A prominent homebuilder and one of the key figures responsible for a first of its kind veterans housing community died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. He was 82.

Jack Shine (b. Sept. 24, 1934) worked tirelessly to provide their support into making Santa Clarita a better place, according to COC officials, in a recent news release following the Shines being honored by College of the Canyons.

That dedication to the community led the College of the Canyons Foundation to name Jack and Doreen Shine the recipients of the college's Silver Spur Community Service Award for 2017.

COC Chancellor Dianne Van Hook shared the following about Jack Shine with KHTS News after hearing about Shine's death:

"Jack Shine was a very special human being. Strategic, focused, amazingly witty and always with a twinkle in his eyes, he helped people see the future and was tenacious and resilient as he moved forward. He helped others do the same and in the process, shaped change in the Santa Clarita Valley. I had the distinct honor of working with Jack on the Santa Clarita Valley Fine Arts Council when I came to College of the Canyons. I credit his leadership with inspiring the enthusiasm that has helped to build a commitment to the arts in our community so that we can enjoy and appreciate what we do today. In my role as President of COC, he helped me as he tutored me on the development of the Santa Clarita Valley and its history and characters. A resource, a friend, and an inspiration to me for close to 30 years, there is no one who can fill that void. His wit, his sense of humor, his willingness to help veterans, youth and lovers of the opera and the arts, in a humble yet bold way, and always with flair, will be an inspiration to me and many others in the days and years ahead. When a person has an impact on you, it stays with you even though the person is no longer here. I feel privileged and blessed that I will have that to inspire me and inspire the College and its commitment to the arts for years to come. But I will miss my friend."

KHTS Co-owner Carl Goldman, who worked with Shine on the Habitat for Heroes project, shared the following:

"Jeri and I worked closely with Jack on the Habitat Homes For Heroes project. Jack was so passionate about that project and a critical key to its success. Jack has been an icon in Santa Clarita for many decades, developing much of Canyon Country and the east side of our valley. We will miss him. Our hearts go out to Doreen and his family."

Mike Mizrahi, a former Southern California Gas Company executive, shared the following:

"I am so very saddened by the news of Jack's passing. I had the privilege of working along side him through Habitat for Humanity, and admired both his heart for the needy and his business acumen. He will be missed."

After graduating from University of Southern California, Jack Shine entered the real estate industry in 1959 and over the next 50 years became a leader in the industry by developing a variety of commercial and residential projects.

As the founder and president of American Beauty Homes, Shine has played a large role in redefining the Santa Clarita Valley's landscape, particularly Canyon Country, by building trendy and affordable homes for many first-time homebuyers.

Because of his expert knowledge regarding the California housing industry, Jack has been twice appointed to the Board of California Housing Finance Agency by California State Governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Passionate about the arts, Jack has also served as President of the Los Angeles County Music and Performing Arts Commission and as a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Arts Council.

Firm believers in giving those in need a hand up, the Shines have volunteered their time for Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization that builds homes for low income and veteran families in need of permanent housing.

Jack and Doreen, who serve as the organization's Vice Chairman and Chair of the Family Selection Committee, respectively, have both received the Dream Builder's Award, an annual award given to an outstanding philanthropist by Habitat for Humanity.

As members of the COC Foundation Board of Directors, they have also provided invaluable support to various college programs and initiatives, including the COC institutional scholarship program, the Fine & Performing Arts Division, the COC Athletics department, veteran's affairs, and other student success programs. The Shines are also members of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) K-12 Educational Outreach Advisory Board.

Previous recipients of the Silver Spur award include: Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation; Remo and Ami Belli, Barry and Pati Gump, Scott and Ruth Newhall and Cliffie Stone, among others.