Amanda
Fehd
Frank Souza, one of South Lake Tahoe's first City Council
members who rallied behind incorporating the city in 1965, died in Cameron Park
on Nov. 6. He was 90.
A real estate broker, community planner and longtime Kiwanis Club member, Souza
moved to Cameron Park in 1987 after 30 years at the South Shore.
Friends and colleagues remembered him as a fun-loving yet earnest community
leader.
"He always had a big smile and a positive outlook on everything he
undertook," said former Mayor Del Laine.
Souza, along with many others, worked diligently to incorporate the city, which
allowed residents more control over the look of their town.
"We wanted to direct our own destiny," Laine said.
The move allowed zoning changes and electric grid rewiring, and made room for
rules disallowing billboards.
"These were things that seemed cosmetic but were essential to the change in
quality of life," Laine said.
Souza also loved to play golf.
"He was a tough competitor around the golf course," said the Rev. John
Grace, who played at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course every summer morning with Souza.
"Frank loved to compete." Grace is a reverend at St. Theresa Catholic
Church in South Lake Tahoe.
Souza was active at St. Theresa parish, where he helped raise funds to build
their school in 1959.
Ed Laine described Souza as an enthusiastic Kiwanian,
remembering an unusual request several years ago.
"In one instance, when I was president of the local club, he came up to me
before the meeting and he said, 'I want you to fine me, I want to donate $100 to
the club," Ed Laine said.
"In Kiwanis, we do gag fines, usually $1 or $2. He made a wisecrack remark,
insulted the president or something, so I fined him $100."
Tom Millham, another fellow Kiwanian, remembered Souza as an encouraging leader.
"He encouraged people to do their best, be their best and he was there to
help them," Millham said.
Souza's golf reputation followed him wherever he went.
"There was a guy out there from New York getting ready to play at Edgewood
where Father Grace and Frank played every day," Millham said. "And
this guy said to the pro, 'Do you mind if I cut ahead of these old
geezers?" And the pro said, "I tell you what, if you can keep up with
them, I'll give you a free round."
