In Loving Memory-1937-2011

I have been going through some of Ben's paperwork and found an old business card from his moving business.  On the back of the card he had the following printed:

One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much I had in my bank account nor what my clothes looked like.  But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of another being.

Couldn't have said it better myself!
I wrote this memorial about Ben shortly after he passed away.

Ben passed away peacefully November 18. Several years ago he was diagnosed with a lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis, for which there is no treatment or cure. As you all know, Ben was very passionate about his health and maintaining a healthy body naturally. He was constantly researching different ways to treat his illness and did very well up until 3 weeks ago, but the disease finally took over and Ben lost his battle. I am not one to preach about the determents of cigarette smoking, but if you are a smoker PLEASE STOP. Ben quit smoking over 35 years ago, led an extremely healthy life after that and bought himself many good years, but the damage was done. Had it not been for his smoking Ben would most likely be here today. Ben owned and operated his own truck specializing in the moving of antiques. He worked in Brimfield for over 30 years, as well as many of the top auction houses all over the country. He was well respected in his field by the antique dealers and many celebrities. After retiring from the road we purchased our home in Plympton and started the development of this small farm and gift shop. We worked tirelessly together to get Summer Gardens up and running. Ben was a mechanical genius and loved to build equipment from the ground up, including the truck he so lovingly called home all of the years he was on the road. Because Ben was so passionate about health and a good quality of life he donated his body to Tufts Medical Research in Boston in hopes of helping someone else someday. Ben is survived by his son David and his wife Kelly of Belton, MO, a son Gene and his wife Jenny of Aliso Viejo, CA, a sister Faye Shaw and brother Newton Daniels both of LA. Also 3 beautiful granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a daughter Lisa Daniels. At this time there will be no services. Next spring we will have a gathering here at Summer Gardens to honor Ben and his love and kindness that he so willingly passed on to others. Thank you for all of your love and support. If you live in the area, please take time to say hi to Mac (his dog) he misses his buddy terribly.