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Benjamin “Benjie” Torres, 64, a resident of Guadalupita, N.M., passed away tragically on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022. He was born on Sept. 9, 1957.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Policarpio and Lorencita Candelario Torres; and brother Johnny Johnson.
Benjie is survived by his daughter Felisha Torres & spouse Isaac Martinez; his son Adam Torres, wife Josephine; grandchildren, Adam Jr., Austin, and Aubree; the mother of his children, Carol Torres; brother Billy Johnson (Cecilia); sisters, Betsy Martinez (Ted), Yvonne Montoya (Alex), Margie Romero (Edmond), Louise Sanchez, & Marlene Apodaca.; his two hijada’s Ursula Erickson-Linares & Mae Torres.
Benjie was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for the cowboy life and adventure began by riding bucking rodeo bulls and winning many first prize competitions, as a result his eldest grandson Adam Benjamin Jr. is now found walking in grandpa Benjie’s BOOTS for his own love of bull riding.
He began his ranching, farming and horse logging career at a young age with his late father Policarpio Pedro Torres and their Clydesdale horse Pat. He eventually took over the family ranch in Guadalupita often times working alone. His drive for life was working with his hands and physically building a life he loved. He worked hard to ensure a high level of customer service resulting in satisfied and longtime customers for his products: latillas, Christmas trees, Aspen trees, hay, and beef cattle. He was also a leathersmith at Chacon Belts and Buckles often times he could be found repairing saddles, reins, holsters & sharpening chainsaw blades for friends.
In addition to owning and sustaining his own ranch, he gave back to his community by serving as the Mayordomo of the Santo Thomas Ditch for many years, thus having extensive experience with New Mexico water rights and Las Acequias. Benjie continued to deliver his success by his approach to the production of quality hay and maximizing natural land resources.
Often he received high recognition at the Five States Livestock Auction in Clayton, NM for his breed of Angus cattle thanks to his much-loved Hereford bull Copeland, producing some of the most remarkable black badly beef cattle. His work ethic showed in everything especially his well-maintained farming equipment, his hi-boy Fords, his gentle horses Bay & Spirit, and incredible ability to keep a mental inventory of his entire herd.
What others may call “WORK” was a lifestyle for him from branding cows, picking up hay by hand, cleaning ditches with a shovel, chopping wood with an ax, cooking and heating his home with a wood stove, or walking miles to mend his fences. His favorite time of year was the fall; during this time, he would harvest hay with his late farming partner Max Valdez Jr.
In his later years, he took on the difficult role of being the primary caregiver for his mother Lorencita. Benjie never missed an opportunity to brag about his grandkids, who were his pride and joy. He also had many close nieces and nephews who adored him and will greatly miss his visits and snacks. Benjie was very well known and was often told he could be a politician due to the number of people he knew, he had a great sense of humor and would often times greet you with the nickname he personally created for you. He was able to strike a conversation with anyone make long life friends. He enjoyed joking around and had unique sayings that will continue in his memory. He left a lasting effect on the land and in many hearts.
Rosary service will be recited by Los Hermanos on Friday evening, Aug. 12, 2022 at 7 p.m. at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Mora.
Catholic Mass Friday, Aug. 13, 2022 at 9 a.m. presented by Fr. Dale Craig, S.O.L.T., Pastor; Fr. Paul Grala, S.O.L.T., Parochial Vicar; at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Mora.
Interment will follow at the Torres Family Cemetery in Guadalupita, N.M.
Pallbearers are Adam Torres Jr., Austin Torres, Emilio “Frankie” Romero, Curtis Roach, David Martinez, Antonio Griego, Joseph Sanchez, & Billy Johnson. Honorary will be Aubree Torres.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank David Martinez, Alvin Martinez, Clarence Garcia, Walter Chavez, Ross Torres, & Martin Romero for always being there for him.
Arrangements are entrusted to Billy G. Rogers at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd., Las Vegas, N.M. 505-425-9319 or 1-888-525-9319.
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