Herbert Shank Chase

March 21, 1923 - July 6, 2013
Herbert Shank Chase Jr. of Santa Monica passed away July 6. He lived 90 good years and died following a brief illness. A gathering will be held August 2 in Santa Monica to celebrate a dynamic life filled with inventive ideas and a generous spirit.
Born to Herbert S. Chase Sr. and Hazel Noera Chase, with sister Virginia Chase Howard, he grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey where he attended Pingry School. He finished at Governor prep school and later attended Hamilton College and Colgate University. 1943-45 he enlisted in officer training in the Marines and was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He served in the Pacific. While in Camp Pendleton, Herb developed a love of California. He married Elise Kirkland also of Elizabeth and left the east coast to settle in Malibu. He moved to Santa Monica and purchased the Santa Monica Independent Journal Newspaper from Henry Luce. Through his newspaper he led many crusades including opposition to oil drilling in the Santa Monica Bay and against corruption and development schemes that would have compromised the natural beauty of our public beaches. He married Marjorie Zickler of Holland, Michigan in 1970 through a shared love of horses. He devoted himself to a career as editor and publisher of various publications including the "Good Life." He gave up his office late last year, but continued to write for local papers.
Herb believed fervently that each generation owed the next a better life. He was devoted to the Boys and Girls Club and was on the board for over 50 years. He coached SM Little League, SM Bobby Sox Softball, AYSO soccer, and youth football. He was a longtime booster of Santa Monica and in his final years launched an online publication called "Santa Monica Boosters". He had seven children and 14 grandchildren and was actively involved in their lives, attending every graduation, sports event and family celebration. He loved kids of many ages and his life as a parent was distinguished by involvement with his children's many friends. He loved to treat everyone to his new favorite restaurant and relished the large family reunions. Give him the beach, the Dodgers, his dog Samohi and family... he was a happy man.
He is survived by seven children, Anne Chase-Stapleton of Samish Island, WA, Ashley Andrews and husband Vincent of North Salem, NY, Herb Chase III of Pacific Palisades, Frances Workman and husband Henry Workman of Newbury Park, Carole Elliott and husband Glen of Palo Alto, step daughter Lory Bierschenk and husband Kurt of Pacific Palisades and Paige Chase of Santa Monica. He had 15 beloved and beautiful grandchildren: Chesley, Matt, Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Michael, Katherine, Hank, Jack, Brinson, Mason, Alyssa, Jessica, Andrew and Bailey to which he was simply and lovingly known as "Granman."
310-663-8652 for information on memorial gathering.