Beloved family man and professor, Benjamin F. Saiz, peacefully   passed  away  surrounded by his family on Friday, November 21st, 2014. Ben was born on January 15, 1948 in East L.A. He attended Cal State Northridge where he served as MEChA and Senior Class President and earned his master’s degree at San Jose State. Ben was a retired Youth Probation and Parole Officer and was a Professor at Ventura College for over 30 years. He was a social and political activist that served in various political offices in Ventura County including the Grand Jury and Elementary School Board.  One of   his proudest accomplishments was serving as advisor and actor to the filming of “Stand and Deliver.” He was an avid collector of Chicano art which he showcased throughout the county.

 Ben will be dearly missed by his family and the community. He is survived by his sons Aaron, Isaac, and Armand, mother of his children; Maria, mother-in-law Anita Nava, grandchildren Alyssa and Alex, several nieces and nephews, and girlfriend Sabrina.

 Visitation and rosary will be held Friday, November 28th, 2014 at 7:30pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 427 North Oak Street Santa Paula, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Saturday, November 29th, 2014 also at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Charles Lueras, C.R.I.C. Officiating. Committal & Interment will follow at Santa Paula Cemetery.

For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Benjamin’s name located below “Recent Obituaries”.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr Funeral Services, Santa Paula, CA 805.229.7054.