Editor's note: This is a semi-regular feature that announces the deaths of people who lived in or impacted Santa Monica. Oftentimes the names and information are gathered from the ends of City Council meetings, when council adjourns in the memory of those who've passed.
City Council honored Richard Dysart, a longtime Santa Monica resident, over the theme music of "L.A. Law" last month.
Dysart, who served in the Air Force during the Korean War, was best remembered for his role as senior partner Leland McKenzie on the NBC legal drama.
The stage and screen actor died in Santa Monica on April 5, at the age of 86, after a long bout with cancer.
"He was an active member of the community and cared deeply about others," Councilmember Sue Himmelrich said.
Dysart attended a slew of public meetings in Santa Monica over the years, expressing his opinions on a variety of issues from the Joslyn Park off-lease dog area to duplex zoning on Copeland Court.
"Mr. Dysart's wife is a prominent artist, Kathryn Jacobi who's a lovely lady," Councilmember Gleam Davis said. "I happen to know her personally and I just wanted to add my sympathies to her and her family in this very difficult time. He will be missed and I know it's been difficult on the family."
He was born near Boston but had lived in Santa Monica for decades. Dysart won an Emmy Award for his role on "L.A. Law" in 1992 and was nominated three times. He also won the Drama Desk Award in 1972 and was a founding member of San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater.
David Naylor
Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Vazquez adjourned last week's meeting in honor of David Naylor, who's family owned Naylor paints on Lincoln Boulevard. Naylor was in his 20s, Vazquez said, and died as the result of a car accident in mid-April.
Pauline Baker
In March, Mayor Kevin McKeown closed a meeting in memory of Pauline Baker who died at the age of 88.
"Pauline was born in Leeds, England," he said. "She came to America in 1956 on the Queen Mary with her husband Mark and her son Rufus Baker, who many of us may know from the Wil-Mont neighborhood."
The family got to Santa Monica in 1959 where she and her husband, who were married for 63 years, lived until her death.
"Pauline Baker was a manicurist to the stars," McKeown said. "Her clients included Frank Sinatra and Danny Thomas. She was also a talented painter and needlepoint artist. Pauline is survived by her son Rufus Baker of Santa Monica and a second son, Bob, who lives in Minnesota. She'll be missed by many and we send our condolences to the family."
dave@www.smdp.com
