Thursday, August 24, 2006

The Albino Samoan...

I just received news today that a friend from my mission passed away. As far as I know, he is the first of my mission buddies to die.

Below is a copy of his obituary. I remember him best as the albino Samoan. On the mission, he used to claim to be one. People didn’t believe him, so he began to ramble on in Samoan. He actually was just saying gibberish that sounded like Samoan. That kind of humor of his really helped the members, especially those in the Samoan ward, feel like he was someone they could be comfortable around. I remember him as a funny and carefree guy. That never distracted from the spirit he had. I can’t say I have even attempted to contact him since the mission. But I never forgot him. I’m sure he will be missed.

Benjamin Lee Naylor 1979 ~ 2006 ROY - Benjamin Lee Naylor, 27, returned to his Heavenly Father Saturday, August 19, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 9, 1979, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Albert Ralph Naylor and Mary Baker Naylor. Ben was married to the love of his life, Kamie Bland Naylor, on June 20, 2001, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He grew up in West Point and had a great love for the outdoors. He was an Eagle Scout and loved spending his summers working for the Boy Scouts of America on staff at Camp Newfork and Camp Kiesel. Ben had a deep love for the Gospel and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Hawaii Honolulu mission. He was a very devoted husband and loved his wife very much. Ben loved to spend time with her and during his last days found comfort that she was by his side at all times. Ben loved children and was the proud Uncle of three nieces and one nephew, Savana, Ashlyn, Oakley, and Sutton. They will all miss him dearly. Ben is survived by his wife Kamie, parents Ralph and Mary, sisters Lisa (Zack) and Emily, grandparents William and Delia Baker and Opal Naylor. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Albert Naylor. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Ben's employer, Barlow Heating and Air Conditioning for their support and generosity. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 24th at 11 a.m. at the West Lake Ward Chapel, 2915 West 4425 South, Roy, Utah. Friends and family may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist's Roy Mortuary 3333 West 5600 South and Thursday from 10:00-10:45 a.m., at the church. Interment, West Point Cemetery. Email condolences to the family at lrm@lindquistmortuary.com
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 8/22/2006.

Elder Benjamin Naylor

Rest In Peace
Elder Benjamin Naylor
1979-2006

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is so sad! I wonder how long he had cancer. You should call his parents. Since you were a mission buddy. It might be kinda weird if I called. What do ya think? Hows your new job going? Are the girls in Guam looking good yet?

Anonymous said...

P.S check out www.myspace.com/allisonherring

Anonymous said...

Maybe it has been too long for anybody to read this comment. But I a Kamie, Ben's wife. Ben was only sick for a short time. He was diagnosed June 16th and he passed away August 19th. It was very fast. I want you to know that Ben always talked about his mission and the love for the people in Hawaii and those he served with. I have put together is mission scrapbook the best that I've could. If anyone is interested email me and you could come and look at it - or just visit.
Thanks,
Kamie Naylor
kamielynn78@msn.com