Blessing BYU from Beyond the Grave
July 1, 2010
Although Howard W. Barben passed away in 2008 at the age of 96, he continues to help Brigham Young University students today.
In a 1996 BYU Magazine article, "The Anatomy of a Campaign," Barben said: "God has put me in a position to do things because I have a willingness to do them. I tell you, you can't get the Lord in debt to you. . . . He's given me 100-fold for every nickel that I've ever sacrificed for the BYU or building up the kingdom of God. The Lord is a marvelous paymaster."
Barben was never showy or wealthy by the world's standards; he never earned more than $10,000 in a single year. He was frugal and enjoyed giving, particularly to BYU. He gave regularly and taught his family to do the same. And when he died, he left BYU a sizeable gift.
Giving that outlasts the giver
For his generosity and the great good he has done for hundreds of students, BYU posthumously honored Barben with a President's Award in May.
Responding on behalf of her parents and family, Janeal Barben LeBaron (pictured) said: "Dad would say thank you, because he always said thank you. Next, he would bear testimony that he loves his Savior, Jesus Christ.
"He would tell you that he believed in BYU's great power to change lives. He loved to hear how scholarships had blessed students' lives, both academically and spiritually.
"Finally, I believe he would say to all who support BYU, but mostly to his family, 'I have kindled the torch of giving, and I admonish you to do likewise.'" Read more about Brother Barben in BYU Magazine; see "The Anatomy of a Campaign" in the June 1996 issue and "Extraordinary Gifts" in the Fall 2004 issue.
Joining BYU's Knight Society
Gifts like Barben's bequest qualify those who make them for membership in BYU's Jesse and Amanda Knight Society. If you have made a planned gift that will benefit BYU, or are considering doing so, please contact the LDS Philanthropies Planned Giving Office at 800-525-8074 for more information on the Knight Society. You can also visit here to learn more about the Knight Society.
