A Tribute to our Founder, Dann Spear

Dann C. Spear passed away on February 22, 2018, surrounded by his family following a short illness. He was born to William C. "Doc" and Margie Spear in Ventura, California, in 1954. He is survived by his wife, Roberta; his two sons, Carson and Brandon; his daughters-in-law, Erin and Cotie; and many other family members.

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Dann grew up around horses and livestock and worked in the family business at the Ojai Valley Inn Riding Stables and Matalija Ranch in his youth. He graduated from Nordoff High School in 1972. While attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, he competed in college rodeo and went on to compete successfully in professional rodeo in the team roping event.

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Dann married the love of his life, Roberta Eskew, in 1974. After attending Cal Poly, Dann and Roberta moved back to Ojai where Dann began working in the construction industry. Two years later, they realized their dream of owning a small ranch in Marysville, California. He continued to compete on the professional rodeo circuit and to pursue his construction career. He was employed by the public works department of Sutter County for thirty years. He also served several terms as captain of the Yuba County Mounted Sheriff's Posse.

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Dann possessed a strong faith and love for the Lord in a quiet way and always treated people like family. He was known for being fair, honest, kind, and possessing an amazing sense of humor.

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Dann and Roberta have two sons, Carson and Brandon Spear. The family was involved in 4-H, Little League, and high school rodeo. They were avid fans of Wheatland Pirates football where they never missed a game and were able to watch Carson's team make the playoffs in 1996 for the first time in the school's history. Brandon's team won the first section championship in 1998. Carson served as an army captain in Iraq and is in management with the Target Corporation. Brandon is a lieutenant with the Yuba County Sheriff's Department. Dann dearly loved his daughters-in-law, Erin and Cotie. He was a family man, a talented roper, a prodigious military memorabilia collector, and a great guy.

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