LOS ANGELES—George Garfield, the western regional president at Transwestern, has passed away after more than an 18-month battle with ALS. Garfield was a 25-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry. He is survived by his wife, Patty, and his children, Taylor and Peter.
“As we would all expect, George waged a courageous battle during this entire period with the incredible support of his wife Patty, daughter Taylor, son Peter, his family, his friends and Transwestern,” says Larry Heard, CEO of Transwestern, tells GlobeSt.com. “George interfaced with each of us in many different capacities. He was a friend, a partner, a mentor, a leader, the regional president of the west and a simply all-around terrific person. In this period of sadness, we take a modicum of comfort knowing George will no longer struggle with this debilitating physical condition. As our thoughts shift to Patty, Taylor and Peter, it is important that we offer them our prayerful support during this time of loss.”
In his seasoned career, Garfield constantly sought to make strides in the industry. In 2004, he launched Lightship Ventures to guide investors and government entities on the sale or redevelopment of underperforming urban land. His market knowledge was unyielding and gained during a impeccable career at firms like Vivendi Universal, where he was the CEO of global real estate, and the Walt Disney Co., where he served as VP and head of real estate. He has been involved in monumental projects, like Universal City's redevelopment plan, the master plan of Disney's theme park, office and hotel projects in Paris and the negotiation and development of ABC News' Good Morning America project in Times Square. It is these iconic projects that will ensure his legacy lives on well into the future.
But it wasn't only is professional relationships that made him such a success. Garfield was an active member of his community, sitting on the Urban Development/mixed-use council for the Urban Land Institute and on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity.
His accomplishments and dedication to his family will ensure that Garfield's legacy lives on. At this time, we send our condolences to his family.
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