Leisure Worlder of the Month Honorees

A Story About Special People 1976 -2012

In the early years of Leisure World, there were many outstanding men and women who had distinguished careers and lives before moving here and then went on to contribute their knowledge and skills to the community during their retirement. The Rossmoor Corporation (developer of Leisure World/Laguna Hills) decided to do something to honor these people. In January 1976, the “LEISURE WORLDER OF THE MONTH” program was initiated. Over the years, the focus changed to honor residents of Leisure World whose volunteerism and talent greatly increased the quality of life in the community.   Each month an honoree was selected by a special citizens’ committee. A public ceremony was held to which all members of the community were invited; a portrait and written testimonial were presented to the honoree.   In August 1981, Home Federal Savings and Loan took over the program from the Rossmoor Corp. and assumed responsibility for presenting the honorees to the public. At this time, the Leisure World Historical Society became a consultant to the program, selected the honorees, and assisted in the public ceremonies.   The list below of past honored “Leisure Worlders” is significant not only because it helps to characterize the early inhabitants of Leisure World, but also because it reminds us of the many people who, in retirement, continued to serve and be active participants in the life of the village.   Primarily due to budget constraints, the frequency of the Leisure Worlder of the Month program was changed in December 2011 to a quarterly program and renamed simply ” Honoree Program“. The program did not last long after this change.   End of the Program. The end came in the form of a letter from a donor of the Honoree of the Month Endowment Fund, dated June 12, 2012. “During the last two years, it is apparent that the community has lost interest in the Honoree Program and that the number of people residing in the community deserving of this honor has significantly diminished.”   The Leisure Worlder of the Month program ran from January 1976 to May 2012 and honored 417 honorees. [table id=3 /]