Stephen W. Flores

Stephen Flores, 77, of Ventura, passed away Friday, July 13, 2012, after a brief illness. He was born on December 26,1934 in Ventura, an 8th generation Californian of Chumash and Basque descent as well as being a direct descendant of one of the original Land Grant families of Ventura County. Stephen began his Associate of Arts degree at Ventura College but soon left to join the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordinance man on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga. Stephen felt fortunate that in his 4 years with the Navy he was able to sail the Mediterranean twice and sail around the world. His favorite places were Italy, Spain, Istanbul and Turkey. Upon leaving the Navy he returned to Ventura College to finish his A.A. degree then moved on to Humboldt State to study agriculture. Stephen left Humboldt to become a Federal Firefighter at the Oxnard Air Force Base but when it closed he was transferred to Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. When a position became available Stephen was happy to come home to work as a Federal Firefighter at Pt. Mugu where he lived until retirement in 1986.

Stephen was the epitome of a gentleman, perhaps born a century too soon as he was most at home hiking, hunting and fishing the Sespe and his beloved Red Mountain. He had an amazing vegetable garden and everyone looked forward to his fresh garlic. In later years he became an avid genealogist and belonged to Los Californianos and The Tortilla Flats Committee.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Flores, and mother, Carmelita Lorenzana-Flores, both of Ventura.

Stephen is survived by his sister Juanita Flores of Ventura and brothers Philip Flores (Patsy) of Ventura, Ed Flores (Jakki) of Brandon, Mississippi, Bill Flores of Ventura, Dan Flores (Carrie) of Seattle, Washington, and Richard Flores (Denise) of Ojai, Ca. as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends including best friend and cousin John Lorenzana of Clovis, Ca.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tortilla Flats Reunion Committee or The Friends of the River, Friendsoftheriver.org.

A memorial service will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura on Thursday, July 19, 10:00 A.M. with the Reverend Jonathan Mulford officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com