Our beloved "Papa O," Angel Ochoa, returned to the arms of our Heavenly Father early Sunday morning, March 21, 2010. Surrounded constantly by family during three hospitalizations at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, Angel died of complications of congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Angel was born to Mariano Ochoa and Maria Luisa Terrazas on May 30, 1915 in Michoacan, Mexico. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1918 and eventually settled in Ventura County. He lived and was educated in Oxnard and graduated from Oxnard High School in 1933.

While attending a dance, he met and later married Mary Barba. They settled in Oxnard and raised their three children in a city that he loved. He and Mary were happily married until her death in December, 1990. Some years later, Angel was fortunate to meet Wanda Butler. They married on Nov. 1, 1997. Together they enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and dining at one of their favorite restaurants.

Angel became a naturalized citizen in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army as a technical sergeant in Korea at the end of World War II. With Ruben Soto as a partner, he began the "Coastal Meat Company" and with time became the sole owner as a wholesale meat distributor, servicing the Ventura County area from 1947 until his retirement in 1982.

In retirement Angel found time to read and garden. He nurtured his orchids and his collection grew to almost 100 plants. Woodworking was a passion. He built many things, including patio furniture, and was most proud of his unique dollhouses. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends with his backyard barbecues. Watching a variety of sports was a favorite pastime, especially cheering on his Dodgers and Lakers.

One of the things he was most proud of was his contribution in starting up the Oxnard-Joslyn Lawn Bowl Club at the Wilson Center. He was also a founding member of the Latin American Business Association. Angel was a 70 year member of Santa Clara Church and served as head usher for many years. He was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, having received his 50 year pin in recent years. Angel was proud of his Basque heritage and was a member of the Ventura County Basque Club. He loved to attend the yearly picnics.

Angel was a man of inner strength and integrity. He had a warm heart and a generous spirit and assisted people in need as often as possible. More than anything, he valued time with his family. He loved telling stories of "old Oxnard" and had an amazing sense of humor. We have been blessed to have had him for all these wonderful years.

Angel is preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Maria Luisa Ochoa; his first wife, Mary Barba Ochoa; sister, Eloisa Ochoa.

Angel is survived by his wife of 12 years, Wanda; his children, Leticia (Tish) and husband Ron Taylor of Camarillo, Bishop Armando Ochoa of El Paso, Texas, and Richard (Rick) and wife Laurie of Danville, Calif., and stepdaughter, Lorie and husband Craig Haggmark of Oxnard; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Juanita (Jenny) Vasquez, and many extended family members.

Photo of Angel taken at the club Christmas Party, 2009