In Memoriam: C.A.R. 2012 President LeFrancis Arnold

SILVAR is deeply saddened to learn that California Association of REALTORS® 2012 President LeFrancis Arnold died unexpectedly on Monday, September 2 in Los Angeles. Arnold was 60 years old.

Arnold was a licensed real estate broker for 36 years and a member of organized real estate for the last 35 years. He served as president of the Los Angeles County Board of REALTORS® (LACBOR) in 2008, and was the first appointed large Board National Association of REALTORS® representative for the Rancho Southeast Association of REALTORS® in 2006. He was first appointed C.A.R director in 1994 and was named REALTOR® of the Year by his local association in 1979 and 2008. Arnold served on numerous C.A.R. committees at the leadership level, including the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning and Finance, Housing Opportunity, Housing Affordability Fund, Real Estate Finance, Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity, and CREPAC. Active in his community, Arnold served as chairman of the Lynwood Economic Development Committee and was currently on the board of the Los Angeles County Boards of Real Estate.

A former defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos, Arnold followed his mother, Evelyn, into the real estate business in 1976. He became a broker the following year and a general contractor in 1979. Together, Arnold and his mother built Excellence Realty and All Communities Escrow Services, Inc. Most recently, Arnold was a candidate for the California State Assembly 62nd District seat.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Sheryl, and two sons, Jason and LeFrancis II, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 9, 10 a.m. at Faithful Central Bible Church, 321 North Eucalyptus Avenue, Inglewood, CA., followed by a celebration of Arnold’s life at The Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the C.A.R. Scholarship Foundation or C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund. Mail checks payable to either fund to C.A.R., 525 S. Virgil Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020, or to use a credit card, email scholarship@car.org and C.A.R. staff will assist you.