Benjamin “Ben” Wallace Agee
Longtime Tiburon resident Ben Agee passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Scottsdale, AZ, on January 3, 2017, at the age of 90. One of four brothers (along with Carl, Wally, and Charlie), Ben was born to Floy and Wallace Agee on October 21, 1926, in Marengo, Iowa. Ben was a World War II veteran and Victory Medal recipient, serving in the Pacific as a medic in the U.S. Army. After his military service ended, Ben attended the University of Iowa, where he earned his business degree and met the love of his life, Kathryn Simitz.
During his professional life, Ben worked for Northwestern Bell in the Midwest region for 25 years while raising their children in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota, before moving to Anchorage, AK, to become president and CEO of RCA Alascom. Ben continued his lifelong career in the telecommunications industry, moving to San Francisco to assume the position of CEO at CP National. Ben continued to serve on the board of Alltel after he retired and lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years with Kathy.
Ben had many passions over the years, which included running marathons as well as membership in the Corinthian Yacht Club, where he kept his boat, the "Kathryn J." He loved dancing, Willie Nelson, 49er football and RV trips with his co-pilot, Lupe, a teacup Chihuahua.
We will remember Ben's larger-than-life personality, sense of humor, dedication to his family, his generosity and his genuine concern for others. Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Kathryn "Kathy" Agee of Scottsdale, AZ. A devoted father and grandfather, Ben was known as "Poppy" to his children and grandchildren. Poppy is survived by his son Ben Agee and spouse Jeannie of Reno, NV; grandchildren Ali and Mariah Agee; step-grandchildren Addie LaDuke, Sarah Latham and Erin Kosach; daughter Christy McMillan and husband Jeff of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Matt and Laurel McMillan; son Charlie Agee and spouse Gina of Scottsdale, AZ; and grandchildren Brittany and Ben Agee. A private celebration of Ben's life will be held in summer 2017.