Siskiyou Pioneer family member Richard Vannie Hockaday passed peacefully on August 3rd, 2023.
Richard was born at home on the the family homestead near Indian Creek, California, on October 15th, 1934. He was the youngest of fourteen children, born to Philmer Lee Hockaday and Mabel Hyle Hockaday.
Richard was born at home on the the family homestead near Indian Creek, California, on October 15th, 1934. He was the youngest of fourteen children, born to Philmer Lee Hockaday and Mabel Hyle Hockaday.
Upon the untimely death of his father at an early age, he and his mother along with older siblings moved to Yreka. Richard attended Yreka Elementary on Fourth Street and was a graduate of the Class of 1954, from Yreka Union High School.
Richard met Greta Petersen in high school and they married on November 5, 1955 at the Montague United Methodist Church. Together they raised three daughter and lost a son at birth.
He was a natural athlete, participating in many sports through out his life. Richard was selected to play professional baseball along with childhood friend, Willie Jones. He had a stronger desire to stay locally closer to family and friends.
Richard continued to participate in athletics through city league baseball and basketball teams. He enjoyed water sports as an amazing single ski and trick disc water skier.
He was an active member of the Montague Equestrian Trail Riders, competing at local events through out Siskiyou County. Richard volunteered as chute boss at the Montague Junior Rodeo for many years. He was a supporter of Siskiyou 4-H programs and activities through his daughters’ and grandchildrens’ active participation.
Richard was a life member of Yreka Elks Lodge 1980. He proudly served in the National Guard for many years.
Part of his career in the Timber Industry included loading lumber into box cars at mill sites, to grading lumber at Pine Mountain Lumber, Yreka. Later, he was employed by Montague Water Conservation District. He retired to help maintain and operate hay and cattle production on the Petersen Ranch on Airport Road, Montague.
Richard was an avid participant of agriculture in Shasta Valley. Through out the years he was involved with his wife’s sheep production activities of naturally variegated wool, transporting her sheep and equipment to local, regional, and national expositions. One of his proudest moments was, being part of her young flock’s selection as National Champion in Albany, Oregon.
He spent many successful years hiking hills hunting bear in Happy Camp, deer in the Siskiyous, to Mule deer in Colorado. Then becoming deer camp cook later in life.
Richard loved to cook for every and any occasion, especially for family. He was famous for his large BBQ meals at special events, as well as smoked ribs for his great granddaughters.
Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Greta Petersen Hockaday, daughters and spouses
Ann Hockaday Robinson (Mark), Debi Hockaday Egeline (Stan), Carol Marie Hockaday Forneris (Lou). His grandchildren Lisa and Robin Harnden, Dane and Taylor Robinson, Christina Greeno-Taulani. His beloved dogs May, Missy, and Scott. He has been blessed with 11 ½ great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Allen.
He will be fondly remembered for his giving heart and love of his family and friends.
Celebration of his life will be held Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 2 pm, at the Montague United Methodist Church with a social gathering to follow in the social hall.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Montague United Church, P.O. Box 187, Montague, CA 96064 or a charity or organization of your choice.
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