There aren't a lot of men and women left around Johnson County who are first generation from the Basque region of Spain and France, but there are a few. Bautista Juanicotena is one of the remaining beloved. A neighbor to the church and a friend to all, Bautista has been in the Buffalo area since the 1960s.
Having an exceptionally beautiful January day, I grabbed my Spanish friend to run out to the ranch. Still having a ranching flame inside, he jumped out of the truck to grab the gate without me even asking. For much of his young life, Bautista herded sheep for the Camino Ranch.
In his mid 80s, he still wanted to help me load panels. They say you're only as old as you tell yourself.
Ranch on, pard.
Sometimes it takes a foreigner to help the natives appreciate what they have. Bautista is that man. He loves Wyoming like a little kid on vacation, enjoying every moment. For those who know and love him, you'll be remembered of Bautista's favorite saying: "Wyoming's greatest blessings are high altitude, low multitude, and good attitude." Keep grinning, pal. The world could use a few more colorful characters like Bautista Juanicotena.
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