16 responses to Benjamin Flaviano Santos

1. 

   Edmun Santos says:

   March 29, 2009

   Dad I stoled your car, You kicked my Ahh! So we are even. I love you forever. Thank you for being my father thru good and bad.

   Edmun.
   P.S. I stole your
   motorcycle too.sorry

   Reply
2. 

   Jeff Langdon says:

   March 29, 2009

   I met the Santos family through my wife Michelle. Benny and the family accepted me from the beginning. When at a family gathering, Benny would always as ask me if I wanted a drink, knowing full well that I didn’t drink. Benny’s typical sence of humor. He will be missed.

   Reply
3. 

   Michelle Langdon says:

   March 29, 2009

   My parents divorced when I was in 4th grade and my father was no longer a presence in my life. When I met Cherry in 8th grade and was welcomed into the Santos family, Benny became my father figure. He was always willing to offer advice, most of it unsolicited and, as a teenager, eye-rolling! I grew up in a family environment where children did not speak freely and wouldn’t think of disagreeing with their parents. I was amazed at the depths of conversations that went on in that house. I mostly knew the nice, fun side of Benny. If he was mad, I wouldn’t know it ’cause I couldn’t understand him. I remember he and Terry arguing once and he yelled “Putang na mo” and I said, “I know what that means.” Then they laughed and the argument was over. You Santos children are definitely a product of your parents. From your mother you have gained her compassion and love. From your father strength, determination and definitely his stubbornness! I’ll always remember the camping trips and get-togethers. Thank you Benny for all the laughter. Now, pain free and together again with Terry, may you two dance all your days.

   Love, Michelle my-belle

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4. 

   Mike Acosta says:

   March 29, 2009

   Regardless of Benny’s idiosyncrasies, he was one of the most loving men I knew. The family always came first and he only wanted the best for everyone. We had many good times together and the memories will last forever. You will be missed Benny.

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5. 

   Anonymous says:

   April 2, 2009

   Eulogy of Benjamin F. Santos, March 30, 2009

   Our father Benjamin was a kind, fun and sensitive man, yet strict, disciplined and unyielding. He was a man of conflicting nature. Frugal yet generous; quiet yet expressive; consistent yet unpredictable; pessimistic yet understanding; courageous and strong yet weak; tempermental yet patient; vain yet charming.

   Nearly 40 years ago, our dad took an adventure that would forever change all of our lives..and we thank and acknowledge him for that. Taking a huge risk in 1969 when his visa was about to expire, he made the decision to come to America not knowing if he would ever see his family again. Our mom and we children folowed him to America on October 31, 1970. He picked us up at LAX in a Mercury Capri. How we fit 8 people in there is mind boggling. Starting our new lives in America, Papa insisted we speak only English, even at home. In no time we all spoke English fluently and embraced our new country. He was proud of us children for what we became as adults and what he accomplished in America.

   Our father was a brave soldier in his youth and was proud of his military background, his career as chief of police in the Philippines and finally, supervisor for the post office in Laguna Hills. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather. He considered himself a survivalist and a hunter for life. Papa was a disciplinarian and would often give us lots of advice and when he could tell if we didn’t agree, he would always say, “Well, take it or leave it!” Firends, family, grandchildren were all subject to his wisdom and advice. When we were young kids and would get in trouble, he would make us “dapa” – meaning we had to lie on our stomachs on the carpet so he could spank us with a belt on our butts! The more we held our tears, the harder the spanking got so we learned quickly to start the crying right away. No wrongdoing on our part went unnoticed.

   Dad also had God’s gift of having a green thumb. He loved his plants and flowers, and his plants and flowers loved him back. He often said how much he loved his plants because they never argued back. He could stick any clipping into the ground and it would grow! He loved music and photography. His favorite color was camouflage. He painted almost everything in camouflage, even the mailbox. He enjoyed and took pride in the cars he had over the years and instilled in us the same interest in driving nice cars, motorcycles and bicycles. He took care of everything he owned and now we have the pleasure of enjoying his treasures, collectibles, and photos. He taught us how to value our possessions and not be wasteful. He taught us to take care of what we love. He loved to collect guns and knives…hunting was his passion. A collector of all he was. Stamps, dollar bils, records, coins, found jewelry, twist ties, rubber bands, rusty nails, matches, he had it! He loved showing off all his treasures to anyone who happened to enter his garage or room. And boy was he resourceful! He was the original recycler, green before it was even popular. He can find a use for anything that we considered trash which we found embarrassing and weird.

   Despite his shortcomings, Dad was a loving and romantic man. He extended his love and friendship to or friends, his own friends and neighbors. His house was always open to all and he made guests feel welcome and comfortable. He was popular among the neighborhood; everyone on the street knew his name. In fact, he was known as the neighborhood watchman. We will always cherish the gatherings and parties held in our homes throughout the years. We will always cherish the music he loved; the dancing; the drinks he enjoyed; the camping trips; the arguments; the storytelling; the hunting trips; the camaraderie; and the generosity he shared.

   As we honor and pay respect to our Dad and your friend today, know in your hearts how much we all meant to him and how each of us contributed to his life. I believe that he appreciates our authentic love for him. Thank you for accepting him

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