Ben White

Be who you are and say what you feel. Those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss

Ben White and Milo (Photo by Tom Munsey)

Ben White, 53, died on July 30, 2005, in Friday Harbor, Washington, after a six-month battle with cancer.

We're lucky to meet even one truly great person in life, and Ben White was a truly great man. Ben was unique and irreplaceable; there is no way to detail his accomplishments or measure our collective loss. Ben cared more than others thought was wise, dreamed more than others thought was practical, risked more than others thought was safe, and expected more than others thought was possible.

As friends have pieced stories together it is clear there may never have been a more committed animal welfare activist. He worked with many organizations and people, and also alone; no one knows all that he did, because he was after results, not credit. To list just some of his achievements would take more than this entire newsletter, and nothing should be left out; his life deserves a great book and would make an inspiring adventure movie.

Ben made things happen; acting on what he knew was the right thing to do, always measured by what was best for some suffering creature, never himself. He never paused because the effort might be dangerous or difficult, and he survived many more close calls than anyone knew about. Ben's greatness can be measured by his influence at all levels, from international policies and national laws, to bettering the lives of individual animals, to deep changes in people's perspectives. This one man could convince Ministers and Commissioners at high level meetings, cut dolphins free of nets, create and lead the famous Turtle and Dolphin Brigades, inspire thousands with his words, and create change through simple messages of nonviolent commitment.

You might not agree with some of his actions, but ask yourself whether you would ever commit yourself so absolutely to any action you thought was right. Learn from Ben that nonviolence, courage, passion, conviction, knowledge, and a good sense of humor can change the world. I am honored to have been a small part of some of his adventures, to remember Ben as he was, to have been at his memorial service among so many friends, and to know that I could never do what he did. Who among us can? But together we all should give it a try, not just in his name, but because it's right. Ben has started a revolution, and the best tribute we can give is to continue it. I will.

- Bill Rossiter