A Tribute to a Truly Remarkable Man

Reuben Maxine Wells of Riverside, California was born on December 31, 1951 and passed away on December 20, 2024. Here are a few remembrances of the man who deeply touched so many and was beloved by all.

Max Rengel, left, talks with Reuben, behind the wheel, on a project site in Arizona.

“Reuben Wells joined Coffman Specialties in 1989 and was highly regarded by everyone in the company. He was a good guy, generous, always happy to see you, and a master at his trade.”

Armando Garcia
Coffman Specialties

 

“I met Reuben Wells in the 80’s when he was the most in-demand concrete plant operator on the West Coast. Once you got over the awe of meeting Reuben, you realized he was more than a concrete batch plant operator – a trade that, in my 47 years, I have not met a better one.

“Reuben made everyone that entered the batch shack feel welcome and always had food for the crew. From cooking hot links outside the batch shack to never missing the next batch, he strived to produce quality concrete at a record pace. His dedication to his craft was unparalleled. It wasn’t just about mixing the perfect batch but ensuring that everyone around him was taken care of—both in terms of hospitality and in the realm of professional mentorship.

“Reuben leaves a hole in our hearts. He is and was a rare find in this industry. Not only was he a caring friend and co-worker, but just a really good person. He is missed.”

Marty Keane
Coffman Specialties

“I first met Reuben in Cheyene, Wyoming while working for Kasler in 1985. We became immediate friends and worked together for the next 10 years. He was an outstanding individual, dedicated to his job, coworkers, family and friends. Even in stressful times, he was always upbeat and offered encouragement to those around him.

“It was always an adventure being on the road with Reuben; no matter what location or job you were on, he was the ambassador of having a good time. Even after our careers took us to different companies, we stayed in close contact. Every year on his birthday, he would remind me that I yelled at him once on his birthday, he never let me forget it. Every conversation included concern about how my family was, and he was sincere.“

George Butorovich
Flatiron

 

“I can attribute a lot of my success in the industry to Reuben Wells. He taught me to keep going, keep my eyes on the prize, and to persevere through tough times. He pushed me to ‘just keep going’ when I thought I couldn’t go anymore. He was a master of building relationships with everyone – everyone wanted to work for Reuben. He was able to create a bond with everyone he worked with and worked around.

“Reuben was the most generous person I’ve ever met, always giving positive feedback (and positive criticism when needed). He was always bringing food for the crew, baked goods to the office, and bottles of Jack Daniel’s for hard workers at the end of a long week. He has been #1 on my speed dial for nearly 13 years. He watched me grow in my career through the highs, lows, girlfriends, ex-girlfriends, fiancé, wife, and now children. For the six years I worked at Coffman, we talked every morning at 6 am to start off the day. We talked every year on Christmas morning.

“Reuben changed the lives of dozens, if not hundreds, of people, and they all have similar stories and very fond memories. Reuben was a dear friend and is sorely missed by all.”

Jon Hamilton
Flatiron

 

Many thanks and a tip of the hard hat to Armando Garcia, Marty Keane, George Butorovich, and Jon Hamilton for their remembrances of Reuben.

A Celebration of the joyful spirit of Reuben Maxine Wells, with tributes and a reception, will be held on Saturday, February 1st from 1 pm until 6 pm at the Sunkist Center at California Citrus State Historic Park, 9400 Dufferin Avenue, Riverside, California 92504. If you would like to attend, please RSVP via text to (951) 605-1241. Please include your name and the number of guests attending.