- Date Of Birth: August 16, 1934
- Date Of Death: March 3, 2021
- State: Arizona
Logan Earl Van Sittert, 86, passed away on March 3, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Logan was born in Pella, Iowa on August 16, 1934 to William and Mary Van Sittert. He attended Iowa State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
Logan married his college sweetheart, Barbara Culver, and upon graduation in 1957, the young couple moved to Phoenix. Logan was employed by Weaver & Grover Architects, one of the leading Arizona architectural firms in Arizona at that time. One year after arriving in Phoenix, Logan and Barbara welcomed their son Todd.
Early in his career at Weaver & Grover, Logan helped design many of the Valley National Bank branch buildings that were built in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Logan then joined Stevens & Associates, another leading Arizona architectural firm. At Stevens & Associates, he helped design what is now the East Maricopa County Court Building located at the corner of First Avenue and Jefferson, in downtown Phoenix. Logan eventually formed his own architectural firm, Van Sittert Associates/Architects. Through hard work, determination, and talent, Van Sittert Associates became a highly respected and successful architectural firm that created many landmark buildings throughout the Valley. While Logan’s practice was focused on commercial development, he designed and built his iconic North Central Phoenix home, which received awards for architectural excellence and was featured in several publications. Logan enjoyed the respect of his peers and colleagues and served as President of the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was also a recipient of the Arizona Architects Kachina Award.
Logan expanded his career and became involved in Valley real estate development. He forged a partnership with Paul Davis and together they founded Indianola Partners, developing a number of buildings throughout Arizona, including several buildings leased to the Federal government.
Barbara and Logan joined Phoenix Country Club in 1981. Logan served on the Club’s Board of Directors and became Board President in 1998-1999. Logan was a supporter of women’s rights and advocated for women to become members of Phoenix Country Club.
Logan was a dedicated athlete throughout his life and loved athletic competitions. He was a lifelong swimmer and particularly enjoyed competing in U.S. Masters Swimming meets. In 1987, Logan was a proud member of the 50-60 age group gold medal 400 freestyle relay team at the 1987 U.S. Masters Swimming Championships.
In his fifties, Logan decided that he needed a new athletic challenge and decided to take up golf. His natural athleticism gave him an advantage and he was soon competing in Club tournaments. Partnered with close friend Bud Lundahl, the dynamic duo became proud champions when they won the “Best Ball Tournament” at Phoenix Country Club.
Logan and Barbara also enjoyed traveling extensively to Europe as they had a passion for the arts, literature, history, theater and classical music. One of Logan’s bucket list items was to see all 34 Vermeer paintings, which he did, except The Music Lesson at Buckingham Palace (only because the Queen denied access to that work).
Dr. Barbara and Logan Van Sittert were true American patriots and constitutionalists. In recent years, the Van Sitterts recognized an urgent need for voices dedicated to promoting liberty and free thought. In 2020, in what is the largest gift in The Goldwater Institute’s history, Logan and Barbara generously funded The Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy.
Beyond Logan’s immense talent success and intelligence, he was foremost a loving and honorable husband. His selflessness was particularly evident in recent years in his devotion to Barbara. Logan heroically provided round-the-clock care to his beloved Barbara, preferring to care for her in their home so she felt safe and comfortable.
Logan is survived by his wife, Barbara, and predeceased by his son, Todd, his parents, Mary and William, his brother, Warren, and his sisters Ella, and Barbara.
