Remembering Jordan Ehrenkranz

It is with great sadness that we inform you that long time SMACNA Southern California member, builder, contractor, councilman, mayor, husband, father, raconteur, master of ceremonies, mentor, and friend Jordan Ehrenkranz passed away in his sleep on May 4, 2021. Jordan and his lovely wife Jennie were visiting family in Florida at the time of his passing.

Jordan grew up in the Santa Monica/Venice Beach area of Los Angeles, and started in the sheet metal trade as a 17-year-old apprentice in a Santa Monica sheet metal shop. He graduated as journeyman sheet metal worker four years later, making him one of the youngest journeymen in his trade. At 24, he started his own business in Los Angeles, and in 1967, he moved his business enterprise to Santa Fe Springs, California, when he acquired Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning. Shortly after, he initiated yet another firm, Clas Glas, a fiberglass duct board supply and fabrication house. Jordan harnessed intelligence, grit, hard work, and determination to create a successful business career, which provided for his family.

Jordan always found time to volunteer to better the industry that provided his livelihood. He began his service with SMACNA Los Angeles in 1971, and participated in association affairs almost continuously since. Jordan served as president of SMACNA Los Angeles and Cal SMACNA; as Chairman of the Southern California JATC; as Chairman of the SMACNA Los Angeles Labor Committee; and as a member of the Joint Industry Council. He also served on Cal SMACNA’s Safety Committee and Investment Committee.

Jordan served on the SMACNA Board of Directors, the Duct Manufacturers Council, as a Management Panelist for the National Grievance Committee, and on the National Apprenticeship Contest Committee. He did all of that and still found time to Chair the SMACNA Los Angeles Friends of the Industry Golf Tournament every year since its inception in 1990.

In 2011, Ehrenkranz was recognized with the Career Legislative Service Award—one of the highest legislative honors a contractor or chapter executive may earn within the organization—at SMACNA’s National 68 th annual convention.

As difficult as it is to accept the loss of Jordan, we can find solace in knowing he is now at peace and with God. We have been blessed to have had him as long as we have. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jennie and Jordan and Jennie’s six children and nine grandchildren.

Jordan Ehrenkranz loved life, living the sentiment that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Our memories of him will always burn brightly. ▪