New residents Carl and Thelma recently moved to the Townehouse from Las Vegas after an 18-year retirement odyssey that took them to Oxnard, Prescott, Arizona, and Las Vegas. While they are happy to be back in Ventura County, Carl says that he almost froze to death the first few weeks.
Carl had a forty-five-year career in the maritime industry that led him to be a ship’s officer, ship’s Master, ship’s Pilot. Carl had the distinction of obtaining his Unlimited Masters License at the ripe old age of 29 and was selected as one of the youngest Panama Canal pilots since World War II. Carl had the honor of having served as Masters of the Cove Trader, a 722’ American oil tanker. However, in 1983 at the invitation of the Oxnard Harbor District, Carl formed the first commercial pilot group at the Port of Hueneme where he stayed until retirement.
During the early days of their 59-year marriage, Thelma remained home raising their two children while Carl was away. However, once settled here in Ventura County, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Pleasant Valley Parks and Recreation district and eventually retired from the position. Thelma enjoys singing, cooking, sewing and crafts.
Both Carl and Thelma are enjoying making new friends here at the Townehouse and hope that friendship with you will be next!
