There is ashes to ashes, for this traditional Memorial Day for me it is cemetery to cemetery. Normally, I go to Diamond Crest, Janesville, Lassen and Susanville cemeteries. At that time I decorate a lot of graves, not just for my family, but for families whose descendants that have moved far away.

Cemeteries have been near and dear to me. It was a cemetery issue, that I  at the tender age 13, began my historical research. A family friend, Frank Satica, told me that the World’s First Champion Cowboy was buried at a remote cemetery in Secret Valley. It should be noted when I was a growing up, and being the youngest of four siblings, I was very gullible. What Frank Satica told me, I thought it preposterous. One would think that McKissick’s title would warrant major recognition,, but that was not the case.

I was fortunate as Susanville was still a tight knit community. In the afternoons and weekends I worked part time at Party Port a sporting goods and liquor store. To make a long story short, I asked a long time customer Murray Doyle, an old time Lassen family about the McKissick tale. He said it was true, but to contact Abe Jensen, as he would know more. So I did, From that experience I discovered the town of Amedee, and opened the doors of the local history.

It has been an interesting journey to say the least. A half of a century later another cemetery issue has taken a toll on me.I would rather not go into details, but I am no longer available to any one with cemetery problems.

Tim