Leonard Jay Malin

1931 - 2021

Chemosphere Builder Dies at 89

Beloved father, Leonard Jay Malin of Yucca Valley, California passed away peacefully on December 15, 2021 from Parkinson's disease. Leonard was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 31, 1931 to Chester W. and Elizabeth L. (Slanina) Malin. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1937. He became a member of the Bob Mitchell Boys' Choir, performing in over half-a-dozen movies including "Going My Way" which stared Bing Crosby and garnered seven Academy Awards including best original song for Jimmy Van Heusen's "Swinging On A Star," featuring young Leonard saying the part about the mule. He attended Loyola University in Los Angeles on a full music scholarship, graduated in 1955 with a double Bachelors in music and mechanical engineering and raised a family of four children with his wife, Diane (Bishop) while working primarily in the field of aerospace engineering. In 1958 he commissioned architect John Lautner to design an hillside home above Mulholland Drive overlooking the San Fernando Valley. Lautner's confidence in his preferred builder, John de la Vaux and Leonard's engineering and problem solving skills led him to design the unique and innovative mid-century residence which became known as "Chemosphere." Malin took an 18 month leave of absence to work alongside De la Vaux until the home's completion in 1960. Encyclopedia Britannica once called Chemosphere "the most modern home built in the world" and in 2004 the iconic house was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Chemosphere is still celebrated world-wide as a mid-century architectural masterpiece.
Malin rejoined the workforce at Aerospace Corporation (Lockheed), working on Titan Boosters, including the integration of 42 satellites, as well as Mercury and Gemini project missions, and the establishment of their orbital parameters and trajectories. He retired from engineering in 1972 and moved his family to Yucca Valley, CA where he began a second career in real estate brokerage and development, and also became a licensed single-engine aircraft pilot. He served his community with over 13 years on the Hi-Desert Water District as a Director, Board President and Director assigned as member of the San Bernardino County Association of Special Districts, in addition to serving as a member of the San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission.
He was a devout Catholic, devoted father and grandfather, and known to extend the useful life of anything to infinity though his endless mechanical skills. He also retained his beautiful singing voice throughout his life.
Leonard is survived by his children; Fr. Donald P. Malin of Pueblo, CO, Mary Ann Rollison (Jimmy) of Vacaville, CA and Robert J. Malin of Joshua Tree, CA; his ex-wife Diane Hallett of Montrose, CO; grandchildren Victoria Banks, Jane Rollison Jacklin (Neil), Jim Rollison, Chance Malin, Lacy Malin, Alyssa Malin and Alexandra Meador. He is predeceased by his mother, father, brother Philip A. Malin and daughter Judith L. Malin.
The family welcomes the public to attend:
Funeral Services at St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church, 7495 Church St., Yucca Valley, CA 92284:
- Visitation on Thurs., Jan 6, 2022 at 5pm, followed by Vigil and Rosary at 6pm;
- Mass of Christian Burial on Fri., Jan 7, 2022 at 5pm; and
Burial Services at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 (Section N) on Sat., Jan 8, 2022 at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church or a non-profit of your choice.