Long-time California Rental Association member Rick Linstrom, owner of Woodland Hills Equipment Rentals, passed away Friday, March 6, at his home in Acton, Calif., with his wife of 50 years, Judy, at his side.
Linstrom was raised in Culver City, Calif., and moved with his family to Woodland Hills, Calif., in 1954. He was graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1957. Linstrom helped his parents establish Woodland Hills Equipment Rentals while also working at General Motors in Van Nuys, Calif. After six years of working two jobs, he dedicated his efforts exclusively to the family business. Woodland Hills Equipment Rentals was and remains today a mainstay of the West San Fernando Valley for the past 52 years. In 1993 he expanded and opened Palmcaster Equipment Rentals in Palmdale, Calif. He continued to support the operation of both rental yards even throughout his retirement.
Linstrom also spent the past 40 years coaching his children and grandchildren in baseball, softball, football and soccer. He touched the lives of many boys and girls throughout his coaching years. He spent 18 of those years at Westhills Baseball and most recently helping to coach his grandchildren at Sierra Youth Sports in Acton, Calif.
After living in the San Fernando Valley for 48 years, Linstom and his wife, Judy moved to Acton where they built a new family home on 10 acres of land and called it the Lazy L Ranch. There he enjoyed tinkering in his workshop with his grandchildren, planting trees, caring for his property, and sharing time with his family and friends.
Linstom is survived by his wife, Judy, and their children; Richard and his wife Terry and grandchildren Joe, Nick and Ashley; Mike and his wife Valerie and granddaughters Kandace and Melissa; Raymond and his wife, Julie and grandchildren Luke and Gabriella; Ross and grandson Frankie; Pattie; and Suzy and her husband Ray and grandchildren Mark and Katelyn. He is also survived by his siblings Loren Linstrom and his wife Jean; Maryellen Ham and her husband Richard; Carolyn Ensley and her husband Phil; Arlene Bellin; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Ross Linstrom.
In lieu of flowers, Rick’s memory can be honored with donations to The Painted Turtle at 1300 4th Street, Suite 300, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
