Well known Alamosa resident and veterinarian Dr. Benjamin “Ben” H. Konishi, 92 died October 29, 2018 at the Evergreen Nursing Home in Alamosa.

Ben was born in Ft. Lupton, Colorado the son of George and Wai Murata Konishi on May 18, 1926.  He married Bessie Yoshida on November 21, 1953. 

Following High School, Ben attended college at Colorado State University (formerly Colorado A&M) where he was inducted in 1950 into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Alpha Psi Honorary Veterinary Fraternity that was changed to Phi Zeta of which he was a founding member.  Following his graduation from College of Veterinary Medicine, he moved to the San Luis Valley and began work with Dr. Wadleigh in Monte Vista.  In 1952, he started his practice in Alamosa, Konishi Veterinary Clinic, and would continue working for the next 66 years until his retirement.  He took care of several generations of family’s livestock over the years.  Ben was known for his quick wit and good sense of humor.

Ben loved supporting 4-H and loved to purchase animals at the San Luis Valley Junior Livestock sales.  He took pride in helping in any way and never charged for the care of 4-H animals.  In 1997, he was named the SLV Cattleman of the Year and in 2010 would become a finalist for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Veterinarian of the Year.  In 2011, Ben was given the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award and in that same year was inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame through the Colorado FFA. 

He is survived by his wife Bessie Konishi of Alamosa; his daughter Pam Konishi Harrold of Fort Collins, CO and her children Ann Harrold and John Harrold; his son Mark and Kathy Konishi of Monte Vista, CO and their children Justin Logan, Alisa (Tyler) Therkildsen, and Candice Konishi; his son Jeff and Michele Konishi of Centennial, CO and their children Katie Konishi and Kyle Konishi, Jaymie Reichman, Kevin Reichman, Sam Reichman, and Sydney Reichman; his brothers and sisters: Harry Konishi, Frank Konishi, Martha Nishimoto, Catherine Sakurada, Charlotte Tanaka, Alban Konishi, Alvin Konishi and Linda Beardsley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters Lena Mori, Gilbert Konishi, Ruby Sakurai, Nancy Konishi, Robert Konishi and Gene Konishi.

Viewing will take place at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa on Friday, November 2, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 p.m.   The Graveside Service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Alamosa Cemetery with a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at the Ortega Middle School, 401 Victoria Ave. in Alamosa.  At Ben’s request, no suits or ties at the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Dr. Ben Konishi FFA Veterinarian Scholarship Fund and may be made through the Rogers Family Mortuary office.  Ben’s family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Evergreen Nursing home for their dedication and loving care given to Ben.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.  To leave online condolences, tributes or remarks for Ben’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com