Clarence Brindle

Clarence Edward Brindle, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born in Hollywood, California, on November 6, 1935, and except for a term of service in the US Army in the 1950s, lived his entire life in Los Angeles County, where he worked for over forty years as a building contractor. And as contractor, he’d developed such an advanced and wide-ranging level of skills that he was able to single-handedly build his own home atop a cliff-side among the hills of Pasadena, as well as construct an exact, full-size, working replica of a variant of the iconic Chris-Craft wooden-hulled speedboats in the garage of this very home. In addition, so recognized was he for his abilities as a carpenter, that he was specifically contracted to renovate the intricate interior woodwork of an early 20th Century house designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Clarence was always ready to assist a friend or family member in need, especially when his considerable carpentry skills were required. And though his take-charge spirit had been adversely affected by the passing of his little brother, Ronny, two years ago, as well as his longtime partner, Hedy Echele, this past year, it remained plenty sharp enough to allow him to attend to his daily chores and maintenance projects around his home, and to engage in thoughtful and lively conversation, when the occasion presented itself.

Clarence was a former American soldier, a master carpenter, a sailboat enthusiast, and he had a deep love of all animals, especially his cats. He is survived by his son, Clarence Edward Brindle, III, his older sister, Doris Duke, and her three sons, nephews George, Robert and Andrew. But most important of all, Clarence was a good and decent man, and he will be missed. 

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Glendale, CA.