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2000 Award Recipient: Pierre Claeyssens
 Pierre
was born in Antwerp, Belgium, on December 16, 1908. As a boy,
in the darkest days of World War I, one of his strongest memories
was of the Hoover Relief program, which fed thousands of Belgium’s
starving children. This memory helped form the basis of Pierre’s
love for America and his belief in the importance of philanthropy.
As a young
man, Pierre studied architecture and worked in his family’s
shipbuilding business. He served as a corporal in the Belgian
army before immigrating to the U.S. in 1938, where he lived in
Chicago until moving to Santa Monica in 1941. During WWII he worked
in the engineering department of “CAL-Ship” Long Beach,
building Victory, Liberty, and troop transport ships.
In 1950, Pierre
received his California state architectural license and specialized
in building schools. He built 18 schools for the Santa Monica
and Lompoc School Districts, as well as a number of other buildings.
His school designs remain noted for their innovation and practicality.
In
1970, Pierre moved to Santa Barbara where he met Aileen Wood.
The two married in 1972, just a year before Pierre’s retirement
in 1973. During their 22 years together, the couple developed
and cultivated diverse interests while demonstrating exceptional
commitment to community and country. In 1980, they founded the
Wood-Claeyssens Foundation. The Foundation spread their philanthropy
throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Pierre supported
scores of organizations and institutions. Of great importance
to him was the annual military ball that he hosted as a tribute
to present and former men and women in uniform. The ball was always
held on a date closest to the formal ending of World War I—on
the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—Veteran’s
Day, November 11th.
Pierre
Claeyssens left this world on October 23, 2003, leaving behind
a legacy of philanthropy and genuine regard for all who surrounded
him. He is remembered in so many ways. He touched the lives of
all who knew him with his integrity, respect, kindness, and generosity.
He loved to sing and dance, and his quick humor entertained us
and made us smile. Pierre was fond of saying “It makes me
happy making other people happy.” That says a lot about
the way he lived his life.
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