Wendell was born in Lubbock, Texas in 1925. He had a happy 63-year marriage to wife Jeanne, and a successful career in a few professions. He served as a Marine Corps officer in World War Two, a bank president and then was the right-hand man to the late Oxnard developer, Martin V “Bud” Smith as well as working as a real estate broker in partnership with his wife. He also served as president of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and was on the board of the Channel Islands National Bank.
Wendell became a member of Channel Islands Yacht Club in 1976 and Commodore in 1977. He presided over vast improvements to CIYC including building what is now the main dining room and raising the $86,000 needed for the project. He wrote the by-laws, negotiated a long lease agreement with Channel Islands Marina and ran an active boating program including frequent trips to Santa Cruz Island. Over the years, Wendell served as Commodore, Director, Chaplain and Historian.
Wendell says that the key to his long life is a daily cigar and a “Pink Squirrel” cocktail. (A shot of Scotch with one ice cube that he named himself). We are so happy that Wendell is living with us here at the Townehouse.
