Casey Bequeath, 63, of Caldwell, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by close friends and family, on Monday, October 1, 2018 after a nearly two year battle with sinus cancer. When you hear the phrase “cowboy up” think of Casey Bequeath. He fought courageously both at the Huntsman Institute in Salt Lake City and at MISTI in Boise. He said of himself, “I’m not a religious man but I do love Jesus Christ and I’m ready to meet my Lord.” And even through his last battles with this devastating disease his faith grew increasing stronger. Casey was born in Caldwell, Idaho, on March 20, 1955, to William “Bill” Bequeath and June Emily Boetger Bequeath. Casey was the first born of 4 siblings all growing up in the cowboy lifestyle.
He attended Caldwell schools where he met and fell in love with Rhonda Rhoades even before high school. Their love remained constant throughout high school and Rhonda continued to hold his heart throughout his life. This romance matured into a loving commitment of marriage on September 2, 1976. From this commitment and their life together, they were blessed with their two amazing children Cody and Kendall. And thanks to Kendall and Scott, a later added blessing, his number one grandson Jaggar.
Casey was a natural born bronc-buster and athlete. With his God given talent of horsemanship, he broke and trained numerous horses for himself and others. One of his favorite pleasures was riding and/or roping with family and friends. He also enjoyed the challenges of competitive sports of any variety but especially basketball. This competitive spirit led him to a stellar rodeo career where he won the saddle bronc event in every ICA Rodeo at least once. He was the Idaho Cowboy Association Saddle Bronc Champion 3 times and was the ICA Reserve Champion 4 times. He was particularly fond of the Homedale rodeo and community. After hanging up his bronc spurs, being a rodeo judge became a passion and calling. He spent many hours studying and preparing and strived to be the best he could be for all the contestants because he had walked in their boots. On 20th of this month of October, Casey along with his son Cody will be inducted into the Idaho Cowboy Hall of Fame. Perhaps his second great love outside of rodeo was hunting, be it big game or birds. Even in his very last days he was ready to hunt and requested to be dressed in his hunting clothes.
Although horses and rodeo were his hobby, his professional career was running heavy equipment and building and maintaining roads which he did for 42 years. He began his career and continued with the Canyon Highway District for 34 years holding various positions. In his later career he was recruited to be the director of the Nampa Highway District for 8 years till his retirement this year due to illness. During his career, Casey developed many close friendships with his Commissioners, coworkers, and employees. It was his wish to convey his heartfelt thanks to all those with whom he worked for all their love, genuine concern, and unwavering support. It was not at all unusual to see Casey working at his job on his computer in a hospital bed.
Casey is survived by and will be missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Rhonda (Rhoades) Bequeath; son Cody Bequeath (Danika Silva); daughter Kendall Moore (Scott) and his favorite grandson Jaggar Moore; father Bill Bequeath; sister Karen Craig (Perry); brother Rick Bequeath; mother-in-law (mostly mom) Ruth Rhoades; brother-in-law Rod Rhoades (Sherry); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother June Bequeath: his sister Billy June Dewey; his grandmother Nola Milliner; and father-in-law Floyd Rhoades.
Casey, along with his loving family, wish to thank all those who supported him in this courageous fight. All those who contributed to the Go Fund Me Campaign; Rhonda’s Sorority Sisters; Individual Contributors; The Homedale Basque Center and Community and all their workers and contributors; Casey’s co-workers; Rhonda’s Pickleball buddies; Encompass Hospice; various Rodeos and Associations; Deer Flat Church, Pastor Phil and fellow parishioners; the unbelievable friends and supportive family, and all the unrecognized gifts of kindness and support. The outpouring of love and support has been unbelievable. It all goes to prove there really are Angels.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Idaho Cowboys Association; PO Box 234, Wilder, ID 83676. Your donations will be distributed to the Crisis and Scholarship Funds in Casey’s memory.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 5th at Deer Flat Church, 17703 Beet Rd, Caldwell ID 83607 under the care of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Family and friends and even cowboys are welcome to a luncheon immediately following services. Please no spurs!
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com
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