Hugh D. Oliver

Hugh was born to William E. and Stephanie Oliver in Burbank, California on May 9, 1928. He grew up in the cultural ambience of the early Hollywood movie industry, where his father worked as a screenwriter and as Drama Critic for the Los Angeles Herald Express. Hugh attended John Marshall High and was a 1950 graduate of UCLA, where he played basketball under the inspirational Coach John Wooden. He next served in the Air Force in Hawaii, where he met Julie, his future wife of 57 years. Sports were his lifelong passion; surfing, handball, Fast Track Gym enthusiast, and a collector of Olympic literature and memorabilia. Hugh served as an Olympics volunteer host at Lake Casitas during the '84 LA games and again in 1996 in Atlanta.

After moving to Ventura in 1964, Hugh worked for the County of Ventura, and then with Santa Barbara County's Department of Public Works for 32 years. He retired in 1996. Hugh worked for the expansion of the Ventura YMCA, and as a coach for the Ventura Youth Basketball Association. He was very active in the County of Santa Barbara Employee Association, before and after retirement. His commitment to community life was demonstrated by his attendance and involvement in the Ventura City Council's decision making debates. With the Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation, Hugh worked tirelessly in the struggle to preserve the local environment and was an ever present figure at their Saturday Farmer's Market's information table. After his son Damon's premature passing in 2006 Hugh took great solace in the fellowship he gained at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Al-Anon.

Hugh is survived by his wife Julie, his son Evan, his sister Noel Osheroff , of Venice, CA, nephews Nick Osheroff of Venice, CA and Dov Osheroff of Berkley, CA; and niece, Sara Osheroff of Portland, OR. He will be greatly missed by all. At his request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation.

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