A. J. ‘Tony’ Lazane; Golf Pro, Instructor

Longtime Ventura County resident and avid golfer A. J. “Tony” Lazane died Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 85.

Lazane was born Dec. 8, 1912, in Santa Barbara. He lived in Ventura County for 53 years.

After retiring from the Navy, Lazane dedicated his time to playing and teaching golf. Lazane was a golf professional at the Saticoy Country Club for 32 years. After he retired in 1978, the club made him an honorary member.

Lazane served as board president of the Southern California Professional Golf Assn. from 1965 to 1967, and in 1969 the association named him “Professional of the Year.” He was also a member of the Professional Golf Assn. Half Century Club.

Lazane’s love affair with the links began when he was a caddie at La Cumbre Country Club. He taught young people how to play the sport throughout his career.

“He had a lot of young people that he helped with golf,” said Eileen Lazane, his wife of 55 years. “He loved to teach the youngsters and see them progress.”

Friends and relatives also remember Lazane for his good nature. “He never carried a grudge,” his wife said. “He was friendly to everyone.”

In addition to his wife, Lazane is survived by a daughter, Nanci Mora of Corona del Mar; a son, Gary Lazane of Liberty, Mo., and three granddaughters.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, and burial will follow at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.