William Edward Card; Lived 12 Years With HIV

William Edward Card, a Ventura County resident for two years who spent his last year at a Ventura AIDS hospice, died Friday from complications of the disease. He was 31.

Born in Los Angeles, Card lived in Carson for many years before moving to Camarillo to work at his mother’s personal finance business two years ago. Although he tested positive 12 years ago for HIV, the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Card did not develop the disease until last year. He then moved to the Christopher House, a downtown Ventura home established in memory of Christopher Dye, who died of complications of AIDS in 1990.

Card’s mother, Eileen Casper, said it was important for people to know of her son’s illness.

“AIDS can strike any family anywhere,” Casper said. “It doesn’t matter what your background is. We were an all-American family. Even the guy next door can die of AIDS.”

Casper said her son was especially fond of show music and Barbra Streisand albums, and was well-liked by his friends.

“He was highly successful in his personal relationships,” Casper said. “He was very funny and very generous.”

A staffer at the Christopher House agreed.

“Everyone loved him dearly,” Marie Jones said. “He was so personable and lively, a real fighter. We will miss him.”

Card is survived by his mother, grandmother Shirley Casper of Van Nuys, aunt Kathleen Costanza of Van Nuys, cousins Jason Casper of San Pedro and Kimberly Thomas of Chatsworth, and his godmother Doran Walker of Camarillo.

A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chapel of the Oaks at Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Westlake Village.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in Card’s name to AIDS Care of Ventura County, telephone 643-0446, or the Christopher House at 653-0468.

Ventura County obituaries are published free of charge as a public service to readers. Obituaries are based on information provided by mortuaries.