Post #802184 by MadDogMike on Sat, Mar 19, 2022 9:43 AM

While Tiki Central was dark, Ben Wilson passed away. Here is his obituary

Our father Ben Wilson, retired teacher and once owner of the El Tiki Supper Club, of Imperial, California, died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 18, 2021. He was 91. We were blessed to have him home with us these last few months where we were able to spend precious moments with him. As most people knew, he was an artist, musician, athlete, writer, educator, and business man. A Renaissance Man and Entrepreneur for sure! Of all his accomplishments, the El Tiki Supper Club was his dream come to life. It was a reality from 1962 to 1977 when it closed due to another business venture that called his name, but unfortunately it was not to be. However, when one door closed, the door to a beautiful rock cabin in Julian opened and he happily walked through it. He lived there for many years until he was no longer able to live on his own. In the remaining years of his life, his battle with dementia was lost, but we were grateful to have spent so much time surrounding him with love, hugs, and laughter. He is survived by his children, Teresa Gilbert and Susan Wilson of Imperial, Ben Wilson Junior of Riverside, Mark Wilson of Mesa, Arizona and Brent Wilson of Prescott, Arizona; numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

His youngest son and I made him an urn inspired by El Tiki for his final resting place