BERNABE MENDEZ ARANDA SR., "BEN" Passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital in Hayward on July 20, 2004, at the age of 91 years. Born in Concepcin del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico, on June 11, 1913, to Ildefonso and Felipa Aranda. Beloved husband of the late Cruz V. Aranda, a marriage spanning 51 years of devotion to each other and to their family. Devoted father of Bernabe Aranda Jr. of Ripon, Cruz Aranda, John Aranda, Margaret Aranda and Virginia Morgheim, all of Hayward, Ray Aranda of Sacramento, Mary Aguilar of Keller, Texas, Rita Costa and Dolores Arevalo, both of Manteca, Frances Monte of Lucerne, and Rachael Rudd of Antioch. He was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald and Michael Aranda. Loving grandfather of 21, great-grandfather of 31, and great-great-grandfather of 1. Loving brother of Alex Aranda of Newark, Ernestina Avila of Lathrop and Ruth Matsell of Livermore. His family will always treasure so many wonderful things that their dad enjoyed doing over the years. One simple outing that he enjoyed very much was riding BART to San Francisco to enjoy the sites, ride the cable cars or visit Pier 39. Those day trips always brought a smile to his face. And when he wasn't doing those things, he made frequent trips to Half Moon Bay, where he loved to look at the ocean and take in the smell and sounds of the beach, followed by a meal at one of his favorite local restaurants. He had many outdoor hobbies at home, including gardening, raising vegetables and sharing his bounty with family and friends. His front yard was adorned with many statues that he affectionately called his "monitos," which he loved collecting. His friends will always remember his dog at the fire hydrant. He loved to watch boxing on television and the Spanish television talk show "Laura," which was always entertaining to him and made him laugh. Even though we will miss "Ben" as our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother and friend, our memories of his joy for life will last forever as he remains in our thoughts and prayers. Friends are invited to attend the funeral service at SORENSEN BROS. MORTUARY, 1140 B St., Hayward, Monday, July 26, 2004, at 9:00 a.m. Visitation Sunday at the mortuary from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Interment, Mt. Eden Cemetery, Hayward. SORENSEN BROS. MORTUARY (510)581-1234 (510) 351-1451.

Alameda Times-Star 7/25/04.