William Joesph Waltman was born June 1, 1943 in Hanford, CA; Passed away on August 27, 2023, in Standish, CA.
Bill spent most of his life in Lassen County he and his family moved to Litchfield when he was a young man. His parents owned Seven Acres in Litchfield, CA where his Father, John operated the gas station and his mom, Naomi, operated the restaurant. They moved back and forth from Nevada until Bill was a teenager where he settled in Lassen County to stay.
Bill married his wife Raelene Johnston on April 27, 1962. They settled in the Standish area where they raised their three children living in several different residences until they purchased the original homestead of the Chappius Ranch, belonging to Raelene’s cousin Ray Chappius.
Bill worked for the California Forest Service in his early years, then the California Correctional Services, finishing his working career at the Lassen Municipal Utilities District where he retired from after 35 plus years. He was also an electrical investigator for the state of California where he investigated electrical issues throughout the state, as needed.
Bill was a very active member in the Honey Lake Valley; he served on the Lassen County School Board where he served as president for several years.
Bill was also a Lassen Fair Board member where he received Blue Ribbon awards and was very involved in fair activities. Bill started the Lassen College Rodeo team in 1978 where he coached many rough stock riders to success. He and his family hosted several out of the area students offering them the opportunity to go to Lassen College and be part of the Lassen Rodeo Team where he shared his rodeo knowledge.
Bill was very active in the California High School Rodeo Association District 1, as a State Representative and rough stock judge as well as many other adult member duties. He and his family were extremely active in the Lassen County Fair and other organizations showing horses. Some of the memories best remembered were made with Bill and his family either at the horse show ring or at the Rodeo Arena.
When Bill was not working or was not at the Rodeo Arena, you may have found him with a team of horses or hunting and fishing with his father, son, sons-in-laws or grandsons. He spent many hours scouting for the next big buck and enjoyed taking rides looking for deer and wild horses. He was the most happy when he was spending time in the outdoors with family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife Raelene of 61 years, his daughters Tammy Burris, Trina Purcell (Jeff), and his son Thad (Cody). He has eight grandchildren Mindy DeRohan (Robert), Marlene Purcell, Katie Wickizer (Brett), Ty Purcell (Marissa), Curtis Purcell, Royce Waltman, Mesa Waltman and Rayken Waltman. He has seven great granddaughters.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Naomi Waltman, son in law Greg Burris and grandchildren Poppy and Rooster Waltman.
Memorial Services:
September 4, 2023 at 11:00 am Standish Bible Church, 718-960 Plumas Avenue, Standish, Ca with reception/potluck to follow at the Waltman Residence at 473-625 Chappius Lane, Standish, Ca
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to :
Lassen College Rodeo team
P.O. Box 3000 Susanville ca 96130
