Harry W. Wilson passed away on Tuesday May 17, 2016 at the Royal Peacock Opal Mine at the age of 84. He was born on March 20, 1932 to Harry L and Mabel M Wilson in Cedarville, California.
Harry served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa Japan and served for 4 years. Harry also has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for the past 62 years.
When he returned home he married his high school sweetheart Joy Wimer on February 14, 1952. Then Harry and Joy moved to Virgin Valley Nevada, where they worked and lived with Harry’s parents. Harry used to joke and say that he took Joy’s shoes so she wouldn’t walk back to Modoc County. During this time they worked the Virgin Valley Ranch and the Alkali ranch, raising cattle and horses.
In 1992 Harry was forced to move from the Virgin Valley Ranch by the Fish and Wildlife. He purchased the Andorno Ranch in Orovada Nevada where he continued to raise cattle and soon learned the hay business.
In 1945 Harry’s parents purchased the Royal Peacock Opal Mines. Harry decided in 1968 to open the mines up the public for fee digging. Harry continued to operate the mines until his death in May 2016. In the 1980’s Harry and Joy lobbied the State Legislature to make the Black Opal the State precious gem stone. It passed by a land slide because of his passion.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Dorothy and Marie. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Joy, son Walter (Sherry) Wilson, daughter Julie Wilson and daughter Angie (Mike) Estes. Grandchildren Savanna and April Wilson, Shane (Autumn) Anderson, Chance (Chelsey) Anderson, Jake Anderson, Madison and Abby Estes. Great children Alivia, Ava , Lita, and Jade Anderson and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held:
June 2, 2016 at Modoc County Fairgrounds at 12 pm in Cedarville, California.
