Leland “Lee” Southwick passed away July 19th after a brief illness, just two months shy of his 92nd birthday. Leland was the devoted husband of Veda for 68 years before her passing in 2014. Lee was born September 17, 1924, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to James and Leona Southwick, the parents of seven sons. The family moved to Ventura in the 1920s and then moved to Fillmore in 1934, where Lee graduated from Fillmore High School in 1942. He married Veda Vest on March 21, 1946, and together they raised 3 children.
After high school Lee was employed as a flooring installer for Ballard Furniture Store, and later accepted a job as roustabout for Texaco in the South Mountain oil fields near Santa Paula. He continued to work for Texaco for the next 33 years, moving up the ranks until he was Field Production Supervisor.
Leland and Veda believed in being a part of the community. Lee began years of working with youth in the community as an assistant Little League coach, then as a head coach. He followed that by holding office as Little League Secretary, Treasurer and President. He also spent many years as a member of the Fillmore Booster Club and attended many Fillmore High School sporting events.
After retiring in 1987, Leland and Veda enjoyed many excursions in their motorhome, making three trips from coast to coast. They developed a passion for travel, visiting relatives and sightseeing in every state.
Leland also had many hobbies on the side, such as woodcarving, fishing, and was a very talented craftsman. He built the majority of the home where he and Veda lived for 50 years.
Leland was a kind, gentle man, who was known as “the nicest guy” to everyone who knew him. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed by his daughter Diane Arundell and son-in-law, Jim, his daughter Barbara Thorn, his son Gary Southwick and daughter-in-law, Susan, and grandchildren Jamie Arundell Latshaw, Julie Arundell Grimstad, Robbie Burdsal, Marty Burdsal, Ryan Thorn and Stephanie Southwick Smith, along with 11 great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Leland’s life on Tuesday, July 26th, at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 1017 First Street in Fillmore. A private family service will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Leland’s name located below “Recent Obituaries”.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR FUNERAL SERVICES, Santa Paula, CA