Ben Spini Jr.
January 22, 1924- May 22, 2024

Ben was born on January 22, 1924 on a dairy farm in McKinleyville located near the mouth of the Mad River. His parents were Basillio and Romilda Manzi-Spini from Lake Como in northern Italy. He attended grade school in McKinleyville and Arcata. In high school he played most every sport, but was especially fond of basketball, where he lettered for three years.

After high school Ben worked as a dairyman on their family dairy as well as for other ranchers. While home on leave from the US Army, he attended an outdoor dance at Camp Bauer where he met his future wife, Patricia (Pat) Flaherty of Eureka. They were married February 26, 1946.

After his discharge from the Army on March 7, 1947 Ben came home and family life began with Pat and their first born, Kathy. Ben then went to work for Golden State Creamery in Arcata as a truck driver hauling 10 gallon milk cans from dairies to the creamery. In 1950 their second daughter, Marci, was born. In 1951 they built their home on North Bank Road where they raised their family and lived for the next 68 years.

In 1952 Ben went to work at Blue Lake Builders Supply. In 1968 he began his work at Campton Electric Company in Eureka, where he stayed until retirement in 1989.

He and his family enjoyed spending time at their summer cabin in Orleans. After selling their property in Orleans, he and Pat purchased property in Trinity Village. There they spent many summer days with family and friends. Ben raised beef cattle and hay, tended a large vegetable garden, and made homemade salami and sausage with his family. He and Pat prided themselves on filling their dinner plates with colorful home grown food. He enjoyed bailing hay for friends and neighbors. Ben always said “If you can run a hay bailer, you could fly a jet.”

During their retirement Ben and Pat enjoyed their time traveling on many tours all over the US, Canada, Mexico, and a trip to Italy where Ben’s parents were born. One of his most memorable trips was the “Honor Flight” to Washington DC. The trip included a visit to the World War II Memorial, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Arlington National Cemetery. Ben was a loyal member of the morning coffee group at Toni’s with his ranching friends and never missed his grandkids’ sports games.

Ben was an avid sports fan. In the ‘50s and ‘60s he took up bowling and played in several leagues. He was a faithful follower of the SF Giants and SF 49ers, and hosted Super Bowl parties every year decorated with Niners red and gold even if the 49ers weren’t playing. When his sight was mostly gone, he relied on his trusted radio for play-by-play broadcasts of games. Even until his last days he kept track of his favorite teams and players’ statistics.

In 2019 Pat and Ben joined Marci and family in Escalon, Calif., where they lived out their days. They were situated in a small home of their own, with views of cattle and horses grazing, and hummingbirds that frequented their feeder.

Ben passed peacefully at the age of 100 years and 4 months (to the day). He is survived by: daughters Kathy Schuler (Catherine) and Marci Barnes (Mike), grandchildren Andrew Schuler (Julie) and Megan Dyk (Ryan), five great grandchildren, sister Betty Deacy, sister-in-law Joyce Spini and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ben is preceded in death by: his wife of 75 years Pat, grandson Matt Barnes, brother George Spini, sister Mary Taylor (Clark), and brother-in-law Ted Deacy. The family would like to extend special thanks to his caregiver Cindy, who helped make life easier for Ben and his girls in those last months.

A combined graveside service for Ben and Pat Spini will be held at the Blue Lake Cemetery on July 17 at 1 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. Celebration of Lives at the Blue Lake Grange Hall. All friends of the family are welcomed to attend. In their memory, consider a donation to the Matthew D. Barnes Memorial Scholarship via Humboldt Area Foundation at 363 Indianola Rd., Bayside, CA 95524.