Wesley Kenneth Bengard, 91 of King City passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.  Wesley was the first of three sons born to Christian and Dorothy Bengard.  He was born in Santa Maria, California, on October 20th, 1930, or "10/20/30" as he often joked.  He lived to the age of 91, surpassing his goal of being "86'd outta here" on his 86th birthday.  "Nibs" was the apple of his mother's eye, with a quick wit, easy smile, good looks and loads of charm.  He was raised to be a gentleman-respectful, polite and courteous.  His code of conduct was family first and honesty:  your word means everything, and always do the right thing.  This served him well in his personal and professional life.

Wesley grew up in King City, California, the town was booming during the war.  Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts filled the town with troops.  There was a labor shortage during this time as the young men went off to war.  He worked on the family farm on Division Street in the walnut orchard, milked two cows and cared for the chickens.  At age 14, he got his driver's license and went to work at JC Penney as a stock clerk and janitor.  He also worked for the King City Furniture Company delivering furniture.  In the evening, he worked as a janitor at the Monterey County Bank.  We often heard how difficult wartime was for him and the impact on his life.

The upside of the war was the booming Mesa Del Rey Airport.  It brought Glenn and Melba LaBarre to town along with their daughter, Diane.  Wes and Diane met in high school.  She was two years his junior and he was in love.  He graduated in 1948 and went to work for Irvin Bray, a cattle broker.  In February 1949 he attended the University of California Davis, majoring in Agronomy.  He enjoyed college life so much that his grades suffered and he withdrew in November 1949.

Wes and Diane were married in 1950 and lived in Seaside where he worked at Bank of America.  They moved back to King City where Christi was born in 1951 and Laurie followed in 1954.  Wes partnered with his dad and Bengard Insurance and Real Estate was formed.  This business was located in the original building of The Bank of Italy at 301 Broadway.  Chris, Wes, and eventually Darrel were partners in this successful business endeavor that included insurance, real estate, two housing subdivisions, a mobile home park development, mobile home sales, and a travel agency.

During this time span, Wes and Diane bought and sold two homes before building a custom home on Park Place in 1959.  This home was a showplace inside and out.  Diane and Wes loved to entertain, hosting family and friends frequently.  The home was decorated beautifully every holiday and enjoyed by all.  The family enjoyed an active lifestyle:  water skiing at Lake Nacimiento, snow skiing in Lake Tahoe, and enjoying the family cabin in Arroyo Seco.  Wes was very social.  He was a member of the King City Jaycees, Rotary (past President), Chamber of Commerce (past President), and as the area representative for Boy Scouts of America.  "Bones" and "The Rook" played Yaqui across from the office at lunch with "The Champ," and "The Crow," among other friends, and relished catching up on the local gossip.

Wes and Diane were very active in the Episcopal Church and Wes was the Sr. Warden on the vestry at St. Marks.  Father Stacy checked on our attendance by coming by anytime we weren't in church.  Christi and Laurie were in the Junior Choir and enjoyed the youth group activities.

Rancho Quinada was purchased in 1968 by Wes, Chris and Darrel.  Wes and his family moved into the ranch house.  Christi was a senior and Laurie was a freshman in high school.   Diane was a master at updating and renovating with her artistic designs.  The gardens were cared for by Diane's mom and dad, and another beautiful family home was created.  The family gatherings, holidays, and parties continued.

Wes and Diane continued to enjoy both daughters and were actively involved in their lives.  They also traveled extensively starting in the early 1970's.  They renewed their faith during this time - Diane first, with Wes following somewhat reluctantly.  They were generous supporters of televangelists.  They continued to improve the ranch by adding an octagon addition with a living room and a master bedroom upstairs.  A swimming pool was added, and Wes spent most warm days skinny dipping.

Eventually, two granddaughters arrived.  Wes and Diane were delighted!  Paula Diane was the first in 1983, and Megan Laurel followed in 1990.  The ranch was their second home.  It was rare for them not to see their grandparents every day.  Wes and Diane helped to provide a stable environment for their granddaughters, and they loved being grandparents.  Wes loved Disneyland and spent his birthday there taking Paula at age 2. 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 Papa.

Wes had a loving and generous spirit, and welcomed many people into his home and life over the years. Friends of Christi and Laurie became honorary family members for life- Paul Drobny and his family, Marsha (Belsky), her husband Yousef, Jacob and Amira (honorary grandkids). The list of others would include Debbie and Geoff Blanchard, Alex and Florence Camany and so many more it would be impossible to list.  Alex was a constant friend to Wes from his high school days when Wes was courting Diane to the end of his life where he visited him at Ave Maria and Anjelica's Villa weekly. Wes left us with a wink and a smile.  Well done, Wesley!

Wes was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Bengard, mother, Dorothy (Eade) Bengard, father, Christian 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 7th at 11am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 301 Bassett St. in King City.

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