Rory Jay Dake

Rory Jay Dake, known as "RJ" and later affectionately as "Papa Dake," went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2024, at the age of 65. Born on August 3, 1959, in Lincoln, Nebraska, RJ grew up in Orleans, Nebraska, raised with a love of faith, farming, family, and community.

RJ's living family include his wife of 31 years, Angela Dake; his daughter, Marissa; and his son, Anthony. He is also survived by his parents Lana and Blaine Dake, and siblings Eric (Lisa) Dake, Kathy (Mark) Christensen, Andy (Diana) Dake, and Christy (Nye) Pelton. He leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews, and many "adopted" children and grandchildren through his community work and mentorship.

A lifelong learner and lover of education, RJ graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1984, followed by a Master's in Technology Education from Sacramento State in 2004, and a PhD (abd) in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Capella University in 2016. He served in the U.S. Air Force National Guard for eight years before embarking on a career in education. RJ taught at Elk Grove Unified School District for 18 years. As an educator during the Dot-com Boom, the rise of home computing, and the emergence of online communities, he played a pivotal role in equipping his students for careers and lives in which digital technology would become an essential part of daily life. He was instrumental in modernizing the education system by enthusiastically advocating for the adoption and establishment of things like computer labs and keyboarding classes. After moving to Kansas, RJ spent seven years as the STEM and IT Consultant at the Kansas State Department of Education before returning to his true passion—farming and land restoration. He served on the board of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association and held numerous leadership roles within organizations such as the Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Soil Health Alliance. RJ was deeply involved in his community, actively serving in his churches and various STEM and educational organizations.

RJ and Angela met in 1991 while he served as the interim youth pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church of Elk Grove. They married in May of 1993. Their romantic journey bloomed into a wonderful relationship as best friends, parents of two greats kids and then to business partners. They moved to Kansas in 2007. When the opportunity arose to purchase a farm next door to their Auburn home in 2015, They wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of starting their farming journey, establishing Hidden Hill Farms. RJ found immense joy in clearing overgrowth, restoring water resources, improving soil health, and preserving ecosystems and biodiversity so they could realize their plan to raise healthy food for the community. Together they have created the beautiful agritourism farm you see today.

RJ was also a dedicated father who deeply valued his role in his children's lives. He actively participated in their activities, always encouraging their passions and joining them in their interests. A voracious reader, he absorbed knowledge from various fields, and loved sharing that learning into robust conversations and life lessons for his children. He took pride in seeing his children grow and accomplish new things and often shared that pride with others.

Farming was RJ's lifelong passion, but not in the conventional sense. Even while living in California, he cultivated stunning produce gardens, sharing the harvest with family and community, and he had a remarkable way with animals. His dedication to soil health and land conservation earned him respect in agricultural circles, where he generously shared his expertise.

Known for his strong, compassionate nature and visionary outlook, RJ saw potential in people, land, and projects alike. A man of faith and integrity, he often served as the conscience of the organizations with which he was involved. A gentle soul, he thrived in one-on-one conversations, truly listening to others as they shared their thoughts and stories.

A memorial service for RJ will be held on Sunday, October 27, at 1:00 PM at Hidden Hill Farms, located at 7320 SW Indian Hills Road, in Monarch Meadow. We invite everyone to join us at the farm, a place where RJ poured his heart and soul into creating a beautiful and peaceful environment for all to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to wear casual attire and comfortable shoes that can get a little dirt on them. Please look for parking attendants upon arrival.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to their GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/aac83db4) to help cover expenses during this difficult time. Your support is greatly appreciated as they navigate this journey.

RJ will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, education, and love for the land will continue to inspire all who knew him.