Patterson Cemetery District, Stanislaus County, CA Submitted by Gale Stroud and Burta Herger 26 Aug 2007 This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter. Patterson Irrigator, 02/18/2010, p 12 John F. Nunes Jr. January 12, 1931– February 15, 2010 John was a loving son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and good friend to all that knew him. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was born in Modesto to John Nunes, Sr. and Emily Nunes on his mother’s nineteenth birthday, and passed away in Modesto after a short illness. John grew up in Patterson — resided in Stanislaus County his whole life. He graduated from Patterson High School in 1949 and also attended San Jose State. Upon returning to Patterson, he began farming with his father and eventually took charge of the farming operation. In his early farming years, he raised various row crops and walnuts. In the early 1960’s John was chosen as the Stanislaus County’s Outstanding Young Fanner and was a runner-up as the Californi Outstanding Young Farmer in 1962. John was a pioneer in starting the turfgrass sod industry in California and was very instrumental in developing the highest quality standards that the state is known for today. He developed, patented and manufactured many types of specialized turf equipment that was marketed and sold worldwide. In addition to Nunes Turfgrass, Westurf and Nimes Manufacturing, John raised turf apples, pears and lilacs in Tehachapi where his Nunes Ranch facility included a large apple shed, pie shop deli and gift shop that was regionally known for its excellence. In his later years he became involved, in dog agility training and competition throughout Northern California. He started Nunes Agility Field and was one of the founders of Valley Agility Sports Teams in Turlock where many agility trials are hosted. He loved his animals and the close friendships that he made with all that he competed with and against. He was always willing to help others and was recently honored by all the Northern California Agility organizations for his contributions to the sport. A portion of his award included the following “You are a role model of good sportsmanship and patience and integrity. Your infectious enthusiasm, friendship love makes us better people in everything else we do” This statement summed up the life of our father and was echoed by a many of his former employees that often stated that he was the best they ever had. He was loved by all. Over the years, he was active in many organizations, including: President of Lions Club, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, American Sod Producers Association, Turfgrass Producers International, California Landscape Contractors Assn., Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America, California Cut Flower Commission, North American Dog Agility Council, American Kennel Club-Agility, United States Dog Agility Assn., Canine Performance Events VAST, The Bay Team-Agility. John Nunes is survived by his mother Emily of Patterson; sons Greg (Colette) of Modesto, Jim (Scott) of Los Angeles daughter Nancee of Soulsbyville, the mother of his children, Carol Nunes of Patterson, six grandchildren Brandon Nunes, Kevin Baker, Jason Baker, Dave Baker, Byron Baker as well as five great grandchildren Mikayla Baker, Brendan Baker, Joshua Baker, Catelyn Baker, Abby Baker and his constant canine companions: Lance and BeeGee. Dad was loved by all and will never be forgotten by those who knew him. On Friday Feb 19th, visitation will be held at Hillview Funeral Chapel in Patterson from five to six pm followed by A Recitation of the Rosary at Sacred Heart Church 529 I St., Patterson at 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, February, 20th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Patterson District Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to: The American Heart Association, Stanislaus County Division 1212 W Robinhood Drive, Ste. 5-D, Stockton, CA 95207 or to Turlock Animal Shelter, 900 North Palm, Turlock, CA 95380.