Though born in Michigan and educated at Cornell in New York, Louis Webb made his greatest impact in his adopted hometown of Pasadena, California. Through his work as an engineer, a real estate developer, and an investor, Webb became a millionaire, albeit a frugal one with a philanthropic heart. Behind a rough facade he maintained an idealistic, generous spirit and, specifically, liked giving to the poor, elderly, and children.
With these causes in mind, Webb developed a plan to share his fortune with Pasadena forever. During a rare interview with the Pasadena STAR-NEWS in 1961, Webb outlined his dream to create a community trust: “I wanted to do some good with my money…in some manner that would continue the charitable work after I was gone.” On December 10, 1953, Webb created the Pasadena Foundation. In 1966, upon Louis Webb’s death at the age of 84, half of the Webb’s estate – totaling $600,000 – is bequeathed to the Pasadena Foundation to establish the Louis Webb Trust.
Lasting Legacy
When Marion Webb passed away in 1972, she bequeathed $1.8 million to the Pasadena Foundation to establish the Marion Webb Trust. Over time, her trust and Louis’s earlier gift were combined to form the Louis and Marion Webb Endowment Fund. This enduring legacy has awarded more than $3.5 million in grants and continues to provide $500,000 annually in support of the Greater Pasadena area. As Louis envisioned, their shared fortune and spirit of generosity continue to make a lasting impact on the community.
