Leo J. Moore, 92, passed away on March 24, 2016 in Santa Maria. We know he’s at his “Happy Hunting grounds” in the sky (as he would call it), visiting all of those family and friends who passed before him.
Leo was born in Santa Maria on November 21, 1923, a third generation of the pioneer Mendoza family that settled in what was called ‘Mendoza Canyon’ in 1878. He attended local schools, and graduated from Santa Maria High School. While there he played football with his brother George by his side. Growing up he lived with his family on the Boyd Ranch east of Santa Maria where his father was employed. After high school, Leo was called to the service and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. While serving in the Navy, he traveled to many parts of the world. He’d tell the story of when he was stationed in Hawaii, he was called upon to drive the General into town. Leo was just that likeable guy who could be relied upon.
Leo’s time in the Navy was spent aboard an aircraft carrier and his job was tuning and prepping the planes for flight during World War II. He said he wished he could have hopped in to take one for a spin. Returning to Santa Maria after the service, Leo left the Boyd Ranch to work for Colli Farms. Later he wanted to continue in mechanics and became employed with J.G. Moore Company (no relation) in Santa Maria and was sent to San Leandro, CA to Caterpillar school. His love for mechanics was spent working for Moore Caterpillar, Wallace Machinery and later Quinn Caterpillar for over 40 years. He was proud of his travels along the Central Coast to work on large Cat engines as a field mechanic at local construction sites, Diablo Canyon, and worked on many ranch Caterpillar equipment from Santa Ynez to Hearst Castle. Leo never met a stranger and made many friends along the way from trips to his jobsites.
Leo was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love for the outdoors took him to Colorado with the boys to hunt, or to Mammoth Pools to fish annually. He was happy when deer season arrived every August, so he could enjoy more quality time with the boys at his family ranch in Mendoza Canyon near Twitchell Reservoir. They enjoyed bar-b-queing, eating like kings and loved the times he shared with many friends and family around the camp after a long day hiking the mountains in pursuit of wild game. Leo was always the one who would catch his limit of fish, or quail, or pack a deer back to camp. He was a 53 year member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge and in his earlier years worked on the barbeque crew after the Elks Parade.
Upon retiring in 1989, he loved to visit Cachuma Lake for fishing each week. He was proud he was able to pack all his gear to the water’s edge until the age of 88. He didn’t want to slow down, but eventually let the younger boys enjoy hunting on the family ranch as he became accustomed to his recliner chair. He also enjoyed traveling & camping at Lopez Lake, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with family. He looked forward to El Nino this year in the Santa Maria Valley and recently visited the river to see it running one last time. He remembered the days it would rage during the winter months.
Leo never married. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Moore in 1948, his mother Susie, 1980, his brother George, 1989 and sister Corinne Willingham, 2008. He is survived by his sister-in law Jacqueline Moore, nephews, Lloyd (Skeeter) Moore (Linda), George (Morty) Moore II, Jim (Keeter) Willingham (Pam), nieces, Judy Souza (Richard), Kathy Albright (Bill Noble), Sidney Moore (Ward Duggar), Lynette Garcia (Jessie), and Pat O’Brien, along with 10 great nieces and nephews and many extended family members. His family was proud of him for his simple old fashioned ways & jovial spirit. He will be greatly missed by all.
Friends may visit at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary and Crematorium on Thursday, March 31, 5-7 pm with Rosary services beginning at 7 pm. Graveside service will be performed by Father John Mayhew, Friday, April 1, 11 am at Santa Maria Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.DAV.org.
If you wish to leave a message or condolence to the family you may at: www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
Leo was born in Santa Maria on November 21, 1923, a third generation of the pioneer Mendoza family that settled in what was called ‘Mendoza Canyon’ in 1878. He attended local schools, and graduated from Santa Maria High School. While there he played football with his brother George by his side. Growing up he lived with his family on the Boyd Ranch east of Santa Maria where his father was employed. After high school, Leo was called to the service and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. While serving in the Navy, he traveled to many parts of the world. He’d tell the story of when he was stationed in Hawaii, he was called upon to drive the General into town. Leo was just that likeable guy who could be relied upon.
Leo’s time in the Navy was spent aboard an aircraft carrier and his job was tuning and prepping the planes for flight during World War II. He said he wished he could have hopped in to take one for a spin. Returning to Santa Maria after the service, Leo left the Boyd Ranch to work for Colli Farms. Later he wanted to continue in mechanics and became employed with J.G. Moore Company (no relation) in Santa Maria and was sent to San Leandro, CA to Caterpillar school. His love for mechanics was spent working for Moore Caterpillar, Wallace Machinery and later Quinn Caterpillar for over 40 years. He was proud of his travels along the Central Coast to work on large Cat engines as a field mechanic at local construction sites, Diablo Canyon, and worked on many ranch Caterpillar equipment from Santa Ynez to Hearst Castle. Leo never met a stranger and made many friends along the way from trips to his jobsites.
