Donald Dave Bankofier, our beloved “Captain Cuckoo”, aka “Banks”, peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 28th, 2016 in Surprise, Arizona.
A native of Humboldt County, he was born May 30th, 1937 to Dave and Josephine(Bengoa) Bankofier. He was preceded in death by his infant twin brother Ronald Bankofier, his parents, sister Karen Kerns, and his first wife Sharon Adams Bankofier.
He is survived by his wife of Surprise, AZ., Bonnie Jeffries Bankofier, daughters Tami(Walt) Vetter of Winnemucca, Teresa(Michael) Benjamin of Littleton, CO. and son Ronald(Daisy) Bankofier of Minden, NV., six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, his 102 year old Aunt Mimi Drake of Winnemucca, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donald grew up at the Ten Mile Ranch outside of McDermitt, Nevada where he attended school through the 8th grade. His hard working life on the ranch gave him a foundation that later contributed to a very decorative athletic high school career in football, basketball, and track. The highlight of his many athletic achievements was winning the decathlon event at the BYU Invitational in Provo, Utah in 1956. Later on he was inducted into the Lowry High School Hall of Fame.
He graduated from Humboldt County High School in 1956 and attended the University of Nevada Reno for two years. He then married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Adams, and had three children Tami, Ronald and Teresa.
After returning to his “home on the range” at the Ten Mile Ranch, and buckarooing for a while Don went to barber school in Boise, Idaho and became a barber at the Club Barber Shop in Winnemucca.
With men’s hairstyles at shoulder length he realized he needed to change careers and became a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad on the run between Winnemucca and Elko.
Twenty years later when the Union Pacific bypassed Winnemucca and he took an early buyout he went back to cutting hair at the same barbershop in the same chair. The clock was moved back 20 years in time, but this time crewcuts and short hairstyles were back.
The last thirteen years of his life was spent primarily in Arizona with his wife and many new and old friends.
“Banks” enjoyed many things in life both simple and grand. His never ending pursuit to find the perfect golf swing was at the top of his list. He did manage at least four perfect swings resulting in 4 holes in one. He loved winning at family card games, fishing, and just plain living life to the fullest. He was especially proud of his Spanish Basque heritage and the food and picons that went along with it.
“Banks” was known for his many stories mostly about the ranching days of his early years, and the many people that were an influence in his life.
He will be remembered most for his youthful fun loving mischievous nature that included ongoing horse play and pranks. Early on in life Captain Cuckoo joined the “If this ain’t living just kick me out” club. Which soon became the family motto.
He will leave his brand of kind hearted love and laughter on those that he knew, and would wish us all a most happy ride in the rodeo of life.
To honor his wishes there will be no funeral services. Interment of ashes will take place at the Winnemucca Cemetery by the immediate family.
The family is planning the “Captain Cuckoo Classic” Golf tournament with Happy Wagon and BBQ at the Winnemucca Golf Course, on Saturday, September, 3, 2016. All are welcome at 3:00 pm.
Please bring your “Banks” memories and stories to share. To play in the nine hole tournament call the golf course at 775-623-9920 to sign up.
The Tournament will benefit the Junior Golf Program. A memorial fund has been set up in Donald’s name for the Winnemucca Junior Golf Program. Donations can be sent to Winnemucca Golf Course at 1395 Mizpah St., Winnemucca, NV. 89445.
Please go to obituaries at www. Camino Del Sol Funeral Home website in Sun City West, AZ to share memories, pictures and reflections.
