May They Rest In Peace

Mojave Muleskinner Memorial Page

Thank you, because by visiting this page it keeps the memory of these dear people alive in our hearts. Everyone had a story and each of their lives is precious, not just to their families, but to all of us.

"Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same...."

God Bless...

00/00/00 - 11/24/12

Lanna Bow, aka Okie Sew-N-Sew - member #46

"This is Judy Van Metre AKA Calico School Mistress from years ago. I just wanted you to know that Lanna Bow my sister passed into heaven on Saturday morning last. Please notify the Muleskinners who knew her as Sissy Sew n Sor Sweet Lanna Bow. Thank you and God Bless you all." @ November 26, 2012

06/08/55 - 09/18/12

Robert Stephen Melgoza, aka El Macho Borracho - member #158

We just learned of the sudden passing of Robert S. Melgoza, aka "Mean Seguin" or "El Macho Borracho" MM #158.

He didn't have the chance last year to make it to an event and was looking forward to doing so this year and meeting everyone. Here is man who followed the Mojave Muleskinners on the websites & Internet and just had to be a part of the group even though he lived in Oregon. This is yet another humbling reminder of what a remarkably special group of reenactors the Mojave Muleskinners are and how we touch people's lives around the world by simply keeping the Old West alive.

Rest in peace El Macho Borracho. ~ Windy Bill @2012

HIS OBITUARY

Robert Stephen Melgoza was born on June 8, 1955, the third of four children born to Frank & Josephine Melgoza, and the only boy. Susan and Liz enjoyed spoiling their “baby” brother, until Robert grew up, when he enjoyed “protecting” all three of his sisters. As the youngest two children of the family, Robert and Judi got into all kinds of mischief together. He was born and raised in Montebello, CA, and enjoyed close camaraderie with extended family there, especially his cousins Andy, Bobby, and David.

Robert passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on September 18, 2012, at the age of 57 in Tillamook, OR.

Robert worked as an EMT and then as a paramedic for a private ambulance company and then served on the Los Angeles Fire Department as a paramedic for 5 years, which gave him the opportunity to save many lives, and deliver numerous babies.

Robert met the love of his life, Linda Mitchell, through their work as paramedics. They married on February 10, 1996 and soon after their marriage, they adopted Casey Lou, the other love of their lives, a German Shepherd mix.

In addition to Linda and Casey, or “LuLu”, as they called her, Robert also loved music, sci fi movies, and anything old west. Robert was a talented musician, easily mastering any new instrument he wanted, although he specialized in guitar and drums, and enjoyed playing with a couple of bands. He participated in numerous old west reenactments, which let him fulfill every little boy’s dream of being a real live cowboy.

Robert’s passion was animals, especially dogs; after they lost Casey Lou to old age, Robert and Linda became visitors at the Tillamook Animal Shelter, and had fun bringing goodies to and playing with the dogs there.

Above all else, Robert loved his family. He felt close to each and every member of his large, extended family, and enjoyed spending time with them all.Robert is survived by his wife Linda, father Frank Melgoza, sisters Susan Sevier, Liz Melgoza, and Judi (and Chip) Marx, sisters-in-law Karen (and Pat) Ryan, and Jan Ryan, and many close cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Remembrances may be made to Tillamook Animal Shelter., PO Box 1314, Tillamook, OR 97141. Services have been held. Arrangements care of Waud’s Funeral Home.

07/25/47 - 07/08/12

Jim Staxrud, aka Mule Skinner Jim - member #61

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03/19/42 - 05/15/11

Harvey Higley, aka Buffalo Kid - member #84

" Thursday May 26, 2011 was a warm Sunny Beautiful Morning for Friends to Gather. There was a Slight East wind and clear skies, The Golden Eagles of Apple valley Circled overhead of The American Flag Flying at Half Staff. It was Not Memorial Day Yet nor was it Veterans Day But a Day Of Remembrance and a Celebration of Life. It was not a Closed Event with a Hidden Agenda as Some are , But A Gathering of Family and Friends, Fellow Army Buddies, Reenactors, Native Americans, Mountain men, Police Officers, From South Dakota, Oklahoma, Nevada, Arizona, California and Many other States.

All were there to Show Homage and Pay Their Respects to a Man that Walked Tall and Lived Life at it's Fullest, A United States Army Viet Nam Veteran, Police Officer, Father, Son, Brother Member Of The Mojave Muleskinners and Dedicated Member of The Reenactment Guild of America, Harvey Higley Aka "The Buffalo Kid " 1942-2011, Was A Legend That Few can Ever Replace.

