Joe Junior Ridgway

1923 - 2010

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Dr. Joe Ridgway. Joe passed away on Dec. 16, 2010 at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles of complications from back surgery. He was 87.

Born in Oberlin, Kan., on Sept. 7, 1923 to Wes and Flora Ridgway, Joe was the youngest of nine children. Albeit small in stature, Joe excelled athletically against kids much bigger than he. Joe obtained his degree in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University, graduating May of 1945. There he played varsity basketball for the Wildcats and was their captain for the 1944-45 season, his senior year.

At K-State he met the love of his life, Jean Grossnickle, who worked in the military department at the school. Theirs was a whirlwind romance, they met in June and were married on Sept. 16, 1944. After graduation, the newlyweds went off to California where Joe was offered a veterinary job in Alta Dena for $250 a month!

Later while passing through Ventura on the way to Santa Barbara for a job interview, they fell in love with the city and its people. Joe established Ventura Veterinary Hospital and became the second veterinarian in Ventura. He continued to expand and improve his practice, eventually retiring in 1986. The hospital continues to thrive to this day.

On Jan. 24, 1950 Joe and Jean welcomed their first son, Vincent Jay. Vince grew up to be an outstanding sportsman, following his father's footsteps in basketball and later as an avid fisherman and boat captain. Later they welcomed their adopted second son, Robert Glenn, on March 3, 1955, who became Joe's soul mate on the golf course and a successful realtor in Ventura. An avid golfer, Joe had the distinction of making four holes-in-one. Members of Saticoy Country Club, Joe and Jean joined the original club in 1953.

Joe enjoyed playing with friends every Thursday and Saturday often playing a $1 Nassau with the loser buying the drinks. Known as the notorious "Ralph Rotten" group, they celebrated each one's birthday or some other not-so-important event. Many times Joe would bring his son Bob with him on these golf outings, instilling in him fair play and the love of the game. Both Joe and Jean loved the time of year when the annual "Parent Child" tournament was held at the club, many times taking home First Prize. Joe was very proud of his golf course and was quick to invite anyone who wanted the challenge of such a great facility.

Joe was active in the local youth and adult sports leagues, coaching basketball and baseball. In the 1960s he took the City of Ventura's youth basketball team to tournaments in Newhall and Los Angeles coming away with impressive results. He also played in the city league for Warren Tire, playing point guard and small forward.

Quick to try anything new, Joe once bought a dirt bike and learned to ride so he could join his son Bob at the racetrack. He joined the "Over The Hill Gang" and raced the senior novice division, occasionally finishing near the back of the pack, but smiling from ear to ear every time.

The couple enjoyed traveling in their motor home around the United States, often back to their roots in Kansas. They also enjoyed taking boat cruises and plane trips to Florida, Louisiana, the East Coast, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jean, of 66 years; sons, Vince and Bob (wife Gwen and daughter Jennifer); sisters-in-law, Elna Ridgway and Maxine Ridgway; plus many nieces and nephews. Joe was the last surviving member of his eight brothers and sisters. Joe is also survived by several of Jean's family including Glen "Grossie" Grossnickle, John and Elvina Grossnickle, Ron and Loralea Grossnickle, and Tom and Shirley Grossnickle.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 at Charles Carroll Funeral Home at 15 Teloma Drive in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ventura County Humane Society in Ojai or to Greyfoot Pet Adoption. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 642-8134. Please visit www.charlescarrollfuneralhome.com and leave a tribute to Joe.