This document is a memorial for Benjamin R. Zarate who passed away on December 23, 2007. It reflects on his life through photos and memories, from his childhood in the hills smoking and climbing trees, to graduating college, having a family with his wife and children, spending time with his brothers and community, and being a loving father and grandfather. It expresses how he was a guiding influence and hero to his family, always caring and supporting them, and how much he is loved and missed.

1. In Loving Memory of Our Dearest Papa Benjamin R. Zarate “ Son of the right hand” May 23, 1934 – Dec. 23, 2007

2. Our Dearest Pa

3. … the teenage boy from the hills

4. ..he loved to climb trees

5. ..with Jun Samson and mama

6. ..such a young smoker

7. ..Graduation ball

8. ..with his best college buddy, Jun Samson

9. ..with his dear Papang

10. ..a portrait of their love

11. ..his first born, Jaybee

12. ..sleeping on duty

13. ..a young and happy family

14. Christmas ‘68

15. ..his children were his real treasure

16. ..1972

17. ..1974

19. ..fathering little Iah

20. Father and sons

21. Juan F. Zarate and Family

22. ..he loved his brothers and sisters

24. ..1992

25. ..his first apo

26. ..with his sons

29. ..our typical noche buena

31. ..joking around with his little apos

33. ..always sets up the fireplace for everyone to be warm during cold nights

34. ..he loves to see what’s cooking

35. ..a visit to the grave of his parents

36. ..with Uncle Tom

37. ..beer drinking with his brother

38. ..a very loving Lolo to his apos

39. ..”Beer-jamin” as he so fondly calls himself

40. ..the Bakakeng community he so loved

42. ..playing cards is his favorite pastime

44. ..16th Annual Assembly of the Men’s Choir, October 2003

45. ..Bakakeng Senior Citizens, Jan. 2001

48. ..so good and gentle

49. ..watching over his fruit trees

51. ..a father like no other..

52. ..a certain sadness in his eyes, 2006

53. ..no goodbyes Pa.. only good mornings!

54. “ ..Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit..”

55. As we grow older, the more we realize what a great influence you’ve been in our lives.

56. You’ve always been there for us, guiding us in our decisions while encouraging us to stand on our own.

57. You’ve offered suggestions and opinions.. while respecting our own. You’ve inspired us to dream big and make it real,

58. supporting our endeavors and aspirations while allowing us the freedom to experience the world ourselves.

59. You never let us down Pa… forever, you’ll be our hero and our treasure. So, for all the words we’ve left unsaid..

60. THANK YOU for the happy memories, the funny jokes, the utmost understanding,

61. the silent sacrifices, the endless caring and unparalleled love you’ve showered us all these years.

62. But most of all, thank you for being the best father in the whole wide world!

63. Although parting now is only temporary, we await that day when we will all be together again..

64. ..somewhere beyond the sunset… We love you Pa, and we miss you so much!