July 4, 1938 - October 17, 2018We all lost a music visionary, a devoted family man and a world-renowned educator on Oct. 17, as Ben D. Bollinger passed away at age 80 in Pomona, Calif., surrounded by his family. With more than 43 years of experience as a leader in the music industry, Ben built an impressive reputation as a conductor, director, producer and educator. As Director of Vocal Organizations at Citrus College in Glendora, he was Dean of Fine and Performing Arts and director of the Citrus Singers. The Citrus Singers were acclaimed nationally and internationally under his direction, winning numerous choral competitions over 37 years. As owner and president of the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont, he was the driving creative force behind all aspects of each production. He co-founded the Candlelight Pavilion in 1985 and successfully produced more than 100 shows. The Candlelight Pavilion is looked up to by those in the industry as the nation's premier dinner theater, mainly due to its superior production values for which he was directly responsible. Among his honors, he received the 1979-80 Citrus College Alumni Achievement Award and was chosen Citizen of the Year in 1980 by the city of Glendora. He retired from Citrus College in 2005 and was honored as a Citrus College Faculty Emeritus. Ben, born on July 4, 1938 in Anaconda, Mont., was the oldest of five children and 54 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Ben and Anne (Haffey) and brother Don. He is survived by his wife, Lois, his four children: Bo (Laura), Mark (Tiff), Mick (Toni) and Mindy (Brian); as well as 10 grandchildren: Rhett, Sarah (Brad), Chelsea, Danny, Patrick, Austin, Dylan, Jessica, Rhys and Faith; two step-grandchildren: Ella and Lucy; and two great-grandchildren: Stella and Wesley. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben's honor can be made to the Citrus College Foundation, Casa Colina Hospital or City of Hope. Donations to the Citrus College Foundation should be sent to Citrus College, Attn: John Vaughan, Visual and Performing Arts Division, 1000 W. Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741. Donations to Casa Colina should be made via casacolina.org, and donations to City of Hope via cityofhope.org. Please sign the guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/sgvtribune.Oakdale Mortuary in Glendora

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Published by San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Oct. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Ben Bollinger

Sponsored by San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

19 Entries

david mack

October 19, 2024

God bless the Bollinger family

Liz

September 6, 2023

he was my great grandpa, an amazing man who stored half my nostalgia.

Casey A

January 13, 2019

I took his voice class back in 93 and I was amazed at the way he was able to show the students how to overcome difficulties they had singing. One young lady had a very soft voice and he showed her how to project it. Another young man had a cleft pallet and he showed him how to sing around it.I had wanted to be a part of the recording arts center that was to be built. I had a private meeting with him about it. He told me that when I saw the small classrooms being torn down to see him and be a part of what was happening. By the time Citrus started building I had moved on to PCC to learn radio broadcasting. I'm glad I got to know him for that short time.

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James Willert

December 30, 2018

Mr. Bollinger appreciated hard work and expected everyone's best efforts I had the privilege to be in Mr. Bollinger's Citrus Singers and his choir at Citrus College and when he conducted the church choir in Glendora. I have missed performing under Mr. Bollinger's great leadership and direction. A truly confident and classy man. Mr. Bollinger will surely be missed. James Willert

Lisa Jimenez

November 3, 2018

I am truly sorry for your loss, I did not get the change to meet Ben in this life time, but he sounds like he was a very special person on this earth. My deepest condolences

Marsha Swayze

October 27, 2018

Ben was one of the great men that I worked with at the Citrus Collage Theatre. He always treated Rachel and I with respect. He was fun to work with, how many directors let a 3 year old run around during rehersel, and he always knew what he was doing in that Theatre. We both loved him.

bill hudson

October 27, 2018

I am sorry to hear of bens passing I was in his choir from 1990-1995 and learned so much from his choral expertise

October 27, 2018

I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the broken hearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1, 2) With heartfelt sympathy

jessica moody

October 26, 2018

We will greatly miss his smile and jokes at the West Covina Infusion room. He always had a story, or joke for us that made our day. It was an honor and privilege to treat him. May he rest in peace. Our condolences to His wife and family.

love,
West Covina infusion nurses

Sandra Tapp

October 25, 2018

My condolences to the family of Ben Bollinger Mr B as he was affectionately known. I met Mr B in 1978 through my high school choir director at Eisenhower Hiigh School and what a wonderfully lasting impression he left on me and all who knew him. Thank you for sharing your gift of song with all of us. You will forever be in my heart. Prayers and blessings to your beautiful wife Lois and loving family.

Ben Bollinger Ramona High Madrigals -1968

Peter Pearson

October 25, 2018

I've always had fond memories of Mr. Bollinger from being in the Ramona High Madrigals for three years. Even wrote a story making several references to him a few years ago. Lately, I've been praying for his best, not knowing his situation. He was like an older brother to many of us. http://patmosplanet.net/upm/#MADRIGAL_BY_DIVINE_INTERVENTION_

Peter Pearson

October 25, 2018

October 24, 2018

A wonderful man who was a friend of my father--also a professor at Citrus--and who gave a lovely tribute at Dad's funeral. I know he was loved by many and will always live on in so many hearts and minds.

A clip from the LA Times, 1980: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24818915/ben_bollinger_1980/

Patti BUTLER

October 24, 2018

One of the nicest man I could ever meet I'm glad our paths crossed you always treated me great at the top of the park and I know you're in a better place and maybe I'll see you again someday

BZ performing for an audience of 2,000. Raising it up for Mr. B!

BZ Smith

October 24, 2018

Mr. B, as we called him at Ramona High, gave my life meaning, spiritual depth, and a sincere, life-long love of classical choral music. Other than my own parents, no other adult has had such a lasting impact on my life. I became a professional performer, in large part because of the skills and confidence that I gained in Concert Choir. I learned to understand liturgy and to be a pretty good sight-reader of music! A day does not go by when I do not tell my friends, my family, my grandchildren about the man who carved my love of music and so much more. He was a rock, a tower, a hero for so many young people. Blessings on Dr. Bollinger's family. May his legacy continue.

Dave Mack

October 24, 2018

Rest in peace, Mr. Bollinger....You always treated me well as a young man. My condolences to the Bollinger family...

D Hamilton

October 24, 2018

My condolences to the family and friends of Ben D. Bollinger. May you have hope and comfort - John 6:40 during this most difficult time. D. Hamilton

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