He was born in Santa Paula on Nov. 17, 1921, to Hope Hardison Procter and James N. Procter. He grew up on the family citrus ranch, attended Santa Paula Union High School, Class of 1940, and earned his B.A. from Stanford University in 1944. He was most at home on the back of a horse, combing the hills and trails of Ventura County and beyond. He was an avid hunter, a dedicated patriot, and a gifted storyteller. He had a passion for history and a vast knowledge of Santa Clara Valley and its people and milestones. He served in the United States Army from 1946 until his honorable discharge as a reservist in 1953, having achieved the rank of Captain. He served his country in World War II and in the Korean War.

He is survived by his three children, Ann Procter, John Procter, and James Procter; by his four grandchildren, Louisa Footman, Alexander Footman, Sophia Muratori Procter, and John Muratori Procter; and his brother, Norris Procter.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 8, at Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Road, Santa Paula. A reception for family and friends will follow at Logsdon's Restaurant, 824 Santa Maria Street, Santa Paula.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's name to The C.R.E.W. (www.thecrew.org), an environmentally oriented nonprofit youth leadership and employment organization centered in Ojai, or the Ventura County Museum of History and Art (www.venturamuseum.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Jul. 7 to Jul. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Procter

18 Entries

Phil Rice

July 16, 2011

Was truly saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I have known Bob since I was a small boy as my parents, the Lawtons from Fillmore, My aunt Maida Hager, and Bobs parents were good friends. I new Bob a lot better as I grew older because He didn't have much in common when he was 19 and I wasI was about 6 or 7 and we visited The Procters and I spent most of my time looking at the pet Rattle Snake located on the porch. Later on, Jim and his friend always stopped by my aunts and dropped off several ducks they shot that day...my favorite food. As I grew into an adult, we became good friends and talked often, mostly around Elkins Golf Course. Later we moved to Santa Paula, and I saw him at the bank and around town. We always talked for quite some time and caught up with our "goings on." I will sorely miss our many chats. Our thoughts and prayers go to Jim and John and their families in these trying times. Phil Rice, Santa Paula, CA.

Vicki Glazener-Entrekin

July 15, 2011

I was in school at SPUHS the same time as Jim and John but very much a mouse in the background (they were popular upperclassmen). It doesn't seem that long ago that I saw Mr. Procter at the post office, struck by the sight of people actually lining up to talk to him. He looked so fit, with a happy, relaxed face, years younger than what I see is his actual age. Nancy King and I were just exchanging a few words on e-mail about him...and you look at these pages of Guest Book comments...gosh, what a measure of a man, to be remembered by so many, and remembered so well.

Scott Rushing

July 13, 2011

Dear Ann, John, and Jim: you all are in my thoughts at this difficult time. It is hard to imagine the city without Bob, he was part of the fabric of the community. Your father was a special breed of man who stared down danger and adversity and faced it head on, not backing down, a rare strength of character. We will all miss him.
With sincerest sympathy.

Glen and Constance Holder

July 12, 2011

Bob was a wonderful man who will be missed greatly. We have enjoyed many lunches, tales and laughter over the years and will treasure his sense of humor and candor always. Our condolences to each family member who has lost someone very special.

Luanne Pontbriant

July 11, 2011

John, Jim and Ann - I offer my deepest condolences. What a wonderful person your Dad was. He was one of my dearest friends. I have many wonderful memories...Gonna miss you Bobby! Looking forward to the day we see each other again!!!

Gene&Sally Caulfield

July 11, 2011

Bob was a our friend as he was to many. We enjoyed his humor & stories - always in good taste. I, Gene, worked for Bob, so to speak , when he was a Director on the Limoneira Board & I reported to it as V.P. of Sales. We attented many meetings, BBQs & just good GTGs
We will miss Bob..he was a tribute to his generation. Our best thoughts go to the Procter Family.
Gene & Sally Caulfield

Chanda & Patrick Stockton

July 10, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the entire Procter Family! Bob was such a special man, and a true Cowboy! I remember being a teenager and having such fun hanging out at Bob's learning to drive in his ol' white Truck! Bob, you will always have a special place in my heart! Rest In Peace! Heaven is a much happier place now that you are there!

