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.
