Benjamin Van Jones

I still think of Ben and miss the opportunity to call and chat or go for a hike. Ben called to say goodbye just days before his passing which was just the kind of man he was for others. Now we would have chatted about our grandchildren and I wish we had that chance.

I often think of Ben, especially when caring for our shared grandson, Zane. I see Ben in him and remember what an amazing person Ben was. I´m sad he never was able to see and know Zane. I just know he would have been an amazing grandpa to him and would have taught him so much. Ben is remembered for his kindness, integrity and for the fine human being he was. I will be sure to share stories about him with his grandson. I miss him.- Annie Bennett

Thinking of Ben at Xmas time. This will be the second Xmas for his adorable grandson, Zane. There are times when I look at Zane and see traces of Ben in his face. Ben lives on through all who knew and appreciated him. Zane will be part of his legacy.

Thinking of Ben today, Valentines Day 2023. He would have been so thrilled to have shared time with Zane, his grandson, who was born November 7 th 2022. Ben was always very tender and good with little children. I know his heart would have melted around Zane. However I know he is with Zane in spirit and lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. Annie Bennett

Ben will be remembered by me as one of the dearest, and finest of friends. I have known Ben since the early 70s. We moved to Oregon in the same year, and were both members of a group of avid outdoor adventurers. We learned to ski and climb mountains together. He was with me on many adventures, including ascents of Rainier, and St Helens when it was still a mountain. We climbed some peaks as a twosome, roped together on a winter climb of Hood, and twice on North Sister. Ben was always ready...

I was privileged to work with Ben for over 20 years at the DEQ laboratory. He became a wonderful co-worker and friend. He was thoughtful, kind and a true scientist. I valued his input always and our discussions were often wide ranging but with a purpose to the problem at hand. He will be missed by the DEQ family he made. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Marilyn and their sons.

It was such a pleasure to have known Ben and to have shared adventures over the last decade. I first met Ben when I came to work at Oregon DEQ. Ben was a mentor to me as I learned about air quality chemistry and microscope techniques. We didn´t overlap for that long - Ben retired shortly after I came on board. But we stayed in touch and he offered exceptional council when I struggled with difficult conceptual problems. After he stepped away from DEQ we also started to get out in the woods and...

I am a nurse, and I had the honor of taking care of Ben for many years at Dr. Menashe´s office. I thought that Ben´s obit where you stated that he was interested, interesting, capable and kind, was so very true of Ben. I always enjoyed taking care of him, and our many discussions regarding his latest hikes or the projects he was working on at his son´s home. He was a gentle soul, who will not be forgotten. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Ben!