FILE NUMBER........

Whereas, The members of the Nevada Legislature were deeply

saddened by the passing of Matthew C. Benson on February 9, 1998; and

Whereas, Matthew C. Benson was born in Ely, Nevada, on April 27,

1922, and graduated from White Pine County High School in 1940; and

Whereas, During World War II, Matt Benson served as a United States

Navy Communications Officer in the South Pacific Amphibious Forces,

and it was during this time of service that Matt Benson married Peggy

Joyce Sorenson on a 5-day leave in June 1944; and

Whereas, After graduating from Utah State Agricultural College with a

Bachelor of Science degree in range management, Matt Benson worked for

3 years with the United States Soil Conservation Service as a range

conservationist; and

Whereas, Matt Benson was hired as assistant manager and then as

manager of the Marble Ranches in Elko County from 1954 to 1964,

followed by 24 years as manager of the Heritage Ranch in Gardnerville

which retained him as a consultant after his retirement in 1988; and

Whereas, Matt Benson was honored as Man of the Year for Carson

Valley Days in 1986 and served as Carson Valley Days Grand Marshal in

1987; and

Whereas, An active member of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association

and the National Cattlemen’s Association for 30 years, Matt Benson was

honored as Cattleman of the Year in 1990; and

Whereas, Matt Benson’s knowledge of ranching and agriculture was a

tremendous asset to the community as he gave his time and energy as a

member of the Douglas County Farm Bureau and the Eureka County Farm

Bureau, both of which he also served as president, the Heil Commission for

Wild Horse Preservation, the University of Nevada Agricultural College

Advisory Committee and various other committees and organizations; and

Whereas, To many who knew him, Matt Benson typified the model of

a Nevada cowboy and rancher who loved sharing his experiences by

organizing trail rides and hayrides, during which he would inevitably be

part of a sing-along that always included, at his request, the Nevada state

song, "Home Means Nevada"; and

Whereas, Matt Benson is survived by his wife, Peggy, his children,

Ken Benson of Baker, Oregon, Julie Ann Ward of Sheridan, Montana,

grandchildren; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly

Concurring, That the members of the 70th session of the Nevada

Legislature express their deepest sympathy to the family of Matthew C.

Benson; and be it further

Resolved, That Matt Benson will be remembered for the many ways he

shared his love for and knowledge of ranching as well as for the laughter

and fun he brought into the lives of those who knew him; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy

of this resolution to his wife, Peggy, and his children, Ken, Nancy and

Julie.

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