WEST—Manuel Andrade was more than a site steward for The Archaeological Conservancy, Manuel was a friend, said Conservancy President Cory Wilkins. “Manuel’s service to TAC was invaluable. He impeccably maintained Rocky Hill as if the site was his own, all while never asking for a dime.”
A memorial for Manuel Silva Andrade, Jr., was held Oct. 3, 2025, at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Three Rivers, California, with Father John Griesbach officiating. For many years, Manuel served as site steward for The Archaeological Conservancy’s Jay T. Last / Rocky Hill Archaeological Preserve in the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada.
Over the decades, he led hundreds of tours of Rocky Hill, educating thousands about the site and Yokut Culture. His positive relationships with local Native Americans earned their respect and trust, which resulted in great understanding of the site.
Located between Fresno and Bakersfield, the preserve contains remnants of a Southern Valley Yokut Village with bedrock mortars and cupule rocks estimated to be 2,000 years old. Hundreds of pictographs depicting bears, turtles, and hunters, are tucked into overhangs and small rockshelters. The area is considered sacred to the Yokuts, who occasionally perform ceremonies there.
Manuel was born in Long Beach on Oct. 9, 1939, the fifth child born of eight, and grew up in southern California. According to his obituary, he packed his pickup truck the day after high school graduation with one plan: to travel and see more of California. Known for his hard work and dedication, he and his wife, Mary, were active in their community, helping a variety of projects and organizations. Along the way, Manuel taught everyone about the Yokuts tribe and their ways of living off the land.
Our hearts go out to Manuel’s family, friends, and community, who will miss him dearly. All of us at TAC will miss his presence at Rocky Hill and are eternally grateful for all he did to enhance everyone’s experiences at the preserve.
Pictured: Jay T. Last/Rocky Hill Archaeological Preserve site stewards Christine Grimaldi Clarkson, left, and Manuel Andrade attend a tour taken during the American Rock Art Research Association conference in May 2025. Photo by Linsie Lafayette/The Archaeological Conservancy.
