Thomas Richard Nemanic

Thomas Richard (Dick) Nemanic, age 95, passed away peacefully in Roseville, CA on October 13, 2025 after a long and fulfilling lifetime. He resided for over 60 years in McArthur, CA before moving to Sun City Roseville in 2020 to be closer to family. Dick was born July 9, 1930 in San Francisco, CA to Thomas J. Nemanic and Georgia Gloria Sandeman. He spent his youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, graduating from Berkeley High School in 1948 as his Senior Class President. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed in Alaska for 27 months. While on leave in 1951, he met the women that would be his future wife, Joan Stuckey. They married in December 1951 after a long-distance whirlwind romance and lived in Tacoma, WA as newlyweds until Dick was discharged from the USAF in August 1952. They moved back to the Bay Area where the magic happened. Dick and Joan became parents to five children between December 1952 and August 1958: Marc Nemanic (Bettye) of Chico, Tracy Parker (Rick) of Roseville, Kurt Nemanic of San Diego, Leslie Kelley (Gene) of Klamath Falls, OR, and Karla Nemanic. They eventually settled their family in McArthur in May 1962.

Dick worked as a Journeyman Electrician as a member of the IBEW Union and was recently honored as a 65-year member. When he earned his Electrical Contractors license in 1965, he established his own business: McArthur Electric was born. He ran a successful business for 32 years before retiring and selling his company. Despite his “retirement”, he was always available as a consultant for all things electrical.

Dick was also a dedicated member of his community and made significant contributions to the betterment of it. He helped to build the first Little League field in McArthur in addition to being a coach. He also initiated development of the Inter-Mountain Teen Center, was a 4-H Council member and leader, and sponsored and coached a Ladies Softball team for 5 years. He was a member and President of the local Chamber of Commerce, member and President of the Fall River Lions Club, member and President of the Fall River Joint Unified School District Board, Board Member for the Pine Grove Cemetery District, and member of the Fort Crook Historical Society. Dick was part of the Shasta County Flying Posse while he owned and flew his own plane. In 1976, Dick was named “Citizen of the Year”. His crowning achievement was the formation of the Inter-Mountain Fair Junior Livestock Sale where he acted as Chairman from its inception in 1967 until 2007. The Junior Sale of 4-H and FFA animals grew to be known as one of the best in the North State and in the 50+ years since its inception has generated in excess of $13 million in sales, an extraordinary feat for a small rural community. In his honor, the Inter-Mountain Junior Livestock Sale was renamed in 2007 to “The Dick Nemanic Junior Livestock Sale”. He also served as Grand Marshall of the Inter-Mountain Fair parade twice in recognition of his contributions to the Fair and the community.

Dick was passionate about flying his small private plane upon earning his pilot’s license. He and Joan took quick trips to visit their kids in the Klamath Falls and Sacramento area or for a quick meal or overnight stay in Mendocino, northern Nevada or wherever adventure awaited. Later flying trips would span the US including Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and Detroit. Their sense of adventure took them throughout the world to Europe, South America, Central America, Southeast Asia, Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean and across North America via ocean & river cruises, land tours, and scenic rail trips. After his wife passed, Dick’s passion for travel did not fade. Prior to his passing, he resumed his travels with long-time family friend and travel companion, Shirley McArthur. His travels with Shirley brought him great joy and happiness.

Dick was particularly proud of his hillside of daffodils that he and Joan planted throughout the rock outcropping on their McArthur property. For several decades the thousands of bulbs would bloom profusely during the Spring. Travelers along the highway were treated to a glorious display of beauty and color, often taking photos of this floral spectacle. They will live on as a tribute to his memory.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan Stuckey Nemanic, his half-brother Barry Nemanic, his daughter Karla, and his granddaughter Denae Nemanic. In addition to his remaining children, he is survived by his grandchildren: Jared Zarecky (Erin), Trevor Nemanic, and Brett Nemanic; great-grandchildren Nolan and Colton Zarecky and Jensen Nemanic; and Alfonso Bautista, husband to granddaughter Denae.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, 11:00 AM, George Ingram Hall, Inter-Mountain Fairgrounds, 44218 A St, McArthur, CA 96056. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in remembrance of Dick to: Inter-Mountain Fair Heritage Foundation, Attn: Junior Livestock Sale, P.O Box 10, McArthur, CA 96056.