Benjamin "Ben" Robert Ian Hornby

Benjamin (Ben) Hornby of Cypress, California peacefully passed into the garden of Heaven, Monday, April 20, 2015. Ben was born in Bolton, England, 83 years ago to Phyllis May and Frederick Robert Hornby. He was their second of four children (sister “Bunty” has passed on). The loss is felt by his lovely wife, Irene, brother Paul (Margs), sister Antoinette (Michael); children Annette, Marina, Barry (Pat), Julia, and Ian; seven grandchildren: Laura, Martin (Megan), Jason (Angela), Salene (Chad), Sharla, Jonathan, and Angela, and six great grandchildren: Rosa, twins Alonna and Sidney, Anja, Bella, and Faye Lyn. Many friends and other close relations are also saddened by Ben’s passing.

He attended Brighton and Wimbledon Colleges where he obtained his engineering degree. Ben served 2 years in the National Service (English Army) after WW II. He worked at Vickers Armstrong and British Aircraft Corporation. Ben came to the United States in 1965 to work for Douglas Aircraft (Boeing) and had a rewarding 26 year career at the Long Beach facility. He was a member of the IEEE and a EUR ING Chartered Engineer. He won the prestigious Volare Award from the Airline Avionics Institute.

Ben was also a much respected and loved scout master. The troop hiked the local mountains, El Camino Real trail, upgraded campgrounds, did much volunteer work, and led many boys to become Eagle Scouts. Many adorned sashes of merit badges were earned.

He was an avid gardener of orchids, roses, tropical flowers, fruit trees, and an array of foliage. Many times passers-by would slow down to see the abundant color and variety Ben and the family had planted for everyone’s enjoyment. A quick visit would easily turn into a garden tour and gardening advice.