* Earl Richard Imbrecht; Businessman

Longtime Ventura businessman Earl Richard Imbrecht died Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 81.

Imbrecht was born Sept. 18, 1916, in San Diego. He was born one month after his parents and two older siblings arrived in San Diego after a journey from Europe that included traveling through the Panama Canal.

His father, Robert Charles Imbrecht, assisted in the development of the 1916 World Exposition at San Diego’s Balboa Park. The family later moved to the San Fernando Valley, where Imbrecht was raised.

In 1942, Imbrecht married Hazel Victoria Berg. He served four years in the Navy during World War II, and in 1946 he moved to Ventura and co-founded Economy Plumbing.

Imbrecht had a lifelong affection for Lake Tahoe and bought a second home there in 1970. After his retirement in 1975, Imbrecht and his wife traveled throughout the world.

He was active in the East Ventura Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Senior Men’s Club, Cub and Boy Scout troops and Meals on Wheels. He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Assumption and San Buenaventura Mission parishes in Ventura.

Imbrecht was a lifelong golfer and was the former chairman of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. He championed the construction of Olivas Park Golf Course in Ventura.

Imbrecht was a member of the Saticoy Country Club for more than 50 years. He was affectionately known at the club as “Early Times” and “Earl the Pearl.”

Imbrecht is survived by his wife, Hazel Imbrecht of Ventura; his son, Charles Richard Imbrecht of Ventura; a sister, Louise Ledbetter; two granddaughters and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Services will be at 10 a.m. today at the San Buenaventura Mission in Ventura. The arrangements were made by the Charles Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ventura County Historical Museum or charity.