Paul Heyder, a longtime Ventura resident passed away peacefully January 13, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born in Batavia (Jakarta), Indonesia July 19, 1920, to Marie and Theodore Heijder, Paul had 2 brothers and 6 sisters. He grew up in Indonesia until he began his studies in the Netherlands to become a Marine Mechanical Engineer. He served in the Dutch Merchant Marines during WWII. The American Navy umbrella'd allied Merchant Vessels into the War effort and thus Paul started his travels across the oceans from the Pacific to the Atlantic. He was torpedoed twice off his merchant ships. Once by the Japanese in the Indian Ocean, and the second time by the Germans off the coast of New York. Both times, being plucked from the ocean by British and American sailors. Paul's merchant ship was off the shores of Normandy when the soldiers hit the beaches, bringing supplies and support to the effort. When the War was over he returned to Holland, and then headed to Belgium in search of the love of his life Yvonne (Resteau). They were married for 68 years.
A stop in Port Hueneme during the War and a visit to the USO is where Paul befriended a Ventura rancher who encouraged him to return after the War and settle in Ventura. He fell in love with Ventura because it reminded him of the Islands he grew up in with the beaches and swaying palm trees. After the War Paul did just exactly that, he marred and brought his new bride to America. They became proud American citizens in 1954 and began their American dream. They worked odd jobs until they struck out on their own and bought the Mission Cafe across from San Buenaventura Mission. Business was good and they saved their money to buy their first home in Ventura. Paul later went to work in the oil fields first locally then he began to travel abroad. Over the years he began working for different government contractors and also continued his education which eventually led him to computer engineering and space tracking. The work and traveling adventure continued until 1979 when he retired. Along the way, Paul made many wonderful friends and lived the life he loved.
Paul was devoted to his faith and family; he always has a joyful outlook on life, and looked forward to the next adventure. Paul was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church since 1955 and was a fourth degree Grand Knight for Council 2498 San Buenaventura Knights of Columbus.
Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years Yvonne A.J. Heyder; daughter Yvonne M.M. Glassey; granddaughter Nicole Glassey-Rios (spouse Israel Rios); great grandson David Rios; sisters Josephine Patterson, Sylvia Lappage, Elizabeth Heijder, Francesca Dunystee.
Family and friends are invited to a Most Holy Rosary to be recited in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 3175 Telegraph Road Ventura Friday January 22, 2016 at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Assumption Church Saturday January 23, 2016 at 11am.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura. 805-643-8623