I knew Mr. Ben for 52 years. My step-father, Bill Myers did business with him. Bill was a general contractor and retired from the USAF when he met him. Bill had a tiny cabin near Kowaliga and decided to build a few homes on the lake. He contacted Mr. Ben to do that. Bill built his first home in Willow Point and put it up for sale. I went with my Mom to look at it. She took one look and decided she wanted it. Bill married my mother at Church in the Pines and we all walked across the steet to Kowaliga and celebrated with our family in a room with one bar and a big Indian. From then on, Ben was a part of our lives and was always there for every important occasion with Miss Luanne. I vividly recall Bill's 85th birthday, prior to his death. Mr. and Mrs. Russell were there. Quite a celebration, as he had many! Bill also knew that my mother had Parkinson's and that she would follow behind him. And so she did. At home and cared for with the utmost care by myself and my sister so that she could fondly remember Bill while staring at her lake. With the memories and the thoughts of Bill and Mom playing golf every Sunday now on the golf course at Willow Point, my life feels complete. Lake Martin has always been part of my life and I'll never stray too far. It could not have been made possible without Ben's help. So thank you! You have no idea of the impact that you had on my life. The remainder of our family will ALL cherish your presense and be thankful. You made Lake Martin what it is today.
