Bruce Norton Oxley

Bruce Norton Oxley was born on June 26, 1936, in New York City. He spent his early childhood in Darien, Connecticut, until the age of nine, when he moved with his parents to Rancho Santa Fe, California—a move that would shape the course of his life.

At a young age, Bruce began taking riding lessons, igniting a lifelong love of horses that became central to both his career and identity. He attended The Thacher School, where his horsemanship skills and deep respect for horses flourished through the school’s renowned horse program. He later attended the University of California, Davis, where he met the love of his life, Carol Lou Crowl.

Bruce and Carol were married in Sacramento on September 19, 1959, and shared 64 devoted years of marriage marked by partnership, hard work, and love. Together they built a life rooted in family, ranching, and education.

Following college, Bruce managed a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley for five years before moving his growing family to Etna, California. There, Bruce and Carol purchased a ranch and raised their three children: David Oxley (born 1960), Jill Oxley Souto-Maior (born 1962), and Rachel Oxley (born 1971). Ranch life, raising registered Herefords and working with horses suited Bruce well, allowing him to combine his passion for horses with the values of perseverance, stewardship, and family.

In 1976, Bruce took a sabbatical from ranching and moved his family to Ojai, California, where he returned to The Thacher School—this time as the head of the horse program. From 1976 to 1978, and again from 1984-1991.   Bruce taught horsemanship to generations of students, passing on not only riding skills but also lessons in responsibility, patience, and respect for animals which he continued to impart to others throughout his life. 

After retirement, Bruce and Carol sold their ranch and moved to Ashland, Oregon, and later to Redmond, Oregon, to be closer to family.

Bruce was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his daughter in law, Marganne Oxley (CdP ’78), and his beloved wife, Carol Oxley.  He is survived by his son, David Oxley (CdeP ’79); daughters Jill Souto-Maior (CdeP ’80) (Luiz) and Rachel Oxley (CdeP ’89) (Dan); grandchildren Will Oxley (CdeP ’05) (Andrea), Sondra Haro (CdeP ’09) (Denys), Kristina Souto-Maior, Austin Souto-Maior, and Taylor Eaton; and great-grandchildren Amelia Haro, Lydia Haro, and Nash Oxley.

Bruce will be remembered for his integrity and quiet strength, deep knowledge of horses, dedication to teaching, and unwavering commitment to his family. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, students, and all who were fortunate enough to have learned from him—whether in the saddle or in life.

Family requests no flowers.  Donations can be made in Dad’s name to the Pacific Crest Trail Association at PTCA.org or by mail at 

Pacific Crest Trail Association
2150 River Plaza Drive, Suite 155
Sacramento, CA 95833

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