Schifrin, President of SGD Inc., Passes Away

Les Schifrin, 66, a well-known insurance leader, passed away May 7 in Van Nuys, Ca.

Schifrin was the president of Schifrin, Gagnon & Dickey, Inc., which has offices in Van Nuys, Walnut Creek, San Diego and Capinteria, Ca. The company’s principal lines of business include casualty, auto, property, commercial, homeowners, inland marine, medical malpractice, dental melpractice, jewelers block, construction defect and product liability.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Schifrin was also a principal in Fraud Investigation Management & Training Co., a partnership of Schifrin, Gagnon & Dickey, Inc.

Schifrin’s first adjusting firm back in the early 70’s grew within its first year to employ approximately 35 adjusters, at which time the firm was converted to the partnership of Schifrin, Gagnon & Dickey, which was incorporated in 1981.

Close friend and insurance veteran, Barry Zalma, said Schifrin was an exceptionally good man, a true friend, a professional in all variations of the word.

“Les Schifrin was the best respected insurance claims person I have ever known, and probably anyone in the state or country knew,” Zalma said. “His skills were in every kind of insurance claim. Everybody, including myself, learned from him. He will be remembered for helping more people get into and stay in the business.”

Schifrin, who held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Textile Engineering from the Philadelphia Textile Institute, began his insurance career in 1958 with Consolidated Mutual, a national casualty, property and auto insurer. Schifrin spent 16 years with Consolidated Mutual.

Schifrin is survived by sons Rick, Jeff and Peter, and five grandchildren.

The funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2 p.m. in Los Angeles at Mount Sinai, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive.