Attorney Owen W. Strange, Who Grew up in Studio City and North Hollywood, Dies at 84

The firm of Booth, Mitchel & Strange, sadly notes the passing of Owen W. Strange, one of three founding partners of the firm. Mr. Strange, George C. Mitchel, and Bates Booth founded the firm in 1955 and practiced for some years in the Rowen Building at 5th and Spring in Los Angeles, when Spring street was the heart of the Los Angeles legal and financial community. They were later joined by Norman Willian, and for some years the firm did business as Booth, Mitchel Strange and Willian, specializing in serving the insurance and surety bond industry.

A true Southern Californian, Owen was born in 1928 in Hollywood, Calif., grew up in the still rural North Hollywood and Studio City.  He graduated from Hollywood High, took his undergraduate degree at Occidental College and his L.L.B. in 1953 from the University of Southern California where he was a member the Phi Delta Phi fraternity. He served in the Judge Advocate Corp of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and he was one of very few U.S. military attorneys admitted to the Korean Bar.

A gifted trial lawyer, Mr. Strange was, for many years, a fixture in the Los Angeles trial and appellate courts where his stature, easy manner, and ever-present cigar made him a formidable courtroom presence. 

In addition to great wine, Owen was also an aficionado of great pastrami, and he would often take his law firm’s young associates over to Langer’s Delicatessen to share his passion.  The firm intends to honor him with a lunch there.

Owen died peacefully at his home after long illness with his family members at his side.  He is survived by his son Brian; grandchildren William, Greg, Sarah, Jessica, Richard, Kymberlee, Meladee, and Annie; great grandchildren Kendall, Kadynce, Rose and Billy. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, his sons Bill and Owen, and daughter Kathy.

A reception in memory of Owen will be held at his home in Rancho Santa Fe on July 14 from noon to 3 p.m.  All are welcome.

Read the full obituary here.