Rene Francis Duclos

Rene passed away October 30, 2024, at the age of 92. A longtime resident of Jackson, and later Ione. He was born June 24, 1932, in Hollister, California to Gladys and Roger Duclos and would be the oldest of four brothers. His early years were spent in Elk Grove, graduating from Elk Grove High School. Early on he developed an interest in horses, and would ride and cowboy for Maita Brothers feed lots, the west Elk Grove and Clay Station lots in the 50's and 60's. He was also an early member of the original 'Herald Riders' club, he enjoyed roping at the monthly team ropings at their club arena near Herald. In 1957 he married his love, Dorothy Woodward, and managed Frenchies Drive-In, as they started their family.
In 1965 they purchased Galli's Drive-In and moved to Jackson with their three sons. Galli's, and the original Mel's, were the two hangouts for local youth at that time. Rene and Dorothy served their burgers, french fries, and milkshakes, to a generation of locals. When not flipping burgers, Rene enjoyed attending the athletic events, following his sons in all of their sports activities. Whether it was football, a basketball game, or a cycling criterium or road race, he was there to cheer them on, he was their biggest fan. He loved and valued his family and would continue that interest and support with his grandchildren, being there for all of their games and activities. He also loved and enjoyed the mountains, he was an avid and accomplished mountain climber and hiker, adventuring from the back trails of Yosemite to the summits of mountains in Washington state. He enjoyed backpacking whenever he could and would take anyone along wanting a mountain adventure to remember. He also volunteered for a time with the Mt. Shasta search and rescue teams, finding and bringing wayward hikers down off the mountain. But he never lost his love for horses and the cowboy way, and he continued that activity throughout his life. He loved helping local ranchers during the brandings and horseback chores up north in Siskiyou County when he lived in Weed for a short time after his retirement from the Drive-In. He always rode a good horse, you could count on his horse sense, and you could always count on him to tell it like it is. He will be missed.
Rene is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, brothers Rodney and Russell, and daughter-in laws, Robin and Cheril.
He is survived by his brother Richard; his three sons Larry (Judy), Robert and Ronald; his grandchildren Erika (Chad) Simmons, Paula (John) Giannini, Lacey (Jerod) Watson, Megan (Hunter) Marksberry, Jamie (Robert) Greathouse, and Kit Duclos; great grandchildren Catie and Charlie Simmons, Chloe Giannini, Maverick and Cash Watson, Clayton, Austin and Coleman Greathouse, Jackson Toth, Mia and Ace Marksberry.
There will be a Graveside Service on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset View Cemetery.