Franklin John Rocha, born Oct. 6, 1935, died peacefully Aug. 13, 2018, at the age of 82.

He spent most of his life living in Ferndale.

He was in the service from 1954 to 1955. After the service, he worked in the lumber industry until he started his own dairy in 1965. In 1959, he married Marilyn Tompkins. They lived and raised their children on the dairy until he retired in February 2007.

Some of the things he enjoyed throughout his life were fishing, bowling, cards and a dice game called zonk that he played with his wife and good friends. He also enjoyed his yearly trip to Reno, riding three-wheelers at the beach and attending Wildcat football games.

The thing he enjoyed most was watching his grandkids grow up and achieving success at all the activities they were doing.

Franklin leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; his children Cris (Doris) Rocha of Tillamook, Oregon, Craig (Robyn) Rocha of Rio Dell, Caprice (Tracy) Stowe of Fortuna and Cory (Loretta) Rocha of Ferndale; His grandchildren SST Amber (Jeff) Huffman of Lacy, Washington, Jennifer (Seth) Johnston and Christopher Rocha of Tillamook, Oregon, Lilly Rocha of Fortuna, Gabby Gonzalez of Rio Dell, Lexi and Kelten Stowe of Fortuna, Zack, and Cassidy and Caden Rocha of Ferndale; his great-grandchildren Cody Perry of Avandel, Pennsylvania and Rachel and Colt of Tillamook, Oregon; his sister Irene Kessler of Sacramento; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Antone and Marie Rocha; his daughter Chloe Rocha; his brothers Tony and Joe Rocha; and his sister Mary Gomes.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eureka Rehab and Wellness Denter for making his last days happy and comfortable as can be.

There will be a celebration of life on October 6th at 4 p.m. in Ferndale, at the Veterans Hall.