BAHTEN, BENNY

Benny Bahten passed away Monday, April 9th at Beverly Healthcare in Sonora. He was a lifelong resident of Sonora. He was born August 23rd, 1928 in Sonora. He graduated from Rawhide Grammar School, and then Sonora Union High School in 1946. In 1955, he became a Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posseman. His mother, Olif Bahten was the second Round-Up Mother of the Year in 1959.

In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, he cowboyed for Joe Martin, Sr. and the Sanguinettis. He worked as a butcher for Joe Garaventa at the Old Palace Meat Market on Washington Street, and later worked for the local contracting firm of Beerman & Jones, and also for Frank Bigelow at Bigelow Mortuary.

From 1955 to 1967, He was the sales and general mangager for John Kelley at Central Motors. He then owned and operated Running Bear Motors, a Ford and Mercury dealership, with his partner Ray Sciaroni from 1968 to 1982. From 1982 until he retired in 1992, he sold real estate with Century 21.

Besides being a member of the Posse, Benny became a member of the Sonora Elks and Rotary. He was also deeply involved in many other youth and civic organizations and activities.

Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. No services are to be held at his request

• Date of Death: 4/9/2001
• Age: 72