Death of a Gentleman: for Ben

At last the end is reached of your long road— 
The dying seldom easy in this life— 
Munificence as seldom is bestowed
Amidst the world of turbulence and strife:

This was your legacy and also claim,
Peer to the great ones, in living a master,
Profound success to always crown your aim
With triumphs piled, but just one last disaster.

Even with death's disaster, retrospect
Lends all your life a shining accolade,
As knowledge now is lost, your wisdom flecked
Into the hearts of others, yours to shade.

Nearly a century you graced this earth,
Consummate gentleman in word and deed,
Given to untold many festive mirth
Which did, as from an unknown source, proceed.

The time has come, to lay you in the ground;
It was expected: great longevity
Yet knows its limits. You had few profound,
​Death lending life no incongruity.