Benjamin Yhap, age 61, died May 9, 2005 at his home in West Covina, Los Angeles County, California. He was born January 2, 1944 in Guyana. Mr. Yhap was an accomplished musician. He and a few friends formed the band “Chet and the Diamonds” and were popular in Guyana in the 1960’s.
Ben was a graduate of the University of Guyana earning the Higher Technical Diploma in Civil Engineering and later a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He worked on several engineering projects in Guyana, including the Black Bush Polder agricultural project. In 1977, Ben and his family migrated to Trinidad where he worked on several important projects such as the Tringen II Ammonia Plant, New Silver Bridge, Grafton Beach Hotel, a five star resort hotel in Tobago and Penal Power Station, the Trinidad Electric Company project and other high profile projects in Trinidad, Guyana and other islands in the Caribbean.
In 1989, Ben and his family migrated to the US where he joined Kercheval Engineers in San Diego. He began his US engineering experience on Caltrans I-405 & I-105 5 level interchange and other freeway projects. He obtained his California Professional Civil Engineer License in 1992 and subsequently his contractor’s license. In 1993, Ben joined Pacific 17 as the Chief Operation Officer and shareholder. He managed several telecommunication wireless carrier build-out programs in Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Chicago, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kansas with particular emphasis to quality, safety and value engineering. He was a mentor to many of his fellow Guyanese and everyone with whom he came into contact. He was extremely generous, religious and kind in nature.
Between 1993 and Pacific 17 sale to Alcoa Wireless in 2001, Ben managed the Pacific 17’s growth from single digit employment to over 250 staff. In 2002, Ben retired from Alcoa Wireless. Pursuing other opportunities, Ben became the owner of three discount stores and several real estate enterprises in Trinidad. He was also one of the organizers of the Pacific Coast National Bank. Ben was an avid sportsman, with special interest in golf, cricket, boxing, tennis, basketball, cycling and athletics. He was instrumental in organizing an annual golf tournament, now in its sixth year, on Memorial weekend.
Ben is survived by his wife, Jennifer, daughters, Penelope and Hafsah, sons, Adrian and Terence, ex-wife, Norma, sisters, Ann and Barbara, brother, Charles, granddaughter, Jordan, grandson, Adam, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
Funeral services was held at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2005 at All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA., 91101. Visitation was in the church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to services with interment in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA.
