John "Jack" Frederick Risdon

Known to many as Jack, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Los Angeles on March 4, 1940 to Fred and Lillie Risdon, he was raised in Carpinteria, residing on a ranch on Cravens Lane and graduating from Carpinteria High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy, making two tours of duty to the Far East, and afterwards attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in agricultural engineering. An outgoing, genial, and consummately capable man, Jack joined the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District in 1964, and in 1969 he was chosen as the department's fire chief following a statewide selection process, becoming one of the youngest chiefs in the state. He was honored as Carpinterian of the Year in 1971, and in 1973 he was selected fire chief and fire warden for the county of Santa Barbara. During his tenure as county chief he introduced several new measures to prevent and combat fires. Chief Risdon retired from the fire service in 1976, then purchased his father's Bowes Automotive Supply business. He served on the Carpinteria Sanitary Board of Directors for 12 years and participated in many community activities. In partnership with his sons, Jack operated Risdon's 76 Service and Risdon's Auto Care Center in Carpinteria, resulting in four generations providing automotive services in the Carpinteria valley. Jack was active in the Carpinteria Masonic Lodge #444, serving as treasurer and secretary. He received the Hiram award from his lodge for long and generous service to the lodge and community. For almost a decade Jack and his wife Elizabeth traveled extensively in their motor homeThe Seabreeze, circumnavigating the nation in search of its many wonders. Bold and inquisitive adventurers, they found much to enjoy in their journeys far and near. A student of all things seen and unseen, Jack also enjoyed researching the Risdon family's ancestry and has thus left a wonderful treasure in the hands of those who follow. Jack's many fans will miss his enthusiasm, his generosity, his big heart, and his stories. As far as he was concerned, 'there are no problems, only opportunities'. Jack is survived by his wife and soulmate Elizabeth; his son Donald, (Andrea) and grandson Bryan; and his son John (Nelly). He was preceded in death by his son Bill, and former wife Karen. Jack is also survived by his sister's family, Joanne and Bill Bowie of Ventura as well as nieces Jill and Julie and nephew Chad. Jack and Elizabeth also rejoiced in their love of son Geary (Mary Lee) Bensen, daughter Heidi (Ross) Robins, son Craig (Kerry) Bensen, and daughter Alison (Rick) Stuerman, and grandchildren Ginna, Marina and Ryan Bensen, Camille and Adrian Robins, and Liliana and Wyn Stuerman. A graveside service will be held at the Carpinteria Cemetery on Saturday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Road in Carpinteria. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Carpinteria High School in support of the FFA Tractor restoration project at the school or the Carpinteria Historical Society.

John "Jack" Frederick Risdon

March 4, 1940 - October 2, 2012