Benjamin Aparicio Jr., (Ilhuicamina Cuahxochitl) beloved son, brother, father, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, companion, teacher and friend made his journey back to his heavenly home on March 27, 2020 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was 46 year old.
Son of Ben and Lila Aparicio, Benjamin was born in Lake Terrace, CA. on May 30, 1973. Raised in Fillmore, CA, he attended Fillmore schools and graduated from Fillmore High School in 1991 where, following his father’s footsteps, was part of the Track and Cross Country teams. Developing his love for nature at a young age, Benjamin received the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boys Scouts of America. Benjamin’s indigenous ancestral roots inspired his love for the arts, math, and science. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s in Chicano Studies and Chemistry. In 1996, Benjamin was drawn to the mass student movement to stop Proposition 209, an enacted anti-affirmative action law. It was then, in the midst of academia and student activism that Benjamin’s love for native ceremony flourished.
His love for the MÄ“xihcatl & Indigenous culture and native ceremony became a great part of who he was. Benjamin became a danzante and eventually organized and led the KALPULLI HUITZILIN IHUAN XOCHITL (danzante group) in the Fillmore-Piru area and throughout Ventura County. For 20 years he played a big role in the Peace & Dignity Journey runs. Every four years, through the Peace & Dignity Journeys, numerous and diverse indigenous nations reunite and reclaim dignity for their families and communities to forge unity and peace for the future generations.
Many remember Benjamin as the master organizer that he was. His uniqueness was that he never attended or traveled to an event alone. Benjamin was always accompanied by his large family, which is what many felt made the events whole. Benjamin was a Maestro, completely dedicated to serving and teaching our communities as a researcher, and practitioner of ancestral traditions.
Benjamin was a loyal, dedicated son. He worked hard at running the family’s tax business, BA INCOME TAX & IMMIGRATION SERVICES in Santa Paula for over 20 years. As a tax preparer, he was diligent and was always seeking the best for his clients. All who entered would spend quality time with Benjamin, he was as his father describes, a good narrator, clients always left with filed taxes and gained knowledge of native traditions and customs.
He found great joy in sharing his knowledge. He had a generous and kind heart. May Benjamin’s love for all our relations continue to inspire us to channel the rivers of our hearts to the best directions and to share happiness, love, kindness, generosity, compassion and remind us that what we do on this earth matters. We will forever be reminded of Benjamin's love for the Creator, Jesus Christ. Benjamin's memories will continue in our hearts as we embrace the Hummingbird and Flower; Hawk and Eagle; and will always be in the lodges, mountains, rivers, lakes and ocean and in our dreams.
He is survived by his parents Ben and Lila Aparicio, his siblings Maribella Aparicio Hernandez , Lilibell Meza , and Jared Aparicio. His sons Ollin Quetzal, Juan Diego-Ocelotl, Alotl Tlaloc-Xochitl, Mazatepeyolotzin Xihuipahtekatl, Izkalli Cuauhtlatoa, Leo Yeh Cuauhyotzin T, Cuauhtlahuac Q., Cuauhtemoczin T. Benjamin's family would like to express our deepest appreciation for each of you who demonstrated great love to our family during his final months with us here on earth. Benjamin is surely missed but never forgotten. Family is requesting that in lieu of any donations, you give a moment of silence in the open air and embrace all the great memories of Benjamin and pay a kind deed forward to one another. A special memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date.