LeFrancis Arnold, a past president of the California Association of Realtors, died Sept. 2.
Arnold was a real estate broker for 36 years. He served as president of the Los Angeles County Board of Realtors and as the National Association of Realtors representative for the Rancho Southeast Association of Realtors.
In both 1979 and 2008 Arnold was named Realtor of the Year by his local association. He was first appointed CAR director in 2006 and served as president in 2012.
Arnold served on a variety of CAR committees, including the Executive Committee, Housing Affordability Fund and Real Estate Finance, among others. He also served as chair of the Lynwood Economic Development Committee and was on the board of the Los Angeles County Boards of Real Estate.
Prior to his work in real estate, Arnold played as a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos. More recently, he was also a candidate for California State Assembly, 62nd District.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about LeFrancis’ sudden passing. LeFrancis was a great leader and an inspiration to all who worked with him, and his contribution to organized real estate is immeasurable,” CAR President Don Faught said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Arnold is survived by his mother, Evelyn; wife, Sheryl; two sons, Jason and LeFrancis II; and two grandchildren.