Stephen Devron Resnik

1937 - 2009

Stephen Devron Resnik, 72, passed away at home, with his loving family at his bedside, on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 after a courageous, hard-fought battle with malignant melanoma.

Born May 30, 1937, in Los Angeles to Morrey and Annette Resnik, Stephen spent his childhood in Bell and West Los Angeles body surfing, shooting pool, playing baseball and delivering newspapers with his father. At Bell High School, Stephen lettered in baseball and football, securing a spot on the 1955 All City Los Angeles football team. Stephen attended Stanford University on a football scholarship, earning a bachelors degree in education and in 1960 his credential and masters degree from Cal State Northridge. Stephen belonged to Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

On a blind date, while in college, he met his wife of 50 years, Joyce Foreman.

In 1959 Stephen, along with his parents, established the Ventura Walnut Shelling Company in Somis, which later became The Somis Nut House. The walnut processing plant operated for over 30 years, servicing local farmers. As more and more walnut orchards were replaced by other crops, the processing plant became obsolete and the current retail nut store thrived in its place.

In 1961 he and Joyce moved to Camarillo where they started their family and have made their home for the last 48 years. A member of Las Posas Country Club since 1967, the game of golf was a lifelong passion. Many friendships were forged on the golf course.

Carpinteria beach became a second home for the Resnik family where Stephen enjoyed activities with his children and grandchildren and was especially happy when friends joined them there for recreation and companionship.

Stephen was a regular on the local beach volleyball courts actively competing until last year when his cancer prevented him from playing. Stephen was a fan of folk music and was always ready for a sing-a-long with family and friends. He enjoyed strumming one of his many ukuleles from his extensive collection of musical instruments. Additionally, he collected antique repeater watches and 3 weight Vienna regulator clocks.

Stephen is survived by his mother, Annette Resnik Bulen of Camarillo; his brother, Hal of Reno, Nev.; his wife, Joyce; his children, Rebecca Pecsok (Mike), Rachel Miles (Howard), and Jeremy Resnik (Deanna); and his four grandchildren, Michael and Millie Pecsok and Megan and Grace Resnik. Additionally, he leaves his uncles, Sid Kordell (Shirley) and Hershel Resnik, and his cousin, Rodney Resnik (Anne) all of Camarillo. He also leaves behind his faithful golden retriever, Beau.

A proud family man, Stephen will be remembered for his kindness and caring nature. His family is his legacy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at Camarillo Community Church, located at 1322 Las Posas Road in Camarillo. A private burial will take place on Monday, Jan. 4, at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The Stephen Resnik Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), 1317 Del Norte Rd., Camarillo, CA 93010.

Arrangements are under the care of Conejo Mountain Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, 93012, 805-482-1959.