Oceanside : Figure in Will Dispute to Move

Ivan Wood, the former conservator of the Whelan Ranch Dairy in Oceanside, has been ordered to vacate his home on the property within 30 days, county officials said Tuesday.

County Public Administrator Jeanne McBride, who was put in charge of the $9-million estate after Ellen Whelan’s death, said she has rejected Wood’s offer to work as dairy manager pending a court hearing on a dispute over two wills allegedly signed by Whelan.

Wood, 46, had served as conservator of the dairy since 1980, and a will drafted in 1981 leaves most of Whelan’s estate to him. But the state attorney general is contesting that will on grounds that Wood exerted “undue influence” on Whelan at a time when she was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. An earlier will directs that the dairy’s assets be used to create a sanctuary for migratory birds.

McBride said that, given the contested will and coming trial, there “would be a possible conflict of interest” if Wood was allowed to continue working at the dairy. Wood could not be reached for comment Tuesday.