Billy Ben Lynch

Billy Ben Lynch entered eternal life January 19, 2019 at Rainbow Board and Care in Yucaipa after a long illness at the age of 96. Billy was born May 13, 1922 in Taft, California to Earnest Euan and Bessie Fannie Lynch, and was their second child. His parents separated when he was 4 years old. Throughout his lifetime, Billy was renown for a great sense of humor. He was often called upon to speak at events because of his uncanny sense of humor and entertaining qualities. He loved the outdoors, especially the mountains and traveling. He was adept at the studio arts, loved his cats, and practiced bee-keeping for many years. He was an active member of the St. Frances X Cabrini Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus for many years. He was a US Army veteran of WWII serving in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. After the war he attended business school where he met his future wife, Hermione Dorothy Petersen with whom he had two children, Paul and Tina. He graduated from USC and worked as a teacher and later as a social worker. After retirement he and his second wife, Patricia, moved to Calimesa where they raised two daughters, Barbara and Diane. Billy and Patricia have lived in the Calimesa and Yucaipa area for 41 years. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his step mother Iola, his brother Ernest Lynch, and his sister Shirley Lochner. He is survived by his wife Patricia, children Paul, Tina, Barbara, and Diane, and grandchildren Eugene, Zoe, Geneva, and Josephine. The family is deeply appreciative for our father’s compassionate care by the staff of Rainbow Board and Care over the past three years, especially Mario, Marcella and Victor, who treated him and us like family. His family will miss him greatly as he was dearly loved by all. Mass will be held at the St. Frances X Cabrini Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the Parish Center at 12:00 PM.