Obituaries : Peter J. Gartlan, 69; Real Estate Broker

Peter J. Gartlan of Ventura, a real estate broker who quietly gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity, died last week of cancer. He was 69.

“He was really involved in the community, with helping the poor,” said a son, Michael Gartlan of Lake Forest.

He was president of the President’s Club, which raised money for and advised the president of Cal State Northridge.

He also worked with poor children in Ventura County, volunteering for CASA and Project Understanding until he was too ill to continue, his son said.

“One kid had been committed to the mental hospital by his parents, and he sorted it out and got the kid on the right path,” Michael Gartlan said.

Born in Ireland, Peter Gartlan came to the United States when he was 24. He soon volunteered for the Army and served in the Korean War.

He returned from Korea and attended UCLA, graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

He lived in Northridge for many years, but for a long time had a beach house in Ventura and moved there permanently eight years ago, his son said.

Besides Michael, his survivors include his wife, Joan Gartlan of Ventura; two daughters, Ann McArthur of Colorado and Katie Gartlan of Minnesota, and another son, Paul Gartlan of Ventura.

Also surviving are a sister, Gertie Meenehan of South Africa; a brother, Maurice Gartlan of Ireland, and two grandchildren.

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Chapel in Ventura. Mass will be said at noon Wednesday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Andrew’s Abbey Youth Center, the American Cancer Society or Project Understanding.