Benjamin Holliday Taplin Jr.

As a close friend of Col. Richard Olney's family, I met Ben at the funeral services for Pat Olney, who was like a second mother to me. He was a real comfort to the family that weekend, and we became close very quickly. Ben stayed in touch with phone calls to me and I always enjoyed hearing from him. It was so sad to hear of his passing in such a lonely way. He was a special man.

Court, Carol and I were shocked when we heard of Ben's passing. Seeing the both of you cousins at the last Olney Reunion was the first time in a very long time that we had to get to know the both of you. We really enjoyed the time that we got to spend with you both. We will miss him at the upcoming Reunion but I know that he will be with us in spirit. Look forward to seeing you at the Reunion.
Carol and Hal Harper

Ben was such a kind and gentle spirit, and my family and I will miss him very much. We always had such fun together over the years at the Hunt Club horse shows, and the hunter trials! I'll also never forget that it was Ben who called me many times to chat during the time that I was closing our family business. He used to simply call to say hello and find out how I was doing, always offering jokes and support, and most of all,love. He was a caring and extraordinary gentleman always, and I will...

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Ben's passing. Although I have not lived in Cleveland for the past ten years, I have so many fond memories of our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I met Ben at Patricia D. Olney's funeral weekend in Pensacola. As an "adopted" Olney (Trisha and I were college friends and I grew very close to Dick and Pat and the rest of their immediate family), it was of great interest to hear some of the old family stories and Ben had lots to share. He and I "clicked" that weekend and developed a long term friendship. We continued to have many long phone conversations through the years, which were always laced with stories of family and club...

Courtenay, I was saddened to hear of Benji's passing. I was so looking forward to getting to know him better at the Family Reunion. Even though he won't be here in body he will be here in sprit. Our love to you and your family.

My family sends our deepest sympathies to our cousins Courtenay, Lloyd, Cotty & Annie. We have only a few memories of Ben, but they are very fond, indeed. I will miss not having another "horse person" in the family. When Ben learned of my daughter's Student Ambassadorship, he called her, overflowing with excitement and congratulations. It was something she and I will never forget. He clearly cared so deeply about others. The last phone conversation I had with him, he was telling me...

Benjy was a member of our family.

Courtenay, Betsy and I send our condolences. Although it's been years since we've seen Ben, we have many happy memories of the good old days. We were flattered to have been included in his circle of friends.