OSCAR BASHFORD

OSCAR BASHFORD

July 31, 1921 - Oct. 10, 2014

Oscar Bashford was born on July 31, 1921 to his parents, Claude and Cora Bashford and passed away on October 10, 2014.
He was a veteran of WW2, serving in the 5th Air Force in the Philippine's and after the war was a Flight Mechanic in 1945 that served as an Airlines in shuttling Japanese officials. Oscar, known as Bash was a man of ambition and determination to succeed in life. He and his wife left Ohio in September 1956 for Burbank in California bringing their savings of $1,200.00. He worked at Lockheed in Burbank, but in between he bought a lot in Bombay Beach. On December 31, 1957 he drove to El Centro and found the Health Department and met Dr. Leland Carson. He was very helpful and after explaining how we would be using a Survel gas fridge, have water hauled from Brawley, heat water just as our pioneers did, and would erect two outside privies, Dr. Carson said no problem. He left with our permit at a cost of approximately $25.00. The same day he got he Seller's Permit. He was pleased to see Mr. Carson many years later, when he came out to visit. A new venture became a reality, in 1962 he purchased an acre across from the Old Spa from Harold Bromley, Harold was very helpful and became a close friend. In 1963 we opened the Little Store for the many residents at the Old Spa. Then in 1964 the folks at the Old Spa were ordered to leave, so not to be defeated, Bash decided to put in RV spaces. Then with the help of our then State Inspector John Neeves; he was able to get a permit fee, starting with just personal drawings and a small fee, then opened in the fall of 1964 with 10 spaces. After that a new hot water well was drilled and six hot mineral water baths were added. Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa was achieved by Bash in the fall of October 1965. Many additions were added as Bash could manage until his dreams and ambitions were achieved. Oscar's life's work was done and the Spa lives on with his son Craig's management.
He is survived by his wife, Retha; son, Craig and Karen; grandchildren Alan and Chelsea.