King Harbor Pioneer Les Guthrie Dies

Developer Les Guthrie, a longtime leaseholder at King Harbor Marina, died Saturday at the age of 84.

Though they did not reveal the exact cause of death, Guthrie's family confirmed to the Daily Breeze that he had been diagnosed with leukemia years ago.

Guthrie owned Marine Cove Ltd., which manages King Harbor Marina, with his wife, Maryann. She serves as president of the company, while their son Sean serves as vice president.

Les Guthrie and his wife were presented with a Lifetime Community Service Award for their contributions to the city over the years during Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin's annual in February.

In 1988, the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce selected Guthrie as their Man of the Year, noting that he had been involved in the city's business community since 1969 and formerly served as the chamber's director.

Along with former Police Chief Roger Moulton, Guthrie started an annual dinner to honor the Redondo Beach Police Reserve Officers. The dinner in October.

According to the Breeze, Guthrie also helped organize the city's first Super Bowl 10K run.

Born Leslie Clare Guthrie Jr., Guthrie grew up in South Central Los Angeles under the supervision of his working single mother. As a boy, he delivered newspapers for the now-defunct Los Angeles Examiner, and in 1940, he was recognized as the "Luckiest Boy in Los Angeles" for being one of the paper's most successful morning delivery boys.

He attended Long Beach Poly High School, and upon his graduation in June 1944, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He left the Navy in 1959.

In 1966, he began to invest in King Harbor, building and operating the 161-unit Harbor Cove Apartments and the Chart House Restaurant and eventually expanding the King Harbor Marina. He remained active in the ownership and management of King Harbor Marina until his death.

Guthrie, who lived in neighboring Manhattan Beach, is survived by his wife, son, four daughters and six grandchildren.

A private celebration of his life will be held for family and friends, according to his son, Sean Guthrie. In lieu of flowers, Les has asked to honor his memory by making a donation to the Richstone Family Center at 3620 Cordary Ave. in Hawthorne.