July 23, 1936 - August 18, 2016
Maurice Dominique Herlax, 80, left his earthly body for his heavenly home on August 18th, after a courageous battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Maurice was born to Dominique and Jennie Herlax in Carson City, Nevada on July 23rd, 1936. His family owned a ranch and he learned the value of hard work and a job well done at a young age. When there was ever a problem (or broken farm equipment) Maurice had a fix or if he needed a part that couldn’t be found, he made his own.
His life wasn’t all hard work and often, on early mornings before school, Maurice could be found on his horse riding the hills above their ranch in Carson City.
Maurice attended Carson High School and graduated in 1955. A few years later in 1958 he joined the Army and was honorably discharged in 1960. After which he began his career in the construction industry settling at Baldwin Contracting Company and was proud of the 50+ years as an Operating Engineer, Local 3.
Maurice was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend and love of his life, Carolyn Joyce Hodge in Chico, California in 1962. Maurice raised his two children with the strong work ethic he was taught as a child. He also taught his children kindness, respect and all of his lessons were balanced with love and concern.
Maurice was not a big talker, but you knew the words that he did say would be full of wisdom and common sense. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small or big. His pride in his Basque heritage was evident in the stories he told. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son, Mike; his daughter, Deborah and son in law Steve Enos; his grandchildren Jordan & Alexandra Enos, Ethan, Tyler and Jack Herlax and his sister, Renee Shults as well as extended family and friends.
The Rosary will be held on September 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Brusie Funeral Home in Chico, CA. Visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m.
Mass will be held on September 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Chico, California.
Final resting place, following mass, will be at Glen Oaks Memorial Park with a reception to follow at the Elks Lodge in Chico, California. Father Jason Clark will officiate the service.
Donations can be made in Maurice’s honor to the Salvation Army or your charity of choice; prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at brusiefh.com or chicoer.com.
