Dr. Robert Lawrence Pazen
Dr. Robert Lawrence Pazen passed away suddenly on January 25th, 2018 at CMH surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Los Angeles, CA, March 14th, 1938 to Dr. Arthur & Thelma Pazen. Bob was an only child and grandchild but insisted he wasn't spoiled? just loved! He is survived by his wife of 39+ years, Wendy Watson Pazen, his 3 sons, Rick Pazen of Westlake Village, Clint Garman (wife Gina) of Santa Paula & Travis Garman of Ventura. Bob was an awesome grandfather to his grandchildren; Sierra Garman, Orion Garman, Jonah Garman, Onalyn Garman, and the twins Gianna and Jake Garman. Bob is survived by his brothers in law, Terry Watson and Wayne Watson, nieces Tera Watson Davis, Chelsea Watson, nephew Derek Watson and great nephew Declan Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Arthur and Thelma Pazen. Bob graduated from Fairfax High School, Los Angeles, in 1956. He graduated from Los Angeles College of Optometry - USC Campus (Marshall B. Ketchum University) in 1962. He served in the Air Force from 1962 - 1968. He was an optometrist for 55 years and spent 52 of those years in Ventura having purchased a practice in the original BuenaVentura Mall. He outgrew that space and moved to 801 S. Victoria Ave. where he enjoyed working every day until 2015 when he sold the practice to Dr. Kristopher Skromme. In 2010, Bob purchased "A" Street Optometry in Oxnard after the death of his dear friend Dr. Bernie Rubin.
On December 1, 2017 Bob decided to officially retire and spend more time with Wendy and the family. Unfortunately, the Thomas Fire claimed their home on December 5th and forced Bob and Wendy to move to Oxnard and give serious thought about their future. His interview with CBS went national and so many people heard his ammunition being set off by the fires causing a little panic and laughter. The fire encouraged more adventures for Bob and Wendy to experience.
Bob was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Ventura East having served as President in 2006 - 2007. He received numerous Paul Harris Awards 1986, 1994, 2004 & 2008. He also received the Avenues of Service Citation in 2014. Bob and Wendy became active in GOCARE through Rotary and had a library dedicated to them in Nicaragua.
Bob was past President of the Tri County Optometric Society and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award in 2015 for 50 years of Optometry. He was twice voted Optometrist of the Year by his peers in 1985 and 1995. He was a member from 1965 to 2015 and was awarded the President's Award in 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.
He was voted Reader's Choice for Best Optometrist year after year by the VC Star Readers.
Bob was the first recipient of the Vision Care Specialist of the Year in 2014 presented at the 21st Annual David Fanier, MD and Leo Tauber, MD awards banquet.
Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason of Lodge 214 San BuenaVentura. He was due to receive his Golden Veterans award for being a Master Mason for 50 years this March.
He was also charter member of the Ventura Trade Club from 1972 - 1976. He served as a "Buenaventuran" (greeter for the city) at business openings.
He was a 50 yr member of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. He belonged to the American Optometric Foundation, the American Optometric Association, The Tri County Optometric Association, Ventura County Youth Connection, International Footprinter's Association, Drug Abuse Preventive Center (Hacienda House), Aerospace Medical Association, National Eye Research Foundation, Ventura County Medical Reserve Corps and Rolls Royce Owners Club. He was a Lay Member for the Ventura County Bar Association, Consultant to the Ventura Police Department, Consultant to Ventura County District Attorney's office, Consultant to the Ventura County Sheriff's office, Director for the YMCA, Director for the United Way, Director for Al Malaikah Shrine Temple of Los Angeles, Member of Ventura Shrine and an Honorably Discharged officer of the Medical Reserve Unit for the US Air Force.
Bob loved his family, his friends, his beautiful 1961 Silver Cloud II Rolls Royce and being with people. He loved being in Palm Springs to rejuvenate. He loved to travel whenever time permitted. A few years back Bob and Wendy purchased an RV and started out "glamping" and meeting some fantastic people. They were hoping to make it to Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon as well as a cross country trip.
He should be remembered as a great man who loved his wife, his children, his extended family, his friends and everyone he came across. He truly was a man that many considered as their best friend due to the time he invested in people.
We will be doing a Celebration of Life in the springtime once things start to settle and we can honor him properly.
We would like to thank the amazing staff of CMH CCU, the respiratory therapists as well as Dr. Gail Simpson, Dr. Chuck Pankratz, Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Arfei.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to:
Rotary Club of Ventura East - RCVE PO BOX 3012 Ventura, CA 93006
GoCare - 770 County Square Dr. #100 Ventura, CA 93003
or to a charity of your choice
