"Dear Dottie: I was not part of the Potsdam era, but when I moved to Camden from Mount Holyoke in the 1980s you and Ben with the cre Potsdam group of the Gerners and Ruth and Clela, welcomed me in to your circle. I remember welcome many festive gatherings, particularly at Chritmas and Thanksgiving where food was abundant, wine flowed and the finale was one of your special pies. Conversation also flowed with bantering between Ben and Red, and tales of life in Potsdam. I almost felt as though I had lived there with all of you myself. And if there was a snow stormin the midcoast, those in Potsdam were not to be believed. My love and sympathry to you and the rest of the family. Anne"
In loving memory of
Benedict Goldsmith
Benedict Goldsmith, 94, a 28 year resident of Mid-Coast Maine, died Saturday morning, April 2, 2011 at his daughter's house in Scottsdale, Arizona from complications due to Alzheimer's Disease. Ben and his wife Dorothy moved to Camden, Maine upon retiring in 1978 from his position as Professor Emeritus and Gallery Director of the Gibson Gallery at the State University of New York, Potsdam where they had lived since 1950. He often joked about moving away from the long, cold winters in Potsdam to the balmy coastal waters of Maine. Benedict Issac Goldsmith was born in NYC on August 1, 1916 where he grew up and attended Dewitt Clinton High School. He excelled at sports and was a promising pitcher, playing semi-pro baseball before enrolling in New York University to major in pre-med. The family story is that his baseball career was cut short by his mother who, after attending a game where he struck out a number of opponents, forbade him from playing anymore because he "refused to play nice with the other boys and wouldn't let them hit the ball". In 1937 he transferred to the education program and changed his major to art where he thrived because blood letting was only part of the curriculum on rare occasions. His real love, however, was music and he became an accomplished classical pianist, a talent that thrilled his family and friends for decades. Ben and Dorothy met while Ben was recuperating at her family's farm from a bout with Pneumonia, and with the onset of World War Two, Ben enlisted in the Army Air Corps to battle the forces of Fascism. They were married in November of1942 while Ben was stationed in Mississippi and was training as a B-26 Marauder Bomber pilot with the 9th Air Force, 323rd Bomb Group, 455th Bomb Squadron. Shortly thereafter he was sent overseas. He was stationed at an airbase in Earls Colne, England, where he became an accomplished and fearless pilot, flying missions over Europe, including the D-day assault at Normandy. Before being sent home in 1944, he flew 71 missions as squadron leader and flight commander, and while often returning to base with hundreds of holes in his plane, he never lost a plane or a crew member. The only injury to his crew was to one gunner who took some shrapnel to his "upper thigh". During that time he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Ben was promoted to Captain during his time in combat. After the war, Ben worked as a commercial artist for the Blackstone ad agency in New York. He then enrolled at Columbia University and tried his hand at a music career but ended up settling on an art career instead. After graduating in 1950 he accepted a teaching job in the budding art department of Potsdam State Teachers College, now SUNY at Potsdam and he and Dorothy moved the family to the North Country where he stayed until his retirement in 1978. While at Potsdam he was an art professor, jeweler, sculptor and director of the Gibson Gallery of Art from 1968 through 1978. He was the organizer and first president of the New York State Gallery Director's Association. He regularly designed sets for theatrical and musical productions. He and Dorothy raised their family In Potsdam and Ben began a love affair with the game of golf, which he had picked up while stationed in England. His love of golf lasted for the rest of his life and was passed down to his children, although they never really held that against him. Upon arrival in Maine, Ben took the position of Director of The Maine Coast Artist's Gallery in Rockport, now CMCA, where he organized and staged many innovative and cutting edge exhibitions featuring artists from all over the State of Maine. Resigning his position in 1984, Ben and Dorothy moved down the road to Rockland, a stone's throw from The Rockland Golf Club, where Ben continued his life-long pursuit of that elusive holy grail, the perfect round of golf, while continuing to work on sculpture and jewelry in his studio. Ben was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease around 2003, but was able to continue with his art and his passion for golf until a bad fall while in Arizona in 2006, which also prevented him from returning to Maine. He and Dorothy took up residence in Scottsdale with their daughter, Bonnie and her husband Dave, where they have been well cared for. Benedict (Bunny) Goldsmith is survived by: * His adoring wife Dorothy; * His three loving children Vic, Larry, and Bonnie and their spouses Ellen, Marie-Annet, and David; * His grandchildren, Emily, Jesse, Daniel, Sasha, Jenni and Richelle; * Five great-grandchildren * Cousin Eddie * His nephews Bill, Alan, and Jeff * Sister-in-law Annette, Brother-in law Max and nieces Laura and Lisa * His wonderful, tireless and loving caregiver, Silvia * His closest friends, Red and Peg Garner of Lincolnville, Maine * Numerous friends and too many admirers to count * Over 6 Billion people in the world, most of whom no doubt would have liked him if they had met him. Ben will be sorely missed by everyone who was close to him and his passing leaves a huge hole in all our hearts.
