Posted on 05/09/2018
Homer Richard “Dick” Bivin (February 8, 1924 - May 2, 2018)
Homer Richard Bivin passed away early Wednesday morning, May 2, 2018. He was born in Ventura, CA, in 1924. His parents were Wilrus Rusty Bivin and Harriet E. Bivin. His mother died when he was a young boy and Dick was brought up primarily by his grandmother. After attending high school in Ventura, Dick joined the Navy in December of 1941. He went to boot camp and torpedo-man's school in San Diego, CA. He was then assigned to U.S.S Woodworth (DD460) and participated in the Aleutian Islands and occupation of the Guadalcanal Island campaigns. He entered the Naval Academy in 1943 and graduated in 1946, a member of the class of 1947 in the 17th company. While at the Academy, he was a member of the varsity wrestling team.After graduation from the Academy, he served on the USS Boxer (CV21), and was a member of the commissioning crew of the Coral Sea (CVB43). In 1948, he went to submarine school in New London CT, where he met his future wife, Joan Marie Jossen of Douglaston, Long Island. When he finished sub school, he was sent to San Diego to become an officer of the USS Remora (SS487). Subsequent submarine tours were on Bluegill, Baya, Sablefish, Spikefish and his submarine command was on the Greenfish (SS351). His surface ship command was on the USS Cambria (LPA36). Dick's shore and staff assignments were: NROTC instructor, Harvard University; a student at graduate school, Stanford University; Bureau of Naval Personnel; Armed Forces Staff College; CINCUSNAVER, London: Commander Submarine Division 101; Commander Submarine Force Atlantic Staff; and USMAC Vietnam Staff. He commanded the Recruit Training Command, San Diego and retired his naval career after being the commander of the Naval Training Center in Point Loma, CA. Dick's awards included the Legion of Merit, Joint Services Commendation Medal, and two Navy Achievement Medals, plus various area campaign medals. After Dick retired from his naval career of 35 years, he was the business manager for The Bishop's School in La Jolla, CA. He also was a business manager of a small computer company and a partner in building a medical office in Escondido, CA. He was an avid sailor, traveler and skier. He celebrated his 80th birthday on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain and thoroughly enjoyed the free ski pass due to his age. Dick is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan Jossen Bivin, daughter JoAnn Bivin Wornham of Carmel Valley and two grandsons, Tommy and John Wornham of Carlsbad.
Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on May 9, 2018