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Thomas Philips, director of instrumental music and band director at Mayfair High School, was close friends with Real.
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“He helped me and encouraged me as I went through Cal State Long Beach, where I eventually got my degree in music education,” Gullett said. Matt Gullett, band director at Tetzlaff Middle School in Cerritos, said Real mentored him when he worked at the Berry Market from 2006 to 2013. Real also enjoyed mentoring young people working at the Berry Market, many of whom were working their way through college. He had asked Knott’s if he could have a 65-year pin when he reached that milestone later this year, but he died before the pin was finished. Real had a strong sense of loyalty and he always appreciated Knott’s because he worked there when he was a young man. In addition to all of his school work and community service, Real also somehow found time to work part-time for almost 65 years at Knott’s Berry Farm as a clerk/cashier at the Berry Market, known for its jams and preserves. It then incorporated as a city a year later. Lakewood was a planned development that was finally completed in 1953. Real, an original Lakewood resident who moved there in 1945, also served on city commissions for 39 years, making him the longest serving commissioner in Lakewood history. Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood said Real made an impact in many ways, from his work as an educator to his years volunteering with community groups, including Pathways Volunteer Hospice and Christ Presbyterian Church. Many of the BUSD elementary schools are located in Lakewood. He was also principal at Mayfair High School. Real began his teaching career at BUSD in 1957 and served as principal for every elementary school in the district at the time, except for two. “Kirk’s legacy will live on through the lives of the students he served,” said Tracy McSparren, superintendent of the Bellflower Unified School District. Accolades and condolences came pouring in from community leaders about Real, who had deep roots in Lakewood, Bellflower, Artesia and Cerritos.