Frank Kleeman (1933-2016) was born and grew up in Los Angeles. He served in U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and worked as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. In 1965, he and his wife Charlotte moved to the Santa Clarita Valley while he worked as an insurance investigator.
In 1972 he joined the SCV Boys and Girls Club board of directors. He worked tirelessly in fund-raising. In 1974 he chaired the Boys and Girls Club Auction. He attended law school, passed the bar, and became an attorney. In the early 1980s, he was named a Workers Compensation Judge and worked as an arbitrator and mediator in a special Worker’s Compensation program.
In the ’80s and ’90s, he became active in many volunteer programs in the SCV. He joined the board of the SCV Repertory Theatre, served on the College of the Canyons Foundation Board, and headed various committees for the Foundation. He also served on the Newhall Redevelopment Committee.
In 2002 he was named Philanthropist of the Year for the Network of California Community Colleges. Also in 2002, he was honored as the SCV Man of the Year. Last year, Frank and his wife Charlotte were honored by the College of the Canyons Foundation as Recipients of 2005 Silver Spur Community Service Award.
Frank said that of all the honors he has received, he cherished the SCV Man of the Year award most.
“It has been a most meaningful award. It was recognition of years of silent service to the community. It was completely unexpected and I have great pride in joining the ranks of distinguished honoree’s before me. We have a great community and being part of its growth over the years has proven to be one of the highlights of my life.”