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Joseph Wickham
1941 - 2011
Joseph Wickham
1941 - 2011
Obituary
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BORN
1941
DIED
2011
Joseph Wickham Obituary
December 23, 1941 - July 27, 2011
Joe was born on December 23, 1941, in Charleston, Illinois to Clifford and Virginia Wickham. He passed away at his home on July 27, 2011. Joe enjoyed fishing all his life, constantly seeking "Old Mo". He also enjoyed gardening, golfing, and Barb-B-Qing Salmon for family and friends. A good bottle of wine was never far away.
At the tender age of 16, Joe left Arroyo High School, in San Lorenzo CA and enlisted in the Marine Corp. As a Marine he honored their traditions of timeliness and patriotism.
Joe worked at Duel Vocational Correctional Institute, while completing his educational degrees. He earned his Master of Education degree from CSU Stanislaus.
Joe was proud to be the founding principal of Neil Hafley Elementary School in Manteca, where he served in that role for 19 years. He was a dedicated educator for MUSD since 1972, retiring in 2003. Since then, he has continue to serve students, assuming administrative interim assignments in Patterson, Riverbank, Manteca, and Stanislaus County.
His retirement years were filled with being a devoted husband and father. He not only enjoyed driving Jenny to practices, he never missed a game of golf, softball, or basketball. Jenny's number one fan could always be found in the stands. He was a very proud and encouraging man, not only for Jenny, but also for his wife, Denise, whom he supported and mentored throughout her career.
Joe leaves behind many who loved him and will miss him. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer; wife, Denise; sister Mary Shinabargar of Burlington, Wisconsin, and daughter Elizabeth.
Private services will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2011
You lived your motto to the end:
I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out
in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom
of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.
Jack London's Credo
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Bob & Grace Schmitt
August 22, 2011
Denise: We are two of Joe's racing friends. I remember him going thru driver's school, and he was always a great joy to know. We've missed him and always will. Bob & Grace Schmitt
James & Kathryn Kerling (Meyerhuber)
August 14, 2011
Our prayers are with your family. My husband and I were also members of Hafley's first 7th/8th grade class. Mr. Wickham had many kind words and words of wisdom.
Amy Castillo
August 10, 2011
I had the honor of working with Mr. Wickham when he covered the VP spot at PAtterson High a few years back. I would make a point to go into the office and chat about sports as often as I could. He was a great man; very intelligent and inspiring. He will truly be missed!
August 6, 2011
He will be missed
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Tom Freeman
August 5, 2011
Denise- Thoughts and prayers with in you this difficult time. He was always a warm vibrant person and he will be greatly missed.
Tiffany Fugere
August 4, 2011
As a member of the 2nd graduating class of Neil Hafley, I had Mr. Wickham as my principal for three years. I was in "the office" a lot - not because I was a bad kid, but because I was so far ahead in all my classes, they needed to keep me occupied :) He was a very nice man and a great educator. My condolences to his family.
Delores Wolterstorff
August 3, 2011
Dear Denise and Jenny:
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was shocked and grieved when I received the news of Joe's death. I have ironed many a shirt of Joe's and perhaps did a bit of mending. Jenny, I remember you as a little girl coming to help pick up Daddy's shirts. You always had to come in and say, "Hi!" I will continue to pray that God's comfort and strength will be evident to you.
Formerly "The Rippin' Seams"
Jim Jacobs
August 3, 2011
Denise, I am so sorry to here about Joe. He was a great boss and was always there when i needed him to stand behind me.
Wendy Fenton
August 3, 2011
Dear Denise,
The first time I met "Mr. Wickham" was when I was called to the Principal's office for my son, of course he was a pleasure and all full of smiles. The last time I saw "Joe", both of you were all full of smiles, as you had just moved into your new home with your new baby and I had just finished wallpapering. My thoughts are with you and your daughter in this time of great loss. He touched many lives.
Wendy Fenton
Reza Wiriaatmadja
August 1, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Wickham Family. Mr. Wickham was not only my principal for 9 years, but a great role model. Not only did he influence my life, but I know he did for many others who came through Neil Hafley.
Jeff Takada
August 1, 2011
This man's intervention and caring were truly seminal in the life of my best friend and I during the 9 years he was my principal. Countless others too, I'm sure. I can say that I would not have the measure of success I have now if it were not for his mentorship. --Jeff Takada
Stephanie Days
August 1, 2011
Denise, Jenny and Family~
May you find peace in your many happy memories with Joe. He was a light in the lives of many and he will be deeply missed.
I am blessed to have known him and am thankful for his friendship. I will miss his fishing stories and updates from his most recent adventures.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. May God's peace comfort you.
Sue Zwahlen
August 1, 2011
My thoughts are with you at this tender time in your lives.
August 1, 2011
Denise and Jennifer. My heart aches for you and your family and friends. Joe was a wonderful man and always brought a smile to the face of anyone he ran into to. I feel fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Joe. Barbara McCleskey
July 31, 2011
Mr. Wickham was my principal at Neil Hafley for nine years. I will always remember his radiating smile.
July 31, 2011
Denise and family,
We were very sad to hear of your loss. May your memories and good times bring you peace and comfort . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Donald & Karan Machado
July 31, 2011
Denise and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about your family's loss. I personally remember "Mr. Wickham" as my 5th grade teacher at Nile Garden. May the comfort of family and friends help you through this very difficult time.
Chris & Sandy (Cortez) Cefalu
Lisa & Shane Cotta
July 31, 2011
Denise,
Our deepest condolences to you, your daughter and family. May you find strength and comfort during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Lisa & Shane Cotta
Paulette Cordoni
July 31, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss Mr. Wickham was a great man and Principal. We were the first graduating class at Neil Hafley. Paulette Patterson (Cordoni) Staci Patterson (Martin), Julie Niford (Mahloch), & Nicki Niford (Rosa). They called us he Twins. Staci and I, and Nicki and Julie. We loved Mr. Wickham he was fun, kind, and one of the best School Administrators ever. He will be so missed, I had read about his boating accident and been keeping up on this news. I am sorry. Just know he is an Angel now and I am sure a wonderful at that as well. Love Paulette Cordoni.
Carol Perry
July 30, 2011
Denise: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.
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