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Larry Crandell, a founder of the Friends of ������Ƶ and the college’s first ������Ƶ Medal recipient, has died. He was 93.

Affectionately known as Mr. Santa Barbara, Crandell co-founded the Friends of ������Ƶ in 1990 to provide support for the college during the approval process for Las Barrancas, the faculty homes adjacent to campus. Crandell was the founding chair of the ������Ƶ Foundation in 1997.

“I’m excited that some of the most important people in Santa Barbara are willing to support ������Ƶ, which has for many years ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country,” Crandell said at thein 1997. “������Ƶ students, who make contributions to the community that range from internships to participating in Montecito Beautification Day, have developed quite a following in the area. We look forward to supporting their activities and helping the future of the college be even greater than its past.”

The Foundation was established to promote and support the college and its programs, while strengthening the ties between the college and the Santa Barbara and Montecito communities. It began the annual President’s Breakfast in 2006 as well as the ongoing ������Ƶ Downtown lecture series.

At Commencement 1995, president David K. Winter, who died in 2015, gave Crandell the first ������Ƶ Medal in recognition of Crandell’s extensive volunteer activities and for the significant contributions he made in the community.

“I am appreciative of all Larry has done for ������Ƶ over the years and his contributions to the community,” says ������Ƶ President Gayle D. Beebe. “Larry touched thousands of lives through his generosity. He was a source of inspiration and remarkable humor.”

Crandell, who moved to Santa Barbara with his wife in 1960, worked in real estate and other areas of business, but found a calling as a volunteer fundraiser for local charities. Along with his work for ������Ƶ, Crandell was active with dozens of non-profits, including Arthritis Foundation, Channel Islands YMCA, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Transition House and the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. in the Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High.