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Founder of Westmont Foundation Dies at 93

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Westmont

Larry Crandell with the Westmont Medal at Commencement 2005 with Foundation members Gary Harris, Marguerite Berti, Tim Tremblay, Gerd Jordano, Stewart Abercrombie, Sharon Clenet, David Yager, Pier Gherini, President David K. Winter
Larry Crandell, wearing the Westmont Medal, with Foundation members Gary Harris, Marguerite Berti, Tim Tremblay, Gerd Jordano, Stewart Abercrombie, Sharon Clenet, David Yager, Pier Gherini and President David K. Winter

Larry Crandell, a founder of the Friends of Westmont and the college’s first Westmont Medal recipient, has died. He was 93.

Affectionately known as Mr. Santa Barbara, Crandell co-founded the Friends of Westmont in 1990 to provide support for the college during the approval process for Las Barrancas, the faculty homes adjacent to campus. Crandell was the founding chair of the Westmont Foundation in 1997.

“I’m excited that some of the most important people in Santa Barbara are willing to support Westmont, which has for many years ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country,” Crandell said at the installation ceremony in 1997. “Westmont students, who make contributions to the community that range from internships to participating in Montecito Beautification Day, have developed quite a following in the area. We look forward to supporting their activities and helping the future of the college be even greater than its past.”

Las Barrancas dedication in 1996 with President David K. Winter, David and Bette Eldred, Larry Crandell and Sharol Siemens.
Las Barrancas dedication in 1996 with President David K. Winter, David and Bette Eldred, Larry Crandell and Sharol Siemens.

The Foundation was established to promote and support the college and its programs, while strengthening the ties between the college and the Santa Barbara and Montecito communities. It began the annual President’s Breakfast in 2006 as well as the ongoing Westmont Downtown lecture series.

At Commencement 1995, president David K. Winter, who died in 2015, gave Crandell the first Westmont Medal in recognition of Crandell’s extensive volunteer activities and for the significant contributions he made in the community.

“I am appreciative of all Larry has done for Westmont over the years and his contributions to the community,” says Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe. “Larry touched thousands of lives through his generosity. He was a source of inspiration and remarkable humor.”

Westmont College President Gayle Beebe was among the well-wishers at Larry Crandell’s party for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. (Kristen Reed photo)
President Gayle Beebe with Larry Crandell at his 86th birthday party, supporting Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. (Kristen Reed photo)

Crandell, who moved to Santa Barbara with his wife in 1960, worked in real estate and other areas of business, but found a calling as a volunteer fundraiser for local charities. Along with his work for Westmont, Crandell was active with dozens of non-profits, including Arthritis Foundation, Channel Islands YMCA, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Transition House and the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. in the Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High.

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