AT Mr. Ben Concepcion’s recent funeral, his son Lawrence delivered an excellent and moving eulogy on behalf of this fine man. Micronesia has truly suffered a great loss, and Mr. Ben, as he was known to many, will be remembered for years, not only for the honest and compassionate man that he was, and as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, but also for his inimitable sayings about life, some of which were touched on by Lawrence at the service. To round out the memory, here are some more, recalled by family and friends(and not necessarily in that order):
I’m in shape; round is a shape.
I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten in three days.
Once through the lips, forever on the hips.
Sorry to bother you at such an ungodly hour.
Don’t do today what you can put off until tomorrow.
Would I lie? Don’t answer that question!
Hi friend, long time no talk to!
No one here but us chickens...quack, quack!
Are we having fun yet?
All things manmade tend to malfunction eventually.
I’ll drink to that but, then again, I’ll drink to anything!
No problemski!
Here’s to you and here’s to me and if by chance we disagree, here’s to me! (modified a bit)
How are you — fine, thank you!
How are you, and what about me?
Let’s go Saipan bottom fishing and catch Saipan.
Is this the person to whom I am speaking? (Phone etiquette)
You’ll be my friend for life, at least until tomorrow morning!
Plan your dive, then jive your plan.
Sharing is caring.
My body is a temple.
If Ki’s happy, then I’m happy!
Undoubtedly, there have been more through the years, and Mr. Ben was not unknown to adapt other phrases in such a way that they soon became identified with him, and not the original author. In fact, the Mr. or Ms. before a person’s first name often came to be associated with a Mr. Benism.
Near the end of Ben’s remarkable life, he began to adapt another phrase, which, as well, probably would have come to be associated with Mr. Ben and not the maker, “Hey, is that a hemi?”
God willing, we all will meet up again with Mr. Ben when our time comes. When we do, expect to see that hearty, robust wave of the hand, Ben’s ever-present, cheerful smile, and to hear the words, “Hi friend! Long time no talk to!”
We have all lost a great friend. God bless Ben’s family.

BILL and BRENDA SATTERBERG
Aquarius Hotel