R.I.P. Ben Hawkins

I found out yesterday that a friend of mine, Ben Hawkins, was killed in the community where we live in a freak accident. You can read about it here.

Ben and I were in a lot of music classes together as we were both music majors. We could relate well in the classes because we both sucked at playing the piano compared to everyone else. Ben had a good sense of humor and was an all-around nice guy. Everyone liked him and he was a good role model to everyone.

We would chit-chat after we graduated every once in a while because we both worked downtown (actually, we worked on the same block) and would run into each other while out and about or in the supermarket. He was always friendly and took an interest in what I was up to and the program I work for.

Please keep Rachel, Ben's wife, in your thoughts and prayers. She witnessed the tragedy.
I cannot even imagine what she is going through.

Thanks for being a person I am happy to say I knew, Ben!

UPDATE: 8 APRIL 2008
Ben's memorial was last Thursday at George Fox University. I had an awesome turnout, which proves Ben made an impact on many people's lives. Read more about it here.