Harold “Hal” Werthe, patriot and community volunteer, passed away at the age of 82 in Laguna Beach on Aug. 21.
Born in Chicago, Ill., he served in the Army during the Korean conflict.
Werthe was past president of Laguna Beach Exchange Club and the Patriots Day Parade, past commander of American Legion Post 222 and a member of VFW Post 5868. For 12 years he was a “COPs” volunteer with the Laguna Beach police department. He was one of the city’s Forest Avenue Santa Clauses, as well as an advisor to Fire Explorer Post 717, and a Neighborhood Watch captain. He and his wife, Sandi, were honored as 1993 “Citizens of the Year” by the Patriots Day Parade committee.
Werthe and partner Jim Freeman co-owned J & H Appliance on Glenneyre and Thalia Streets in the 1970s, and Werthe later founded Harold’s Appliance in San Clemente, now owned by his son Ron.
Werthe is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sandi; children Ron, Wade, and Alene; sister Audrey; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who all loved him and will miss him forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Laguna Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 415 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, in memory of Hal Werthe.
Interment was at Miramar National Cemetery and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. at Laguna Presbyterian Church.
