John L. Lahn
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Born in Vienna, Austria in 1929, John Lahn was the eldest of five children, John, Walter, Liz, Hilde, and Gunter. They survived the worldwide depression in the 1930's, the Austrian civil war, and World War II. He met his wife, Eva, in post-war Vienna and emigrated to the United States in 1955, beginning a career with Bank of America as a teller in Hollywood, CA.
John was remarkably successful in his career with the Bank of America, moving quickly through bank operations into lending and international banking. In 1963, his son Michael was born and John was named to the Jr. Advisory Council with Bank of America. Later that year, he was asked to open bank offices in Austria and Germany. John, Eva, and Michael stayed in Europe until 1968.
Upon returning to the United States, John served as both a branch and regional manager throughout the San Fernando Valley. In 1980, he proposed and founded Private Banking for Bank of America, opening the first office in Beverly Hills, CA, and achieved great success and recognition. He retired from the bank in 1991.
His life centered on his passions, including banking and philanthropy through his work as a director with the Lon V. Smith Foundation. John also served in the Chamber of Commerce, 4H Club, Jr. Achievement of Southern CA, and LAPD Pals. He received a Resolution from the City of Los Angeles for heading special community projects. John loved tennis, photography, target shooting, horse racing, and cigars.
He is survived by his son Michael, his daughter-in-law Ann, his brother Gunter, sister-in-law Merci, his sister Liz, and sister-in-law Melitta, and many nieces and nephews.
The interment ceremony will be held on October 15, 2020 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online.