Ben McCarthy
The Airedale World has lost another beloved personality - Ben McCarthy. In brief:
He was a friend of mine since 1965. He was a friend of our beloved breed for much longer. In the 70s he served on the board of the ATCA, and, with wife Josephine, finished three champions (as well as gave a home to one of mine) and hosted several Montgomery dinner parties in their beautiful old Lancaster County home. He was one of the founding members of the Airedale Terrier Club of Greater Philadelphia, serving as president and active on the board for years.
Perhaps best known as an avid Airedale art collector (the GOOD stuff), Ben was the go-to guy for many of us when we needed answers to questions of the value of a given piece. Bit by bit his own collection was given to benefit the ATCA and Rescue.
Ben was a member of the prestigious Montgomery County Kennel Club, but the honor that he likely most appreciated was the Barbara Strebeigh Award - presented to individuals for outstanding service to the Airedale Terrier breed.
His life was full and shared always with at least one Airedale. In recent years, he would drop everything to go pick up an Airedale from any body or any shelter within a hundred miles. His own Airedales of late were from Airedale Rescue and the last one, Rosie, was with him in the house when he was taken to the hospital for the last time just a couple of weeks ago.
Rosie is back in rescue now, missing him as much as we all will. Ben, may you rest in peace. Your job was well done.
Joey Fineran
Such sad news, the loss of a great friend to all, and definitely a major loss to the Airedale world and the of us who love the breed. Ben and I had a mutual good friend in Ann Cassidy of Boca Raton, Florida. Ann (also now deceased) invited Ben to come to Florida and address one of our Sunshine Airedalers' meeting in the 1990's. It was such an honor to have him there and to hear his history with the breed. It was my pleasure to see Ben again at the rescue venue each Oct. during the Monty event. I remember him being there, selling chances on his donated items of his personal collection of Airedale treasures. I always considered Ben to be "Mr. Airedale", a highly respected gentleman. It was my honor to have known him.
Sally Schnellmann
Such a nice tribute to Ben-- he was one of the old guard and will be missed by all.
Connie
