A Nevada County legend, Fred Langdon, rancher, logger, truck driver, miner, and construction worker died Sunday, September 1, 2024, at age 84 of natural causes.

Fred is survived by his wife, Patty; son, Tony; stepson, Matt Kelly; and brothers, David, Richard, John, and Bob Reader.

He was predeceased by his brother, James Langdon.

Fred was born to Yolanda and Fred Langdon in 1940. Fred senior died when Fred was 8, and Yolanda remarried to Francis Reader and eventually they built a house and raised 6 boys on the Reader Ranch.

Fred became quite adept at a young age at ranching and eventually managed a herd of cattle of his own. He shoed horses, mowed hay, built barns, branded calves, broke horses and was well known for the cattle drives from high country down Highway 49 to the Reader Ranch. He often put horse and wagon entries in local parades.

Fred loved deer hunting and did so well into his 70’s. Many remember him fondly as the life of the party, opinionated, helper of friends in need, local historian, and a lover of all things cowboy. Some might say he should have been born 100 years earlier.

A recitation of the Rosary will begin at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 235 Chapel Street, Grass Valley. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Committal Services will conclude at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.