Irv Walzer, 71, Ojai resident for the past 18 years, passed away suddenly on February 6. Irv was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Northeast High School and graduated from Penn State University. His passion for Penn State football stayed with him throughout his entire life, as did his love of professional sports.
Irv's countless life adventures took him to many places around the world, but it was the beauty, tranquility and friendliness of Ojai that he chose to call home for the latter part of his life.
Irv spent 10+ years as VP of Marketing for his cousin's vitamin company Tierra Marketing. He achieved some wildly successful marketing campaigns for Tierra, but then there was the side of Irv which was all about helping people without asking for anything in return. He would do food share projects and bring food and books to the community where he lived. He just tried to share joy with friends and people he met each day as he went about his daily life in the little town of Ojai. Relationships were very important to him. It was not uncommon for Irv to remain in touch with friends he had met in his childhood and throughout his school years. Upon his passing, the outpouring of love and support from people he knew all over the world was astounding.
Irv was the living embodiment of the attitude "Don't Worry Be Happy" which was the philosophy of his favorite Indian spiritual master Meher Baba. In 2017 Irv felt privileged to travel to India for the first time and take part in festivals at Meher Baba's Ashram.
Family was very important to Irv and he was especially interested in genealogy. He and his girlfriend Svetlana traveled to Europe last year, visiting the places where each of their families came from, as Irv attempted to trace his family roots.
For sure, Irv was known all over Ojai for his warm smile, twinkling eyes and his curly head of hair. He was always available to give a hand and help a friend or a stranger. His life was dedicated to helping others in any way he could. Everyone who knew him quickly found out that he was a loyal and dependable friend who put his needs second to the needs of those he loved and admired.
Irv is survived by a sister, Arlene Gussin and brother-in-law Craig Gussin of Encinitas, CA, a nephew, Hal Felzer of Cypress, CA and a stepdaughter Amata Small of Portland, OR.
A celebration of Irv's life will be held at the Ojai Retreat & Inn, 160 Besant Road, on Saturday, March 2 from 1-4pm.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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