For Whom The Bell Tolls

Today the 14th of August could not have been nicer, 80ish with just enough humidity to remind those who ventured out that summer in Kent County Maryland was far from over. Accompanying the wonderful weather was a line of cars winding their way into parking spaces throughout the Washington College campus. But no! this was not to see a sporting event or participate in a summer program, but rather to carry family,friends and neighbors from near and far to the memorial service for B-town resident and scholar Benjamin Gibbs Kohl Sr.

It is said that only our maker is perfect but this celebration of his life was as close to perfect as mortals can get. It was a symphony of verse, song and heartfelt feelings that filled the auditorium as individuals spoke of Ben's wisdom, sharp wit, love of history, literature, family and friends. Former students and faculty from both Vassar and Washington praised his ability to nurture those who shared his love for learning,research,and critical thinking. As those gathered listened to those who spoke, we learned that this entire event was scripted by Ben Sr. himself.

But why the title of this post, one might ask? The B-blogger learned just today that amidst all of his scholarship, philanthropy and guidance was a love for the sport of boxing. As with any champion boxer who goes down for the count for his last time, the bell rang ten times to remind those living beings and those above that Ben Gibbs Kohl Sr, a true champion, was leaving for the great archive in the sky.

The B-blogger encourages its readers to leave their thoughts for the Kohl family as a "post" below.