Hartley Chris Spycher went home to be with his Savior on December 20th in Hughson, California. He was born on June 5th, 1937, in Turlock, California, and grew up in Delhi. With the exception of his military service, Hartley spent his entire life in Merced County.
Hartley was the first son of Swiss immigrants and inherited their strong work ethic and drive to succeed. He developed a love for agriculture at a young age, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life and was second only to his devotion to his wife of sixty years, Joanne.
Hartley met Joanne at Turlock High School, along with several of his lifelong friends. After graduating, he attended Modesto Junior College and began working. In 1958, he joined the United States Army and was stationed with the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, the “Old Guard,” serving at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
After completing his military service, Hartley married Joanne. They purchased their first and only home in Ballico, California, where they raised their two sons, Eric (born in 1962) and Kurt (born in 1966). During this time, Hartley began his farming career, operating a custom farming business that provided spraying, chopping, and harvesting services for neighboring farms.
In the early 1980s, Hartley and his brother Wally started a walnut processing business, which later transitioned to almonds. This endeavor became his primary focus during the second half of his life.
Hartley was a charter member of Monte Vista Chapel, where he faithfully worshiped until his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Idy Spycher, and by his beloved wife, Joanne Spycher. He is survived by his brother, Wally Spycher; his sons, Eric (Sheri) Spycher and Kurt (Shirley) Spycher; his five grandchildren—Bryce (Deb) Spycher, Lyndzie (Jeff) Blum, Derek (Kalli) Spycher, Kaisa (Evan) Hudelson, and MacKenzie Spycher—and his nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8th, at Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E Monte Vista Ave, Turlock and may be viewed online at mvcturlock.com.
Memorial donations may be made in Hartley’s honor to Meaningful Life USA, P.O. Box 6321, Vallejo, CA 94591 (please include the donation note: “Hartley Spycher Legacy Water Wells”). Condolences may be shared at www.allenmortuary.com.
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