Updates

House Or Rental

We Bought a House!

We were lucky enough to purchase the house across the street from where Joe grew up in Santa Margarita, California. What better neighbors could we ask for than family? In fact, we are now closer to most of our family which is a wonderful thing! We have a lovely view of Santa Margarita ranch, a nice little front patio, and a big backyard! Six months in and we are still unpacking and organizing the house but rest assured, a house warming party is forthcoming!

Travel Note

We Moved!

Our time living in Morro Bay came to an end in the spring of 2024. Over our many years together we have lived in Santa Barbara, Los Osos, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Morro Bay. We even lived in a Ford Econoline van for about three months while we traveled the coast of California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada. Now we are happily settled in Santa Margarita, California where we plan to remain for the foreseeable future.

Travel Note

In Memoriam

On June 7th 2024 Mekenzie's father lost his battle with cancer Richard Joseph Prokop Forever in Our Hearts

Travel Note

Obituary-Tortuga: Neon Leon: Papa Turtle October 21, 1954 — June 7, 2024

Obituary Thoughtfully written by Dylan Joseph Prokop Part One Rick J Prokop, born to Joseph and Evelyn Prokop, lost his battle with cancer on Friday June 7th, 2024. He passed peacefully, holding hands, in the sun drenched afternoon. He was 69. Rick is survived by his wife Pamela and three children from his former spouse Stephanie: Dylan, Mekenzie, and Dakota. His lone blood grandson Ridge lives on to remember his Papa Turtle. Rick was also blessed with two step daughters: Shawndalyn and Rayann. Their children: AJ, Nico, Anastasia, and Gabriel will always cherish countless adventures with Papa. Born in Hackensack and raised in Paterson, New Jersey; Rick tossed his snow shovel aside and headed West to California as a young adult. Like his father before him he entered the trades as a pipe-fitter, working alongside welders at oil refineries and power plants. Eventually putting down roots in San Luis Obispo county, Rick began a successful career in state corrections. He promoted strongly over the years from officer to high ranking counselor, met lifelong friends, and just recently retired. Rick raised his three children in Paso Robles and later moved to Atascadero to build a life with Pamela. They spent his final years together in Goodyear, enjoying the free state of Arizona. Rick lived with humor, stubbornness, and a sincere lust for life. Although his time was cut short, he did much more living than most. Always quick to make friends, Rick could easily jump into any conversation and slide right into the party. The man was a social butterfly and a lifelong lover of good music and well written lyrics. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Live Oak and Strawberry music festivals, camping with family and recording every single live show on cassette. Sports were his other true love: from baseball to hockey to football to the olympics, he was happily obsessed. Any chance to catch a live game or concert, he’d be there with his program, pin, T-shirt, and bobblehead in hand.

Travel Note

Obituary Continued

Part Two Rick was an active little league and soccer coach in the community for years and he never missed a game, school event, recital, or fantasy football draft. As a younger man he was a consistent triathlete and remained an avid cyclist throughout his life. Whether it was around camp, on local roads, or from Rosarito to Ensenada; Rick traversed truly on two wheels. Rick was also a passionate home winemaker, always entering the Mid State Fair competition and bringing home ribbons to show for it. He harvested his first fruit in 1991 and never looked back. Grapes were stomped, feet were stained, and each vintage brought old and new friends together. Rick was a dedicated father, loving husband, and a fierce friend. Analog and old school, fanatic, aficionado and festiverian. He loved bold red wines and cold pale ales and Polish kielbasa with good mustard. He loved record stores and funky people and well told tales by a burning campfire. He loved keeping score at baseball games and eating peanuts and using acronyms as jokes too much. Most of all, he loved the many people that shared these moments with him. A man with many nicknames must be lucky enough to be loved by many friends. That’s family whether or not the blood matches or the tree limbs connect. Rick was fondly given several monikers to represent his leisurely nature, love of The Grateful Dead, and affinity for Tie-Dye. Rick was never going to be ready for the party to end, but all of us should smile knowing he is free of pain and having a damn good time. Dancing his heart out with a full-toothed smile and no rhythm whatsoever. Flying with the Chicken on the weekends. Toasting libations with the family and friends we’ve already lost. Asking Jerry Garcia and Mickey Mantle a million questions. Cheers! We’ll see you again when our long strange trip ends.