Benjamin Alan Protas-Goldman

Benjamin Alan Protas-Goldman, 28, Beloved Son, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend passed away on February 8, 2024. 

Born into the world by his mother Ramona (Gary) Darby (Quechan Indian Tribe), and his father Michael  La Chappa (Viejas Band of Mission Indians). Ben was raised by special, chosen, loving parents Joyce Goldman and Barnett Protas. 

His momma Mona lovingly carried him from the beginning, and forever holds him in her heart…Ben-oni♥️

Since his earliest days, Ben was captivated by music, harboring a desire to carve his path in the music industry. His journey was brimming with promise, and he was on the hard working path of realizing his dreams.In the hearts of his family and friends, Benjamin's legacy is etched with the imprints of his profound happiness, insightfulness, boundless compassion, unparalleled generosity, and his infectious, radiant smile.Though Benjamin's physical presence has set to rest, he is forever cherished in the memories of those who were blessed to share in his joy, warmth, and most of all ... his love.

Preceded in death by: Son: Benjamin Jr.;Maternal Great Grandparents: Henry (Lena) Montague Sr.(Quechan), and Juanita (Victor) Solomon Vargas(Pima);Paternal Great Grandparents: Delia M. Millard (Viejas), Howard (Marian) Wallen, and (Under the wing of Honorary Great GrandFather) Leroy J. Elliot (Manzanita). Maternal Grandparents: Cornelia Ann Montague (Quechan) and Joseph Ricardo "JoJo" Rodriguez; Paternal Grandparents:Michael E. La Chappa Sr. (Vejas), Albert (Diane) Goldman, Honey Protas, Arthur Protas, Michael Kane. Aunts: Amber Kateri La Chappa, and Rachel Rodriguez. Siblings: Robert P. Morrero & Baby Girl La Chappa. Cousins: Cornelius Stargazer Montague, and David Dean Largo.

Survived by: Beloved Wife Joanna Mojica Protas and her son Jonah, whom Ben dearly loved; His Parents: Michael & Ramona, Joyce & Barnett; Grandmother: Mary Wallen; Siblings: Savannah, Zorren, Gypsy, Deja, Micheala, Gabriel, Giavyolit, Kevin, Nevaeh (Montague-Santos), Josiah, Ma’xan, Sha’vil Xma’aly, Garry Jr.; Aunts: Elvira Amador, Melanie La Chappa, Cryselle, Chenaura, Juanita, Lynne Pasternack, Cindy Brines; Uncles: Richard, Joseph, Sterling La Chappa, Eugene & Kenneth Protas; numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

Pallbearers: Josiah Montague,Garry Darby, Zorren La Chappa, Victor Alverez, Ty Tecumseh, Chaz Tecumseh, Justin Santos, Richard Limones, Brian White, Ralph Valle, Samuel Luna, Joseph Montague, Juan Carlos Mojica, Jerry Mojica. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Garry Darby Jr., Richard Montague-Kostelich, Gabriel La Chappa, Sterling La Chappa, Jesus Uribe, Jr., Solomon Rodriguez, River Montague, Andrew Chaipos, Kain Tecumseh, Lionel Montague, Sr., Lionel Montague, Jr., Bruce Montague, Alton Montague, Sr.,Felix Montague, James Montague, Robert Rodriguez, Kevin Morreo, Joel Mojica.

Services: Friday, February 16,2024

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Yuma Mortuary 

775 S. 5th Avenue Yuma AZ 

Following:
5:00 PM Quechan Big House 

1877 Picacho Road, Winterhaven, CA

Saturday, February 17, 2024

(5:00 AM) Cremation 

Special Gratitude Extended to the: Quechan Indian Nation, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Manzanita  Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. 

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