Tribute to Jack Kyser

Jon Regardie of the Downtown News has a nice remembrance of the often-cited L.A.-area economist, who died last week at 76.

His office was just about the exact opposite of what you'd expect in an economist's working environment. It looked more like FAO Schwartz than a sanctum to financial studies. It was full of toys, stuffed animals that made noise, even a train set running around the rim of his cluttered desk. After a brief "retirement" this summer, Jack became chief economic advisor of the Southern California Association of Governments and continued his practice of helping politicians, business leaders and journalists understand the region. While he often had a glass-half-full perspective on local matters, he didn't shy away from criticism. "He always had good things to say but he was a great believer in honesty," said Hal Bastian, a friend for more than 15 years who works at the Downtown Center Business Improvement District. "Jack called it like he saw it. He didn't pull punches when it came to public policy. He really -- there was no personal life and professional life for Jack Kyser. There was one life, and it was a fabulous one."

A memorial service for Kyser is scheduled for January.