Benjamin Kenneth "Ben" Evans

1951 - 2025

Ben Evans, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Topaz Lake, NV on November 12, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous short battle of cancer.

Born on November 18, 1951 and raised in Corralitos CA, to Wayne and Joan Evans. Ben graduated from Watsonville High School in 1969. His love for the ocean began early and he became a proud member of the Rio Rats surf group - a brotherhood formed in high school that carried on yearly reunions well into adulthood. Though he never took home any major awards, he did earn the "Best Wipeout" a title he wore with humor and pride. Ben cherished the simple joy of sitting on the bench at Manresa Cliff watching the waves and soaking in the coastline he loved so deeply.

Ben had a passion for travel, barbecuing, cooking and spending time on Topaz Lake in his boat, his favorite place to fish and unwind. You could find him on Sundays watching NASCAR races. His sharp wit and unforgettable sarcasm were trademarks of his personality, if you met him you remembered him.

In 1977, Ben began his fire service career as a volunteer with Freedom Fire District. His dedication and leadership quickly elevated him to a paid Captain in 1978, Assistant Chief and ultimately Fire Chief in 1982. When Pajaro Valley Fire was formed in 1994, Ben proudly became its first Fire Chief. After the district contracted with the City of Watsonville, he served as Assistant Chief beginning in 1996 and was appointed Fire Chief in 2003. Ben retired in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, service and heart. Ben was known as a champion of the underdog, always ready with a joke, encouragement, or a second chance.

Ben loved his family above all else and time spent with them was his greatest joy. Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Laura; daughter, Amber Evans; grandchildren, Lisey, Aidan and Emma; son, Neil Evans (Rachel); grandchildren, Oliver and Shelby; step-daughter, Jessica Raymundo; grandchildren, Nina and Max; great grandchildren, Xander and Zoey; step-son, Jason Basaldua (Rachel); grandchildren, Elsa and Jack; brothers, John, Ted, Jerry; and sister, Diane "Dink" as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Joan Evans and his brother Skip.

A celebration of Ben's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1pm at the Padres Community Center in Corralitos. A luncheon to be served, if able to attend please RSVP to: bluetube51@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tunnel of Towers Foundation, an organization that reflects Ben's lifelong dedication to service and community.

Chief Ben Evans will be remembered for his humor, his heart and his unwavering dedication to those around him. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.