Herbert London

Herbert London Bishop/Ojai, Ca. Herbert London passed away March 31, 2011 at his home in Ojai. Born January 18, 1919 in Illinois, he spent time in Montana, and as a child grew up around Glendale in Southern California. He graduated from UCLA in 1940 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, and was then employed by American Airlines. During World War II he was active in the Military Air Transport Corps, carrying material and personnel throughout the USA. Herb and his wife Marjorie and other partners purchased ROCK Creek Pack Station in 1947. They eventually bought out the partners and continued to operate the pack station for over 50 years. Their son Craig still runs the business. Herb loved the packing business, the wilderness, his horses and mules, and, over the years provided many people with unforgettable and wonderful memories of pack trips throughout the Sierra Nevada. Herb became very active in Inyo County government in the 1960's, serving on the County Planning Commission and later on the Board of Supervisors. He is believed to have been the first Chairman of the Board from the northern section of the county. During his tenure on the Board he was a vocal advocate for controlled growth within the County, a proponent for preserving wilderness (he opposed the construction of the Horseshoe Meadow Road), and initiated litigation with the City of Los Angeles to curtail the mining of ground water within the Owens Valley, Herb worked hard to obliterate the numerous "dumps" within the valley, feeling that a few centralized dumps were more appropriate. He was responsible for creating the Millpond Recreation Center as a county park. Herb was very involved in the formation of the National and State Wilderness Acts, and attended many meetings in Washington DC and Sacramento. As a advocate for wilderness, Herb was also adamant that there be use of the wilderness for all types of people: those who hike, and those who ride. In working with the Forest Service, he always emphasized the need to make Wilderness areas available to everyone who wanted to enjoy the natural beauty, Around the evening campfire, Herb was a story teller unequaled by any; was funny, knowledgeable, and entertaining, especially when playing his guitar. Herb was particularly fond of his mules. He respected their attributes and would not tolerate anyone who mistreated any of his animals; horses, mules or dogs. He was a founder of Bishop Mule Days, and was able to promote its successful beginning as a member of the Inyo Board of Supervisors. Herb is survived by his wife Aleta, son Craig (wife Carmen), sister Elizabeth McHale from Valley Center CA, and his loyal Airedale Gus. Memorial gatherings in Ojai and Bishop will be scheduled at a later date. For those who wish to remember Herb, a memorial fund for trail maintenance on the Mono Pass Trail will be established in conjunction with the Sierra National Forest; or to any animal-based charity. There will be a memorial on Saturday, April 16, 2011, 3 to 5 pm, at Friend's Stable and Orchard, at 3468 Grand Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023. Sandwiches, fruit and refreshments will be served. RSVP's are appreciated by calling Aleta at 805-646-2040. Or, email to info@rockcreekpackstation.com or the Rock Creek office at 760-872-8331. A luncheon and party in Herb's honor will be held October 1, 2011 at the Millpond campground at 11AM. RSVP's to Rock Creek Pack Station at 760-872-8331. are appreciated. Assisting the family with arrangements is the family owned and operated Ojai Valley Funeral Services.