Obituaries
Royce Clayton Hiner, 2021 Medal of Valor recipient
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Red Bluff Daily News.
Royce Clayton Hiner, 39, of Red Bluff left this life for his next adventure Sept. 10, in the arms of his loving wife, surrounded by family, friends and classic country music after a hard-fought health battle over the last year.
He was born in Red Bluff on March 7, 1986 to Tex and Trenna (Anderson) Hiner and was the youngest brother to Danny and Ron Hiner. Royce married his best friend Laura (Moon) Hiner on Oct. 9, 2010, and his greatest joy was their three beautiful children Leland (almost 13), Lyle (11) and Larissa (almost 8).
Royce graduated from Los Molinos High School in 2005, Butte College’s Welding Program in 2010 and had a long career with Caltrans in which he was celebrated for his dedication and awarded the California Medal of Valor in 2021 for an act of extreme heroism.
Royce enjoyed the outdoors and was rarely found indoors preferring to spend his time building, creating, hunting, exploring and just enjoying nature with his family and trusty Doberman, Runa.
He was a cherished son-in-law to Paul and CynDee Moon, grandson-in-law to Peggy Rusnak, brother-in-law to Kylie Hiner, Ethan (Elise) Moon, Sarah (Bob) Moon, Erik Moon and Ingrid (Mark) Moon, uncle to William, Ferris, Emma and Fintan, nephew and cousin to many, and friend to all who were lucky enough to have known him.
Waiting his arrival in heaven are his maternal grandparents Jack and Barbara Anderson, paternal grandparents Alvin and Alice Hiner, Uncle Ken Anderson, Aunt Karen Clark and cousin Michelle Clark.
He was a tireless volunteer, coach and mentor to many, known for his unmatched enthusiasm, can-do attitude and kindness. He lit up every room and his infectious smile, sense of humor, and legendary hugs will be deeply missed.
Doug Mitchell, retired Maintenance superintendent
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Paso Robles Daily News.
Doug Mitchell made his way to heaven on Aug. 14 at the age of 81.
As a young teen, Doug migrated from his birthplace of Portsmouth, Virginia, to San Diego County. In his early twenties, he began a long career with Caltrans, District 11.
As a resident of Escondido for several years, he and his first wife, MaryAnne, became parents to two boys. Brian, age 60, resides in Carlsbad with his wife, SueAnn, along with their daughter, Summer, age 22. Doug’s youngest son, Bob, age 57, resides in Escondido with his mother, MaryAnne Miller.
Doug became a resident of Atascadero in 1990 when he accepted a job in District 5 as the Maintenance Superintendent at Caltrans in Templeton. He and his future wife, Debbie Mitchell, purchased a home in Atascadero and were married in September of 1991. Doug retired in 2004 as a Caltrans Maintenance Manager II.
Although Doug had a successful work career, his resume didn’t end with Caltrans. He was proud to be a father to Bob and Brian and “Poppa Doug” to his beautiful granddaughter, Summer. Doug was also Debbie’s protector, cheerleader, soulmate, and perfect life partner. She is heartbroken that dementia stole her husband and brought their love story to an early end.
Doug is also survived by his dog, Gracie, and his cats, Cheeto and Tuesday. Waiting for their fur daddy at the Rainbow Bridge are Jingles, Charlie, Sunny, Sneakers, Pickles, Cissy, Riley and Layla.
A deep appreciation goes to Angelita, Kevin, Loretta, and Julie at Irene’s Board and Care in Paso Robles, where Doug resided for the last 21 months. Debbie is also grateful for the Wilshire Hospice staff, especially Nurse Rochelle W., for her kindness and guidance. Thank you to Dignity Hospice for the care provided for the last month and a half.
A world of thanks goes to Bob Drue, Doug’s golf buddy and friend. Doug truly loved you, Bob. Thanks for keeping him entertained on the golf course where the scorekeeping was certainly unique. You provided him so much laughter.