Family and friends mourn the loss of Darrel John (Nick) Bengard, who finished "the long good-bye" Friday, December 9, 2011 when he succumbed to Alzheimer's disease.

Born in 1934 in King City, Nick spent most of his life in South Monterey County. He graduated from King City High School in 1952, excelling in basketball and track. He attended San Jose State and enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was third in his class in radio communication and was then stationed in Hawaii and Japan. After his military service, he spent some time in the Bay Area and then came back to King City to join the family insurance and real estate business. Nick went on to run cattle on his ranch on Jolon Rd, continuing a long tradition from his Eade roots. He served on the county planning commission and was chairman, Monterey County Grand Jury and was an active member of the California Rodeo serving on the parade and patio committees. He was a member of Elks Lodge, Lions Club, TAR Day, Jaycees and helped organize Old Timers Day in King City, plus involving himself in numerous other community endeavors. He was an avid hunter for many years and then an eager observer with a keen eye. Nick was famous for his barbecuing, loved his 49ers and was feared at the pedro table. He enjoyed golf as much for the camaraderie as the game.

Nick was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in May 2001.

Life is a gift from God Heaven is our reward after our life on earth has been completed. Darrel John, known by most as Nick or The Rook, was the kindest and most thoughtful of men. Living the long good-bye during the final phase of his Alzheimer's was for the most part full of laughter in a loving and caring environment in Faithful Home Care in Salinas. It gave Nick the environment with people plus the most excellent care you would ever want for your loved ones. Rose, Nick's care provider, has a beautiful smile and knows each person's every need. Frandy, also Nick's care provider, is not only a top-notch chef but also Nick's best buddy. Other care providers were Heidi, Rejean and Evelyn. Many earth angels made our journey easier to bear.

Nick is survived by Susan, his wife of 28 years; children, Tim Bengard, Stephany (Ron) Holstine, Brian (Vickie); and grandchildren Brooke and Barton Bengard and their mother Denise, Chloe and Spencer Holstine, Ashley Bengard and great-granddaughter Hailey Bengard; brothers Wes and Tom (Terry) Bengard; nieces and nephews Christi Bengard, Laurie Plaskett, Bardin (Pam) Bengard, Tracy (Paul) Pezzini and Tom (Louise) Bengard; plus numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Chris and Dorothy Bengard, grandson Wren and countless good friends and relatives.

Pallbearers will be Harry Singh, Rusty Cauley, Jerry Carlson, Bob Martin, Bardin Bengard and Tommy Bengard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kuulei Flores, Bill (Doc) Barbee, Myron (Doc) Etienne, Mac Williams and Rose and Frandy Usi.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 182 El Dorado St., Monterey, 93940 or to Heartland Hospice, 2511 Garden Road #B200, Monterey ,93940 or one's favorite charity.

FUNERAL SERVICES:
A celebration of Nick's good and complete life was held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December13, 2011 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, King City.