BILL EBLEN

EBLEN, BILL
May 1935 to December 2011
Bill Eblen was born in California and raised on a ranch in Fontana, CA, along with his older sister, Janie. He attended Chaffey College and then went on to UCLA to study and play basketball under the guidance of Coach John Wooden. He met his beloved wife Carol at UCLA. After their marriage in 1957, Bill joined the United States Marine Corp as an officer. He was stationed at Camp Pendelton, CA, and Okinawa, Japan. After serving in the Marine Corp, he returned to UCLA as a graduate student and assistant basketball coach. From there he went on to be a successful business owner for several years and then spent the rest of his career in the food distribution industry. Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather during his busy career. Upon retirement at 65, he enjoyed fishing, playing golf, managing and playing a duplicate bridge game, and coaching recreational youth basketball at the local Community Center. Bill Eblen lost his courageous battle against cancer on Dec. 9. He was predeceased by his sister, Janie Miller, who he adored. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol, his children Karen Somers, Sharon Thunder (husband Richard Thunder), Mary Eblen, and William Eblen; his grandchildren Ryan and Alyssa Somers (father Rick Somers), and RJ and Natalie Thunder, his brother-in-law, Stephen Miller, along with the Miller nieces and nephews, and their children. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., Encinitas. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Encinitas Community Center or Elizabeth Hospice.