

On Dec. 10, the school had counselors available for those students who needed to talk to someone about their feelings on the situation.

“He will be remembered fondly by our staff, students, and the entire Deer Valley Unified School Distrcit,” Rudrud said in the release.

Dillard’s memorial service was held on Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at Christ’s Church of the Valley. The funeral was open to students.

“For over the 10 years I have known him, he cared about the students and staff,” said Mark Mur, science teacher. “He had a great vision for the school that helped make O’ Connor such an excellent school.”