Herminio Jordan Pillado

On Friday, November 15, 2013, surrounded by his family, Herminio Jordan Pillado, went to be with the Lord. He was born on May 25, 1922 in Cd. Jimenez, Chihuahua (Mexico) to Josefa Jordan Pillado and Jose Pillado. As an infant, his family moved to Rockyford, Colorado, and in 1939 they settled in Saticoy. As a young adult, two milestones occurred: he entered the United States Army and met his wife, Gloria. After leaving the Army, he and Gloria had five children: Herminio Jr., Norma (Hydro), Arturo, Myrna, and Raul. In 1952, he went to work at Burpee Seeds in Santa Paula, where his interest in agriculture started. He pursued his love of agriculture and began his career at Ventura College in 1955. His knowledge of agriculture enabled him to share his skills not only with students but with the community, inviting disabled students to the college and teach them about horticulture. He also created Ventura College's landscaping displays for the Ventura County Fair for many years. He retired from Ventura College in 1983 but continued his passion for agriculture by lending his expertise to family and friends. Upon retirement, he met longtime companion Alma Caro, and they remained together until she passed away in 2011. A compassionate and loving man, Herminio was known to everyone as "Tio Ham". He had a close-knit family, each of whom loved him dearly and had their own special bond with him. He was a gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor and a smile to match. He enjoyed listening to mariachi music and the family enjoyed it when he would sing along with them. He also enjoyed going to the Chumash Casino with his sister, winning every time. He is now reunited with his children in heaven: Herminio Jr. and Arturo, and with his siblings Jose, Vicente, Frank, Antonio, Felipa, and Carmen. He is survived by his daughters Norma and Myrna; son Raul; grandchildren Arlene, Frankie, Michael, Delilah, Art Jr., and Steven; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Manuel, sister Esperanza De Los Santos, Alma's daughter Lori Wickes (and family) and numerous nieces and nephews. A special Thank You to Dr. Lynn Kong and Vitas Hospice for their care and assistance. A Rosary and Mass will be held on Friday, November 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Place, Saticoy. Interment will follow at Ivy Lawn Cemetery, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, where he will be laid to rest next to his brother-in-law and best friend, Marcelino De Los Santos. A reception at Crowne Plaza Hotel will follow to celebrate his life. Herminio Pillado has been entrusted to the Perez Family Funeral Home in Camarillo.