Benjamin Franklin, III Tobin |
| Posted 2010-01-04 by Sharla |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, April 1, 2003 Benjamin Franklin Tobin III left us and entered Heaven with great peace on Saturday, March 29, 2003 after a long battle with chronic lung disease. Ben was born in Detroit, Michigan to Benjamin Franklin Tobin Jr. and Harriet Walker Tobin on June 4, 1927, the youngest of three children. He attended The Hill School in Pennsylvania, then UCLA when his family moved to Bel Air, California. While at UCLA, he met the love of his life Sharon, and they married soon after. He served in two wars, proud to be an American all the days of his life and teaching his children a deep love of this great country, too. After the war, he abandoned his dreams of being an architect, and went to work in the Tobin family business, Continental Motors. Ben and Sharon settled in Los Angeles and began their family. Ben's love of the ocean was really awakened during these years. He raced his sailboat up and down the coast of California, winning more races than he lost. There were dozens of family sailing trips to Catalina Island, one of his favorite places on earth. His style as a sailor can be summed up in one word - determined. They left Los Angeles and moved to Phoenix in 1960. After making many lifelong friends in Phoenix, they moved to Los Altos Hills, California in 1968. When Ben retired in 1989, he and Sharon moved back to Phoenix. He was a maverick always doing what was least expected by others and carrying off these surprises with great grace. He had an inherent dignity and elegance that never left him. His fantastic sense of humor was well known and appreciated. Even during his last days, he would say something so funny, causing sad friends and family members to burst out laughing, much to his delight. He found his faith as a Christian mid-life, and his heartfelt conversion continued to bless those around him right up until the day he died. We shall miss his laughter, fun loving spirit and great wisdom all the days of our lives, but we know in our hearts that we'll join him one day. Papa, you're finally in Paradise and you ran the race so well, even when it became hard you showed us the importance that grace and dignity serve in this life. Thank you for the gifts, blessings and love you showered on us so generously throughout your life. Ben leaves behind his much loved wife of 55 years, Sharon; his precious sister Marjorie Burke (Tom) of Charlotte, North Carolina; his loved children, Ben (Kandra) of San Jose, California, Susan Wesley (Tim) of Phoenix, Elizabeth Courtenay (Jim) of Carlsbad, California and Tim (Stella) of Hollywood, Florida. He also leaves his adored grandchildren, McKenna Wesley, BJ and Tarin Tobin, Hannah and Delaney Courtenay and Anton Tobin. Last, but not least, he leaves his beloved companion, friend and dog, Sammy. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Eckstein Center, Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale. The genuine love and wonderful care they showed a grateful patient during his last days on this earth will not be forgotten by his family. Words cannot express our thanks. Memorial Service will be held 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 2nd, 2003, at Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. With a last wink to his "little Sharon" he left us all to begin the great adventure he's dreamed about for years - Heaven. Our lives will be richer because of his love for us and his love for the Lord. Thank you Ben, Dad, Papa for your sweet, priceless gift. We will hold you in our hearts with love forever. Courtesy of Pat Wilson. |
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