Roger Cordell “Corky” Herbert, of Pope Valley and Berryessa Estates, died unexpectedly at his home on July 30, 2007.
Roger was born in Nebraska. When he spoke of his youth, however, he spoke about growing up in the Los Angeles area where he attended high school and developed an interest in theatre arts.
Roger was a military policeman in the United States Army. After
he fulfilled his obligations, he worked as a machinist while at the same time preparing for a career in real estate ventures. He bought, refurbished and either sold or rented houses and apartments. At his death he owned properties in Austin, Texas and Napa and Lake counties.
Roger owned and operated the Pope Valley Market for over 30 years. He visited Snell and Pope Valleys as a boy and formed a lifelong love for the area. When the opportunity rose to purchase the Pope Valley Market, he partnered with another investor to acquire the property. At first the partner worked in the store while Mr. Herbert took care of other business interests. Later he bought out his partner and became a full-time resident of Pope Valley.
Corky was a man that wore many hats and was politically active for Proposition 13. His interests ranged from music, early Dylan, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, to railroad trains and discussions on Bible interpretation.
In later years he dabbled in the stock market. This gave him the chance to
exercise the full range of his emotions.
Roger is survived by his brothers, Charles and Colin Herbert, the community members and customers of Pope Valley and the surrounding area. Roger will be missed by all.
Roger was an icon in Pope Valley and a very generous contributor to those in need. A gruff exterior at times was over shadowed by his integrity, kindness and gentleness. A true man of his word.
A graveside service will be held for Roger at 9:30 a.m. Friday,
Aug. 10. People attending will be asked to meet at the Pope Valley Market and from there we will proceed to the Pope Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Pope Valley 4-H
Club.
A potluck celebration of Roger”s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Pope Valley Farm Center.
Arrangements were cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel, 963-3536.
Please sign the guest book at www.record-bee.com. Click “obituaries.”
(Published Friday, Aug. 10, 2007, in the Lake County Record-Bee)
