WE arrived on Saipan in the early ’70s and promptly met up with Ben and Ky for scuba diving, other water sports including swimming and rescue operations. We were also business partners for a few several years.
Ben was the first person to really get scuba diving promoted and get the Northern Marianas noted as a diving destination. Back in the late 70’s, it was nothing for Ben to say “here, take a tank and come with me.” In many cases it was hard to pay for these services, he just wanted to take you diving. How many statesiders came to Saipan and learned to dive from Ben?
He worked hard to make sure EVERYONE WHO TRIED, became comfortable diving the wrecks and feeding the fish, and even watching the sharks. He went out of his way to accommodate all. Everyone who came to Saipan asked Ben to teach them to dive.
He knew the waters well, and would always give a hand in emergencies. We lost a sailor on a small hobie cat who sailed to Tinian, and Ben was the first to respond, even though the weather was still kind of rough. He was always there to assist — well, before Boating Safety was established.
If we had a sailboat race, or open water swim, Ben was there with his boats. Ben’s children all competed for the Saipan Swim Club and Lawrence competed in the 1987 South Pacific Games. In later years he offered his tents to help the club during its events, and had always accommodated our visitors through Ben and Ky Watersports. No matter what, Ben and Ky were there to assist.
It’s hard to say enough about Ben, but in closing, he was always there to offer his assistance. THANK YOU BEN AND KY FOR E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! WE WILL MISS YOU BEN! AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR FONDEST MEMORIES.
Thank you Ky for standing by Ben. Our sincerest condolences to the Concepcion family.

BILL and JEANNIE SAKOVICH
and JON and
ANNEKA SAKOVICH
Hilo, Hawaii