William R. Seaver

William (Bill) Seaver was born in 1930, son of Roy and Alice Seaver. Bill and his brother Robert were raised on a large ranch in Hayward, CA. As a boy, he was involved in archeology digs that led him to be on the cover of Life magazine. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Agriculture. In 1952, he married Shirley Lumbard, who was the great love of his life. Bill then served in the Korean War. In 1956, he and Shirley moved to Oxnard, CA where he began his teaching career at Oxnard High School. Teaching agriculture and very involved in the Future Farmers of America, he helped students with their livestock projects at local fairs. Bill’s excellence and dedication as a teacher was demonstrated by his former students continuing to visit him, some more than 50 years after graduating.

In 1962, he became a counselor at Thousand Oaks High School. He soon became head counselor and eventually principal. Bill continued his career at the Conejo Unified School District where he first became Associate Superintendent and ultimately Superintendent.

In 1963, the family moved to Camarillo. At the same time they joined Trinity Presbyterian Church, Bill and Shirley have been active members. Bill was also very involved in the Optimist Club in both Camarillo and Thousand Oaks, where he helped with many of their youth programs.

Bill served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 and then in the Army Reserve until 1983 where he retired as a Colonel.

In 1993, he was appointed to the Calleguas Municipal Water Board and he retired in 2013. He greatly enjoyed the district and served on many committees.

Bill and Shirley were very dedicated parents and created a great family environment for their four children. When their seven grandchildren were born, they fully participated in their lives and often traveled to Canada and Oregon to see them. Personally, Bill and Shirley had active lives; doing volunteer work in the community, traveling, regularly going to the Hollywood Bowl, the theater, and Pepperdine. Bill created a vegetable garden every year and loved to work in their yard. He also loved to tell jokes and would regularly send and receive large quantities of jokes by email.

Bill passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 9, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Shirley. They had a long and loving marriage of 61 years. He is also survived by his four children, Will, Tom (Liz), Julia (Keith) and Ellen (Curtis). Bill was known for his direct and straight forward personality. He lived by a set of values that was respected by those who knew him. His huge presence and love of the extended family is going to be greatly missed.

There will be a memorial service held Monday, February 17, 2014, 1:00 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2304 Antonio Ave, Camarillo with reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice in memory of Bill Seaver.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.