Benjamin James Beltrone Garcia’s spirit soared to the heavens

Benjamin James Beltrone Garcia

Obituary

Published June 09, 2004

ALVIN, Texas — Benjamin James Beltrone Garcia’s spirit soared to the heavens along with Travis Vickerman, one of his best friends, early Friday morning, May 28, 2004.

Ben’s life journey began Sept. 5, 1979, in Milwaukee, Wis. His eternal life was secured at 10 years old when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at South Park Baptist Church during Vacation Bible School. Benjamin was a 1998 graduate of Alvin High School, where he played water polo and swam. He carried his love for polo and learning to Whittier College in Southern California, where he received a BA in finance and marketing with an emphasis on management in 2002. He truly felt his soul belonged there as he was blessed with a second set of family and friends. He lived in Huntington Beach, Calif. He was embarking on his career with Cintas, where he had recently been selected for a prestigious project. Ben returned to Alvin each summer to coach water polo and lifeguard at the city pool. He joyfully gave back to the sport he loved by conducting competitive age group water polo clinics.

Ben was preceded in death by “Nana” Dorothy Rishel and his grandmother, Pat Garcia.

He is survived by his loving family, which includes his parents, Vicky and Lenny Garcia; and his brother, Danny Garcia, of Alvin, Texas; grandparents, Laverne and Bob Beltrone, of Kerrville, and Johnny Garcia, of Milwaukee, Wis.

Aunts, uncles and cousins include: Debbie and Gregg Schwalbe; Kathy, Mike, Chris and Nick Messenger; Patti, Jim and Theresa Neuman; Angela Crish; Sue and Bob Beltrone; Carol, Greg, Vincent and Anthony Beltrone, all of Wisconsin, and William, Donna, Allison and Leah Beltrone, of Kerrville. Ben’s friends can best be identified by those who utter these commonly heard words, “We luuuv Ben.” We feel especially moved to recognize David and Sharon Vickerman and the “third musketeer,” Jonathon Garza.

Ben loved life and everything it had to offer. Most important to Ben was giving back to those around him. He lit up a room when he entered — always happy and ready to give his handsome smiley smirk to everyone. He lived his life without regret or worry. We will always remember Ben by the way he touched our lives. With Ben’s early departure he is sure to touch many more. “Peace.”

Funeral services were Monday, June 7, 2004, at South Park Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas, with the Rev. Charles Easley officiating. The Garcia Memorial Scholarship Fund for swimming and water polo has been established in Ben’s honor at Guaranty Bank of Alvin, (281) 331-4457.