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Arthur Ernest Boettcher, who won the first South Peninsula Athletic League (SPAL) championship for Menlo-Atherton High School in 1964, died Dec. 25 at Stanford Medical Center. He was 87.

Mr. Boettcher taught mathematics and coached football at M-A from 1953 to 1984. He was named coach of the year by the SPAL in 1964.

Born in Morris, Manitoba, Canada, Mr. Boettcher attended Shurtleff College in Alton, Illinois, where he was named to the Little All American team in his freshman year, according to his wife, Diana Boettcher, whom he met in college. He played as a fullback throughout his college career and during his service with the U.S. Air Force.

After becoming an American citizen in 1942, Mr. Boettcher served in the Air Force during World War II, receiving his pilot training at Texas Tech. He graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1948 and received his master's degree from Stanford University in 1951.

He maintained a lifelong interest in flying and owned private planes, frequently visiting Mexico and Montana for fishing and vacationing. He also served in the Air Force Reserve.

Mr. Boettcher is survived by his wife, Diana. Services will be held in Spokane, Washington.

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