Wesley Kenneth Bengard

Wesley Kenneth Bengard, 91 of King City, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022.

Wesley Bengard, a third generation Californian, was born on Oct. 20, 1930 (aka 10/20/30) in Santa Maria, Calif., to Chris and Dorothy Bengard. He was the oldest son and oldest grandchild to Anton and Fritzie Bengard and Wes and Bessie Eade. He lived to the age of 91, surpassing his goal of being "86'd outta here" on his 86th birthday.

Wesley grew up in Bitterwater and King City, Calif. Nicknamed "Nibs," he was the apple of his mother's eye, with a quick wit, easy smile, good looks and loads of charm. He graduated from King City high school, class of 1948; he later attended UC's Berkeley Farm, later to become UC Davis. During high school, he met the love of his life, and future wife, Diane LaBarre, who he married in 1950; moving to Seaside briefly to work for Bank of America. Quickly, they were expecting a family and moved back to King City to raise Christi and Laurie, their two daughters.

Wes began working for his father Chris in the real estate and insurance business in downtown King City. Eventually, Darrell "Nick" joined the family business at several downtown locations before they moved into the 1912 Bank of Italy/Bank of America building in the 1960's. Wes had a love for creating beautiful things, a great asset he brought to the real estate business. They developed several subdivisions in King City and in Pine Canyon; the first one was Fairview/Park Place, where he built the family's custom home. Later, they built Grove Park, a mobile home park, and sold the mobile homes going into the park where the Bengard walnut orchard once stood.

Eventually, Wes longed for the living in the country again, and the family (Chris, Wes, Nick) purchased a large ranch (Rancho Quinado) on Jolon Road where Wes lived for the last 55 years. Wherever Wes lived, he and Diane loved to host and entertain both family and friends. Wes was very social, the more, the merrier. Both Wes and Diane had a flare for decorating and entertaining, putting others at ease and beckoning fun. Towards the end of Wes' life, he often talked in his sleep, speaking with others to get the drinks and barbecue items necessary for the next gathering, a true family value.

Wes and Diane were great parents and provided lots of activities for Laurie and Christi to enjoy: picnicking, swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, snow skiing, and traveling. Family was an important value for both of them. Eventually, two granddaughters Paula Diane and Megan Laurel Cheney, arrived. Wes and Diane were delighted! The ranch was their second home and their grandparents took care of them and saw them almost every day. Wes and Diane loved being grandparents; they attended all school functions, family dinners most nights, and spent many hours swimming, horseback riding, taking jeep rides on the ranch and teaching their granddaughters to drive. Every 4th of July was a Jalopy ride in the local parade with Wes (Papa).

Wes was very social. He was an active community member of the King City Jaycees, Rotary (past President), and Chamber of Commerce (past President). Wes was very active in the Episcopal Church; he and Diane were on the vestry trying to keep the church relevant to the changing needs of our community. He was the chair of the Rose Bowl Parade float committee, again creating beauty and creativity, honoring his community. He was FDR in Stagehand's Annie and loved every minute of the play.

Wes was always a gentleman; he was respectful, polite and courteous. He loved his cats, his dog Hector and loved to ride his horse. He loved music, and loved to sing. He shared his sweet smile with others; kind words he shared with others came easily. Wes had a loving and generous spirit, and welcomed many into his home and life over the years. Friends of his family became honorary family members for life.

Wes was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Bengard; mother, Dorothy (Eade) Bengard; father, Chris Bengard; and brother, Darrel Bengard. He is survived by his brother, Tom Bengard; daughters, Christi Bengard and Laurie Cheney; granddaughters, Paula (Kade) Giudici and Megan Cheney; great-grandsons, Clayton and Vance Giudici; nieces and nephews, Tim Bengard, Stephany Bengard, Brian (Vickie) Bengard, Bardin (Pam) Bengard, Tracy (Paul) Pezzini, Tom (Louise) Bengard and their families.

Pallbearers will be Tim Bengard, Bardin Bengard, Brian Bengard, Tom Bengard, Kade Giudici, Bradley Relf and Jacob Yousef. Honorary Pallbearer will be brother, Tom Bengard.

A funeral service will be held Friday, October 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on 301 Basett St. in King City followed by a celebration of life luncheon provided by Francis Guidici and dessert provided by the King City Rotary.

If you wish to make donations in memory of Wesley, please offer to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com.

Published in King City Rustler · October 4, 2022