John Samuel Simmerley passed away May 12, 2018 in the comfort of his home in the Rogue Valley of Oregon. He was surrounded by his family and by his friends, who he was fortunate to enjoy and laugh with up to the last day of his life. He was 85.
John lived a long, rich, full, and happy life. He was delivered into this world by his Grandfather John Hurst D.O., at his parents ranch, Ruth L. Hurst Simmerley and Ben A. Simmerley's on July 25th 1932, at Nashmead, Mendocino County, California.
John loved being outdoors. He was a successful cattle rancher, agriculturalist, business owner, proud Republican & NRA member, avid hunter, decorated Military marksman/veteran, heavy equipment operator, and master horseman. He participated in volunteering with community efforts among his many activities and accomplishments. Most important of this he would tell you his biggest accomplishment was his long and happy marriage of 58 years to his loving wife Cheryle.
His genealogy, which his mother worked on for years, tells the history of a long line of cattle ranchers, pioneers, Union army officers, being a direct descendant of explorer Lewis of Lewis and Clark, American Revolutionary War soldiers and Patriots with roots back to the early English monarchy. His great grandfather, Septimus Greene was an important poet of his time and was a founding member of the San Francisco Symphony orchestra in 1911. John joked however, that he had more "sympathy" than "symphony" in him. He was always fast to laugh, to share his sense of humor, and a hug. He loved Baxter Black's humorous western poems and had a few of his own to recite.
John bred and trained his ranch working cattle dogs. They were primarily border collie's that his father originally imported from Scotland. John always had a crew of hard working, champion level dogs who were trained to be completely under his every command both voice and hand. His dogs were enthusiastic to please him. It was a beautiful sight to watch John work his black and white collies moving his black Angus cows in his green clover pasture. John was honest, hard driving and absolutely took pride in everything he did. His handshake was his word.
He adventurously eloped with the love of his life, Cheryle H. Baxman from Fort Bragg, California. They were married by a minister in Reno Nevada, March 25, 1960. Cheryle says there wasn't a day that went by that John didn't tell her he loved her. Both John and Cheryle were actively involved in the communities of Potter Valley, Gualala, and Montague California and the last 14 years here in the Rogue Valley of Oregon.
Surviving to cherish his legacy includes his loving wife Cheryle Simmerley of Central Point, OR; daughter Patricia & husband Scott Warren of Central Point, OR; daughter Nancy & husband Robert of Jacksonville, OR; Grandson Chad Warner & fiancee' Jennifer Miller of Gualala, CA; Grandson Jason Warner & wife Danielle & great granddaughter Mikaela of Gualala, CA; and a host of cousins, other family, and very dear friends.
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