We buried Ben today.

[SoCalDem]

Ben was no Ronald reagan... people did not line the streets and weep for him...

He was born in a migrant worker's shack.. He was the youngest of 9 children.

My best friend met him when she was a little girl.. Ben was a family friend, and was her older brother's age. He was always around their house, and when her father died, Ben gave money to her mother every month "to help out"..

When my friend was an unwed mother at 18, Ben became the baby's "unofficial uncle"..

Throughout the years, Ben went to my friend's sons' baseball games, soccer games, and was "always there" for them..

He never married and had his own family..When my friend and her oldest had the usual "teenaged-boy-obnoxious behavior-induced falling out", Ben took him in.. When Jeff was killed in the auto accident at age 24 (a few years ago), Ben was inconsolable, and in ill health, so my friend took him into her home to care for him.. Ben bought the cemetary plot next to Jeff's and basically waited to join him.. He had a massive stroke last week, and never regained consciousness..

Today he joined Jeff... No fanfare..no 21 gun salutes..Just a sweet little man who helped people..He was 67.

[JaySherman]

1. I'm sorry for your loss.

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Your Ben wasn't nobility like St. Ronnie, but he embodied the noble spirit in a way Bonzo could only dream of.

[WillParkinson]

2. Your message...

Brought your friend to life for the rest of us. We share your loss.

[physioex]

3. My condolences...well written...EOM

[aquart]

4. He helped his family.

And his family helped him.

Sometimes family is a choice of the heart.

[Tom Kitten]

5. My sorrows...

...a very eloquent testimonial in memory to a friend who was very special to a lot of people...Beloved gentle souls such as he are our hope for humanity, it is so tragic that circumstances dictated his fate in such a way. I really feel sorrow reading this.

[skip fox]

6. It sounds like his death was not just your or your friend's loss

but a loss to the community, to all of us. But by telling his story, however briefly, you've helped Ben show the rest of us the importance of compassion and personal duty (even when there is no legal or even logical obligation).

[hlthe2b]

7. Thank you for your tribute to Ben.....

That such a tremendous obituary could be written in such a way that touches the total strangers with whom you have shared his story, is a testament of sorts to Ben. I doubt (unlike that which was said/written about the Gipper) that ANYONE will doubt a word written about Ben.

You are lucky to have known him... Thanks for sharing. RIP, Ben.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

8. Thank the Lord there are more Ben's in this world than RR's

is all I can say. That, and, I am deeply sorry for your loss.

[JM]

9. Deepest condolences, SoCal

Every once in a while, we get to experience someone who is a genuine friend, sharing their life, not just what they have, but who they are, for the betterment of others. You were fortunate to have known such kindness and generosity.

JM

[gatlingforme]

10. Sorry for your loss. My sympathies to you and your friend.

[Mnemosyne]

11. Most of the greatest people are unknown

My heart goes out to you and his loved ones. Ben sounds like a beautiful, caring person.

Rest in Peace Ben.

[SoCalDem]

12. Thanks, to all of you.. he was a sweet little guy

I doubt that he was over 5'2"..(He was crippled, and walked with a cane for as long as I knew him...17 yrs), but that never stopped him.. My friend would get aggravated at him sometimes.. He got up at 7 am every day, had breakfast, and then "hit the streets".. He walked to the Senior Center (about mile away), then walked to Coco's for lunch, then walked back home afterwards.. Ben was devastated when target closed, because that was one of his usual haunts as well. he knew everyone there..

My friend was always worried when he was "out", that he might fall, or that someone would rob him.. He was a very frail little guy..but feisty as hell ..

At his funeral, there were about 50 people...most were not "related" to him..About 10 people spoke about his life.. Most of the people did not even know each other..

His life was like a stone thrown into water.. It made many ripples, but none touched each other..

[UrbScotty]

13. Rest in peace, Ben.

Thank you for all that you did.

[Nikia]

14. My condolenscences to you and your friend

It sounds like Ben was a great member of the family, even if it was by choice and not by birth. It would be good for there to be more people like him.

[Dookus]

15. I'm so sorry, SoCal...

I actually shed a tear for Ben, which is more than I did for Reagan. Thanks for letting us know about him.

[Ginaz]

16. Upon such small men is planted greatness

I am sorrowed for your loss.

[Pithlet]

17. I'm so sorry.

:hug: Your tribute to him is touching. I wish I could have known him.

[welshTerrier2]

18. sometimes

in the smallest lives are the greatest deeds ... the deeds for which there are no parades, no visible trophies and no C-Span coverage ...

i enjoyed reading about Ben's goodness and am sad at his passing ...

[arwalden]

19. Sorry To Hear The Sad News

I hope you're able to find comfort with your family and friends and in sharing memories of happier times you spent with Ben.

-- Allen

[cally]

20. I'm sorry for your loss

Sounds like Ben was a great man and I'm glad he was in your life. :hug:

[Missy Vixen]

21. Some of the greatest people we know

are those who quietly go about doing good.

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful eulogy.

I'm sure that a gentle, kind man named Ben made more of an impact than a thousand RR's.

Godspeed, Ben.

Julie

[flamingyouth]

22. I'm so sorry for you loss

:hug: