2022, Zion National Park, Utah, USA
4
Words could never express the love, peace, and comfort we desperately wish we could give to you and your sweet kids, Aprilanne. But please know we are carrying you all in our hearts and keeping you in our prayers. May God always lift and help carry you forward on this path. All of our love to you now and always.
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Aprilanne and Family, I’m deeply saddened to learn of Ben’s passing from some of his BYU-Idaho peers who love, admire and respect him as do I. His influence, energy, brilliance and goodness stand out as a beacon that continues to radiate these many years since his time as a student in Rexburg. Especially fond are memories of working together to launch the BYU-I Student Communication Agency, which has morphed and grown into the influential I-Comm Student Media program that has blessed thousands. He’s always been an innovator. I join with countless others in sending love, sympathy, prayers and support during this difficult and poignant time.
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Words could never express the comfort and peace we desperately wish we could give to you and your sweet kids, Aprilanne. But know we are carrying you and your family in our hearts and prayers. May God always lift and carry you forward on this new path. All of our love to you now and always.
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So heartbreaking. Ben will surely be missed. He brought so much joy and light to the world that will be missed. Sending love to Aprilanne and the kids.
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Ben has been among the most generous friends I could hope to find. Always ready to share advice, perspective, encouragement, and if ever he didn't have the answer, he was ready with introductions to anyone else who might be able to help. He brought joy to every conversation and was always eager to catch up. One of my favorite people. He's going to be missed.
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I met Ben on Friday October, 21 when he was dropping off a birthday goodie for his wife. He couldn't figure out which smoothie Aprilanne liked, so he brought her every smoothie that fit the description of what she liked just to make sure she got the one she liked most.
In response to "When was the last time you spent time with Ben?"
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Ben and I were both starting out in the new, ever evolving world of digital and social media at the same time. We are cousins-in-law, and rarely saw each other, but had a social media friendship, and professional connection. In those early days we used to consult each other on ideas, and were always quick to add each other on new platforms. I always enjoyed getting to know him, and observe their family’s life, in a way I normally wouldn’t with my extended family. I don’t think any family member was really aware that he and I were in the same field back then, and saw each other as peers. When we would see each other in person, we rarely would get more than a moment to speak to each other. It was usually fast and friendly, ending with, “I will just tweet/DM/something to you later.” He was always funny and fun. And while it has been a very long time since we’ve chatted, I will always respect and miss him.
1
2020, Blue Hole Regional Park, Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX, USA
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My first memory of Ben was the one and only time I ever got in trouble in school. I had to have been in the second or third grade, and whatever it was I had done meant I had to sit on the floor in the hallway by myself. As the goody-goody I had always been, I was so ashamed. When a classroom door down the hall opened, I was mortified to see the cutest redhead ever saunter past me on his way to the drinking fountain. As he walked by, he gave me a little head nod -- suddenly being in trouble wasn't such a terrible thing after all.
Years later I had the great privilege of becoming close friends with that cute redhead when, after his LDS mission, we were on our college newspaper's staff together. Together we created a weekly column that we swapped turns writing -- Wit's End, I think we called it. Ben challenged me, inspired me, and encouraged me. I loved him dearly then and I love him now.
I think the last time I saw Ben was several years ago when I crashed his extended family's Fourth of July gathering. Even though we didn't have the daily connection I cherished so much during our college years, I loved staying in touch online and following his beautiful family.
Aprilanne, you don't know me but I feel as though I know you and I adore you. My family is praying for you.
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