Eugene Weston, III (AIA)

On January 31st Eugene Weston passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. Throughout his long and productive life, family and design were constant sources of engagement and pride.

As a newlywed and World War II veteran, Gene studied industrial design at the Los Angeles Art Center School. Upon graduation he joined the Hollywood architectural practice of his father, Eugene Weston Jr. before striking out on his own. His first design was an 800 square foot house which accommodated his growing family. In the following years, Gene designed many more midcentury homes, first in the La Cañada-Flintridge area and later in San Diego.

In 1960 Gene began a 30-year partnership with Fred Liebhardt. Their La Jolla firm designed many notable buildings throughout Southern California including San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, San Diego Yacht Club, and UCSD’s iconic Natatorium. The firm also designed major hotels, churches, and many buildings at UC San Diego, Scripps Oceanographic Institute, UC Santa Barbara, and San Diego State University, as well as other institutions.

Upon retiring in 1990, Gene and his wife Wanda relocated to Northern California’s Sea Ranch where he designed a wood and glass home overlooking the Sonoma coast. In 2003 they moved to Santa Barbara to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During his retirement years, Gene remained active in community affairs.

Professional accomplishments notwithstanding, Gene’s role as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend may be his most profound legacy. His 65-year marriage with Wanda continues to be an inspiration to those he left behind. He was reflexively kind and good-natured. Those who knew him will cherish his memory, and family genealogists will strive to insure that his legacy endures for future generations.

Gene is survived by his wife Wanda; daughters Karen Weston Gilliam, Sherri Adler, Candy Weston and Mimi Weston; sons-in-law Tommy Gilliam, Ron Adler and Kirk Maher; grandchildren, Robin, Erik, Rebecca, Ryan, Kristofer and Daniel; and great-grandchildren Alex, Geneva, Trevor, Eliza, Lea, Sonny, Ara and Ivy. The family is planning a private memorial gathering in the coming months. In lieu of flowers or donations, it was Gene’s wish that those who wish to honor him give a gift of kindness for a friend or loved one.

Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary