Benjamin Yates Estes
September 12, 1954 - Early November 2022
We are so sorry to share that Ben Estes, BHS '72. passed away from a massive heart attack last week.
Among his survivors are his mother, Sally Pierson Estes, BHS '53, brother Don Estes, BHS '74 and sister Shannon Estes Donathan, BHS '77.
No further details are available.
RIP Ben.
DECEMBER 7 2022 UPDATE
Mickie Sullivan Ponek posted on Facebook this note and obituary:Ben Estes 1954-2022
Ben
had moved from Burbank several years ago, but cherished the many
lifelong friends he made during his younger years. From school days to
recent Dodgers Games, Ben made great memories with his Burbank friends.
The family thanks the overwhelming messages of support received during
this difficult time. We welcome all of Ben's friends to celebrate his
life with our family this Saturday in Santa Clarita.
OBITUARY
Benjamin “Ben” Yates Estes
Ben was born in Burbank, California, to Jack and Sally Estes on September 12, 1954. He was soon joined by the arrival of his brother Don and then sister Shannon. The family lived on Manning Street in Burbank where they were actively involved with neighbors, many whom are still friends today. Ben attended Providencia Elementary, Luther Burbank Jr. High and graduated from Burbank High School. Ben played on the Burbank Bulldogs football team and was a pitcher for their baseball team. He also played softball for Burbank Parks and Recreation for many years.
As a young adult, Ben studied business at Glendale Community College and held various jobs including working at Harveys in Lake Tahoe. Ben eventually went to work for Lockheed Aircraft Co. as a manufacturing control supervisor for the L-10-11 TriStar. He then moved on to working for the studios as a grip, where he eventually retired.
In 1990,
Ben married Julie Ponek at St. Finbar Catholic Church. The two made their home in Santa Clarita. The birth of daughters, Shelby and Ally, brought much joy to the couple. As the girls became young adults, Ben took pride in their accomplishments. The family enjoyed many fun times together, which often included trips to the beach and Yosemite.
Ben was an avid fisherman, devoted Dodger fan, loved to cook and socialize. During one of his family trips to Crystal Cove he discovered a footballfish that had washed up on the shore. This rarely seen deep-sea creature is now in the National History Museum Ichthyology Collection.
On November 2, 2022, Ben unexpectedly passed away. He was a kind and generous son, husband, father, brother, uncle and nephew. Ben was pre-deceased by his father Jack Estes and nephew, Robert Donathan. He is survived by his mother, Sally Estes, wife, Julie Estes, daughters, Shelby and Ally, brother Don Estes (Ann), sister Shannon Donathan, aunt, Susan Burns, uncle, Peter Pierson and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that everyone who knew Ben pass along the same giving spirit he shared with others. Services will be held at 12 noon December 10, 2022, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church located at 22508 Copper Hill Drive in Santa Clarita. A reception will follow at a nearby family home.
A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏
Susan Ghiselli Mauch
RIP Bulldog, Childhood friend/neighbor
Susan Ghiselli Mauch
So many good memories 💙💔😘
Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️
Sandy Babin
A wonderful spirit ...has gone to heaven... RIP Benny 🙏🙏💖
Elizabeth Allen
Another bulldog. RIP
Cheryl Eubanks
Rest in peace!❤
Nancy McNamara Zambrana
Rest In Peace dear Benny. Lots of great memories with you & all the kids from the “flat land” that went to BHS 💙💙
Debra Flannery-Dunn
So sorry to hear. RIP Benny.
Nadine Aguirre Lujan
Rest in peace.
Jodee Bennett
RIP dear Benny. Always smiling.❤️😢
Judy Torres
Jodee Bennett
Always ♥️
Shannon Estes Donathan
Jodee Bennett Judy Torres!
Yes he was! Biggest heart love all you as always friends! 💙💔😘
Sheri Fanderlik
Rest In Peace Benny. 🙏💙🙏
Jodee Bennett
Love to the family, he’s missed.
Mike Donathan
Too sad. Get the party started up there
Ben Estes .
Desiree Collins Babin
Rest In Peace Benny 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Mary Boriso Jordan
God comfort his family....Rest in peace, Ben...🌹
Jerri Elizabeth Mihos
Deepest condolences, sadness in our hearts
Best childhood memories of sunshine, freedom and so much fun ❣️
Shannon Estes Donathan
Jerri Elizabeth Mihos
Right Jerri! Many memories! 💙💔😘
Carol Fabrizio
RIP 🙏
John Waddell
Rest
In Peace Benny!! When you get to heaven say hi to our buddy Mark Diaz!!
Jonny Reese
This one hurts!
Shannon Estes Donathan
Jonny Reese Hurts BIG time 💙💔😘
Julie Costanzo
We are so sorry too hear.🙏🙏
Laura Anglin Peterson
What a beautiful smile.. That’s exactly how I remember him.
RIP Benny💙
Dianne Postal-Simmons
So sad sending love
Peggy Peters
Very sad to read this. 😢
Julian Almaraz
RIP 🙏
Margie Turner
Oh my. I am so sad . May he rest in peace. He is in good hands.
Debbie Lynn Nicastro
Rest in peace dearest Bulldog! Peace, prayers and love to tour family!
Pam McNamara Walker
So sad to hear this news… too young!
Love to the Estes family ❤️
Renee King
He was always a handsome guy! RIP dear Bull Dog! You will truly be missed!
Gary Bojorquez
Benny it was a pleasure to know you as childhood friend and all the crazy times in the neighborhood and Pacific park. You will surly be missed. RIP
Dennis Ghiselli
So many memories and good times! RIP my friend.
Gilda Hernandez Sanderson
I’m still in shock, can’t believe you’re gone Benny. You will truly be missed. Condolences to the Estes family.
Susie Sheffield-Evans
This is so heartbreaking. Benny and I were in school together since Kindergarten! We were from the same neighborhood! Sending love, hugs and prayers to his family. RIP Benny!
Kathleen James
Oh no I had no idea. RIP Benny enjoyed growing up with you my prayers to the Family 🙏
Judy Torres
One in 1 million… Greatest guy♥️
Bruce Smentek
I’m in absolute shock. Just saw him at Jenice McGlynn funeral couple of weeks ago. He was in great spirits. Had talked about just having a heart attack but that they put stints in he he felt good. Hadn’t seen him for a number of years. Had a great conversation with him, Donny and their sister. I know he saw and talked to a lot of people that day. Kinda ironic.
I just can’t believe this.
R.I.P. Benny. We had some fun times in HS.
Don Meredith
God Bless
April Wind
Sending condolences to the family 🙏🏽
Rest in Peace Ben Estes
You are fondly Remembered as a Bulldog ❤️
Heather Seapy Tobin
May he rest in peace.
Shannon Estes Donathan
My brother! We’re all broken 💙💔😘
Thank You all for such kind words! 😘
May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace fellow bulldog
ReplyDelete