Buff is Now Resting in a Better Place, He Was A Giant among Men in My Eyes That will be Greatly Missed By ALL, A Truthful , Honorable Man That Loved Life and The People around Him, a Spiritual Caring Man with a Loving Smile.

Rest In Peace My Friend, You will NEVER Be Forgotten."  ~ Lester P. Larceny

His funeral was held May 26, 2011 at Sunset Hills Mortuary in Apple Valley, California.

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11/16/42 - 05/09/10

Patrick "Ski" Sikorski, aka Chicago Kid - member #57

 After a long bout with cancer, Ski quietly passed away on Sunday May 9, 2010. A Marine and a gunfighter, he was a wonderful soul full of life that always had a smile and his quick wit always put a smile on our face. He was one of those rare people and  we are all better having had him in our life. He will be greatly missed. 

His memorial was held May 15, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona at his home with the Marine Color Guard performing the ceremony. A personal gunfighter memorial was held on Sunday May 23, 2010 at the Church On The Mount in Goldfield Ghost Town. 

"What, are you goofy?" 

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11/17/37 - 8/6/09

Ray Schank, aka Buck Thorn - member #106

Buck Thorn sadly passed away on Thursday August 6, 2009 from cancer.  Always the gentleman, Buck was a very friendly and giving person who would give the hat off his head if you needed it, and in some cases he did just that.  His pain is finally gone. May he rest in peace. 

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1/22/60 - 2/13/09

Carolynn Herrera, aka Sugar Britches - member #117

Sugar Britches suddenly passed away on Friday February 13, 2009. She was a shy floozy that always had a smile for everyone. A life cut too short, she will be missed by her family, friends and all of the visitors that visit Goldfield Ghost Town.

Her funeral was held February 20, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A personal gunfighter memorial was held on Sunday February 29, 2009 at the Church On The Mount in Goldfield Ghost Town.

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5/25/45- 6/27/07

Arthur M. Crofutt, aka Misfire Mel - member #14

Description: Renowned Western Illustrator and all around scoundrel. Sadly, Misfire Mel passed away on Wednesday June 27, 2007. He was a gifted Western illustrator, musician and actor with a colorful personality and overall, a true friend. He will be greatly missed by not only the Mojave Muleskinners, but by everyone in the Old West reenactment community. "We will all miss Art, our friend, man of wisdom and with many stories." Smokey Jack 2007

Misfire Mel's memorial was held  October 27, 2007 at Pioneertown, California.
Final farewell - October 28, 2007 Old Dale, California in the "Artimus Mine"

Thank you to Jenelle Peterson for the High School photo (1963) and her prayers. www.chateaurouxamericanhighschool.com

 Art's Memorial page with photos, examples of his artwork, and some memories from family and fellow Mojave Muleskinners.

Jeannie Maust, aka Peaches - member #26

1957-2000

Dennis Edward Moore, aka Pepper - member #36. 

Beloved brother of Purgatory.

7/2/34 - 7/7/05

Richard Lee Boyd, aka Rusty Buttons -  posthumous member #93  

Richard was born on July 2, 1934 to Oliver James Boyd and Daisy Barnes in Los Angeles. Richard was an honored  Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1956. He grew up in the movie industry during the heyday of the western movies where his father, Oliver James Boyd, worked and it fueled his interest in the old west. It wasn't until Richard's son Lucky Sumtyms got involved in western reenactments that his interest piqued again and he joined his son performing. Richard was a design draftsman and was one of the designers of the fuel valves used in the F-16s. Richard also enjoyed deer hunting, stock car racing and remote control aircraft. "He was very good with his hands," reminisced his sons, Lucky and Edward. "He could draw anything on paper then build it." Richard passed away on July 7, 2005.

A memorial was held at the Whitehorse Ranch in Landers, California

1976-1996

Christian Menyhart, aka Cody -  posthumous member #95

The son of Peter Menyhart, aka "German Pete" owner of the Whitehorse Ranch,  Chris was only 20 years old when he sadly passed away on November 10, 1996. He had a bright future ahead of him. He just bought his first house, was a mechanic ready to take on the family business, worked as a stuntman and performed as a reenactor with his father.

In the last months of his life, Chris and his father visited Pioneertown and often talked about buying property there. When they couldn't find what they were looking for, they found instead the property where the Whitehorse Ranch is located. German Pete said "Chris was his best friend." German Pete reminds people that life is very precious, to take advantage of it every day and to keep family and friends close. An encampment held annually on the second weekend of November at the Whitehorse Ranch is a way for German Pete to honor his son's memory.