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William Lockridge Obituary
Bill Lockridge of Newbury Park died peacefully in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday April 28, 2009. He was surrounded by the love of many family members the whole weekend before and was with family as he passed.
Our dad was born in Marshall Missouri on December 11, 1920. He attended both Eastwood Elementary and Marshall High in Marshall. He followed up with studies at Missouri Valley College. From there, Dad entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was discharged in 1946. Mom and Dad were married in July of 1943. Dad resumed his education, to become an educator, at USC and graduated in 1953. Following graduation, he began his career as an elementary school teacher and then vice-principal. In 1960 the family moved to Thousand Oaks where Dad was the principal of Meadows Elementary School. Dad was an educator for so many wonderful kids until the 1980s.
Dad is survived by his brother John and wife Ericka, sisters Florence and Liz, sister-in-law Elsie along with his children Dave Lockridge and Ann Hohimer and her husband Jim. Grandchildren: Malinda Valdez and husband Mike, Debi Derrick and husband Jared, and Jeff Hohimer. Great grandchildren: Yvette, Lainie, and Travis Valdez, Layne, Emily, and Luke Morris. Special friend: Mary Hobbs. Nieces and nephews: Helen and Bob, "Birdie" and Denny, Nancy and Bruce, Laura, Susan and Dave, Janet and Dale, Amy and Michael, Margie and Don, Paul, Do, Ted, the Fratalli family, and the Burden family. Great nieces and nephews: BJ, Carrie Ann, James, "Sudz", Aaron, Amber, Brian, Ethan, Jordan, Landon, Chase, Jessica, Robert, David, Angel, Katie, John, and Matt. Dad was preceded in death by his loving wife Ellen in 1983 and his sister Kitty in 2005.
In later years, Dad was a member of VFW Post #11395 and a member of the board of Ventu Estates. And most of all, he was the best dad, uncle, educator, and friend that anyone could have.
A celebration of Dad's life will take place on Thursday, May 7 at 11am at First Neighborhood Community Center (31830 Village Center Road) in Westlake Village (91361). Dad asked all of us to have a wonderful party to celebrate his life. Please wear USC colors. No black!
In lieu of flowers, Dad requested all donations be made to Cystic Fibrosis at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6420 Wilshire Blvd. -1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90048, Team Valdez/In memory of Bill Lockridge.
Dad will be laid to rest at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Lockridge
Florence Lockridge
May 16, 2009
My Brother Bill
First of five Lockridges, Bill was christened William David, named for his father, William Lockridge, and his uncle, David Winton (David Winton had succumbed to the flu in the l918 epidemic soon after marrying mother's sister) Catherine Patterson Winton (always answering to Ancie).
I, Florence, came along as the middle child, and Bill was most caring and protective of his little sister. I had polio at age 4 and many summers called for reconstructive surgery followed by immobilization in some type of cast. Bill was there to play games, work puzzles, and respond to my needs during those periods, while still having time for his neighborhood friends, among them Red Ferguson, Tut Bellamy, Frank Pelot, and Frank Barnhill. Another lifelong friend came along a little later as organist for our little Episcopal Church, Kent Haley – later an Episcopal minister (drawing was among his talents and I recall his pictures of cows and cathedrals).
World War II came along and Uncle Sam in his wisdom sent Bill to California. Serendipity led Bill to meet his love, Ellen Tippin. They settled in California. Great joy heralded the arrival of their two children, David and Ann. The distance between midwest and the west coast limited my contacts to vacation visits. Bill and Ellen were great hosts and always planned special activities for my visit.
Indicative of their family spirit were the weekly letters to Mother and Dad, a shared responsibility to which they each would contribute.
Bill's thoughtfulness and consideration for others continued throughout his life as exemplified by the inimitable greeting cards – each one an original!
