Riley E. "Punch" Haskell

1941 - 2024

Punch was born on October 22, 1941, to Riley K. and Peggy Haskell Jr. in Arnold, Nebraska. He peacefully passed away at Woodland Memorial Hospital on March 18, 2024, with his family by his side.

Punch grew up a cowboy and loved every minute of it. He graduated from Corona High School, Corona, California, and then attended one year of college at University of Arizona, before transferring to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA (Cal Poly) where he graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry. ~His time at Cal Poly was interrupted by a two year stint in the US army, which he served at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC.

After a time training horses on his own, he went to work for Duane Pettibone training horses and young riders winning major Open Shows including Cow Palace, California State Fair, and many others.

He was a past president of the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association.

In 1984, at the invitation from his brother-n-law, Gordon Wylie, he transitioned to farming rice.

Through hard work, love and dedication he was viewed as a respected figure in the agriculture community. He served on the Board of Directors for Farmers Rice Cooperative for 17 years, and also served on the California Rice Commission Board.

During this time he still had his horses and a small herd of cows to help satisfy the lifelong cowboy in him.

He was a member of Colusa Golf and Country Club, past member of Spyglass Country Club, Pebble Beach, CA, California Cattlemen's Association, Glenn Colusa Cattlemen, National Cutting Horse Association and National Reined Cow Horse Association.

He is survived by his wife, of 45 years, Jeanne Haskell; his son, Bruce (Heather) Montgomery; grandsons, Matthew (Jade) Montgomery; Jordan Brod, and Colt Montgomery; and great-grandson, Riley Boss Montgomery; his brother-n-law, Gordon Wylie (Karen); and nieces, Christine (Kevin) Lewis and Liz Mount; and nephews, Steve Stangland Lyle Harvey and Scott Harvey.

Punch joins his late parents, Riley K. Haskell Jr. and Peggy Haskell; as well as his sisters, Mary Haskell and Judy Harvey; and brother-n-law, Hershel Harvey.

The family invites everyone to join them for Punch's Celebration of life to be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 11am at the Maxwell Inn Bar and Grill located in Maxwell, CA.

In remembrance of Punch, the family suggests a charitable contribution in his name to MHS Blue and Gold Boosters PO Box 578 Maxwell, CA 95955, or the Rice Research Trust PO Box 306 Biggs, CA 95917 or the charity of your choice.

As they say in all the best westerns, this is the time that all good cowboys trade in their spurs for their wings. We will miss you, Cowboy....