Henry Mansfield III

Henry Mansfield III, born 1947 in Pasadena California, lived for 78 wonderful years. He loved the beach, mountains, dancing, singing, dad jokes and most of all his family. The oldest of seven children, he took the job of older brother to heart, as a teenager, often carrying around the littlest ones and teaching sports to the middle ones, so they could join in with him and his friends. He was a high school baseball pitcher, but later turned to soccer, playing throughout his adult life, and supporting Manchester United and the U.S. Women's National Team. Most significantly, he was a volunteer coach and referee for AYSO for over 40 years.

Henry served in the U.S. Army from 1968 -1970 as a computer programmer. Returning to California, he worked as a programmer and systems analyst for several independent companies, then as a software engineer for decades at Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon.

He would take his children and grandchildren out to the beach, hiking or camping, every chance he got. He arranged his work schedule to be at all of his children and grandchildren’s games, plays, concerts and other events. Arriving early, he would often find a grassy spot to recline on and read an ever-present book. He spent all his vacations on adventures with family, such as the time he chaperoned his eldest daughters’ high school soccer club team on a trip through Denmark and Sweden. For the World Cup Soccer games in L.A., his daughters painted his beard red white and blue.

Over the years, he hiked the Grand Canyon, canoed the Colorado River, cross country skied in Yosemite, traveled through Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Switzerland, US Virgin Islands and kayaked and black water rafted in New Zealand. Yet, he particularly loved exploring California State and National Parks, including the Channel Islands, Zion, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon and Sequoia.

He was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his family and friends, including his wife, six children, and seven grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. We miss him so much.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday July 18, 2026 from 10am to 2pm at Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions, Rice Center, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, California.