Janet Harvey
May 15, 2009
When I think of Uncle Bill, I think of late night calls from California to check up on my family in the hills of Tennessee. He kept up with the landmark events in each of our lives. I'll be forever grateful that weddings in recent years became an opportunity for the extended family to gather. I will remember Uncle Bill enjoying every minute with laughter and smiles. We love you Uncle Bill. Our prayers are with the family and friends who are missing you.
Teri and Arliss
May 12, 2009
Bill was a very important part of our lives. He was such a wonderful , kind, and caring man. He was loved by everyone. It shows in all of the great messages here in his guest book and at his celebration of life. He would have loved his celebration. I know he was looking down at all of us that day and smilling. We, too, received his great file cards. He never missed a birthday. He was always thinking about everyone else. Thank you Bill for being such a great friend. Our love to Ann, Jim, and Dave.
Kathi (Warner) Austin
May 11, 2009
Mr. Lockridge was a dear and wonderful man. I am another Meadows “alum” of the 1960s. As children, he was our dedicated and respected school principal. As adults, we were blessed to have the opportunity to get know him as a friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Lockridge’s family. I will never forget him.
Carrie Ann Nicholson
May 11, 2009
Our Uncle Bill was very special. There was nothing ordinary about him, only extraordinary: he could talk to anyone, from any walk of life and relate to them. He truly cared about friends and family and we knew he would be there no matter what and support us through challenging times. He loved with an open heart, and took the time to really listen. This is why it's so hard to know he won't be on the phone anymore, and his 'Lock & co.' original cards won't be coming in the mail anymore - because he made all of us feel special with everything he said and did. He was a once-in-a-lifetime person to have in our lives, and we are made better for having known and loved him.
Uncle Bill thank you for being a support, a confidant and for making us laugh. Your kindness and love will live on in our lives and the lives of our children.
Love Always,
Carrie Ann, James and Sutherland
Mike & Laurel Flack
May 4, 2009
After reading all of these wonderful comments I see that the Newbury Park folks need to chime in. We met Uncle Bill through the Frattali’s. Their Aunt Mary was Uncle Bill’s special friend. The times spent with Uncle Bill, 20 years plus, were always a highlight for us. The man never had a negative comment to make. What an absolute pleasure talking to him. We are also in the, SCC, Special Card Club. Anne, thank you for sharing him with us.
May 4, 2009
May you hold all your special memories deep in your Heart. I had Mr Lockridge for math at Los Cerritos Middle School in the late 70's . He was always a very nice Teacher. Deepest sympathy to your family.
Margie Lee
May 4, 2009
My Uncle Bill was the best. He always sent a birthday card from the Lock file company, without fail. He was kind and generous. I am so grateful for the recent past, where we have had Lockridge Family get togethers and the opportunity to spend time with Uncle Bill.
I was able to be with Uncle Bill the last 2 days(along with my sister Amy, Ann, Jim, David and cousin Birdie) It was a very special time and I am grateful that we were able to be there.
My sister Amy Pinneo say's it beautifully in her guest book entry.
I am so glad that Uncle Bill touched so many lives. His infectious smile, twinkling eyes, and that wink, I can see him now and it makes me smile. I love you Uncle Bill and will miss you. Margie Lee 5/4/09
Karon Wild-Work
May 3, 2009
I remember Mr. Lockridge as a very nice neighbor. He lived 2 houses over from my parents and had one of the nicest houses on the street. I didn't have him as a princpal, but its amazing that after all the moves and growing up I'd run into him - I'd reconize him and he me and always ask how I was or the family. I'll miss you and God Bless your family.
Amy Pinneo
May 3, 2009
My beloved Uncle Bill, my mom's, who died 4 years ago, oldest brother, the sender of the manilla birthday cards every year without fail no matter how long since he had seen me. I was so lucky in the last five years to get to know just how wonderful uncle bill was as we shared deaths, memorials, and weddings with my Lockridge family. His loving smile. His warm hugs, his interest in what I was up to, his love of my mom. All these things and more I treasure. And I treasure my cousins Ann (husband Jim even though (and he knows what I mean), and David whom I hope to continue to see with greater frequency life goes on. I am so glad I was with Uncle Bill and family in those last two days, our love holds us all thru these difficult times. Love to all who love Uncle Bill.
