Tuesday, July 12, 2016
I'm so sorry at the passing of Ben, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ben gave me my first job as a civilian lawyer, young and full of spunk just out of the Navy. I remember staying with Ben and Sue Ellen that first weekend in Sylva in February 1986, walking down Savannah Drive as the snow quietly fell in the evening, and feeling welcomed and part of a new "family". As Ben's junior colleague (and later partner for 8 years) I saw him as my mentor in many ways and I always respected his keen intellect, his quiet leadership, and his calming demeanor. Ben was a true renaissance man.
I left the firm for reasons unconnected to Ben, and I lost touch with him (and Sue Ellen) over the many years since. But my fondness, admiration and respect for him continued, and I shall miss him. We have lost a kind and wonderful man from our earthly presence. God bless you and keep you all.
