Mr. Los Angeles’ life celebrated at memorial at his beloved park
The life and legacy of the late Tom LaBonge was celebrated October 18 at Travel Town in Griffith Park. It was a real party (including an Elvis impersonator, of course), and it was one the former Councilman would have loved. LaBonge, who died unexpectedly on January 7, would have turned 68 two weeks before the event.
A CELEBRATION of the life and legacy of Tom LaBonge took place at the city’s Travel Town Museum and featured many city leaders on the stage. Shown above, with (from left) son Charles, daughter Mary-Cate and widow Brigid, are Tom’s lifelong friend (and retired pro football Hall of Fame cornerback) Mike Hayes and City Councilmember (4th District) Nithya Raman.
His widow, Brigid, said of the event: “This is exactly what we pictured this night would be. Tom would have absolutely loved this night, and I hope all of you can feel his presence.”
LA BONGE’S friends and family gathered at the railroad museum at dusk.
Most of the guests were people who had known LaBonge, and in many cases, worked with him, for decades.
“MR. LOS ANGELES” birthday cake.
Co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, the outdoor event in the city’s combined transportation museum and recreation center included a silent auction of Tom’s memorabilia donated by his family to benefit the Parks Foundation.
There were moving tributes to LaBonge from several speakers, led off by Mayor Eric Garcetti, and including Tom’s lifelong friend, Mike Haynes, plus widow Brigid and daughter Mary-Cate LaBonge.
GUESTS enjoyed tacos, hot dogs, and cupcakes.
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