William Heryford

William "Bill" Samuel Heryford - husband, father, grandfather, Navy man, cow boss, and friend to just about everybody - passed away peacefully on July 12 at the age of 93, with a life well-lived and a heart full of love.

Born in Surprise Valley on December 28, 1931, Bill was the son of Lee and Grace Heryford. He grew up with his boots in the dust, a rope in his hand, and the ranching life in his blood - following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a fourth-generation cattleman who carried on the family tradition with pride, grit, and that trademark Heryford humor.

After graduating high school, Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy. When he came home, he married his sweetheart, Barbara - or as he lovingly called her, Opal Sue - in 1955. They settled on the family ranch in 1956 and spent 70 years building a life full of hard work, laughter, and love. Their bond was rock solid - a true partnership built on trust, teasing, and two-stepping.

Together they raised two children, Loren and Mindy, and were blessed with four grandchildren. Bill loved his family fiercely. His face lit up whenever they pulled into the driveway or walked through the front door. He didn't gush or go on about things - he just showed up, stood steady, and let you know you were loved. That was Dad.

Bill worked the family's 2,000-acre cattle ranch for over 35 years and played a key role in the Alkali Cattle Company fall gather - his favorite time of year. The cowboys would roll in, the workdays would stretch long, and the teasing never let up. Mornings started with strong coffee, a shot of whiskey (just a little), and usually a prank or two on the bunkhouse crew. He had a gift for stirring up laughter before the sun had fully risen. That's when he was in his element - boots on, mug in hand, surrounded by friends who became family.

He was a long-time member of the Cedarville Roping Club, roping with generations, demonstrating how to carry oneself with cowboy pride. You could always find him at the Modoc District Fair, working at the Junior Rodeo and Ranchers Day events - still in the saddle well into his 80s, never complaining, always making sure things ran smoothly.

And if you were part of Bill's circle, you probably had a nickname - some of which can't be printed here. But that's how he showed you mattered.

He led by example - not by volume. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. Whether gathering cattle, shooting the bull with a younger rancher, or offering up a straight-shooting piece of advice, you knew where you stood with Bill - and you were better for it.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, son Loren and daughter-in-law Yvette Heryford, daughter Melinda "Mindy" Heryford and son-in-law Steve Elston, grandchildren Lexey and Landon Heryford, and Leah and husband Edgar Tejano, Rachel and husband Sam Nosrati and great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews and a wide extended family, dear friends, and a whole community who called him theirs.