Goodbye to a city founder

Many Costa Mesa residents probably wouldn’t even recognize his name,

but they owe a great debt to a man named Bob Wilson.

Without Wilson, Costa Mesa might never have grown into the city it

is today, with affluent neighborhoods, fine dining and world-class

shopping.

Wilson, who died Sunday at the age of 86, was one of the founders

of the city of Costa Mesa.

A former planning commissioner, city councilman and mayor, Wilson

loved Costa Mesa with a passion.

His accomplishments include spearheading the building of the first

City Hall, helping to bring the Costa Mesa Golf and Country Club to

the city, and assisting in the acquisition of the land for Fairview

Park.

“I think he made as many contributions, if not more, than a good

many of the mayors at that particular time,” said Gladys Refakes of

the Costa Mesa Historical Society. “Everyone suddenly became

interested in the welfare of Costa Mesa. And as it grew, his ideas

sort of grew and went along with all the new things that came along.”

But Wilson was more than just a bureaucrat. He was an affable,

fun-loving and self-effacing man who loved and cared for his family

as deeply he did his adopted hometown.

Anyone who wants to learn more about Wilson need only pick up the

book he penned titled “From Goat Hill to City of the Arts: The

History of Costa Mesa,” in which he describes his life’s work.

Last month, we learned that Wilson was in poor health. At the

time, he told our reporter that his wish was to make it to Christmas

and spend one last holiday season with family.

We’re glad to see that his final wish came true, because it

couldn’t have happened to a more deserving man.

To his family, especially his wife of 65 years, Maryalice, we

extend our condolences at this time.

And let us take this time to do the one thing many in this

community would like to do if they could.

Thank you, Bob Wilson, for all you’ve done for Costa Mesa.