Ward E. Stennett Jr.

Born to Ward and Iva Stennett in Lindsay, California. He was affectionally known as "BUD" to his friends and family. After graduating from grammar school, he moved with his family to Venice, California; where he attended Venice High School and became a lifeguard. Bud always had a love of nature and the ocean especially, and spent countless hours at the beach. In 1942, he joined the Navy. In 1945, he met Virginia Beadling, who was a secretary at the Long Beach Naval Base and married her shortly after his discharge from the service in 1946. He attended USC and received one degree in mechanical engineering and one degree in metallurgy. Bud and Virginia started their family in 1949 with the birth of their first daughter, Susan. In 1953, they welcomed their second daughter, Sharon. He started the first five years of his career with Shell Oil Company, and progressed to management with Union Oil Company. He worked at Union Oil Company for the next thirty years.

Because of his love of nature and especially geology, many family vacations centered around geological landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon and Devils Postpile (a series of petrified pine trees that had turned into rock after millions of years). He also instilled in his daughters, an appreciation of all things related to Western U.S. History; such as family vacations to historical landmarks, including Sonora, California, Yosemite, Buffalo Bill Cody's museum and gravesite, Winchester Mystery House, Tombstone and Oatman in Arizona.

Upon retirement, Bud and Virginia traveled extensively to Europe, but especially loved cruises to Mexico and Alaska. He never missed an opportunity to take pictures wherever their journeys led them. He enjoyed riding his bike along the Strand appreciating the sights and sounds of the beach.

He is survived by his oldest daughter, Susan, son-in-law Richard, their son David and daughter Amanda. His younger daughter, Sharon, son-in-law John, son Travis, and daughters; Kellie, Lauren, Carly, and Tracy. In addition, his great-grandchildren include, Emily, Avery, Kelsey, Halle, Lucas, and Jackson.

As a recently converted Catholic, Bud received all the sacraments and made peace with his family and God. He will be missed by all those who knew him.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275