Carlton Bernard Pettersen, Jr.
Carlton (Carl) was born in San Pedro, CA to Capt. Carlton B. Pettersen Sr. and Hazel (Parmenter) Pettersen. He grew up in Palos Verdes CA along with siblings Robert and Hazel (both deceased). Carl attended Malaga Cove Elementary, Redondo Beach Union High School and earned a degree in Engineering at Long Beach State University. As Carl grew up along the California coast he developed a great love and respect for the ocean, surfing, boating, and traveling. He passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren.
Directly out of high school, Carl worked as a Merchant Marine on a tanker through the Panama Canal from 1948-50. He served in the army during the Korean War 1950-53. Carl married his wife of 65 years Joyce L. Breunig in 1953. They lived in Palos Verdes while raising their three children. Carl worked at Standard Oil Co. as an Engineer and was owner and manager of an apartment complex in Redondo Beach.
In 1970 Carl and his family moved to Santa Barbara CA, where he bought and operated West Beach Marine Company on the breakwater at Santa Barbara Harbor. There he managed boat rentals, brokered yachts, taught boating and sailing, and ran charters to the S.B. Channel Islands. He was involved with S.B. Power Squadron for 20 years. He also helped build and operate the Double Dolphin catamaran. Carl spent 49 years as a loyal member and sponsor in the local AA community. He worked as an Engineer at Hughes/Raytheon in Goleta from 1987 until he retired in 2000.
Carlton passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on the evening of March 5, 2019, amidst a huge thunder and lightning storm. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him. Carl leaves behind his wife, Joyce, and three children, Curt, Cappy and Diane, along with six grandchildren: Alex, Trent, Drake, Sloan, Jake and Tony.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday April 28th from 12:00- 4:00 pm at Goleta Beach site D. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff from Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care. Any donations in Carl’s memory would be appreciated.