OBITUARIES : Harold Fasnacht; Ex-College Chief
Harold D. Fasnacht, president emeritus of the University of La Verne, died May 17 of heart failure. He was 86.
The Kansas native was president from 1948 to 1968 but was active in university affairs until his death, serving as a consultant and part-time director of planned giving.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from McPherson College in McPherson, Kan., Fasnacht, who lived in La Verne, spent eight years in the public school system of Wiley, Colo., where he worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He then served as business manager and associate dean at Colorado Women’s College.
Fasnacht was named president of the University of La Verne in 1948. That year, McPherson College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
During his tenure, Fasnacht encouraged faculty to obtain doctorates, established an office of public relations and upgraded school facilities. In 1980, Fasnacht received an honorary doctorate of humane letters and in 1986 a chair of religion was established in his name.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, daughters Glenda Jimmink and Elaine Miles and two grandsons.
His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Harold D. Fasnacht Chair of Religion at the university.
A memorial service will be held today at 1 p.m. at the La Verne Church of the Brethren.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
