Gary L. Byrd

GARY LEE BYRD
April 28, 1939 – November 2, 2008

Prominent Los Angeles architect Gary L. Byrd passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2008, at age 69 years. He was born April 28, 1939, in Los Angeles and graduated from Hollywood High School in 1957, along with his twin sister Judy. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and then attended the Architectural Program at the University of Southern California. He became a well-known architect who built many charming and sought-after homes in and around Los Angeles. His clients included special effects savant Stan Winston and members of the rock band "Chicago." His father, Robert Lee Byrd, was often credited with the invention of the California Ranch style of architecture popular in the 1920s. Originally called Byrd Farm Homes, and then, later, just "Byrd Homes," the homes are known for their old-world beauty, elegant curves, beautiful stone, brick, woodwork, and exceptional attention to detail. In addition to his architectural career, Gary was well-known and well-respected by car enthusiasts world wide for his encyclopedic knowledge of automobiles as well as for the quality of his own restoration work. He raced every year in the Monterey Historic Car Races at Laguna Seca, at Sears Point, and at Buttonwillow. He won awards over the years at the Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance, as well as at shows in Italy, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, and Thousand Oaks, often for the same cars he raced. He traveled the world with his cars and his family, participating in vintage automotive events throughout the United States, Australia, France, England, and Italy. He attributed his love of travel to the fact that he was related to Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the first person to fly over the South Pole. He leaves behind his loving wife of 27 years, Christine Byrd, a lawyer and partner with the law firm of Irell & Manella LLP, and two children, daughter Amy, 22, and son George, 15, as well as his twin sister, Judy Byrd Roberts. Services were held at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in Studio City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Gary Byrd Vintage Racing Preservation Fund, c/o Paul Frimmer, Irell & Manella LLP, 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067, for continuing support of vintage auto racing.