COVEY, E. Boen (Ben)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 08/05/2003 E. Boen "Ben" Covey, 88, died July 10, 2003. Boen was born Feb. 27, 1915 in a one room cabin just outside Glasgow, Montana, into a family of storytellers, poets, and music lovers, and he carried on these traditions his entire life. He loved school and determined at and early age that he would go to college. Overcoming several obstacles he enrolled in Montana State College in 1934, and put himself through, graduating in 1938 in Architectural Engineering. A twinkle in the eye, a quip, a smile, a prayer, and a poem - that's how everyone will remember him. To him the glass was always half full, and life was full of many blessings. He valued above all, God, his family, and his country. It was while he was in college that he met his wife of 59 years, Sylvia Richardson. His career took them many places; the entire western states, the territory of Alaska and Georgia for a total of nine states. During World War II he served his country in the Navy. A career highlight was Project Engineer for the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair Monorail. He and his wife built a cabin in Pinetop, in the late 70s and they lived there on and off until 1992. He retired in 1985 and they moved to Lakewood in 1994. These last three years he entertained at Narrows Glen Laurel House. Whenever he went he left a wake of laughter and smiles. He and Sylvia had two children Gaye of West Linn, Oregon, and Dave of Lakewood, Washington. For 15 plus years the family lived just outside of Port Orchard. Many lifelong friends and wonderful memories were made there. It was in Port Orchard that Boen began his life long membership in the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He also was a Past Worthy Patron in both Eastern Star and Amaranth. In addition to his loving children he is survived by his foster son Don Boivin of San Jose, California; David's wife Florence; his grandchildren/great-grandchildren; Erik and Julie Daniels and their daughter Rose of Portland, Oregon; Angie and Bob Moawad and their two children Boen and Grace of Snohomish, Washington, and Boen Covey of San Diego, California; his siblings in California and their families; Lotus Lubinski, Leona Potter, Cleve Covey, and Ardy Colbaugh; a large number of nieces and nephews, and his three brothers-in-law and their families; Gordon, Ralph, and Fred Richardson. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving service of Franciscan Hospice, and the special attention given to him from the aides at Laurel House. A memorial service was Saturday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Mt. View Garden Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Franciscan Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Mountain View Funeral Home. 584-0252. Please sign online guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.