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1955 Richard 2022

Richard Rochin

September 22, 1955 — June 23, 2022

RICHARD J. ROCHIN 1955 – 2022 Beloved father and grandfather, Richard Joe Rochin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, the 23rd of June 2022. Born September 22, 1955, to Frances Ramirez, Richard was a lifelong resident of Woodlake, California. Richard was well-known in Woodlake and the County of Tulare. In addition to his mother, Richard counted among his family stepfather, Tony Ramirez. Richard is survived by brother David Ramirez and wife Gregoria of Visalia and brother Tony Ramirez and wife Frances of Visalia; brother-in-law Jorge Trujillo of Woodlake; and sisters: Rosemarie Antuna and her husband Bobby of Visalia; Pat Perez and her husband Santiago of Woodlake. Richard was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Frances, and Tony Ramirez, respectively, and a sister, Linda Trujillo. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law, Richard and Arlene Johnson. An extraordinary athlete, Richard lettered in various sports during his high school years. In 1972, he was an instrumental player in the undefeated 1972 Valley Football Championship. Richard met Rolana “Dee” Johnson in 1982, and they were married in 1984. Richard and Dee were blessed with two children: daughter, Rhyanne Hettick and her husband Shane Hettick, and son, Ryder Rochin. Richard spent countless hours at gymnasiums, ball fields, and golf courses throughout central and southern California watching Rhyanne and Ryder compete throughout their high school and college years. In 2018, Rhyanne and Shane gave Richard a granddaughter, Kynadee Justine Hettick, and Papa’s “little purdy girl” was the apple of his eye. Having learned from an acclaimed local BBQ master, Mr. Leo Fry, Richard was well known for his deep pit cooking, and he often spent weekends catering to a large group of people. He was an eternally optimistic Raider fan, and in 2019 he traveled to Oakland to see the last Thursday night football game the Raiders played in Oakland Coliseum. Richard’s yearly hunting trips to Colorado were highly anticipated, and the memories of those trips with his pards were ones that he cherished. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Richard obtained his bachelor's and master’s degrees from Fresno Pacific University later in life. He most recently worked at Parlier Unified School District where he served as the Director of Child Nutrition. Richard was also trained and was certified as a Chief Business Official by Total School Solutions. Richard found life’s greatest reward was working with children, and he spent much of his life coaching or otherwise advocating for Woodlake’s youth. For several years, he coached wrestling and the freshman football squad for Woodlake High School. In 2006, Richard was elected to the Woodlake Union High School District Board. When the School District unified, he proudly remained on the Woodlake Unified School District Board until his death. He served on the School Board for a total of 16 years, including several years spent as President. Richard loved his family and friends, good food, smooth cigars, and a fresh beer. It did not matter whether you knew Richard for years or had just met, you are sure to have shared a laugh or two. He had a special personality and unique sense of humor, and his warmth drew people to him. He had a disarming and unassuming smile that could put anyone at ease. Richard remained a hardworking and resilient man in the face of adversity, and he provided an exemplary effort for his family and friends. Even when he was ill, Richard was never angry, sad, or depressed; instead, he remained supportive and committed to his family. He represented the good that we all need every day in our lives. We may forget some of the things he said or did, but we will never forget the way he made us feel. A “Richard Rochin #66 Memorial Scholarship" has been established through the Woodlake High School Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to: Woodlake High School Foundation, Post Office Box 475, Woodlake, California 93286. Please designate Richard Rochin #66 Memorial Scholarship in the memo line of a check; alternatively, donations can be made online at: www.WoodlakeFoundation.org. When donating online, please ensure you designate: Richard Rochin #66 Memorial. A private celebration of Richard's life will be held at a later date.
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