Ben Victor Shimek

1948 - 2024

Ben Victor Shimek
07/04/1948 - 09/08/2024
Ben V. Shimek, 76, passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, on September 8, 2024, at their home in Ross, CA. Ben was a larger-than-life figure known for his commanding presence, big smile, and generous spirit. He was the very definition of an extrovert, a dedicated family man and an outstanding businessman.
Born on July 4, 1948, Ben spent his childhood in the small, farming town of Picture Butte, Alberta, Canada. At the age of 17, he and his mother followed his two older brothers to the United States where he finished high school, attended the University of San Francisco and began his lifelong career in the gasoline and car wash business. Starting as a pump jockey, with perseverance, passion and a lot of hard work, Ben built a successful business, fostering a work environment filled with mutual respect and loyalty. His commitment to his partners and employees was profound, many of them remaining with him for decades. Ben's mission was to exceed expectations and provide the best possible experience for those he served, and he worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.
Ben's personal life was rich with relationships. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia Ann Shimek; his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter Michele, Dan and Anya Habeeb; his youngest daughter Stephanie Shimek; brothers Roy Shimek, Don Shimek, and Ronnie Shimek; and sisters Shelley Cryer and Pam Shimek. He also leaves behind numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, adding up to over 45; ex-wife Anne Doten Lamb and their son Michael Gaube, and many other dear friends and colleagues who were close to him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ernestine Jankovic Shimek; father Paul Shimek, brothers Walter Shimek and Eddie Shimek; and ex-wife and mother of his daughters, Lari Kathleen Shimek.
Ben loved to laugh, entertain, relax in his hammock, listen to music, go to concerts, dance spontaneously when a good song was on the radio, go to the movies on a rainy day, watch sports, go shopping, share meals with friends and family, tell the same stories over and over again, and his Saturdays were often spent chatting with customers at his car washes. He always cherished his "dad and daughters" ski weekends, dancing and traveling with his wife Patti, and anything that involved his granddaughter Anya, the true apple-of-his-eye, even getting to watch the live feed of her graduating college this last May.
Ben will be remembered as a smart, funny, loving and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, brother-in-law, friend, neighbor, community member, coach, mentor, business partner, and entrepreneur who deeply touched the lives of many. His legacy of generosity and dedication to his family, friends and business will live on in the memories of those who were blessed to know him.