Dick Vieira passed away peacefully on January 21, 2017 at his home on Santa Ana Valley Road at the age of 90. Dick was a lifelong resident and native of San Benito County.
A rancher, a cowboy and true gentlemen, Dick was loved and respected by all who knew or met him. He loved his life, family and friends beyond words and always taught his children, grandchildren and others along the way that hard work and honesty were his way of life. One of Dick’s favorite sayings was if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. Dick was a WWII Army veteran and was drafted his senior year of high school.
After honorably serving his country overseas he returned to his beloved San Benito County where he was a cattle rancher and cowboy for the rest of his life and continued to check cattle and fences on the Hawkins Ranch until December 2016. He raised, broke and rode some of the best horses in the County. Dick competed in horse shows and rodeos throughout the State, winning the prestigious All Around Cowboy award 7 times at Bolado Park.
Humble and proud of his accomplishments Dick also passed on his horse knowledge and advice to many along the way. Dick is survived by his wife of 66 years Carmen, daughter and son-in-law Trish & John Maderis, grandson and wife Ricky and Lyndsay Maderis and great-granddaughter Carmen Rose who will be born in March; daughter Merri, granddaughters Julie and Dawn Valdez and great-grandson John Valdez.
Also surviving Dick is his best friend and son-like godson/nephew Donnie Marcus. Dick was the son of the late Charlie and Louise Vieira and brother to Bill and Ed Vieira. Dick has requested no services and to be cremated with his ashes spread over his beloved Santa Ana Valley and Santa Ana Peak where he was raised as a child. Per Dad’s wishes some of his ashes with always remain with Carmen.
The family invites you to pay your respects and visit with Carmen and Dick’s family at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito Street, Hollister on Saturday January 28, 2017 between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dicks memory to the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show Museum, the San Benito County Heritage Foundation or charity of choice.
