Collection: Pacific View Memorial Park - Corona Del Mar

In 1960, the University of California Irvine purchased a 1,000-acre plot of land from the Irvine Company for the sum of $1. The site was not the first choice of the regents. Rather, they had their eyes on a plot of land on the slopes of Spyglass Hill, where Pacific View is now located.

John Vibert already had a lease on this beautiful parcel, intending to build a cemetery. He wanted nothing more than this captivating, peaceful view overlooking the ocean. When he heard the university wanted that same plot of land, he sprang into action, quickly arranging for 6 burials on his plot in April of 1959 at no cost to the families. He even exhumed and moved a gentleman’s wife so they could rest together in this beautiful new cemetery. This fast decision secured his lease and set the course for Pacific View Memorial Park.

Located on the seaward slopes of the historic Rancho San Joaquin, Pacific View Memorial Park offers a commanding view of the Newport Beach Harbor area, Catalina