Robert “Bob” John Vierra, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, died on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. The oldest of three sons, he was born to John and Olivia Vierra on July 24, 1944.
He grew up in Maxwell and graduated in 1962 from Maxwell High School, where he was very involved in athletics and FFA. He received his bachelor’s degree from Chico State and his teaching credential from UC Davis.
He married his high school sweetheart, Sandee, in 1965, and together they raised their son John in Orland. In 2003, he married Nancy and relocated to Colusa.
He spent his 34 years of teaching agriculture at Orland High School, where he started the school farm. He had a major impact on so many students who came through his classroom, and he cared for his students like they were his own.
Throughout his teaching career, he received numerous awards and achievements, which were highlighted by his Honorary American Farmer Degree.
He had a passion for farming, including pigs, sheep, rice, and almonds. He and John raised pigs for many years. During this time, they were very successful and won many shows statewide.
During rice harvest, you could find Bob driving harvester.
Besides his family, his pride and joy was the almond enterprise he started with his brothers, Jim and Vern, in 2006. He also served on the Colusa County Fair Board for several years.
He was a one-of-a-kind man. He was as loyal as they come and honest. You always knew exactly what he was thinking, agree his loved ones.
Few people could light up a room like Bob did, and he had the most contagious laugh.
At the center of his world was his family. He will be missed tremendously, and his legacy will live on through his family and former students.
He is survived by his brother James (Danette) Vierra; wife Nancy Vierra; son John (Shannon) Vierra; stepdaughter Courtney (Kelly) Kolb; stepson Greg (Patty) Peters; grandchildren Kendall (Kyle) Mendes, Blake (Mickele) Vierra, Austin and Carson Kolb, and Sawyer and Emerson Peters; great-grandson Henry Mendes; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Olivia Vierra; wife Sandee Vierra; brother Vern Vierra; and Vern’s wife, Jenifer Vierra.
A graveside service is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at the Maxwell Cemetery. Donations can be made in Bob’s memory to: Maxwell Cemetery P.O. Box 201, Maxwell, CA 95955; Colusa City Fire Department, 750 Market Street, Colusa, CA 95932; or the Colusa County Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 745, Colusa, CA 95932.
The Glenn County Observer 