Galen W Fitzgerald

Galen Warren Fitzgerald (“Fitz”), 77, of Oxnard, devoted husband and loving father, was taken to his Heavenly home on Friday, September 27, 2013, at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Galen was born in Jetmore, Kansas on July 5, 1936, to parents Joseph Warren and Charlotte (Koester) Fitzgerald. He lived in Kansas until the end of fourth grade when his family moved to Fort Collins, CO.

A very proud veteran who loved his country dearly, Galen joined the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served for 20 years as an AFCM (E-9), receiving numerous awards, medals, commendations, and honors. He was stationed at several locations throughout the U.S. including at Chief of Naval Reserves in New Orleans, LA, and at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, with the VP-65 Squadron, until being honorably discharged in 1978. After his service with the U.S. Navy, Galen was employed by Continental Airlines, Rockwell International, and Veda, Inc. Before retiring, he was self-employed, operating a highly successful defense software business (LC Associates, Inc.), with his wife Joyce, selling, installing, and supporting numerous aviation/aerospace logistics related software programs which were sold to companies in the U.S. and internationally.

Galen’s love of his life was his wife, Joyce, whom he met and married in 1957, while he was stationed at Millington Naval Air Station near Memphis, TN.

He had a passion and joy for auto racing; especially Sprint Car racing. Most Saturday nights he and Joyce would be found in the grandstand tower at the Ventura Raceway enjoying an exciting evening of racing. Through the years they developed very special and significant relationships with many wonderful folks who had a common interest in Sprint Car racing, especially with Ventura Raceway promoter Jim Naylor, and race car driver Cory Kruseman and their families.

With a unique, calm nature, and wonderful sense of humor, Galen was always thinking of others and ready and willing to help family, friends, and neighbors with various needs. His strong love of family and friends was evident. His smile, laughter, and voice will be greatly missed. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Galen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce (Harrison) Fitzgerald; daughter, Christine and her husband Doug Davis of Camarillo, CA; son, Mark Fitzgerald of Oxnard, CA; daughter, Shayne and her husband Brian Sims of Goodview, VA; and granddaughter, Makayla Sims, also of Goodview, VA. He is also survived by brothers, Virgil Fitzgerald of Trenton, TX; and Eugene Dyck of Colorado Springs, CO.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris (Dyck) Emery of Worthington, OH and Harry Dyck of Ft. Worth, TX.

A memorial service to honor Galen's life will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road in Ventura on Monday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Dan Hull officiating. A private internment ceremony, for family only, will take place the following day at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

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