Benjamin D. Derige

Benjamin Domingo Derige, 84, of Seattle, WA, died on March 26, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, WA. Benjamin was born in Penned, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines on June 8, 1937 to Telesforo Catcho Derige and Eusebia Domingo Derige.

Ben attended Santa Maria Agricultural High School then pursued the farm mechanics program at Central Luzon Agricultural College. After college, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. He then moved to Manilla where he worked on a military camp as a civilian employee.

In 1977, he came to the United States to join his mother, sister Pacita and family in Seattle, WA. He soon worked as a subcontractor for the United States Postal Service. He also spent summers working in Alaska as the head cook for cannery workers. He later retired as a machinist for Boeing.

Ben loved spending time with his family at the ocean. He loved to fish, crab and harvest clams and oysters. He also enjoyed making furniture for his family. Ben was an avid gardener and loved planting vegetables and fruit trees. He also enjoyed being at family gatherings where he loved to sing and dance.

Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Ben managed his illness with strength and grace and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife and children who he loved more than anything else in the world.

Ben is survived by his wife, Priscilla; children: Arlene, Maryanne, Benjamin Jr. and Maynard Derige (Philippines); siblings: Leonila Peredo, Pacita Pascua and Benedicto Derige (deceased).