Noted builder at colleges dies at 97
Samuelson made mark at USC, Occidental, Cal Lutheran, more
Jack Samuelson, a noted developer of campus and medical buildings around Southern California, died July 17. He was 97.
Samuelson and his brother, Bob, formed the general contracting firm Samuelson Brothers in 1946. Bob died in 2008 from mesothelioma cancer.
Among their big projects were campus buildings at USC, Cal Lutheran University and Occidental College. At Cal Lutheran, projects included the residence halls, Orville Dahl Centrum, Peters Hall and locker room additions.
At Occidental, the company built many buildings and completed several renovations, including Booth Hall, Herrick Memorial Chapel, Rush Gymnasium, Keck Theater, an art gallery, and a pavilion and alumni center that each bear Samuelson's name.
Samuelson Brothers, now Samuelson Partners, also built La Cañada Presbyterian Church.
“His impact was immediate, significant and long-lasting, and his commitment to affordable housing, in particular, had profound impact,” said John H. Cochrane III, president and CEO of HumanGood, a California-based nonprofit that builds affordable senior housing in six states.
Jack and Bob also founded Beacon Housing, a faith-based housing provider. Their two families would later create the Samuelson Charitable Foundation, which supported church-related agencies.
Jack Samuelson is survived by his children and their spouses, including Reid and Joyce Samuelson; Chuck and Lisa Paugh; Kevin and Laura Murphy; and David and Michelle Samuelson.
Contributions in memory of Jack may be made to Beacon Housing, 5000 Edenhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039, or go to BeaconHousing.org.