Benjamin Tobar Sr

TOBAR, Sr., Benjamin "Big Ben" Santa Barbara, CA 1936 - 2012 Big Ben Tobar, also known as "Gentle Ben" left his family and friends on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, to join the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his mother Maria Lousia Torres and his brother, Albert Torres, Sr. both from Santa Barbara, CA. Big Ben was born on July 16, 1936 in Santa Paula, CA to Francisco Tovar Santa Cruz and Maria Lousia Torres. Bennie also referred to as "Clavo" during his childhood and teenage years attended both Santa Barbara Junior and High Schools. Upon graduation from high school, he left Santa Barbara to join the United States Navy with his best friend, Louie Berber. After the Navy he returned to Santa Barbara and opened his own janitorial business. Over the years he became a Tool and Die Maker (machinist) for various Goleta and Santa Barbara companies and had an appetite for continuous learning and received various certificates for Massage Therapist, Counseling, and Phlebotomist. He recently worked as a caregiver for the elderly and enjoyed helping them with their day-to-day needs. He is survived by his two sisters, Rosie Gutierrez from Inglewood, CA, Gloria Moreno from Watsonville, CA, his son Benjamin Tobar, Jr., three daughters, Nancy Jean Tobar, Olivia (Tobar) White and Patricia (Tobar) Esparza, three grandchildren, Leana Tobar, Yvonne Tobar, and Nico Castagnola, and three great-grandchildren, Melissa, Anyssa Rene and Jazmin. He is also adored by his many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. For those who knew Big Ben or had the opportunity to make his acquaintance, knew he was a gentle and hilarious man. He loved to cook, fish, and religiously attended St. Raphael's Church, Holy Cross Catholic Church and the Free Methodist Church. Amazingly, he recently took a Shepherds Pie to Colleen at the Free Methodist Church. As we left the Free Methodist Church on Wednesday afternoon I could hear Nancy Jean say, "He never made me a Shepherds Pie"! He also loved living at the SHIFCO Senior Complex with his million dollar view of the ocean and cracking jokes with his friends and neighbors. Friends and family are welcome to attend the Rosary and Mass services to be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA as follows: Rosary on Wednesday evening, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. and Mass on Thursday morning, May 10, at 10:30 a.m.

Benjamin Tobar Sr

July 16, 1936 - May 1, 2012