Ben Simko passed from this universe on July 21, 2025, following a sudden onset of bacterial meningitis. The following is compiled from his own bios, notes, and other documents, to share a life portrait in his own words:
“When Dr. George and Margaret Simko fled their homeland of Hungary, hoping for a better future and opportunities in a new country, it was with five children in tow and only a few suitcases. They left behind their possessions, families, and professions to escape the impending Soviet occupation. Their journey to the United States took them through Bayreuth, Germany, where I was born January 7, 1952, an unanticipated surprise at best.”
“I spent my childhood in Covina, CA, graduating high school in 1970 before starting college at UC Riverside as a biology major. I transferred to UC Davis in 1972 where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Master of Science in Entomology. I worked as a research technician in entomology, and at 26, took a leap of courage to begin a career in agriculture with Oregon State University (OSU). I spent my first four years in Madras before moving to Ontario, OR where I settled as an Agricultural Extension Faculty for Malheur County.”
“A love of volleyball brought the greatest joy into my life, my wife Kathleen. I was teaching a community education volleyball class when she skipped her aerobics class to check out mine…she never went back to aerobics and with this simple decision, the next 44 years of my life changed. She was a single mother of five-year old, Sara. I wasn’t sure I wanted children, so we dated for three years, until I knew that life without them wasn’t the one I wanted.”
“We eloped and were married at the Heart of Reno Chapel on April 26, 1986. I raised Sara as my own and our grandchildren, Sophie and Jack, have my whole heart. After retiring from OSU as Professor Emeritus at a relatively young age of 51, I continued to serve in my chosen profession as the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Entomologist and Program Manager for Pest Survey and Detection through the fall of 2010.”
“Although technically ‘retired’ I was busy, supporting my wife Kathleen in her continued career. I was actively involved in various local, national and international capacities including as Rotary International Eagle-Garden City Club President, a board member of Semilla Nueva, serving on the Ada County Pest Control District, and as Advisory Board Chair for the Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning at Boise State University. Perhaps my greatest love in volunteering was as a tutor with the Learning Lab in Garden City, ID. I had the honor of working with so many people of all ages, races, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds as they sought a better life through learning English, getting a GED, or attaining U.S. citizenship.”
“It wasn’t always easy, but it was always a life shared with deep love, respect and joy with my best friend, Kathleen. We traveled the world together and had so many adventures. I was truly blessed. I have an extensive list of honors, awards, professional accomplishments, publications, and the like. But at the end of the day what matters to me most have been kindness, laughter, generosity, learning (always learning!), giving back, integrity, compassion, adventure, and love, most of all, love.”
In addition to the above, Ben enjoyed being active by running, biking, hiking and swimming. He loved music, art, travel, cooking, constantly learning, and was a WWII history buff extraordinaire. He was proud of having run a half-marathon on all seven continents. Above all, he was a staunch believer in the U.S. Constitution, never taking his oath as a naturalized citizen lightly.
Ben leaves behind his best friend, travel buddy, and the love of his life, Kathleen (Henderson, NV), his daughter Sara Hurley (Brandon Haddox) of Joseph, OR and Meridian, ID, grandchildren Sophie Hurley (Spokane, WA) and Jack Haddox. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Tom (Laura) Simko, (Redondo Beach, CA), George Simko (Upland, CA), Agnes (Marcel) Escudier, (Williston, Cheshire, UK), nieces/nephews Jennifer (Jonathan) Keiser, Gregg Simko, Marissa (Celly), Sarah, Emma Simko, and Steve (Rachel) Escudier.
Memorials in Ben’s honor may be made to the Learning Lab or the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to support the Osher Institute Scholarship fund and programming expenses.