Harvey Martin Pena; Camarillo Businessman

Seventh-generation Californian Harvey Martin Pena of Camarillo died Tuesday in a local hospital after a brief illness. He was 65.

The youngest of seven children, “Buck” was born April 26, 1932, in Riverside and had lived in Ventura County almost his entire life.

Pena graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in business administration, said his brother, former Camarillo Mayor Robert Pena. He had careers in the aerospace and banking industries and worked as assistant to the manager of the Ventura County Fair.

He also worked for Engineering Management Concepts in Camarillo, retiring as director of administration for engineering.

Robert Pena said he was always impressed with his brother’s business sense and his never-ending service to the community.

“He had a good solid head on him,” he said.

Community leaders also took notice and bestowed upon Pena the honorary title of Camarillo Don in 1996.

Pena was involved with youth baseball for more than 20 years and was a past president of the Camarillo High School Athletic Boosters. He also was a member of the Pleasant Valley Lions Club.

Pena enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren and aboard his sailboat, the Windbreaker.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Patricia, his brother, Art, and his sister, Francis Walters.

In addition to his brother and grandchildren, Pena is survived by sons Chris, Rick, Nick and Marty, all of Camarillo; brother Rudy of Oregon; and sisters Doris Graham of Las Vegas and Evelyn Strickland of Pomona.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, Camarillo. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, Camarillo.