More than 250 Canyon Lake residents and family and friends of Jordan Ehrenkranz gathered at the Canyon Lake Lodge on Saturday, June 19, to celebrate the late councilman’s life. Members of the Canyon Lake City Council, POA Board of Directors, and Cal Fire were among those in the audience.
Chuck Whitehead welcomed the guest and presented the eulogy, Steve Rahmanan and Pastor Jeff Rosen offered prayers, Tara Miller Abel sang songs, and Allan and Steve Ehrenkranz paid tribute to their father. A luncheon followed the Celebration of Life.
The beloved councilman passed away in his sleep on the morning of May 4 while visiting his daughter in Florida. He was 87 years old. Ehrenkranz is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jennie Ehrenkranz, children Steve Doug, Alan, Cheri, and Kathryn, and grandchildren Melanie, Rachel, Mary-Chelsea, Jodi, Chase, Alexander, and London.
Ehrenkranz was born on August 21, 1933, to Henry and Anne Ehrenkranz. He was a self-made man and started his own business at the age of 24. He was also very civic-minded and served on many boards and committees, including 12 years on the Canyon Lake City Council, four as mayor, and five years on the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association Board of Directors, three as president.
While serving on the City Council, Ehrenkranz represented the city on numerous regional boards, including Western Riverside Council of Governments, Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District, and the Economic and Energy Committee of the Southern California Association of Governments.
Ehrenkranz was a Canyon Lake property owner for more than fifty years and a full-time resident for more than 25 years. He was named Canyon Lake’s Citizen of the Year twice and was well-known and loved as an incredibly active member of the community.
Ehrenkranz was a 17-year member of the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce and belonged to several Canyon Lake clubs. He also sponsored several clubs and activities. Ehrenkranz not only donated his money, but he also donated his time, whether it was to judge a costume contest at the Parade of Frights or to work a booth at Oktoberfest.
The honor the late councilman, the City of Canyon Lake established the Jordan Ehrenkranz Spirit of Canyon Lake Award. Every year, one resident who embodies community spirit and gives selflessly of their time and resources to the betterment of the community will be presented with an engraved Spirit Award and will have their name added to a perpetual plaque that hangs on the wall at City Hall. The award will be presented on an annual basis during the State of the City Address.
