Henry Benavides May 25, 1965 - march 13, 2023
Enrique "Henry" Garcia Benavides, 57, passed away peacefully at 0315 on March 13, 2023, surrounded by members of his immediate family and EMS family. Henry was born May 25, 1965, in Mexico, to father, Henry Benavides and mother, Amalia Garcia. His father was a farm worker, and his mother was a homemaker. Like many families, Henry's family fled their home country to ensure a better life in the United States, when Henry was two. Henry and his family traveled across California's west coast and central valley, living in various migrant camps, until settling in Keyes, Ca at the age of 7. Henry graduated from Keyes elementary and later, Turlock High School, making countless friends along the way. While Henry was investigating future job possibilities, he decided to join the Keyes Fire Explorer Program. It was through this program that he met and fell in love with the Assistant Chief's daughter, Ivy Christopher. He and Ivy were married in 1989, and they had two sons, Aamos and Aidan Benavides, who were Henry's pride and joy. Henry is also survived by his daughter -in law Bonnie Benavides. His Granddaughters Isabella and AnnaMarie Benavides. Henry became a Keyes Fire Explorer as a teenager. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for emergency services. He remained with Keyes Fire over 35 years a firefighter. He worked Cal Fire as a seasonal Firefighter in 1985-1986 He earned his EMT certificate and would dedicate the next 37 years to public service as an Emergency Medical Technician with Stanislaus County AMR. While there, he was an active member of AMR's Strike Team, Bike Team, Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Emergency Vehicle Operation Course instructor, Field Training Officer, CPR Instructor. Over the years, he was recognized multiple times for his dedication and service. He was the recipient of the Spirit of the Red Cross Award, EMSA Recognition Award, and named Hometown Hero, by the Modesto Nuts for going above and beyond his call of duty. He and his partner Won the National EMS Rodeo in 2013. Henry owned H&S Catering with his best Friend Steve. They were well known for their tri tip and chicken. Henry served on the Keyes Community Service District Board from 2005 -2013. He also was a Campus Supervisor at Modesto High School. Henry had many hobbies, one of which was cooking. Without a doubt, his love language was feeding people. No one went hungry when Henry was around. He regularly brought joy through sharing food and providing good company. He was a prominent member of the E Clampus Vitus Organization, Chapter 58. He was famous for his beans, which he prepared for over 20 years, and would eventually pass this tradition onto his eldest son, Aamos. He also enjoyed flying his drone, scuba diving, welding, mowing lawns for his neighbors, and playing with HAM radios. Henry loved animals, especially his cat,Smokey, and Daisy, AMR's therapy dog. Henry was preceded in death by: His parents. Amalia Garcia Benavides and Henry Benavides and his beloved Rottweiler Stefani. In lieu of flowers, please send *gift cards, * Aidan's request. ( or whatever else you decide) A memorial service will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 at 1: 00 PM, at Larsa Hall, in Denair, Ca. A procession will travel from Modesto to Denair, preceding his Memorial Service. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow immediately after the Memorial.