In Memoriam

Benjamin Cu Kok (1947– 2023)

Benjamin Cu Kok who worked at the World Bank as an economist for more than 17 years passed away in his Arlington apartment earlier this summer. It is unknown exactly when. Most probably sometime May/June 2023. He lived alone for the last several years. He loved working for the World Bank until he contracted TB (brain) meningitis during one of his 1990 mission to Asia. Though he made a remarkable recovery after the surgery, he was unable to return to work. When retired, he decided to become a realtor at Century 21. He liked to say: “My goal is to help people find their ideal homes and do well by doing good”. Incredibly, he was as passionate about his new work, as he was while working at the Bank. In fact, no matter whatever his task, he always excelled in everything he did. He found a new niche in people that were Chinese or Filipino, having been a Chinese-Filipino before becoming a US citizen. He also had another lifelong passion: speaking at the Toastmasters groups (he was a member in several clubs).

In one of his short poems, Jan Twardowski admonishes us to remember: “let’s hasten and hurry up to love those close to us — they vanish and disappear so fast…”

I loved whenever we met, or gave talks at the Toastmaster Club in DC. I want to remember Benjamin as an inspirational speaker, most loyal friend, and enthusiastic learner. Before I got to know him as a friend at the World Bank, Ben studied at Chicago University (1970-73), which boasts close to 100 Nobel Prize Winners. Milton Friedman, who received the Nobel Prize in 1976 was one of Benjamin’s greatly influential Professors. Ben was one of his brilliant students. When one semester Ben got a C+ in economics, he asked Prof. Friedman: Why C+? Ben showed how he answered all the questions. In reply, he heard Prof. Friedman saying: C+ is a very good grade!

Ben had developed his own wry sense of humor. When it came to doing physical exercise, Benjamin liked quoting President R. Hutchins of Chicago University: “every time I have an urge to exercise, I lay down on the sofa and wait until the urge passes”.

Ben was a highly respected economist. He wrote superb Back to Office Reports, contributed to Project Preparation Facilities and others. During one of his business trips to Asia, he got sick with TB of the brain and spent almost a year in a coma. Even after having lost some faculties, he joked that his IQ became like that of Forrest Gump. He remained an enthusiastic, effective and excellent Toastmaster. Amazingly, he recovered well enough to remain active at several of the Clubs in the DC area. Though he was a member of quite a few Clubs – Pan American Health Organization and George Washington University (GWU) were his favorites. At the GWU Toastmasters International, Ben started a Club Newsletter called Toasty TidBits. I always looked forward and eagerly read these “tidbits” devouring every toasty issue. His newsletters were full of interesting, instructive, inspiring quotes. It had many short, motivational stories, ideas, poems, sayings and practical news I could use. Ben invited and inspired all members to contribute. Minerva Naldo was his muse, supporter and loyal co-editor. I made it a point and a habit to memorize many of the one liners, quotes and sayings which Ben published. He also loved to always participate as a contestant, often winning, or becoming a runner up. For instance, at GWU’s Lisner Auditorium we held many banquets, contests, in which he gave demonstration talks, won competitions, or served as a Master of Ceremony. One of the most memorable and perhaps his best was an amazing 7-10 min. “talk and treat” on how to prepare delicious Filipino Chicken Adobo. Both his “how to” talk and his tasty “treat” were most delicious! He even brought and served us all warm rice! (prepared thoughtfully in advance). After some discussions or debates Ben while excusing himself for a bathroom break, would say: “I have to prove that I am not an angel”.

Ben was a continuous learner and loyal friend. He was constantly learning new skills. He took courses in Accounting, became a Certified Financial Planner, Real Estate Agent and more! Ben mentored and supported many new members. Ben relished the time he spent at the World Bank. He was likable, gentle soul, with insatiable curiosity, keen intelligence, and exceptional generosity will be missed by many of his friends and people he met and worked with.

As we all eventually must grapple with our mortality, Ben’s life is an excellent example of how to find both meaningful and happy life in spite of some or many challenges we face: simply by sharing our own enthusiasm in service for others; to be best friends to everyone we meet and to be helping others become the best version of themselves. RIP Ben.

Mark M. Michalski