Trent L. Limbacher

Trent L. Limbacher was a man for whom actions would speak louder than words. His life motto might well have been “if it isn’t logical, it’s not important.” The qualities of being fair, just and the ability to recognize what was right were clearly driving forces in Trent’s life. He was also the kind of person who could respect a “do not disturb” sign, whether it was real or implied. He was analytical and observant, with an ability to be simultaneously spontaneous and keenly perceptive. Trent was modest in his actions and extremely literal in his thoughts and in the manner in which he communicated with others. When Trent said something, he meant it. All those who knew him appreciated this trademark quality.

Trent was born on March 26, 1925 at home in Huntington, Indiana. His parents were Walter John and Geneva Denton. Trent was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Even as a small child, Trent wanted to understand what was right and what was wrong in any given situation. As Trent grew older, he realized the importance of being treated fairly, and in return, he treated everyone around him the same way. This belief in fair play served Trent well throughout his life and despite his natural shyness; he enjoyed a solid group of friends.

Trent was raised with two older brothers Walter Jr. and Eugene. Trent looked up to his older brothers and especially liked to tag along with his brother Eugene. Trent and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they shared many life experiences.

During his childhood, family and friends viewed Trent as a quiet and reserved person with what most would consider a calm and tranquil demeanor. A great deal of Trent’s free time was spent learning how and why the things around him worked. He was an active child who loved being outdoors and absorbing all the sensory input that nature could provide. He enjoyed playing kick the can with his friends. He was a Boy Scout and a member of 4-H dairy cattle club. In his spare time, he liked to collect comic books.

The fact that he was curious was an asset to Trent while he was in school. He relished the task of scrutinizing problems, investigating all of the options and then solving them. Trent enjoyed tackling the project that was right in front of him and working it straight through to its conclusion. Experience was Trent’s best teacher. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math. He will be remembered by classmates for his excellence in carpentry. He won a ribbon for building a bedroom set in woodshop class.

Trent enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Boot Camp in San Diego, California. There he met and married Loretha Felsinger. They were married for almost 25 years and lived for a time in Arizona but spent most of their married life in California where they raised their daughter Lynn. Trent and Lynn were very close and spent a lot of father- daughter time together when she was a child, going on excursions on Trent's motorcycle around San Diego County together. Loretha passed away in 1971 at the age of 43. Later Trent and Lynn often went camping in the desert with family and friends, riding in Trent's dune buggy. Trent taught Lynn how to drive the dune buggy at the age of 12 and they spent many happy hours camping and riding together.

Trent met Hilda Perkins (Schlecht) in the early 1980's at a square- dance and they exchanged vows on October 25, 1985 in the backyard of his home of National City, California. They had a solid and meaningful relationship which made them inseperable. The couple made it a point to spend quality time together and enjoyed sharing many activities together including square- dancing.

Besides Lynn, Trent and Hilda were blessed with 2 other daughters, Kim and Kelly. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Christopher, Nathan, David, Ashley and Joseph and one great granddaughter Bryanna.

In his work life, Trent was the kind of person who had no difficulty in taking on a project and seeing it through to its completion. He excelled at dealing with those pesky details that can derail some people, and once he understood exactly why he was working on a project, he could plow full steam ahead. For Trent, being able to grasp the logical components of any task was significant to him in appreciating its importance. His primary occupation was facilities maintenance management and was greatly respected by the faculty and staff in each school where he worked. He was employed for 23 years by San Diego City Schools. Trent always made the effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Trent was proud of his military service. He understood his duty to serve his country and the importance of getting a job done. He was in the Navy Amphibious Group from 1943 to 1946 where he operated and was in charge of landing crafts. He also spent time as landing craft operator instructor. Trent saw action in World War 2 and took part in the invasion of Okinawa. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Seaman First Class.

Trent's favorite pursuits were CB radio operating, building remote controlled model airplanes, square- dancing, dune buggy driving and desert camping. Trent was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Trent had the ability to stay calm and the determination to do what was necessary to get the job finished, traits that helped him enjoy sports. In high school, Trent played pitcher in baseball and the fullback position in football for North High and Phoenix Union. His favorite recreational sports included golf and football.

Trent appreciated the occasions when he was able to travel and get away on a vacation. His favorite vacation spots included Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona to camp and fish as well as visiting San Diego when he lived in Arizona.

Trent was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Trent’s favorites was Duke, a German Shepherd. They were best friends for 5 years. His other favorite pets were his dogs Bebe and Brandy.

As his retirement approached, Trent viewed the event as just one more project to research and solve. So, when the day finally arrived in 1986, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Prescott, Arizona to be closer to family, then eventually moving to Sun City, Arizona and then back to San Diego for the last six years. In retirement, he found new pleasure in fixing up his retirement home and square- dancing with a new group of friends. Trent was a wonderful and caring person and wherever he lived or traveled to he always made new friends because he was so easy and fun to be around. There wasn't anyone who knew him who didn't say what a nice guy he was. Even in his last days he was such a sweet person, always worried about those around him and still joking with his family and hospice care- givers. All of the people from Hospice that took care of him during his illness developed a wonderful relationship with him and thought he was a special person whom they felt honored to have met.

Trent passed away on June 12, 2010 at home in El Cajon, California. Trent fought a brave and mercifully short battle against pancreatic cancer. He is survived by wife of almost 25 years, Hilda; his daughters Lynn, Kim and Kelly; his grandchildren Christopher, Nathan, David, Ashley and Joseph; great granddaughter Bryanna; and his brother Eugene. Services were held at The Little Chapel of the Roses. Trent was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial park in Bonita, California.

Trent strongly believed that talk is cheap. He was the type of person who would show others his feelings through his actions. The experiences he treasured most were those he shared with his loved ones. Trent L. Limbacher will be greatly missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.