In Loving Memory CLARENCE MINETTI February 8, 1918 - February 28, 2011
For over five decades, Clarence and Rosalie Minetti made countless contributions to this community. From their many generous donations to sponsorships on behalf of the Far Western to untold hours of dedicated service, the Minettis set a new standard in local philanthropy. They were hard-working, unpretentious, and uncommonly kind. Their love for this community was rivaled only by their love for one another. The Minetti’s first met attending area schools together. Their love blossomed after graduation from Santa Maria High School when Clarence took advantage of the proximity of his new job at the Golden State Creamery to Rosalie's family's ranch. Clarence would cross the river every day after work to visit her. They were married for over 70 years. While some may have been content with a simple, quiet life on the ranch, the Minetti’s bravely opted to open a restaurant in Guadalupe in 1958. Almost immediately, the Far Western Tavern became one of the most treasured establishments in our community and cemented the Minetti's prominent local legacy. Over the years, the Minetti’s shared their time, talent and treasure with the Guadalupe Lion's Club, the Guadalupe Joint Union High School District, the Chamber of Commerce, the 37th District Agriculture Association, Rancheros Visitadores and Vaqueros de los Ranchos, to name just a few. Clarence was a true cowboy and he was perhaps most proud of his work with the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. In fact, Clarence actually participated in the first Elks Rodeo in 1944 as a bull rider. He spent nearly ten years as a rodeo pickup man and over thirty years as Rodeo Arena Director.
Clarence was a tireless advocate for the tradition of Elks Rodeo. In fact this event would not have achieved this level of professionalism, respect and success without his vision and his voice.
Clarence was able to put our little rodeo on the map by soliciting top contract acts, championship quality rodeo stock, and national sponsorship, propelling the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo to the number three rodeo in California. Every year, without fail, Clarence and Rosalie would travel to the National Finals Rodeo to secure the best the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association had to offer. The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo could not have had better champions than the Minetti's. Their legacy and love live on in all we do, here, year round and they are missed every day. Their favorite place to be was always together, so we take comfort in knowing that they are reunited and we now have two angels watching over us and cheering us on.
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