Edward Stotsenberg; Headed Pickford Foundation

Edward G. Stotsenberg, 86, president emeritus of the Mary Pickford Foundation. Born in North Dakota, Stotsenberg grew up in Yakima, Wash., and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington. He passed the CPA exam during his junior year at the university and worked part-time for Lybrand, Ross Brothers and Montgomery, later joining the firm full time. He earned his master’s degree at Harvard Business School before moving to Southern California, where he opened his own accounting firm. One of his early clients was the Hal Roach Studios, and through the studio he met the legendary Mary Pickford, becoming her CPA from 1951 until her death in 1979. Two years before her death, they set up the foundation bearing her name, which to date has donated more than $10 million to various charities, hospitals and universities. An avid sculptor and fan of classical music, Stotsenberg supported youth-in-music programs by funding scholarships. He took up running in his 60s and was an active participant in the Santa Monica Track Club. He favored the 1,500- and 5,000-meter distances and held the 1,500-meter record for senior athletes. On July 10 in Santa Monica after a long illness.