Lester Rougeot celebrates 90th birthday, dies next morning
Lester Rougeot on Saturday at his birthday celebration. Photo by Dick Mason.
Lester Rougeot died Sunday of natural causes after more than 200 people attended a birthday barbecue celebration in his honor at the Paso Robles Grange Hall Saturday. He died just a day short of his actual 90th birthday.
Friends and family came from as far away as Virginia to celebrate his birthday. A representative of the California Grange came from Sacramento to personally award Rougeot a 75-year pin for Grange Membership.
Rougeot was born on July 20, 1925 in a farmhouse just north of Paso Robles. He met Barbara Hatch at a Grange Dance and they married in the 40’s. On their honeymoon, they drove to King City to attend a dance/concert with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.
Rougeot farmed and ranched in San Luis Obispo County, and briefly, in Kern County. He later sold pick-up trucks and other vehicles at a car dealership on Spring Street in Paso Robles.
Rougeot supported 4-H and the Grange all his life. He often reminded people that the Grange started 4-H.
Rougeot barbecued at many community fundraisers. The events included a monthly Grange breakfast and the annual Mid-State Fair breakfast. His barbecue skills were legendary. He barbecued for the annual Paso Robles Library Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. He also barbecued for wedding receptions, brandings and special events. Proceeds were donated to 4-H or the 7-X Ranch.
Rougeot’s colorful stories, knowledge of the Paso Robles area and infectious laugh attracted many friends and admirers. A biography of his life was was written by Michele L. Oksen in 2012 titled “The Man From Indian Valley – The Legend of Lester Rougeot.”
An excerpt from Amazon.com on Rougeot’s biography
As if the West wasn’t wild enough in 1925, on July twentieth, along came Lester Rougeot. Born into a pioneer farm and ranch family in Lowes Canyon, Monterey County, California, just north of the San Luis Obispo County line, Lester was a kid who livened up the land. “I liked to cause a little excitement once in awhile,” Lester admitted. “Still do.” He did, he does – and, more than once in awhile. Lester’s family grew grain, raised cattle, horses, and mules on ranches all over the territory. Red Head Canyon east of San Ardo, the Heritage Ranch, Ranchita Canyon, Hog Canyon, and Indian Valley, Lester came to know his lifelong stomping grounds well. As a result, he cultivated a sense of belonging so strong he rarely cares to leave. He’d much rather hang out at Joe’s Place than get on a plane to anywhere. Throughout his life, Lester has seen many changes. From mule team powered harvesters to self-propelled computerized equipment, from horse and buggy to ATVs, and from telephone party lines to cell phones. Lester not only witnessed the growth of Paso Robles, he, and generations before, and after him, contributed to that progress. A 1943, Paso Robles High School graduate, Lester was a charter member and President of Paso Robles first F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America) and a contestant in the first San Luis Obispo County 16th District Agricultural Fair. An influential member and leader of the area’s Grange Halls, Native Sons, and various other organizations, Lester and his wife, Barbara, were instrumental in the success of many local youth groups as well as active facilitators in the building of Father Reginald Memorial Park in San Miguel and the 7X Campground for children on Cypress Mountain Road west of Paso Robles. Who is Lester Rougeot? He’s the cowboy who is always in good company, for good causes, having good laughs. That’s why it’s time to fasten the seat belt and tighten the stampede string. The Man from Indian Valley – The Legend of Lester Rougeot, is no slow Cadillac cruise up Spring Street; it’s more like a jolting Jeep ride in the back country along Remembrance Road. We hope you enjoy the ride. Source: Amazon.com.
