Benjamin Galindo Ortiz passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2011, at the age of 90, with his wife, of over 50 years by his side.
Born in San Gabriel, Jalisco, Mexico the oldest of eleven children to Abelino and Elvira Galindo Ortiz on July 11, 1921.
He went to school up until the 3rd grade when he had to drop out to help his family. He left his hometown at a young age to join the Braceros or Immigrant workers that were needed in the U.S. to build the railroads.
On one of his trips back to Mexico he meet the love of his life, Maria Evangelina, they married, settled in Hollister and raised their family.
Benjamin or Maestro as he was known to those who knew him was best known for his passion of cooking surrounded by family and friends and his sense of humor. For fifty years he was the master cook at the San Benito Labor Camp located on Southside Road. His tortillas, chiles rellenos, mole and shrimp cocktails were legendary.
Even though he had a limited school education, he taught himself how to fix or repair everything from house construction to sewing machines; he was truly a jack of all trades. This is how he earned the nickname Maestro. He also always made himself available to help a friend in need.
He enjoyed watching and attending sporting events which included boxing and baseball. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, a long time member of the Sociedad de Guadalupanos and an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus.
To his children he was the best father anyone could ask for, he was soft spoken, kind, caring and very giving of himself. He taught them to work hard, respect others and most important to believe in their dreams.
Benjamin leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Evangelina, his children Elvira, Enrique, Teresa (Gilbert), Benjamin Jr. and Roberto (Leticia), his grandchildren, Fabian, Carlos, Gilbert II, (Maxine), Leah, (Armando), Kyle, Anissa, Roberto Tomas, his great-grandchildren, Monique, Angel, Xavier, Moriah, Julian, Jenna, Santana, Vera and Armando Benjamin. His sister Elvira and brother Enrique (Marcelina) as well as his children living in Mexico, Martha, Judith,Irma,and Arturo and their children and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death most recently by his granddaughter Teresa (Citas) Curiel Villarreal
A mass to honor the life of Benjamin will be held on Monday, Oct. 24th, 2011, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Church with placement of the ashes to follow.
