Benjamin Rhodes Moran Jr. ’52 died on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, in Placerville, Calif., at the age of 82. He was the son of Benjamin Rhodes Moran Sr. and Madeline Rose Moran and the brother of Richard Lewis Moran. Ben grew up in the San Fernando Valley, where he attended Burbank and Van Nuys public schools. He received an athletic scholarship from Santa Clara University, where he earned his degree. In 1951 he married Gwen and they were married for 59-and-a-half years. Along with Gwen, Ben is survived by his son Ben (Lori) and daughter Julie Hanks (Kip). There are four grandchildren: Aaron, Greta, Gabe and Alice. He was preceded in death by his son Dana and daughter Susan. One of Ben’s proudest moments was playing in the 1950 Orange Bowl game (Santa Clara vs. Kentucky) in which Santa Clara won. In 1952 he played on the World Champion Softball team in Fellows, Calif. After college he worked for the Texas Oil Co. in Bakersfield-Taft area. He and Gwen moved to Mt. Aukum in 1955 to live on the Moran Ranch. He worked for Westel-Oviatt Lumber Co. in Omo Ranch before becoming teacher-principal at Indian Diggings School in Omo Ranch for 34 years. He went on to work for the El Dorado County Office of Education as a consultant and supervisor of the extended day school program for three-and-a-half years. Ben worked two summers as a deputy for the El Dorado County Sheriff Department. He also served on the El Dorado County Grand Jury as well as being a member of the Education, Grange, Cattlemen and Riflemen Associations. He served as a hunter safety instructor and put on an annual Mr. Aukum Turkey School for years. Cattle ranching was an ongoing passion as well. In his later years, Ben battled against Parkinson’s disease up until his death. But he continued to hunt and play golf until he couldn’t walk. By Ben and Gwen’s request there was not a public service. Both want their ashes scattered together on the Moran Ranch in time to come.