Obituaries - Obituary

PSA Journal, May, 2003 by Byron Hindman

Benjamin P. Shook, FPSA

After an extended straggle with several health issues, Ben succumbed to a heart attack while being treated in the hospital on Feb 14, 2003. A retired Civil Engineer for the State of California, he later did stints for the Federal Emergency Management Administration in various places such as islands in the Pacific after typhoons, the West Indies after hurricanes and after earthquakes in California.

Ben became active in Sierra Camera Club as a print maker and slide competitor. Environmental portraiture, landscapes and storytelling pictures were among his choice efforts. He later became active in the Cordova Camera Club when he discovered Stereo photography. His leadership, humor and fun-loving attitude added many dimensions to club field trips and activities. Ben and his late wife Doris were also very active in fundraising for several related groups including the art center where Sierra Camera Club has met for decades.

A strong administrative capability was discovered early on and after several assignments to leadership tasks including the North American Exhibition, he became president of Sierra in 1974-75. Ben and Doris received the club's lifetime service award in 1977. Ben also served extensively in various capacities for the Cordova Camera Club and was active in Gold Rush Chapter.

Several service awards from the Stereo Division in addition to club and council recognition are only part of the story indicating his many years of dedicated contributions. He was Stereo Division Chairman from 1988-1990. During this service he updated and revised much of the documentation for the Division.

He was recognized with the Fellowship in 1989. Ben then served on the Honors Committee from 1993-1997. Amateur photography, local Camera Clubs and the Society have lost a loyal and dedicated member. Some of us have lost a dear and upbeat friend.

Byron Hindman, FPSA