Longstanding resident John Drake and Gini Colvig

on their way to The Dresden for dinner. 

"AS a little young lady I played baseball with the boys in the alley 'til

my mom cut it out, & put me into sewing...then later on in my 20's I even

dated a Detroit tiger pitcher!!! those were the days...even sat above the

dugout often...Opening day, usually in april, it was cold enough to wear

a fur coat...ta da!!!!!...gini"

Gini Colvig had flair, humor, and a talent for attracting men. She was married to actor Vance Colvig, star of KTLA's "Bozo the Clown Show" for 36 years. They settled in Whitley Heights in 1962. For 53 years she spread joy throughout the hill. On May 25th our beloved Gini passed away in her home. She was 92 and couldn’t believe it herself. No one could. Gini was ageless.

When she wasn't zipping off in her Mini Cooper to the gym, Gini would often stand out front of her house and chat to neighbors as they strolled by. She never tooted her own horn, but we learned that volunteering was an important part of Gini's life; Hollywood Heritage, Motion Picture and Television Fund Auxiliary Shop, Whitley Heights Civic Association. It is hard to believe that such a big heart could fit into that tiny frame.

Before Vance convinced Gini to move to Hollywood, she worked at the exclusive department store Himelhoch's in Detroit. She landed a job as a buyer and proudly owned a broadtail coat. Her father bought the lambskin fur on condition that his daughter pay him back - $5 every two weeks. When she hit the $100 mark, he forgave the remaining debt. She loved that about him. During a campaign tour through Detroit, Mamie Eisenhower and the Secret Service protectors shopped in Himelhoch's. A white blouse had been shipped ahead of time from New York. It hung on the rack for the First Lady to choose. 

"So much for spontaneity."

Years after Vance passed, Gini and Brent Christian fell in love.  

"I can't tell you how surprised I am this happened to me at age 86."

One Halloween AJ Lekowski asked Gini if he could create a 10 second video loop on a makeshift screen on her patio. It would feature neighbor Jennifer Coolidge as a pirate wench. Years later Gini said that she thought Jennifer was a very talented actress. "I've only seen her on a sheet in my driveway but, boy, was she good."

Our Queen of the Hill was an original. Gini Colvig will be missed but never be forgotten.