I would like to honor Benjamin from two different perspectives. First, from Verdandi, where he has been a very important person to us all within the organization  for a long time. I had the privelage of sharing his company and interests at Verdandi , approx 3 times a week for six years.

But most of all, I want to speak about him as a personal friend. I identify as neither Christian nor Muslim these days — but I would still like to quote a Bible verse that I think seems  suitable in this context:
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained "angels"unaware."

I do not believe in angels with fluttering wings and such… But I do believe that 'angels' simply represent the forces of good that sometimes turn up amongst us — .
The power of gentleness...
The power of understanding —
The strength in humility
The power of respect and appreciation for all
The power of kindness -- in selflessness, and even in self-sacrifice
And like an "angel"… most of it in the unseen and in the background

That was our Benjamin!!

Our lives consist partly of some important moments and personal decisions… as well as a whole lot of unimportant things, decisions, and actions.

The strange thing in life is that often the truly important events only reveal themselves to be important much later.
When we look back at life, we can understand how certain small things and events have guided us, changed us, and enriched our lives.
Is it not strange that only now, looking back at the moments we had with Benjamin, we can truly understand the value he gave us — the qualities of life that he shared with us, just by being him?

It is now my intention to carry these forward… to my family, my grandchildren, and to all those that my possible future may give me as friends.