When Turlocker Herman Cordray died from a hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 60 in 2011, his passing not only devastated his friends and family, but his disappearance from the shooting  clubs at which he was a member was felt by many close friends.

“One day he was there shooting and the next he wasn’t,” said wife Tam Cordray.

Precipitated by Herman’s shooting friends’ lack of closure after her husband’s passing, Tam decided to honor Herman and his contributions to youth shooting programs by creating the Herman Cordray Memorial Sporting Clay Shoot. Each year the shoot allows Herman’s friends and fellow shooters to enjoy a favorite pastime in the spirit of a dear friend as well as contribute to two causes that were important to Herman: youth shooting clubs and the California Donor Transplant Program. 

“I noticed that the men who came to the funeral needed closure so the first shoot was like that. It was closure,” said Tam.

Now entering its third year, the aim for this year’s event will be for 100 shooters to raise $10,000 for the youth shooting clubs and the donor program.

As a registered donor Herman’s body went on to save the lives of others and was also donated to scientific research. Those who register for the memorial shoot who are registered donors or signup to become one at the shoot will receive $5 off of their entry fee.

Herman was also a large supporter of the youth shooting clubs in California and saw the youth as the future of the sport. With several youth shooting clubs in the region, those clubs with youth who help run the event will be awarded a portion of the proceeds alongside the California Donor Transplant Program.

“I think it’s important for the youth to give back to their shooting community and be appreciative of those who sacrifice so that they can shoot,” explained Tam. 

With the annual event slated to last a decade, the top winners each year are posted to a large wooden board that is displayed at the winner’s shooting club.  

Signups for the Herman Cordray Memorial Clay Shoot will take place at 8:30 a.m. and shooting will begin at 10 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clays in Ione. Those interested in sponsoring the event can do so by donating $150 in the form of cash, a raffle item, or a shooting prize item and can contact Chuck Hammond at 915-1963.