I grew up with Ben, we lived on the same street that was separated by a cemetery. Ben was a talented guy from early on. Whether it was on the soccer field or artwork or making music, he just made it look easy. After we hadn’t talked in years, I got a call from him saying that he wanted to start surfing more. Since I lived across from the beach, he would come stay with me. Any chance he could to get waves even Emily would get some clips of us sometimes. We really became good friends. He wanted to surf as much as he could and even moved to the beach himself for a little bit. Yeah we had some good times doing trips down south with Ashley and Truc. He was just good to have around and was always down for an adventure.  He had a contagious laugh, an awesome sense of humor. He was extremely bright and had a different way of looking at life. A guy like Ben is truly one and 1 billion. I’ve never met anyone like him and I never will. He was one of a kind. I will always cherish and will never forget the times we had together. I will truly miss him. 

    Mahalo nui loa my brother and moe i ka maluhia.  Aloha 🤙🏼

Ben had a way of turning the simplest moments into something beautiful, watching the sky, lying in the grass, dreaming out loud. He made art not just with his hands, but with how he lived and loved the world around him. He was gentle, wild, creative, and kind and he showed me a softer, freer way to see life. I’ll always carry that part of him with me. He will always be remembered and loved.

See you in my dreams, Ben.

There is so much to say about Ben. We’ve been friends for years and he lived with me for a brief period a few years ago. When I met him, I always thought, and still think, he had one of the most laid back and positive attitudes of anyone I’ve ever met. That person who is always going to smile in the face of conflict or hard times. I always looked up to him as an artist. His free hand drawing was among the best I’ve ever seen. We can always be our worst critic but I always knew how good he was. His style of his work was so unique and he was one of my favorite artists of all time, even in comparison to the greats. I was also so amazed at his versatility in his art. From painting, abstract, freehand to even music. He found a way to express emotions and thoughts in his own unique way. 

My heart aches and he’s in my thoughts. This loss truly is difficult to process. I will never forget him, and the person he was. He was an excellent example of how to treat others, and how to be a good human being. This world can be so hard and evil, and we need more people who bring good and light to the world. Ben was a light in the darkness. I sincerely mean that. 

To his family, I say this. You raised an amazing person. My heart goes out to you and I can only imagine the pain. But please find moments and know that he LIVED. He was an exceptional human being and it is a tremendous honor of my life to have known him. He will never be forgotten, I can promise you that.

My heart is broken. Ben and I shared a deep bond throughout high school. He was my best friend and someone I loved dearly. We shared many memories of the beach, the springs, hiking, long boarding, spending time with his family, and always seeking that next spontaneous adventure. He was always so full of joy, light, and energy. Just being around him made the world feel brighter and fun. 

Even though it’s been years since I last saw Ben, I’ve always carried those memories with me, a reminder of how special he is and how grateful I am that we shared such a meaningful time of our lives together. 

I’m devastated by this news. My heart aches for his mom, dad, sisters, extended family, friends and everyone who loves him so deeply. I’m sending all my love and comfort to you all in this unbearable time. 

Ben, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. You are truly one of a kind — carefree, high-spirited, and loving. I’ll forever be grateful for the part of our lives we spent together. You are deeply loved and you will be missed every single day. 

I’m so very sad to hear about Ben’s passing, and I can’t imagine the hurt your family is experiencing right now. Though Ben and I hadn’t spoken in years, nearly all of my earliest memories involve the Shistle family, and I have always considered “Bo” my childhood best friend.

I can still picture us spending hours playing in our yards, going to the park, seeing movies, having sleepovers, getting the switch together after harvesting from Patti’s garden, jumping from the roof into the above-ground pool, giving thumbs-ups from our Big Wheels, and even going to the emergency room together when Ben clipped his eyebrow on the pool edge. Late nights playing PlayStation, endless laughter—so many memories that all feel like they were just yesterday.

Just a few days ago, I was watching old home movies to compare my four-year-old self to my son at the same age, and there was Ben, Moriah, and me in my childhood room, getting ready for bed and playing with toys—just another night back when we were all inseparable on that street. I’ll work on gathering that video and other photos to share so they can be used to celebrate Ben’s memory and never be lost.

While I won’t be able to visit this coming weekend, I will be thinking of Ben and your family, and I look forward to my next trip to the area when I will make time to stop by.

Patti, Terry, Moriah, Emilie—my heart is with you. I am so sorry for the loss of such an important piece of your lives. I will continue to celebrate Ben’s life daily in my thoughts.

Love,

Alex Hudson