Obituary of Benedict R Padua

Benedict was born on 8 August 1968 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was one of twins born to Melchor G. Padua, Jr. and Natividad Rosario. "Ben" was 45 years old when he passed away at the Spring Valley Hospital on Wednesday, 15 January 2014. A resident of Las Vegas, Ben grew up in the Philippines and moved to Los Angeles, CA when he was 17 years old. He attended San Juan South Central, St. Paul College of Vigan and Immaculate Conception College in Quezon City in the Philippines. Ben attended Fairfax High School and Valley College in Los Angeles, CA before moving to Las Vegas to attend University of Nevada, LV. As a student, Ben was a leader. He was the Vice President of Student Affairs at Fairfax High School and Founder of the Filipino Club at Valley College. He was also school representative at a meeting with the former President Bill Clinton in Los Angeles. Ben later on worked as Research Supervisor at the Institute for Creation Research in Las Vegas. Ben was a passionate person who was devoted to his family. He is greatly loved by his family and has many long time and loyal friends. His wit and humor, kindness, selflessness, generosity and passion endears him to people around him. Despite having contracted polio at the age of 2, Ben was a light in our lives. His humor and wit brightened our lives. His smile lit the room and even as he was wheelchair-bound, was the star and life of the party. A great blessing to those whose lives he touched, his strength is seeing the best in people and having hope in the direst of situations, as well as enabling others to believe in themselves and their dreams. He is a loving husband to Irene Grace Aquino, a childhood friend, whom he married on 8 July 2000. A loving son and brother to Essie, Edgar, Rey, Lito, Cherie, Winnie, Nanette, Vic, Paul, Reggie, Tina, Joseph, and Angelo (twin). Ben will be deeply missed by his numerous nephews and nieces to whom he was not only a loving and concerned uncle but a friend, playmate, confidant and a second-father as well. His great love for the family glued us together! He loved the Los Angeles Lakers, idolized Magic Johnson, and enjoyed basketball, music, photography, video games, traveling and spending time with family. He will be sorely and deeply missed. Following his wishes, Ben's remains were cremated. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, 18 January 2014 at the Christ the King Catholic Community Church at Torrey Pines in Las Vegas. A reception for family and friends will follow the memorial service at the Christ the King Catholic Community Church's Community Center. His remains will be interred at the family crypt at the Christ the King Columbarium in Quezon City, Philippines. The family of Ben wishes to thank the following who have touched his life: (1) Christ the King Community Church, esp. Fr. Manny (2) Kalahi Folkloric Ensemble, Las Vegas (3) High School and College friends from Los Angeles (4) relatives and friends who prayed for Ben during his last battle in the hospital (5) the medical staff at the Spring Valley Hospital who gave him excellent medical care (6) his home health care givers who compassionately took care of his needs.