BEN F. GALLEGOS Jr. obituary

Ben F. Gallegos Jr., 43, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, from primary sclerosing cholangitis.

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. at Summit View Church in Vancouver.

He was born in Wolf Point and graduated from Toppenish High School in Toppenish, Wash.

Ben's greatest joy was his family. He was a very loving and playful father and husband. He loved to watch and help his children with all their activities. Last summer he purchased a boat so he could also share the outdoors with family. He also coached, managed and umpired youth baseball teams.

Ben received many awards during his career selling cars and life insurance and from Pitney Bowes while living in the Tri-Cities, Spokane and Vancouver, Wash.

Ben's illness was rare, found mainly in men and occurring in the 30s and early 40s. This liver disease is not caused by drugs or alcohol. It was Ben's wish to make information on liver diseases more available. For more information, contact: Latino Organization for Liver Awarness (LOLA) in New York City.

Ben is survived by his wife, Patty; daughter, Amanda; sons, Benjamin and Jordan; parents, JoAnne and Ben F. Gallegos Sr., brother, Michael (Cecille) Gallegos; sisters, Clovia (Rich) Hoefer, Monica Gallegos, Maria Gallegos and Patty Gallegos; plus numerous nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Gallegos Family Fund for his children's future needs, c/o Summit View Church, 7701 NE 182nd, Vancouver, Wash. 98686.

Ben wanted to educate the public on the need to sign up to become an organ donor, which people can do in his honor.