Mike Mora

1953 - 2021

Mike Mora

Mike Mora passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2021 after a 4-year battle with cancer. Mike was born on August 19, 1953 in Scotia, CA. He was taken home to Holmes Flat until the 1955 flood moved the family to Newburg, where he grew up. Growing up at Newburg is where Mike and his 2 brothers Lee and Randy learned to ride, fish, hunt, and ranch. The family ran sheep at the Newburg Ranch (now Buena Vista and Newburg Park). The family purchased Humboldt Auction Yard in 1968, where Mike learned the cattle business. Mike went to auctioneer school and graduated in 1975. He loved to sell at local schools and benefit auctions. One of his favorite sales was the Junior Livestock Auction at the Humboldt County Fair for over 30 years.
Mike was extremely proud that his 3 sons were continuing the Mora family tradition of ranching becoming the 5th generation of Mora's to ranch in California—with the 6th generation following in their boot steps.
In 1996 Mike and long-time friend Lou Bugenig started the West Coast Rodeo Company. They produced many rodeos throughout California and were known to have some of the best stock on the west coast. Mike loved traveling to rodeos and making a bunch of lifetime friends along the way. One of his proudest moments in the rodeo company was when they got to take bulls to the Professional Bull Riders events.
Mike also delivered mail for many years from Garberville to Eureka. He loved to stop at all the post offices and give the all the postmasters a hard time. He made many friends during this time no more than Tami Taylor.
Mike is survived by his wife Byrd of 44 years, sons Justin (Marla), Cody (Becca), and Ty (Randi). Mother Marilyn Mora. Brothers Lee (Eileen) and Randy (Joan). Sister-in-law Linda Burwick, Sister-in-law Cathy (Bobby) Rubbo. Grandkids Colter, Teal, Claude, Levi, Wade, Trey, and Rudi and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Rudy Mora Sr. and Jackie Mora, Father Rudy Mora Jr. Brother-in-law Jerry Burwick, Sister-in-law Teese Martinez
The family would like to give a special thank you to Beckie McCanless, Laurie Newman, Brian and Kathy Hall and Hospice of Humboldt for all their love and support. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to District 2 High School Rodeo Association. 4575 Luke Court Eureka, CA 95503.
The family will have a private graveside service in Paso Robles. There will be a celebration of life in Humboldt at a later date.