Joseph G. Horick

Joseph "Joe" G. Horick passed away on January 6, 2011, in Sacramento, California, and is now in the loving hands of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and one of seven children born to Josef and Elizabeth (Bernatek ) Horick. Joe was a long time resident and businessman in Point Reyes Station, CA, from 1947 until 2002.
Joe was married in 1949 to Betty (Gandy), who passed away in 1993. He was also preceded in death by brothers Rudolph, Robert, John; sisters Elizabeth Putnam, Eleanor Boggs, Anna Horick; and great-grandson Alexander Munkres. He is survived by daughters Linda (Martin) Kink of Bellingham, Washington, Cherlyn Lynch of Rancho Cordova, California, and Laurie Wilcox of Lynnwood, Washington; step-daughters Betty Storms and Barbara Munkres of Rohnert Park; 11 grandchildren; and one great- grandchild. He is also survived by sister Mildred Minzey of Glendale, Arizona; and 13 nieces and nephews.
Joe owned his own business in Point Reyes Station, running an automotive repair and gas station from 1956 until he retired in 1987. When cars were all becoming "electronic," he knew it was time to hang up the wrench. In retirement he spent much of his time gardening, taking care of his property, and attending church. He enjoyed his family visits and spending time with his grandchildren.
During World War II Joe joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Panama Canal Guard where he made almost 100 trips back and forth, meeting military people of all countries. He was then assigned to the Philippines aboard the Minesweeper YMS68 as a First Class Motor Machinist. He was in the first mine sweep invasion into Subic Bay, Borneo, where he was stuck in enemy crossfire, and was the honoree of three bronze stars, one each for serving in the Caribbean, Leyte, and the Luzon Gulf Invasion. During the Korean War, he enlisted in 1950 in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Seaman serving aboard the U.S.S. Lightening merchant ship.
After military service Joe went to work at the Bear Valley Ranch in Olema, CA, when it was a dairy, and then became a milk tester for the Point Reyes Creamery and the Borden's Dairy in San Rafael until he purchased the Flying "A" Gas Station in 1956.
Joe was a member of the West Marin Lion's Club from 1955 until retirement, serving as president in 1962, and a member of The American Legion, Post 0179, San Anselmo, for 42 years. He was elected and proudly served as a trustee for the Shoreline Unified School District in 1977.
In his last six years Joe became a favorite among his caregivers, sharing openly his faith and humor. He will be remembered as an honest, hard-working man who took satisfaction in a job well done and making sure his customers were satisfied. He is much loved by his family, and he enjoyed the friendships of many he met along the way.
Public visitation will be on Friday, January 14, 2010 from 1-5 p.m. at Adobe Creek Funeral Home, 331 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma, California,94952 with a private family burial at the Olema Cemetery.
Donations can be made to the Tomales Sports Scholarship Fund, % Tomales High School, Tomales, CA or th