Albert James Auer: Oct. 19, 1924 0 June 6, 2010

Business leader and real estate developer Albert J. Auer passed away peacefully June 6, 2010. Al was born Oct. 19, 1924 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, to Helen and Ora Auer.

Growing up he attended New Philadelphia High School where he was elected senior class president and played football for legendary coach Woody Hayes.

After graduating from high school in 1942, Al attended Ohio University, and became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Soon after he volunteered for the Marine Corps and became a 1st lieutenant in the Marines during World War II and was stationed in Guam and China.

Upon his return, Al completed his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and enrolled at Harvard University and earned his MBA in the famous class of 1949. After graduation, Al embarked on a career in the fine china and glass business. It was during this time that Al met Nancy Brister and they married in 1952. A job opportunity with the Gladding McBean Co. led Al to Los Angeles.

Fascinated by the real estate business, Al decided to switch careers and went to work for Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Co. in their Beverly Hills office. It was in 1964 when Al was recruited by the Irvine Co. and moved his family to Newport Beach. Al’s role grew as he oversaw all commercial development, including Fashion Island, Newport Center and Big Canyon Country Club. Al served as the first president of Big Canyon Country Club.

In 1977, he started his own real estate development company, Albert J. Auer & Associates, specializing in office and retail developments in Southern California and also owned and managed two bowling centers in San Diego. Al served as chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers in 1977-78 and served on their Board of Trustees from 1972-76. Al married his second wife, Lorelea Taylor Auer, in 1985 and enjoyed a loving marriage for two short years before her passing.

Al was dedicated to the community and devoted countless hours to his favorite cause: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Al served on Hoag Hospital’s board for 31 years and acted as its distinguished chairman from 1992 to 1999. Under his leadership, the Hoag Cancer Center was completed and the initial planning for the Women’s Health Pavillion was launched.

In 1988, Al married Linda Armacost Erb, whom he met through his lifelong friend Bill Anderson. Al and Lin enjoyed traveling the world, tennis and golf. They especially loved their Palm Desert house and playing a round of golf at Ironwood Country Club. They had an active social life and cherished their many friends. Al was extremely outgoing, honest, funny, charming and a true gentleman.

Of all Al’s many accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. In addition to his wife, Lin, Al is survived by his two sons Doug (Victoria), Chris (Claudia) and daughter Allison (Kevin) Kearns. He also has seven grandchildren: Bryan and Brett Auer, Charlie, Kristen and Lauren Auer, and Bobby and Katie Kearns. He will truly be missed at the grandchildren’s sporting events and future family gatherings. Papa Al’s smile and his infectious belly laugh will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. June 14, 2010 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 600 Saint Andrews Road, Newport Beach.

A donation may be made to Hoag Hospital Foundation, 500 Superior Ave., No. 350, Newport Beach, CA 92663, or the Alzheimer’s Family Services Center, 9451 Indianapolis Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646