Nelson Sorem

Nelson Bernard Sorem Ojai, CA Nelson Bernard Sorem, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Ojai surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 10, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Nelson was born on July 9th, 1937 in Ventura, CA to his parents Cliff and Mary Sorem. He married Mary Lou Zopfi on February 22, 1975 in Ojai, CA. Nelson grew up in the Foster Park area and later made his home in Ojai. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University in 1959 and his teaching certificate in 1960 from San Jose State University. Nelson taught Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and coached football and basketball at Villanova Preparatory School for twelve years. He extended his teaching career for another two years at the Ojai Valley School. Many people in Ojai knew Nelson from his two years as co-owner of Papa Romano’s (now Boccali’s). In 1975 Nelson changed careers and applied his engineering skills when he joined the Senior Canyon Mutual Water Company in Ojai. He went on to become the Manager of Operations and retired in 2005 after 30 years of dedicated service. Nelson always loved travel and new adventures and took many trips with friends and family throughout the world usually involving his three favorite hobbies: bicycles, Porsche 356s and classic English motorbikes. Through Mary Lou’s influence he became an ardent Francophile. A man of many talents and interests he enjoyed and excelled at pottery, stonework and woodwork. Nelson is survived by his wife of 36 years: Mary Lou of Ojai, CA, his stepson Domlin and his wife, his sister Judith and his brother Joel. Nelson was also the favorite uncle to 13 nieces and nephews. Both his parents and his younger brother Mark precede him in death. A celebration of Nelson’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sat. April 2nd at Meditation Mountain, 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai, CA. Please plan on arriving early and carpooling if possible due to limited parking. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to: The Angeles Clinic Foundation, 201 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 560W, Santa Monica, CA. 90404.