EMW is sad to announce the death of Ben Daviscourt who passed away in Vietnam on June 2, 2007. A California Maritime Academy cadet whose ship the USS Golden Bear helped deliver East Meets West's mobile dental unit to Vietnam passed away during a weekend hiking trip in Vietnam. Ben slipped during a hiking excursion and died due to the fall. Ben was one of the 10 cadets selected to visit EMW's Village of Hope to bring gifts and supplies to the orphanage in Da Nang. Many EMW staff were fortunate to meet Ben when he visited the Village of Hope. EMW Board Chairman Peter Singer said, "EMW is very saddened to hear of Ben's passing and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Services are scheduled for Monday, June 11 in Kenmore, WA. In lieu of gifts, the family has set up a Ben Daviscourt Village of Hope Memorial Fund. Donations made to the fund will be given to EMW's Village of Hope.

 

A reprint of Ben's death notice is below:

Benjamin Harper Daviscourt: January 16, 1986 ~ June 2, 2007

This remarkable young man lived with a passion for everything he did: all those he loved, every song he sang, every chord he strummed, and every new place he had to explore. Ben is a loving son and brother and a loyal friend. Always a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Ben was fun-loving, adventurous, free-spirited, and full of laughter.

Ben attended California Maritime Academy on his way to becoming a ship captain. Ben's passions in his life were his family and friends, California Maritime Academy and his shipmates, his Martin guitar and music, musicians, Neil Young and Jimmy Page, his family boat, the M/V Forest Surveyor, West Coast Vancouver Island, snowboarding, hiking, his dogs, and seeking adventure.

Knowing Jesus, Ben now continues to seek even more beautiful adventures in Heaven. He will be forever loved by his parents, Mark and Julie Daviscourt, his sister, Heather, his brothers, Trevor and Chris, and his niece, Avery Grace.

In lieu of flowers, the Benjamin Daviscourt Village of Hope Memorial Fund has been set up at US Bank, 6460 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA 98028. These donations will be sent to the orphanage where Ben volunteered in Vietnam. Ben's Memorial Service will be held at St. Edwards State Park, Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, on Monday, June 11th at 12:00 p.m.

More news can be found on Ben can be found at the following links:

http://www.csum.edu/Support/daviscourt.asp