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BORN
1919
DIED
2012
Claud Rouch Obituary
Surrounded by family, "Sonny" as he was known to all, of Camp Nelson, CA passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Exeter, CA February 7, 2012 at the age of 92. Although he didn't reach his goal of 100 years of age, he had a rich and productive life.
Born to Claud Albert and Eda Tomina Rouch in Kingsburg, CA June 28, 1919, he was raised on the family ranch, leaving home to serve in World War II as a weatherman on Ascencion Island. When he returned, he joined his father in many enterprises including ranching, mining, logging and eventually subdividing a portion of the family property "Sequoia Crest."
He was a master road builder and in addition to building all the roads for Sequoia Crest, he built many roads on the Tule River Indian Reservation, who honored him at events in 2010 and 2011. One of his famous discoveries on the Reservation was a condor nest, with baby, in a giant sequoia grove.
Sonny was a voracious reader, notably of history. Remembering all he read, he loved to tell his stories to one and all. He knew no strangers; strangers were only people [whom] he had not yet met. His love of history and information can be accessed at his website: sonnysredwoods.org.
He and his wife, Tricia, traveled extensively through the years and made many life-long friends. A truly good Samaritan, Sonny was always ready to lend a helping hand. He loved the mountains, especially his redwoods, and gave tours and the history of his special places to visitors from around the world. Sonny was proud that Sequoia Crest has the world's fifth largest giant sequoia and assisted many tree climbers in scaling the "Stagg Tree."
Sonny is survived by Tricia, his loving wife of 64 years; children, Tomina, Patti, Skip, Theresa and Michael; a brother, Robert; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Marguerite and brother Edwin.
Condolences may be emailed to [email protected] or brought to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 4, 2012, 11am at Sequoia Crest.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Tulare County Historical Society, P.O. Box 295, Visalia, CA 93279 or to Hospice of Tulare County Foundation, 900 W. Oak Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claud Rouch
The "Camp" at Sequoia Crest
Jeanne Lake
February 16, 2012
The Rouch logging cookhouse
Jeanne Lake
February 16, 2012
February 15, 2012
To the Rouch family:
Some of you may remember that I spent the winter of 1969-70 at Sequoia Crest in various "Rouch" houses, and did a little general caretaking. I have been on the east coast for the past 40 years, but have always had fond memories of my time with Sonny in the mountains. He taught me to operate a front-end loader and a chainsaw with a 6 foot chain-bar. I was on the construction crew that built the lodge, stayed there through some amazing windstorms that toppled big trees all around me. Sonny was a true renaissance man, who knew something about nearly everything. I'll never forget him in his pickup, with Rastus, the wonder dog in the back. So long, old friend. Leslie Wise, Spartanburg, SC
Allen Ray
February 14, 2012
Sonny, you were one of the greats and will live on in the stories and history the mountain.
Condolences to the Rouch family.
February 14, 2012
Dear Rouch Family, I'd just like to express my sorrow on hearing of your Dad's(Sonny) passing. I too have know the family since the mid 1950's, and grown up with the kids. I have a cabin at the Crest now,but I grew up in the red cabin above the Camp Nelson pool. Sonny was always kind, friendly and knew so much about the area and its people. I know you are a close family and that this loss is devastating for you all. My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Sally Christensen Crain
Kent & Lynn Lowry
February 14, 2012
Dear Rouch Family, We will miss Sonny very much, and our times spent with you and him in your beautiful gardens. God needed a gardener so he called Sonny home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Much love to you and your whole family, Kent and Lynn Lowry
Ruth & Alan Cooper
February 14, 2012
Dear Theresa and Mark:
Thank you for letting us know of Sonny's passing. Also for sharing his obituary and website with us. We learned a lot more about him, but of course we always knew he was a wonderful man. We have very special memories of Sonny from the time we lived in Madera.
Having experienced it ourselves, we know that even if you are expecting it, it is difficult to say good-bye to a beloved parent. And yet, what a very sacred experience it is to be with your father (as Alan was) or with your mother (as I was) as they leave this world. We are so glad you were able to be there, Theresa, and be surrounded with family as your father slipped into eternity.
We are sending our love across the miles and wish we could be there to give you both big hugs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your extended family who will be missing Sonny in the months to come.
February 13, 2012
Dear Rouch Family, we feel a deep loss of not only a true friend but our favorite historian. We will always cherish our time together in Sonny's redwood groves. You know, if God needs a road built to heaven Sonny's on a bulldozer and half way there by now. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during your time of loss. Glenn and Krista Bayless (C.N. & Fortuna, CA)
Sonny sharing a story with the Tule River Kids
Frances Hammond
February 13, 2012
On behalf of myself and Duane M. Garfield Sr. and the whole Tule River Tribal Council, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one Sonny Rough. Sonny was a friend to the Tribe and he will be solely missed. We all have found memories of his visits to the Reservation and his beloved redwoods and will miss hearing his great stories of days gone by.
You and your family are in our prayers. We ask that God send his blessings to you during this difficult time.
Frances Hammond-Hovey
Community Liaison
Tule River Tribal Council
Gretchen Steinman
February 13, 2012
Sonny and family, thank you all for welcoming my family to your mountain home so many times. You will remain a legend in all of our memories. Your hospitality, your stories, and the friendly pranks you were so well known for will continue to live on with fondness!
Bill & Diane
February 12, 2012
Tricia & family, we loved Sonny and will miss him but we know he went to the "biggest redwoods" and we will see him there!
Darlene Anthony
February 12, 2012
All of us at Olson Computer Services will miss him deeply. He always brought a smile to my face and I loved the stories he would tell me about the Redwoods. Our prayers are with his family. ~Darlene Anthony
Trebe
February 11, 2012
Selfishly, cannot imagine the mountains without you. Nor can I imagine how tall and how splendid the redwoods are where you walk now. Thank you for being you.
February 11, 2012
Sonny was one of a kind. It was our great pleasure to be his friend.
Mel and Gail Werbach
Camp Nelson, California
Brian J. Rouch
February 11, 2012
Amazing man that all loved deeply.
February 11, 2012
Thanks for the friendship and all the stories Sonny.
Bryan Cahill Camp Nelson, Ca
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