* John McEwen; Former Teacher, Business Owner

John Francis Xavier McEwen, a former teacher and business owner, died on Sunday at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura after a brief illness. He was 82.

McEwen was born May 14, 1918, in Boston to an Irish mother and an Australian father.

He received master’s degrees from Boston College and Fordham University.

He taught physics and math at several Catholic institutions and ended his teaching career at Holy Cross School in Boston. He followed his older brother, Robert, and was ordained in the Society of Jesus, but left the Jesuit community when he moved to California in 1955.

For 10 years he worked in the aerospace industry and then started a business, Malizuma Distributors, with his first wife, Eleanor.

McEwen was a Malibu resident for more than 40 years.

In 1994, he moved to Hueneme Bay and spent the last few years traveling to many parts of the world. He was a docent at the Maritime Museum, a member of the Navy League, as well as of the Ventura Rheinland Club and the RV Club of Hueneme Bay.

He is survived by his second wife, Dorothy, and stepchildren Audrey and Stephen.

A memorial Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Jan. 27 at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church.

Following his wishes, McEwen’s cremated remains will be returned to his birthplace in Boston.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ventura County Rescue Mission, 141 N. Hayes Ave., Oxnard 93030 or to the Humane Society of Ventura County, 402 Bryant Ave., Ojai 93023.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.