Veterinarian, avid horseman and longtime resident of Woodside, Bill Bentham, 81, died unexpectedly February 11, 2020, while vacationing in the British Virgin Islands. Bill was born August 18, 1938, in Oakland, California to Wilfred Sylvester and Edith Ernestine (Mueller) Bentham.

Bill is survived by his wife Erin Lynn (nee' Morra); his children, Sally Ann (Joseph) Fereira, daughter of Bill and first wife Jessie E. Bentham; Ryan Jeremiah Bentham and Jeremiah David Bentham (Leeann), sons of Bill and second wife Linda Gallaher; stepson Justin Macedonio; 3 grandchildren, Justin, Jordan and Jaden Fereira; 1 step-grandchild Greyson Macedonio and 1 great grandchild, Jake Fereira. He is predeceased by Wilfred Norman "Billy" Bentham son of Bill and Jessie E. Bentham; his brother David and his parents Wilfred and Edith.

Bill graduated from San Ramon High School, Class of 1956. He attended both UC California, in Davis and Colorado State University, Fort Collins, School of Veterinary Medicine earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1965. He joined his father Wilfred's existing practice at Central Veterinary Hospital in Fremont, California, mainly focusing on large animal veterinary services. Bill initiated the concept of 24-hour care for hospitalized pets in the area. Primary interests in pet medicine included surgery, dermatology and pet weight control. He owned and operated this thriving practice with a team of devoted employees for 55 years until the time of his death.

With a Veterinarian for a father and a mother with exceptional equine skills, Bill had an avid interest in horses. He became involved in endurance riding in the 1970's serving as President and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Endurance Ride Conference, a national organization dedicated to the sport. Over the years, he completed well over 4,000 miles of 50 and 100 mile competitions finishing as one of the top 10 riders in two of those years. He worked and participated in many endurance rides and ride and tie events as both head veterinarian and staff veterinarian over a span of 40+ years. In his veterinary capacity, he worked to develop criteria for evaluating horses under stress when participating in endurance events and also lectured on the topic. Bill was past Captain, 8 year board member and standing member of the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County for over 37 years; part of the staff veterinarians of the Rancheros Vistadores annual trek with upward of 800 horses; Director of the Woodside Trail Club, Shack Riders and involved in the Tevis Cup and Ride and Tie. Bill was on the Board of Directors for The Wine Country Marines helping to raise funds for wounded warriors. When not on a horse, he enjoyed cavalry history – primarily civil war of which he amassed an extensive collection of memorabilia. His hobbies included; collecting classic cars; building models, specifically radio control aircraft; travel, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. Bill was an animal rescue advocate, dynamic storyteller and a generous and inclusive friend.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Sir Richard and Lady Joan Branson and the staff of Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands for their compassion, kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to:

Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine -
https://advancing.colostate.edu/CVMBSMEMORIALFUND
Or Pay to the order of: CSU Foundation
Memo: CVMBS Memorial Fund in honor of Bill Bentham
PO Box 1870
Fort Collins, Co 80522-1870

The National Wildlife Foundation - https://support.nwf.org/page/8844/donate/1?locale=en-US

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy - https://www.parksconservancy.org/donate/tributes-memorial-gifts

Please make memorial donations in Wilfred Bentham's name to:

The National Wildlife Federation

GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVANCY

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicne