Vincent Craig Moreno

Vince was a Native American with deep roots in soil. As a young man, Vince was the chainsaw operator on an elite Hotshot Firefighting Crew. He graduated from Chico State and then completed a 30-year career working for the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, (NRCS). One of the mottos of that agency, whose roots go back to before the time of “The Dust Bowl”, is “Helping people, help the land.” Conservation practices were the core of the agency and stewardship of the land has been a major theme of the NRCS. Vince was the District Conservationist of the NRCS office in Hanford, California until his retirement. Vince loved the mountains, skiing, scuba diving, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants. Each year he would attend a baseball game, usually in Los Angeles. He loved scuba diving all over the world with Jenny and Bob’s Dive Shop. He also enjoyed fishing at Wishon and Courtright Reservoirs most years.

Vince touched the lives of many people, including his family members and friends, many of whom were part of his Native American culture and heritage. People who Vince’s life touched included fellow workers in the Natural Resources Conservation Service, while others were part of the Scuba Diving community that his wife Jenny and Vince loved being a part of. Vince was a well-known sight in Hanford as he walked his and others’ dogs. Vince walked Toby and Lilly most recently and Faith and Love too, as he made his rounds through the neighborhood each day. He became a recognizable dog walker each day and people looked forward to seeing him. His routine of walking his dogs, while saying hello to those he encountered on the walk is a good reminder to all of us to build relationships with those we come into contact with, even if only for a few minutes each day.

Vince is survived by Jennifer (Jenny), his wife of almost 21 years, and their son Ethan Boado and his wife Crystal of Arlington, Virginia; as well as his brother David Moreno; and Sisters Nina Sheats, of Mt. Shasta, California; and Lisa Moreno and her husband Gary George of Mt. Shasta, California and their three sons (Vince’s nephews David Moreno, Daniel Moreno, and Jesse Moreno). Vince was grateful that he was able to be a part of the marriage of their son Ethan to his bride Crystal on Memorial Day weekend this year.

On October 20, 2022 Vince settled his eternal destination in Heaven with the Lord. He admitted his sins and his need for salvation. He believed that Jesus died for him on the cross and he committed his life (as short as it would be) to the Lord and confessed his sins. Four days later, on October 24, 2022, with Jenny, Lisa, Gary, his nephew Danny, Infinite Heart Hospice, as well as his dogs Toby and Lilly present at his bedside, Vince graduated to Heaven for eternity with God, as angels rejoiced. Praise God for his timing, wisdom, and mercy as He saved Vince!

A Celebration of Life service was held at First Baptist Church in Hanford on November 5, 2022, officiated by Kerry Arroues. The service included a Native American traditional ceremony overseen by Chief Naich Dominguez.

We wish to thank the very helpful employees from People’s Funeral Chapel, and in particular Gabe and Alejandra, as they helped Jenny through this difficult time. Vince had great care from his wife Jenny, Peaceful Valley Home Care, Infinite Heart Hospice, Heidi and Kerry Arroues, his sister Lisa Moreno and her husband Gary George, as well as those who were praying for Vince and Jenny during this difficult time.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Revelation 21: 3 - 4