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Royce Diener Obituary
Royce Diener passed away on May 23, 2017, at the age of 99, peacefully in his home in Santa Monica. He is survived by his wife and partner of forty years, Jennifer; daughters Joanie Diener (Mark Adler), Dianne Bowers (Charles), and son Robert Diener (Suzy Allegra). He is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A son, Michael, predeceased him.
Born in Baltimore, MD, Royce was a decorated WWII veteran of the Army Air Forces (Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Clusters) after flying 35 bombing missions in the Pacific, including leading the bombing force over Iwo Jima as the lead navigator for his division. A philosophy major at Harvard College, after the war he began a career in business, international finance and investment banking. He was best known as the President and CEO of American Medical International from 1973 through his retirement in 1985, during which time the company grew from a $100 million domestic company to an international health care company of $3.5 billion. He continued as Chairman through 1989.
Subsequent to his retirement Royce was active in community affairs, founding the California Heritage Museum in Santa Monica. He led the effort to finance and refurbish the Hollywood Bowl as part of his 25-year tenure on the board of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which named him an Honorary Life Director. He also led the Board of Advisors for UCLA Medical Center and was instrumental in the creation of the Santa Monica/UCLA Hospital and Orthopedic Center, among many other charitable endeavors.
He was a remarkable man who led a remarkable life. He was beloved by his family and respected by his friends. The family is planning a celebration of his life for the fall. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Broad Stage at Santa Monica College, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, or Santa Monica/UCLA Medical Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Royce Diener
3 Entries
Jim Freeman
September 7, 2024
Worked at AMI for years, was friends with Mike but only met Royce once at a 1984 Olimpics lunch at AMI. Was impressed that he kept the conversation going the entire time but finished his lunch befor anyone else. I miss sailing and snow skiing with Mike also. Fond memories!
steven barber
June 12, 2022
I spent some time with Royce he was a good man I went to his house He told me the story about delivering the first photographs to Roosevelt from the island of Tinian I´m a World War II Filmmaker was quite intriguing
William Cataldo
May 3, 2018
Royce was a very kind and generous man. He was a wonderful story teller, sharing his unique life experiences.
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