Tributes
"My condolences to Dorothy and her family. Bunny will be long remembered and sorely missed. He tried to teach me tennis when I worked at Chaits in the 1960’s. I’m sure he had more success in everything else he did. Fondly, Barbara Van Alen"
"Deepest Sympathy. I am the son of Art P. Duncan, Navigator/Bombardier 323rd BG, 455th BS"
"Dear Dorothy and family, Just received your notice, I know Bud wants to join me in sending our condolences, Ben was such a wonderful person, and I know he will be missed by many.Bud idolized him. With our regrets, Lorraine and Bud"
"I met Ben and Dorothy at a B-26 Bomber Reunion in Reno Nevada. My dad Bob Felt was a B-26 pilot also. He sounds like he had a very wonderful creative life. I am so sad every time we lose another of the greatest generation. My condolences to all of the family. Jan"
"Dear Dot and family, It was a great blessing, to have known Ben and you, whenyou lived here in Rockland Maine,close to us, I just, loved the both of you, going down, just to look at paintings gardening, and the love between the two of you,We, miss you very much, Ben is in the presents of God’s hands, and that will give us all peace in all our hearts. Dot, love you dearly, if you have a chance to come to Maine, we would, want to see you. Please take care, keep well, Paul and Barbara Gerry."
"The passing of "Ben" Is a terriffic shock to me, even though I knew of his gradual detrrioration. We were classmates through the entire Aviation Cadet Program. We continued to train in B-26 Marauders at Barksdale Field, and and flew across "’the wild North Atlantic"’ together.On the many missions we also shared , "Big Ben" proved the very determined ,brave, and capable combat pilot I knew he would be. I considered Ben a very dear and faithful friend and am truly saddened to miss his smile, good humor and sincere and honest friendship. Happy Landings, Ben. See you later, Buddy."
"It brings great honer upon me to be the lucky man to marry his grand daughter Sasha and to be apart of such a wonderful family he help create. As a veteran of war and an american hero I salute him and hope he is toasting high in the air with his fellow brother in arms. No one really knows except that of the soldier of the true sacrifice they give when they fight in a war and this man was willing to give everything time and time over again. God bless you and may you rest in peace."
"Some people can touch others without even knowing it. Such was my limited experience with "Bunnie". His gentle soft spoken manner has always stuck with me. At the age of 52 I guess it would be a good time to implement it. Wishing Bunnies whole family my heartfelt condolences. May he live forever in the hearts and minds of those that knew him."
"Dearest Dorothy, Victor, Larry, Bonnie and Dave, and all of this amazing extended family, I was so saddened to hear of Bunny’s passing at 94 years young. I always remember Bun as such a kind and gentle soul, with a twinkle in his eye and an ever so soft touch. As part of the group of youngsters that ran amuck back in the days at Chaits, where there were no cell phones or video games, we just played and played. And through our play we learned: about community, culture, generosity, political consciousness, art, love and so much more. I have such fond memories of interactions with all of you, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Bunny was an integral part all of it and I am ever grateful for the experiences we shared. The legacy that Bunny and Dot created carries on those values that we hold dear. I wish you all peace in the days ahead as you all adjust to a new life; experience new freedoms, share your sorrows and delights with all of us. In gratitude and love, Rene and family"
"I was Ben’s caregiver. I began working with him at Hospice for 6 months and then I was hired as his personal caregiver. I worked with him for about 4 years. I feel very blessed to have met him and his wonderful family which I view as my own family. Ben and I had a very close relationship. He became more than a patient, he became family. I enjoyed spending time with him and going different places like the park, the mall, or out to eat, and he seemed to enjoy it, too. One special memory of mine is when Bonnie, Ben, and I were all together and Bonnie grabbed my hand, and we both held Ben’s hand. She then told him that he had two daughters and that I was his second daughter. He looked at both of us and smiled. He was a wonderful man and you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. It’s hard to think that he is no longer with us, but I am grateful to have been able to care for him and spend his final days with him. I am also grateful to be included into such a wonderful family and feel honored to say this. There is so much more I could say, but it would take all day and night to relive every special memory with Ben. He will always be in my heart and every memory of him will always stay with me. I miss him and love him and know that he is now in a better place."
