Park Harry Irvine

1919 - 2012

Park passed away after a short illness.

He was born Jan. 28, 1919, and died April 5, 2012. Park grew up in Minnesota. He joined the Air Force in 1941 after Pearl Harbor and served three years in the South Pacific as an airplane mechanic. After WWII, Park was stationed at the Sana Ana Air Force Base, where he met his future wife Gertrude Dohner at a USO dance. She was attending Fullerton J.C. at the time. Park went back to Minnesota but kept in touch with Gertrude. After Gertrude graduated from the University of Colorado they were wed and moved to Minnesota where Park completed his degree in journalism at the University of Minnesota in 1948.

Park was employed with small town newspapers until he was recalled in the army reserves during the Korean conflict. He was trained in military counter intelligence. After being discharged he and his family returned to California where he worked for newspapers until he began working in public relations for various aerospace companies. He ended his career with Northrop Corporation.

He leaves behind his wife, Gertrude, of 64 years; two daughters, Jill Irvine and Carol Mathews; and three granddaughters, Marla, Jackie and Gabby Mathews.

A son, Jack, preceded him in death.

Park was an avid sailor and past Commodore of Westlake Yacht Club. He also served as an officer on Ascension Lutheran's church council. We will miss him.

His Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks. Interment will be at Valley Oaks Memorial Park with a reception to follow at Westlake Yacht Club.