Wayne (Smokey) Yanez, 86, of Ventura, CA, passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2022 with his family by his side in Ventura, CA. Smokey was born in Ventura to Ray and Marie Yanez on Nov. 22, 1935.
He spent most of his childhood years in Adams Canyon, Santa Paula, CA, until the family moved to Moorpark, CA. He attended Moorpark High School, where he competed in sports and graduated in 1953. He served in the Army for two years, stationed at Fort Ord and Fort Hunter Liggett, CA.
In his youth, Smokey spent much of his time riding and learning how to rope on the Hobson Ranches. He continued to rope and compete in the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, working in his vegetable garden, and golfing; he was a member of the Buenaventura Senior Men’s Golf Club. He worked as a plumber/pipefitter for 40 years and belonged to local 484.
Smokey is survived by his wife Beth of 61 years, son Burt (Debbie), daughter Debra, Sister Jan Fickbohm, grandchildren Cameron and Melissa and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Marie and Brother Danny Yanez.
Please join us for a celebration of life BBQ to be held on November 19, 2022, from 12pm-4pm at Camp Comfort, 11969 N. Creek Rd, Ojai, CA 93023.