Family remembers city pioneer, rancher Andy Waters
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Andy Waters

Andy Waters, a Moorpark pioneer for almost nine decades, died on Sept. 26 after a brief stay at St. John's Regional Medical Center.

"Grandpa was just a lively fun and giving spirit," said granddaughter Jessica Waters. "He was a good role model for us and we will emulate that," she said.

Waters took pride in family, sports and Moorpark traditions. He wasn't the oldest resident in town, but he lived here the longest and was proud of that, the family said in a eulogy.

Son of a Moorpark farming family, Waters was one of 18 students who graduated from Moorpark Memorial Union High School in 1935. He was a star football player and school president, and he occasionally played in the school band. He attended Ventura Junior College and Oregon State University on a football scholarship.

When he returned to Moorpark, he bought his first ranch, across the street from his father's ranch. He became involved in turkey farming in the 1940s.

After drilling one of the first successful water wells in the Fox Canyon Aquifer, Waters was able to start planting lemons in the late '50s.

Through his innovative practices, he helped make Ventura County the lemon capital of the world in the 1980s and '90s. He was a founding member of the Ventura Pacific Packing House and served on the board for more than 40 years.

Waters was also a member of the Simi Valley Soil Conservation District, the Fly and Mosquito Abatement Board, Agricultural Safety Program, District 1 Water Board, Thermic Mutual Water Co., Western Growers and the Oxnard Elks.

He was instrumental in bringing domestic water as a backup source to the Fairview area. He was a member of the Saticoy Country Club and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Waters loved children and sports. He assisted Moorpark youth baseball, soccer and field hockey and was the financial backer for Moorpark Youth Football (Moorpark Packers). He helped build both football stadiums in town- the first at Moorpark Memorial Union High School in the '50s and the second at the "new" Moorpark High school in 1994.

Waters is survived by Jane, his wife of 67 years; his son, Jim, and his wife, Patty; grandson Andrew and his wife, Heather; grandson Josh and his wife, Jessica; and great-granddaughter, Ava.

Waters influenced the lives of thousands and will be deeply and greatly missed, family members said.

"He was a man of his word. He was very resourceful and he was great to everybody," said Jessica Waters.

"He was the most giving person that I've ever met," said grandson Andrew Waters, who runs the 500-acre Waters family ranch in Moorpark.

One of the largest employers in Moorpark for many years, Waters enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to the horse races and traveling the world. More than anything, he loved his family and friends. He spent a great deal of time playing with each new generation, giving parties and attending get-togethers.

The Waters family hosted a memorial service in Ventura last Tuesday to celebrate the life of their patriarch. Those who wish to honor Waters' generous spirit are invited to send donations to the Moorpark High School Athletic Department in his memory. Funds will go toward a new football scoreboard.