Benjamin C. Pfeiffer

Benjamin C. Pfeiffer, fly fisherman, ham radio operator (KA8LLE), firearms aficionado and philosopher, died Thursday, June 27, 2013 after a ten-year disagreement with cancer. An avid reader and brilliant man, Ben enjoyed long conversations on just about any topic especially his daily 2 hour conversations with his good friend Ron Kohl. Not always right but never in doubt, his wit was subtle yet quick, and his memory ran 79 years deep.

A simple man from Gnadenhutten, Ben was most at peace casting upstream to rising trout, communicating around the world with low power on a long wire, and chatting with friends and family. Ben graduated from Gnadenhutten High School, Class of 1951, served in the US Air Force June 1952 to June 1956, retired from Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance and Inspection Co.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Patricia Ann Pfeiffer (McGlumphy) of Dover, whom he loved and adored, son Jeffery Charles Pfeiffer and wife Helen (Cross) of Dover, daughter Jennifer Christine Pfeiffer and partner Jill (Ward) of Canton, and son Christopher Benjamin Pfeiffer and wife Tracee (Davis) of Marietta, as well as grandchildren Eric Pfeiffer (Julie), Amber Murphy (Mike), Emma Pfeiffer, Benjamin Pfeiffer, and Nikko Pfeiffer-Ward, great grandchildren Katelynn Murphy, Andrew Murphy, Jack Murphy, Nathan Pfeiffer, Daniel Pfeiffer and Rachel Pfeiffer. Ben is also survived by Harry (Buddy) Pfeiffer, the last cousin of his generation, of North Canton, OH, his Aunt Katherine Idema (Wheland) of Florida, and fishing buddies Bob and John as well as many friends to numerous to include.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin K. Pfeiffer and Mary E. Pfeiffer (Wheland) of Gnadenhutten, OH, twin baby boys, golden retrievers Baily and Phantom, and best friend Jim Foote (K8KSN).

In lieu of flowers, Ben requested that you buy a six-pack of Black & Tan, pull up a thumbtack, and connect with your friends and family. Contributions can also be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County dog therapy program, 716 Commercial Ave., SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663. Ben loved his faithful golden retrievers, Baily and Phantom, and received great comfort from the dog visits during his final days at hospice.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Monday, July 1, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Ben’s life will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Gnadenhutten Clay Cemetery where the Newcomerstown American Legion Post #431will render military honors.

Friends are invited back to the Geib Funeral Center’s hospitality room where a luncheon will be shared following the committal service.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Ben by visiting the funeral home website at www.GeibCares.com.