UNCLE, HOWARD

BENJAMIN HOWARD CHAMBERS MEDFORD
Born in Waynesville, NC on May 10, 1926 - Died in Gainesville, FL on February 4, 2012. At the time of his death he was surrounded by his loving family.
Uncle Howard was a true GENTLEMAN. He lived his life like a true human being should live his life. He was a very humble man, who never smoke or drank, he had traveled the world several times, yet, he seldom spoke about it, allowing others to be the center of attention, (like my beautiful aunt Margot). Upon my arrival in the United States as a twelve year old Cuban Refugee, (April 6, 1961) there he was waiting for me at the Miami Airport, this was the first time we had met, yet, I felt safe and in good hands. ( in my mind, I was sure that all Americans were the same way ) however, it took me 51 years to see how special he was. In the week that I was at my uncle Howard, and aunt Margot home in West Miami, uncle Howard, made sure that I was treated like one of his two sons, Edward and Alex. I had no idea that he had been a very good baseball player, yet, he gave me his baseball shoes so that I could play in the US, took me to get a hair cut, and took me to Church on Easter Sunday.
During WWII, he was a Flight Engineer for the Navy, winning many medals, yet we only found this out after his death. After the war, he worked for National Airlines, Pan Am, and Ryder Systems. He will be missed. My family and I, will never forget him. May he rest in peace.