Thomas Arthur Techentin

February 7, 1937 - December 29, 2020

Thomas Arthur Techentin passed away peacefully at his home in Pasadena on December 29, 2020. He was 83.

Tom was born to Mary Caton and Arthur Techentin in Inglewood and grew up in La Canada. When Tom was two, his parents presented him with a baby sister, Suzanne. The two siblings were to remain close throughout their lives. He attended and graduated from Muir High School, USC, and the USC Business School. Upon graduation from Business School, Tom did active duty as an officer in the Coast Guard and was stationed in San Francisco. He returned to Los Angeles in 1962 to work in finance but continued serving in the Coast Guard Reserve for an additional twenty years, retiring with the rank of Commander. In 1967 Tom married Elayne Griffin, and had three children whom they raised in Pasadena. Tom worked at Wagenseller and Durst and Pacific Life before joining Chelsea Management in Downtown Los Angeles as a fixed income financial manager where he retired in 2019 as President, after over 35 years. Tom was an active member in the community. He was a Trustee at the Autry Museum of the American West for nearly two decades, and also served as the President of the Valley Hunt Club in 1986. His community engagements began early in his life. He served as the Treasurer of Sigma Chi Fraternity while at USC and remained an active alumnus through the years. He was committed to and involved with the Los Angeles Rotary, Big Brothers of Los Angeles, YGuides, the CFA Society Los Angeles, the Equities Enhancement Group, the Men’s Garden Club, and the Breakfast Panel.

Tom had an enduring passion for gardening, history, and all things nautical, and he traveled extensively with Elayne and his family around the world. To all who knew him, Tom was an optimistic and calming friend and adviser, often working behind the scenes to care for others, without any need for praise or credit. A true gentleman, he always advocated for decency. His commitment to his family was unfailing, and it is fair to say he would do anything for them. He was a devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather. His legacy will continue with the family he started with his loving wife of 53 years, Laney, who survives him along with son Warren (Mimi), daughter Kristin (Berkeley), and son Nick (Katya), and five grandchildren: Ben, Willy, Larkin, Remick, and Jade; in addition to 3 step-grandchildren: Sasha, Annya, & Lisa Mears. He was predeceased by his sister, Suzanne Miller in 2015.

A private family service will be held at Hollywood Forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Los Angeles Master Chorale