Benjamin Gaytan

Celebrating the Life of a beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle, Brother, and Friend

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend on November 8, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on March 22, 1952, in Zacatecas, Mexico, to Santiago Gaytan and Maria de Jesus Gaytan, he carried with him a deep love for his family, his roots, and the people who meant the most to him.

He shared 50 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Olivia Gaytan. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their marriage was a testament to a lifetime of commitment, partnership, and the beautiful family they created together.

He was a devoted father to his two children, Ashely Kulberg and Rolando Gaytan, and a loving father-in-law to Richard Kulberg. Being a father was one of his greatest joys. He was always there, offering unconditional love, encouragement, and support. No request was ever too big or too small. He was the kind of father who never said no, who gave everything he could, and who made sure his family always knew they could count on him.

Of all the roles he cherished, being Papa to his two grandsons, Richard Benjamin Kulberg and Michael Brody Kulberg, this was his greatest blessing.

To his grandsons, he was so much more than their Papa. He was their biggest fan, their greatest supporter, their protector, and their constant companion. He took them to school, picked them up, attended their games, and celebrated every accomplishment, big or small. He was always there, cheering proudly and fiercely from the sidelines. His support didn’t stop with his grandsons. He cheered just as enthusiastically for their teammates and friends, many of whom lovingly came to know him as “Grandpa.”

He had a special way of making everyone feel like family. His love was generous, unconditional, and without limits. If his grandsons or their friends needed something, Papa was there. He gave freely of his time, his energy, and his heart, never expecting anything in return.

He had a lifelong love for soccer and found great joy in the sport. His enthusiasm for the game was just one reflection of the passion and spirit he brought to everything he loved.

He also treasured being an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Family was always at the center of his world, and he maintained a special love for his extended family, including his beloved sisters-in-law and his siblings in Zacatecas, Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Maria de Jesus Gaytan, and his siblings Maria de Jesus, Manuel, and Pancho.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Olivia Gaytan; his children, Ashely Kulberg and Rolando Gaytan; his son-in-law, Richard Kulberg; and his cherished grandsons, Richard Benjamin Kulberg and Michael Brody Kulberg. He also leaves behind his surviving siblings in Zacatecas, Mexico; his beloved sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and a large extended family who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

He will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty and the extraordinary love he had for his family.

He was the kind of father every child deserves, the kind of husband whose love lasted a lifetime, and the kind of Papa every grandchild dreams of having.

Although his passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our hearts, his love will continue to guide us, his lessons will remain with us, and his memory will live on through the generations he helped shape.

His seat on the sidelines may now be empty, but his cheers will echo forever.

Forever her husband, our Dad, and Papa. Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

A viewing and visitation will be held at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM, followed by a vigil and rosary at 5:30 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, followed by vault interment at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.