Obituary of Ben Margerum Halbig

Ben Margerum Halbig died at home on September 8^th, 2019 in Port Orchard, WA at the age of 67.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Teri Halbig; his son Jesse Halbig, grandsons George & Jonas of Vista, CA, step-son David Owens, granddaughters Erin & Camryn Owens of San Diego, CA, his brother Ron Halbig of Poulsbo, WA and sister Gretchen Woods of Hurricane, UT. He is preceded in death by his dad and mom George & Mary Jane Halbig of Escondido, CA.  Ben was a committed, loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather and is remembered as a friend by many.

Ben was born on 11/1/1951 in Bethesda, Maryland.  He graduated from Orange Glen High School, Escondido, CA in 1969.   He served his country as a sergeant in US Army from 8/24/72 until 8/23/78.  He spent many years with his son Jesse coaching soccer and body surfing at the beach. He lived until 2018 in Escondido, CA when he relocated to Port Orchard, Washington with his wife to retire.

Ben was an accomplished grading contractor in San Diego for over 30 years with his colleagues often saying he’d forgotten more than most graders knew.   He retired from grading on 12/31/18, yet when the worst snow storm in 20 years hit his new hometown February 2019 he was out on his tractor helping neighbors and strangers alike dig out of their driveways and clearing roads.

Ben was a fun loving, generous, witty, kind, intelligent and loyal man who loved music, soccer, golfing, laughter, history and was passionate about his country.   He touched many people with his steadiness and dry sense of humor, providing a balance of fun and calm making everyone that knew him lives richer.

A military service is scheduled for October 8, 2019 at 11 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery located at 18600 SE 240^th Street, Kent, WA  98042 with a celebration of life to follow at Long Lake Community Park located at 5100 Long Lake Road SE, Port Orchard, WA  98367 from 2 - 4. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ben’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Navy Seal Foundation @ https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate/

Feel no guilt in laughter, he’d know how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that he’s not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.
He’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,
And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
And he will live forever, locked safe within your heart.