Robert John "Bob" Bedart

Arbuckle resident, Robert John "Bob" Bedart, peacefully passed away on November 19, 2010 in the presence of his family, he was 78. Bob was the loving husband of 54 years to Mary Kae Bedart. Together they had two children, John Bedart and Elizabeth Bedart- Ghani, as well as 6 grandchildren. Born on January 28, 1932, Bob was the second son born to John and Marianne Bedart. He was first generation American, being of Basque descent. In his Basque tradition, he herded sheep with his father from the age of three and continued far into his adult years. Bob attended school in the Pierce Joint Unified School District, where he began his schooling speaking no English, only Basque. He graduated in 1948 from Pierce High School where he was part of a championship football team. Fifty-seven years later his grandson Austin Bedart would follow in his footsteps, winning the football championship as well. Bob attended UC Davis, where he played football and was a member of a fraternity. He also attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was a member of the rodeo team. After serving nine years in the National Guard, Bob was drafted into the Army where he served in the 3rd Armored Division as a tanker in Kentucky and Germany. He did not go alone. Bob married Mary Kae Kalfsbeek of Arbuckle on October 7, 1955. They spent the next year in Germany and then toured the Pyrenees meeting many relatives before returning home. Soon after his return, he contributed to creating rodeo grounds in Arbuckle. He was a bronc rider and competed throughout California. In addition to raising and herding sheep, he also farmed sugar beets, wheat and rice for 50 years. He was an active member of many different organizations. Bob was involved in starting the National Farm Organization where he was the head of the red meat division. He marched on the streets of Sacramento to protest for rice farmers. He mentored kids in husbandry for FFA. In his personal life, he was a lover of horses, going on many hunting and packing expeditions both in and out of state. He was a fisherman as well. He loved the mountains where he and his wife made many trips with their family over the years. He loved sitting under a pine tree on his family's ranch with his head on his saddle savoring the countryside. Bob was predeceased by his mother and father, John and Marianne Bedart; his brother, Alfred Bedart; and son, John Bedart. Survivors include his wife, Mary Kae Bedart of Arbuckle; daughter in law, Susan Bedart of Arbuckle; daughter, Elizabeth Bedart-Ghani and husband Adofo Ghani of Los Angeles. In addition, Bob leaves behind six grandchildren: Brandon, Austin and Andrea Bedart of Arbuckle, and Khaliq, Khalil, Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani of Los Angeles. Visitation will be held Friday, November 26, 2010, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Arbuckle. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial to follow at Arbuckle Cemetery. Donations may be made in Bob's name to the Arbuckle Fire Department or the charity of your choice. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com