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Harold James Myers
August 22, 1925-September 22, 2013
Harold James Myers, 88, of Arbuckle, California, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
He was born to the late Clifford Edward and Marie Criqui Myers, on August 22, 1925, in Arbuckle. Harold attended local schools and graduated from Pierce High School in 1943. He promptly enlisted in the Army Air Corps and left immediately for boot camp in Oregon. While there, he became a light-heavyweight boxing champion. Having won this boxing title he confidently challenged the reigning heavyweight champion to a match. This action resulted in Harold waking up in the base hospital. Stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas, Harold trained as a bombardier. While in Texas Harold met a pretty young nursing student destined to become the love of his life. In 1945, while stationed in Wisconsin, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force. He hitchhiked home to California by way of Texas where he stopped long enough to propose to Melba Joan Moore. They were married on March 18, 1949 and made their life together in Arbuckle.
Harold was a farmer for all of his adult life, raising tomatoes, sugar beets, rice and, at the time of his death, almonds. He spent many years farming with his partner and brother, Clifford Myers. Together, in 1964, they were among the first farmers in Colusa County to use a mechanical tomato harvester.
His contributions to agri-business include:
Member of the board at Colusa-Glenn Production Credit Association
1970-1989; chairman 1984-1989
Established Colusa County Farm Supply 1973
President of the Westside Water District 1975
President of the Board of Maxwell Irrigation District
Helped create Myers-Charter Rice Dryer, Arbuckle 1982
Chairman of the Board, Western Farm Credit Bank, Sacramento 1989-2003
Helped create California Family Foods, Arbuckle 1995
Perhaps Harold's greatest accomplishment in agriculture was his prominent role in bringing water to the west side of Colusa County. He made numerous trips to Washington, D.C. to testify before Congress to obtain funds for the construction of the 140-mile long Tehama-Colusa Canal. Once the funding for the canal was obtained, Harold went to work to improve Westside Water District and its delivery and drainage system.
Harold was a man of many interests. After returning to civilian life he never lost his love of aviation. He kept his pilot's license current and he continued to fly until 2000. An avid sportsman, Harold enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting and taught each of his six children to dive for abalone. Harold and his son William frequently packed their gear onto llamas and hiked into remote wilderness areas for up to ten days at a time. He was an adept bridge player; he and his wife Joan spent many happy hours with family and friends engaged in the game. Although not naturally inclined to dance, Harold learned how at the urging of his wife. They enjoyed attending dances at the Elks Club in Willows and, more recently, at the Moose Lodge in Yuba City. He never, however, learned to waltz. Harold's many grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always have fond memories of Grandpa's famous hotcakes and of his angel food cake.
As an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Arbuckle, Harold was instrumental in organizing the annual Saint Patrick's Day Catholic Bazaar. Over the course of three years Harold and William made several trips to Nicaragua where they visited a Catholic orphanage. He instructed the nuns in efficient farming practices and assisted in the planning of irrigation systems. The only tractor the nuns possessed was a Russian-made model and it didn't run. Harold was especially proud that he was able to get the tractor repaired and operating once again.
His elder brother Francis Clifford Myers, younger brother Norman Edward Myers and his elder sister Geraldine Myers Hobbs preceded him in death. Survivors include Joan, Harold's wife of 64-years, his sons William Myers, Bruce (Katy) Myers, David (Robin) Myers and Sam (Patti) Myers and daughters Mary (Bill) Stone and Priss (Bud) Harman. He also leaves thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Arbuckle from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27 with a rosary held at 7:00. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m.
The family suggests that contributions may be made to the Arbuckle Fire Department, to Pierce High School, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of McNary-Moore Funeral Service.www.mcnarymoorefuneralservice.com
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We enjoyed our bridge nights with Harold and Joan gazing at the beautiful view from Mendocino bluffs.
At least half our time was spent listening to Harold's stories and philosophy. My very first hand as his partner, Harold put me in a game bid, so I immediately saw his aggressive style.
We loved him and send our love and prayers to Joan and family.
Bob & Theresa McDonough
October 21, 2013
Rejoice in the hope that God gives us for he promises something better. Our condolences (Rom 12:12)
diona
October 8, 2013
Harold was a great man, and I waas honored to know him. I know he will be greatly missed.
William Uhland
October 2, 2013
I enjoyed our many talks at the office about business, family and life. He was a great man and friend. He had a great life.
My prayers are with the family during this time of loss.
Vincent Wurm
October 1, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this most difficult time. Please be assured that God will help you cope with the heavy weight of your loss. “Blessed be Almighty God who daily carries the load for us.” Psalms 68:19
DS
October 1, 2013
So very sorry to hear this sad news.
Linda Womble
October 1, 2013
We were so surprised and saddened to hear of Harold's passing. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. After reading his obit. we realized we had missed a lot of interesting things about Harold. We got to know Harold and Joan through the Franklin Dancing Club in Yuba City. He may not have learned the waltz, but he and Joan certainly enjoyed the dance floor during our many years seeing them on the dance floor. He was a wonderful sweet man. Joan and family, we send our prayers for strength and guidance during this difficult time.
Glenn & Mildred Newton
September 30, 2013
We are sorry for your family's loss of a wonderful man. We had the chance to meet him on my children's field trips to the pond in 3rd grade. What an inspiration he was!
The Huffs
September 30, 2013
Sending condolences during this time of loss of your family member. He was one that had many wonderful accomplishments. As you go through the days ahead, may you have many fond memories of your life together.
