George L. Vieira, 81, died Monday, Jan. 2 at his Oakdale home with family after a month-long battle with cancer.
He was born in Hayward, the son of Frank and Emma Vieira. He was raised in the Livermore Valley and spent the last 10 years in Oakdale.
Mr. Vieira served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.
He was a heavy equipment operator for over 35 years. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #3 for more than 50 years.
He was an avid rodeo cowboy who started out as a calf roper and turned team roper.
He was a gold card holder in the P.R.C.A. He also served as arena director and board member for Livermore Rodeo Association for several years.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Shirley Vieira; children, Rich Mendoza, Carol Mendoza, Lonnie Studley; John Studley; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many kids he took under his wing; and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Oakdale Rodeo Grounds.
Remembrances may be made in his memory to District 5 High School Rodeo Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1059, Soulsbyville, CA 95372; or, to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356-9259.