Benny Saiz

Obituary Benny Saiz, 64, of Tacoma, Washington, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend, passed from this life into eternal rest at St. Joseph's hospital on Friday, November 4th. He was the son of Felipita Wiggins and Alberto Saiz born in Albuquerque, NM on August 30, 1952. Siblings include Teresa Rodriguez; Fermin Nieto; Leroy Chavez; Catherine Salazar, Eliseo Moreno and Emily Salazar. Benny always had a welcoming smile for everyone he met, whether he knew them or not. He was very sociable and was always there for his family no matter whether they lived in Tacoma or other parts of the country. Fishing was always a large part of his life too. Many knew this about Benny. Many pictures were taken of Benny on fishing boats where he loved to be. During his life, Benny had driven truck in California which he also loved to do. He and Linda enjoyed traveling in their RV to visit family throughout the western U.S. He was very proud of his Native American heritage. His grandmother was Mescalero Apache from New Mexico. Benny made beadwork and admired the skill that Native artists had for their artwork. He was very proud of his Hispanic heritage which blossomed from the family's Catholic faith growing up in Bernallio, NM, near Albuquerque. Bernalillo's annual Fiestas de San Lorenzo, held each August, filled the streets with music and dancing from Saturday through Monday to honor the town's patron saint. Town residents have been holding the three-day festival since the 1690s. Benny's family was given the honor of carrying the statue of St. Lorenzo in procession one year. Benny grew up in the Albuquerque area attending St. Jose High School. Family gatherings were a significant part of the family's life and faith, characteristics that Benny carried with him throughout his life wherever he lived. He and his wife, Linda Earl, both attended Northwest Indian College locally. He is survived by his wife, Linda Earl at their home in Tacoma. They met through a cousin of Linda's and married on June 25, 1991 at a fireworks stand on the Puyallup reservation. Benny was a devoted grandfather, attending sporting events they were involved in, cultural celebrations he loved and visiting with family and friends as often as he could. Some nicknames that Benny had during his life included "Fluffy", "Vato", "Benito Catero" and "Homey." His sense of humor was always evident. Benny's family includes his wife, Linda, his children, Rosemary Hernandez, Michelle Saiz, Tina Saiz, Starla Walters, step-children, Chester Earl, Curtis Nix, James Richards, and honorary son, Nicholas Earl. He had ten grandchildren. Five of his siblings survive - a brother, Fermin Nieto and his parents preceded Benny in death.