Melvin A. Bettencourt, age 83, a devoted son and loving partner, passed away on July 7, 2012. Mel, a 65+ year resident of Merced County, was born in Snelling, Calif., on Nov. 3, 1928, to Joseph and Amelia Bettencourt.
Mel spent his early years in Snelling working his parents’ dairy farm. As a young man, he moved to Oregon, where he worked for many years driving logging trucks for the timber industry. Throughout his life, he held a variety of jobs including rancher, cattle worker, truck driver, farmer, arena operator, and roper.
Mel loved spending time with family and friends, and his lifelong passion of training horses and riding rodeo events as a roper. His skills as a cowboy led to many awards during numerous competitions throughout the West Coast. He continued riding until the age of 82. Mel was selfless, hard-working, and dedicated to friends and family. He was highly respected for his talents, and will be sorely missed.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Amelia Bettencourt, and siblings Phyllis Mergado and Cecelia (Sissy) Mello. Mel is survived by his loving partner of 26 years, Nancy Castleberry of Winton, Calif., sister Janice Louis, and brothers Richard Bettencourt and Phillip Bettencourt of Atwater, Calif., and Joseph Bettencourt.
A memorial service was held July 12 at the Winton Cemetery, Winton, Calif. A memorial service followed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or another charity. Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home in Atwater handled the arrangements.