In memoriam: Wayne Jensen

Wayne Jensen

Raised on a cattle ranch, Jensen earned his bachelor's degree in animal science from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in 1967 and his master's degree in animal science from UC Davis in 1969. He worked on his family's beef cattle ranch in San Miguel for five years before joining UC Cooperative Extension in 1973. In addition to being an advisor, Jensen served as UCCE director in Santa Barbara County from 1991 to 1998. In 1999, he added San Luis Obispo County to his service area when Bill Weitkamp, UC Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources advisor for San Luis Obispo County, retired.

"He began the beef carcass class at the Santa Barbara County Fair to further the education of the FFA and 4-H beef project participants. It proved to be very successful and continued many years" said Heather Jensen, his wife. "He was very involved in community service activities as Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis and Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival, serving as president of both organizations."

In 1995 he was named the Agri-Business Person of the year for Santa Barbara County. In 2005, the Society of Range Management honored him as "Range Manager of the Year." Also in 2005, he became county director again, until he retired in 2008 after 35 years of serving UC ANR.

“I know we will all miss Wayne's good humor, friendship and steadfastness, just to name a few of his memorable great traits,” said Weitkamp, a lifelong friend of Jensen.

Jensen is survived by his wife Heather and children Erik, Jennifer and Kyle.

Read more about Jensen's life at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanluisobispo/obituary.aspx?n=wayne-jensen&pid=175341875.

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