Winfield Mix Van De Mark

Winfield Mix Van De Mark, retired "Santa Barbara Sheriff Inspector" passed away peacefully in Palm Desert, Calif. on June 16, 2014. He was 86. Winfield, known as "Van" by family and friends, was born on February 16, 1928 in Carpinteria, Calif. He attended schools in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria before joining the Army in 1946, serving in the army of occupation in Austria and Germany until his discharge in 1949. In 1954, Van married Mary Jane Robinson, an elementary school teacher who spent 38 years working for the Santa Barbara School district. Van and Mary celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 2004. Following the completion of his military service, Van joined the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department and began a 28 year career in law enforcement. Van was particularly pleased when he and Sheriff John Ross established a juvenile division within the Sheriff's Department. He enjoyed working with young people and is remembered fondly by many Santa Barbara area youth who owe much to his counsel. Van and Mary always had an open door and a warm meal for any teenager in trouble. Following his retirement from the Sheriff's Department in 1977, Van served on the Santa Barbara Grand Jury from 1979 to1980. He then returned to school, attending Santa Barbara City College and graduating with a B.A. Degree in history from The University of California at Santa Barbara. Van and Mary loved to travel. Their travels covered much of Europe, Mexico, Japan, South America and many trips to their beloved Hawaii. Van is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lillian Van De Mark; and his sister, Priscella Joy Smith. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; aunt, Tarry (Richard) Nelson of Solvang, Calif.; cousins, Tarry (Charmaine) Nelson of Glendora, Calif., Brian (Marcia) Nelson of Santa Ynez , Calif., Gregory (Mary) Wheeler of Sacramento, Calif. and Reed Wheeler. The family would also like to thank Manor Care, Villa Quintera and hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Winfield. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Ramon Chapel, 69855 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, Calif. Interment to follow at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City. Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries.