Uncle Benjamin Nathan Rippe I called him, even though he was my mother's first cousin and one of her favorite folk. Ben was a charming sweet guy and I was fortunate to get to know him. He was very supportive of my painting and came to my one and only one-man exhibitions in New York City. We went out to dinner after the opening with my cousins Ann and Jim Benson. A memorable day and evening.

Here you will find Ben at seven years old in 1921 and definitely looking like he is having a great time.