Mel Grau

DON’T CRY FOR ME, CATALINA

MEL GRAU

February 24, 1919-January 31, 2009

For over fifty years I had a mooring at Catalina Island. With all of its beauty, it was always a part of my life—from the time I was a young, single man to the many years that I shared it with my wife and daughters. The sea has always been an integral part of my life.

Prior to going into the U.S. Army Signal Corps for five years during World War II, I worked for Walt Disney on the productions of Pinocchio and Fantasia. After the war, I started my own Industrial and Architectural Color Design business for the track–home-industry in Los Angeles. I retired in 1967 and moved to Lido Isle in 1969 with my family. My wife, Mary, died in 1977.

I am Past Commodore of Lido Isle Yacht Club, Past Director of the Southern California Yachting Association, and Past Flotilla Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I was a founding member at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey.

I had wonderful friends and a beloved family. I traveled extensively and enjoyed my life thoroughly. Everyday as I drove home over the Lido Bridge I felt that I was luckiest man in the world and that I lived in Paradise.

I went out of this world at home surrounded by all my family. I am survived by my wife, Ann Kempson Grau, my daughters Pamela Grau Twena and Claudia Grau Sender, eight wonderful grandchildren, a step-daughter, Lauri Kempson, and two step-sons, Mark and Jud Kempson.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held:

February 21, 2009 11 am

Lido Isle Clubhouse, Newport Beach

Favorite Charities: Heifer Organization and the Junior Blind of America