In Memory of Carolyn Benesh Special Friend and Brilliant Coeditor of Ornament Magazine    Ornament Magazine

My friendship with Carolyn, her husband Robert and son Patrick began in the early 1990s when I took many Palomar College field expeditions to the Caribbean, Central and South America. I became fascinated with drift seeds along beaches and tropical seed jewelry sold by street vendors. I wrote to the prestigious and beautiful magazine of human adornment Ornament regarding a possible article. I visited the Ornament headquarters in San Marcos and met these wonderful and talented people for the first time. Probably my most noteworthy accomplishment under these marvelous coeditors was documenting the lack of authenticity for coconut pearls in 2005.

When Elaine and I moved to our present home in Twin Oaks Valley in 2001 I had no idea that Carolyn & Robert lived 2 doors away. On a phone call when Robert and I discussed landmarks in our lovely neighborhood I suddenly realized that there were just too many coincidences! So this is when we really became close friends in many ways. We shared many happy times together, dinners, parties, watching presidential debates, field trips, etc. It all went by too quickly.

We all make numerous friendships during our lifetimes, but very few like Carolyn, Robert and Patrick. We were on the same level emotionally, politically and spiritually, and we admired their intellect and humor. I can truly say I loved this family. Bob & Patrick are strong and I know they will survive, but it will be difficult. For me it was excruciating saying goodbye to Carolyn. Elaine and I will truly miss our conversations and her lovely smile. I know time will heal our sadness, but we will never forget this beautiful lady as long as we live.

Carolyn passed away at home with Robert and Patrick by her side on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.