Benjamin Balason Pascua

Benjamin, in his youth worked in the Sugar Cane fields alongside his Father; Anastacio. He worked up until 1941 when at the age of 17 he decided to join the service following the invasion of Pearl Harbor. He was a Captains Steward and worked in the ships galley.

Upon being honorably discharged from the service in 1949, he moved to San Francisco California where he met his wife of 59 years; Lola Laughlin. There they were married in October of 1952.

In July of 1953, Benjamin and Lola’s first born child; Curtis was born and shortly afterwards, they moved to Tualatin Oregon. In December of 1955 they welcomed the birth of their second son; Rodney. Their third son; Ricky came in April of 1959. Their fourth son; Jaime came in July of 1960 and their fifth and last son; Shelle came in January 1962.

Ben was a huge supporter of his son’s involvement in school activities including football and baseball. There was never a dull moment with five active boys and several other neighborhood children who Ben and Lola considered their own. Always included with the family was Ben’s nephew; Tom. During this time Ben enjoyed camping and fishing, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. Ben had a passion for animals of all kinds including peacocks, chickens, geese, goats, dogs and various other farm animals. In their retirement years; Ben and Lola enjoyed raising Koi in their pond.

After 30 years of working with the Portland Public School system as a Building Supervisor, he retired in 1986.

In 1976; Benjamin and Lola took their family to Hawaii for the first time for a family reunion. There they would visit with family and explore the islands. This was a very special trip because Ben had not been back to the islands since 1955.

Ben’s five sons and their wives have blessed him with 12 grandchildren and as of today; 6 great-grandchildren.

In the summer of 2011; Benjamin returned to his birthplace with his oldest son; Curtis and his wife; Janet, along with his son; John, his wife Heather and their two children. They spent two weeks in Hawaii celebrating his 87th birthday with family and friends and visited some Sugar plantations amongst many other things. While on vacation he found comfort visiting the resting place of his father; overlooking the ocean in Kauai.

Benjamin constantly missed the companionship of his wife; Lola. He frequently called home as often as possible to hear the comfort of her voice and to tell her that he loved and missed her. To Benjamin, Lola was the most beautiful and important person in his life and he adored her.

Unfortunately, after returning home from vacation, Benjamin sustained a stroke and slowly recovered. During the next few months his health began to deteriorate to the time of his passing; January 8th 2012.

Over the past few years, Benjamin’s youngest son Shelle, wife Diana and son Benjamin along with his daughter-in-law; Carol have dedicated much of their time towards the care and wellbeing of Ben and his beloved wife; Lola. The love and support of his entire family; particularly in the later few months, have meant the world to Benjamin. There have been many uplifting compliments made with regard to this incredibly close family.

Benjamin was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a kind soul and will be missed very deeply by all.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.