Vernon Putnam, Attorney, Youth Sports Coach

Vernon Putnam, a longtime Topanga resident, died suddenly April 21 of sudden cardiac arrest. He was 66, and was playing golf with friends when he collapsed.
Vern had practiced law in Los Angeles since 1973, was a devoted family man, and was active in the community. He was an avid gardener, outdoorsman and athlete.
Born in San Diego, Vern grew up in Cardiff by the Sea, where he attended local schools. He was the eldest of five children born to Vern Putnam Sr., a teacher and coach, and Betty Putnam, a homemaker and community activist. He was a standout basketball player for Palomar Junior College and earned an athletic scholarship to Cal Poly Pomona. Following his graduation, he attended UCLA law school and was admitted to the bar in 1972.
While still in law school, Vern started his legal career as a clerk with the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office, where he later became a trial attorney. In 1977, together with his partner Joseph Avila, he established the law firm of Avila and Putnam in downtown Los Angeles. The firm specializes in real estate and business litigation.
Vern married Pat Rice in 1978 and together they had three children, Anna, Will and Laura. Pat and Vern welcomed their first grandchild, Paige, born to Anna and her husband Dan Rampton in 2011. Pat and Vern raised their children in their house on Vision Drive, where they continued to reside.  All three children attended Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High.
Over the years, Vern spent much time in the Palisades while his children were growing up, and he made many great friends there.  Pat and Vern used to bring their kids to play at the Recreation Center, when the spaceship still remained as a jungle gym. Vern enjoyed an active involvement in his children’s various interests and activities. He was a tireless volunteer referee for AYSO while all three of his kids played soccer, and also coached the PPBA baseball Cardinals while his son Will was in the program. He shared his love of basketball with his daughter Anna, and danced in a local production of the “Nutcracker” with his daughter Laura. The family enjoyed skiing together in Mammoth over the years, and particularly loved spending time together at the family’s rustic cabin in Cuyama.
Vern is survived by his wife, Pat Rice; his children, Anna Putnam Rampton, 33, of San Francisco, Will Putnam, 31, of Manhattan Beach, and Laura Putnam, 28, of San Francisco, as well as his son-in-law Dan Rampton and granddaughter Paige Rampton.  In addition, Vern is survived by his mother, Betty Putnam of Cardiff, and his siblings, Phil Putnam of Redding, Tom Putnam of Sacramento, Penni Johnson of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Betsy Mehaffey of Dixie, Idaho.
Vern was greatly admired and loved, and will be deeply missed by his circle of friends and family. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held Saturday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Will Geer Theatricum (www.theatricum.com) or any charitable organization.