Timothy Edward James Storton

Timothy “Tim” Edward James Storton died February 19, 2026, at the age of ninety. He was born in Guilford, Surrey County, England, on December 18, 1935, the son of Ernest Harry Storton and Mavis Alexandria Ades. Tim’s early childhood was marked by the sights and sounds of WWII; he remembered hearing buzz bombs dropping, playing in the wreckage of the house next door after it was destroyed in an attack, and picking up coal and metal scraps to sell. Because food was rationed and scarce, he fondly remembered American GIs handing out chocolate—memories that never left him.

Seeking a new beginning after the war’s end, Tim and his family were sponsored by his father’s siblings and traveled to the United States aboard the S.S. Aquitania. They first lived in Maryland but soon moved to Mission Beach, California, where Tim attended primary school. He later graduated from Sweetwater High School in National City. Tim enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, where he was in charge of statistics on helicopters.

After his service, Tim moved to San Luis Obispo County. He worked at Hazel’s pet shop on Marsh Street and served as a bartender at Bull’s Tavern on Chorro Street before beginning his career in law enforcement at the California Men’s Colony and the San Luis Obispo City Police Department. In 1964, he transferred to the SLO County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose quickly through the ranks to Lieutenant. He became Undersheriff in 1970 and later served as Acting Sheriff. Tim ran for election to the office in 1978 and 1984, narrowly missing the appointment both times by small margins. He earned an AA degree from Cuesta College in 1972 and, in 1975, graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s "Executive Development School for Law Enforcement" in Quantico, Virginia. Tim and his wife, Cheryl, also started a successful private investigation agency that operated for many years.

In the early 1960s, Tim moved his family of eight children to the old Wheeler House at 16th and Wilmar in Oceano. There, he built paths and pens for a variety of adopted and rescued animals, including horses, chickens, sheep, raccoons, a fox, a monkey named “Jimmy,” and a beloved Great Dane named “Poncho.” Tim was a volunteer firefighter for the Oceano Fire Department and served as President of the Oceano Fire Board. He also served on the Oceano Sanitation District Board and was active with the Boy Scouts of America.

Tim was a member of Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Arroyo Grande for over 60 years. In 1971, the Storton family moved to Arroyo Grande. Tim loved this home, living in it for over 55 years until his death. He enjoyed flowering plants, particularly orchids, and could often be seen meticulously working in his yard, creating a series of pathways that meandered through potted plants, ornamental shrubs, succulents, and decorative yard art.

As Tim slowly entered permanent retirement, he remained active in the community, played senior slow-pitch softball, and volunteered at the Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove. Tim was a charter member of the Oceano Elks Lodge #2504, a past member of Pismo Beach-5 Cities Rotary, and a founding member of the 5 Cities Men’s Club. Tim was passionate about local law enforcement history, researching and documenting the county’s Wild West past to the current day.

Tim was an original investor in Kennedy Club Fitness (now Curl in Arroyo Grande) and could often be seen socializing over coffee and enjoying his daily water aerobics class.

On December 18, 2025, he celebrated his 90th birthday in his home, surrounded by all of his children and many grandchildren.

Tim was predeceased by his parents, his son Kevin Storton, and his second wife, Alberta “Jeannie” Scott Storton. He is survived by his sister Susan Barnes of Lake Havasu, AZ; his brother Peter (Janet) Storton of Oracle, AZ; his first wife Anita Rogers of Enumclaw, WA; and his third wife Cheryl Storton of Arroyo Grande. Eight children and one stepson survive him: Edward Storton (Susie) of Enumclaw, WA; Timothy Storton (Tari) of Arroyo Grande; James Storton (Sue) of Richmond, TX; Lynn Storton (Mary Ann) of Mesquite, NV; Linda Nelson (David) of Prescott, AZ; Wynn Storton (Ana) of La Quinta, CA; Pamela Storton and Keith Storton (Tina) of Arroyo Grande; and Shawn Donlea of Los Angeles, CA. Along with nineteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will take place at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Camp Arroyo Grande (250 Wesley) at 1:00 p.m. Attendance is open to all.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the 5 Cities Men’s Club (P.O. Box 0, Grover Beach, CA 93483) or the San Luis Obispo Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation (SLO LEAF, P.O. Box 13126, San Luis Obispo, CA) Arrangements made by Marshall Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel Grover Beach, CA.

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