Dick married Francie Moffat of Covina, and they had four sons, Peter, Matthew, Jacob and John. Francie was a stay-at-home mom, while Dick worked. When the sons were small, Dick served as a leader in the Indian Guides and helped the boys build cars for the Pinewood Derby, which son Matt won. Mother was the Den Mother.In 1992 the family moved from their home in Ventura to Moorpark, where Dick became active in the homeowners association, serving as president. The family spent their vacations at the beach, surf fishing, or camping on the desert near Fremont Peak. On these trips, hiking and fishing were the activities of choice.In 1997, Francie died, and Dick continued to devote much time to his sons, seeing that they got their education. Still active in his business, Dick spends his off work time with son Matt, who claims he has the “best dad in the world.” Dick and his dog “Sam” still live in Moorpark and, when not working, Dick is busy reading and working in his woodworking shop.
Richard E. Botke, Class of 1963
August 20, 2004
Santa Paula High School
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By B. J. Harding, President, SPUHS Alumni Association
Biography #242 (Have you submitted yours?)Richard “Dick” Botke is one of four children of Bill (Class of 1933) and Catherine Botke. The other children are John (Class of ’61), Mary (Class of ’67) and Catherine (Class of ’69).At Santa Paula High School Dick was on the track team, played varsity basketball, and was on the football team all four years. He was in the Letterman’s Club and on the Board of Athletic Control, in the Boys Federation, and served on the Student Council. A couple of his high school buddies with whom he has kept in touch through the years are Joe Viramontes and Jim Colborn.Following graduation, Dick followed in his father’s footsteps and studied engineering at the University of Arizona. He then went to Black Hills State University to receive his degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.Dick returned home to Santa Paula and worked for Gofourth and Botke. In 1974 he became the construction coordinator for Coastal Pipco, where he designed and constructed water collection and automated distribution systems of over 200 miles of pipeline and six reservoirs in Santa Barbara County. He designed, developed and installed first drip irrigation systems for row crops and strawberries in Ventura County.In 1979, as co-owner and vice president, Dick and his partner Bill Jordan formed PW Environmental, where they supervise tank removals and cleanups for soil and water remediation, and supervise the disposal of hazardous waste including analyzing, sampling, profiling and packaging for disposal and recycle. Additionally, they supervise and operate bioremediation systems for soil and groundwater decontamination, chemical cleanup, and other hazardous waste cleanups.