Leo was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love for the outdoors took him to Colorado with the boys to hunt, or to Mammoth Pools to fish annually. He was happy when deer season arrived every August, so he could enjoy more quality time with the boys at his family ranch in Mendoza Canyon near Twitchell Reservoir. They enjoyed bar-b-queing, eating like kings and loved the times he shared with many friends and family around the camp after a long day hiking the mountains in pursuit of wild game. Leo was always the one who would catch his limit of fish, or quail, or pack a deer back to camp. He was a 53 year member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge and in his earlier years worked on the barbeque crew after the Elks Parade.
Upon retiring in 1989, he loved to visit Cachuma Lake for fishing each week. He was proud he was able to pack all his gear to the water’s edge until the age of 88. He didn’t want to slow down, but eventually let the younger boys enjoy hunting on the family ranch as he became accustomed to his recliner chair. He also enjoyed traveling & camping at Lopez Lake, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with family. He looked forward to El Nino this year in the Santa Maria Valley and recently visited the river to see it running one last time. He remembered the days it would rage during the winter months.
Leo never married. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Moore in 1948, his mother Susie, 1980, his brother George, 1989 and sister Corinne Willingham, 2008. He is survived by his sister-in law Jacqueline Moore, nephews, Lloyd (Skeeter) Moore (Linda), George (Morty) Moore II, Jim (Keeter) Willingham (Pam), nieces, Judy Souza (Richard), Kathy Albright (Bill Noble), Sidney Moore (Ward Duggar), Lynette Garcia (Jessie), and Pat O’Brien, along with 10 great nieces and nephews and many extended family members. His family was proud of him for his simple old fashioned ways & jovial spirit. He will be greatly missed by all.
Friends may visit at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary and Crematorium on Thursday, March 31, 5-7 pm with Rosary services beginning at 7 pm. Graveside service will be performed by Father John Mayhew, Friday, April 1, 11 am at Santa Maria Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.DAV.org.
If you wish to leave a message or condolence to the family you may at: www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
Leo J. Moore, 92, passed away on March 24, 2016 in Santa Maria. We know he’s at his “Happy Hunting grounds” in the sky (as he would call it), visiting all of those family and friends who passed before him.
Leo was born in Santa Maria on November 21, 1923, a third generation of the pioneer Mendoza family that settled in what was called ‘Mendoza Canyon’ in 1878. He attended local schools, and graduated from Santa Maria High School. While there he played football with his brother George by his side. Growing up he lived with his family on the Boyd Ranch east of Santa Maria where his father was employed. After high school, Leo was called to the service and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. While serving in the Navy, he traveled to many parts of the world. He’d tell the story of when he was stationed in Hawaii, he was called upon to drive the General into town. Leo was just that likeable guy who could be relied upon.
Leo’s time in the Navy was spent aboard an aircraft carrier and his job was tuning and prepping the planes for flight during World War II. He said he wished he could have hopped in to take one for a spin. Returning to Santa Maria after the service, Leo left the Boyd Ranch to work for Colli Farms. Later he wanted to continue in mechanics and became employed with J.G. Moore Company (no relation) in Santa Maria and was sent to San Leandro, CA to Caterpillar school. His love for mechanics was spent working for Moore Caterpillar, Wallace Machinery and later Quinn Caterpillar for over 40 years. He was proud of his travels along the Central Coast to work on large Cat engines as a field mechanic at local construction sites, Diablo Canyon, and worked on many ranch Caterpillar equipment from Santa Ynez to Hearst Castle. Leo never met a stranger and made many friends along the way from trips to his jobsites.
Leo was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love for the outdoors took him to Colorado with the boys to hunt, or to Mammoth Pools to fish annually. He was happy when deer season arrived every August, so he could enjoy more quality time with the boys at his family ranch in Mendoza Canyon near Twitchell Reservoir. They enjoyed bar-b-queing, eating like kings and loved the times he shared with many friends and family around the camp after a long day hiking the mountains in pursuit of wild game. Leo was always the one who would catch his limit of fish, or quail, or pack a deer back to camp. He was a 53 year member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge and in his earlier years worked on the barbeque crew after the Elks Parade.
