JOHN CREAN, THE FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES FOUNDER AND UNOFFICIAL MAYOR of Santa Ana Heights who died last week of heart failure, was an American original.
The poor son of migrants, Crean became a wildly successful entrepreneur, corporate genius, racecar driver, yachtsman, movie producer, deep-sea fisherman, philanthropist and host of a wacky cooking show.
He said he gave away more than $300 million,and complained he would’ve given away more if the government didn’t confiscate half of it for taxes.
That was vintage John. He said a couple of years ago that his foundation had another $300 million to give, so his legacy will live on in generosity as well as in memories.
He built a mansion but mainly used it for charity events. His living space wasn’t much bigger than the Fleetwood RVs he made and loved to travel in.
He said he became a Republican when he noticed their neighborhoods were nicer than the Democrat ones he grew up in. But Crean never lost the common touch, preferring Denny’s and his homemade chow to fancy restaurants.
John Crean, born on the Fourth of July.
,Rick Reiff
