Manny Morden (April 9, 1933- May 22, 2023)
After twelve days in hospice, Manny (Manuel) Morden passed away from stage IV pancreatic cancer at home on May 22, 2023. He was surrounded with love by his adoring family and the love of his life, wife Suzanne.
Born in Brooklyn, Manny moved with his parents to Los Angeles at the age of 8 to Boyle Heights. At 16, he became friends with Suzanne Sarah Szwarc, who would become his wife and lifelong love for 70 years. Even in his final days, he kissed Suzanne’s hand and told her how much he loved her. Together, they were fabulous parents to Darryl (deceased) and Barbara (Seals), Ilyanne and Mike (Kichaven) , and amazing grandparents to their three grandsons Gregory, Jeremy and Declan.
Manny was a brilliant, award winning, expert with over fifty two years of structural engineering experience with Brandow & Johnston as a Structural Designer, Licensed Civil and Structural Engineer, Department Manager and Project Supervisor. He became a Principal, and was responsible for management and supervision of all phases of project development, construction administration, structural design and system selection and seismic design of major projects. Areas of expertise included: building evaluations, peer reviews, forensic engineering, consultation and expert witness services for litigation, earthquake studies, and retrofit strengthening; pre-stressed concrete design development and review for all company projects; development of alternative structural systems; specifications for construction material. Manny served as President (1997-1998), board member, and as chair of the code committee for SEAOSC. In 2009, Manny was commended by proclamation by LA Mayor Garcetti and the entire LA City Council for his 50 + years of service to the profession, the City of Los Angeles and Southern California. He received a Certificate of Recognition for 52 years of Service to the engineering profession and the State of California from and was an Honorary Lifetime Membership, of SEAOC & SEAOSC. In 2014, Manny was awarded for his outstanding achievement by the California Preservation Foundation for his work on the renovation of The Forum. Manny served as a key member of the1994 Northridge Earthquake Taskforce and consulted on a 9/11 structural commission. His countless projects include the Rose Bowl, Kaiser Hospital, Bradley Terminal at LAX, Universal studios (CA and Florida), the NASA space shuttle, Sheraton Hotel (Qatar) USC, First AME Church, The Convention Center, 400 South Hope, numerous parking structures and the soon to be opened MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. He mentored many by not just giving directions, but by teaching and explaining to educate and enrich his peers.
Manny enjoyed travel and, together with Suzanne, visited all over North and South America, Israel, Japan, China and extensively in Europe. His favorite city was Paris. A lover of superb wine and fine cuisine, family was most important to Manny. His unwavering support and love will always be remembered. He never missed a game, recital, talent show or event for his children or grandsons. He answered every call for assistance and insisted on family celebrations.
Manny got dressed himself, walked and had a long conversation with doctor when he was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on May 9th. His health drastically, declined and within two days was in hospice, until he passed ten days later. He will always be in our hearts. Manny is survived by his loving wife Suzanne, daughter Ilyanne, son-in-law Michael, grandsons, Gregory, Jeremy, and Declan and daughter-in-law Barbara. His son Darryl passed away from cancer in 2011.
If you wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to weSPARK (www.WeSpark.org) in Manny’s memory.
(The above is provided by Manny Morden's family)
