Jude Peyton Laspa

Jude was a skilled engineer, accomplished businessman, and respected leader, recognized for his generous philanthropic endeavors and his commitment to civic engagement and responsibility. Above all, he valued his role as a family man.

Born on October 10, 1943, in Olympia, Washington, to the late Peyton “Pat” and Katherine “Harriet” Laspa, he graduated from Wilson High School in Portland, Oregon in 1961. He earned his bachelor's degree in engineering with honors from Harvey Mudd College in 1965, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

During his time at Harvey Mudd, he met Eileen Schock, the love of his life, who was attending Scripps College. After a determined courtship, Eileen accepted, and the two married on July 8, 1967.

Upon joining the global engineering firm Bechtel, Jude and Eileen made San Francisco their home and welcomed two daughters, Darby and Erin.

Jude’s distinguished 43-year career at Bechtel encompassed pivotal roles, including Deputy Chief Operating Officer, President of Bechtel Systems and Infrastructure, Inc., President of Bechtel - Asia Pacific, and Senior Vice President overseeing Bechtel’s fossil-power business. While his career took the family to various locations— Arkansas, Washington, Ohio, Maryland, Hong Kong—San Francisco remained their home base.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Jude served on numerous boards, including the Exploratorium in San Francisco and the Rain Bird Corporation. He was a dedicated member of the Harvey Mudd College Board of Trustees for 20 years, culminating in six years as Vice Chair. He also played significant roles on The Bechtel Group Foundation and the S. D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation boards and was a longstanding member of the distinguished California Council on Science and Technology.

Both Jude and Eileen ardently supported their alma maters, including initiating two Fellowship Programs in Applied Mechanics and Systems Engineering at Harvey Mudd and founding The Laspa Center for Leadership at Scripps College.

While achieving success in business, Jude prioritized his immediate and extended family. Decades of lasting memories were forged by the family during weekends in Sonoma County, California. Annual ski trips to Colorado and family gatherings at the Jersey shore were treasured traditions shared with his daughters, their spouses, grandchildren and extended family members and friends.

Upon retirement, the Laspas enjoyed family time and travel. An avid golfer, Jude found joy and camaraderie on the green and was a member of the Olympic Club, Mayacama Golf Club, and the Metedeconk National Golf Club. In 2019, the Laspas relocated to Thousand Oaks to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Susan Schuler; his brother-in-law James Schuler; and his sister-in-law Gwen Laspa. Jude is survived by his wife Eileen; daughters Darby Catalano (Frank) of Camarillo, California, and Erin Laspa Henry (Travis) of Broomfield, Colorado; brother Tevis Laspa of Ridgefield, Washington; sister Katherine Krieger (Dave) of Milwaukie, Oregon; grandchildren Francis, Charlie, Ella, Lauren, Joel, Alexander, and Brooks; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held by the family in February. Memorial contributions may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, 31 St. James Avenue, Suite 365, Boston, Mass. 02116 or online at www.netrf.org/give