[BCozhunter]

We knew him as Gentle Ben, and most all knew him as a good man who would share whatever he could with other sportsmen. I remember he put open invitations on here for people to come stay at his place and camp, and do organized (somewhat) Flintlock hunts.
He will be missed by many, I'm sure, and by us here at HPA.
RIP Gentle Ben.

ClearvilleRichard C. Eckman Jr., 74, of Clearville, passed away on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.
He was born Monday, Nov. 17, 1947, in Johnstown, PA, a son of the late Richard C. Eckman Sr. and Edna M. (Ingold) Eckman.
Although he didn’t have any siblings, he considered his friend, Frank Folb, a brother.
Richard graduated from Greater Johnstown High School in 1965. After graduation, he worked for Kennametal for many years until his retirement.
He enjoyed hunting with all of his buddies from Canada and loved his Basset Hound, Lucy. Richard was also a very giving man. He would always help his neighbors with mowing, plowing snow, and whatever else needed done.
Friends and family may share memories online at www.donelsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Donelson Funeral Home LLC, Everett, PA.

https://www.bedfordgazette.com/obituaries/richard-c-eckman-jr/article_cdcfb4ce-6f33-5d8e-ab60-0e255eeddbc2.html

 

[Retired_Rusty]

Spent a day two different years flintlock hunting with him. Never had the vacay to do the multi-day hunts and stay in his bunkhouse. My loss.

RIP Dick.

 

[dpms]

Oh my. That is not what I wanted to see. RIP Gentle Ben.

 

[Dutch7]

Sorry to see this

 

[Retiredusne8]

Sorry to hear
There was a lot of stores from his Bunkhouse over the years.

 

[NorthernPotterCo]

Sorry to hear about his death. Prayers sent to family on their loss.

 

[RatherBeHunting]

So sad! Stayed in his bunk house and hunted with him a few times. He enjoyed opening his place to anyone that needed a place to hunt. RIP Dick......you were one of the good guys!

 

[loridr]

RIP Gentle Ben.

Never had the pleasure of doing one of the Flintlock hunts. Planned on it one year but predicted frigid weather caused him to cancel the hunt. Quite the gentleman.

 

[hightine]

Sorry to read this. RIP GB.

 

[10der222]

Rest easy Ben. very sad reading this post.

 

[pchunter1231]

R.I.P. Gentle Ben

 

[LIVTOHUNT]

Never met him but saw his posts inviting anyone who wanted to come to his place and stay and hunt. In these days of mine mine mine and posted property he was one of a dying breed. RIP GENTLE BEN.

 

[frank1969]

Thanks for informing us
He was a true man and sportsman
RIP ben

 

[JJ4D]

Very sad. RIP Gentle Ben.

 

[clermont]

Very sad. What a giving man!! Prayers sent to the family!

 

[Acorn20]

Dick was almost a neighbor to my property in Bedford County. I met several members on here years ago while attending a flintlock hunt on his property. We hunted his property and then I offered up a hunt down on my property. As I remember, we put on a couple of "silent drives" on each property. We all used hand held walkie talkies to help keep the lines straight and let everyone know where we were as the drivers stealthily moved through the woods. The only problem we had was Dick, who was a little hard of hearing and would almost shout into his radio. My gosh, I'll bet we could hear him about a quarter mile away. The fun we had though that year in the snow!

I drove down past his place a couple times last week but didn't see any vehicles. I had no idea he had passed just days before. As long as I can still remember the memories we made, I'll think of him when in his neighborhood. Rest easy Dick.

 

[rugered]

He sold me a lawn tractor many years ago. Great guy and he had a really nice place. Very sad but good reminder to value our time.

 

[berksbowman]

Sorry to see this! Always welcomed HPA members to come hunt with him. Big loss for us here. Happy hunting GentleBen!

 

[limbhnger10]

So sad to hear. Rest In Peace Gentle Ben

 

[Denny B]

So sorry to read this! RIP Gentle Ben, he was a truly good man. He will be missed here at HPA.