Wilbur “Bill” Thorpe Hardison, 80, passed away on Aug. 7, 2008 in his home with his family surrounding him in love and devotion as he ascended into Heaven. He had lived an extraordinary 16 years with prostate cancer that led to the final complication. He approached his cancer with intelligence and an incredible positive attitude. He encouraged many others to learn about the disease and gave dozens of the book “Cancer - 50 Essential Things to Do” by Greg Anderson. He shared his experience with many at The Wellness Community and other support groups giving them hope and information. Bill will be fondly remembered as a wonderful man who brought peace and joy to all.
Bill was the 4th son born to Leigh and Myrtle Hardison on Dec. 13, 1927 in the family home in Fillmore, CA. He was preceded in death by them and his brother Richard. The ranch was a wonderful place to grow up!
Bill graduated from Fillmore HS in 1945. He was proud of his service with the Marines from 1946 – 1948 serving aboard the USS Saidor at Bikini Beach for the 1946 Atomic Bomb Testing.
His degree in engineering from UCSB in 1952 led him to be one of the first employees at Bourns Inc in Riverside, CA to design and patent a potentiometer still being manufactured in 16 countries. His music interest was highlighted by playing the trumpet in the Bourns Dance Band “The Trim Tones.”
He belonged to the Sigma Pi Fraternity, several engineering and investment organizations and a highlight was 30 years in Rotary receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. His devotion to Santa Clara Valley Hospice by serving on the board and as a patient volunteer work was important to him. Living in Poinsetta Gardens he contributed his time to promoting a strong feeling of community.
Bill married the love of his life Mary Ann Zane in 1951 that was the beginning of 57 happy years together. They had three children who were the greatest joy of their lives. They raised their family in Riverside and created many happy memories with trips to the beach, mountains and desert.
In 1976, Bill and Mary Ann returned to Ventura County living in Santa Paula and now Ventura. Bill enjoyed working in the agricultural world; later obtaining his RE broker’s license.
Survivors include wife Mary Ann; son Bob and Paula Hardison of Phoenix AZ; daughter Karen and Mike Mallory of Yreka CA; daughter Linda Hardison of Wrightwood CA; and grandchildren Lindsey Hardison of Phoenix, AZ; Austin and Rachel Sendek and Courtney and Shannon Mallory of Yreka, CA. Also brothers Donald and wife Betty of El Cerrito, CA and Jim and wife Valerie of Carson City, NV.
You are warmly welcome to join us for a celebration of Bill’s life at Church of the Foothills 6279 Foothills Road Ventura on Saturday Aug. 23 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Foothills, Livingston Memorial Hospice 1996 Eastman Ave Ste 101Ventura 93003, Santa Clara Valley Home Support P.O. Box 365 Santa Paula, CA 93061, or The Wellness Community 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361.