Robert D. Selleck... the father of actor Tom Selleck, has died
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By David Pierson, Times Staff Writer
Robert D. Selleck, a well-known San Fernando Valley real estate
developer who was also the father of actor Tom Selleck, has died. He was
79. Selleck died Wednesday from complications during surgery at USC
Medical Center.
Born in Lapeer, Mich., Selleck attended Ohio Wesleyan University and
served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He left Detroit in
1948 for Van Nuys, a predominantly agricultural area that was just
beginning to sprout suburban communities.
Selleck was offered a job with Coldwell Banker that offered no salary
and no weekly guarantee against future sales. He made his earnings
solely on commission.
"It was a little adventurous; you've got to be young to do that,"
Selleck told The Times in a 1996 interview.
But his success eventually landed him the post of senior vice
president and director of corporate communications for Coldwell Banker
Commercial Group. He later established the Selleck Company for Real
Estate Development and Consultation. Based in Westlake Village, the firm
was credited with reviving the former General Motors plant in Van Nuys.
The development of a shopping complex on that site has had a major
effect on the economic revitalization of the area.
He served as director of the Los Angeles Olympic Organization
Committee, commissioner and president of the Los Angeles Memorial
Coliseum Commission, commissioner and president of the Los Angeles Board
of Recreation and Parks Commission and director and vice president of
Valley Presbyterian Hospital and he participated on the Southern
California Committee for the 1984 Olympic Games.
Selleck received various awards and commendations, including the
Fernando Award, which is given to the Valley resident who best
exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. He and his wife, Martha, were
presented with the Golden Hands Award by the Boys and Girls Club of the
San Fernando Valley and the First Premier Parents Award from the March
of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.
In addition to his wife and actor son, Selleck is survived by two other
sons, Robert D. Selleck II and Daniel Fife Selleck; a daughter, Martha
Selleck Ketchum; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial fund has been established; donations may be sent c/o Valley
Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91401.
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Charlene