[inline_image file=”efe8a08dcd573f308ebe073439b3c349.jpg” caption=”Chris Bengoa.jpg”]
Chris Bengoa was recently presented with the 2022 Ranch Hand of the Year award before the kickoff of the 33rd annual Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend, held March 5-6 at the Winnemucca Event Center in Winnemucca, NV.
Bengoa was born in Winnemucca in September 1948 to Chris and Mary Bengoa. He was the oldest of twins and grew up alongside his twin brother, Cleto, and sister, Ceci Ratliff, on the family ranch in Kings River, which the Bengoa family owned and operated for over 40 years.
Bengoa spent the first six grades in a one-room schoolhouse at Kings River and started the seventh grade in Winnemucca. He graduated from Humboldt County High School in 1966.
The first Winnemucca High School Rodeo was held in the rodeo arena situated behind the current Ridley’s supermarket location. Bengoa was a member of the high school rodeo club that produced that rodeo. When he was a senior in high school, he helped build the first arena at the current rodeo facility at the Winnemucca Events Center, where the first function was also a high school rodeo.
Rodeo has been a big part of Bengoa’s life, and he has worked to pass on his love of the arena not only to his kids, but to the people and kids around him. He has always taken time to help youngsters get into the sport and be a part of the Western way of life.
Bengoa graduated in 1970 from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in business administration. Upon graduation, he returned to the family ranch at Kings River for a few years.
In 1976, Bengoa purchased the original Quinn River Merc in McDermitt, NV. Shortly after, he married LaRena Smith in 1978. Bengoa and LaRena had two sons, Rusty and Kelsey.
In 1986, Bengoa sold the Quinn River Merc and began a long career as the manager of the Lucky 7 Ranch in McDermitt. This period of time would require a whole book unto itself. In 2001, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, LaRena passed away.
In 2005, Bengoa married Pepi Millhouse and became a stepfather to two girls, Keri and Alena.
Bengoa continued to be very active in the McDermitt community, serving on the fire district, sewer board and community board. He served as a Nevada brand inspector for 10 years.
In addition to his ranching responsibilities, Bengoa has been very active in the agricultural community, serving on the Ag District 3 board for over 20 years and on the Humboldt County 4-H Show and Sale Committee for eight years. Bengoa has flagged a lot of ropings, including the Jordan Valley Big Loop Rodeo for many years; in 1974, he won the Big Loop.
Bengoa has also been a regular fixture at the Ranch Hand Rodeo in Winnemucca for many years, whether flagging or getting in on the calcutta.
Bengoa retired in 2019 for exactly one month and 27 days. He returned as manager of the Lucky 7 Ranch and still works there.
During his time at the ranch, Bengoa’s family has grown to include: Rusty, wife Carmen and daughters Mia and Camilla; Kelsey, wife Jessie and twins Brand and Landry; Keri, husband Curtis Robinson and children Blaze, Brock and Kinsley; and Alena Millhouse.
The Ranch Hand of the Year award is sponsored by the Agricultural District No. 3 as a way to recognize those women and men who make their living in the ranching industry. — Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend
