Pierre Claeyssens, beloved longtime philanthopist
By LESLIE DINABERG
South Coast Beacon

Santa Barbara lost one of its most beloved and generous philanthropists when Pierre Paul Claeyssens died on Oct. 22 at the age of 94. Over the years Claeyssens gave tens of millions to local charities in the community he adopted in 1973. Claeyssens was fond of saying, "It makes me happy making other people happy," and indeed his generosity benefited this community tremendously.

“Mr. Claeyssens is probably one of the most beautiful souls that we’ve ever met,” said Unity Shoppe Director Barbara Tellefson. “This whole city really will miss him. There isn’t a charity anywhere in town that wasn’t touched by his goodness. His spirit will be with us and we’ll be honoring him with our new building,” said Tellefson, as the Unity Shoppe prepares the finishing touches on its new building, thanks to Claeyssens’ recent donation of $1 million.

Among the many groups that benefited from Claeyssens’ philanthropy was the U.S. Military. For the past six years, Claeyssens sponsored a military ball, honoring a different branch each year. He also recently donated $1 million toward the future Pierre Claeyssens Military Museum and Library; a campaign aimed at showcasing World War II history and helped renovate the Veterans Memorial Building on Cabrillo Boulevard.

At his request, there will be no public services for Claeyssens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Visiting Nurse Association or to local churches.

Claeyssens is survived by his son Paul Claeyssens, his daughter Noelle Burkey, five grandchildren and his sister, Henriette Baumann.