Benjamin T. Magbaleta
January 20, 1939 - August 8, 2012
Obituary
Benjamin Taclay Magbaleta, age 73, died unexpectedly in his home in Renton, Washington on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.
Ben was born on January 20, 1939 in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Philippines as the second oldest and only son of Lorenzo and Estefania Magbaleta’s five children. His siblings include his older sister, Leonida Ranche, Arsenia Pizarro, Bienvenida Buhay, and Cornelia de Leon (deceased). He graduated from Manuel L. Quezon in 1961 with a Bachelor of Law degree. He excelled in his studies and passed the bar exam on his first try. In 1967, he moved to Hawaii where he met his wife-to-be, Grace. After a one-year courtship, they married in 1971. Shortly thereafter, they started their family and embarked on an adventure to move to Washington State where Ben started a career as a successful life insurance salesman until he suffered a heart attack in 1981. Following that event, he dedicated his time to raising his two sons, Eric and Brian, and also devoted his life to serving God.
A devout Catholic, Ben truly loved the Lord and was a staple at daily mass at St. Anthony Parish in Renton. He became of student of scripture with daily reading. In order to maintain his health, he walked on the treadmill daily, all the while reading or singing praise and worship songs. Together with Grace, Ben assumed head servant of the Charismatic Prayer Group at St. Anthony in 1991 and faithfully held Friday prayer meetings until the day he died. He influenced others to follow the life of Christ, and was always an example of humility, kindness, and servitude. In fact, he was commonly referred to as “Gentle Ben.” Ben will be sorely missed by his Prayer Group brothers and sisters.
In addition to his sisters mentioned above, survivors include his wife, Grace, his oldest son Eric and family (Ben’s daughter-in-law Beth, and his grandson, Brody) and Brian and family (Ben’s daughter-in-law Emerald, and his granddaughters Mia and Emily). Ben loved spending time with his grandchildren, and they with him. He was always playing games with the kids and frequently attended their sporting events, even though it was sometimes cold – and he got cold easily! But he couldn’t bear to miss it.
Ben lived an exemplary life, and was the best example of a loving and adoring husband, a forgiving and patient father, a welcoming friend, and a humble servant of God. The name Benjamin is literally translated as “son of the right hand.” And although we grieve the loss of his life here on earth, we rejoice in knowing that you are at his right hand of our God in heaven.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Ninang Grace, I pray that God will give you and your family peace and comfort through this difficult time.
Grace may the Lord comfort you and bring you peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss of your
dear husband and our loss of a great friend!
To our dear Ninong Ben, We’ll miss you so much.
Love, Erik, Mariam and Danielle
Grace and Family:
Our sympathy to each of you. Ben was such a joyful presence at St. Anthony. What a tremendous example of a follower of Jesus.
May God’s peace and comfort console you now until you are reunited with him and our blessed Savior.
Grace and family,
Our heartfelt prayers for Manong Ben and your family during this time of grief. Although he is not with us anymore, we rejoice in knowing that Manong Ben has gone home to the Father in heaven. We will miss him at St. Anthony morning mass. Take care and God bless.
Ben always seemed to be so peaceful . He was a great example for all of us on our journey to the Lord. I will always remember that I loved to receive Jesus in communion from Ben–it seemed to me that Jesus shown through his eyes.
Ems and family:
Our sincere condolences. Our prayers for his departed soul.
Auntie Grace, Brian, and Eric,
My prayers contnue to be with you and the rest of the family. I wish our family could have been there to help celebrate the life of Uncle Ben and to offer support during your tough times. It is good to know that Uncle Ben is now at piece with the Lord.
Blessings,
Ruben
Auntie Grace and uncle Ben were like my 2nd parents when i came here in US, i live with them since i got married,the kindness and love they have showed me will never be forgotten you will always be in our hearts and in our thoughts thank you for everything we love you both and to uncle Ben i wont say goodbye to you its more like i’ll see you later….