Arthur Neal Black

A memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday in Buckeye Canyon, Bridgeport, Calif., for 48-year Smith Valley resident Arthur Neal Black, 73, who died June 2, 2009, at the South Lyon Medical Center Long Term Care Facility.

Born in Bozeman, Mont., on Dec. 13, 1935, he was kept warm in a shoebox behind the woodstove.

Not long after he was born he contracted polio and his legs were twisted. From the time he was a small boy his damaged legs were replaced by the four legs of a horse. He rode a horse to school and he never let his disability slow him down.

Mr. Black became a cowboy and spent the rest of his life on horseback. He worked on the Hunewill Ranch for 48 years, both in Bridgeport and in Smith Valley.

Mr. Black was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Louise Black.

He is survived by his daughter Teresa Louise Black of Reno; brother Ron; Ron's wife, Kay; and nephew Tim all of Georgia and ex-wife and Teresa's mother, Susan Tucker of California.

His ashes will be spread in Buckeye Canyon.

Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, Yerington (775) 463-2911.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net.