"Dave, Bonnie, Sasha, and Family, What a wonderful celebration of Ben’s life! Darius and I felt that we truly knew this man from your heartfelt stories and warm memories. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all as you miss this dearly beloved man. Love, Holly and Darius"
"When I met Ben he was already a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife Dorothy, his wonderful daughter Bonnie and her husband Dave, and intermittently by other members of his family, a family that Is the finest I have ever met. Never has a person been better cared for, or better loved, than Ben was. Ben was surrounded by the legacy of his lifetime. I came to know him by his art, his family’s stories, his music, and his albums of photographs, and I began to understand that I was in the presence of a great man. Ben had lived a good life, one that had been long and productive. I was reminded of the poem called "Success", every line of which describes Ben’s life. Success He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction. -Bessie A. Stanley Sometimes when I said hello to Ben he would look at me with perfect clarity and smile a wise and slightly ironic smile. It was as though he was saying to me "I’m still in here, but I’m sorry, I can’t get out"."
"I first met Ben Goldsmith in 2006 when he and Dorothy came to live in Scottsdale, Arizona with Bonnie and Dave. I got to know Ben through the art work, sculpture, paintings and jewelry he had created before the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. He always had a sweet smile for everyone and an impish glint in his eye. As time went on Ben spoke less, but his face always lit up when Bonnie spoke to him, one of his son?s would call or visit, or when Dorothy entered the room. He will be missed, but he will be remembered by all who knew and loved him."
"Bonnie & Family Your friends in Rotary admire your example and we now know where you learned some of it from. Thank you so much for brining your father and mother into your home here in Arizona and sharing his grace, enthusiasm for everthing good and his love of freedom with us. Please give your Mom, David and Sasha our love and encouragement during this difficult time. Jim and Julie"
"As people go, my granddad was rather a quiet guy. In conversation, he would usually save his thoughts until the right moment. He had a way with words, but probably felt more relaxed writing about his life than discussing it with anyone at great length. I can remember when I was little, he introduced me to the world in his own discreet, particularly nonverbal ways: with good food, music, film, literature, and golf (that I never took to) which were the things I came to expect from a visit with my granddad. As a kid, I took all of this and him very much for granted. In his own youth, granddad was a bombardier, flying endless missions over Germany in WWII. I would receive letters, long letters (sometimes 10 pages in length) sent not only from my grandfather, but written by someone who needed to tell this story of his life. His letters are how I best remember him and love him. Honesty was granddad’s greatest virtue, and in a sense, he was more honest with me than anyone I’ve ever known, except that when I’d shoot my mouth off (which was often) he’d always be the one to stick up for me (more than likely, against his better judgment). I’ll miss him."
"Ever since I can remember my ideas about artistic endeavors were dominated by the sculptures, paintings and jewelry that my Grandfather created. Strange, assymetrical shapes and forms that twisted out of blocks of marble and wood were my earliest definition of what Art Is. He was a lover of the nameless beauty that can only be understood by the sculpter alone, and transfered that love through generations of children, effortlessly. I will never forget the gift he gave us, and will cherish that love and understanding for the rest of my life. Thank you, Grandad. Love, Daniel"
"On Ben’s last day in hospice, I made a visit to Dave and Bonnie’s home, and to Ben’s living bedside. Beautiful photos of their youth, art, daily Tshirts for Ben, the piano, and so much love in that home, where Ben was given comfort and peace. It was such a tribute to this big man to see the family he sculpted, and their strength and humor and light on that day. Dorothy, Bonnie, Larry and Dave were spirited, loving, and ready. Ben was ready as well, and he passed shortly after I left. I will always be uplifted when I think of Ben."
