Charles Hitchcock

Charles "Cliff" Hitchcock was born in Sedalia, Mo., in December 1922, and passed away Monday, Aug, 30, 2010. After finishing high school in Moberly, Mo., he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre. At the end of World War II, he began work at the Richfield (now ARCO) refinery in Southern California. He eventually became manager of fire, safety, and security for the entire facility - he retired in 1983. In 1947, Cliff married Delores "De" Bauer and they lived in Long Beach, Calif., for more than 40 years. In 1989, they moved to Arroyo Grande and became active members of St. John''s Lutheran Church. In 2009, they moved to Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura, Calif. An avid golfer, Cliff was the proud owner of a hole-in-one trophy. He also enjoyed the annual reunions of fellow World War II veterans from his special unit of radio operators. Cliff is survived by his wife, De; brother, Jasper of Houston, Texas; daughter, Patricia Lochner of Oak View, Calif.; son, Stephen of Albany, Calif.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His son, Timothy passed away in 2006. A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at St. John''s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Road in Arroyo Grande. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lutheran World Relief or Habitat for Humanity.