Bayani Teruel Whiteside

Bayani "Benny" Teruel Whiteside

Bayani was born November 18, 1939 in Santa Mesa (District of Manila), Philippines and passed away on December 15, 2020 in Lancaster CA, at the age of 81.  He previously resided in Manila, Philippines, Agana, Guam, and Daly City CA.

He attempted to serve in the U.S. Navy but was declared ineligible due to physical limitations. In 1968, he married his loving wife Cecilia in Marikina (District of Manila), Philippines.  He was long-time resident of Ridgecrest and was previously employed at the China Lake CPO/Officers Club, Equipment Maintenance at Burroughs High School, and eventually became a Chemical Analyst at Kerr-McGee/North American Chemical Company until his retirement in 2002.  He was an avid bowler at China Lake and travelled extensively to various tournaments and competitions and truly loved the sport.  He enjoyed visiting relatives and loved to gamble in Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his father Francisco Teruel (Deceased 1944), step-father Garland Whiteside (Deceased 1988), sister Michelle Bray (Deceased 1992) and mother Peggy Whiteside (Deceased 2003).  He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cecilia Whiteside, daughter Cathy Whiteside-Castillo, and son Brian Whiteside all from Ridgecrest CA.  His sisters Ivy Whiteside of Mesquite TX, Susan Gray of Houston TX, Christine Beil of Eugene OR, Wanda Whiteside of Bakersfield CA, and grandson Marco Castillo of Ridgecrest CA.  He also leaves behind a vast number of relatives in the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, Nigeria, and throughout the United States.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020, 4:00-7:00PM and services on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 10:00AM at Holland & Lyons Mortuary, 216 South Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555, followed by burial at Desert Memorial Park.  The family understands the inability to attend due to the current Covid pandemic, but will attempt to stream live via Zoom and email/text the meeting code prior to the services.  For those attending the visitation, please adhere to the regulations administered by Holland & Lyons Mortuary.