A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of BEN W. AIKEN, an advocate for PERSONS NEEDING SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR mental illNESS, developmental DISABILITIES, and substance abuse.
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken was born on June 5, 1920, in Creedmoor, North Carolina, to Elbert L. Aiken and Elsie Hester Aiken; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken lived his entire life in North Carolina and devoted his entire career to serving the people of North Carolina; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken completed his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a bachelor's degree; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken began his career in 1947 as the Assistant Business Manager at John Umstead Hospital in Butner, where he spent 20 years working to assure quality patient care; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken became the General Business Manager of the North Carolina Department of Mental Health in Raleigh in 1968; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken became the first Assistant Secretary of Human Resources under State government reorganization in 1973, during which time he helped meld very divergent departments into one human services unit, and also served on the first Mental Health Study Commission; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken returned to the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services in 1977 as its first nonmedical Director; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken retired from State government in 1983 as Deputy Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken continued his advocacy for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases as a legislative liaison for the North Carolina Psychological Association for 20 years, and as a member of the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services; and also as an advocate for those with vision impairment through United Action for the Blind; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken served his community as an active member of the Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Methodist Home for Children, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the State Employees Credit Union; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken devoted his career and life to improving the lives of the citizens of North Carolina, especially those with disabilities; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken received countless honors and awards for his work, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine; and
Whereas, Ben W. Aiken died on December 24, 2005, leaving to mourn his loss, his wife, Helen; two daughters, Donna and Deborah; three grandchildren; and countless friends; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of Ben W. Aiken and expresses its appreciation for his invaluable contributions to services for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Ben W. Aiken for the loss of a distinguished family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Ben W. Aiken.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.