I met Ben on the Applegate Ranger Dist. in summer of 1978. A few years later, he was part of a Sunday running group in Ashland. We ran long rd.runs in the Ashland watershed, before the trail system existed.He was a steadfast runner who took great joy in running and in  the support & camaraderie of the group.He had the most genuine and infectious smile and was always interesting to talk to.