Upon retiring in 1989, he loved to visit Cachuma Lake for fishing each week. He was proud he was able to pack all his gear to the water’s edge until the age of 88. He didn’t want to slow down, but eventually let the younger boys enjoy hunting on the family ranch as he became accustomed to his recliner chair. He also enjoyed traveling & camping at Lopez Lake, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with family. He looked forward to El Nino this year in the Santa Maria Valley and recently visited the river to see it running one last time. He remembered the days it would rage during the winter months.
Leo never married. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Moore in 1948, his mother Susie, 1980, his brother George, 1989 and sister Corinne Willingham, 2008. He is survived by his sister-in law Jacqueline Moore, nephews, Lloyd (Skeeter) Moore (Linda), George (Morty) Moore II, Jim (Keeter) Willingham (Pam), nieces, Judy Souza (Richard), Kathy Albright (Bill Noble), Sidney Moore (Ward Duggar), Lynette Garcia (Jessie), and Pat O’Brien, along with 10 great nieces and nephews and many extended family members. His family was proud of him for his simple old fashioned ways & jovial spirit. He will be greatly missed by all.
Friends may visit at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary and Crematorium on Thursday, March 31, 5-7 pm with Rosary services beginning at 7 pm. Graveside service will be performed by Father John Mayhew, Friday, April 1, 11 am at Santa Maria Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.DAV.org.
If you wish to leave a message or condolence to the family you may at: www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
Leo was born in Santa Maria on November 21, 1923, a third generation of the pioneer Mendoza family that settled in what was called ‘Mendoza Canyon’ in 1878. He attended local schools, and graduated from Santa Maria High School. While there he played football with his brother George by his side. Growing up he lived with his family on the Boyd Ranch east of Santa Maria where his father was employed. After high school, Leo was called to the service and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. While serving in the Navy, he traveled to many parts of the world. He’d tell the story of when he was stationed in Hawaii, he was called upon to drive the General into town. Leo was just that likeable guy who could be relied upon.
Leo’s time in the Navy was spent aboard an aircraft carrier and his job was tuning and prepping the planes for flight during World War II. He said he wished he could have hopped in to take one for a spin. Returning to Santa Maria after the service, Leo left the Boyd Ranch to work for Colli Farms. Later he wanted to continue in mechanics and became employed with J.G. Moore Company (no relation) in Santa Maria and was sent to San Leandro, CA to Caterpillar school. His love for mechanics was spent working for Moore Caterpillar, Wallace Machinery and later Quinn Caterpillar for over 40 years. He was proud of his travels along the Central Coast to work on large Cat engines as a field mechanic at local construction sites, Diablo Canyon, and worked on many ranch Caterpillar equipment from Santa Ynez to Hearst Castle. Leo never met a stranger and made many friends along the way from trips to his jobsites.
Leo was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love for the outdoors took him to Colorado with the boys to hunt, or to Mammoth Pools to fish annually. He was happy when deer season arrived every August, so he could enjoy more quality time with the boys at his family ranch in Mendoza Canyon near Twitchell Reservoir. They enjoyed bar-b-queing, eating like kings and loved the times he shared with many friends and family around the camp after a long day hiking the mountains in pursuit of wild game. Leo was always the one who would catch his limit of fish, or quail, or pack a deer back to camp. He was a 53 year member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge and in his earlier years worked on the barbeque crew after the Elks Parade.
Upon retiring in 1989, he loved to visit Cachuma Lake for fishing each week. He was proud he was able to pack all his gear to the water’s edge until the age of 88. He didn’t want to slow down, but eventually let the younger boys enjoy hunting on the family ranch as he became accustomed to his recliner chair. He also enjoyed traveling & camping at Lopez Lake, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe with family. He looked forward to El Nino this year in the Santa Maria Valley and recently visited the river to see it running one last time. He remembered the days it would rage during the winter months.
Leo never married. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Moore in 1948, his mother Susie, 1980, his brother George, 1989 and sister Corinne Willingham, 2008. He is survived by his sister-in law Jacqueline Moore, nephews, Lloyd (Skeeter) Moore (Linda), George (Morty) Moore II, Jim (Keeter) Willingham (Pam), nieces, Judy Souza (Richard), Kathy Albright (Bill Noble), Sidney Moore (Ward Duggar), Lynette Garcia (Jessie), and Pat O’Brien, along with 10 great nieces and nephews and many extended family members. His family was proud of him for his simple old fashioned ways & jovial spirit. He will be greatly missed by all.
Friends may visit at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary and Crematorium on Thursday, March 31, 5-7 pm with Rosary services beginning at 7 pm. Graveside service will be performed by Father John Mayhew, Friday, April 1, 11 am at Santa Maria Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.DAV.org.
If you wish to leave a message or condolence to the family you may at: www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
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