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Ben Chaiken Obituary
86, of Phoenix passed away on February 18, 2013 . Born in New York City in 1926, Ben Chaiken was the first US-born member of his immigrant family. After service in the US Navy during World War II, he attended Columbia University and University of Iowa on the GI bill and graduated with a degree in microbiology. While studying in Iowa he met Gwendolyn Scales, who he married in 1954 and they had three daughters. The family moved several times while the children were young as Ben worked in public health in California, Minnesota, and Michigan, before settling in Phoenix in 1967. He became the Executive Director of the Arizona Lung Association and retired after many years of service. In retirement he served for several years as the Director of the Gerontology Society of Arizona. His daughters lovingly recall him as "the papa" in the classic mold of Fiddler on the Roof, and all remember him as the best story-teller around who kept everyone amused with tales of his youthful misadventures. He was an avid tennis player, chess player, hockey fan, dog lover, and enjoyed his afternoon glass of vodka before sitting around the table and sharing rich conversations over fine dinners Gwenn had prepared. A truly unique individual who will be remembered by all who loved him. He is survived by wife Gwenn, daughters Miriam, Sara, and Rebecca Chaiken, sons-in-law Tom Conelly and Cameron Counters, and sisters Molly, Shami, and Faye. Friends wishing to honor Ben's memory are asked to make contributions to the Arizona Lung Association in his name.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ben Chaiken
March 17, 2013
Dear Gwen,We were saddened to hear of your loss and wishing we could talk together some time.I remember Ben from a class we took together and he was a delightful person. Ann Murray Oneill
LaDonna Stubbs Fay
March 14, 2013
Dear Gwen and family,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't know Ben, but have learned from the guest book entries what a wonderful person he was. I appreciated Don passing the news along to our classmates.
Blessings to you and your family,
LaDonna Stubbs Fay
Valetta Sueppel
March 14, 2013
John and I are sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. May you remember the good times...
March 14, 2013
Dear Gwenn and family, I was sad to hear of your husbands death. I'd never met him but heard about him thru others. It's been a long time since we've seen each other but I remember the fun our group used to have. Please know that you and your husband and family will be in my prayers. With sympathy, Pat Kelley Jipson
Don Griffith
March 14, 2013
I got a note from Carly Ambrisco that your husband had died. Sincere regrets.
I have an informal City High email list and I sent the Obituary out so you might hear from old IC grads. ((Hugs)) Don [email protected]
Candida Jacobs Bell
March 8, 2013
I have the fondest memories of Ben. Such a warm man, and dear friend (and cousin) to our family. The greatest laugh & hugs, the most wonderful stories. We will miss him very much.
brigid Devney-Rye
March 8, 2013
Ben was such a good guy. I always enjoyed seeing him and having a visit. My heart goes out to Gwenn and his family.
Charles Daschbach
March 6, 2013
I am sure all that knew Ben Chaiken have wonderful and inspirational memories from his extensive work in the health community. While I met him when he was with the Lung Association, his thoughtful, inspirational and deeply reflective work on the St. Joseph's Hospital Ethics Committee was singular. Our patients were well-served by his input on very difficult problems. We salute him...and his good work lives on.
Sr. Margaret McBride
March 6, 2013
To the Chaiken Family,
Please know of our thoughts and prayers for the loss of your spouse, father and brother. Ben was a loyal member of our hospital ethics committee for many years. His wisdom, wit and expertise was always enjoyed and honored by the members. I know his death came quickly in the end, but I want you to know of our thoughts and prayers coming from St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Our prayers continue for Gwenn during this time of illness.
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Memorial Events
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