Agnew "Ben" Benton Wilmarth

Ben Wilmarth passed away in Yreka on 8 October 2019 at age ninety-one, seven weeks after a cancer diagnosis. He was pre-deceased by his mother Mildred, brother Randy and wife of 54 years Virginia. Survivors include his brother Tip (sister-in-law Eleanor), sons Tip (daughter-in-law Retta) and Tom, grandchildren Ginny (Brandon) and Jared (Melissa), wife Delores, step children Ron (Vikki), Rob (Marlene) and Mark (Joyce) and Natalie (John), step grandchildren Matthew, Mason, Kristy, Kerri, Robert and Shana. Ben had seven great grandchildren to carry on his legacy and five step great grandchildren that he loved very much too. He is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews. Ben achieved the designation of Certified Watchmaker from the Horological Institute of America in September 1948. He later earned the distinction of becoming a Certified Master Watchmaker in April 1958. He worked for Lake’s Jewelry 1948 through early November 1950 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served on active duty until 17 November 1952 at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland where his skills and certification lead him to be a training technician teaching other soldiers how to repair watches and other fine instruments for navigation and bombing. After his discharge from the Army, he came back to Siskiyou County with Virginia and his son Tip to be close to his mother who lived in Weed. He went to work as a watchmaker and jeweler for Severin’s Jewelry on Miner Street in Yreka. After several years there, he moved back to Lake’s Jewelry and renewed his prior position there. At this time, he and Virginia took over the management of the jewelry store, dress shop and shoe shop. Together, they managed the corner business until their retirement. Ben loved to be outdoors when he had any time off from work. He taught his boys to fish at early ages. He was an exceptional fly fisherman for trout and steelhead. He took them hunting: teaching them to shoot, track, blood trail, and process game animals until they could be out on their own in the field. He cherished a properly prepared and cooked piece of venison. After retirement, Ben took up the game of golf. He did not care much about his scores. He just liked taking a walk outside in beautiful settings and enjoyed many outings with his sons, stepsons and friends, especially Harold Barnum. Ben belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1980 for sixty-five years. He was also a member of the Howard Lodge #37 Free and Accepted Masons for fifty-five years where he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in June of 1964 and passed his 3rd Degree Proficiency in July of 1967. Ben enjoyed traveling with Delores over the last decade of his life. They often went to the coast, visited family and participated in some cruises. The latest trip was to Panama where they visited the Panama Canal and countryside. She introduced him to new vistas. Ben was a most gracious gentleman, loving family member and well respected businessman and community member. He instilled his great sense of humor and respect for fellow human beings and animals into his sons. A private internment was held for Ben and Virginia on Saturday 12 October at Winema Cemetery in Weed. A Celebration of Life for Ben will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday 9 November 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Yreka. Donations, in Ben’s honor, can be made to Madrone Hospice, Shriners Hospitals or a charity of your choice. The family is in gratitude for the support we experienced during Dad’s illness. Family members, friends and especially Madrone Hospice were of great help and service.

Agnew "Ben" Benton Wilmarth

June 27, 1928 - October 8, 2019