Marketers who’ve Left Their heirM Mark by Managing Editor Stevie Ipsen No matter the age or cause, the end of a life is difficult for those left behind. Members of California’s cattle ranching community were devastated this winter by the unexpected deaths of two cattlemen who have made it their life’s mission to promote and protect agriculture in California as well as leave a lasting impact in their communities. Legendary Central Coast cattleman Dick Nock, Paso Robles, passed away at the tail end of 2020. His death was followed by that of beloved Col. Joe Gates, Vacaville, in early February. While each of these men were known for championing their own unique philanthropic causes within agriculture in their respective regions, their common bond of cattle marketing is a loss to those who knew them, worked beside them and were inspired by them.
DICK NOCK 1931-2020 For active California Cattlemen’s Association members, it is hard to imagine a CCA event without the presence of Dick Nock. Despite his quiet, jovial demeanor, he was always an astute student and teacher of the beef business and with a wealth of knowledge acquired in his 89 years, he didn’t hesitate to share his expertise when it was sought. Longtime friend and fellow Central Coast cattleman John Lacey says Nock never missed a meeting or the chance to put in his two cents. “He was fun, good and knowledgeable and if you were wrong he wasn’t going to back down. But if you were right, he would come around to supporting you and helping your ideas succeed,” Lacey said. “A lot of people came to him for advice because of his knowledge but also because he was a sincere friend.” Having been in business together for 25 years and traveled extensively together, Lacey said Nock was 30-40 years ahead of his time. “He had a great sense of purpose. He was an innovator and had a very futuristic approach to the business, both in the way he ran his cattle and and regarding all of the other interests he had in the community.” Having worked for other ranchers in his early years and later as a respected cattle producer himself, Nock had a lot of irons in the fire. In addition to running cattle on various Central Coast ranches and having cattle on feed in other states, one of his largest undertakings was becoming the owner of Templeton Livestock Auction in 1966. Those who knew him best say the sale barn was one of his great loves. From cracking eggs in the café to being out back sorting cattle or sitting in the stands with buyers, he was always fully immersed in the day-to-day operations of the business. 22 California Cattleman May 2021
In 1980, when Nock was serving as the president of the national Livestock Marketing Association the organization’s national convention was held in San Luis Obispo County which included hosting the world champion auctioneer contest at Templeton Livestock Market. This was the first time the meeting and the competition were held on the West Coast and was something Nock was very proud of at that time. The event attracted livestock marketing enthusiasts from around the world and 4,500 head of cattle were auctioned off during the one-day contest. Nock also served on the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors for nearly 60 years, he was a mentor to countless cattlemen and cattlewomen locally and across the nation. Nock had a passion for education and the youth. This passion spilled over to the Mid State Fair where he established Cattlemen’s Day and organized the junior livestock sale in support of 4-H and FFA members. He was the founder of the Junior Livestock Support Club which assisted kids during sale time at the fair and sponsored the carcass contest at the conclusion of the fair. Nock organized one of the very first replacement heifer sales, many fairs after this modeled their show off this one. He also served on the California Mid State Fair Board of Directors for eight years. Dick served on the San Luis Obispo Mission High School Board of Education and was the co-founder of the Mission School Memorial Foundation of 1975. This was
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