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John Entz Obituary
John W. Entz, M.S., R.E.H.S. Born June 16, 1922, in Hollywood, Calif. Died June 20, 2008.
Survived by his wife, Marguerite "Peggy"; six children, Susie, Bill, Marilee, Jim (Peggy), Chuck, Bonnie (Pat); five grandchildren, Zack, Lea, Sean, Nate, Sarah; and his older brother, Harold.
Preceding him in death were his siblings, Paul, Gilbert and Sallie.
John graduated from Hollywood High School in 1940. In World War II, he served in the Field Photographic Branch of the OSS under Adm. John Ford. During the war, he married Frances Grenfell, in 1944, and they had one child, Susie. After his divorce from Frances, he remarried on July 12, 1952, to Marguerite Williams.
He owned and operated Entz Camera Shop in Hollywood until a stroke paralyzed his left side and left him unable to care for the shop. He then attended the University of California Los Angeles, earning a degree in public health, and later earned a master's degree from California State University Northridge. He worked for 25 years in the Los Angeles City and County health departments. In 1974, he was awarded a presidential citation for his work with the California Environmental Health Association, including two terms as president of the Southern California chapter and 13 years on the board of directors. He was also founder and coordinator of the Business and Industry Advisory Council, which promotes cooperation between industry and regulatory agencies. In 1977, he received a presidential citation from the National Environmental Health Association. Upon retirement (1984), he was awarded the Vince Dunham Career Sanitarian Award. The Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors both passed resolutions honoring his career work and community contributions. "Retirement" didn't suit him, and he immediately went to work for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics as a food sanitation inspector. He then worked as a food sanitation consultant for several years, for such organizations as ARCO and the County of Ventura Environmental Health Department. In 1989, he began a nearly seven-year stretch in the same capacity for California Pizza Kitchen.
He was very active in community work and organizations. He met his wife, Peggy, at the Mickey Finn Boys Club, where they both were counselors. He was a member of the West Hollywood and Mid Valley Chapters of the Rotary Club, and the American Legion. He was very active through his church in efforts to help his community and fight world hunger.
Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the First United Methodist Church, 18120 Saticoy St., Reseda, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church's food bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Entz
Nancy De Long
July 29, 2008
To the Entz family - Very sorry and saddened to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have fond memories of many years of Family Camp and other church outings and activities with all of you - John always had a smile and a pleasant word for everyone - even us crazy youth. Much love to all - Nancy (Johnson) De Long
Cheryl Bess
July 28, 2008
Peggy, Bonnie and Marilee - my thoughts will be with you and the rest of your family as you work through your profound grief. Having been through this myself more times than I would have liked, I know how painful this will be for you all. I remember John as a warm loving man who loved his family as well as his church above all else. Love, Cherie (Haun) Bess
Betty Huff
July 28, 2008
I had the distinct professional pleasure of working with John. He was a true professional and an ambassador of Environmental Health, touching and influencing many lives in his work. He was a pleasure to work with and will be sorely missed. I hope that knowing he was so well respected helps in this time of loss.
Elizabeth "Betty" Huff, REHS
Ventura County Environmental Health
Rebecca Osborne
July 28, 2008
To my extended family:
You have always been there for all of the times I needed you most, and I wish I could be there for you all in person. John will always live on in my childhood memories for the role he filled as Chauffeur of the "Entzmobile" among his many other contributions. : ) My love and prayers are with you all.
TYFBAF Bon. I am here for you if you need me.
Love, Becky and Family
Steve M. De Soto
July 28, 2008
To the family and friends of John Entz.Time and again, in explaining how they have coped with with their grief,faithful Christians have said:'let me tell you one of my favorite Bible text."If you are grieving ,maybe this will help you."Blessed be...he Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our tribulation."-2 Corinthians 1:3,4. Mr. and Mrs. De Soto
Dawn and Dale Reitz
July 28, 2008
Please know that our prayers are with you for God's comfort.
Joanna Ulmer
July 27, 2008
Dear Peggy,
I was saddened to read of John's passing in the paper today. I remember you both on a cruise (to Costa Rica?) when you and I learned to cajan dance together.
We're wishing your family comfort, strength and peace.
With our deep sympathy,
Joanna and Ray Ulmer
Doanald Koepp
July 26, 2008
I Just wanted to say how very lucky I was to recieve Sanitarian training from John when I first came to the LA Co. Health Dept. in 1969. John's training also led to my later my involvement in the Environmental Health profession. John was also very instrumental in helping the Sanitarians of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to establish the Mission Chapter of the California Environmental Health Association. John was one to be looked up to by all Environmental Health Professionals .
My Best to the Family...
Don Koepp
Lynn Maudlin
July 26, 2008
Dear Ones --
We are hoping to be there Sunday afternoon, with God's good travel mercies (zooming down from Tehachapi) - our love, our prayers, and our arms embrace you--
Lauralee and Lynn Maudlin
James Lee
July 26, 2008
On behalf of the Lee Family, we wanted to share our condolences and heartfelt wishes for the Entz family. John was someone who we came to know over the years through our family restaurant and our son's school years with his daughter. He was a kind, wise and warm man and someone who will also be missed, but always remembered fondly by those who knew him. Our hearts go out to you.
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