Nestor Benjamin Reyes

Obituary for Nestor Benjamin Reyes, Sr. Nestor Benjamin Reyes, our beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on June 10th at the age of 69. Born in San Antonio, Guatemala in 1946, to Benjamin Guillermo Reyes and Carlota Reyes Chapeton, his large family consisted of six brothers and three sisters. One by one each followed him to the United States. Nestor came to the U.S. with his friend Hugo Alvarez when he was only 19 years old, and immediately knew this is where he belonged. He worked odd jobs – dishwasher, cook, car washer – for a number of years, learning the English language as he went along. Ultimately, with the help and supervision of Mr. Manny Manzano, he learned the maintenance and repair of the Brunswick pin setters for the bowling industry. He had found his niche, and was a “natural” in this field. He continued his education, including the, then new, computerized electronics, and became one of the most desired head mechanics in the industry. There are numerous “graduates” of his schooling – now also head mechanics – who can attest to that. Although his first marriage ended in divorce, his pride and joy were his three sons, Eddie, Jeremy and Benny. He instilled in them a wonderful work ethic that employers today beg to have on staff. In 1991, he married again, to Kathleen Nesbit, and gained two step-sons, Brian and Brad Nesbit. The couple’s devotion to each other was well known; a never-ending love story. They remained in Orange County until their retirement in December, 2009. Nestor accomplished much in life, but one his proudest moments was when he finally became an American citizen. He chose to be an American – and he was, through and through – from the moment his feet touched our soil. His flag still flies every day. He also designed and built several new parts for the pin setters, he maintained the entire bowling center, including plumbing and electrical, and was wonderful with upgrades and repairs around his home and yard. He loved gardening, and always grew fresh vegetables for the table. He also loved traveling around our beautiful country. Nestor was a true handyman. He could build or fix most anything, and he planned on having his own business upon retirement. Sadly, that never happened. Shortly after moving to Los Osos, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, thanks to his wife and family (especially his son, Jeremy & his family), care-givers, and Hospice, he remained at home through his final moment. Our special thanks to all those caring and devoted people who helped us through our journey. Nestor was pre-deceased by his parents and one brother, William. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, sons Edward, in Ohio, Jeremy (Batrice), in Los Osos, Nestor Benjamin, Jr., in Arkansas; four brothers, Aaron, Armando, Jorge, and Jovani; three sisters, Dina, Carolina, and Lucrecia; two step-sons Brian Nesbit (Teresa), in Texas, and Bradley Nesbit, in Costa Mesa, numerous nieces and nephews and 13 adored grandchildren. Nestor is at peace, now free from the bondage Alzheimer’s brings. This is a horrible disease that takes everything from the person. As his memory faded, so too his light-hearted personality. But he will never be forgotten as the man we knew and loved. He will be forever in our hearts. A celebration of Life will be held here in Los Osos, on his 70th birthday (August 22nd) at Spooner’s Cove, Montana de Oro State Park. Please call Kathy (805-528-1132) for time and details. In lieu of flowers¸ please consider a donation to Central Coast Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or Coast Caregiver Resource Center – all in San Luis Obispo. These people are Angels on Earth.