Tribute to HB's Incredible Character —RON BRINDLE

By Chris MacDonald

I heard recently that one of HB's most colorful characters passed away in June. He was in his 80s. Most people don't know about many of the wonderful, kind, unselfish deeds he did without wanting any fanfare.

He used to have a water faucet the homeless could use in front of his property. They would stop & fill their jugs with water. He provided a trailer on his gated land for an elderly homeless lady to live in for years. He made her Security Guard on his land near Goldenwest & even gave her a badge & golf cart to patrol his acreage.

Ron kept chains in his truck to help stranded motorists he came across. He let friends park on his property. One woman kept her hot dog cart there every night.

He allowed some HB City Council, State & Federal Office candidates to put up signs & he got national attention when he placed a painting of Donald Trump (he had commissioned) on the deepest oil well (over 2 miles down) in HB. (He & his wife owned the well).

The former U.S. Navy Seabee always showed his patriotism at Brindleland by flying numerous US flags, creating a General Patton Outdoor Museum of military vehicles, having a large Statue of Liberty out front and painting his gate red, white & blue. He also always assisted military veterans in numerous ways.

Ron had a big heart and paid tribute to his friends in a unique fashion. When longtime HB Oil Legend & former HB Mayor Pro-Tem John Thomas passed away, he honored John & his family with a special oil exhibit on the back of a Thomas truck trailer that was featured in the 2014 Fourth of July Parade. The award-winning float was led by swimmers from the Oilers at HB High, whose program received a donation from the generous fellow.

City Councilman & Marine Corp Veteran Erik Peterson helped Ron. While Chairman of the Planning Commission, he visited Brindleland & saw the Oil Tribute Float, which had initially been denied parade entry. Peterson didn't see any problems with it & called the Parade Director, who called the Parade Producer, and both came over to review it. They decided it was OK for the event.

He also sponsored THE OIL CITY CHRONICLE (which I edited) that appeared as a supplement in the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER. HB used to be known as "Oil City."

He was a landscape contractor, who, among other things, put in the palm trees that line Pacific Coast Highway between Main & Beach Boulevard. He created a nature preserve on his property that was a stopping place for migratory birds.

The son of a man who helped build the Los Angeles Hall of Justice often had a twinkle in his eye, a keen business savvy and a fantastic sense of humor.

A few years ago, Ron purchased a World War II Army Truck from an Arizona junkyard. Being a former Seabee, he made it drive-able and took off for HB. Everything went fine until at night, he turned onto Goldenwest and it kept backfiring—drawing the attention of a police officer, who turned on red lights & siren.

More police cars joined in the pursuit as he attempted to make it to his property. The police helicopter turned its bright floodlight on his vehicle, which finally made it to his property at Goldenwest & Garfield, before conking out.

Officers surrounded his truck and one said, "Why didn't you pull over?" He responded: "I was trying to make it to my property before it conked out. I thought the helicopter light was helping me see my way. Thanks very much."

What a character!

Ron (& his family) have done much for the HB Community. He really cared about making a difference & he did. He will always be remembered by those whose lives he touched. We wish the best for the Brindle family.