He was born, February 8, 1933,
On a ranch that runs along Unaweep.
The eldest of 4 children,
his parents couldn’t agree on a name,
So his grandad named him, Beeman,
like the fellow at the bank.
At two months old
his folks laid him down by
The girl who would end up
being his bride.
He jokingly tells the story
about how his parents getting apricots,
Lead him to know
he’d be tying the knot.
As he grew up-
to be school aged,
He’d ride his horse-
two miles each way;
Milking cows in the evening
and again at dawn,
Raising hogs for food
that his family depended on.
He began breaking horses
at the early age of 9;
He realized he was good at it
and made money on the side.
But farming and ranch work took priority,
He knew that the ranch was where he’d always want to be.
So with his wife, Jessie, by his side
They bought the upper piece of the ranch, when his parents retired.
And raised two children of their own,
On the same ranch that he had always known as home.
They helped with their grandchildren
as they grew up too;
And now the great-grands
provide them both, memories of youth.
A small statured man,
in his ol’ brown hat and boots;
He’s passed down the knowledge
of his ranching roots.
Devoted to God, hard work, and his family,
He is an honest man with true integrity.
I am proud to know him
and happy to say,
I love you, Beeman!
2/8/2019