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12/13/2024 - Susanville, California, USA

Johnny Garate went to be with our Lord on December 13, 2024 at his home, in his favorite chair and in his sleep.

Johnny B Garate aka Banny Rooster was born on November 3, 1936 to Rufina and Julian Garate in Yerington Nevada. He was welcomed home by his brother, Julian, his sister Angie and later to be joined by his sister Rosemary. Johnny spent the first 5 years of his life in Yerington and in 1942 the family moved to Susanville where he would spend the rest of his life.

Johnny enjoyed his childhood in Susanville. He attended Roosevelt School and graduated from Lassen High School in June of 1955. After high school he worked for Purdy Logging and then Fruit Growers Mill. In 1959 Johnny enlisted in the United States Army and served until 1961. He returned to Susanville and worked for Fruit Growers Mill until it closed. He then worked for Moring Glory and Foremost Dairy delivering milk. His last job lasted 25 years at Sierra Pacific Industries where he retired in 1999.

Upon returning back in 1961 to Susanville he married the love of his life Norma. They were married on November 4, 1961. In October 1962 Mark was born and in July 1965 Lorie (Lulu) was born. He was a hard worker and always provided a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothes on our backs.

Johnny truly enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish and his black powder rendezvous. He spent many hours or days of his free time at sheep camp and the Satica ranch. He loved stream fishing, deer, elk and bird hunting. Upon his retirement he purchased his first hot rod, a 1957 Chevy truck. He sold that truck and the bought a 1931 Ford two door sedan. Johnny, Norma and their friends would spend summers going to several car shows in California and Oregon.

He was a member of the Susanville Basque Club, Susanville Elks and Susanville Street Rodders.

Johnny was a very proud man. He was very proud of the family he and Norma made, his Basque heritage and how he could fix almost anything. He loved doing things the old fashion way because that was the best way. Some of his most favorite times were with family making chorizos in the garage. However, his most favorite time was spent with Bert making their salt and garlic hams and bacon. They would banter, yell at each other and the name calling was hilarious. But at the end of the day, they would look at each other and say. “See you in the morning!”, with a smile on their faces knowing they get to do it all over again

Johnny was survived by his wife of 63 years, Norma, his son, Mark and his daughter, Lorie (Lulu). His grandsons, Marcus (Mandy), Davin (Kassidy) and Grayson. His great grandchildren, Nick, Zane, Dominick, Christian and the sweetest and cutest one of the bunch Layne (the only girl), along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held for Johnny Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Susanville. The Rosery will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11:00. Interment will follow at Diamond Crest Cemetery. Immediately following interment, the family invites you to join them at a luncheon reception at the Msgr. Moran Hall provided by Caring and Sharing.

(published by Susanville Stuff)

Goian Bego (GB) - May Rest in Peace