Richard Edward Botke

Dick grew up on the family ranch on Wheeler Canyon Road and spent summers surfing the Rincon. A graduate of Santa Paula High School and Black Hills State University, he worked as Construction Coordinator for Coastal-Pipco before acquiring Pipeways with a business partner and later co-founded a company that specialized in hazardous waste removal

He married Francie Moffat of Covina, California, and together they raised four sons — Peter, Matthew, Jacob, and John. Dick was a devoted father who loved traveling with his boys and making memories at Disneyland, Yosemite, Lake Cachuma, and El Capitan Beach. After Francie’s passing in 1997, Dick never remarried, honoring her memory through his devotion to their sons.

In retirement, Dick enjoyed woodworking, reading, and cooking — forever remembered as the King of the tri-tip barbecue.

He is survived by his sons, Peter Botke and his wife, Sheila, and their daughter, Rae, of Portland, Oregon; Matthew Botke and his wife, Christy, of Ventura, California; and John Botke and his wife, Natasha, and his son, Jack, of Norfolk, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his sister, Kitty Botke, her husband, Kenny Seemel of Santa Paula, California; and his niece, Regan Stokes, her husband, Kurt Horack, and their daughter, Liaym, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

A memorial service will be held on May 9, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village, followed by a graveside gathering and Celebration of Life.

Serving as pallbearers are Pete Botke, Matt Botke, John Botke, Kurt Horack, Brian Buck, and Storme Warren. Jack Botke will serve as honorary pallbearer.