Lawrence Chiles
Meet Larry.
Dedicated community volunteer. Avid leader of local Scouts. South Pasadena parent. Talented craftsman. Lawrence Chiles is someone everyone can look up to, guided by his seemingly endless enthusiasm for giving back to the community.
About the Legend
Introduce yourself!
I'm going to be 69 this year and have been part of the South Pasadena community for almost 40 years. I was born and raised in Des Plaines, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois State University. I have been a stagehand for almost 50 years, and it was my job that brought me to South Pasadena. I am happily married and have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I have been active with my church, Scouting, and the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Float committee.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married my high school sweetheart 46 years ago. She was a lifelong secretary, working for Guide Dogs of America the last 18 years before she retired. My three children Elizabeth, Sean, and Katie grew up living in South Pasadena going to Holy Family School and playing sports. Elizabeth, Sean, and Katie were part of the Sea Tigers swim team. Sean also played Little League and AYSO soccer. Katie also played AYSO soccer. They all still live in the area. Elizabeth works for a law firm, Sean is a guide dog trainer with Guide Dogs of America, and Katie is an inventory supervisor for a manufacturer
What are you passionate about? What do you love about what you do?
My job as a stagehand kept me busy most of my life but it was a job that I loved. I was and am still involved in my church and Scouting. What I am passionate about lately are the shields I make for the senior athletes at St. Francis High School. It gives me a lot of joy seeing and hearing how much the students enjoy them.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would have to say that my greatest achievements are all the Scouts that I have helped to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
What inspires you?
The good friends that I have.
What is something on your bucket list?
To travel and visit England and Ireland.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Still here and staying involved with everything that I am involved with now.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
That your word is your bond.
Your South Pasadena Story
Tell us your South Pasadena story! How did you come to live or work in this community?
After moving from Chicago my wife and I moved into South Pasadena to be close to friends that lived here. Then we fell in love with South Pasadena.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in South Pasadena for about 40 years.
What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word "HOME"?
Safe comes to mind when I hear the word home. Home is where you should feel safe. Home is also where you always come back to.
What are some of your favorite restaurants or businesses in South Pasadena?
My favorite restaurants now are Hi-Life and Shakers. When my children were young, it was the McDonalds and Hi-Life. My favorite business is Ace Hardware and all of the hardware stores that have been there.
What is your go-to "happy place" in South Pasadena?
The Ace Hardware store
What local landmark, business, organization, etc. feels to you like it captures the South Pasadena spirit?
The Rialto Theatre the Tournament of Roses Float Committee and the Festival of Ballons Committee
What is your favorite community event or social outing in South Pasadena?
The 4th of July, the Pancake Breakfast, the parade, the games in the park, and the fireworks.
What are your hopes and dreams for our community?
I hope that it can stay the same.
What do you think makes South Pasadena so special?
The way it still has that small town feeling.
Some Fun Stuff!
What is the last show you binged? What show(s) are you hooked on right now?
The Harry Bosch series, The Reacher series
What are your top three favorite MOVIES?
In Harm Way, To Kill a Mockingbird, Follow Me Boys
What are your top three favorite SONGS?
Night Moves, The Lion Sleep Tonight, To Sir With Love
What is your favorite band? What is your favorite album?
Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band. Hollywood Nights
What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season? Or even a favorite date in general?
Thanksgiving. Spring is my favorite season.
Who is your favorite artist?
Van Gogh
Help spread the word and celebrate our Legend! Download the images below to share as posts and/or stories on social media and congratulate our Legend and share their story with our community! Be sure to tag @LegendsofSouthPasadena so that we can shout out your post on our social media.
