Segerstrom family says farewell in private ceremony

Close to 100 family members gathered Sunday afternoon under an elegant tent at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana to celebrate the life of Henry T. Segerstrom.

The onetime farmer who became a major Costa Mesa developer and arts supporter died at age 91 on Feb. 20 at his home in Newport Beach.

Inside the tent were garlands of greenery and floral arrangements consisting of thousands of white roses from Holland. Sweet peas from Japan hung from the ceiling in individual vases.

The private family memorial began with a horse-drawn carriage procession by the 393rd Military Police Battalion, 316th Military Police Detachment. Officers from the Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Santa Ana police departments followed. An honor guard from the Costa Mesa police and fire departments performed.

A military flyover and a flag ceremony with a 21-gun salute conducted by the American Legion Post 291 honor guard honored the late World War II veteran, who co-founded and managed South Coast Plaza in 1967 and later used his wealth to help establish the Orange County Performing Arts Center, which was later renamed in his honor.

Segerstrom’s grown children and grandchildren shared remembrances a day after a public viewing and tribute at the same location.

Daughter Andrea Segerstrom Grant recalled the household rules of her childhood. Children were expected to be well-behaved, well-mannered and well-dressed.

She began to cry when she talked about a father-daughter lunch at her dad’s house before he got sick. He told her that she was beautiful on the outside and on the inside.

“I think we can all agree on one thing: He did it his way and will be solely missed,” she said.

Through tears, son Toren Segerstrom said, “I will miss you, Dad. I love you very much.”

Son Anton Segerstrom, a partner in South Coast Plaza, spoke about his father’s encouragement and mentoring in business. He praised his father’s salesmanship and marketing finesse.

“He loved organizing family gatherings,” he said. “He had a curiosity for life and crammed 120 years into 91 years. He would want everyone to remember all his life and not remember his departure.”

Riley Grant recalled traveling with his great-grandfather to Virginia and Washington, D.C., where they received a private White House tour.

“He was a landmark of greatness in my life, and every moment was an adventure,” he said, adding that he emphasized education. “He was a man of purpose and taught me that there are no short cuts to success.”

Granddaughter Alette Segerstrom sang “What A Wonderful World,” the standard made famous by Louis Armstrong.

Sister Ruth Ann Moriarty shared a story about military shrapnel embedded in Henry Segerstrom’s arm during the war.

“When the doctors wanted to amputate,” he declined, saying, “`This arm saved my life.’”

“He was proud of the Segerstrom name and family roots and believed it was important to always do your best,” Moriarty said.

In reference to her brother’s widow, Moriarty said, “Elizabeth, today you have given him the absolute best memorial. He had a marriage made in heaven.”

Marla Noel, president of Fairhaven Memorial Park, detailed Segerstrom’s pre-planned burial site, located in front of a mausoleum that includes a fountain and waterway.

“Henry was wonderful to work with when we built his crypt,” she said. “He was the consummate gentleman and always complimenting the park and the staff. I really appreciated working with him.”

The Rev. Msgr. J. Michael McKiernan delivered a tribute quote from artist Richard Serra, whose 66-foot stainless steel “Connector” sculpture stands at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

“`Every community has a great person and Henry was that great person,’” Serra said, according to McKiernan.