BY JOE CORTEZ AND KRISTINA HACKER
Turlock Journal
R.I.P. BOB PHELAN — We received a text message Monday night from former Congressman John Duarte, informing us that longtime political operative Bob Phelan had died. He was 71.
Bob was most recently the field representative for Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove). Before that, he’d been with Tom Berryhill during his stints as a Stanislaus County supervisor, a state senator, and assemblymember.
We at the Journal got to know Phelan in 2022, when parts of Turlock were folded into McClintock’s 5th Congressional District.
Phelan, who had previously beaten prostate cancer, succumbed to bladder cancer on Feb. 28 — he and wife Alta’s 33rd wedding anniversary.
“He had come home the night before after two weeks in the hospital, so he was at home with family when he passed,” said Alta Phelan, who noted that Bob used to do four sets of 100 push-ups every morning. “He was very fit before he got sick. And he was very proud that fact.”
Bob and Alta, both born in San Francisco, met in Modesto and had three children — David, Michael, and Debra — and 12 grandchildren. He was the owner of Big Valley Political Consulting,
“Bob was very active politically,” said Alta. “He loved God, family, and country. And the 49ers. He was a big 49ers fan.”
There will be a celebration of life for Phelan on April 12 at Rivets Bar and Grill, 2307 Oakdale Rd., Modesto, from noon to 4 p.m.
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LAST RIDE FOR HOULIHAN — It’s not every day that an octogenarian serves as a fitness role model, but that was what Ray Houlihan was to many in Turlock. At the age of 86, he had earned four gold medals in his senior cycling career.
His love of cycling started when he was a student at Monte Vista Christian in Watsonville, California. Going hand in hand with his love of cycling, was a passion for photography. He said his cycling adventures led him to areas that most cannot see without riding there or walking. His ability to capture shots through his love for cycling transcended into other sports for Turlock High (where he retired from teaching in 1990), most notably football where he was often seen on the sidelines. Houlihan taught for 32 years, including 15 years at Turlock High.
Houlihan also battled daily with Type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. He didn’t let anything stop him from cycling, however.
“For many years I didn’t know I had diabetes,” Houlihan told the Journal in 2018. “But it’s motivation to see if I can do it. Sometimes I feel better than I did in my 40s. My numbers are good because of exercising and cycling has been a great thing. I had diabetes probably years before I knew anything. Along with diet, exercise is the best thing since you don’t want to get overweight.”
When not competing in an event, Houlihan was seen touring the roadways. He had ridden his bike from Turlock to Sacramento on three separate occasions and completed four trips through Pacheco Pass near the San Luis Reservoir in 1981, ‘86, ‘88 and 2011.
Unfortunately, Houlihan’s days of cycling the Valley came to end last month when he passed away following a brief illness. He was 93.
A brief memorial service will be held for Houlihan at 11 a.m. April 11 at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. Later the same day, the family is hosting a lunch reception at 1:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 2619 N Berkeley Ave, Turlock.
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A CENTURY AGO — Scott Atherton of the Turlock Historical Society will be giving a presentation on “Turlock and the Roaring ‘20s” this morning at 11 a.m. at the Turlock Public Library. The presentation is free and open to the public.
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TRIVIA ANSWER: Last time, we asked who was the head baseball coach at Stanislaus State during the time that pitcher Greg Magni wore the red and gold (1997-2000). It was Mark de la Motte, who was also the longtime coach at Turlock High School. Seems like an amazing coincidence that the diamond at THS is named Mark de la Motte Field, doesn’t it?
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TRIVIA QUESTION: Let’s stick with the baseball theme. See if you can name the Turlock native who was MVP of the College World Series and helped Fresno State claim the 2008 national championship. Bonus points if you know what uniform number he wore for the Bulldogs.
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FUN IN THE SUN: The Turlock Certified Farmers Market is on quite the hot streak. Temperatures hovered around 70 degrees last weekend for its season opener downtown. And, after a wet and windy work week, it looks like TCFM will get another lovely day for Week No. 2. Head on down and check it out. Eggs are sold there!
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PROUD OF THE PRIDE: A special thanks to our friends working the snack bar for the Northern California boys soccer semifinal Thursday between Cardinal Newman and Pitman at Joe Debely Stadium. Sophomore Emiliano Nunez, junior Samuel Sargsyan, freshman Patrick Abadi, and parent supervisor Betty Julian … you guys make a mean Cup O’ Noodles.
