Ben celebrates 90 years young

Ben Dykes, a resident of Smith Valley, had his 90th birthday, hosted by his four sons and their wives as well as his wife of 43 years Bea, now 85, who helped plan the special surprise. More than 100 friends and family joined Ben in celebrating his special day.

Ben, who was a dentist until his retirement, and his wife Bea have lived in Smith Valley 35 years. Ben and Bea have raised four sons, one of whom, Gary Dykes, has carried on the family tradition of dentistry in Carson Valley.

Ben is a World War II veteran serving in Germany until the wars end. He was one of the first soldiers to enter Dauchau Concentration Camp. He still works in his garden, has worked with his horses, once owning his own race horse.

He had his practice in South Lake Tahoe and lived in Genoa before moving to Smith Valley.

With friends and family gathered around, Ben took microphone in hand.

"Friends that I have met like you along the way are the most important thing," the spry man said. "The fact that you showed up for me brings tears to my eyes."

For Bea it was also a very special day as all of her sisters were able to make it to the event for Ben. It had been more than 20 years since Bea and all of her sisters had been together. So, last Saturday, Emeline, 93, Bea, 85, Flo, 82 and Trudy, 80, were finally reunited under one roof. It was a special day for the entire family at Topaz Lake.

-- A special event is coming up Sept. 2. The 40th annual barbecue fundraiser at the Topaz Lake Volunteer Fire Department is being planned. The open pit barbecue will be fired up for the wonderful tri-tip dinner with all the fixings provided by friends, neighbors and volunteers of Station 5. There will be the raffle of wonderful donated prizes and the main raffle prize donated by Topaz Lodge and Casino, music provided by Buffalo Country to dance to and all this fun will take place from noon until 8 p.m. Be sure to mark the date on the calendar. It is an event not to miss.

Until next week...from Williams, Ore., which is where I am at while I write this - just keep on keepin' on.

-- Jonni Hill can be reached at The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com.