Ben Mesereau

Ben Hoyt Mersereau, a gentle, loving soul, died on Jan. 10, 2018, at his home in White Salmon, with his family by his side. He was born on Nov. 28, 1938, and was 79 years of age at the time of his passing. Ben was born in Naches, Yakima to Hazel and George Mersereau. He lived in Yakima County where his family did farming, providing milk and chickens to the local markets. After graduating school, Ben joined the National Guard in 1956. He moved to White Salmon in 1958 and joined the police force, where he served as an officer for the cities of Bingen and White Salmon. He also served on the council board for the City of Bingen. He married Kim D. Bryan on May 13, 1988, and they had four children. After serving in law enforcement, Ben’s exciting life began in Klickitat and Skamania counties where he worked for SDS Lumber Company for a number of years and his brother’s business, George Mersereau Construction. He continued working for SDS Lumber Company until the time of his death. Ben is remembered by many for his swift sense of

humor, generous heart and delightful smile. His hobbies included watching old western movies, Fox News, hunting, fishing and he had a special interest in hunting arrowheads. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 56 years and cherished every moment he had with friends. He was known as a man that could light up a room with his laughter and his charisma. Ben’s children have a truckload of virtuous facts to describe their father, but the one statement that says it all is “he was the BEST dad.” He loved his dogs, Lucy and Suzie and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a strong supporter of veterans, stood up for justice and his favorite quote was: “Make America Great Again.” Ben is survived by his sons from a previous marriage; Bryce Mersereau of Milwaukee, Ore. and Blane Mersereau of White Salmon; his wife Kim Mersereau of White Salmon; his children Molly Elliot of Bangalore, India, Megan Mersereau of Milwaukee, Ore., Mattie Mersereau of Puyallup, and Michael Mersereau of White Salmon; and his four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at Grace Baptist Church (1280 W. Jewett Blvd.) White Salmon. A reception will follow