Benjamin Grady Parker

1994 - 2014

BAKERSFIELD, CA – Our precious grandson, Ben, 19, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness related to congenital heart disease; pulmonary atresia.
Ben was born in Salinas, CA, lived in many locations but had on his bucket list locations around the world. He attended schools in Salinas, finished elementary school at Kay Carl in Las Vegas as well as middle school at Anthony Saville, and two and a half years at Shadow Ridge High School where he excelled at AFJROTC and made many friends.
It was his desire to move to Bakersfield to be near family. Here he graduated from Liberty High School, and was in his second year at California State University Bakersfield. He planned to become a nurse, specializing in PICU.
Ben accomplished many things in his short life. Beside AFJROTC in Las Vegas, Ben was active in scouting, starting as a Cub Scout in Salinas. After his last major surgery, Ben wanted to continue scouts, joining LV troop 340 as a Tenderfoot. Even though he had many handicaps, he steadily rose in rank. When moving to Bakersfield, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with troop 217. Ben was a Make-A-Wish kid in Las Vegas, 2006. He was passionate about steak (and more steak!), reading, music, electronics, cards, games, family activities, group hugs with his "little family", and his faith. All of Ben's passions were too many to mention, but he wanted nothing more than to be loved as much as he loved everyone he met.
In 2005, while still in the hospital recovering from major heart surgery, Ben's aunt in Texas was severely injured and his cousin, Chloe Hicks, came to live with his grandparents. Chloe's mother passed away in March 2006, leaving Chloe and Ben closer than siblings; more like best friends. They helped one another heal.
At his birth, Ben was carried by his grandfather to awaiting emergency equipment to be moved to San Francisco. From that moment to his passing, Ben and grandfather had an unbreakable bond. For a while he called us "The G's", but always joked about "Doctor Grandma".
He is survived by grandparents, Linda and Norman Hicks, and cousin, Chloe Hicks of the family home. Additionally, Ben is survived by dad, Scott Benson; mother, Debbie Hicks; special uncle, Terry and aunt, Kathy Garner of Mangum, OK; great-uncle and aunt, Ken and Louise Garner of Fayetteville, NC; half-brothers, Raymond and Cody Botto, Kristofer Parker and half-sister, Carissa Sandate. He is also survived by his Bakersfield family, Elli and Roger Kline, Glen and Karen Kline, Roy and Amy Kline and children, Tabitha and Brandon West and children, and Ursula Pesta and family; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
Memorial service will be held Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 5:00pm at Valley Baptist Church, 4800 Fruitvale Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308 with a reception following the service.
A service will be held in Monterey in March for Ben, along with his great-grandfather, Curtis Garner, who died on January 6, 2014, two-years to the day after his beloved wife, Flora Garner.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, or your local Boy Scouts.
For additional information, please call 661-829-5051.