Frank "Padilla" Baron

Frank Padilla Baron, born February 8, 1930 died peacefully at home on his 84th birthday after battling cancer for more than a year. Frank Padilla was born to first generation Spanish immigrants Frank Padilla and Marie Baron, Los Angeles. After Frank’s father died he and his mother lived in his Grandparents home, where they could help to raise him. Frank graduated from Freemont High with the winter class of 1949 where he excelled in Football and Track, playing right halfback on the city championship team and being named First Team All-City. Gregarious and attractive, Frank was named Most Popular and Most Handsome in his senior class.

As a youth Frank worked at Grenlaw, Saw and Knife, a small repair shop where he sharpened knives, scissors and hand saws, that business would later become Western Saw.

Frank married his High School classmate and prom date Lillian Elna Nielsen August 7, 1955, and each August for the next three years, Kevin, Kraig and Kimberlee were born. Frank and Lillian moved from Inglewood to Chatsworth in 1964, and Kurt and Kristopher were added to the family soon after that. The Baron home became the center of the neighborhood. Frank continued to work at Western Saw, where he was known as a tenacious salesman, pioneering new ideas and securing new customers. Frank’s success in business allowed him and Kristina (Lillian) to take their children on magical trips to the Mexico Summer Olympics, Tahiti, Alaska and Europe, often with their children’s friends. In 1968 Frank and Kristina changed their last name from Padilla to Baron taking the family name of Frank’s mother, and the family that had raised him. Frank’s love of sports was passed along to his children and their friends when he coached the neighborhood children in many YMCA sports teaching and encouraging them to do their best, while always trying to win. He cheerfully watched Kimberlee’s ballet recitals even though he never understood the difference between a plié and a piqué. He spearheaded the Chatsworth High Boosters Club in a drive to light the football field and build snack bars. In 1981 he was recognized by the City, County and State as Citizen of the year in Chatsworth.

In Chatsworth, Frank and Kristina lovingly opened their home and lives to nineteen foster children over the years, helping them to a new infinite way in life. Frank often opened his heart and wallet without hesitation to assist those in need. Their marriage lasted 45 years until Kristina’s passing in 2000. Throughout his working career; Frank lead the evolution of Western Saw, with innovations including Diamond Cores, Carbide Tipped Saws, Hard Face Diamond Cores, tubes, carbide blanks, and custom laser cutting, as Western Saw become a leader in the Diamond Core industry.

On October 1, 2005 Frank married Cleo Wood of Solana Beach, Frank and Cleo, traveled and spent time visiting Cleo’s three children. Frank loved to stay close to his many friends talking to them daily. Frank is survived by his five children Kevin (Kimberly) Baron, Kraig (Cheryl) Baron, Kimberlee (Luke) Claus, Kurt (Teresa) Baron, and Kristopher Baron. Grandchildren Blake, Brooke, Cole (J’Lene), Bree, Chase, Cooper, Holden and Mackinzee, and great grandson Cruz. Frank’s loyalty and generous spirit and his deep devotion to his family and friends will be missed by all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to the internment of his ashes on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village. In lieu of flowers, donations to support children and youth sports may be made to the Westlake Village Park and YMCA Capital Campaign fund. At sevymca.org or Southeast Ventura County YMCA, 100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite 295, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. (805) 497-3081 x103