Obituary from funeral home
Lester Ralph Rougeot was born July 20, 1925 in Lowe’s Canyon, Monterey County, California to Clarence and Sarah Thelma Freeman Rougeot local pioneer families. His grandparents were Rega & Dovie Nicklas Freeman from Estrella and Thomas and Ida May Shuey Rougeot from Estrella and San Luis Obispo. Lester graduated from Paso Robles High in 1943. He had been a member of the Estrella Grange #488 since 1939 and was master of the El Paso de Robles Grange #555, Pomona Grange #27 of San Luis Obispo, State Deputy of the California State Grange and member of the National Grange. Lester organized the MidState Fair Pancake Breakfast and was Marshall of Pioneer Days and Sage Brush Days. Among his many awards Lester was Roblan of the month in 1993 and Roblan of the Year 2002; Honorary Chapter Farmer – Paso Robles FFA 1966 and Friends of 4-H award for San Luis Obispo County 1992. Lester was the last surviving charter member of Native Sons of Golden West San Miguel Parlor 150.
He was preceeded in death five years ago by his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Hatch) Rougeot; sister, Mildred McGraw; his parents, grandparents; brother-in-law, John Craspay Sr.; many cousins, nephews, nieces, sisters and brothers-in-law; and also his twin brother whom he lost when they were 10 years old.
He is survived by his three children, Regina (Kelley) Bonds of Hiwassee, VA; Chester (Louise) Rougeot of Paso Robles, and Margie (Vic) LeRoux of Buena Park, CA; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and 1 great great granddaughter; sister, Gladys Craspay, of Bradley; several nieces, nephews and cousins; special niece, Judy Miller of San Luis Obispo.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 27, 4-8 p.m. at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Chapel. A Graveside Service will be Tuesday, July 28, 1 p.m. at Paso Robles District Cemetery. Donations may be made in Lester’s memory to the Dee Fitzhugh Trust. Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.
Lester always enjoyed visiting and laughing with you Dave Mason.
Love your spirit Lester and your loving soul. You are the most loved person I know. Will miss you dearly…..
Love your spirit Lester and your loving soul. You are the most loved person I know. Will miss you dearly…..
What a wonderful man he was. Always had the biggest smile and a few good stories. A privilege to have know a great person. RIP Mr. Rougeot
He always had such a great laugh!
Dick, I was so happy and thought it very fitting that you authored this article. Our morning breakfasts sure won't be the same, but we'll always have our fond memories of Lester.
Lester, your hugs and hand shakes will be missed. Thank you for talking tri tip with me. The life lessons you shared will neger be forgotten. You will be missed but never forgotten.
I'm going to miss Lester! I'm a cashier at Haggen and Lester loves to come in and give me a hard time and I gave him one right back! I'm going to miss his big smile and his laugh! RIP Mr. ROUGEOT
I'm going to miss Lester! I'm a cashier at Haggen and Lester loves to come in and give me a hard time and I gave him one right back! I'm going to miss his big smile and his laugh! RIP Mr. ROUGEOT
I consider it a privilege to have known Lester and Barb. He will be missed! Condolences to his family.
Oh sweet cookie BBQ king, the secret Lester dust will always be your legacy too the best BBQ in town!
It feel it was such a privilege to know this man. He will be dearly missed!
Lester I will miss you're smile and fun loving nature. It was an honor to know you. Our Lord will be blessed with you're soul. Rest in peace.
Such a fantastic human!! You light up any place you are. I am sure the party continues with all that awaited your arrival above! Honored to know you! Hugs to your folks still on earth.
I have non Lester all my live I will truly miss him Rep In paece my friend
Sweetest, happiest and most generous human being! Our family and 4-H groups will miss him dearly. Thank you Joe and staff for taking such good care of him! Breakfast at Joes won't be the same with out him. ❤️
Noooo.I spend good times visiting with him when My Dad went to Palla Equip
Lester is one of a kind. No will will ever fill his boots. I will miss him. But he left me with such wonderful memories – he will always remain in my heart, Now, he is with his beloved Barabra. I can hear his joyous laughter from heaven. – Bob
So very sorry to hear of Lester's passing. He was a wonderful man!
" MR. PASO ROBLE " Lester was a true gentleman and so generous with his time, everybody in town knew Lester. He showed me how to BBQ, how to make his secert seasoning. He will be sorrily mist, his big smile and great conversations, Paso won't be the same, he is off to the Heaven in the Sky.
