It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that Benjamin H. Cohen passed away Friday morning, October 28, 2011, about a year and a half after falling and suffering a head injury that led to a permanent incapacitation.

Ben was a great fan of folk music. He served as producer, talent appraiser, legal advisor, principal correspondent, and booking agent for Hogeye Folk Arts for many years, as well as handling ticket sales at the door for Hogeye's concerts. He also faithfully recorded the "Midnight Special" each week on WFMT.

Aside from folk music (and his family and legal profession), Ben had been an avid stamp collector and was well known for his involvement locally and nationally in philatelic circles. In 2006, the Chicago Philatelic Society awarded him its prestigious Newbury Award, presented annually to a Chicagoan who has contributed significantly to philately over the years.

We especially extend our sympathy to his wife Gail, his daughters Irene and Rochelle and their families, and their extended family. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Rather, if you would like to honor Ben’s memory, they encourage you to make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name.

All the Hogeye volunteers will greatly miss Ben as one of the pillars of the organization. We are deeply indebted to him for all his years of service and hours of work to provide an audience and a stage for the local and touring folk musicians who help keep alive our national heritage of folk music.

Warm regards,

The Hogeye Folk Arts Volunteers