Roy Edmond Wentz

“Cowboy” Roy Wentz, respected horseman, husband, mentor and loving friend, peacefully passed on to the eternal rodeo on July 3, 2013, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife Peggy Wentz, step-daughter Kathryn Douglas-Caba (Tom), four step-grandchildren, god-daughter Laura Kath and hundreds of friends including Donna Lee, Tina Handerhan, Troy Walton, Bill Mackins & Phyllis Claudio, Robbie Elconin and Bill Wilson (41 years). Roy’s passing is mourned by all as well as his long-time fellow members of the Los Padres Trail Riders and the Spiritualist Church of the Comforter. The family extends gratitude for the loving care he received from Dr. Dennis Ashley, Hospice and the Central Coast Nursing Center in Santa Barbara.

Born in Sacramento, Roy spent the last 70 years of his life in Santa Barbara working/volunteering/sharing his experience, love of horses and all animals. For 40-plus years, he worked at Vandever Stables and Handerhan Stables. Roy served as an outrider in more than 50 annual Santa Barbara Fiesta parades.

A Celebration of Life memorial service for Roy will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at the Spiritualist Church of the Comforter, 1028 Garden Street, Santa Barbara. Casual western attire is encouraged and a reception will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Roy Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center, PO Box 30662, Santa Barbara, CA 93130; www.heartsriding.org Arrangements handled by Welch-Ryce-Haider; please visit “Cowboy” Roy’s online tribute book at www.wrhsb.com