THOUSAND OAKS : John K. Beyer, City Hall Observer, Dies

John Karl Beyer, a Thousand Oaks City Hall watchdog whose attention to local affairs prompted officials to name a park after him, died at his Thousand Oaks home on his 90th birthday.

Beyer died Sunday of complications of a stroke suffered in August while painting the inside of the Goebel Senior Center, said his daughter, Myrna Aronson of Thousand Oaks.

A German native, Beyer came to the United States in 1922. On two occasions during the early 1920s and early 1930s, he lived and farmed at the Reyes Adobe in Agoura Hills while it was a working ranch. He later worked in construction, building houses and working as building superintendent at Cal Lutheran University from 1958 to 1965. Beyer volunteered on several local projects, including six area churches.

He served as an elected director of Ventura County Waterworks District No. 6 from 1959 to 1967 and fought for many local causes, including affordable housing; reduced trash, water and sewer rates for senior citizens, and refurbishing Old Town.

Beyer Park in Thousand Oaks was named in the 1980s to honor him and his wife of 60 years, Myrtle.

“He was a cornerstone of the city,” Councilwoman Judy Lazar said. “He was a tribute to old age; he never stopped. I think it marks the passing of an era.”

Visitation is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, 101 E. Wilbur Road, Thousand Oaks. A funeral is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.