Leonard Seja Cruz

Leonard Seja Cruz, 92, a beloved member of the Moorpark Community and patriarch of the Cruz Family, went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2025. He was surrounded by his family, who loved him dearly and will cherish his memory forever.

Born to Victor and Isabel Cruz on June 28,1932 on Rancho Calleguas, now known as the Camarillo Ranch, Leonard was a lifetime Ventura County resident who witnessed immense change in his many decades. He attended Pleasant Valley School in Camarillo and Oxnard High School. He began working at a young age on Mary Howard Smith’s farm, a time he looked back fondly on. In 1952, he answered his country’s call to service and proudly served in the United States Army, serving as a cook at Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, CA. The skills he acquired in the army in cooking vast quantities of food for hundreds of people would be useful for the rest of his life. During leave, he would hitchhike his way back home to see a special someone. Riding his horse up the Conejo Grade, he courted Helen Ayala of Newbury Park. Leonard and Helen were married at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Camarillo on April 16, 1955. Their union would last over 70 years and serve as the genesis of a large, ever-growing family.

Leonard enjoyed a 40-plus year career with Chase Brothers Dairy, whom he considered family. Although he wore many hats, people still remember him as the local milk man. Leonard was a community leader who volunteered with many organizations such as Club Amistad Latina. He was a prominent member of the Ventura County Cattleman’s Association and was named “Cattleman of the Year” in 2003. He served as “Honorary Mayor” of Moorpark from 1970 to 1971 and was part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the extension of the Route 23 Freeway. He served as Commander of his local American Legion and participated with his children’s Fairview 4-H Club. In 2013, he served as grand marshal of the Moorpark Country Days Parade. A man of strong faith, he attended Holy Cross Church in Moorpark for over 60 years and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Those who knew Leonard will remember his humble spirit, quiet wisdom, and unwavering work ethic. He was a constant fixture at his grandchildren’s games, performances, and ceremonies. He spent his days tending to his family’s ranch in Moorpark for loved ones to enjoy and be together. When once asked what the family raised on their ranch, he replied, “grandchildren.” Leonard enjoyed the rhythm of ranch life and had a deep love for the land and animals under his care. The family ranch served as a backdrop for frequent gatherings and Leonard’s labor was rewarded daily by the joy of his grandchildren’s play. “That’s my pay day, I have been truly blessed,” he would often say.

Leonard Cruz will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. His example and guidance will shape generations. He is survived by his wife of seven decades, Helen Cruz; his children, Teri Waganer, Susan Oviedo (Rodolfo), Mary Ann White, Leonard Cruz Jr. (Rosalie), Victor Cruz (Louise), and Steven Cruz (Adrianne); sisters Maggie Rolph (Roger), Marie Pennington (Anthony), Sylvia Keeran (George), and Nancy Reedy; brother Tom Cruz (Zatella); 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with number 18 on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents, Isabel and Victor Cruz; his daughter, Isabel Cruz; grandson, Leonard Cruz III; and sister, Virginia Castillo (Charlie).

Services to be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Holy Cross Church at 13955 Peach Hill Road, Moorpark, CA 93021. Rosary begins at 9:00 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial at Santa Clara Cemetery following Mass.

Rest in peace, Tata. Your love and legacy will live on in each of us, and you will be missed more than words can express.