BENJAMIN CABO

Palmer resident, Benjamin Cabo, 78, died Aug. 17, 2003, at home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life was held Aug. 23 at the BPOE Elks Lodge on Bogard Road in Palmer.

Mr. Cabo was born Oct. 25, 1924, in Clarksburg, W.Va. He was the seventh son of Frank and Florence Cabo, who migrated to the United States from the Asturias Providence of Spain.

Mr. Cabo was stationed in Fort Richardson during World War II. After discharge he worked at the "Spud Cellar" Palmer Bar where he met Jackie Smith. After a whirlwind six-week courtship they were married June 4, 1950. The couple raised their three children Debbie, Cindi and Ben Jr. in Palmer.

Mr. Cabo worked in Jonesville Coal mine, and then spent 20 years working at Johnson Fuel Service. He also worked on the North Slope as an oil foreman for Alaska General before retiring in 1981. Their golden years were spent as snowbirds, wintering in Yuma, Ariz., and summers in Palmer. He enjoyed hunting with the crew, golfing with friends and family, and giving "lessons" in playing cards.

Mr. Cabo was a Past Exalted Ruler and Charter member of the BPOE Elks, a past president of Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo 32, and was selected to the Miners Hall of Fame in Sutton. He also served on the Alaska State Fair board and on the local school board.

Mr. Cabo is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jackie; daughter and son-in law Debbie and Bob Meier; daughter and son-in law Cindi and David Carroll; son and daughter-in-law Ben and Melissa Cabo; grandsons Brandon Cabo and Bryan Marshall; granddaughters and spouses Victoria and Bill Coghill, Amanda and Chris Settle, Stephanie and Scott Jackson, Jocelyn and David Lazer; granddaughter Christy Cabo; great-granddaughter Ciara Lazer; niece Linda Durant; and longtime family friend LeRoy Johnson.

His family said, "Ben will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was respected and loved by all who knew him."

Honary pallbearers were LeRoy Johnson, Bob Johns, Gary LaRose, George Crowthers, Floyd Marrs and Frenchy Pellitier.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.