Ben, 1986 - 2006

Ben was the only boy in a family of four children. He was sweet, mild-mannered, and knew when to let his three sisters make the decision on where to eat dinner or what he should wear. He was a giver, a listener, and a friend to everyone.

There was no facade to Ben. He was Ben through and through. If you wanted an honest answer, Ben was the one to give it to you (in a kind and gentle way). In college at the University of Oregon, Ben was known to be "everyone's friend and brother." He made everyone laugh and touched so many people's lives. People were intrigued by what he had to say and the things he questioned. Many of his college friends stated that they were much happier to have known Ben.

We were all much happier and much better off having had Ben in our lives even if it was only for a short time.

The Accident
At 19 years old, Ben had embarked on a cross-country journey from Virginia to Oregon with a friend.  Unfortunately, neither boys were wearing seat belts when the driver fell asleep at the wheel. Ben perished that day.

Our lives were forever changed in that moment. It took several years before I could finally find some way to make a sad memory into one that could help others. Ben's Books is that way for me.

The Seeker
Ben was a seeker. He was a person in search of so much... knowledge, religion, education, everything. He read for answers and for enjoyment. His reading material was extremely diverse. From Psychotherapy East & West and Toward a Meaningful Life to Krishnamurti on Education and Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About, Ben's library was filled with books of opinions, thought, and knowledge.

Amanda Tatum
Ben's Big Sister