“The Last of the True Cowboys”
Sam went to the Lord peacefully Tuesday morning surrounded by his loving family, after a brave battle with lung cancer.
He was preceded in death by his father Marcelino Lopez; mother Geneva Lopez; brothers Francisco Dominguez, Jose Dominguez, Geronimo Lopez and Valente Lopez.
His survived by his ex-wife Dolores Pfanner of Merced, CA, sons Simon L. Lopez of Gilroy, Carlos D. Lopez and wife Suzanne of Gilroy, brothers Ramon Lopez and Marcello Lopez of Hobbs, NM, sister Sara Huckaby of Lubbock, TX, granddaughter Stephanie Lopez of Los Banos, CA, grandsons William and Christopher Hill of Gilroy, great-granddaughters Daisy Vasquez, Denae Tiana Vasquez, Skyler Rae Pare, Lorna Kay Hill,
great-grandsons Dominck Vasquez and Jaeden Haverly, along with many nieces and nephews, and his horse riding family.
Sam was born in Fort Stockton, Texas, January 5, 1932. He was the seventh of eight children. His family moved to Hobbs, NM in 1951 and that is where Sam was introduced and fell in love with ranch life. He rode broncs and bulls for years in the local rodeos. He became a horse trainer by trade. Sam moved to Gilroy, California in 1961 with his wife and two sons. Sam worked at the Lucky Hereford Ranch, Red Fox Stables and other local ranches. Sam spent his life doing what he loved, working with horses and cattle. Many people wanted Sam to train their horses because of his techniques and reputation as a Horse Whisperer. He spent numerous hours with his fellow horsemen riding and teaching. Sam was always ready to lend a helping hand for anyone or any animal. He was a kind and humorous man. Though Sam will be deeply missed by all, the angels in Heaven are rejoicing and Sam is enjoying the endless trail ride.
The Memorial Service will be Monday, June11, at 11:00 A.M., South Valley Community Church, 8095 Kelton Drive, Gilroy.
