Southern California economist Jack Kyser dies at 76

Jack Kyser, the dean of Los Angeles economists who spoke as an expert on Southern California to media around the world, has died. He was 76.

Kyser had a long career focusing on the workings of the Southern California economy and spoke with authority on a wide range of topics. He was best known as a representative of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.

Kyser was born in Huntington Park and raised in Downey and Vernon. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a masters of business administration from USC.

With the exception of a forecasting stint in Omaha for Union Pacific Railroad, Kyser spent his career focusing on the workings of the Southern California economy. He worked for United California Bank and spent eight years as an economist with the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

Kyser joined the LAEDC in 1991, when it had no economics research department. Today, the department has five full-time staff members. The LAEDC named its research center after Kyser, whom it started calling a "founding economist," in 2008.

A full obituary will follow at latimes.com/obits.

-- Roger Vincent

Photo: Jack Kyser

 

Comments

[Mark]

Los Angeles and USC just lost a very important person in the world of economic development for our city. As a Master's of Planning student at USC, I sought Jack's advice on some economic issues for school reports. He was always so eager to help and gave up a lot of his time to even guest lecture in classes. He will be missed.

[latimesreader]

So long trusted voice...

[David]

A terrific and competent man. Of what did he die?

[nobleone]

Jack was a good guy and there wasn't nothing he didn't know about the economic life of Los Angeles, and the whole state of California , for that matter. He was always accessible, very friendly, and had a good quote, timely statistics, and relevant anecdotes at his fingertips. Sorry to hear that he passed away. But look at it this way, even with the depth of his acumen, I doubt that even Jack Kyser could put a happy face on the ghastly economic realities we are facing today.

[R]

Very sad news. One of the GOOD FEW is no longer with us.

[Jeff Keating]

Jack will be sorely missed. As a former newspaper editor in the region, I was always impressed by how available he was to the media, and how patient and cordial he was about every question. We've lost a real information resource and a good fellow.

[Dereck]

I met Jack Kyser in 1999 when I was a business reporter for the Pasadena Star-News. Our relationship quickly blossomed into a wonderful friendship that lasted for more than a decade. Many people in Los Angeles knew Jack as the LAEDC's chief economist. But to me, Jack was my friend and mentor. There was never a time I could not call him away from the newsroom and ask for his advice. Or we'd meet for lunch, his preference The City Club overlooking downtown Los Angeles or Parkway Grill in Pasadena. Everyone recognized him from television news but he didn't revel in his celebrity. He was so incredibly humble. So the news of Jack Kyser's passing is a sad day indeed. For those of you who never had the pleasure of meeting Jack, trust me, you would have loved the man as much as I did. Good bye, my friend.

[Charles Grandison Finney]

He was a truth-teller.

[Rachael Myrow]

As a fledgling business reporter, I learned a lot from Jack, who didn't mind taking the time to explain things until the weather proofing wore off my brain. What I remember, too, was that he loved his work. We should all be so lucky. He will be missed.

[debra]

Jack Kyser was truly one of a kind, in all of the best ways. He was an outstanding professional who was dedicated to excellence and serving the business community. Yet, he was a warm and generous man. I had the wonderful privilege of getting to know Jack when I was working at the LAEDC several years ago. His door was always open to me whenever I had a question, or perhaps more importantly, if I had time to hear one of his captivating stories or jokes....or see him demonstrate on of his gadgets or toys! After I left the LAEDC, he kindly provided advice and letters of reference for me. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I will definitely miss him.
Debra Ashby (formerly Reed)