William Clarence Rice |
| Posted 2017-12-10 by Pat R |
| Eureka Times-Standard (Eureka, California) Sunday, August 20, 2017 William Clarence "Bill" Rice (Bill), 83, passed away August 6, 2017 surrounded by his family and in the tender care of Hospice of Humboldt in Eureka. Bill will be remembered and missed for his devotion to his family and friends, generosity with his love and possessions, and deep faith. Born February 4, 1934 in Hanford, California, Bill attended Hanford High School and Menlo College before serving in the Navy with his twin brother Jim Rice. After touring the world aboard the carrier USS Kearsarge, Bill returned to Humboldt County where he joined his family's ranching operation on Fort Baker Ranch. Many of Bill's fondest memories came from working for his father as a cowboy on Fort Baker Ranch. In the early 1960s, Bill took over management of the property at Larabee, just in time to experience the 1964 Flood, an event that reshaped the land and those that lived through it. For the next four decades Bill lived and worked with his family raising hay and cattle at Larabee during summers, and lived in Fernbridge working as a tax preparer for H&R Block in Fortuna during winters. Bill's heart was on his beloved Larabee ranch in Redcrest. There he was the happiest, working with his equipment, growing his alfalfa, swimming in his pool and raising his family. He spent many a summer helping kids learn to "work" on the ranch and supporting his family in their love for team roping. Bill served as President of the Humboldt County Farm Bureau President, a role his son Ryan now fills, and as Trustee of Fortuna Union High School District. Bill was a long-time member of the Sonoma County Trail Blazers and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and lifelong friendships he found on the "Trail Ride." As Bill finally slowed down farming, at least a little, he and Judy embarked on many adventures and travels that included everything from horse pack trips in the Marble mountains to exotic vacations in Greece and the Philippines. Eventually they acquired a home in Wickenburg, Arizona where they spent winters riding the desert, returning to Humboldt for summers. Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lee and Toni Rice, sister Roberta Moulton, and twin brother Jim Rice. He is survived by his wife Judy Rice; three children and their spouses, Kim and Bill Nunes, Ryan and Robin Rice, and Jack and Anne Rice; step-children Eric Kepner and Wende Fortner; and grandchildren BJ Nunes, Randi and Reid Rice, Caleb and Levi Rice, and Alex and Julia Rewhald; and brother John Rice and his family. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on September 16 at 3 p.m. at Rice's Larabee Ranch, Bill spent his last days on his Fortuna ranch with Judy and surrounded by his family. All were supported by the wonderful staff of Hospice of Humboldt who made this challenging time so special. Our thanks to Dr. Tamara Dennis, Hospice of Humboldt, Visiting Angels and all the friends and family who helped and visited Bill. The family feels very blessed and suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Humboldt. See Also: Find A Grave |
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