The Eulogy of Benjamin Rios, Our Father
About Benjamin
Once upon a time, there was a man who brought love and happiness to so many. A beacon of immense kindness and loyalty. He was cherished as a Son, Father, Grandfather, Husband, Uncle, Brother, Cousin, and Friend. His name was Benjamin. Benjamin Bañuelos Rios. And he was our Father.
Benjamin was an immigrant who came from Mexico to the United States with steadfast determination to pursue the American dream. Not just for himself, but for his family—to work hard, contribute to society, flourish, and provide a better life for those he loved.
Benjamin, our Father embraced us with his love and his unforgettable sense of humor. He was a handsome guy with a charismatic appeal who could strike up a conversation with a random stranger anywhere he went.
Our father embraced his passion as a diesel mechanic. His other passions were football, boxing, weightlifting, watching those Jason Statham action movies and even the classic franchise of Rocky, which is a story about facing many trials, and an unwavering commitment to achieve greatness. He also loved wearing his replica of the Fedora hat worn by Rocky Balboa.
Benjamin, A Disciple of Jesus Christ
Benjamin was a Reborn Christian who surrendered to Christ in 1993. He was baptized shortly after, and was transformed into a disciple of deep faith. A faith that was often tested, but never shaken. He embodied the love of God in all he did, living out the two greatest commandments: The first greatest commandment being, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. The second greatest commandment being, to love your neighbor as yourself. Benjamin lived these truths daily. Everyone who met him felt the love that flowed through him, the spiritual fruit born from a heart rooted in God.
Our Father and His Sufferings
Our Father also knew suffering. He endured many struggles and experienced a lot of loss. Like the loss of his own father, then losing his wife, our late mother, then losing his own hand in a work-related accident, and losing his ability to fulfill his dream of retiring in the same fashion as the rest of his peers. Despite the trials our father faced, he was resilient. He questioned, but he endured. He questioned more, but he persevered. He remained faithful and trusted God’s grace. He never gave up. He did nothing out of selfish ambition. Rather, as a humble servant, he valued others above himself….just as scripture teaches us to. And he gave everything he had to ensure his family was cared for and loved.
What We Can Learn From Our Father
There were times often when we would hear our father Benjamin gently sing to himself at any random time. He would always sing a short chorus of a worship song in Spanish. Mis pensamientos eres tu, Señor. Mis pensamientos eres tu. In English it means, My thoughts are of you, Lord. My thoughts are of you. This is what faith represents. It’s trusting deeply, and focusing your thoughts on the Lord—even when you don’t have all the answers. It’s a conviction that anchors you during uncertainty, a lens through which you see hope when the world offers doubt. Our family encourage all of you here today to walk in that same path as our father did, carrying that same anchor, and wearing that same lens.
Conclusion
We will miss our father dearly and carry his memory in our hearts forever. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for the profound impact he made in our lives. We find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with our mother and loved ones in God’s Eternal Kingdom. May our Father, Benjamin Rest in Eternal Peace. Amen. (12/27/56 ~ 05/24/25)