Obituaries : Richard T. Coburn; 43-Year Ojai Resident

Richard Trevor Coburn, a longtime Ventura County resident, has died at the age of 78.

Coburn died Monday in an Ojai convalescent home after a short illness.

He was born Dec. 11, 1917, in Kent, England, and moved to the United States when he was 7 years old. He moved to Ojai 43 years ago from San Diego.

Coburn owned an automotive paint shop and furniture refinishing business for 30 years before retiring in 1984.

He was an Army veteran, having served in the South Pacific during World War II.

Active in many activities and projects, Coburn served on the Ojai school board for many years and belonged to the Ojai Lions Club for 25 years. He was an avid golfer and athlete, enjoying baseball and softball. He started the Twilight League, an alternative to Little League in the Ojai Valley, was instrumental in forming the Soule Park Golf Club and was a Boy Scout leader of an Explorer post.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Winifred Coburn; two daughters, Daryl Cassidy of Vienna, Va., and Donna Hiat of Chico; a son, Star Coburn of Ojai; a brother, Guy Coburn of Garrison, N.Y.; a sister, Joan Cole of Miami; and five grandchildren.

A private family gathering will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the Nordhoff High School golf team.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.