Nancy King

July 9, 2011

What a wonderful memorial for Bob yesterday! I took Bob to dinner at Logsdon's in November 2008 (we shared November birthdays) surrounded by other good friends, all women (the Mora sisters, AnaMaria, Linda and Theresa). Several people stopped by to say hi, and after their second look when they noticed he was surrounded by women...indeed was the King of the Round Table! He was, and will always be, my very special friend!

Kathy Howard

July 9, 2011

Dear Proctor Family,
Your dad remembered me from when I was a baby, living in the big white house across from the big green house on S.P. Street. He probably knew more family histories in Santa Paula than the actual families did! I will miss seeing him around town and especially running into him at Logsdon's. Conversations with him were never boring and I truly enjoyed his company! I'd have loved to have gone on a trail ride with him. I remember seeing hiim come by with horses at the big green house on occasion as a little girl, which certainly fueled my love of horses! I will ever remember him with his cowboy hat and boots and big friendly smile.

I'm so very sorry to have missed the funeral, as I only learned about his passing this morning. I shall truly miss your father.

With sympathy, Kathy (& Darin Howard and boys)

Amber Mickelson

July 8, 2011

I've worked for Mr. Procter for the last 3 years and i've known him for 15 years now. He has taught me to look at life a whole lot different. He is a wonderful man! He knew History like no other! I'm going to miss watching Jerry Springer with him and having lots of laughs. Just everything in general. Love Ya Mr. Procter

July 8, 2011

Bob was one of my best friends. Some of the best memories of my life are shared with Bob and that magical house. I will miss his advice,watching Wheel of Fortune, eating chicken fried steak from Logsdons,making persimmon cookies, and the way he made me feel like I was the most special person in the world! I know he is riding horses in Heaven...love you Bob! Christie Roman

Joe & Mary De Vito

July 8, 2011

John, our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Linda (Smith) Granberry

July 7, 2011

My condolences to Bob's family. It has been a number of years since I had seen Bob. He had a way of always greeting me as if I was special. He was kind and friendly like that. Even though our conversations were few, far between, and rather brief, there was always a special friendship connection. I will miss the opportunity to run into him again. Hoping he is sharing stories with Daddy today.

Dennis & Susan Montoya

July 7, 2011

My husband & I have lived on Ojai Road for 28 years and during that time would see Mr. Procter out in the field with the horses or working on his property. I had the pleasure of talking to him in Garden Market and the bank on several occasions and know that he was quite a patriot and well repected member of our community. I always enjoyed seeing him in his cowboy hat & boots, he just really seemed like a very kind, down to earth person. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Carolyn Jauregui-Bowker

July 7, 2011

To the Procter Family,

I am so very sorry to read about Bob's passing in todays paper. I will miss seeing and talking to him. He always had a smile and a big hug to give. It was my plesure to have known him.

Bob Brooks

July 7, 2011

Bob was an honored part of the Sheriff's Posse who brought his sense of humor and respect for history. So many of us looked to him for wisdom and perspective. He embodied the value of service and patriotism that could only come from someone who fought for his country in time of war and served to keep his community safe in time of peace. I will miss him as a friend and as a local hero.

BOB BROOKS

Robert Sandoval

July 7, 2011

To the Procter Family,

We are very sorry to hear about Mr. Procter's passing. I grew up across from his residence on Ojai Road. I'll miss seeing him at Logston's. He was always with a good sense of humor. My sister had some fun discussions with him. He would always make her laugh. My mother, uncle, and sister will greatly miss seeing him.

Linda Frank

July 7, 2011

Dearest Procter Family,no words can truly express our emotions in the loss of Robert Procter. The short 10 yrs my family has known him has given us a lifetime of great memories. Especially tales of the past. Santa Paula has truly loss a great Historian. My grandson Joshua Campbell will always treasure his times of exploring the sheds,the magical barn, the mysterious basement and riding the horses.We are truly thankful for our time with him.
Sincerely Linda Frank, Joann Frank, Renee Campbell and Joshua Campbell

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