Frank Bond Horner

1930 - 2019

Frank Bond Horner

Santa Barbara - "I've had a wonderful life and feel very blessed. My faith is strong and I know that I will be at peace."

Frank Bond Horner was born in Piedmont, CA, on January 6, 1930, to William James Horner and Francis Bowman Horner, and died in Santa Barbara, CA, August 9, 2019. When Frank was a young boy, his family moved to 29 Palms where he developed a lifelong love for the desert of Southern California. He graduated from 29 Palms High School in 1947 with 12 students in his senior class, and went on to attend UC Berkeley.

Frank was married for 30 years to his high school sweetheart, Jeannie Van Nest Horner. They had three children: Suzie (Gordon) Sichi of Santa Barbara CA, Jeanette Horner Mathisrud (deceased), and William (Pamela) Horner of San Clemente, CA. After Jeannie passed away, he was married to Ginger Franovich Horner (deceased) for 32 years.

As a teenager Frank worked for his family shoe store, the local market, and the US Forest Service. With a growing family he began working for the Bank of America and then at Sears for 32+ years, retiring at age 53 as San Diego Group Manager. He was recognized for his many innovative achievements during his career at Sears, which was the nation's largest retailer at the time of his retirement. He also made many lifelong friends there. After retirement, he worked for the University of San Diego as Director of Corporate Relations. He volunteered his time to many organizations during his life including the Boy Scouts of America, Big Brother, Navy League of San Diego, and Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, among others.

Frank and Ginger lived for many years in Rancho Mirage, CA, at the Sunrise Country Club, enjoying golf and an active social life. He was especially proud of instituting a retirement plan for all of the club's employees during his tenure as President of the Country Club. He moved to Santa Barbara in October of 2017 to be closer to his family, who enjoyed very much having him near.

Frank loved to golf and played courses all over the US and the world, and one of his favorite stories was remembering when he played St. Andrews in the pouring rain. He also enjoyed travel all over the US and the world, including Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy and Greece. He was an avid reader and would often have several books going at once. And he was a huge car fan, from his 1938 Ford to his fast Porsche.

Frank is survived by his children, his sisters Jacquelyn Thorsen of Edina, MN, and Carolyn O'Nesky of Ahwahnee, CA, his stepchildren Mary Thomsic and Stephanie Franovich, and his "second son," Timothy Bremner. He had eight grandchildren, Tom (Cindy) Sichi, Cielo (Erin) Sichi, Erin Mathisrud (deceased), August (Natasha) Mathisrud, Jeannie Horner, J.B. Horner, Allison (James) Styles; and six greatgrandchildren, Ayla, Tenaya, Meison, Lilia, Nicolo, and SkylerGrey.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffrey Polito, Helping Hands Group, Vista del Monte, and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for their compassionate and excellent care in Santa Barbara.

Frank will be remembered as a dedicated family man who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren; he was thrilled to be able to attend granddaughter Allison's and James' wedding at grandson Tom Sichi's and Cindy Sichi's home in Goleta in April this year. He had a deep and comforting faith. He was strong and gentle as needed, a faithful friend, a genuine gentleman and a positive mentor, including to his son-in-law Gordon as Headmaster of Anacapa School.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Singing Hills Memorial Park in El Cajon, CA, Friday, August 23 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of Frank's two favorite charities, the American Red Cross and the Alzheimer's Association.