Benjamin Edward Reyes

Benjamin Edward Reyes, beloved husband, son, father, and brother, born July 27, 1953 in Oxnard, CA, was carried home to be with Our Lord Tuesday, July 8, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Ruiz Reyes, his brother, Andrew Sam and his wife, Karen Reyes, and his grandson, Jacob Benjamin Olivares. We take comfort in that he left us peacefully, and left behind only memories of the best of times.

Bengie is survived by his wife of 42 years, Virginia Reyes; son, Andrew A. Reyes; daughter, Andrea M. Reyes; grandchildren, Andrew G. Reyes, Rheanna Olivares, Jesse Olivares, Joshua Olivares, and Lacy Litada; great- grandchild, Andrew Ayden Reyes; his beloved mother, Irene Reyes; siblings, Corinne Reyes Lopez, Stella Lopez, Diane and Ronald Avila, Robert Reyes, Roberta Zuniga, Olivia and Vince Tellez, Donald Reyes; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, his extended family, Sid Durazo, Andy and Jessica Sanchez, Stanley Pallan, Chris Osollo, and his many dear, friends.

Bengie grew up loving fast and classic cars. He was an avid fisherman and carried those passions all through his life. Bengie enjoyed going to the horse track and small trips out of town. His steadfast daily routine gave him strength to face each day. First thing was coffee and his prayers, then calling his mother, texting his friends, reading the daily paper and playing his favorite lottery scratchers. If he got a winner he would do it all over again.

He was a car salesman for most of his life, it was something he was good at and had fun doing. Bengie found true love in his grandchildren and his great grandchild. They were his pride and joy. He made many friends along the way and each one will feel his absence. Bengie’s sense of humor never failed to make someone smile, or laugh out loud. His positive attitude and outlook on life was evidenced in his everyday life. Bengie loved life and lived each day to the fullest. He was a special man and a special friend to many, and will be missed by all.

Ben always thought first of family and Christ. Therefore it is only fitting to impart:

Revelations 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

“Always pray to have eyes that sees the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad and a soul that never loses faith in God.” (Author unknown)

Memorial contributions to help the Reyes family with funeral expenses for Ben may be made to: Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 643-9977. A very special thank you and blessings to all who have contributed to this special fund that will allow his family and friends to say farewell with dignity and respect.

“God Bless and God speed to our larger than life, beautiful and amazing man.”

Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2014, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Service will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.