OAKDALE, CAL. – Russ Cardoza, 67, died Sept. 5, 2019. He was born to George and Beatrice Cardoza on February 13, 1952, the youngest of five children. He was raised on his family ranch in Livermore, where he lived for the next 50 years, until moving to the Oakdale area in 2001.
Russ is preceded in death by his parents; brothers George, Paul and Eddie; mother-in-law Bev; and his grandson Caleb.
He is survived by his soulmate and the love of his life for 34 years, Lynn Cardoza; his children Amber (Dave), Jamie (Jay), Casie (Clayton) and Russell (Sammy Jo); grandchildren Jackson, Jace, Isabella, Liam, Cadence, Jhett and Chambless; sister Carole Murray; father-in-law Bill Peterson; and his brother and sister-in-law Jim and Paula Peterson; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Russ’ greatest passion was riding horses and team roping, and one of his greatest accomplishments was winning the #9 USTRC National Championship in Oklahoma with his son Russell in 1999. Also at the top of that list was getting to watch Russell compete in six NFR’s and being there for all 10 rounds, and getting to stand next to Russell on stage as he won three go rounds. Russ loved rodeo, roping, playing cards and being with his family and friends.
He was a member of the WCTRA, USTRC and ACTRA associations and if he was not at a jackpot he was turning steers at his brother’s arena in Oakdale.