Lester Rougeot was One Of A Kind ….. so special in soooo many ways. Never a bad moment, always positive and uplifitng and would do absolutely anything for this community. Bill and I have been lucky to know Lester for many years and Bill is a proud member of the flatbed pancake flippers for the "Created by Lester" Free Community Pancake Breakfast the 2nd Thursday of the opening of the Mid State Fair for years and years. Lester, we all love you and will always be laughing with you and remembering your wonderful hugs, great stories and your very special kindness.
Truly sounded like an awesome fellow! Thinking of you and your family gal!!
Lester I will miss your happy-go-lucky nature.. I never knew you to do anything but smile.
Above all you were one gracious gentleman and a true gift to all who were lucky to have known you.
I remember hunting doves with John Craspay at the ranch
Lester always enjoyed visiting and laughing with you Dave Mason.
Love your spirit Lester and your loving soul. You are the most loved person I know. Will miss you dearly…..
Love your spirit Lester and your loving soul. You are the most loved person I know. Will miss you dearly…..
What a wonderful man he was. Always had the biggest smile and a few good stories. A privilege to have know a great person. RIP Mr. Rougeot
He always had such a great laugh!
Dick, I was so happy and thought it very fitting that you authored this article. Our morning breakfasts sure won't be the same, but we'll always have our fond memories of Lester.
Lester, your hugs and hand shakes will be missed. Thank you for talking tri tip with me. The life lessons you shared will neger be forgotten. You will be missed but never forgotten.
I'm going to miss Lester! I'm a cashier at Haggen and Lester loves to come in and give me a hard time and I gave him one right back! I'm going to miss his big smile and his laugh! RIP Mr. ROUGEOT
I'm going to miss Lester! I'm a cashier at Haggen and Lester loves to come in and give me a hard time and I gave him one right back! I'm going to miss his big smile and his laugh! RIP Mr. ROUGEOT
I consider it a privilege to have known Lester and Barb. He will be missed! Condolences to his family.
Oh sweet cookie BBQ king, the secret Lester dust will always be your legacy too the best BBQ in town!
It feel it was such a privilege to know this man. He will be dearly missed!
Lester I will miss you're smile and fun loving nature. It was an honor to know you. Our Lord will be blessed with you're soul. Rest in peace.
Such a fantastic human!! You light up any place you are. I am sure the party continues with all that awaited your arrival above! Honored to know you! Hugs to your folks still on earth.
I have non Lester all my live I will truly miss him Rep In paece my friend
Sweetest, happiest and most generous human being! Our family and 4-H groups will miss him dearly. Thank you Joe and staff for taking such good care of him! Breakfast at Joes won't be the same with out him. ❤️
Noooo.I spend good times visiting with him when My Dad went to Palla Equip
Lester is one of a kind. No will will ever fill his boots. I will miss him. But he left me with such wonderful memories – he will always remain in my heart, Now, he is with his beloved Barabra. I can hear his joyous laughter from heaven. – Bob
So very sorry to hear of Lester's passing. He was a wonderful man!
" MR. PASO ROBLE " Lester was a true gentleman and so generous with his time, everybody in town knew Lester. He showed me how to BBQ, how to make his secert seasoning. He will be sorrily mist, his big smile and great conversations, Paso won't be the same, he is off to the Heaven in the Sky.
Lester Rougeot was One Of A Kind ….. so special in soooo many ways. Never a bad moment, always positive and uplifitng and would do absolutely anything for this community. Bill and I have been lucky to know Lester for many years and Bill is a proud member of the flatbed pancake flippers for the "Created by Lester" Free Community Pancake Breakfast the 2nd Thursday of the opening of the Mid State Fair for years and years. Lester, we all love you and will always be laughing with you and remembering your wonderful hugs, great stories and your very special kindness.
Truly sounded like an awesome fellow! Thinking of you and your family gal!!
Lester I will miss your happy-go-lucky nature.. I never knew you to do anything but smile.
Above all you were one gracious gentleman and a true gift to all who were lucky to have known you.
I remember hunting doves with John Craspay at the ranch