PRORODEO Sports News - September 5, 2025

PASSINGS

FORMER PRCA JUDGE KENNETH JAMES FIGUEROA PASSES AWAY K enneth James Figueroa, a former

judge in the PRCA, passed away July 12 with his wife by his side. He was 67. A loving and devoted husband to the Love of his life, Wendy, Figueroa spent several years as a judge in the PRCA before joining the California De partment of Corrections, where he retired in 2024. Figueroa worked out of the Ishi Conservation Camp alongside Cal Fire and the inmate fire crews. His rodeo career began after high school when he attended Hartnell College

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in Salinas, Calif. Competing in bull and saddle bronc riding, he was named captain of the Hartnell team and made the College National Finals Rodeo. He received a scholarship oppor tunity to continue his rodeo career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he also earned his PRCA card. Figueroa eventually went on to become a Gold Card life member of the PRCA. Figueroa spent time coaching the rodeo team at Hartnell before mov

ing to Hawaii where he managed the largest draft horse and car riage program in the world at the Westin Kauai. Following Hurricane Iniki, which impacted the Hawai ian Islands, Figueroa and Wendy returned to California, settling in Red Bluff. Figueroa is survived by his father, Julio Figueroa, wife, Wendy, broth ers Gregory and Richard Figueroa, sister Janine Figueroa, brother-in law Robert (Alison) Winter, eight nieces and nephews, beloved dogs,

Mick, Tucker and Bert, and count less friends. A celebration of life will take place Nov. 15 at The Bluff in Red Bluff, Calif., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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