Van Dine Family Americanism Award

This year's Van Dine Family Americanism Award is presented posthumously to Les Fishman.

In 1981, Les moved to California's South Bay, where he built a fulfilling life and successful career. As a longtime real estate broker, he thrived in the business, forming lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. For over 30 years, he and his devoted wife, Virginia Butler, worked side by side as a dynamic real estate team at Coldwell Banker in Malaga Cove. Virginia remains profoundly grateful for the life they shared, both professionally and personally.

Les had an enduring love for tennis, playing regularly at the Palos Verdes Tennis Club. But more than anything, he cherished his relationships. He had an uncanny ability to make friends wherever he went, always eager to gather with loved ones for game nights, sporting events, theater outings, and travel adventures.

A man of deep faith and unwavering generosity, Les embodied the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." He was an advocate, servant, and philanthropist, dedicating himself to numerous organizations, including Rotary, the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors, the Christian Science Church, and several charitable foundations. He also served on the boards of the Peninsula Heritage School, the Asher Student Foundation, and many others. His impact was immeasurable, and his legacy of kindness and service will endure.

Les had a rare gift-everyone who met him walked away feeling richer for the experience. His warmth, compassion, and infectious joy left a lasting imprint on countless lives.

COMMUNITY LINKS

Our history is everywhere!

Palosverdeshistory.org is the updated digital repository from the Library's Local History Center of all things history for the Palos Verdes Community. To contribute your recollections or images, click on Login to register for an account.

For your next ride (drive or walk) around the Peninsula, checkout the Pedal PV Playlist on the PVLD Youtube channel.

Pedal PV Episode 6 is on the Native American history on the Peninsula and documents beautiful artifacts going back 5,000 years. The slides from the digs noted in the episode are in the Slides of Peninsula Archaeological Sites collection on the digital repository.

If you are wondering what kind of collections the Local History Center has, see the collection guides on the Online Archive of California.

Any day is a good day to browse through the Palos Verdes Peninsula News (1937-1980) hosted at the California Digital Newspaper Collection.

Join Maria Serrao with RPVtv Channel 33 for episodes of History on the Hill with the Local History Center. The latest episode is on Peninsula architecture.

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