The Man from Indian Valley: The Legend of Lester Rougeot

As if the West wasn't wild enough in 1925, on July twentieth, along came Lester Rougeot.
Born into a pioneer farm and ranch family in Lowes Canyon, Monterey County, California, just north of the San Luis Obispo County line, Lester was a kid who livened up the land. "I liked to cause a little excitement once in awhile," Lester admitted. "Still do." He did, he does – and, more than once in awhile.
Lester's family grew grain, raised cattle, horses, and mules on ranches all over the territory. Red Head Canyon east of San Ardo, the Heritage Ranch, Ranchita Canyon, Hog Canyon, and Indian Valley, Lester came to know his lifelong stomping grounds well. As a result, he cultivated a sense of belonging so strong he rarely cares to leave. He'd much rather hang out at Joe's Place than get on a plane to anywhere.
Throughout his life, Lester has seen many changes. From mule team powered harvesters to self-propelled computerized equipment, from horse and buggy to ATVs, and from telephone party lines to cell phones. Lester not only witnessed the growth of Paso Robles, he, and generations before, and after him, contributed to that progress.
A 1943, Paso Robles High School graduate, Lester was a charter member and President of Paso Robles first F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America) and a contestant in the first San Luis Obispo County 16th District Agricultural Fair.
An influential member and leader of the area's Grange Halls, Native Sons, and various other organizations, Lester and his wife, Barbara, were instrumental in the success of many local youth groups as well as active facilitators in the building of Father Reginald Memorial Park in San Miguel and the 7X Campground for children on Cypress Mountain Road west of Paso Robles.
Who is Lester Rougeot?
He's the cowboy who is always in good company, for good causes, having good laughs.
That's why it's time to fasten the seat belt and tighten the stampede string. The Man from Indian Valley - The Legend of Lester Rougeot, is no slow Cadillac cruise up Spring Street; it's more like a jolting Jeep ride in the back country along Remembrance Road.
We hope you enjoy the ride.