University of Alaska Fairbanks - Denali Yearbook (Fairbanks, AK)

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-• ' Eorly photos of Ben Atkinson tell the story of his love of the great Alaskan outdoors

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A TIME TO W hen Ben Atkinson died last Octo- ber many on campus felt as though the entire University machine slipped a cog in its forward movement. Ben, director of physical plant and campus planning for nine years, guided the University in its tremendous surge to establish itself as a modern campus. Perhaps there is no better eulogy than to say Ben loved Alaska, loved the University and loved his work. In re- turn, many loved and respected him. Here are some of the comments from friends at his untimely death (he was only 49): Dr. William R. Wood: Ben was one of the great builders of Alaska and the university ... He held the respect of all who knew him. He did not talk about honesty and integrity. He lived these qualities. Dean Earl Beistline, Acting Academic Vice-President: Ben came to Alaska and fell in love with the territory, the state and the university. The university became a major part of his life . . . his accomplishments were many ... he will be remembered for many years . . . . Dean Charles Keim, College of Arts and Letters: I was fortunate. I knew both sides of Ben Atkinson; engineer and sensitive photographer, organist and string instrumentalist, and strong outdoorsman. Norma Martin, Ben ' s last secretary: He was the best man. We ' ll still keep the heat operating and the new buildings coming, but it ' ll be hard without him. In summing up, perhaps Joann Hollister, a clerical worker, said it best: What we need are more Ben Atkinsons.

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They made it to the top— From left to right are Dave Johnson, Don Sheldon (the pilot who took them off the mountain), Gregg Blomberg, John Edwards, Ray Genet and Art Davidson John Edwards has his feet examined for frost bite. Each member of the expedition received a complete physical. Frost bi