"My thoughts are with all of you.....I feel privileged to have shared a part of the journey of this great man. I will never forget the beautiful loving care that you all gave to Ben. May you find comfort in knowing that he surely was aware of this deep love and respect. Fondly, Toni Mullarkey"
"Dear Dot,Bonnie,Vic and Larry, We want to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories made over the years. He had a wonderful caring family for which I know he was very thankful. He will be missed by so many. He had such a rich and full life. Our love to you all.....Merritt and Helen"
"Dear Dorothy, It has been many years, 40 or so I think, since we have seen each other or talked. As you might know Vic and I have been in touch from time to time lately and he has informed me of your loss. Though many years have passed my memory of Bun has not dimmed. You and the family are much in my thoughts and so is Bun. He was a wonderful man and so much a part of my time at SUNY Potsdam. I remember him so very fondly not only for the good times within the department but also for the many good times away from it. His accomplishments were many and he has not been, nor will he be, forgotten by me, My sympathy to you and the family. Frank Nulf."
"I am very saddened to learn of Ben Goldsmith’s passing. He was the patriarch of a great family in Potdam NY. I grew up with Vic, and I was continually amazed at the talent he inherited from his father. My deepest sympathy goes out to Dorthery, Vic, Larry and Bonnie. Ben Goldsmith was a gentle, soft-spoken man who made a giant contribution to the cultural life of his community. His memory shall live on in the hearts of all who knew him and his family."
"My condolences go out to the family. I only met Benedict casually several years ago, didn’t get to talk much, but what I hear from everyone that knew him is that he was a spectacular man..... I wish I would make it to 94!"
"Bun was our good friend for all the years since Potsdam in 1962. His charm, his humor and his relentless joie de vivre never failed to create a happy aura that we all shared. Losing him is a deep loss to us. We miss him and will not forget him. Love to Dot, Bonnie, Vic and Larry."
"I was fortunate to have "Bun" Goldsmith as my uncle. I have fond memories of the time I spent while growing up with Uncle Bun and Aunt Dot, and my cousins, Vic, Larry, and Bonnie. Rest in peace Uncle Bun."
"When we were children growing up as friends of Bonnie & Larry, the Goldsmith home was always a place of culture and peace. Ben was always admired for his tremendous dignity and presence at SUNY and in his everyday life. He was always very encouraging to all of us, and was a great model of how to lead our lives in dignity and grace. I will always cherish the fond memories of him at the SUNY Art Gallery at a Student Show, or at home working in the garden while the kids played in the house. It was with great sadness that I heard of his passing and I want you all to know that my prayers are with you all at this time. GDA"
"Dear Dorothy, I have few recollections of your beloved husband, since I knew him as a parent of my friend, your daughter, Bonnie. What I can say, without any doubt, however, is that what truly highlights anyone’s life and worth is one’s legacy - one’s children. You, above all, know what a remarkable family the two of you created. You need just look around at your loving and ever present sons and daughter. They are so loving,caring, family oriented and believers in education and quality of life because of what you and Ben modeled as parents,educators, and spouses. I hope you can find some joy at present in knowing you couldn’t have had a more devoted and loving husband in all the remarkable years you shared. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies at your loss. Devra"
"Mr. Goldsmith was always a wonderful man to the kids of Potsdam. Victor and I played a lot of golf together as kids, and Mr. Goldsmith was very supportive of Victor and me during our early days. I remember him most from the golf course when Victor and I would play, practice and compete with other schools in the nearby area. I do remember his art work, and love of music too. He was,as is stated, a man everyone loved a great deal. I know my dad Francis Rishe, always had wonderful things to say about Ben! Everyone who knew him will miss him for sure. Regards Tony Rishe"
"Granddad was more than just my granddad, he was also the father figure in my younger years. He let my imagination run wild with anything that was in it, and as a little kid, that was the best. He played with me until he collapsed or I collapsed on him, and held me tight when I cried. He taught me so much about art, music, golf, and life. I remember going out to the golf course with him and grandma begging him to let me hit the ball at least once, even though the golf club was taller than me. Then running back to the golf cart with grandma and pretending to drive to a different universe. But that’s the thing about living with my grandparents and my mom sending me to stay with them every year.... There is nothing but good and amazing memories, and those pictures in my head is how I remember my granddad...a strong and tender soul who made the world that much better for me. Even though I will always and forever miss his presence I know he will always be around me and guiding me though life.....and Granddad, I guess you’re the only one now who knows the answer to my question when you tucked me into bed so long ago :)"
"Dear Bonnie and family,mother and just got the news about your father.He sure had a good long life, but its sad. love always, Ellen and Helen gambling"
"Mrs. Goldsmith, As a 16 year old girl who frequented your gorgeous home, my memories of 42 years ago are as vivid as if I had just visited. My memory of you and your loving husband is that of eloquence, class, engaging smiles, good looks, talent, art, music, & sculpture. Your home was a museum of your talents and I always felt so priviledged to be welcomed so warmly. Bonnie and I shared a devotion to our exceptional fathers and I can say from experience that they never really leave us, but instead, rest comfortably in our hearts and in the eyes of those who were fortunate to have known and loved them. Please accept my profound condolences in the loss of your husband, the father to your children, and proud grandfather. Sincerely, Amber Prado Sharkey"
"Ben will be sorely missed. His family is truly that..."family". They cared and loved for him the way most people hope to be cared for in their "Golden" years. They are exceptional people and we feel truly blessed for knowing them and have known Ben. Thoughts and Prayers coming your way."
