W. Earl McPhail

After a long fight against blood cancer, Earl died at home on May 12, 2026. He was born in Brawley, California on August 2, 1946, and grew up in the Imperial Valley. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona, where he met the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Willa. Together they had three children, Wayne, Rachel and Adam.

Earl dedicated his professional life to agriculture, working for the county agricultural departments in Santa Cruz and then Imperial County before becoming Agricultural Commissioner of Ventura County. He held that position for 29 years before retiring in 2008.

Earl loved his community and was known for his volunteer work and community involvement. He was a member of Rotary Club of Santa Paula, serving a term as president. During his time in Rotary, he served on the barbecue team raising money for scholarships, helped with Christmas baskets and was a jolly Santa Claus for many Rotary sponsored children's Christmas parties. He served on the Ventura County Fair board for 12 years, was an assistant leader for Boy Scouts, served on the Santa Paula Planning Commission and subsequently the Ventura County Planning Commission. Earl enjoyed serving on the Ventura County Mounted Sheriff's Posse alongside his youngest son, Adam, where his inner cowboy found a worthy purpose. He had a lifetime love for the game of baseball, playing through community college until sidelined by an injury. After moving to Santa Paula, he coached Little League and served on its Board of Directors. He later volunteered as the pitching coach for St. Bonaventure High School while his eldest son, Wayne, played and for many years beyond.

Traveling and going on adventures with Willa, visiting far flung relatives, spending time with horses and sharing his love of lake life with family and friends brought Earl much joy. He was a truly wonderful husband and father, and we are blessed to have made so many memories with him.

Earl was humble, selfless and possessed integrity beyond measure. He was also a man of great faith. He loved attending Mass and singing in the choir at his home parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where he was also a lector. He especially cherished the times he was able to go to church during his illness and celebrate Mass with his supportive and loving church family.

Earl is survived by his wife, Willa, two of his three children: Rachel Moon (Phillip) and Adam McPhail (Monica), three grandchildren: Noah Moon, Rosalie McPhail and Royce McPhail and many extended and "adopted" family members.

Earl's family would like to thank all those that comprised, as he put it, "his village". Everyone that provided care and kept him in their prayers throughout the course of his illness.

A funeral mass will be held at 1 PM on June 4th at our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Santa Paula followed by a graveside service at Santa Paula Cemetery.

Remembrances can be made through contributions to support Santa Paula High School's Agriscience Academy.

Donations can be made in memory of Earl McPhail payable to:
Santa Paula FFA
404 North Sixth St. Santa Paula, CA 93060