Willis Crane Blakeslee, born January 8, 1933, died peacefully at his home on September 30, 2007. His sister, Mary Blakeslee Barrick, predeceased him on December 13, 2005, and he is survived by Barbara, his wife of 52 years, Brook and Caroline, his son and daughter-in-law, Mimi and Steve, his daughter and son-in-law, Matt, Grant and Madeline, his grandchildren, and Katie, Caroline and Mary, his nieces.

Born in Pasadena, California, Bill graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1951 and continued on to Stanford University where he obtained his degree in Civil Engineering and was president of the Delta Tau Delta house. After graduating from Stanford in 1955, he served in the United States Army and then returned to San Marino, where he and his wife made their home and raised their children. After a short career in civil engineering, he became a real estate broker and was a founding partner of Penta Pacific Properties in Los Angeles, a commercial and industrial real estate firm. A dedicated leader through his years, he acted as president of the Society of Industrial Realtors, president of the Los Angeles Board of Realtors, board member of the Vermont Slauson Redevelopment Agency, member of the Society of Civil Engineers, Commodore of the Los Angeles Yacht Club and proud patriarch of the Blakeslee family.

Willis' charismatic personality and bright, analytical mind was a gift to all that knew him. Passionate about sailing, he enjoyed a successful racing campaign with his boat "Hurrah" and endless delightful summers with his family on their boat at Catalina Island.

Pasadena Star-News, October 12, 2007