Idyllwild resident Dena Van Slyke dies in crash

By Michael Slocum
Associates of Idyllwild Arts President

Many in Idyllwild are grieving as they learn the news that a car crash in Escondido on the evening of Saturday, June 24, claimed the life of Idyllwild resident Dena Van Slyke. Her husband Lee Van Slyke was seriously injured and transported to a hospital in Escondido where he is expected to recover. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), three cars were involved in the crash at about 5:45 Saturday evening on Interstate 15 near Old Highway 395.

Another injured person was a 28-year-old Hemet resident. There is no further information on this individual. The CHP representative could not confirm how the crash occurred but did say that one driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Dena and Lee shared their time between Idyllwild and San Clemente. Both have been involved in various organizations on the Hill, including the Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation (IAF) and Idyllwild Arts.

Through these organizations, they met the founders of the Karimu Foundation in Tanzania. Their journey with Idyllwild Arts began as a Foundation Council member; they attended events and performances often bringing Dena’s mother Madgel Friedman. As an Associate, Dena met Julie Roy and learned of the International Writing Club that meets daily via Zoom.

“Dena loved attending events at the school”, said IAF President Pamela Jordan. “Her true passion was theater and she and Lee often attended theatrical productions. She also loved taking songwriting workshops in the summer and always looked forward to the final performance. Dena’s infectious smile, her passion for life and her warm heart for our students will be remembered forever.”

Through the Foundation Council, they were introduced to the Associates. All three became members: Dena, Lee and Madgel. Dena and Lee’s support began immediately by attending meetings, sponsoring events, supporting the auctions and always bringing fresh, new ideas. Madgel was not able to attend as many meetings and events but she would often be on the Hill so the Associates and Idyllwild Arts could join in her birthday celebration.

As an Associate, Dena was introduced to the Theatre and Film and Digital Media chairs; she used these connections to honor her late father Arthur Friedman, UCLA Professor Emeritus. Dena, with the support of the International Writing Club, had nearly completed a book on the life of her father.

“When someone shares their passion with you, which instantly resonates at the deepest level, you know you have a lifelong friend,” said Roy. “That’s the way I met Dena on July 10, 2022, at an Associates of Idyllwild Arts President’s Dinner. I am so grateful she trusted me to attend an 8 a.m. Zoom Writing Group on July 12. She said it was a big stretch since she usually slept until 9 a.m.

“She kept sharing with me over this last year how much the discipline of showing up for a Zoom writing session meant to her. We all literally changed her life. She was excited about taking the simple idea of honoring her famous father with a published book. The editor Donna Kozak and I will ensure her book gets published and shared with family and friends.

Dena and Lee supported the Associates whenever there was a need. After the passing of Dena’s mother, Madgel, a substantial gift was made in her honor supporting the Scholarship Fund of Idyllwild Arts. Lee became the recording secretary of the Associates. Even when traveling, Lee would make the effort to attend the Associates’ meeting via Zoom. Being fans of music and the arts, they began the tradition of being the musical sponsor of our events.

I saw that Dena brought joy and life to all in the Associates Her presence would light up the room with lively conversation and intuitive questions. She always knew the Associates mission and worked hard to fulfill that vision. Dena will be missed; our meetings and events will lack her generous heart.

Dena and Lee became more engaged in Idyllwild Arts. They attended many productions, especially film and theater, throughout the Academy year. Less than a year ago, Lee became a member of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation Board of Trustees bringing his financial expertise to the Board and Finance Committee. Idyllwild Arts looks forward to Lee’s return to the board of trustees when the time is right.

“While Lee joined our board of trustees only a year ago, he and Dena have been connected to Idyllwild Arts for many years,” said Jeffrey Dvorak, trustees chair. “They shared a passion for so many things, including arts and education. Dena seemed to appreciate all art forms, but I sensed she was particularly drawn to theater. In the short time Lee has served on the board, he has been invaluable in helping us understand the insurance challenges we face.

“In my opinion, Dena and Lee both share the attributes of being energetic, intelligent, passionate and willing to help improve the lives of others in a wide range of areas. True examples of global citizens, we are grateful Dena was part of our Idyllwild Arts family, but we will miss her dearly.”

While at Idyllwild Arts, Dena and Lee met Marianne Kent-Stoll, founder and president of the Karimu International Help Foundation and former head of school at Idyllwild Arts. They quickly formed a relationship with Marianne and began to support the Karimu Foundation. Dean and Lee’s donation to Karimu Foundation built a new schoolhouse in the village of Dareda Kati in Tanzania. A trip was planned for the month of July to visit Dareda Kati, Tanzania to see the finished schoolhouse as well to two other African countries to view the results of their philanthropy.

“Lee and Dena were passionate about uplifting impoverished communities,” said Kent-Stoll. “Their generosity has extended to Zambia where they helped an orphanage and economic development, a community in Kenya and recently they made a generous donation to Karimu International Help Foundation, founded by former Head of School Marianne Kent-Stoll and her husband, Donald Stoll. Their donation made construction of a new classroom possible. Hundreds of students were eagerly awaiting Dena and Lee’s arrival to thank them.”

Dena’s philanthropic commitment was off the Hill as well; she served as a member of the San Clemente Historical Society since the 1990s. She served as a member of the board of directors and as president. She also owned the locally renowned Goldschmidt House in San Clemente, managing to get the private residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Michael “Mickey” McLane, a longtime friend of the Van Slykes said they are “contributors” to society. The Van Slykes not only contributed with their money, but with their hearts.

Dena and Lee were members of the Center for Spiritual Living, Capistrano Valley. “Beyond her creativity and endless ideas, I will miss her tender and generous heart,” said Rev. Alice Reid.