Norma Fiore-Leys
May 3, 2009
Yes I am another Meadows Rug-Rat... And Yes, I will admit; I had my day in a chair sitting infront of Mr Lockridge,scary principle (HAHA), behind closed doors... but we wont go there. Even through this last year I would receive a phone call from him now and again. His voice smiled. He was a constant reminder of the good in growing up. I hope I grow up as well as he did. Heaven, you are a lucky place to have such a resident as Mr. Lockridge.
Cindy Nelson-Tigh-Nixon
May 2, 2009
I have attached a picture of Mr. Lockridge and some of the "Old Meadows gang." All of us that had the luck of the draw to have been tutored in life by Mr. Lockridge know and appreciate the honor. How many people can say they continued to be friends with their classmates, school secretary... and principal (Mr. Lockridge) since the 4th grade? Not many! We have continued to be friends long into adulthood and yes, share a beer or two. I can remember him asking me "Don't you have a lime to go with this Corona?!" Too funny coming from the guy you still know as Mr. Lockridge, the Principal! I too had the pleasure of receiving some of those home-made cards. They are bound and saved in a special drawer. If Tommy Trojan were here he would thank you for your high spirit and kindness to all of the children you raised. God's speed Mr. Lockridge. You rocked.
May 2, 2009
Rip Rense
May 2, 2009
Mr. Lockridge is also survived by a whole lot of "old kids" from Meadows School, for whom he was a watchful and caring, fatherly friend. We loved him, pure and simple. Many of us reunited a few years ago, and Mr. L. joined the proceedings, celebrating with a beer or two. He was as fine a guy as you could want to meet, hale fellow well met and all that good stuff. Extremely informed, keenly incisive, never fooled by anything, he was also a warm and empathetic conversationalist. Just a splendid human being, and I count myself very lucky to have had the benefit of his guidance and care. How great that he had a long life, and knew how much he was appreciated. We'll meet again at that Big Meadows in the Sky.
Patty Maughmer
May 2, 2009
I have known no finer man- truely a gentleman and a scholar. Having attended Meadows School from 4th - 8th grades, it was "Mr. Lockridge's" guidance that made all the difference. He came to my 50th birthday bash several years ago with some of the old gang and "partied" with the best of us and ever since I became one of the proud recipients of his famous greeting cards hand made from manilla folders! His thoughtfulness was extraordinary. He has forever captured a place in my heart as a legend.
Rob Evans
May 1, 2009
I fondly remember Mr. Lockridge. My parents, Bud and Betty Lou Evans, considered him a friend for whom they had great respect. He seemed to treat everyone with kindness and warmth. My condolences.
Susyn Reading
May 1, 2009
Mr. Lockridge was my 8th grade math teacher at Waverly Middle School in 1968. Among my fond memories, I remember that his socks never matched! Rest in Peace Mr. Lockridge. And thank you!
Rosemarie Asam
May 1, 2009
To my good friend Ann, My thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
May 1, 2009
"Mr. Lockridge" will always have a place in my heart as someone who made school a safe and fun-filled place to be as Thousand Oaks grew from a very small town to a large city. I remember seeing him at the market or in front of your home and he always had the time to ask about our family or how school was going. He made the time to be sure that each person that he encountered felt special.He was truly an amazing inspiration with a beautiful smile.
All of our love to you,
Sandi Bollinger-Wells
Robin Payson
May 1, 2009
Uncle Willie was a wonderful person and we truley will miss him. He was always at the Payson Family parties. the Payson girls parties for our kids. He never forgot your birthday he always made his cards. we always looked forward to them over the years. Teri and I was very lucky to be able to visit him on Sunday and that Monday night before he left us on Tuesday.
I want to know that our prays are with Ann,Dave and the whole family.
God bless you all.
Luv ya,
Robin & Betty Payson.
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