"In our country, where extended family is still a norm, in which we take great pride due to being close knit, concerned and caring for each other, can take a lesson from Benedict Goldsmith. He lived a full life, infecting all whom he touched with his character, charm, and love. He leaves a big vaccum in the hearts of those whom he leaves behind, specially his family. Also a reponsibility for the family to keep going from where he left as loving, caring and close knit. It has been my pleasure to be a part of this family through Bonnie, Dave and Sasha, and join them with prayers for strength to bear this irreplacable loss."
"My memories of Ben and the fun we had playing golf at the Samoset are forever. The last time Ernie Banner and I played golf with Ben at Rockland Golf Course, Ben had trouble following the flight of his ball but, we had a great time and talked much about our great times playing together. Ben was a true gentleman and a pleasure to play golf with. Dot and Victor, Virginia and I send our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Len Goeke"
"I remember baby-sitting Vic and Larry Goldsmith when I was in high school, before Bonnie was born. Ben and Dorothy were friends of my mother’s, all working for SUNY, Potsdam. Later in life, my husband and I moved to Maine, where many of the Potsdam contigent had relocated. We reconnected with all of them, including Ben and Dot. We grew to know them better and love them for the down-to-earth people they had always been. Ben was a gentle giant, interested in hearing what you had to say and loving our dogs. We had many good times with them there. He made some silver earrings for me and I treasure them. We moved to AZ in retirement and visited with Ben and Dot at Bonnie’s house, many times when Vic and his wife Ellen were staying a few days. It was always good to see the family together. We’ll miss this wonderful man, who always made friends feel special."
"I can say only this, It was an honor to take care of Mr Goldsmith,a true blessing to meet such a caring down to earth man. My condolences to the Family. Jeanette Warren, Hospice of the Valley"
"May Bun’s memory be a blessing and may his memory also bring wry smiles and warm chuckles."
"My fondest memory of Ben was the sparkle in his eye whenever he spoke of Sasha. I perticularly remember how excited he was for her to open the tinniest violin I had ever seen, in hopes that the family’s love of music would prevail. Although she didn’t continue, she certainly made him proud with her love of theater, art and music. He adored her. That I will always remember, and how he danced with her at her wedding! Our prayers and love to you , dear Dorothy, for standing steadfast by his side. Love Susan"
"I never known a better man, colleague or friend. A man who meant so much to me and now he is gone. Yet Ben shall never be absent to me. He was always willing to stand up strong for what was right. Ben was an exemplary example of what a man should be. He personified class, compassion for all, unassailable honesty, and the epitome of integrity. All this, yet to those who knew and loved him, he was so much more. Through his work and throughout his life he was supported, encouraged and truly fortunate to have by his side, his dearest friend, Dot, his lovely bride. I owe so much more to this caring gentle person than I can say, who helped a young man on his way. His thoughtfulness and genuine example of what a good man is, is with me to this day. The debt I owe him is too great to ever hope to repay. And what is left to say, but good-bye, dear friend, and perhaps we’ll be fortunate enough to meet up again one day."
""He was my North, my South, my East, and West, My working week and my Sunday rest..." W.H. Auden Dorothy, I cannot read those lines and not think of you and your all consuming love for Ben. What a romance! You, the natural ethereal beauty and his lifelong muse; he the artist creating beauty. A perfect match. Vic, Larry and Bonnie. You each have so many gifts from Ben: The music, the art, the humor, the strength, (the great head of hair!), the limitless capacity to love and not judge. My heart and condolences go out to each of you."