Spotlight on Wendell Morriset

Posted on: December 15, 2023

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.

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Our Happy Residents

My grandmother lives at the Ventura Townehouse and I feel confident that she is in good hands. They get her to her appointments and provide any aftercare that she may need. Everyone there is friendly and like family. I feel like I’m at home when I go there to visit her and eat with her in the dining room.

Stacy B.
Recently, I visited my Mom from Chicago. Each day I offered to take us out and about in Ventura. We found ourselves having such an enjoyable time at the Townehouse we didn’t leave. The dining room was so lovey to enjoy with her friends. Patios welcoming and the activities kept us busy. We laughed and had fun all day! Thank you everyone for making me feel at home and making my visit special. It’s always hard to leave my mom. But not as hard when I know she is so happy! Until my next visit!

Janie H.
Staff is very helpful and always concerned about my Mother’s needs, the interior and grounds maintenance is exceptional. Dining provides healthy menus to choose from. Front desk staff is always friendly and helpful. Best decision we ever made was bringing my mom here.

Kelvin F.