Chamber of Commerce to honor Citizen of Year

Paul Clinton

Newport Beach developer and historian Bill Grundy will be honored as

the city’s Citizen of the Year this evening.

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will grant the honor to Grundy

at a 5:30 p.m. dinner at the Cannery Seafood Restaurant, 3010 Lafayette

Ave.

The 78-year-old Grundy grew up in Newport Beach, graduating from

Newport Harbor High School in 1941.

He enlisted in the Navy, serving overseas during World War II. After

the war, he worked for Beckman Instruments, based in the city, and Hughes

Aircraft as an engineer.

From 1959 to 1967, Grundy served three terms on the city’s parks,

beaches and recreation commission.

In 1960, Grundy began a new career, as a sales manager for the Irvine

Co. From 1967 to 1969, Grundy established the building standards on Linda

Isle and personally sold off all the lots.

Grundy has also been active in the Newport Beach Historical Society

since its inception in 1968. He serves as president.

In 1995, Grundy was appointed to the Orange County Historical

Commission, a post he still holds.

Grundy is also a 50-year member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

The event honoring Grundy’s life costs $25 per person and is open to

the public. Information: (949) 729-4400.