September 27, 2013
Myers Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, and friends. We know this is a tough time for Joan, we sincerely wish her the best. Harold was such a smily guy, he surely will be missed at the CFF gatherings.
God Bless, Linda & Scott Schaefer
September 27, 2013
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Harold - he was a great man.
Doreen & Damian Appert
September 26, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. We know Harold will leave a big empty space for you and the rest of your family. Ken, Jeannette and Brittany Cox
Ken Cox
September 26, 2013
Dear Joan and family,
So sorry for your loss. Know. That my prayers
And love are with you .
love,
Mary. Hauke
September 26, 2013
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Joan and family. Harold was a great family man and champion of Colusa County agriculture. He will be missed.
Wayne & Judy Meyer
September 26, 2013
Dear Bruce and the entire Myers family, we are very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Harold. We feel very fortunate to have gotten to know Harold and extremely grateful to have recently spent time with him in Oakland and at "O" s birthday party at the pond in Colusa. We're sure he will be missed tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pat and Lori
September 26, 2013
Dear Joanne, Our thoughts and prayers are dedicated to you! Janna & Shaelyn Bolis. (Daughter of Frances Ramsey)
September 26, 2013
Dear Joan, We send our love, prayers and sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Harold, a fun and interesting guy. Love, Roneal and Val
September 26, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~
The Appeal Democrat Family
September 26, 2013
I first started working with Harold in 1977 as legal counsel for Westside Water District. He was a visionary who worked tirelessly to bring water supplies to the westside of Colusa County. He was smart and funny and relentless. He loved Joan and his family, his community and agriculture. Annie and I cherished our friendship with Harold and Joan, and they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul Bartkiewicz
September 26, 2013
My condolences to the Myers clan, Harold invited me for a "llama" walk and I could barely keep up with him and I was 25 years younger !
Randy Rickert
September 25, 2013
Dear Joan and famly, I'm holding you all in my heart, thoughts and prayers. God be with you and comfort you in the days ahead. Gilberta Guth Pierson
Gilberta Pierson
September 25, 2013
Harold and Joan go way back in time as friends of my parents..... Each time I saw Harold, he had a happy, welcoming smile for me! God Bless you Joan ..and all your family. Hugs and Love, Judy
Judy Kinz ~ Dawley
September 25, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless
Kim & John Fernandez
September 25, 2013
Truly part of The Greatest Generation. We love and miss you and we are proud and honored to have the last name Myers. God Bless you Grandpa.
Tom Myers
September 25, 2013
My thoughts are with you and your family, Harold was such a great person
September 25, 2013
The world of ag has lost a great champion. He was an incredible person.
Pam Hotz
September 25, 2013
Harold was a good man, GOD bless him and
his family, The Descombaz Brothers,
Gary, Larry, Randy and Richard
September 25, 2013
A dear, dear man, another of the Greatest Generation Ever, gone... Harold would come by our house to sweettalk my late father, Steve La Grande, out of $100 to contribute to the St. Patrick's Day Bazaar. Amazingly Dad always won something great as a result & those of you who have been by our home know that the green machine bike in the family room was the last & best of those prizes...!)
Harold liked tea. I'd brew him a cup, serve oatmeal cookies & he & Dad would proceed to reminisce about old days of farming, old neighbors & giggle like 8 year old boys...
One day he came by with some treasures found in a shack on his property & knew I'd be interested. They were lithographs (seemingly original, not sure frankly) of Colusa County ranches & towns from the 1870's. He designated me the steward of them. When Dad passeed away (2007) Harold & I donated the entire collection to the Sacramento Valley Museum in his memory. Those two used to pour over the framed images (probably originally commissioned to advertise the RR coming through the west side of Sacramento Valley). Some of the llustrations have been published in local Colusa Co. history books. They are precious archives that only Harold understood the true value of. You can find them in the Archives Library of the Sacramento Valley Museum & I can later submit a list of whose ranches are depicted. It's a terrific find.
Harold & I would discuss the future of our towns, our ag economy. He was of unusal generosity as his obituary so well stated, of COMMON SENSE & wisdom.
My brother Dennis just kindly forwarded me this notcie of his demise. So I am writing this in France on the Atlantic Brittany Shore where I am leading a tour. The Normandy D Day beaches on the English Channel will be featured in a few days time on our route. I will dedicate the day to his memory to honor him, He is one of our many WWII veterans of uncommon committment & courage, always dedicated to duty.
May his life be a good model for us all, especially to remind us to contribute to the well being of Colusa County (as well as to places & peoples far away) with an open heart, and to advocate for a sustainable future that retains our rural lifestyle, holds our leaders accountable to make decisions & choices that benefit the common good which do NOT cater to a greedy few.
A special hug to Joan (& to Pris & to all your sibs...) Rest in eternal well-deserved peace dear family friend & neighbor...
September 25, 2013
Dan Myers
September 25, 2013
Living as close we did to Gran and Grandpa we would go over there very often and have a lot of memories. Hotcakes, playing in the basement, learning pingpong, the awesome toy chest, playing The Black Cauldron on the computer, and watching movies. And then there were the get togethers on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Or the reunions during the summer on Grandma Marie's birthday. Grandpa has done a lot in life and kept busy in his golden years. But he always had time for his family and we all will miss him.
Dan Myers
September 25, 2013
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