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Benjamin Warthen Obituary
Jun 26, 1942 - Jul 3, 2024
On July 3, 2024, Benjamin Pollard Alsop Warthen, did something very uncharacteristic of his usual self when he joined a growing popular trend that many have done and passed away. Ben passed from his battle with anaplastic cancer, but he requested a rematch. He was born on June 26, 1942, in Richmond, to Dr. Harry Justice Warthen, Jr. and Martha Winston Alsop Warthen.
Ben was a graduate of Christchurch School, the University of Virginia, The London School of Economics and the University of Virginia Law School. He served in the United States Army. Ben was also a member of Phi Kappa Psi and was an active in the organization throughout his life.
Ben was a man of many talents and interests with a full and varied life and career. He worked in New York City at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company where he met his wife, Terry. He then returned to Virginia in his private practice and recently received recognition for over 50 years of service in the Virginia State Bar Association. He held the position of City Councilman in the 3rd District in Richmond from 1992 to 1994. Afterwards, he founded and operated the Richmond State News and served as publisher. Subsequently, he served on the Board of Visitors for the University of Virginia from 1998 to 2002. He remained active at UVA afterwards by mentoring students at the University.
His lists of interests and hobbies were many and extensive. He had a deep knowledge of the history of Virginia and the United States, literature and classical arts. He maintained a revolving collection of classic and antique cars which he continually serviced and perfected. A fan of the outdoors, Ben would find any reason to work on his property, including a long standing project on his mountain in Albemarle County. His loves of his communities showed with his involvement as a board member of the Poe Museum, a board member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, a member of the Country Club of Virginia, The Rolls-Royce Owners Club and the Westmoreland Club.
Ben is survived by his wife of 45 years, Terry Gwyn Warthen; and his son, Thomas R. R. Warthen. He is also survived by his brother, George and his family; the family of his late brother, Harry; and the extended family members of the Alsops and Tinsleys.
A graveside service will be held in Hollywood Cemetery, on Saturday, July 13, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Poe Museum.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Warthen
Shelley Horsley Cruz
August 11, 2024
I am so sorry to learn of Ben's passing. We met when we were in college and remained in touch throughout the decades.
Peter T. Clarke
July 22, 2024
I spoke with Ben in June to discuss the current status of the Phi Psi fraternity house but had no idea that this would be the last time we spoke. We met when I was an undergraduate from 1970 until 1974. Speaking with Ben was always a privilege, very educational, and gentlemanly. And, I´ll never forget having breakfast with Ben and my daughter at the Boar´s Head in 2002 when he offered to support her application to the University. Again he was the consummate gentleman and offered some valuable advice to my daughter Elizabeth who graduated in 2007. Whenever Ben came to the house I always dropped what I was doing to spend time with him and learn about the fraternity´s history, the latest information about the school, vintage car talk, and whatever else was on his mind that day. What a raconteur Ben was. I miss him already and look forward to catching up with him in the hereafter - Ben was truly a gentleman and a scholar. God´s speed kind sir.
Peter T. Clarke - 1974
John Y Freeman
July 19, 2024
Sad to read of Ben´s passing. My condolences to his family.
Ben was a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brother and was in the UVA Law School when I was an undergrad at UVA in 1968-72. Ben had earlier completed his military service. His frequent appearance as a mid-20´s year-old for dinners with mostly teenagers in attendance was an event we looked forward to. He often arrived in a 3-piece suit, his normal garb, always with a smile on his face. He was exceptionally well-liked, a good conversationalist, and he possessed a great sense of humor which we often tested. Like the kids we were, his sharing of time with us was often rewarded by a thrown roll in his direction, unbuttered as was the house rule. Ben was respected as a role model. Every Phi Psi without exception was taught to memorize his full name and home, despite the 7-year age gap, in acknowledgement of his brotherhood.
People often ask, what was the main benefit in joining a fraternity at UVA? My answer is the fraternity provided access to like-minded students of differing ages, including Benjamin Pollard Alsop Warthen III. Ben was a source of wit and wisdom and class. He added a touch of adult perspective for 60 undergrad brothers who really needed it whether we knew it or not. Ben was there for us, and he loved our fraternity. All the returning military-experienced brothers in this Viet Nam era were truly big-brothers and they adopted us just as we admired them and their obvious grad school smarts.
It is hard to believe I haven´t seen Ben in over 50 years and yet feel a sense of loss.
Rest in peace, Ben and thanks for enriching so many lives.
Shirley Green
July 9, 2024
To George and Family. I was saddened to learn of Ben's passing. May God Comfort and Keep You Now and Always!
(Mable's daughter)
Garland Pollard
July 9, 2024
I am heartbroken for Terry and Thomas. I will remember his devotion to the truth, and principles. He did everything with humor and sense of the eternal. A very great man who made so many contributions.
Larry Hope
July 9, 2024
Ben was a classmate at UVa and in our fraternity pledge class and afterwards for many years on our fraternity´s local board. Always of good humor and full of historical tidbits. He was instrumental in guiding the fraternity through many problems and encouraging many fellow alumni to stay connected .
His gatherings at his mountaintop retreat were legendary.
Ben will be missed by many. RIP Ben.
Judith Hitchcock koppel
July 8, 2024
Ben had a mischievous smile. Always so pleasant. Ken and I will miss his company. A wonderful man.
George Snyder
July 8, 2024
Ben extended a warm welcome to me when I joined the Fraternity Advisors Coucil. We talked about his truck and mutual friends from school and Richmond. We will miss his wit, good humor and loyalty. My sympathies for your loss.
Kirk Todd
July 7, 2024
A good man and a good friend. Kirk Todd
Sam and Cathy Farmer
July 7, 2024
Whether the subject was history, cars, family, books, or any various obscure matter, Ben always was a joy to converse with and often shared his expertise with a twinkle in his eye! His dry sense of humor would add an unexpected twist to the most entertaining stories. Behind that curmudgeonly exterior was a kind, sensitive gentleman - one we will miss dearly. Godspeed, Ben - you will live in our hearts forever. Love from the Farmers - Sam, Cathy, Carter and Joe.
James Alsop Farmer
July 7, 2024
Ben was one unique fellow.Loved his wit and dark humor.A real Virginia gentleman
Bobby Lamb
July 7, 2024
Ben and I were lifetime friends and
classmates at UVA. We shared a
passion for reactivation of The
Westmoreland Club and rejoiced in
the 1972 success of that. Ben was a
trustee of the paintings of TWC for
over 50 years. Ben was a groomsman in my wedding and I was one in his. Ben and I enjoyed
talking about the minutiae of history. He was a great raconteur
and collector of unusual stories.
Godspeed.
Bobby Lamb
Ginny Carlson
July 7, 2024
My memories of Ben are his wonderful smile and good cheer for all. His varied interests are reflective of his inquisitive nature and joie de vivre. Always happy to see you and enjoy your company. He will be missed by his many friends.
Andrew Fuhrman
July 7, 2024
A dear friend and skilled attorney, we will miss him. Best wishes to Terry and Thomas.
Andy, Marybeth, Cole and Clay Fuhrman (and Bentley too!)
Martha Kent
July 7, 2024
A wonderful cousin.
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