Lance B. Eaton (Pops or LB), passed away peacefully on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2025, at home with his family and hospice care and love. He'd fought a good fight battling diabetes many years, then kidney and heart issues.
Born in San Jose, January 9, 1943, Lance lived most of his life in Ventura, CA with periods in San Diego and Ojai (where he graduated from Nordhoff High School in 1960). He and several buddies joined the Army National Guard, and he worked for the Forrest Service before attending Ventura College, where he met his wife, Jean Shepard. They married New Year's Eve 1963.
Because of Lance's aptitude for math and survey training in the Army, he began a long career as a surveyor, then a construction engineer, and served as a rep. for Local 12 in Operating Engineers briefly. He worked for Jennings and Hansen, Landberg Surveys, and semi-retired from Jensen Design and Survey. Lance became project manager building numerous Ventura County golf courses ( Wood Ranch, Lake Sherwood, Sterling Hills, Rustic Canyon, Tierra Rehada, plus some of the redo of Ventura's Olivas and Buenaventura courses).
He loved playing and coaching numerous sports beginning play in Ventura and Nordhoff High Schools (Football, basketball, then track) and also Ventura College. As an adult, Lance continued playing basketball in men's city leagues then became "hooked" on golf when local friends organized the Conuts-Bledsoe tournaments. He continued to play on many courses (some of which he helped build). Lance, also was enthusiastic in coaching sons (Mark and Wes) in flag and pop Warner football, Little League baseball, and Ventura Youth Basketball (VYBA) plus serving on the board for 22 years. He also coached his handicapped son (Ian) and Special Olympics athletes in basketball, soccer, and track. Because of Ian, he became involved in the ARC Foundation (for special needs people) by serving on the board for 30 years, part of that time as secretary-treasurer and recently as president. The board is planning an annual award in Lance's honor.
Besides organized athletics, Lance loved the ocean (since living in Ventura's Pierpont beach area as a child) and Ventura County's rivers and streams (obtaining a zest for fishing) and the High Sierras. His love of the Sierras involved hiking, camping, skiing, and massive trout fishing, especially trolling Grant Lake in the June Lake loop. He has many fond memories of time spent with partners, family, and friends at the June Lake house/cabin for over 25 years. He also enjoyed an occasional casino run.
Lance felt so grateful for his life and great friendships. Many have said they'll always remember his magnetic personality and infectious laughter. The family wishes to thank his many doctors, friends, healthcare givers, and staff at CMH and VCMC hospitals in Ventura.
Lance was predeceased by eldest son Mark (in 2023) and is survived by Jean, Wes, and Ian, sisters Lenora Bowls (Ventura), Karyn Cleveland (San Diego), and brother Byron Estes (Tucson, AZ). Donations to the ARC Foundation of Ventura County, Special Olympics Ventura County, Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life is pending.