Just finding out about Big Kahuna's passing today. It's been a very long time since I, along with Kevin W., Preppy Steve, Jeff R., and others hung out at the shop (I remember when it was next to the Cumberland Farm across the street in the early 80s). Those were good times and Bennie Sr. and Bennie Jr. are both missed. Prayers for the family from Steven "Schmenge" G. in Phoenix, AZ.

What a pleasure it was knowing and speaking with you over the years, I remember the early surf shop days and how excited Ben Jr was when he started surfing, we caught some great waves at the steel trestle, you both did a super job with Sunrise Surf Shop, it was the true surf brotherhood era, wow, my wife and I enjoyed visiting with you when we were down in Jensen, your kind words were appreciated. A true lesson of kindness for all of us. Thank God I was  able to know you.

Kahuna came to our office once a month with his bookkeeping.  He always had a smile on his face and was always happy.    He was a very charming man.  Once Bennie passed he seemed to live for the store.  When the store closed he was lost.  I miss the Kahuna that I knew.  Now he is at peace and reunited with his two sons.  Godspeed!

I'll miss you Kahuna, you were definitely larger than life. Thank you for your years of generosity and kind words. Jensen is not the same without you and Bennie. Don't worry, I promise to keep my eyes upon the donut and not upon the hole!

I hope he was at peace at the end.. He was a good man in so many ways and had two outstanding sons.  May all the Carson's remember the good times and smile.

Going to miss you Kahuna! Hello to all the dancing bears.

I met both Ben and Bennie when I first moved to Stuart 32 years ago.  Everyone at Sunrise met my family when they came to visit  and going to the Surf Shop to see the "gang" was part of their trip always!! Kahuna has been my friend and provided words of wisdom often. I have missed him since Sunrise closed and will remember him always with a smile!

Sweet Ben, I had not seen you in a few years but was just talking to a friend about you last week, so it was with great sadness when I read your obituary yesterday. What can I say Ben, you were a gentle giant, the Big Kahuna, a father figure & friend to all! I will remember you always and never stop talking to my friends about you! RIP my friend!

Kahuna-isms:
"What a specimen of a man I am"
"If I wasn't here this place would fall apart"
"I do it all big or small"
"Building dreams is our business"
"If you can't stop in, smile as you go bye"
"We need sales"
"Sing along with Ben at 7:30 on WRAK Williamsport, Pennsylvania"
"Yeah right honey"
"You look like Miss America"
"I'm giving you girls free education, it doesn't cost you a dime"
"No wonder why I'm not married"
"Honey, when I was your age I picked potatoes for a dollar a day"
"This is not a rest camp, this is not a home for the aging"
"I might as well be the Janitor"
"Do something even if it's wrong"
"You've got to talk to people. You just can't take their money"
"Life is but a moment live, happiness is making it happen"
"Don't worry be happy"

I miss hearing these Kahuna-isms. Thank you for teaching me so much about life and business.  I will take it with me forever.  I'm so sad to hear of your passing, but at peace to know you are finally home with your boys and Zoe!

Love,
Megan

 I have known Kahuna for many years ,even though i seldom saw him i will always remember the nick name he gave me and chuckle every time i think of it. Kahuna touched many hearts, see you on the other side. 
Willawallameana.

I used to love going into the surf shop to visit with Bennie and Kahuna.  I know when Bennie passed, Kahuna was just devastated.  But, that didn't keep him from having a smile on his face and making the best of every day.  He was a wonderful man.  Although it's hard knowing he's gone, I'm so happy he's been reunited with his boys.

Ben, You were always a bright shining light to all the surf rats that looked towards you, you truly care about each and everyone of us.  you were "Da Kine"

I have known Ben since he bought the Surf shop in the cumberlin farms plaza in about 1980. He was great guy. His whole life was for his two sons and he did a great job.

Thinking of your family. I hope that your memories of his struggle disappear in favor of the good memories you have of his life. A life well lived.

Kahuna, you were and are larger than life. Your charm and charisma will forever live in the minds of those who knew you. Your words are etched into my mind. Thanks for being my friend and father. Thanks for always giving me guidance and love. Thanks for the laughs and the good times. Thanks for being an inspiration to me and all of the people who you so graciously cared for. What I would give for one more dinner after closing up the shop, you and me, eating as many baskets of bread as the waitress would bring us. All the time you giving me hell for eating so much, when in actuality you were eating more than me ! I miss those times, and the good feeling I always had after spending time with you. I hope you enjoyed those times as much as I did, because those were really the times of my life. Lastly, thanks for taking a goofy kid and turning him into a man. The toughness you showed me was a gift, a gift I didn't understand all those years ago. I find myself using your words more and more as I get older (Yes, that is scary as hell !!). The fact is, your words were true, and you enjoyed your role as father to several decades of Sunrise employees. We were your children, you were our father. Since we all turned out pretty good I'd have to say in hindsight that your parenting skills were very good. Thank you for that. Be now with your two sons in Heaven, and please watch over us forever. Save a place at the table for me, and some bread. I love you Kahuna. Rest in peace you beautiful man.

You always made work a happier place.  I'll always miss your "Ah' Honey" and many, many more of the things you did to make us smile. I know Bennie will welcome you at the "Big Gates".  God Speed Kahuna.

I have the fondest memories of working at Sunrise Surf Shop. It shaped my whole Florida life.  I met so many wonderful people while working there.  If it hadn't been been for my dear friends Kahuna and Bennie, I would not be the person I am today.  I am grateful for them having been in my life.  I love you dearly Ben Carson!!!!!!

OBITUARY

Bennie Brion Carson

August 26, 1929 – November 10, 2013

Aycock Funeral Home

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